First published in 1972 (as "The Popinjay Stairs"), this novel set in Restoration England is one of the finest productions in Geoffrey Trease's long and distinguished career as a writer of historical fiction for young readers.

The inciting incident for the novel's drama is the hold-up by highwaymen of a coach that numbers among its passengers one Samuel Pepys, Secretary to the Office of Lord High Admiral of England, and accordingly a young man who holds a high responsibility for the nation's naval defences. That the villains should relieve their victims of jewellery and watches comes as no surprise - but why are they so interested in the well-worn leather case of official documents belonging to Mr. Pepys?

What follows is a headlong tale of adventure, blackmail and treachery, culminating in a midnight river chase on the Thames.

"'It is a strange and terrible thing to listen to one's own funeral service...'"

The year is 1290: sixteen year-old Robin of Westwood has been declared a leper, and must suffer the parish priest pronouncing him dead to his village and family. But traveling back through Sherwood Forest Robin rescues a man from attack: a Jewish doctor, Solomon, who knows how to cure what ails Robin. Solomon, however, like his fellow Jews, is to be expelled from England by royal decree. But fate intervenes for Solomon - and for Robin - through a summons to meet the Queen, Eleanor of Castile, who is gravely ill and knows of only one cure. In search of same, Robin and Solomon will venture out to the Moorish Spain of Cordoba and Granada.

'Geoffrey Trease has become a classic writer for children.' "Books for Children"

'One of Trease's best books.' "British Book News"

In the peaceful English countryside of 1859, fifteen-year-old Mark Apperley is bored of life with his overbearing grandmother. His plan to escape brings about dramatic results: he is sent away to the heart of revolutionary Europe. On a journey to Rome, he meets Tessa and Pietro, two young revolutionaries, and soon he sneaks away from his classics lessons to join the Student Corps, and embarks on an expedition with a hero wearing a black-plumed hat - General Garibaldi himself.

All over Athens the cocks were crowing, the sky was turning from dark-blue to oyster-grey, and the city was waking to one of its great events, the annual festival in the vast open-air theatre. Alexis, son of Leon, was full of anticipation as he dreamed of having his own plays performed there one day. But he was to be involved in more than playwriting before the day was over, for among the spectators at the horse race, by the light of the flaming torches, he heard Hippias, the arrogant dandy, and a stranger with a beaked nose and over-high cheekbones, plotting to overthrow the democracy of Athens. For the rest of the year, two things possessed Alexis: his comedy The Gadfly, and the plans he laid with his friend Corinna to trap the conspirators and save his beloved city. His exultation and anxiety grew together as the fateful Theatre Festival arrived once more. Geoffrey Trease has combined a fast-moving dramatic story with a vivid and accurate picture of a great historical period.

Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease is an exciting historical novel for children. Fleeing from the evil Sir Philip Morton, Peter Brownrigg finds himself on the wrong side of the law. On the run to London he meets Kit and the two decide to stick together. But a chance discovery endangers their lives and soon Peter is deep in murderous plots, secrets and even treason. Set in the turbulent days of Elizabeth I, this classic story of danger and intrigue conjures up a world of mystery, twists and turns and thrilling action. Reissued in 'A Puffin Book' series of Puffin modern classics.

Set in Imperial Rome at the time of Emperor Hadrian, a teenaged boy travels across the Empire from his home in Britain to seek an audience with the Emperor. Along the way he meets up with the villains who are trying to stop him, a famous charioteer who helps him, apathetic solicitors who won't help him, and finally the Emperor. At every step of his adventure, he remains loyal, demonstrates courage and prudence, and does not give up even when it seems impossible.

An office worker and an aristocratic young lady become unlikely friends as they work together for women's right to vote. A thrilling story of secret meetings, police oppression and social upheaval, as well as an accurate account of the Suffragette movement in the years before the First World War. Republished to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the death of suffragette martyr Emily Davison.

A story set in Ancient Greece. When news reaches Athens that Persian ships are about to invade Greece at Marathon, Philip knows that his uncle and grandmother are in great danger. As his brothers and father are busy preparing for war, he is the only one who can cross the mountains and warn his family. The race is on...but will he reach them in time?

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.