Books to Adopt

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  • Pride and Prejudice

    by Jane Austen, 1895 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The classic, much-loved Jane Austen novel featuring two of the most recognisable characters in English literature - Elizabeth Bennett and Mr D'Arcy. Perfect for romantics and lovers of classic literature!

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  • Wonders of Africa

    by David Livingstone , 1874 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The autobiography of David Livingstone, the great explorer and missionary, and one of the most popular national heroes in 19th century Britain. The book includes details of his extensive travels and discoveries in South and Central Africa. The perfect book adoption for anyone interested in travel, exploration, history or geography.

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  • The Modern Bicycle

    by Charles Spencer, 1877 Detailed view Adopt this book

    In this charming, illustrated guide Charles Spencer gives practical advice for long distance cyclists using modern bicycles (in 1877 these had a large fore wheel and smaller hind wheel). Also included is a road guide for England and Wales and a detailed account of Spencer's 800 mile cycle with friends from London to John O'Groats in 1873. A perfect adoption for avid cyclists.

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  • The Three Musketeers

    by Alexandre Dumas, Translated by W Robson, 1853 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Inseparable friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are joined by D'Artagnan, a young nobleman travelling to Paris in 1625 and together they fight to guard King Louise XIII from the wicked plots of Cardinal Richelieu. This swashbuckling tale makes a wonderful gift for fans of Alexandre Dumas.

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  • Wives and Daughters

    by Elizabeth Gaskell , 1912 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Molly Gibson's quiet life changes upon the arrival of a new stepsister. A vivid portrayal of rural family life in Victorian England - this title makes a great gift for fans of classic literature. Illustrated by M.V. Wheelhouse.

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  • The Old Curiosity Shop

    by Charles Dickens, 1898 Detailed view Adopt this book

    One of the most familiar and well-loved of Dickens works, the tale of Little Nell and her grandfather, residents of The Old Curiosity Shop in London, makes a great adoption for Dickens fans.

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  • Mrs. Dalloway

    by Virginia Woolf, 1928 Detailed view Adopt this book

    One of Woolf's best-loved novels follows a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway. A great adoption for fans of classic English literature.

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  • Howard's End

    by E. M. Forster , 1929 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The lives of three families - the Wilcoxes, Schlegels and Basts - intersect at Howard's End. A perfect gift for fans of Forster.

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  • Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair

    by Pablo Neruda, 1972 Detailed view Adopt this book

    First published in 1924 when Neruda was a teenager, this collection of love poems remains an international favourite. A wonderful gift for poetry lovers. This book is in Spanish. Illustrations by Raúl Soldi.

• • Sense and Sensibility

    by Jane Austen, 1870 Detailed view Adopt this book

    "Sense will always have attractions for me." - Elinor Dashwood. Jane Austen's first published book follows the Dashwood sisters and their pursuit of love. A perfect gift for Jane Austen fans.

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  • Ballet Shoes

    by Noel Streatfeild , 1936 Detailed view Adopt this book

    A beloved children's classic from the author of White Boots and Tennis Shoes - a wonderful gift for aspiring dancers and actors.

• • Le Petit Prince

    by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 1954 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This beloved novella is one of the most read and translated book in the French language. Follow the Little Prince as he travels from his asteroid home to Earth - a lovely a present for both children and adults. This book is in French.

• • The Age of Reason

    by Jean-Paul Sartre , 1945 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The first novel in Jean Paul Satre's celebrated Road to Freedom trilogy examining his philosophy of existentialism. This book is in French.

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  • All Quiet on the Western Front

    by Erich Maria Remarque , 1929 Detailed view Adopt this book

    English language version of the German classic about the First World War. A perfect adoption for those interested in history.

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  • The British Cookery Book

    by J. H. Walsh (Editor) , 1864 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This edition of The British Cookery Book includes charming illustrations of kitchen ranges and utensils, chapters such as "the principles of carving" and many recipes, even one for a "refreshing fever drink." Adapted for every day use in English kitchens by a "committee of ladies," this title makes a great adoption for those interested in the history of British cookery.

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  • Adam Bede

    by George Eliot, 1901 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The first novel by George Eliot is a tragic tale of seduction and deception set in rural Hayslope. Carpenter Adam Bede is in love with the beautiful Hetty Sorrel but Hetty is seduced by the local squire's son, Arthur Donnithorne. Hailed by her contemporaries as 'the masterpiece of the century' this is a perfect gift for literature fans.

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  • Great Expectations

    by Charles Dickens, 1862 Detailed view Adopt this book

    First published in serial form from 1860-61, Great Expectations is one of Dickens' best loved works, recounting the life of the orphan Pip as he attempts to become a gentleman. Some of Dickens' most memorable characters feature, including Miss Havisham and Estella, and Magwitch the convict. A perfect book to adopt for Dickens fans.

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  • The Happy Prince and Other Tales

    by Oscar Wilde Illustrated by Walter Crane and Jacomb Hood, 1889 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The Prince and Other Tales was Oscar Wilde's first collection of short stories. He insisted that it was written "not for children but for childlike people from eighteen to eighty." Includes The Nightingale and the Rose, The Selfish Giant, The Devoted Friend, and The Remarkable Rocket. A perfect adoption for Wilde fans.

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  • Kings and Queens

    by Eleanor and Herbert Farjeon, Illustrated by Rosalind Thornycroft, 1932 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This charming children’s classic tells the story of the forty-one English monarchs since William I. Each King and Queen is dedicated a humorous poem and colourful illustration. A perfect adoption for children of all ages.

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  • Flowers from Shakespeare's Garden

    by William Shakespeare, Illustrated by Walter Crane, 1906 Detailed view Adopt this book

    In this charming book celebrated illustrator Walter Crane portrays flowers referenced in Shakespearean plays in human form. A perfect adoption for Shakespeare lovers, gardeners and anyone interested in design and illustration.

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  • Peter Pan & Wendy

    by J. M. Barrie, 1955 Detailed view Adopt this book

    J M Barrie is best known as the creator of Peter Pan and his stories have enchanted children of all ages for many years. Full of wisdom and adventure, this colourfully illustrated edition of Peter Pan and Wendy would would make a perfect gift for fans of Neverland.(Cover image courtesy of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity)

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  • The Polar Express

    by Chris Van Allsburg, 1986 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The Polar Express is a magical tale about a boy who travels to the North Pole and is given a special bell from Santa Claus—a bell that rings for “all who truly believe”. This fully illustrated, classic title makes a great Christmas gift for children of all ages.

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  • Pierce Egan’s Anecdotes of the turf, the chase, the ring and the stage

    by Pierce Egan, 1827 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Pierce Egan (1772-1849) is often described as the first sporting journalist and author. Anecdotes of the turf was written in a light-hearted style and includes a lively collection of topical sporting news, stories and verses, interspersed with hand-coloured plates by the caricaturist Thomas Lane. Horse racing, hunting and boxing feature prominently, but rat-catching, billiards, wrestling, fishing, even a hopping match (pictured) and drunken marital squabbles, are all legitimate targets for his journalism.

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  • Pedestrianism

    by Walter Thom, 1813 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Robert Barclay, better known as Captain Barclay, the great pedestrian of the 19th century walked 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours on Newmarket Heath in 1809. This rare book contains a full account of his feats and training methods and served as an important influence on athletics for many years.

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  • The sportsman's dictionary: or, the country gentleman's companion, in all rural recreations

    by "Extracted from the most celebrated English and French authors", 1744 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This rare edition includes "full and particular instructions for fishing, racing, hunting and more." Illustrated with thirty copper-plates of nets, animals, engines, traps and other tools - this book would make a great adoption for that special gentleman.

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  • Wuthering Heights

    by Emily Brontë, 1964 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Emily Brontë's only novel has inspired many adaptations, including a new movie by British director Andrea Arnold. This beautiful Folio Society edition with lithographs by Charles Keeping makes a great adoption for fans of the classic title.

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  • Sybil

    by Benjamin Disraeli, 1845 Detailed view Adopt this book

    One of Benjamin Disraeli's best known titles, Sybil follows the struggles of England's working class. A perfect adoption for those interested in history.

• • Four Hedges. A Gardener's Chronicle

    by Clare Leighton, 1935 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Clare Leighton's wood engravings beautifully chronicle a year in her Chiltern garden in this charming book. A perfect adoption for those interested in gardening.

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  • Embroidery: or, the Craft of the Needle

    by W. G. P. Townsend, Illustrations by Walter Crane, 1899 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Townsend was a Design Master at the Royal School of Needlework and wrote this book "in response to student inquiries for a handbook on embroideries". This beautiful, gilt-edged edition includes over 50 illustrations and chapters on design, utility and adaptation. A perfect adoption for needlework enthusiasts.

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  • Designs on the Dances of Vaslav Nijinsky

    by George Barbier, Illustrator, Foreword by Francis de Miomandre, translated from the French by C W Beaumont , 1913 Detailed view Adopt this book

    A collection of 12 beautiful illustrations inspired by legendary Russian dancer Vaslav Nijinskyis. This limited edition is a perfect adoption for those interested in illustration, design, and ballet.

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  • Hortus Europae Americanus

    by Mark Catesby, 1767 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Celebrated English naturalist Mark Catesby explored the natural habitat of North America in the mid 18th century, culminating in a collection of 63 gorgeous etchings found in this volume. A lovely adoption for those interested in illustration and plants.

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  • An encyclopaedia of plants

    by J C Loudon, Editor, 1829 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This complete encyclopaedia includes all the plants indigenous, cultivated in, or introduced to Britain at the time of its publication. Ten-thousand species are explored and finely illustrated. A perfect adoption for anyone interested in plants.

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  • Beauties of the Opera and Ballet

    by Charles Heath, Engraver , 1845 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This gilded book includes over ten beautiful steel engravings; each page is framed in cartouche style and features ballets such as “Giselle” and “Don Juan.” Charles Heath came from a family of engravers supported by the Royal Family and this title is dedicated to Queen Victoria. A lovely adoption for those interested in opera and ballet.

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  • Coloured plates extracted from "Les Modes Parisiennes"

    by François Claudius Compte-Calix, Illustrator, 1865 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Drawn from the French magazine Les Modes Parisiennes, this stunning collection of illustrations shows a wide variety of stylish costumes from the 19th century. A perfect adoption for Francophiles and those interested in fashion, design an illustration.

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  • The Flowers of Japan and the Art of Flower Arrangement

    by Josiah Conder, 1891 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is beautifully detailed in this illustrated book by British architect Josiah Conder. A perfect adoption for those interested in nature and Japanese culture and a lovely gift for Valentine's Day.

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  • English Housewifery

    by Elizabeth Moxon, 1785 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This classic Moxon title has over 400 recipes from apple dumplings to fricassy of lamb, as well as a fold-out spread of seasonal fish and table setting illustrations, some with over 15 different dishes for one course! A contrast to today's popular "quick meal" recipe books and a perfect adoption for those who love to cook and eat.

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  • The Paris Sketch Book

    by William Makepeace Thackeray, 1866 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Taking your Valentine to Paris this year? Walk the city streets through the eyes of English novelist William Thackeray (Vanity Fair) in this collection of witty observations during his time in Paris in 1835. A perfect adoption for Francophiles and a great alternative city guide!

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  • The Return of the Native

    by Thomas Hardy, 1892 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Hardy was already a successful writer when his sixth novel, The Return of the Native, was published in 1878. Set in the fictitious Egdon Heath, a tragic tale of the forces between nature and society is played out by Eustacia Vye, Diggory Venn, Clym Yeobright and the community. A perfect adoption for devout Hardy fans.

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  • The History of Margaret of Anjou, Queen of England

    by Antoine François Prévost D’exiles, 1756 Detailed view Adopt this book

    As part of the Library's upcoming exhibition, Royal Manuscripts: The Genius of Illumination, items related to Margaret of Anjou, wife to Henry VI, will be on display. Learn more about Margaret of Anjou in this small translation by prolific writer Abbé Prévost, a perfect adoption for anyone interested in Tudor history.

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  • La Cucina Futurista

    by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, 1932 Detailed view Adopt this book

    In this controversial cookbook, Italian Futurist artist Filippo Tommaso Marinetti proposes the incorporation of new sensations into food: speed, technology, colour, sculptures, noises and tactile pleasures. A stimulating title for anyone interested in European Avant Garde cuisine. This book is in Italian.

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  • The Moosewood Cookbook

    by Mollie Katzen, 1977 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Arguably the most popular vegetarian book in the world, The Moosewood Cookbook has been a household staple whether veggie or omnivore for years. Charmingly hand-lettered and illustrated by Katzen, this cookbook makes a great gift for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen. (Published by Ten Speed Press)

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  • Sun, Moon and Stars: Astronomy for Beginners

    by Agnes Giberne, 1893 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Agnes Giberne was an amateur astronomer and founding member of the British Astronomical Association. Richly illustrated, Sun, Moon and Stars: Astronomy for Beginners was a popular title for many years after its publication, a perfect adoption for star-gazing bibliophiles.

• • Le Monde d'Herge

    by Benoît Peeters, 1983 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This illustrated book explains the origins of Tintin's adventures and examines Hergé’s international career. Perfect for Hergé fans, especially with the October 2011 UK movie premier of The Adventures of Tintin. This book is in French.

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  • A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys

    by Nathaniel Hawthorne , 1852 Detailed view Adopt this book

    American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne re-imagines myths from Greek mythology in this decorative children's book. Includes stories about Perseus, The Chimera and Pandora. A perfect adoption for kids of all ages.

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  • The Adventures of Joseph Andrews

    by Henry Fielding Illustrations by George Cruikshank, 1832 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Originally published in 1742, The Adventures of Joseph Andrews is considered one of the first novels in the English language. A perfect adoption for fans of Fielding, also known for writing The History of Tom Jones.

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  • Magical Rope Ties and Escapes

    by Harry Houdini, 1921 Detailed view Adopt this book

    In this practical guide with illustrations, Houdini explains how to perform ties "of two distinct types, namely, those adapted to use in spiritualistic work, and those intended for the escape artist." A perfect adoption for fans of the most famous magician in the world.

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  • After London

    by Richard Jefferies, 1908 Detailed view Adopt this book

    In this Victorian science fiction novel, Jefferies creates a post-apocalyptic England where London has reverted to a lake, the English countryside to nature, and a few survivors live in a quasi-medieval society. A great adoption for fans of our Out of this World exhibition.

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  • A Pretty Book of Pictures for little masters and misses, or, Tommy Trip’s History of Beasts and Birds.

    by Tommy Trip , 1867 Detailed view Adopt this book

    A children's classic with beautiful engravings, this would be a lovely adoption to mark a special child's birthday or christening.

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  • Far from the Madding Crowd

    by Thomas Hardy, 1874 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Thomas Hardy's fourth novel and his first major success. Far from the Madding Crowd is a captivating tale of love and obligation set in Hardy's Wessex and featuring one of his most famous heroines, Bathsheba Everdene. A perfect choice for anyone interested in English literature.

• • The Topography and Natural History of Hampstead

    by John James Park , 1818 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Fascinating early 19th century descriptions of north London, including a rare map of the areas now occupied by Hampstead, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill, St John's Wood, Swiss Cottage & Kilburn (principally the modern London postal codes NW3, NW6 and NW8). The then village of Hampstead and Hampstead Heath occupies the top right hand quarter of the map, with all buildings in the village being marked. West Hampstead (then West End) is shown as a hamlet on the left hand side of the map. An ideal adoption for anyone interested in north London.

• • The Lonesome Traveler

    by Jack Kerouac, 1960 Detailed view Adopt this book

    A short story collection of Kerouac's travels across the States, Mexico, Morocco, the UK and France with illustrations by Larry Rivers - a great adoption for travelers and fans of the Beat Generation.

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  • The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe

    by Daniel Defoe, 1883 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The book is a fictional autobiography of a castaway, Robinson Crusoe, stranded for 28 years on a remote tropical island. He encounters pirates, Native Americans, captives, cannibals and mutineers before being rescued.

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  • The Eve of St. Agnes and Other Poems

    by John Keats, 1876 Detailed view Adopt this book

    John Keats is one of the most admired of the Romantic poets. This edition of his poetry was part of a ""Vest-Pocket Series"" and includes The Eve of St. Agnes, which consists of 42 stanzas and is widely considered to be one of his best works. The six illustrated etchings were drawn by an unnamed artist. Keats took the title of his poem from the Eve of St Agnes's feast day (20 January) when virgins used divinations to 'discover' their future husbands and tells the story of Madeline and her lover Porphyro. The edition also contains some of his famous Odes and is the perfect book to adopt for lovers of poetry and English literature.

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  • Six Sonatas for two German Flutes or Violons with a Thorough Bass for the Harpsicord or Violoncello

    by Johann Joachim, 1757 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This edition comprises 9 volumes and features seven volumes of Handel's favourite airs from his operas and oratorios together with two volumes of Yaffe and Galuppi's airs from the late operas. An ideal book adoption for music lovers.

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  • The Tragical History of Hamlet

    by William Shakespeare, 1911 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This edition of Shakespeare's most famous play is one of a limited edition print run of 500 copies and is an ideal book adoption for a Sharespeare enthusiast. Set in the kingdom of Denmark, Hamlet exacts revenge on his uncle for murdering his father, succeeding to the throne and marrying his mother. The play's themes touch upon rage, treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption and remains one of the world's most famous plays.

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  • Illustrations to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow

    by Washington Irving, 1849 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Designed and Etched by Felix O.C. Darley for the Members of the American Art-Union. One of the earliest examples of American fiction and still widely enjoyed today, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow was written by Washington Irving while he was staying in England. It tells the tale of Ichabod Crane, a Connecticut schoolmaster, who competes with the Brom Bones for the affections of the local beauty, Katrina von Tassel. He is pursued by the Headless Horsemen one evening and subsequently - mysteriously - disappears. An excellent choice for lovers of ghost stories.

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  • Black Beauty: his grooms and companions. The autobiography of a horse.

    by Anna Sewell, 1877 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Black Beauty has long been a favourite tale. It was written by English novelist Anna Sewell in 1877 in the last years of her lifewhen she was an invalid and could move around only with the help of her horse. The novel became an instant bestseller, telling the story of one horse's life and dealing with themes of kindness and respect. This is a perfect book adoption for horse lovers everywhere.

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  • Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales

    by Arthur Phillip, 1790 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Ideal for natural history enthusiasts, this elegantly printed illustrated edition contains a great variety of plates of animals, birds, serpents, lizards, curious cones of trees and other previously unknown flora and fauna of New South Wales.

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  • Sense and Sensibility

    by Jane Austen , 1896 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Sense and Sensibility was Jane Austen's first published novel and is a story themed on balancing passion and reason as the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, come to learn when encountering potential suitors.

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  • German Popular Stories(First Translation)

    by [J. & W.] Grimm , 1823 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This is the first translation of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's Fairy Tales, translated from the German by London lawyer, Edgar Taylor (1793-1839). A perfect gift for those who enjoy the tales of Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel.

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  • The Doré Gallery

    by Edmund Ollier, 1870 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This is a remarkable selection of 250 beautiful engravings selected from the Doré Bible, together with works by Milton, Dante and Baron Munchausen. An inspiring book adoption for anyone interested in art and literature.

• • The History of Appian of Alexandria

    by Appianus of Alexandria, 1692 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Appian of Alexandria was born into a wealthy family c.95AD and worked as a barrister in Rome from around 120AD. He wrote this history in 24 books, which gives an account of a number of peoples and their incorporation into the Roman empire. An ideal choice for historians!

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  • Abelard to Heloise

    by James Cawthorn, 1800 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The affair between celebrated philosopher Abelard and his student Heloise has become a legendary medieval tale full of devotion and tenderness, penitence and passion. Translated from Latin, this pocket-sized book is a collection of the couple's correspondence. A perfect adoption for fans of intrigue and romance.

• • Mashen'ka (Mary)

    by Vladimir Nabokov, 1926 Detailed view Adopt this book

    From his Berlin apartment, Ganin reminisces about his first and long lost love Mary. This is Nabokov's debut novel and makes a perfect adoption for fans of his work. This book is in Russian.

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  • Carvalho's Town and Country Valentine Writer, or Lover's Repository

    by S. Carvalho, 1820 Detailed view Adopt this book

    This charming little book, believed to assist the uninspired in composing their own Valentine’s verses, contains rhymes to suit specific tradesmen such as bakers and brewers. The book suggests poetic responses and is designed as much to aid the recipient as the sender. Includes a pretty hand-coloured engraved frontispiece. A perfect adoption for Valentine's Day.

• • Middlemarch

    by George Eliot, 1950 Detailed view Adopt this book

    A rich drama set in the fictitious Midlands town of Middlemarch, this classic title is a perfect adoption for those who love literature.

• • A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

    by Betty Smith, 1958 Detailed view Adopt this book

    The Nolan family struggle to survive in the rough urban landscape of Williamsburg Brooklyn. A moving novel for fans of American literature.

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  • Ghost-Stories of an Antiquary

    by M. R. James, 1904 Detailed view Adopt this book

    Known as the originator of the "antiquarian ghost story" M.R. James writes in the preface, "…if any of them [stories] succeed in causing their readers to feel pleasantly uncomfortable when walking along a solitary road at nightfall... my purpose in writing them will have been attained." This collection, with illustrations by James McBryde, makes a great adoption for lovers of spine-tingling tales.

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  • The Music of the Epithalamium; consisting of Songs, Choruses, and a dead March, in Zobeide, a Tragedy

    by John Abraham Fisher, 1771 Detailed view Adopt this book

    John Abraham Fisher's incidental music to the Epithalamium in Act 2 of Joseph Cradock's play 'Zobeide' (based on Voltaire's 'Les Scythes') was first performed at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, on 11 December 1771. An Epithalamium is a form of poem intended to accompany a bride on the way to her wedding: in this case, the character of Zobeide. This edition is arranged for harpsichord, voice, violin and German flute, making it accessible to amateur musicians for performance at home. This is one of only four copies of the edition known to survive. A special gift for a music lover.

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  • Selection from Madam Butterfly for pianoforte... Arranged by Charles Godfrey

    by Giacomo Puccini, 1905 Detailed view Adopt this book

    A gripping love story set in 19th century Japan, Madam Butterfly is one of the most-performed operas in the world. A perfect adoption for opera fans and a lovely gift for Valentine's Day. This large volume also includes other pieces by Puccini and his contemporaries including Sir William Sterndale Bennett.