Sir Claud Amory's formula for a powerful new explosive has been stolen, presumably by a member of his large household. Sir Claud assembles his suspects in the library and locks the door, instructing them that the when the lights go out, the formula must be replaced on the table -- and no questions will be asked. But when the lights come on, Sir Claud is dead. Now Hercule Poirot, assisted by Captain Hastings and Inspector Japp, must unravel a tangle...

Step into the exquisite miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge. Wilfred woke early. It was his birthday. He had lots of lovely presents, but the best one was a surprise... Mr Apple had organised a secret celebration picnic and all the mice of Brambly Hedge were invited. There was so much to carry. Poor Wilfred got very tired as he lurched and bumped his way along the grassy track. What was it Mrs Apple had said was in his hamper? Knives? Sandwiches?...

Step into the exquisite miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge. It was such a hot summer. They sky was deep blue and the sun never faltered. All along Brambly Hedge, the mice did their best to keep cool. Poppy Eyebright sought refuge in the mossy shadows of the mill wheel; Dusty Dogwood took to walking by the banks of the cooling stream. Dusty and Poppy spent more and more time together, so no one was at all surprised when they announced their...

Step into the exquisite miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge. It was summer and Primrose woke knowing that it was going to be a very special day. The sun was already warm and a light breeze stirred the leaves and branches of Brambly Hedge. It was a perfect day for an adventure. Leaving the hedge behind, Dusty, Poppy, Primrose and Wilfred set off downstream in Dusty's boat the Periwinkle, on a journey that would take them all the way down to...

Step into the exquisite miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge. It was the middle of winter and very, very cold. The mice of Brambly Hedge forecasted snow. And they were right. In the morning they awoke to find their doors and windows hidden behind deep drifts. There hadn't been snow like this for years. "There's enough for a Snow Ball!" cried the mice with glee, and set to work in the time-honoured way to make an Ice Hall for the festivities....

Step into the exquisite miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge. It is Midwinter's Eve and the mice of Brambly Hedge are very busy. This evening, after dark, they will all be gathering round a blazing fire for the traditional midwinter celebrations. A grand entertainment is planned and Primrose and Wilfred have chosen to recite a poem. They go up to the attics to rehearse in peace and quiet but there are so many things to look at and places to...

Here are some of the finest narrative poems in the English language, dating from an age of rich inspiration--the nineteenth century. All tell powerful stories of human passion and endeavour, often reflected in vivid evocations of the medieval world.

Shakespeare's popular comedy of love and mistaken identity is accompanied by a section on reading Shakespeare's language, information on Shakespeare's life and theater, explanatory notes, annotated reading lists, and an essay.