A copiously illustrated global history of magic books, from ancient papyri to pulp paperbacks

In seven independent, but closely related chapters, the author presents his personal conception of the European novel, which he describes as 'an art born of the laughter of God'.

All the books published by a certain publisher could be seen as links in a single chain. In this book, the author meditates on the art of book publishing. It looks at the publishing industry as a whole, from the essential importance of graphics, jackets and cover flaps to the consequences of universal digitization.

How did the historical figure of King Arthur and his totally fictitious knights come to inspire so many stories? And why does Arthurian myth continue to flourish in films today? This introduction takes readers on a quest through the history of Arthurian romance in order to find the answers.

The first book-length study to articulate the vital presence of artisans and craft labor in medieval English literature from c.1000-1483.

Locations from film, tv, literature, myths, comics and video games are plotted in a series of beautiful vintage-looking maps with fascinating stories of how authors and writers picked these places.

Atlas of Paranormal Places is a global tour of more than 50 locations with mystic, unexplained and ghostly significance. With a foreword by Danny Robins.

What is an 'author'? This volume investigates the changing definitions of the author, what it has meant historically to be an 'author', and the impact that this has had on literary culture.

Authoring War illuminates the ingenious ways in which writers have met the challenge of conveying conflict, from the Iliad to Iraq.

A fascinating account of the emergence of the writer's house museum over the course of the nineteenth century in Britain, Europe, and North America. It considers the museum as a cultural form and asks why it appeared and how it has constructed authorial afterlife for readers individually and collectively.

This work explores the significance of the genre of autobiography. Drawing on a range of writings, both literary and theoretical the text shows how biography and autobiography have been crucial in debates over subject and object, public and private - debates now figured in feminist theory.

If every writer necessarily draws on their own life, is any writing outside the realm of 'autobiography'? This guide includes developments in autobiographical criticism, highlighting major theoretical issues and concepts different forms of the genre. It offers an introduction to the study of a fascinating genre.

J. S. Mill was the greatest British philosopher of the nineteenth century. Mill's purpose in writing his Autobiography was to set down his own struggle for individuality, and vindicate his life to himself and others.

Chronicles Twain's inner and outer life through a series of daily dictations that go wherever his fancy leads. This book deals with his life and work.

A new look at the life, works and enduring relevance of William Blake, a deeply spiritual and politically radical figure.

This book brings together great writing by figures from South Asia who give voice to the experience of the exile and the emigrant. The list of contributors also includes Hanif Kureishi, Rohinton Mistry, Meera Syal, and others.

Author and illustrator Edward Carey presents a paean to connection at a time of isolation: a year of daily lockdown drawings posted on social media from his home in Texas.