I would like to draw your attention to one of my favourite publishing houses. Over the years I have read many books from their list but just recently I have spotted an abundance of favourites which are simply mouthwatering. The title which have caught my eye are in Hesperus Minor which is a carefully edited selection of reprints of children's classics which they are republishing so that a new generation of readers can discover them.
One which I am absolutely delighted with is The Runaways by Elizabeth Goudge. I have an original copy of this title but it was then called Linnets and Valerians. Cannot quite understand the reason for the new name, 
but not matter. This is a simply enchanting book by one of my all time favourite authors so do get hold of a copy if you can.
The Coral Island by Ballantyne which I reviewed earlier here. A favourite of mine as a child though nobody could understand why I wanted to read a 'boy's book'. The Story of the Treasure Seekers by Nesbit, another favourite and though I am sure it is available in other formats Hesperus make their books look so lovely and wantable that this should be on your list as well.
And so we come to the classic section giving us all the chance to get hold of out of print titles. I would draw your attention to The Blue Castle and Tangled Web which I have already reviewed, both by L M Montgomery and are probably not as well known as the Anne or Emily books. The Emily books have been reissued by Virago and another, Jane of Lantern Hill, is now available, all wonderful stories that have adorned my bookshelves for years, albeit in battered old copies which I will never get rid of even if I should be lucky enough to have new editions.
I would like to flag up one of my favourite authors, Frances Hodgson Burnett and the publishing of one of her books which very few will have heard of, A Lady of Quality. I have just finished reading this and will be reviewing soon, set in the 17th century and stylistically purple prose and huge fun, tells the story of a strong willed and unloved girl who manages to curb her temperament and turn herself into a Lady.
Also by this author The Lost Prince – which I think is probably my most favourite story by FHB.
"Twelve-year-old Marco Loristan is an exiled Samavian boy, living in London with his father. Usually to be found whiling away the day, roaming the city in the company of street urchins, Marco’s life is suddenly turned upside down when he is confided a covert mission to Europe. He must travel across the continent to bear a secret signal to the Samavian rebels plotting to overthrow the kingdom’s cruel dictator. Little does Marco know the dangers his journey will unleash or where his destiny will lead him"
Positively Ruritanian and simply wonderfully gorgeous romantic.
Due next month Old Friends and New Fancies by Sybil Brinton, which I believe is one of the earliest,if not the first Austen sequels. I have an old copy of this which I am currently re-reading with huge enjoyment and can recommend this to all Jane Austen fans. I know the legion of sequels and prequels can be off putting but this is one of the best and not a Death at Pemberley, Murder at Mansfield Park or a Zombie in sight….
Do check out their website and their catalogues and if you can resist ordering any I have mentioned, plus more, then you are a better man than I, Gunga Din.
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