Faulks on Fiction (Includes 3 Vintage Classics): Great British Heroes and the Secret Life of the Novel

Nov 17, 2024 1:18 AM

Author:Sebastian Faulks

The publication of Robinson Crusoe in London in 1719 marked the arrival of a revolutionary art form: the novel. British writers were prominent in shaping the new type of storytelling - one which reflected the experiences of ordinary people, with characters in whom readers could find not only an escape, but a deeper understanding of their own lives.

But the novel was more than just a reflection of British life. As Sebastian Faulks explains in this engaging literary and social history, it also helped invent the British. By focusing not on writers but on the people they gave us, Faulks not only celebrates the recently neglected act of novelistic creation baplaudsut shows how the most enduring fictional characters over the centuries have helped map the British psyche. In this ebook, Sebastian celebrates the greatest heroes in fiction - from Tom Jones to Sherlock Holmes.

Also included are three classic novels:

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: The legendary story of a shipwreck on a desert island.

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray: The story of a young woman's spectacular rise and fall as she gambles, manipulates and seduces her way through high society and the Napoleonic wars.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle: Sherlock Holmes' most famous case as he uncovers the truth behind the terrifying legend of a supernatural hound which preys upon the cursed Baskerville family.

Reviews

This is an extraordinary book told with generosity and warmth by a brilliant storyteller

—— Hilary Spurling , Financial Times

Xinran rages against the system and gives voice to adoptive mothers overseas who have rescued young Chinese girls and desolate birth mothers who grieve and feel guilt for the loss of their daughters

—— Iain Finlayson , The Times

One would have to have a heart of stone not to be moved

—— Economist

No bleaker picture exists of the fate of Chinese female infants...than Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother

—— Spectator

Harrowing and heartbreaking yet important tales

—— SHE Magazine

I was stunned and moved more than I can say

—— Gavin Elser , Sunday Herald, Christmas round up

First hand accounts of everyday experiences gleaned from close contact with Tibetan priests, politicians and peasants illuminate this moving book of modern day Tibet.

—— The Times

An enjoyably written argument

—— Sinclair McKay , Daily Telegraph

A gripping account

—— Adam Forrest , The Herald

DeGroot tells the story of the American lunar mission with verve and elegance

—— Richard Aldous , Irish Times

Fascinating, gossipy and occasionally hilarious

—— Jeffrey Taylor , Express

Ackroyd's view of Venice is not that of an infatuated lover... but more the magisterial distillation of much knowledge and reading, conveyed in prose that aspires to the glassy elegance of La Serenissima herself

—— Harry Eyres , Financial Times, Travel books of the year

Opulent, shimmering prose

—— Celia Brayfield , The Times, Christmas books

Ackroyd does Venice, his sonorous, scene painting prose advancing in rhythmic columns until no quarter of the city has escaped assimilation.

—— Ian Pindar , Guardian

Ackroyd's achievement is to bring the city back to life and help you to experience differently. Take it with you next time you visit.

—— Kate Quill , The Times

His dark tapestry ... deserves a place in every visitor's luggage

—— Independent

Ackroyd writes about Venice as an idea, with stylish meditations on such topics as time, light, water, sexuality, politics and psychopathology...he writes so well that at times he'd drive you mad - "Venice represented an idea that was itself eternal" - but if you just climb into his gondola and go where he takes you, the rewards are great indeed

—— Arminta Wallace , The Irish Times

Many books have been written about Venice by authors like Mary McCarthy and Jan Morris. Ackroyd's advantage is his poetic eye

—— Colin Waters , Sunday Herald

Ackroyd writes beguilingly as he weaves his way around the lagoon, supplying interesting details en route...

—— Jane Knight , The Times

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