In A Hero of Our Time, the first great Russian novel, a young officer, passionate and world-weary, is posted to the Caucasus and becomes involved in a series of adventures. A dazzlingly original work of fiction, the novel is newly translated together with Pushkin's travel narrative, A Journey to Arzrum, with introduction and notes.

Jennifer Roberts introduces the background and writing of the 5th century Greek thinker and researcher Herodotus of Halicarnassus, who invented the genre of historical investigation. She discusses all aspects of his work, including his fascination with his origins; his travels; his interest in seeing the world; and the recurring themes of his work.

Hester (1883) is about the difficulty of understanding human nature, and a compulsive story of financial and sexual risk-taking that mounts towards a searing climax. It tells of the ageing but powerful Catherine Vernon, and her conflict with the young and determined Hester, whose growing attachment to Edward, Catherine's favourite, spells disaster for all concerned.

Hieroglyphs were far more than a language. They were an omnipresent and all-powerful force in communicating the messages of ancient Egyptian culture for over three thousand years. This work explores the cultural significance of the script and looks at areas such as cryptography and the decipherment into modern times.

An enduringly popular poem in a beautifully illustrated edition for children.

In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of Hinduism and its key beliefs. In this second edition she considers new issues facing Hindus such as the politicization of Hinduism in India, the increasing impact of Hindu nationalism, and the rise and fall of sectarian Hindu movements.

Originally published: Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.