New Releases by Richmal Crompton

Una selección de relatos de horror que muestra lo más oscuro del mundo vegetal. Una antología que reúne a nombres como Roald Dahl, Eudora Welty o H.P. Lovecraft. Orquídeas sanguinarias, bosques enteros que se rebelan contra quienes los masacraron, setas tan bellas como venenosas, robles majestuosos que se convierten en la reencarnación del hombre de la casa, maravillosas enredaderas que reviven espantosos fantasmas del pasado, máquinas rudimentarias que permiten registrar el terrible sufrimiento de las plantas maltratadas, árboles solitarios que señalan el mismísimo umbral a un mundo pesadillesco... Un verdor siniestro recorre la literatura de los siglos XIX y XX y nos recuerda que las plantas, seres fascinantes y misteriosos, benéficos y letales a la vez, encarnan la otredad en forma de monstruo silencioso, al tiempo que padecen los efectos de la avaricia que lleva al ser humano a usurpar y destruir sin compasión aquellas formas de vida que, reducidas a materia prima, pueden generar riqueza. Gótico botánico es un catálogo de historias del mundo vegetal más fantástico, que incluye a autores tan destacados como M.R. James, Richmal Crompton, H. P. Lovecraft o Roald Dahl, y que permite, además, descubrir las inquietantes creaciones de escritoras pulp como Mary Elizabeth Counselman, Maria Moravsky o Eli Colter. A partir de ahora, el verde será el nuevo negro. CRÍTICA «Ya sea como eficaces símbolos de temas universales, en forma de remotos miedos victorianos y de personajes híbridos, peligrosos o sedientos de venganza, los vegetales ofrecen una fascinante variedad literaria, consecuencia lógica de su casi infinita y perturbadora cantidad de especímenes y de todo lo que nos queda por descubrir sobre ellos.» —Patricia Esteban Erlés

""William the Outlaw"" by Richmal Crompton is a classic children''s adventure novel brimming with humor and mischief. Following the escapades of the lovable troublemaker William Brown, Crompton crafts a timeless tale that captivates readers with its humor and sense of adventure. In this novel, Crompton masterfully portrays the antics of William, a spirited schoolboy who constantly finds himself in humorous predicaments. Whether he''s attempting to play the role of an outlaw or embarking on mischievous adventures with his friends, William''s escapades are guaranteed to elicit laughter and entertainment. Richmal Crompton''s witty storytelling and vivid characterization bring the world of William Brown to life, making it a beloved classic in children''s literature. With its blend of humor, adventure, and mischief, ""William the Outlaw"" remains a timeless favorite among readers of all ages. This novel is a delightful journey into the imaginative world of childhood, where every day is filled with fun, trouble, and the thrill of adventure. As a classic of children''s literature, ""William the Outlaw"" continues to entertain and inspire readers with its timeless charm and humor.

"Just—William" by Richmal Crompton. Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.

This charming novel tells the story of Naomi Godstone, a young woman who inherits a small estate in the countryside. As she adapts to life in her new home, Naomi navigates the ins and outs of village society, makes new friends, and discovers the joys and challenges of running a small farm. Author Richmal Crompton brings her signature wit and charm to this heartwarming tale, which is sure to delight readers of all ages. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Just William, published in 1922, was the first of a long series of well-loved books about William Brown, an eleven-year old English schoolboy, written by Richmal Crompton. William is continually scruffy and disreputable, and has a talent for getting into trouble and becoming involved in various inventive plots and scrapes, to the exasperation of his long-suffering parents and older siblings. Crompton continued to write stories about the amusing adventures and mishaps of William Brown right up until her death in 1969. Some 39 book collections of stories about William were eventually published, entertaining several generations of children. Despite this, Crompton felt her real work was in writing novels for adults, of which she wrote some 41—most now forgotten and out of print.

He leapt lightly out of bed and dressed. Then he began to arrange his own gifts to his family. For his father he had bought a bottle of highly-coloured sweets, for his elder brother Robert (aged nineteen) he had expended a vast sum of money on a copy of “The Pirates of the Bloody Hand.” These gifts had cost him much thought. The knowledge that his father never touched sweets, and that Robert professed scorn of pirate stories, had led him to hope that the recipients of his gifts would make no objection to the unobtrusive theft of them by their recent donor in the course of the next few days. For his grown-up sister Ethel he had bought a box of coloured chalks. That also might come in useful later. Funds now had been running low, but for his mother he had bought a small cream-jug which, after fierce bargaining, the man had let him have at half-price because it was cracked.. FROM THE BOOK.

Richmal Crompton was a British author who gained fame for her immensely popular series of books featuring the mischievous schoolboy, William Brown. Born in Bury, Lancashire, in 1890, Crompton studied Classics at university before becoming a schoolteacher. However, her true passion lay in writing, and she began her career by contributing short stories to magazines. It was the publication of her first William story in 1919 that brought her widespread recognition and led to the creation of one of the most enduring characters in British children''s literature. Over the next four decades, Crompton wrote more than 40 William books, as well as several novels and collections of short stories for adults. William—In Trouble is the 8th volume in the series, and it features more short stories with William and his Outlaw buddies as they write poetry, join the waits at Christmas singing carols, publish a newsletter, and save William’s sister from a marriage against her will.

In "Still''ÄîWilliam," Richmal Crompton invites readers back into the vibrant world of William Brown, a mischievous schoolboy whose adventures capture the essence of childhood innocence and rebellion. The narrative is marked by Crompton''s signature wit and humor, interwoven with vivid descriptions and relatable characters that explore themes of friendship, family, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The book shines as a quintessential piece of British children''s literature from the early 20th century, reflecting societal norms and educational practices while also revealing the timeless escapades of youth. Richmal Crompton (1890-1969) was an English author whose own childhood experiences and educational challenges informed her portrayal of William Brown. With a background in both literature and teaching, Crompton wrote "Still''ÄîWilliam" as part of the much-loved William series, which resonated with her contemporary readers seeking both laughter and a reflection of their own youthful antics. Her writing is characterized by a profound understanding of children''s behavior and a keen observational style that highlights the contradictions inherent in growing up. I highly recommend "Still''ÄîWilliam" to anyone who appreciates the charm of classic children''s literature, as well as to educators and parents aiming to understand the dynamics of childhood. Crompton''Äôs delightful narrative not only entertains but also imparts valuable insights into the complexities of youth, making it a must-read for both children and adults alike.

William Brown has an outgoing nature. That’s what his mother calls it, anyway. He’s not exactly shy and retiring, and when it occurs to him that showing off can be combined with his other great love, making money, it’s typical William territory. "Just William" book 19.

In ''William Again,'' Richmal Crompton continues the beloved adventures of the incorrigible William Brown, a character whose mischievous exploits resonate with readers of all ages. Written with a clever blend of humor and poignant social observation, the novel employs a light-hearted yet incisive narrative style that captures the essence of childhood in early 20th-century England. Crompton''s vivid prose transports readers to a time when societal norms clashed with youthful exuberance, creating a rich tapestry of interactions among friends, family, and authority figures that showcases the joys and trials of growing up. Richmal Crompton, a groundbreaking figure in children''s literature, drew inspiration from her own experiences and the complexities of childhood in her era. Living through two World Wars, Crompton observed societal shifts and the impact of these changes on youth. Her understanding of the innocence and mischief inherent to children, coupled with her keen observational skills, informed her writing, making characters like William relatable and timeless. Crompton''s ability to portray a child''s perspective with authenticity and humor has solidified her legacy as a pioneer in the genre. ''William Again'' is not just a continuation of William''s misadventures but a celebration of childhood''s exuberance and the innocence of youth. It is a delightful read that will captivate both new readers and long-time fans, offering a nostalgic look at the trials and tribulations of adolescence. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a charming escape into the world of a spirited young boy whose antics are sure to elicit laughter and reflection.

William Brown is an eleven-year-old boy, eternally scruffy and frowning. William and his friends, Ginger, Henry and Douglas, call themselves the Outlaws, and meet at the old barn in Farmer Jenks'' field, with William being the leader of the gang. The Outlaws have several arch-enemies, with whom they frequently clash.

In Just William the Outlaws plan a day of non-stop adventure. The only problem is that William is meant to be babysitting. But William won''t let that stop him having fun with his gang--he''ll just bring the baby along! There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, loveable imp of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his hundreds of thousands of admirers since 1922. This delightful children''s classic features original inside illustrations by Thomas Henry, and with a ribbon marker and a specially commissioned foreword by Roddy Doyle, it will bring the antics of the mischievous William Brown to a new generation of children.

Richmal Crompton Lamburn was initially trained as a schoolmistress but later became a popular English writer, best known for her Just William series of books, humorous short stories, and to a lesser extent adult fiction books. Crompton''s fiction centres around family and social life, dwelling on the constraints that they place on individuals while also nurturing them. This is best seen in her depiction of children as puzzled onlookers of society''s ways. Nevertheless, the children, particularly William and his Outlaws, almost always emerge triumphant. When Aunt Lucy tells William that ''a busy day is a happy day'', William does his best to keep himself very busy indeed. Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates his efforts to cheer up Christmas Day - and when a conjuring trick with an egg goes very badly wrong, William finds himself in more trouble than ever! These fourteen fantastic Just William stories are as funny as ever.

Frost at Morning is the heartbreaking story of four young children who, deserted by their parents, have been sent off to a vicarage that takes in children as paying guests. There''s Philip, a sensitive boy whose father has remarried and gained a more preferable stepson; anxious little Monica, with a mother spiralling towards alcoholism; adopted Geraldine, whose desperate desire be loved actively repels people; and beautiful, vain Angela, who is ignored by her eccentric novelist mother. Left to themselves they grow to depend on one another and, as they leave the vicarage and return to their fractured homes, it becomes clear that a bond has formed that will hold them forever. . . As the years pass, their adult lives connect and intertwine, and the damage inflicted by their childhoods creeps ever closer to the surface. Can they build themselves anew? Or will happiness elude them forever? An exquisitely written and poignant story, Richmal Crompton''s Frost at Morning is a wonderful exploration of childhood and an evocative portrait of interwar Britain.

The quartet at the heart of this delightful novel are the four Gainsborough siblings: beautiful but vain Lorna, ultra-sensitive Adrian, nature-loving Laurence and thoughtful, strange little Jenifer. We join them in 1900 – four happy children at the heart of a loving family, idolizing their strikingly beautiful mother, shrinking from their emotionally damaged Aunt Lena and ill-tempered governess, Miss Marchant. As their world widens on the journey to adulthood – through the advent of the motor car, the horrors of the First World War, the trials and tribulations of unrequited love and unfulfilled dreams – they must fight to keep that happiness. But with Lorna compelled to make everyone love her, Adrian’s artistic genius crippled by over-sensitivity to criticism, and Laurence so intent on success in business that he forgets to really live, will Jenifer’s clear-sighted pragmatism be enough to save them? A beautiful exploration of love and family, Quartet has a vivid cast of characters worthy of Elizabeth Gaskell and paints a wonderful, affectionate portrait of childhood to rival Richmal Crompton’s Just William.

It is the summer of 1892 and fifteen-year-old Tilly Pound has come to Linden Rise – the holiday cottage of the genteel but dysfunctional Culverton family – to work as a housemaid. She starts as just another member of ‘the help’ but, as the years pass and the 19th century judders its unwieldy way into the 20th, this tough and resourceful young woman becomes an anchor in a fragmenting world. Mr and Mrs Culverton are trapped in a loveless marriage, rocked by his obvious infidelities and marked by her helplessness and fragility. Their children are raising themselves until Tilly arrives, and it remains to be seen whether her lively good sense can change their lives for the better . . . A beautifully written, razor-sharp saga that paints a vivid portrait of the fraught and nuanced relationships between parents and their children, Linden Rise is full of the charming child characters that Richmal Crompton always evokes so beautifully.

When we first meet Millicent Dorrington she is a young lady on the verge of womanhood in inter-war England. The daughter of a wealthy mill-owner and one of five children – Gordon, Denis, Janet, Lorna, Cecily and Bunny – she is tormented by the high walls of their home, White Lodge, which hold her in. The young Millicent tells her father that she is destined for great things – that she is desperate to break free . . . But while Millicent’s siblings grow up, move on and experience life, their freedom confines her. Held back by the bonds of family, unable to leave her siblings behind, Millicent appears to miss out on the joys of life. But as time goes on, she becomes the centre that holds her family together. Perhaps Millicent’s great destiny was, after all, to remain at home; remain at one with those who love her most and see out her final days in the warmth of the White Lodge. Tender, humorous, gentle and quietly devastating, Richmal Crompton''s Millicent Dorrington is the powerful story of a woman, a mother and a friend.

A deeply engaging portrait of village life with a matchless cast of characters, Leadon Hill bursts with all the light exuberance of Richmal Crompton’s Just William. The quiet English village of Leadon Hill is ruled by Miss Mitcham – a tiny, sharp old woman who sees and hears everything from behind her lace curtains, and brutally tears apart the lives and reputations of those who cross her. Amongst her victims is Marcia Faversham, wife to the fussy and uninspiring John and mother to three young children – sporty, overconfident Hugo, gentle Moyna, and little Tim who has been weakened by polio. When John leaves for a four-month fishing trip, Marcia dares to hope for a little tranquility, but changes are afoot in Leadon Hill; the house next door has been let to Helen West, a young, bohemian woman from Italy, and Miss Mitcham sets out to make her life very unpleasant indeed . . .

Felicity - Stands By is a delightful, charming set of short stories, following the adventures (and misadventures) of a young woman, Miss Norma Felicity Montague Harborough. Having finished school, Felicity returns to the family seat to live with her grandfather Sir Digby, sufferer of the infamous Harborough gout and the Harborough temper. Always well-meaning and often hapless, Felicity sets about to organise and matchmake those around her: including rescuing her friend Sheila from the affections (and affectations) of local poet Marmaduke Eltham; joining travelling band ''The Oranges''; and saving some rather important political papers from the clutches of a thief. Her escapades are a series of witty, warm and entertaining vignettes, sure to enchant anyone who loved the bestselling Just William series.

Just William''s Luck (1948) was a novel in the Just William series by Richmal Crompton. It was the only novel in the series, the rest being books of short stories. The story revolves around the attempts of William and his friends to get their elder brothers married, such that they might become the recipients of possessions replaced by wedding presents. After a series of unlikely adventures, the boys serendipitously foil a gang of fur-coat smugglers, and receive a reward from the police.

More William is the second William collection in the much acclaimed Just William series by Richmal Crompton. It is a sequel to the book Just William. The book was first published in 1922.

Everyone''s favourite troublemaker, William Brown, is back in Richmal Crompton''s William''s Happy Days, a hilarious collection of classic Just William stories – with a contemporary cover illustrated by Steven Lenton and an introduction by Outnumbered actor Daniel Roche. When William''s mother offers him a birthday party, he is suspicious – what''s the catch? Convinced that he will have to do something boring in exchange, William refuses to be caught out. But offers of food, a pet, even hidden treasure are very hard to refuse . . . This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable imp of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his admirers since 1922. Enjoy more of William''s adventures in Still William and William Again.

Everyone''s favourite troublemaker is back in Richmal Crompton''s William the Bad – with a fun and contemporary cover illustrated by Chris Garbutt and an introduction by writer Anne Fine. William doesn''t understand why he''s not invited to Robert and Ethel''s fancy-dress party – what could possibly go wrong? Desperate for an invite, his search for the perfect costume causes mayhem. Somehow nothing ever goes to plan when William the Bad is around! There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable imp of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his admirers since 1922. Enjoy more of William''s adventures in William''s Happy Days and William Again.

Everyone''s favourite troublemaker is back and up to no good! William is always in trouble, but sometimes it really isn''t his fault. It was Ginger who showed him the book about Robin Hood, and it was Violet Elizabeth Bott''s idea to steal from the rich and give to the poor. Unfortunately the only rich person they know is Violet''s father, so William''s latest plan to right the world''s wrongs is sure to lead to catastrophe . . . Richmal Crompton''s William the Conqueror is a collection of thirteen brilliant Just William stories with an introduction by actor and comedian Charlie Higson, appealing contemporary cover art by Joe Berger, along with the original inside illustrations by Thomas Henry. There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable imp of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his hundreds of thousands of admirers since 1922. Enjoy more of William''s adventures in William in Trouble and William the Outlaw.

Everyone''s favourite troublemaker is causing trouble all year round in this charming, festive anniversary edition of William at Christmas, with nine classic stories by Richmal Crompton - updated for a new generation of readers. Featuring Thomas Henry’s original illustrations and an introduction by Julia Donaldson. ''William is as fresh and funny as ever'' – Chris Riddell, author and illustrator. ''Gloriously funny'' – Sue Townsend, author of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3⁄4 There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable imp has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting readers since 1922. It’s the holiday season and William Brown has lots to do. Not only does he need to find the hidden Christmas presents and get ready for the local pantomime, but he also has to put up with prim and proper aunts. Joined by his gang of ever faithful Outlaws, he’s sure to make Christmas unforgettable and attract trouble wherever he goes. Enjoy more of William''s adventures in Just William, More William, William Again and William the Outlaw.

Bringing together a memorable cast of characters, Chedsy Place is a warm and witty novel, filled with the humour, piercing observation and remarkable characterization that makes Richmal Crompton one of the world''s best-loved writers. When Richard Beaton inherits Chedsy Place, he feels nostalgic as he returns to his beloved family home. For him it is locked in the past – a place of warm childhood memories – and he cannot afford to keep it. But for his wife, Celia, walking round the grand house sparks the kernel of an idea: to restore it to its former glory by opening its doors once more for Christmas – only this time, to paying guests. Horrified by the idea, Robert watches as the guests arrive from far and wide: the domineering Judith Kimball with her shy secretary Sidney Lattimer, and the chauffeur, who takes a shine to Sidney; the Paynter family with their excitable twin daughters, Cicely and Angela; Miss Nettleton, who travels indomitably about the British Isles seeing the sights; Mrs Stephenson-Pollitt, who retires ''into the silence'' each afternoon to seek communion with the spirits, and her nephew, Brian, who is destined for the clergy but must battle with his conscience when he meets Angela. As the guests settle in for Christmas, Robert knows that Chedsy Place will never be the same again . . .

When Viola learned of her husband Humphrey''s affair, it seemed obvious that she must divorce him so he could be with the woman soon to bear him a child, but now she must deal with her highly-strung and sensitive son Hilary and her sister Frances'' sudden move to London alone, without Humphrey''s steadying presence. And while Humphrey tries to deal with the fact that his romantic choices have ended his marriage, his family is also living through numerous personal upheavals. His twin aunts Harriet and Hester are heading for a breakdown, with Harriet looking after all aspects of her sister''s life while Hester is desperate for something to call her own, and Aggie, Humphrey''s mild-mannered and absent minded sister-in-law, is a widowed mother to three children she doesn''t understand: Joey, hateful of his office job and eager for the freedom of farm work; solid, quiet Monica who spends her days not at Oxford reading and studying, and Elaine, desperate to leave Reddington behind and have control of her own life. Humphrey''s sister Doreen and her daughter Bridget have a fraught relationship, with Bridget torn between her mother''s desire for her to make a marriage that will increase their social standing and the affection she feels towards her best friend''s brother, Terry. Will this family ever manage to find happiness and equilibrium? Journeying Wave by Richmal Crompton explores the changes sparked by Viola and Humphrey''s divorce, letting us into the inner thoughts, feelings and dreams of an extended family. We visit numerous points of view, revealing just how rich and varied our internal lives truly are – and how there are many paths to happiness.

I don''t think that people are people to her any longer. They''re just mirrors. If she can see the right picture of herself in them, she likes them. If she can''t, she dislikes them. Stella Markham is the apple of her aunt''s eye: gentle, kind, beautiful and accomplished – the model of a perfect child. Her guardians love her and her playmates worship her. Sensitive and thoughtful, she is the very image of nineteenth century loveliness – that is, until things don''t go her way. From Richmal Crompton, the bestselling author of the Just William stories, Narcissa follows Stella from childhood through courtship and motherhood, detailing the triumphs and tragedies of a woman who is willing to do anything to maintain the image of her own perfection, sacrificing those she loves to her own vanity.

Richmal Crompton''s adult novels are an absolute delight and every bit as charming as her beloved Just William series. The Old Man''s Birthday is both a nostalgic treat for fans of the gentler brand of interwar fiction, and a dry satire of British village life. Matthew Rowston is turning ninety-five. A lovable rogue approaching his dotage, he has very little time for the high moral standards and rigid ideas of propriety espoused by his spinster daughter. Things get interesting when he invites his estranged son, the bright and lively Stephen, and his beautiful partner to his celebratory dinner. Over the course of the day, Matthew walks around the village, introducing the pair to his large and varied clan, from the aging Jolly-hockey sticks granddaughter who is considering a torrid affair of her own, to his elderly bookish bachelor son and the lovely great-granddaughter struggling to find her place in the world, doomed to work as a clerk in her dull and dismal father''s firm. Teeming beneath the calm surface of village and family life, lies a whole world of secrets and desires, hopes and dreams. Mrs Dalloway with a dash of dry humour, Mapp and Lucia with a slightly melancholy tone, this is the perfect heritage read for fans of 1930s fiction at its best.

Summer has arrived and the Cotteril children are looking forward to the Holiday. For Thea, Susan, Peter and Jane it''s always a special time of year, as they escape their lives in the suburbs and visit the delights of the countryside with their mother and father. All sorts of exciting adventures await them as they explore unfamiliar surroundings and meet a collection of fascinating new neighbours. For Peter and Jane the magic of the Holiday is as alive as ever and they delight in discovery: exploring inside gardens, visiting a new sweet shop and finding plenty of places to play hide and seek. But for Thea and Susan, the two eldest, their experience of the Holiday starts to change. As they begin to move into the dizzyingly complicated sphere of the Grown-Ups, Richmal Crompton''s The Holiday becomes a journey of discovery into what it is to be an adult . . .