Here are 12 specially selected tales by one of the masters of this miniature art, Saki (H.H Munro). They range from the comic deception of "The Schartz Metterklume Method" to "The Cobweb", a subtle meditation on life, change and death. Also included is Munro's short essay "Birds on the Western Front", a poignant description of some of Nature's response to the devastation of war: written in the very place where Munro would tragically lose his life to a sniper's bullet in 1916.Beauti...

Rudolf Rassendyll, a carefree young man, doing all he can to avoid settling down in life, suddenly finds himself in the centre of royal intrigue in which he must play a role that will test all of his bravery and resolve. However his biggest test comes when the choice is between true love and duty.The classic romantic adventure, much imitated but never bettered, beautifully narrated with verve and imagination by Simon Hester

“It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed…”C.S LewisThe Book of Psalms is at the heart of the Christian Bible. The Psalmist cries out to God at times of despair, in supplication, in frustration and penitence but ultimately, in Praise.Half of the Psalms were likely written by the Shepherd-King, David, a man described in the Bible as “a man after God’s own heart”...

Lewis Carroll's timeless tale of fantasy, nonsense and beautiful absurdity, narrated by Simon Hester.

Although accepted to be a classic of children's literature, Kenneth Grahame's tale of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad is layered with the universal themes of nature, longing, belonging, awe and friendship; all woven around the exciting adventures of the incorrigible Mr Toad and his faithful companion's attempts to tame his wayward spirit.

White Nights is one of Dostoyevsky's shorter works told from the standpoint of an ultimate introvert, brought briefly out of his shell by love. It might have been written 170 years ago, but certain aspects of it are very relatable to the modern reader, especially to those of us who gravitate toward solitude and introversion.

John Bunyan's classic allegory of the Christian journey of pilgrimage has never lost its power to teach the important truths of Faith. We may prefer our allegories to be a little more sophisticated these days, and feel that characters such as Mr Worldy Wise, Mr Talkative, Giant Despair , Mercy and Great Heart are far from subtle.Yet Bunyan never wanted us in any doubt as to the thrust of his story, and if we can lay aside our 21st Century tendency to equate plain speaking with naiv...

John Buchan himself stated that he set out to write a book in the style of the ubiquitous American “Dime Novel”. What he actually succeeded in creating was a relatively unique and new genre for British literature, the Spy Novel. Those thrilling elements of the fleeing innocent man hunted through the wilds by sinister and undefined dark forces have been explored countless times in books and on screen ever since.

Dostoevsky's novella " Notes from the Underground" is part embittered monologue and part brief descriptions of anecdotes from the anonymous writer's life. As the author himself states:"The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course, imaginary. Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society, when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is formed."The Russia o...

Perhaps the most famous and most accessible of Dickens' stories which can be enjoyed every year afresh at Christmas time, as we never tire of the inspirational story of Scrooge's redemption and transformation. Here performed with warmth and compelling narrative skill by Simon Hester

Today we take for granted the exploration of the fascinating submarine depths of the oceans, so ubiquitous are its many representations on our screens. It is therefore surprising to realise that in his thrilling 1869 novel Jules Verne was anticipating much which was then not even imagined by science.The enigmatic Captain Nemo takes his awe-inspiring Nautilus around the Oceans of the world exploring the deep with its wonders and horrors. The story is narrated by Professor Aronax, wh...

Charles Kingsley's "The Water-Babies" stands as a timeless masterpiece that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers since its first publication in 1863. A remarkable Victorian clergyman, author, and social reformer, Kingsley wove together a captivating narrative that transcends its era, providing readers with a delightful blend of fantasy, morality, and social commentary.Set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, "The Water-Babies" reflects the societal conc...