Here at Country House Library, there are few things we enjoy more than a good story. And, with national Children's Authors and Illustrators Week just beginning, we knew that this would be our perfect opportunity to revisit some of the many tales by beloved authors that introduced so many of us to the joys of reading in the first place. From Peter Rabbit to Winnie the Pooh, keep reading if you're wanting to ignite some nostalgia with your childhood story-time favourites!
70 years ago tomorrow marks the day we lost George Orwell, one of the greatest English novelists of the 20th century. Few, if any, have ever come close to penning works on corruption and states of dystopia in a manner as hauntingly effective as George. His creation of popular terms frequently used, not only in literature but in the English language (Big Brother, Thought Police, and Room 101 to name a few), stands as a testament to his sheer writing power. In celebration of this unrivalled talent, we will be taking a look at his two most influential and well-known works - 1984 and Animal Farm.
The Christmas month is finally here, and the festive celebrations are in full swing - and with Christmas celebrations, of course, comes Christmas shopping. To make your gift-giving just a little easier this year, we've selected five of our most treasured seasonal reads that would make the perfect present for the stocking of a friend or loved one - because Christmas is always better with a book!
Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963) was perhaps one of the greatest writers of fiction and the fantastical, well... ever. His works remain more influential and beloved today than ever, with his most popular tales and stories continuously being adapted into a variety of mediums, such as television, film, and stage performances. In celebration of this wonderful writer who gave us so much to cherish, between the November dates of his birth and his passing, here are just a few of his legendary writings to sink your teeth into.
