Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

The remarkable story of Sir William Curtis MP, who rose from humble beginnings as a baker in Wapping to become a self-made multi-millionaire, banker and shipping magnate who was at the centre of Georgian society for over fifty years. A friend and confidant of Kings, Czars and Prime Ministers, he was the last great Merchant Prince of Regency England!

The most joyful book of 2023! Violet Hamilton is a woman who knows her own mind. Which, in 1896, can make things a little complicated... At 28, Violet's father is beginning to worry she will never find a husband. But every suitor he presents, Violet finds a new and inventive means of rebuffing. Because Violet does not want to marry. She wants to work, and make her own way in the world. But more than anything, she wants to find her mother Lily, who disappeared from Hastings Pier 10 years earlier. Finding the missing is no job for a lady, but when Violet hires a seaside detective to help, she sets off a chain of events that will put more than just her reputation at risk. Can Violet solve the mystery of Lily Hamilton's vanishing before it's too late? A delightfully quirky and clever book club read, perfect for fans of Dear Mrs Bird, The Maid and Lessons in Chemistry. Praise for No Life For a Lady: 'A GORGEOUS historical romcom with lashings of mystery... Joyful!' Sophie Irwin 'Charming, exhilarating, fabulously funny and so full of heart – Violet is the heroine I've been waiting for.' Daisy Buchanan 'So original and well written, I couldn't put it down... I can't remember rooting for a heroine as hard as I did for Violet.' Lucy Vine 'Delightful, original, cleverly crafted and completely addictive. Violet Hamilton is one of those characters who slips into your heart straight away and radiates joy. I loved it!' Hazel Prior 'Impeccably researched, with a slowly unfurling mystery at its heart, this witty and uplifting story belongs entirely to Violet – a lady determined to tackle life (and love!) on her own terms' Julietta Henderson 'Violet’s story is moving, inspiring and very, very funny; a complete triumph' Celia Anderson 'Watch out Enola Holmes - Violet Hamilton is on the case! Pure joy and utterly charming!' Faith Hogan ’Eleanor Oliphant for historical fiction fans, with a dash of detective work and mystery thrown in. I loved everything about it.’ Katie Lumsden

Charles Philip Arthur George became King on 8 September 2022. On 6 May the following year the world watched as he was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Heir apparent for more than seventy years, this charming book looks at his lighter side – his sense of humour, the funny things he’s said or done, whether laughing at himself or the unusual situations in which he’s sometimes involved. From commenting as he unveiled a sculpture of Prince Philip, ‘I now complete the process of helping my father to expose himself,’ to poking fun at his reputation for talking to plants, ‘Only the other day I was inquiring of an entire bed of old-fashioned roses, forced to listen to my ramblings on the meaning of the universe as I sat cross-legged in the lotus position in front of them.’ The King has admitted, ‘My sense of humour will get me into trouble one day.’ Passionate about the environment and the natural world, a keen sportsman and music lover, it’s his interest in architecture that has prompted some of his most colourful comments. He famously compared London’s evolving skyline to ‘an absurdist picnic table’ … ‘We already have a giant gherkin, now it looks as if we are going to have an enormous salt cellar.’ In The Wicked Wit of King Charles III you will the very best of the King’s humour, covering a huge range of topics that have been close to his heart. After all, if he hadn’t been destined to rule, he may have liked to be a comedian. ‘I love imitating and mimicking… I enjoy making people laugh if I can.’

This collection is devoted to Gilbert Ryle's philosophy of mind and language. It features essays from prominent scholars on the topics of category mistakes, hypotheticals, dispositions, emotion, thinking, perception, and the task-achievement distinction.

A literary "Will & Grace," this collection of essays from a diverse array of contributors celebrates the relationship between straight women and their gay best friend.