Most Popular Books by Richmal Crompton

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.

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.

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.

Totally bankrupt, William and Ginger can''t even buy sweets. But then William has a brilliant idea - they could sell Ginger''s twin cousins as slaves! Before long, the irrepressible William is in serious trouble - again . . .

William is up to his old tricks in More William, Richmal Compton''s second set of classic William adventures. 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! With a fun contemporary cover look illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, along with the original inside illustrations of Thomas Henry, the fourteen fantastic Just William stories in More William are as funny as ever. 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.

"Just—William" by Richmal Crompton is a delightful and humorous collection of stories centered around the adventures of William Brown, an eleven-year-old boy with a boundless imagination and an insatiable curiosity. William is a classic troublemaker whose well-meaning but misguided attempts to navigate the complexities of childhood often lead to humorous and chaotic situations. The book portrays William''s escapades with his gang of friends, known as the Outlaws, as they embark on various schemes and misadventures. From misguided attempts at heroism to encounters with authority figures, William''s adventures reflect both the charm and the challenges of growing up. Crompton''s storytelling is characterized by its wit and warmth, capturing the essence of childhood with a blend of humor and insight. The stories highlight William''s personality and his interactions with the world around him, providing readers with a nostalgic and entertaining glimpse into the life of a young boy who is always in trouble but remains endearing nonetheless. "Just—William" is cherished for its lively and engaging narrative, making it a beloved classic in children''s literature that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

Everyone''s favourite troublemaker is back in Richmal Crompton''s William''s New Year''s Day. Just William makes his mark in this hilarious collection of twelve classic stories. Whether it''s trying to arrange a marriage for his sister or taking a job as a boot boy as step one in his grand plan to run away, William manages to cause chaos wherever he goes. Features a charming introduction by one of William''s famous fans, the wonderful comic writer Sue Townsend.

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 . . .

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.

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.

""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.

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.

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 . . .

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.

"Caroline knows best." Caroline''s mother ran away from her father when Caroline was four years old, and her father and stepmother died fifteen years later, leaving her with a young step-brother and two young step-sisters to bring up. Orphaned, and in the care of their eldest sister, the three children grow up in a world where one thing is true: "Caroline knows best." The children adore her, but as they grow up and spread their wings, tension creeps into formerly happy relationships as Caroline cannot bear to relinquish her hold on them. Having sacrificed her own life for the children, to whom she is practically a mother, Caroline values loyalty above all else; but when she invites a guest into her home, she is not prepared for the resulting shift in allegiances in her long-established realm. First published in 1936, Caroline offers a nuanced study of family relationships, of women trapped by duty and respectability, and how good intentions can sometimes have unwanted consequences. One of Richmal Crompton''s ''lost'' adult novels, Bello is proud to bring eleven of these titles back into print for the first time since original publication.

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.

Happily married for thirty years with three children that have long since grown up, Christopher Mainwaring finds himself at a total loss following the death of his beloved wife, Susan. Yet the joyful marriage he remembers may not have been all it seemed, for no one in the family knows of the troubling words his wife uttered to him from her death bed . . . Alluding to a possible affair that took place many years ago with a close family friend, the grieving widower is haunted by visions of Susan''s infidelity and seeks to find out the truth. In his quest to unearth his wife''s potential duplicity, Christopher finds himself looking to his children''s complex lives for answers: Joy who is now married with children and concerns of her own, the professionally inept but kind-hearted Frank and his neurotic wife Rachel, and Derek, whose delusions of grandeur with his struggling business causes much distress for his long-suffering wife, Olivia. Portrait of a Family by Richmal Crompton provides universal reflections and intimate insights into the dynamics of family life with a startling clarity that will stay with the reader long after the final page has been turned.

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.

Even as a child all Vicky wants is love. She seeks it from her governess; she expects it from the lowly, loyal gardener, Andrew; but most of all, she is desperate for it from the one person who can''t see beyond shadows of the past and open his heart to her – her father. As Vicky grows up, her beauty blossoms, and when she meets vivacious artist, Philip – a passionate, fiery-haired man who crashes into her carefully ordered life – everything changes. Falling in love and being loved in return fills a hole in Vicky she wasn''t even aware she had. But it''s the start of the twentieth century and times are changing. Not even Vicky can control the developments of the age. Yet, as the seasons come round with comforting regularity, so too do the familiar patterns of human life in Richmal Crompton''s There Are Four Seasons.

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 . . .

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.

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.

''I din'' take it,'' William said. ''Ethel took it. She - she sort of can''t help herself. I always,'' he added virtuously, ''try''n put back the things she''s took.'' It all started with a rare event: William Brown read a book. And now he feels inspired to save his sister from a life of crime. The road to disaster is paved with William''s good intentions. Ethel''s behaviour has been rather odd - more so than is usual in a girl. But William, the Brown family''s moral guardian, is determined to ''reform'' her - whatever the consequences . . .

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.

William is up to his old tricks and ready for trouble! Richmal Compton''s William the Fourth is the fourth classic set of adventures featuring the hero of Just William, with an introduction by screenwriter and Cosmic author Frank Cottrell Boyce. Whether he''s occupying a bear suit that''s slightly too small for him, cloaked in mystery as a fortune teller or attired in the flowing robes of a Fairy Queen, William is unmistakably himself: trouble in human form. Only Great-Aunt Jane manages to take William on at his own game – and win! This collection of fourteen brilliant Just William stories features appealing contemporary cover art by Lydia Monks, along with the original inside illustrations by Thomas Henry. 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. Enjoy more of William''s adventures in William Again and William the Conqueror.

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 back causing mayhem! William has a habit of being where he shouldn''t be. But the village girls'' school is the last place where he''s likely to be making mischief . . . isn''t it? In William in Trouble by Richmal Crompton, William Brown is back in a collection of fourteen Just William stories with an introduction by TV presenter Richard Madeley, appealing contemporary cover art by Alex T. Smith, 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 the Outlaw and William the Good.

William is always ready to offer his services to his country. But why is it that his enthusiastic contribution is so seldom appreciated? William is determined to do his bit, but unfortunately no one else thinks he''d make a hero . . . Ten wonderful wartime stories where William proves himself just as dangerous, unpredictable and downright troublesome as the Enemy!

‘If all girls are like that -’ said William. ‘Well, when you think of all the hundreds of girls there must be in the world – well, it makes you feel sick.’ William’s natural desire to do the right thing leads him into serious trouble, as usual, and when blackmail and kidnapping are involved, it’s no surprise. Even when he turns over a new leaf, the consequences are dire. But it’s his new neighbour Violet Elizabeth Bott who really causes chaos – and no one will believe that it’s not William’s fault . . .

Everyone''s favourite troublemaker, William Brown, is back in this hilarious collection of stories from the classic Just William series - now with a gorgeous new cover illustrated by the award-winning Lauren Child. Greyhound racing was a wonderfully exciting idea. After all, William''s dog, Jumble was as likely to be a greyhound as anything, and surely no one would mind the Outlaws borrowing another dog to race against him. Would they? This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable imp of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his admirers since 1922.

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.