specific details and the broader context of the story. To discover the meaning of a difficult detail or idea, the reader needs only find the appropriate chapter in The Companion, look for the italicized phrase that identifies the relevant paragraph, and then read the discussion of the word or passage in question, which will be marked in bold. The book is the result of extensive original research and will appeal to both scholars, secondary school students and amateur Dickens enthusiasts. From details about food, costume, and transport to the political and social concerns of the day, The Companion will open up Dickens's world in an accessible, fascinating way.  (less)

monarchs and politicians, soldiers at war, industry and transport, farming and rural life, national celebrations, ordinary people at home and at work, entertainers and actors, fashion, sport, school and much else. Their work has given us a unique view of our nation's heritage. This volume looks at the major events, people and stories of the 1870s through photographs that reveal the essence of those times. As the decade began, Britain was enjoying an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. The gap between rich and poor was still vast, but conditions for workers were improving and the Bank Holiday Act pioneered paid holidays. Government swung between two giants of Victorian politics: Gladstone and Disraeli. Gladstone attempted to solve the problems of Ireland, but his efforts pleased no-one. Disraeli's coup was to purchase for Britain almost half the shares in the Suez Canal, securing the way to India. But this did not stop the country heading into recession, allowing Gladstone to storm back to power. Relive these times in the dramatic and moving pictures presented in this book.  (less)

but find a dead body instead. Handsome Sheriff Ben arrives, but not until AFTER the murderers have come calling. Things get stickier when the Treasury Department and a biker gang — the Devil's Cheerleaders — get involved, too. Despite continuous misadventures — from Sausage Festival pandemonium to unsympathetic law enforcement officials in unattractive shoes to a malfunctioning giant man-eating plant from Splotski's Theatre Rentals — Kate and Kitty are determined that the show must go on. Sexy, sassy, and hilarious, this mystery is the second in a series featuring amateur sleuth Kate London.  (less)

than by man. On 'links' like this golf is much more than just a game to those that play it. It is a battlefield where scores are settled and every man and woman is equal. Anything further from the wealth and luxury of an exclusive country club would be hard to imagine. Yet to young Larry Lynch, nicknamed Loopy, golf opens up new horizons and the chance of a better life. The story of Loopy is about much more than golf, it is the struggle of good versus evil, played out against a majestic backdrop of towering sand dunes, emerald green fairways and Atlantic hailstorms that prick the face like steel knitting needles. Loopy is pitted against snobbery, big business and ruthless financiers in a golf match that is a parable of life itself. Helped only by an eccentric caddy and a gaggle of noisy supporters, he takes on some of the world's best amateur golfers in a titanic struggle that will warm the heart of readers everywhere. Little does he know that he is playing for a prize far, far greater than a silver trophy.  (less)

Store.) Kate and her new sweetie have finally moved in together in FAT-FREE AND FATAL. But her sweetie''s venomous mother has moved in too, and she''s working hard at destroying the relationship. Kate signs up for a vegetarian cooking class to get out of the house and out from under the prongs of her almost mother-in-law''s tongue. Only it''s a case of out-of-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire when the owner of the class''s venue, The Good Thyme Cafe, is found dead ... strangled by the electric cord of a SaladShooter. The police suspect Kate''s best friend, Barbara. Kate sleuths, fearing that otherwise, her friend''s fowl-free goose may be cooked.  (less)

or professional, they unravel mysteries that involve the listener right from the start.  (less)