A Wizard's Touch Series

Renowned author and Anglophile Henry James brings the class and elegance of Victorian and Edwardian literature throughout this short story series. Each volume contains a mixture of well known favourites and forgotten gems. James refuses to let his high standards drop and story retains the poise and simplicity to appeal to the modern reader. These collections are a great starting platform for readers to begin to appreciate the masterful writing and versatility of Henry James. Be sure to check out his novels and literary criticisms of notable authors George Eliot, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling among others which we also offer. Search ‘Henry James A Word To The Wise’ to see our full collection.

Succinct and thorough, "Playwriting, Brief & Brilliant" will, in just one hour of reading, tell you everthing you need to know about playwriting. It guides you through the basics of dialogue, character, and plot. It gives tips for getting past writer's block. and finally, it provides practical advice on marketing your play.

Renowned author and Anglophile Henry James brings the class and elegance of Victorian and Edwardian literature throughout this short story series. Each volume contains a mixture of well known favourites and forgotten gems. James refuses to let his high standards drop and story retains the poise and simplicity to appeal to the modern reader. These collections are a great starting platform for readers to begin to appreciate the masterful writing and versatility of Henry James. Be sure to check out his novels and literary criticisms of notable authors George Eliot, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling among others which we also offer. Search ‘Henry James A Word To The Wise’ to see our full collection.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of Saki. Hector Hugh Munro was born in Akyab Burma on the 18th December 1870. With the death of his mother, Hector was sent to England to live with his Grandmother and Aunts and endured a strict family upbringing. Educated at Pencarwick School in Exmouth, Devon and at Bedford School it was only on a few occasions that he was able to travel with his father to fashionable European spas and tourist resorts. In 1893, Hector followed his father into the Indian Imperial Police, where he was posted to Burma. Two years later, having contracted malaria, he resigned and returned to England. In England he started his career as a journalist, writing for the newspapers; the Westminster Gazette, Daily Express, Bystander, Morning Post, and Outlook. In 1900, Munro's first book, an historical study, appeared: The Rise of the Russian Empire. From 1902 to 1908, Munro worked as a foreign correspondent for The Morning Post in the Balkans, Warsaw, Russia and Paris; he then gave that up and settled in London. His postings gave him a large amount of inspiration for his ‘Reginald’ stories as well as his perhaps more famous stories of the macabre and unusual. His wit, general mischievousness and delight in turning things on their head brought him great acclaim. In November 1916, when sheltering in a shell crater near Beaumont-Hamel, France, he was killed by a German sniper. His alleged last words "Put that bloody cigarette out!". He was 45. Many of these stories are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Word Of Mouth. Many samples are at our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/PortablePoetry?feature=mhee. An Audiobook version is available at Amazon, Audible, Itunes and all other major digital retailers.

Larry Silverberg, author of the revolutionary four book series The Sanford Meisner Approach: An Actor's Workbook now brings to you Workbook Three: Tackling the Text. In this exciting next step of the Meisner technique, Silverberg guides you through a specific and step-by-step method of bringing a vivid authenticity to the roles you play. As you work through the lessons in script-work, you will have the experience of easily avoiding the traps and cliches of performing preconceived notions of the character and learn how to carve out your own unique path of discovery from the greater possibilities the script holds within it.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. A widespread favourite of scholars, critics and causal readers alike, Anton Chekhov is one of the most challenging and enjoyable authors to read. Both a doctor and writer, Chekhov initially had little interest in literature, writing predominantly as a source of income. As recognition of his talents spread so his ambition grew he began to assert itself and history now acknowledges him as the greatest short story writer of all time.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of GK Chesterton. Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in Campden hill, Kensington on May 29th 1874. Originally after attending St Pauls School he went to Slade to learn the illustrators art and literature. In 1896 he joined a small London publisher and began his journalistic career as a freelance art and literary critic. In 1901 he married Frances Blogg, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. Thereafter he obtained weekly columns in the Daily News and The Illustrated London News. For many he is known as a very fine novelist and the creator of the Father Brown Detective stories which were much influenced by his own beliefs. A large man – 6’ 42 and 21st in weight he was apt to be forgetful in that delightful way that the British sometimes are – a telegram home to his wife saying he was in one place but where should he actually be. But he was prolific in many other areas; he wrote plays, essays, loved to debate and wrote hundreds of poems. But in this volume we concentrate on his short stories especially those concerning a certain Father Brown. Chesterton died of congestive heart failure on 14th June 1936 and is buried in Beaconsfield just outside of London. Many of these stories are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Word Of Mouth. Many samples are at our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/PortablePoetry?feature=mhee

Henrik Ibsen (20th March, 1828 – 23rd May, 1906) is often referred to as the father of realism and ranked just below Shakespeare as Europe’s greatest ever playwright especially as his plays are performed most frequently throughout the world after Shakespeare’s. Ibsen was Norwegian and although set his plays in Norway, he wrote them in Danish and lived most of his professional life in Italy and Germany. His affect on the theatre is still evident today and shapes the distinction of plays being art as opposed to entertainment since he broke down all previous traditions and explored issues, developed characterisation, revealed uncomfortable truths, challenged assumptions and brokedown facades in ourselves as well as society. These factors are evident in Ibsen’s very first play, Catiline, a historical drama written in 1848 and based on the historical figure of the Roman nobleman Lucius Catilina that was also the subject of a play by Ben Johnson. Catiline is torn between two women, his wife Aurelia and the vestal virgin Furia. His agonising dilemma between these two women representing two sides of himself, possibly ability and aspiration, give an interesting psychological introspection to this play.

Henrik Ibsen (20th March, 1828 – 23rd May, 1906) is often referred to as the father of realism and ranked just below Shakespeare as Europe’s greatest ever playwright especially as his plays are performed most frequently throughout the world after Shakespeare’s. He was Norwegian and although set his plays in Norway, he wrote them in Danish and lived most of his professional life in Italy and Germany. His affect on the theatre is still evident today and shapes the distinction of plays being art as opposed to entertainment since he broke down all previous traditions and explored issues, developed characterisation, revealed uncomfortable truths, challenged assumptions and brokedown facades in ourselves as well as society. These factors are clearly demonstrated in the Pillars of Society, a contemporary drama set in a small Norwegian coastal town dominated by shipbuilder Karsten Bernick who is planning a railway to connect the town to the main line and a tract of land he has been secretly buying. His past comes crashing in on him by the return of his brother in law who had gone to America to take the blame for Bernick stealing family business money and having an affair with an actress and the return of the love of his life who he had rejected for his current wealthy wife. Ibsen skilfully builds on these characters to provide a gripping tragedy underlining the ways of the rich and corrupt and Ibsen’s conclusions in this play were a cause of great controversy and much surprise.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. A widespread favourite of scholars, critics and causal readers alike, Anton Chekhov is one of the most challenging and enjoyable authors to read. Both a doctor and writer, Chekhov initially had little interest in literature, writing predominantly as a source of income. As recognition of his talents spread so his ambition grew he began to assert itself and history now acknowledges him as the greatest short story writer of all time.

Poetry is a fascinating use of language. With almost a million words at its command it is not surprising that the English language has produced some of the most beautiful, moving and descriptive verse through the centuries. In this series we look at individual poets who have shaped and influenced their craft and cement their place in our heritage. In this volume we look further at the works of the eminent American writer Robert Frost.

Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. His early career was unremarkable. After failing to enter West Point he enlisted in the 7th Calvary but was discharged after heart problems were diagnosed. A series of short term jobs gave no indication as to a career path but finally, in 1911, married and with two young children, he turned his hand to writing. He aimed his works squarely at the very popular pulp serial magazines. His first effort ‘Under The Moons Of Mars’ ran in Munsey’s Magazine in 1912 under the pseudonym Norman Bean. With its success he began writing full time. A continuing theme of his work was to develop series so that each character had ample opportunities to return in sequels. John Carter was in the Mars series and there was another on Venus and one on Pellucidar among others. But perhaps the best known is Tarzan. Indeed Burroughs wanted so much to capitalise upon the brand that he introduced a syndicated Tarzan comic strip, movies and merchandise. He purchased a large ranch north of Los Angeles, California, which he named "Tarzana." The surrounding communities outside the ranch voted in 1927 to adopt the name as their own. By 1932 Burroughs set up his own company to print his own books. Here we publish the third in the Tarzan series ‘The Beasts of Tarzan’. Another cultural classic.

Renowned author and Anglophile Henry James brings the class and elegance of Victorian and Edwardian literature throughout this short story series. Each volume contains a mixture of well known favourites and forgotten gems. James refuses to let his high standards drop and story retains the poise and simplicity to appeal to the modern reader. These collections are a great starting platform for readers to begin to appreciate the masterful writing and versatility of Henry James. Be sure to check out his novels and literary criticisms of notable authors George Eliot, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling among others which we also offer. Search ‘Henry James A Word To The Wise’ to see our full collection.

Henrik Ibsen (20th March, 1828 – 23rd May, 1906) is often referred to as the father of realism and ranked just below Shakespeare as Europe’s greatest ever playwright especially as his plays are performed most frequently throughout the world after Shakespeare’s. He was Norwegian and although set his plays in Norway, he wrote them in Danish and lived most of his professional life in Italy and Germany. His affect on the theatre is still evident today and shapes the distinction of plays being art as opposed to entertainment since he broke down all previous traditions and explored issues, developed characterisation, revealed uncomfortable truths, challenged assumptions and brokedown facades in ourselves as well as society. These factors are clearly demonstrated in The Feast of Solhoug, Ibsen’s first publicly successful drama which employed Ibsen’s poetic style to great effect providing a melody to the lines echoing old Scandinavian ballads and songs. The plot centres around Magrit who as the play opens is marrying the master of Solhoug, Bengt Guateson, Knut Gersling who wants to marry her and Gudmund Alfson, who she wants to marry but is in love with another woman. These make good ingredients for a wonderful melodrama with tantalising misunderstandings. The play has been said to possess the charm of a northern summer night, in which the glimmer of twilight gives place only to the gleam of morning.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of GK Chesterton. Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in Campden hill, Kensington on May 29th 1874. Originally after attending St Pauls School he went to Slade to learn the illustrators art and literature. In 1896 he joined a small London publisher and began his journalistic career as a freelance art and literary critic. In 1901 he married Frances Blogg, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. Thereafter he obtained weekly columns in the Daily News and The Illustrated London News. For many he is known as a very fine novelist and the creator of the Father Brown Detective stories which were much influenced by his own beliefs. A large man – 6’ 42 and 21st in weight he was apt to be forgetful in that delightful way that the British sometimes are – a telegram home to his wife saying he was in one place but where should he actually be. But he was prolific in many other areas; he wrote plays, essays, loved to debate and wrote hundreds of poems. But in this volume we concentrate on his short stories especially those concerning a certain Father Brown. Chesterton died of congestive heart failure on 14th June 1936 and is buried in Beaconsfield just outside of London. Many of these stories are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Word Of Mouth. Many samples are at our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/PortablePoetry?feature=mhee

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of GK Chesterton. Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in Campden hill, Kensington on May 29th 1874. Originally after attending St Pauls School he went to Slade to learn the illustrators art and literature. In 1896 he joined a small London publisher and began his journalistic career as a freelance art and literary critic. In 1901 he married Frances Blogg, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. Thereafter he obtained weekly columns in the Daily News and The Illustrated London News. For many he is known as a very fine novelist and the creator of the Father Brown Detective stories which were much influenced by his own beliefs. A large man – 6’ 42 and 21st in weight he was apt to be forgetful in that delightful way that the British sometimes are – a telegram home to his wife saying he was in one place but where should he actually be. But he was prolific in many other areas; he wrote plays, essays, loved to debate and wrote hundreds of poems. But in this volume we concentrate on his short stories especially those concerning a certain Father Brown. Chesterton died of congestive heart failure on 14th June 1936 and is buried in Beaconsfield just outside of London. Many of these stories are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Word Of Mouth. Many samples are at our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/PortablePoetry?feature=mhee

Until very recently, directing wisdom was passed on in the form of "tips." Continuing this tradition, you will find these tips ranging from developing back-story to confusing flirting with sexual tension. The tips are clear, concise, evocative, and constructed to give you a better day in rehearsal and performance. A buffet of ways to improve immediately that you'll refer to over and over again!

Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. His early career was unremarkable. After failing to enter West Point he enlisted in the 7th Calvary but was discharged after heart problems were diagnosed. A series of short term jobs gave no indication as to a career path but finally, in 1911, married and with two young children, he turned his hand to writing. He aimed his works squarely at the very popular pulp serial magazines. His first effort ‘Under The Moons Of Mars’ ran in Munsey’s Magazine in 1912 under the pseudonym Norman Bean. With its success he began writing full time. A continuing theme of his work was to develop series so that each character had ample opportunities to return in sequels. John Carter was in the Mars series and there was another on Venus and one on Pellucidar among others. But perhaps the best known is Tarzan. Indeed Burroughs wanted so much to capitalise upon the brand that he introduced a syndicated Tarzan comic strip, movies and merchandise. He purchased a large ranch north of Los Angeles, California, which he named "Tarzana." The surrounding communities outside the ranch voted in 1927 to adopt the name as their own. By 1932 Burroughs set up his own company to print his own books. Here we publish the fifth in the Tarzan series ‘Tarzan & the Jewels of Opar’. Another cultural classic.

Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. His early career was unremarkable. After failing to enter West Point he enlisted in the 7th Calvary but was discharged after heart problems were diagnosed. A series of short term jobs gave no indication as to a career path but finally, in 1911, married and with two young children, he turned his hand to writing. He aimed his works squarely at the very popular pulp serial magazines. His first effort ‘Under The Moons Of Mars’ ran in Munsey’s Magazine in 1912 under the pseudonym Norman Bean. With its success he began writing full time. A continuing theme of his work was to develop series so that each character had ample opportunities to return in sequels. John Carter was in the Mars series and there was another on Venus and one on Pellucidar among others. But perhaps the best known is Tarzan. Indeed Burroughs wanted so much to capitalise upon the brand that he introduced a syndicated Tarzan comic strip, movies and merchandise. He purchased a large ranch north of Los Angeles, California, which he named "Tarzana." The surrounding communities outside the ranch voted in 1927 to adopt the name as their own. By 1932 Burroughs set up his own company to print his own books. Here we publish the fourth in the Barsoom series and its enduring hero John Carter ‘Thuvia, Maid of Mars’. Another cultural classic.

Louisa May Alcott (29th November 1832 – 6th March 1888) was an American writer of great renown almost entirely due to her book Little Women which continues to captivate each generation since it was first published in 1868. However, her life was unconventional, interesting and provided much material for the gripping and moving short stories featured in this volume. Although born in Pennsylvania, she and her father are more closely associated with Massachusetts where the family moved to and Louisa continued to live until her ill health forced her to move to Boston to be near her doctors. Her father was Amos Bronson Alcott, a transcendentalist, philosopher and educational experimenter who founded, Fruitlands, a utopian community and her mother, Abigail May, was a relative of abolitionist Samuel May. Although poor, her liberal and progressive parents provided Louisa with much of her education, which was enhanced by many family friends that included Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson, a neighbour whose library she was often found reading in. She started writing stories as a way of providing the family with some financial stability. During the Civil War she went to Washington to be a nurse and became ill with typhoid fever although continued to write and become successful. However, the treatment for typhus gave her mercury poisoning which was to make her ill for the rest of her life and eventually killed her. Although she didn’t marry, her sister’s premature death meant she became her niece’s guardian and she also adopted her nephew who she had to hire help to look after as she nursed her mother to her death and struggled with her own failing health. She visited her father on his deathbed and died herself two days later so they had a joint funeral. As well as her writings, she was a strong supporter of all women’s issues, the anti-slavery movement, temperance and social reform. Her work often reflects on the rich experiences in her life and many of these poignant short stories are a fine testament to this. This Volume includes The Death of John, Rosy's Journey, The Piggy Girl, Cockyloo, A Hole In The Wall, How They Ran Away and The King of Clubs and the Queen of Hearts.

Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. His early career was unremarkable. After failing to enter West Point he enlisted in the 7th Calvary but was discharged after heart problems were diagnosed. A series of short term jobs gave no indication as to a career path but finally, in 1911, married and with two young children, he turned his hand to writing. He aimed his works squarely at the very popular pulp serial magazines. His first effort ‘Under The Moons Of Mars’ ran in Munsey’s Magazine in 1912 under the pseudonym Norman Bean. With its success he began writing full time. A continuing theme of his work was to develop series so that each character had ample opportunities to return in sequels. John Carter was in the Mars series and there was another on Venus and one on Pellucidar among others. But perhaps the best known is Tarzan. Indeed Burroughs wanted so much to capitalise upon the brand that he introduced a syndicated Tarzan comic strip, movies and merchandise. He purchased a large ranch north of Los Angeles, California, which he named "Tarzana." The surrounding communities outside the ranch voted in 1927 to adopt the name as their own. By 1932 Burroughs set up his own company to print his own books. Here we publish the third in the Barsoom series and its enduring hero John Carter ‘The Warlord of Mars’. Another cultural classic.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. A widespread favourite of scholars, critics and causal readers alike, Anton Chekhov is one of the most challenging and enjoyable authors to read. Both a doctor and writer, Chekhov initially had little interest in literature, writing predominantly as a source of income. As recognition of his talents spread so his ambition grew he began to assert itself and history now acknowledges him as the greatest short story writer of all time.

Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. His early career was unremarkable. After failing to enter West Point he enlisted in the 7th Calvary but was discharged after heart problems were diagnosed. A series of short term jobs gave no indication as to a career path but finally, in 1911, married and with two young children, he turned his hand to writing. He aimed his works squarely at the very popular pulp serial magazines. His first effort ‘Under The Moons Of Mars’ ran in Munsey’s Magazine in 1912 under the pseudonym Norman Bean. With its success he began writing full time. A continuing theme of his work was to develop series so that each character had ample opportunities to return in sequels. John Carter was in the Mars series and there was another on Venus and one on Pellucidar among others. But perhaps the best known is Tarzan. Indeed Burroughs wanted so much to capitalise upon the brand that he introduced a syndicated Tarzan comic strip, movies and merchandise. He purchased a large ranch north of Los Angeles, California, which he named "Tarzana." The surrounding communities outside the ranch voted in 1927 to adopt the name as their own. By 1932 Burroughs set up his own company to print his own books. Here we publish the seventh in the Tarzan series ‘Tarzan the Untamed’. Another cultural classic.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of GK Chesterton. Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in Campden hill, Kensington on May 29th 1874. Originally after attending St Pauls School he went to Slade to learn the illustrators art and literature. In 1896 he joined a small London publisher and began his journalistic career as a freelance art and literary critic. In 1901 he married Frances Blogg, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. Thereafter he obtained weekly columns in the Daily News and The Illustrated London News. For many he is known as a very fine novelist and the creator of the Father Brown Detective stories which were much influenced by his own beliefs. A large man – 6’ 42 and 21st in weight he was apt to be forgetful in that delightful way that the British sometimes are – a telegram home to his wife saying he was in one place but where should he actually be. But he was prolific in many other areas; he wrote plays, essays, loved to debate and wrote hundreds of poems. But in this volume we concentrate on his short stories especially those concerning a certain Father Brown. Chesterton died of congestive heart failure on 14th June 1936 and is buried in Beaconsfield just outside of London. Many of these stories are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Word Of Mouth. Many samples are at our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/PortablePoetry?feature=mhee

Renowned author and Anglophile Henry James brings the class and elegance of Victorian and Edwardian literature throughout this short story series. Each volume contains a mixture of well known favourites and forgotten gems. James refuses to let his high standards drop and story retains the poise and simplicity to appeal to the modern reader. These collections are a great starting platform for readers to begin to appreciate the masterful writing and versatility of Henry James. Be sure to check out his novels and literary criticisms of notable authors George Eliot, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling among others which we also offer. Search ‘Henry James A Word To The Wise’ to see our full collection.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of Saki. Hector Hugh Munro was born in Akyab Burma on the 18th December 1870. With the death of his mother, Hector was sent to England to live with his Grandmother and Aunts and endured a strict family upbringing. Educated at Pencarwick School in Exmouth, Devon and at Bedford School it was only on a few occasions that he was able to travel with his father to fashionable European spas and tourist resorts. In 1893, Hector followed his father into the Indian Imperial Police, where he was posted to Burma. Two years later, having contracted malaria, he resigned and returned to England. In England he started his career as a journalist, writing for the newspapers; the Westminster Gazette, Daily Express, Bystander, Morning Post, and Outlook. In 1900, Munro's first book, an historical study, appeared: The Rise of the Russian Empire. From 1902 to 1908, Munro worked as a foreign correspondent for The Morning Post in the Balkans, Warsaw, Russia and Paris; he then gave that up and settled in London. His postings gave him a large amount of inspiration for his ‘Reginald’ stories as well as his perhaps more famous stories of the macabre and unusual. His wit, general mischievousness and delight in turning things on their head brought him great acclaim. In November 1916, when sheltering in a shell crater near Beaumont-Hamel, France, he was killed by a German sniper. His alleged last words "Put that bloody cigarette out!". He was 45. Many of these stories are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Word Of Mouth. Many samples are at our youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/PortablePoetry?feature=mhee. An Audiobook version is available at Amazon, Audible, Itunes and all other major digital retailers.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. A widespread favourite of scholars, critics and causal readers alike, Anton Chekhov is one of the most challenging and enjoyable authors to read. Both a doctor and writer, Chekhov initially had little interest in literature, writing predominantly as a source of income. As recognition of his talents spread so his ambition grew he began to assert itself and history now acknowledges him as the greatest short story writer of all time.

Edgar Rice Burroughs was born on September 1, 1875, in Chicago, Illinois. His early career was unremarkable. After failing to enter West Point he enlisted in the 7th Calvary but was discharged after heart problems were diagnosed. A series of short term jobs gave no indication as to a career path but finally, in 1911, married and with two young children, he turned his hand to writing. He aimed his works squarely at the very popular pulp serial magazines. His first effort ‘Under The Moons Of Mars’ ran in Munsey’s Magazine in 1912 under the pseudonym Norman Bean. With its success he began writing full time. A continuing theme of his work was to develop series so that each character had ample opportunities to return in sequels. John Carter was in the Mars series and there was another on Venus and one on Pellucidar among others. But perhaps the best known is Tarzan. Indeed Burroughs wanted so much to capitalise upon the brand that he introduced a syndicated Tarzan comic strip, movies and merchandise. He purchased a large ranch north of Los Angeles, California, which he named "Tarzana." The surrounding communities outside the ranch voted in 1927 to adopt the name as their own. By 1932 Burroughs set up his own company to print his own books. Here we publish the third in the Mucker series ‘The Oakdale Afair’. Perhaps a diversion for the pen of Edgar Rice Burroughs but nonetheless a cultural classic.

The short story is often viewed as an inferior relation to the Novel. But it is an art in itself. To take a story and distil its essence into fewer pages while keeping character and plot rounded and driven is not an easy task. Many try and many fail. In this series we look at short stories from many of our most accomplished writers. Miniature masterpieces with a lot to say. In this volume we examine some of the short stories of Anthony Trollope. Born in London on 24th April 1815 Trollope is considered a giant of English literature. His early schooling was at Harrow and Sunbury. He was often bullied due to the family’s reduced financial means exacerbated by his bad tempered father who seemed to be full of energy but lacking in any follow through to turn it into a regular income. His mother, Frances, moved with three of his younger siblings to the United States in 1827 returning only in 1831 as a successful writer. His father who had travelled with them for only a short time continued to fail. In 1834 Anthony Trollope moved with his family to Bruges in Belgium to escape the debt collectors pursuing his father. With the offer of work for the General Post Office he returned to London later that same year. The next 7 years were by his own account unproductive and miserable. However in 1841 a chance to move to Ireland for the GPO availed itself and he took it. His life began to turn around. His salary went further and his work went well and he became a valuable part of its’ work. In 1842 he met and then became engaged to Rose Heseltine and they later married in 1844. The marriage also stimulated his writing ambitions and within a year he had finished his first novel, “The Macdermots of Ballycloran”. During his long travels around Ireland he now began to write extensively often setting himself a schedule about how many words to write in a day. This discipline ensured a prolific and extensive literary catalogue in the decades to follow. In 1851 he was sent to England to organise rural delivery in part of the country. He travelled extensively for two years. In this period he began to nurture the first of the six Barsetshire novels “The Warden’ which was published to encouraging sales in 1855. Two years later, also in the same series, the famed “Barchester Towers” was published. In 1859 he wanted to contribute short stories to the Cornhill magazine, edited by William Makepeace Thackeray. His novel “Framley Parsonage” was initially printed as a serial in the magazine and proved lucrative and reputation building. Wishing to move his writing career forward he knew he should really be established back in England and preferably London. So in 1861 he sought and was appointed as Surveyor to the Eastern District, comprising Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and most of Hertfordshire. That same year he moved to Waltham Cross, about 12 miles from London, where he lived until 1871. In 1868 he resigned from the Post Office in order to run for Parliament (being a public servant he was otherwise ineligible to run) as a Liberal at Beverley in Yorkshire. Unfortunately with vote buying and other corrupt practices prevalent he finished last of 4 candidates despite spending over £400 on the campaign. However it brought new light on to the practice and helped to clean up national politics. Thereafter he focused his attention solely on writing. In 1871 he visited Australia for a year to see his younger son, his ensuing book, though even handed, gave way to resentment on many Australians part which still simmered on a return visit some years later. Shortly before his end he returned again to Ireland to research his last and unfinished novel “The Landleaguers”. In his prolific career he had written 47 novels as well as many short stories and travel books. On December 1882 he died in London and is buried at Kensal Green Cemetery in London.

In new and strange siuations, it can be hard to know what to do and how to act. My First Scene Book can help! And each of the 51 one-minute scenes -- from the real to the downright silly -- is just right for five- to nine-year-olds. Like all books in My First Acting Series, My First Scene Book is interactive, featuring pictures and discussion questions. It is easy to get your family and friends involved--what do they think? Do they agree or disagree? Jump into other lives and let your imagination soar! Parents and teachers, this is an excellent way to facilitate critical thinking and character building. Though the approach is sometimes zany and unconventional (shh--no one will know they're learning!), these scenes show real issues students may encounter, provoking lively, meaningful participation. Use it for story-time and drama, reading, writing, ethics, and art classes. Be creative and have fun!