Best Selling Books by John Meade Falkner

Orphaned John Trenchard grows up in the village of Moonfleet with his aunt, entranced by the local legend of the ghostly Blackbeard, who rises each winter night to search for his lost diamond. While conducting his own hunt for the treasure, John is trapped in the church crypt and discovers the true secret of the village: smuggling. Taken under the wing of the gruff innkeeper and chief smuggler, Elzevir Block, John begins a dangerous adventure which will see him in a hair-raising chase along a precarious cliff path and deciphering a hidden code in an ancient castle. Moonfleet is thrilling story of revenge and betrayal, of loyalty and great sacrifice, but it is above all a story about friendship..

John Meade Falkner was an English novelist and poet, best known for his 1898 novel Moonfleet. An extremely successful businessman, he became chairman of the arms manufacturer Armstrong Whitworth during World War I. The Lost Stradivarius is a short novel of ghosts and the evil that can be invested in an object, in this case an extremely fine Stradivarius violin. It has been described as "one of Falkner''s three celebrated novels" and as a "psychic romance". Moonfleet is an 1898 novel written by English writer J. Meade Falkner. The plot is an adventure tale of smuggling, treasure, and shipwreck set in 18th-century England. The Nebuly Coat is a suspense novel . It was published in 1903 and has since been adapted for the stage. Contents: The Lost Stradivarius Moonfleet The Nebuly Coat

John Meade Falkner''s "The Nebuly Coat" is a masterful intertwining of Gothic novel and romance, set against the evocative backdrop of an English coastal town. It intricately explores themes of love, revenge, and the spectral remnants of the past through its vivid characterization and elegant prose. Falkner employs a nuanced narrative style that utilizes both descriptive passages and dialogue to weave a tale rich in atmosphere and tension, reflecting the literary traditions of the late 19th century, while also incorporating elements of realism that ground the supernatural elements within relatable human experiences. Falkner, a lesser-known yet compelling figure of Victorian literature, was deeply influenced by his background in engineering and his keen interest in archaeology, which provided him with a unique lens through which to examine the intersections of history and human emotion. The personal experiences within his life likely inspired the themes of identity and legacy that permeate "The Nebuly Coat," illuminating the impact of societal and familial heritage on individual destinies. Engaging and thought-provoking, "The Nebuly Coat" is a must-read for enthusiasts of Gothic literature and historical fiction alike. Falkner''s ability to capture the eerie beauty of the past alongside the complexities of human relationships makes this novel an enriching addition to any literary collection.

To mark the publication of Stop What You''re Doing and Read This!, a collection of essays celebrating reading, Vintage Classics are releasing 12 limited edition themed ebook ''bundles'', to tempt readers to discover and rediscover great books. JUST SO STORIES INTRODUCED BY PHILIP PULLMAN Have you ever wondered how the leopard got his spots? Or how the camel got his hump? Rudyard Kipling''s witty and beautifully written stories explain these secrets and many more and introduce such memorable characters as the Elephant''s Child, the Cat that Walked by Himself and the Butterfly that Stamped. MOONFLEET Orphaned John Trenchard grows up in the village of Moonfleet with his aunt, entranced by the local legend of the ghostly Blackbeard, who rises each winter night to search for his lost diamond. While conducting his own hunt for the treasure, John is trapped in the church crypt and discovers the true secret of the village: smuggling. Taken under the wing of the gruff innkeeper and chief smuggler, Elzevir Block, John begins a dangerous adventure which will see him in a hair-raising chase along a precarious cliff path and deciphering a hidden code in an ancient castle. Moonfleet is thrilling story of revenge and betrayal, of loyalty and great sacrifice, but it is above all a story about friendship..

Moonfleet is a tale of smuggling by the English novelist J. Meade Falkner, first published in 1898. The book was extremely popular among children worldwide up until the 1970s, mostly for its themes of adventure and gripping storyline. It remains a popular story widely read and is still sometimes studied in schools.The novel is set in a fishing village in Dorset during the mid 18th century. The story concerns a 15 year old orphan boy, John Trenchard, who becomes friends...

The Lost Stradivarius (1895), by J. Meade Falkner, is a short novel of ghosts and the evil that can be invested in an object, in this case an extremely fine Stradivarius violin. After finding the violin of the title in a hidden compartment in his college rooms, the protagonist, a wealthy young heir, becomes increasingly secretive as well as obsessed by a particular piece of music, which seems to have the power to call up the ghost of its previous owner. Roaming from England to Italy, the story involves family love, lordly depravity, and the tragedy of obsession, all conveyed in a "high" serious tone not uncommon in late Victorian literature. Preceding M.R. James''s ghost stories by several years, it has been called the novel James might have written, had he written novels.

The Nebuly Coat is a suspense novel written by J. Meade Falkner. It was published in 1903 and has since been adapted for the stage.The Nebuly Coat (1903), by J. Meade Falkner, is a novel which tells of the experiences of a young architect, Edward Westray, who is sent to the remote Dorset town of Cullerne to supervise restoration work on Cullerne Minster. He finds himself caught up in Cullerne life, and hears rumours about a mystery surrounding the claim to the title of Lord Blandamer, whose coat of arms in the Minster''s great transept window is the nebuly coat of the title. When the new Lord Blandamer arrives, promising to pay all the costs of the restoration, Westray suspects that the new lord is not what he seems. The Nebuly Coat includes elements that were central interests in Falkner''s life, church architecture and heraldry. The massive Romanesque arches of Cullerne Minster recall those of Durham Cathedral which Falkner was familiar with through his work as Honorary Librarian to the Dean and Chapter as well as viewing it from his house on Palace Green. Colerne which has been Cullerne during its history may have been the source of the name of the town and minster.

Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Edgar Rice Burroughs n the forgotten city of Opar, the bloodied sacrificial altar of the Flaming God stood above vaults piled high with the gold destined for fabled, lost Atlantis. There La, the beautiful high priestess, still dreamed of Tarzan, who had escaped her knife before. Around her, the hideous priests vowed that he should never escape again. For now Tarzan was returning, and they were waiting for him. Tarzan planned to avoid La and the priests. But he could not avoid the earthquake... (more) We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience.

The Horror Beyond Life''s Edge: 560+ Macabre Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Dark Tales is a literary journey that transcends the commonplace, delving into the realms of the macabre, the supernatural, and the darkly mysterious. This anthology boasts a collection that spans a broad spectrum of literary styles, from gothic horror and eerie ghost stories to unsettling tales of the uncanny and supernatural investigations. The diversity and significance of the works included cannot be overstated, featuring standout pieces from the Victorian era to the early twentieth century, encapsulating the evolution of horror and mystery in literature. The anthology serves as a conduit to explore the depths of human fears, anxieties, and the unknown through a compendium of narratives that challenge the boundaries of imagination and reality. The contributing authors and editors of this collection represent a pantheon of literary giants, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the overarching theme. From the psychological terror of Edgar Allan Poe to the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft; from the gothic romance of the Brontë sisters to the social critiques of Charles Dickens and the pioneering science fiction of H.G. Wells; these authors collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of horror and supernatural literature. The anthology aligns with various historical, cultural, and literary movements, enriching the readers understanding by offering a myriad of lenses through which to view the complexities of fear, the supernatural, and the human condition. The Horror Beyond Life''s Edge: 560+ Macabre Classics, Supernatural Mysteries & Dark Tales is an indispensable volume for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the breadth and depth of gothic, horror, and supernatural literature. This anthology offers a unique opportunity to explore a multiplicity of perspectives, themes, and narratives within a single tome. It is a call to readers to delve into the abyss of the macabre, to confront the shadows lurking at the edges of life, and to explore the diversity of human expression found in the confrontation with the unknown. For scholars, enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, this collection stands as a monumental testament to the enduring power and appeal of the horror and mystery genre.

The Ultimate Halloween Treat stands as a seminal anthology, embodying an unparalleled collection of literary works that have shaped and defined the gothic, supernatural, and horror genres. This compilation''s range extends from the haunting psychology of fear to the darkest realms of the supernatural, exploring the nuances of terror through a mosaic of styles - from the atmospheric to the grotesque. It highlights the artistry of narrative tension and the existential underpinnings of dread, featuring a geography of haunted landscapes from the misty English moors to the labyrinthine streets of Victorian London, without exclusively attributing to a single author but celebrating the collective genius. The diversity in storytelling reveals the richly layered tapestry of fear that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, offering a comprehensive exploration of the human fascination with the macabre. The contributing authors and editors, a constellation of esteemed writers from the 18th to the early 20th century, bring a breadth of literary prowess and philosophical depth to this collection. This assembly includes luminaries such as Poe, Stoker, and Austen, whose collective works contribute to crucial historical, cultural, and literary movements - from Romanticism and Victorianism to the early seeds of modern horror literature. Their varied backgrounds and insights enrich the anthology, offering a panoramic view of the evolution of horror and gothic literature, reflecting societal anxieties and the perennial exploration of the unknown. The Ultimate Halloween Treat is recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the depth and diversity of horror and gothic literature. It provides a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of perspectives, styles, and themes within a single volume, fostering an educational journey through the history of the genre. This anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is an invitation to explore the complex relationship humanity has with fear, making it an essential volume for both scholars and enthusiasts of horror, gothic, and supernatural literature.

Dive into the shadowy depths of literary genius with *The Greatest Gothic Classics of All Time*, a meticulously curated anthology that spans the breadth of Gothic literature from its 18th-century origins to its transformative role in shaping modern horror. This collection features an impressive array of styles and themes, from the psychological torment and decaying nobility of Horace Walpole''s early efforts, to the subversive wit and intricate plots of Oscar Wilde, through to the eerie and surreal landscapes painted by H.P. Lovecraft. The anthology underscores the enduring power of the Gothic tradition, offering tales that range from the haunted moors of the Brontës to the chilling scientific exploits of Mary Shelley, each piece a testament to the genre''s capacity for innovation and suspense. The anthology draws on the rich contributions of authors who have played pivotal roles in Gothic literature''s evolution. Figures such as Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo lend their narrative brilliance, while Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne provide dark, psychological depth. Each writer, from the evocative Mary Shelley to the mystically inclined Arthur Machen, weaves a thread into this intricate tapestry, collectively painting a picture of Gothic literary heritage. These narratives encapsulate movements such as Romanticism and the Victorian Gothic resurgence, showcasing how diverse cultural backgrounds converge to amplify the haunting allure of Gothic fiction. This compendium is a treasure trove for both the seasoned aficionado and the curious newcomer, offering a comprehensive exploration of Gothic imagination. Delve into this collection to encounter the multiplicity of perspectives and styles that continue to influence today''s literary landscape. Whether used as a springboard for academic exploration or a means to indulge in masterful storytelling, *The Greatest Gothic Classics of All Time* is an indispensable resource that promises to captivate, inform, and inspire ongoing conversations about the mysteries and horrors that lie at the edge of reason.

Share the joy of reading to your little ones and take them into the magical land of dragons, fairies, elves and fantasies with this meticulously edited collection: Dragon Tales: My Father''s Dragon The Reluctant Dragon The Book of Dragons Animal Tales & Fables: The Tale of Peter Rabbit The Tale of Benjamin Bunny… Mother West Wind Series The Burgess Bird Book for Children The Burgess Animal Book for Children The Velveteen Rabbit Uncle Wiggily''s Adventures & Other Tales Little Bun Rabbit Mother Goose in Prose Lulu''s Library The Jungle Book… White Fang Black Beauty The Story of Doctor Dolittle… Aesop Fables The Panchatantra Russian Picture Fables for the Little Ones The Russian Garland Fairy tales & Fantasies: Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen Complete Fairy Tales of Brothers Grimm Complete Fairy Books of Andrew Lang Peter Pan Five Children and It… Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Collection At the Back of the North Wind The Princess and the Goblin Tanglewood Tales The Happy Prince and Other Tales All the Way to Fairyland Friendly Fairies… Old Peter''s Russian Tales Childhood Adventures: Robin Hood Pinocchio Gingerbread Man Little Women The Secret Garden A Little Princess The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Journey to the Centre of the Earth Treasure Island… Anne of Green Gables Collection… The Wind in the Willows The Box-Car Children The Railway Children Oliver Twist David Copperfield… Classics Retold The Iliad of Homer Odysseus The Arabian Nights Entertainments Viking Tales Tales of King Arthur and the Round Table Chaucer for Children Tales from Shakespeare Don Quixote The Pilgrim''s Progress Robinson Crusoe Voyage to Lilliput Little Goody Two-Shoes & Mrs Margery Two-Shoes Charles Dickens'' Children Stories The Story of Hiawatha Uncle Tom''s Cabin Pocahontas

The Book of Gothic Tales serves as an evocative journey into the unsettling and mysterious realms that define Gothic literature. This anthology masterfully curates an array of stories rich in atmospheric tension, exploring themes such as the supernatural, existential dread, and the dark recesses of the human psyche. With an impressive collection of literary styles ranging from the poignant and haunting to the breathtakingly suspenseful, this volume showcases the diverse and profound storytelling capabilities of the genre. Among the remarkable pieces, readers will encounter narratives that evoke chilling introspection and others that summon the eerie and fantastic, reflecting the Gothic spirit at its finest. The contributing authors of The Book of Gothic Tales are towering literary figures whose works traverse time and culture. Their collective contributions trace back to the Romantic era''s fascination with emotion and nature, continuing through the fin-de-siècle''s exploration of the bizarre and the uncanny. This anthology is anchored by the contributions of literary giants such as Dickens, Poe, Austen, and Shelley. Together, they paint a vast canvas that enriches the reader''s experience, capturing the zeitgeist of Gothic conventions while also transcending its conventional boundaries through innovative storytelling. Readers seeking an enthralling exploration of Gothic literature will find this anthology an invaluable resource. The Book of Gothic Tales offers an unparalleled foray into a world of dark beauty and transcendent horror, crafting a dialogue between authors that spans continents and centuries. It is more than a mere collection; it is a scholarly treasure, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a comprehensive study of the Gothic form, enlightening them with its rich tapestry of narratives and its enduring legacy.

Mystique of the Darkness: 100+ Gothic Classics is an exquisite anthology that traverses the dark corridors of the Gothic tradition in literature, offering a haunting exploration of themes from the supernatural to the sublime. With a masterful compilation of over a century''s worth of Gothic literature, this collection features a tapestry of works that range from the atmospheric to the macabre, reflecting the rich tradition of Gothic storytelling. Standout pieces explore human psyche teetering on the edge of madness, lost in the labyrinth of shadows, yet always searching for the light that pierces through the gloom. As a collective, these pieces exemplify the Gothic genre''s enduring ability to unsettle, captivate, and provoke thought. The roster of esteemed authors included, like Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, and Charlotte Brontë, represents a confluence of literary giants whose works collectively deepen our understanding of the Gothic motif. As contributors from diverse backgrounds, ranging from the Romantic to the Victorian eras, their narratives intersect historical and cultural movements, highlighting the universal resonance of Gothic themes. Bringing together both well-loved masterpieces and hidden gems, the anthology is a testament to the impact of Gothic literature across different periods and literary traditions, forging connections through horror, romance, and existential musings. For readers, Mystique of the Darkness offers a distinctive opportunity to immerse themselves in the eerie elegance that is synonymous with the Gothic genre. As an essential resource, it beckons those eager to explore the confluence of history, culture, and literary artistry that forms the Gothic masterpiece. This anthology is not only an education in 18th and 19th-century literature but also an invitation to engage in the timeless conversation that these iconic authors started, inviting readers into a world where the shadows are as beautiful as the light.

The ''HALLOWEEN COLLECTION TREAT'' stands as a monumental anthology that spans the breadth and depth of supernatural and gothic literature, capturing the essence of eerie nights and spectral mysteries. This collection showcases a remarkable array of literary styles, from the psychological thrillers of Edgar Allan Poe to the haunting folk tales of Lafcadio Hearn, and the ethereal mysteries penned by Algernon Blackwood. The anthology does not simply gather stories; it curates an experience that traverses the 18th to early 20th centuries, highlighting the evolution of horror and speculative fiction. Standout pieces in the collection serve as milestones in the genre, reflecting societal anxieties, historical contexts, and the ever-changing boundary between the known and the unknown. The contributing authors and editors bring diverse backgrounds, hailing from different cultures and periods, each adding unique flavors to the concoction that is ''HALLOWEEN COLLECTION TREAT.'' From the romantic agony of Mary Shelleys creations to the cosmic horrors introduced by H.P. Lovecraft, the collection embodies significant literary movements including Romanticism, Victorian Gothic, and the early inklings of modern horror. This amalgamation of voices not only enriches the theme of the anthology but also offers a panoramic view of the historical and cultural shifts that influenced these literary movements. This anthology is recommended for readers who wish to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of horror and ghost stories through the ages. ''HALLOWEEN COLLECTION TREAT'' provides a unique opportunity to explore a multitude of perspectives, delve into different cultural interpretations of horror, and appreciate the stylistic evolution of the genre. Its a scholarly feast for those intrigued by the shadows cast by literature on the wall of human experience. Each story, carefully selected and compiled, invites readers to ponder the complexities of the human psyche, confront the unknown, and engage in a timeless conversation with masters of the macabre.

e-artnow presents to you this meticulously edited collection of "The Greatest Adventure Books for Children" with most-iconic and admired little-adventurers of all time:_x000D_ The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (Howard Pyle)_x000D_ Pinocchio''s Adventure in Wonderland (Carlo Collodi)_x000D_ The Little Gingerbread Man (George Haven Putnam)_x000D_ John Dough and the Cherub (L. Frank Baum)_x000D_ Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)_x000D_ The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett) _x000D_ A Little Princess (Frances Hodgson Burnett)_x000D_ The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain)_x000D_ Journey to the Centre of the Earth (Jules Verne)_x000D_ Treasure Island (R. L. Stevenson)_x000D_ Heidi (Johanna Spyri)_x000D_ The King of Gee-Whiz (Emerson Hough)_x000D_ Anne of Green Gables Collection (Lucy Maud Montgomery)_x000D_ Anne of Green Gables_x000D_ Anne of Avonlea_x000D_ Anne of the Island_x000D_ Emily of New Moon_x000D_ Simple Susan (Maria Edgeworth)_x000D_ Pollyanna (Eleanor H. Porter)_x000D_ Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (Kate Douglas Wiggin)_x000D_ Understood Betsy (Dorothy Canfield)_x000D_ What Katy Did at School (Susan Coolidge)_x000D_ The Wind in the Willows (Kenneth Grahame)_x000D_ The Box-Car Children (Gertrude Chandler Warner)_x000D_ The Railway Children (E. Nesbit)_x000D_ Oliver Twist (Charles Dickens)_x000D_ David Copperfield (Charles Dickens)_x000D_ Moonfleet (John Meade Falkner)_x000D_ The Story of a Bad Boy (Thomas Bailey Aldrich)

The Greatest Classics for Children in One Volume presents an unrivaled collection that traverses the realms of fantasy, adventure, and moral fables, embracing a wide spectrum of literary styles. This anthology brings together the timeless works of some of the most beloved authors in children''s literature, offering readers a rich tapestry of narratives that have shaped and enriched the literary landscape for generations. The diverse array of stories, from the whimsical lands of Lewis Carroll to the rugged adventures by Jack London, and the magical realms of George MacDonald, underscores the anthology''s capacity to cultivate imagination and ethical reflection through literature. The inclusion of fables by Aesop, alongside tales of valor and perseverance by authors such as Johanna Spyri, embeds universal values and lessons within its pages, making it a compendium of not just stories, but life''s lessons transposed onto the written word. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from various cultural and historical contexts, collectively underscore the anthologys thematic richness and literary diversity. Each author, with their unique voice and perspective, contributes to the anthology''s overarching objective: to enchant, educate, and inspire young minds. Figures like Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde, with their incisive wit and profound moral insights, alongside visionaries like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, pioneer readers through imaginative journeys and technological marvels, reflecting the transformative power of literature. This collection not only serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these authors but also emphasizes the role of children''s literature in fostering creativity, empathy, and intellectual curiosity across generations. This anthology is recommended for anyone interested in exploring the vast landscapes of human experience and imagination through the lens of children''s literature. The Greatest Classics for Children in One Volume is not merely a collection of stories; it is a gateway to worlds of wonder, challenge, and discovery. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the diverse themes and myriad voices that have shaped childrens literature and, by extension, the cultural and moral fiber of societies across time. Readers, educators, and scholars alike will find this volume to be an invaluable resource for both enjoyment and study, inviting a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and its capacity to inform, delight, and transform.

There is no better reading sensation than feeling the end of your hair raised in a nail-biting suspense. Here''s presenting you our biggest ever supernatural collection to give you many hours of pleasurable and just enough eerie reading experience: Contents: Edgar Allan Poe: The Masque of the Red Death The Murders in the Rue Morgue... H. P. Lovecraft: The Call of Cthulhu The Dunwich Horror... Henry James: The Turn of the Screw... Mary Shelley: Frankenstein... Arthur Conan Doyle: The Hound of the Baskervilles... Bram Stoker: Dracula The Jewel of Seven Stars... Gaston Leroux: The Phantom of the Opera Washington Irving: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow... Robert Louis Stevenson: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde... James Malcolm Rymer: Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street H. G. Wells: The Island of Doctor Moreau Richard Marsh: The Beetle Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu: Carmilla Uncle Silas... Nikolai Gogol: Dead Souls... Rudyard Kipling: The Phantom Rickshaw... Hugh Walpole: Portrait of a Man with Red Hair All Souls'' Night Robert E. Howard: The ''John Kirowan'' Saga The ''De Montour'' Saga Cthulhu Mythos M. R. James: Ghost Stories of an Antiquary A Thin Ghost and Others Wilkie Collins: The Haunted Hotel The Dead Secret... The Woman in White Guy de Maupassant: The Horla... E. F. Benson: The Room in the Tower The Man Who Went Too Far... Nathaniel Hawthorne: The House of the Seven Gables Rappaccini''s Daughter The Birth Mark... Ambrose Bierce: Can Such Things Be? The Ways of Ghosts Some Haunted Houses Arthur Machen: The Great God Pan... William Hope Hodgson: The Ghost Pirates Carnacki, the Ghost-Finder... M. P. Shiel: Shapes in the Fire... Ralph Adams Cram: Black Spirits and White Grant Allen: The Reverend John Creedy... Horace Walpole: The Castle of Otranto William Thomas Beckford: Vathek Matthew Gregory Lewis: The Monk Ann Radcliffe: The Mysteries of Udolpho Jane Austen: Northanger Abbey Charlotte Brontë: Jane Eyre Emily Brontë: Wuthering Heights Charles Dickens: The Mystery of Edwin Drood Oscar Wilde: The Picture of Dorian Gray Marie Belloc Lowndes: From Out the Vast Deep

The Lost Stradivarius (1895), by J. Meade Falkner, is a short novel of ghosts and the evil that can be invested in an object, in this case an extremely fine Stradivarius violin. After finding the violin of the title in a hidden compartment in his college rooms, the protagonist, a wealthy young heir, becomes increasingly secretive as well as obsessed by a particular piece of music, which seems to have the power to call up the ghost of its previous owner. Roaming from England to Italy, the story involves family love, lordly depravity, and the tragedy of obsession, all conveyed in a "high" serious tone not uncommon in late Victorian literature.

Set against the sweeping backdrop of 18th-century Dorset, John Meade Falkner''s "Moonfleet" weaves an intricate tale of adventure, mystery, and moral complexity. The novel intricately explores themes of loyalty, love, and the treacherous allure of the sea, as young John Trenchard, entangled in his family''s dark secrets, embarks on a quest filled with smugglers, hidden treasure, and ancient legends. Falkner''s evocative prose and vivid imagery create a rich literary tapestry, capturing the atmospheric essence of the coastal landscape while employing a narrative style reminiscent of both Gothic and Romantic traditions. John Meade Falkner, an accomplished writer and businessman in the late Victorian era, drew inspiration from his fascination with the historical and maritime elements surrounding him. His own experiences in literature and his passion for storytelling influenced his portrayal of the tumultuous relationship between man and nature in "Moonfleet." Falkner''s background as a successful novelist and poet endowed him with a unique perspective on the intricacies of human desires, shaping his characters and their ultimate fates. "Moonfleet" is an essential read for those who appreciate adventure classics that transcend mere storytelling. Falkner''s ability to blend excitement with moral introspection invites readers to ponder the consequences of their aspirations. This beautifully crafted tale, rich in historical detail and psychological depth, promises to captivate anyone eager to immerse themselves in a world of suspense and moral questioning.

The Lost Stradivarius (1895), by J. Meade Falkner, is a short novel of ghosts and the evil that can be invested in an object, in this case an extremely fine Stradivarius violin. It has been described as "one of Falkner''s three celebrated novels" and as a "psychic romance".