Who were the Victorians? Were they self-confident imperialists secure in the virtues of the home, and ruled by the values of authority, duty, religion and respectability? Or were they self-doubting and hypocritical prudes whose family life was authoritarian and loveless? Ever since Lytton Strachey mocked Florence Nightingale and General Gordon in Eminent Victorians, the reputation of the Victorians, and of what they stood for, has been the subject of vigorous debate.
John Gardiner provides a fascinating guide to the changing reputation of the Victorians during the 20th century. Different social, political, and aesthetic values, two world wars, youth culture, nostalgia, new historical trends and the heritage industry have all affected the way we see the age and its men and women. The second half of the book shows how radically biographical accounts have changed over the last 100 years, exemplified by four archetypical Victorians: Charles Dickens, W.E. Gladstone, Oscar Wilde, and Queen Victoria herself.

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.

Defence from Floods and Floodplain Management discusses all aspects of floodplain management related to defence from floods, including specific issues such as the maintenance of flood defences, and reveals many aspects of a more holistic approach to the management of flood risk, expanding the structural/non-structural debate into prevention and cure in the floodplain and its catchment. Recent experience in many countries is recounted by experts from Hungary, Austria, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK and the USA.

Following their success with Dazzle, the authors have turned their attention to football (a.k.a. soccer) in this hilarious musical about a hapless city team out to win the World Cup Six a Side Championship. With a host of comic characters, this fun filled comedy is a sure winner. Rockasocka offers opportunities for flexible casting and can be played on a proscenium or thrust stage or in the round to create a football atmosphere.-6 women, 6 men

A top surgeon has disappeared from St Sennapod's Hospital leaving young Dr Boldly in charge of Ward 10. Sinister Dr Scalpel arrives, trying to corner the market in spare-part surgery by snipping off spare parts wherever he can. However, Orderly Jim Pill and the hospital staff succeed in foiling Scalpel's dastardly plans and all ends happily. This fun-filled, fast-moving play for children is easily staged and allows plenty of opportunity for audience participation.Large flexible cast

Dazzle, a parody of Star Trek, charts the first voyage of the Star Ship Sunburster One under the control of dashingly handsome (and doesn't he know it) Captain Sam Galatic.4 women, 5 men

Horrible Harold, an oversized 'baby' with disgusting habits and a liking for Guinness and heavy rock music, falls prey to Mr Slickerbotham. After a near miss with the Dry Cleaning Emporium he is saved by his mum and reunited with his long-lost father. Plenty of audience participation combined with hilarious properties and easy staging make this an appealing play for children of all ages, especially when dirt triumphs over cleanliness.-5 women, 4 men

This fun-filled play revolves around the antics of three waiters sacked by Mr Macaroni, the money-minded owner of the Pizza Pie Palace. They devise various schemes to get their jobs back, and are streered through their adventures with the help of the audience. After bangs, flashes, songs, dances, talking snakes and even exploding pizza pies, all ends happily with a double wedding.Large flexible cast

This wild West musical is fun for the whole family. The action takes place on Christmas eve in Diamond Tooth Lil's Saloon where all are busy with preparations for a Christmas party (could be changed easily to any holiday). Word comes that a badman and his gang are headed their way.4 women, 6 men

This lively musical, originally written for teenagers and young people, is based on the life and times of Al Capone, the infamous Chicago gangster.Large flexible cast

Defence from Floods and Floodplain Management discusses all aspects of floodplain management related to defence from floods, including specific issues such as the maintenance of flood defences, and reveals many aspects of a more holistic approach to the management of flood risk, expanding the structural/non-structural debate into prevention and cure in the floodplain and its catchment. Recent experience in many countries is recounted by experts from Hungary, Austria, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK and the USA.