Product Description
In this sequel to his popular works Is Heathcliff a Murderer? and Can Jane Eyre Be Happy?, John Sutherland unravels thirty-four new literary puzzles, once again combining erudition with bold investigative speculation.In addition to these new conundrums, Professor Sutherland revisits some previous puzzles with the help of readers who offer their own ingenious solutions and who set fresh puzzles for exploration. Victorian drug habits, railway systems, sanitation and dentistry are only a few of the details that shed light on the motives and circumstances of some of literature's most famous characters.Elizabeth Bennet, Betsey Trotwood, Count Dracula, Anna Karenina, Alice and many more come under the spotlight in John Sutherland's highly entertaining collection.Bringing good humor and good sense back to literary criticism, Who Betrays Elizabeth Bennet? offers scintillating forensic exercises that are as compelling as the plots they dissect. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

As The Well Runs Dry
Mom always said, don't fret if you scraping the bottom of the barrel,that's where all the best stuff is!However with John Sutherland's series of puzzles in classic fiction, there's no denying that, with the publication of this volume, he had reached a cul-de-sac pretty much: no turning back.the pickings here are slim, and many of the best ones were contributed by avid fans of the series, who would write in with their own ideas.Even the schoolchildren with their riddles concerning Dickens' Christmas Carol do better with the puzzlers.In the first two books, his supply seemed inexhaustible, and every time you turned the page of one of precious Victorian novels you found something newly strange.Were they elm trees or lime trees in MIDDLEMARCH?That sort of thing.Now the elm-lime controversy is about the most breathtaking he can summon up.

Where to turn to next?Well, he was able to leap back in time to polish off the mysteries of Shakespeare (how does a clock toll the hours in JULIUS CAESAR centuries before clouds).And then he came to the present day and modern fiction in the REBECCA book.All the while managing to keep Olivier's divine profile on the cover (except for the JANE EYRE book which had to suffice with Orson Welles).More power to him, he's a great git, but this just isn't his best.The anomalies of Frances Price in MANSFIELD PARK, of Esther's mother-in-law in BLEAK HOUSE, of Jim's family in HUCKLEBERRY FINN, all have been treated often and elsewhere by others.(In fact, Sutherland is almost invariably creepy when he comes to write about American fiction, I wonder why.)

That said, I do like some of the puzzles, for example, in A TALE OF TWO CITIES, Sydney Carton knocks out his lookalike using chloroform (sparking a chloroform craze in Victorian fiction).The only problem is, the book takes place during the last days of the French Revolution, of course, before chloroform's invention.And usually i skip over Sutherland's Trollope and Thackeray riddles, maintaining a low opinion of both men as writers and thinkers, but here he almost persuades you they're not only habitually careless, but matchless too.There's still a lot of life at barrel's bottom, just like my mother used to claim.

A great companion to the classics
This is the third volume of Sutherland's puzzles in classic fiction series.Along with the new mysteries, Sutherland also revisits some of the puzzles from "Is Heathcliff a Murderer?" and "Can Jane Eyre Be Happy?" to acknowledges corrections and alternate interpretations.

As usual, Sutherland's work is interesting and entertaining.He examines the works of 19th century greats such as Jane Austen, George Eliot, Charles Dickens, and William Thackery, and sheds light onto both mysteries in the texts and the writing process itself.I don't always agree with his interpretations of the texts, but Sutherland's essays are always well-written, humorous, and engaging.He'll make you want to read the classics all over again!

Well, who is it?
Wow!I was amazed, especially how Sutherland revised his essays on Wuthering Heights and Mill on the Floss.What marvelous insights?What does Lady Dedlock die of?Why doesn't Laura tell her own story in theWoman in White?Read this marvelous book to find out. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume gathers papers from the first conference ever to be held on the disappearance of writing systems, in Oxford in March 2004. While the invention and decipherment of writing systems have long been focuses of research, their eclipse or replacement have been little studied. Because writing is so important in many cultures and civilizations, its disappearance - followed by a period without it or by replacement by a different writing system - is of almost equal significance to invention as a mark of radical change. Probably more writing systems have disappeared than survived in the last five thousand years.Case studies from the Old and New Worlds are presented, ranging over periods from the first millennium BC to the present. In order to address many types of transmission, the broadest possible definition of 'writing' is used, notably including Mexican pictography and the Andean khipu system. One chapter discusses the larger proportion of known human societies that have not possessed complex material codes like writing, offering an alternative perspective on the long-term transmission of socially salient subjects. A concluding essay draws out common themes and offers an initial synthesis of results.The volume offers a new perspective on approaches to writing that will be significant for the understanding of writing systems and their social functions, literacy, memory, and high-cultural communication systems in general. ... Read more

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Despite being a pioneer preacher in his own right, John Wesley was not the sole figure responsible for bringing about the Evangelical Revival in eighteenth-century England. In many areas of the country he was preceded by work carried out by men and women who established groups of converts which later formed the local Methodist church. Using unique manuscripts previously unexploited by Wesleyan scholarship, Dr. Simon Ross Valentine has produced a biography of one such early preacher, John Bennet (1714-1759). Following a dramatic conversion experience in 1742, Bennet associated himself with Benjamin Ingham and David Taylor. From 1742 to 1749, he worked as a Methodist lay preacher, carrying out evangelistic activities throughout the north of England. Bennet was also a pioneering influence in the origins of Methodism by introducing both the Quarterly Meeting and Annual Conference. Because he ultimately refused to submit to Wesley's doctrine, Methodist historians have presented Bennet as "a treacherous and unfriendly man." Valentine, perceiving the need for a more objective reappraisal of Bennet's significance, and drawing on considerable Bennet correspondence, has produced this first sympathetic biography of the early preacher. Recommended for all individuals and libraries seeking fresh insight into the origins of eighteenth century Methodism. Includes bibliography, endnotes, and illustrations. ... Read more

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HERE is great propriety in selecting the Minutes of the earliest Conferences as the first publication of the Wesley Historical Society. It was in these Conferences that the foundation-stones of Methodism were laid. There the doctrinal teaching was defined, the method of procedure in the great work determined, and the disciplinary regulations fixed. Wesley gives the following brief account of these early meetings - In June, 1744, I desired my brother and a few other Clergymen to meet me in London, to consider how we should proceed to save our own souls and them that heard us. After some time I invited the Lay Preachers that were in the house to meet with us. We conferred together for several days, and were much comforted and strengthened thereby. The next year I not only invited most of the Travelling Preachers, but several others to confer with me in Bristol. And from that time for some years, though I invited only a part of the Travelling Preachers, yet I permitted any that desired it to be present. This I did for many years, and all that time the term Cojlfereelzce meant, not so much the conversation we had together, as the persons that conferred namely, those that I invited to confer with me from time to time. So that all this time it depended on me alone, not only what persons should constitute the Conference,-but whether there should be any Conference at all. Then, as now, the term Conference was used to designate the persons who were present. The Minutes were always entitled during Wesleys life hfinutes of some late Conversations between the Rev. hfr. Wesley and others, and afterwards hfinutes of several Conversations, C. In the republication of the Minutes in gvo., begun in the year 1812, they were called Minutes of the Methodist Conferences. The phrase, The Minutes of Conference, is now familiar to hfethodists in all parts of the world. Thozcghts zcpon some late Occzrrrences, in IVorkr, xiii. The first printed Minutes appeared in the year 1749 but a record or all the proceedings of the Conferences up to that time had been made in writing, though it is not known who acted as official Secretary or Recorder of the several meetings, and it is probable that other members of the Conference wrote out copies of the, hiinutes for their own use. One of the most valuable of the MS. copies. of these early hlinutes is preserved in the Headingley College Library. The Rev. G. S. Rowe describes it as a small book 6 ins. by 4 ins. and adds, It is accompanied by a document, which authenticates it satisfactorily as the copy used by Wesley and carried in his pocket until he began to publish the hlinutes. Its appearance agrees herewith, the paper boards in which it is bound being much worn. The contents are in four handwritings and, here and there, are corrections in J7esleys own hand. The record begins with the Wednesday of the Conference of 1744 and as this appears on the first page, the pages being consecutively numbered, it would seem that the printed Minutes of the two preceding days were taken from another report. The following is an exact copy of the document referred to, which is in the hand-writing of Miss Tooth, a lady well known in London hiethodism in the earlier half of this century -The successional integrity of this little valuable book is thus ascertained and accurately traced i. Mr. MTesley, who reposited it with his step son-in-law, ii. Mr. Smith, of Newcastle, at whose death it fell into the iii. hands of his daughter, Mrs... ... Read more

Product Description
This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1890 edition published in London. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great for Hikers and Outdoors People
I bought this nifty little book years ago and read it many times before I ever stepped foot in the forest.It is a great field manual chocked full of really cool historical information, nifty hikes and interesting photos.It could also be used as an armchair traveler, feeling that you are hiking simply by reading the book.In particular, there were some very interesting accounts of the very popular Catskill Mountain House Site where people traveled to, by steamboats, trains, horses, and Otis elevated rail systems from NY City before the advent of autos that ultimately killed the hotel business in this area. A final note - the author(s) of this book went on to become editors of Backpacker Magazine.Give it a read, and I hope you like it as much as I did.

Walks in the Catskills
I've used this little book for years now on some of my day hiking excursions in the Catskills. Compact enough to fit nicely into a small packpack without taking up alot of room, it has taken me to many a trail to explore, some of which I didn't know even existed. In addition to trail difficultly, directions, and a bit of local history, there is also a section on wildlife, camping do and don'ts, and trip planning. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: Spottiswoode in 1893 in 70 pages; Subjects: Wheat; Business ... Read more

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Originally published in 1898.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
How do we understand the systemic interactions that took place in and between different regions of prehistoric Eurasia and their consequences for individuals, groups and regions on both a theoretical and empirical basis? Such interactions helped create economic and cultural spheres that were mutually dependent yet distinct. This volume, emerging from a conference hosted in memory of Professor Andrew Sherratt in Sheffield in April 2008 and in honour of his contributions to large-scale economic history, presents some diverse archaeological responses to this problem. These range from from "world-systems" through "ritual economies" to "textile rivalries," and address the challenge of documenting, explaining and understanding the progressively more interwoven worlds of prehistoric Eurasia. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: Orange Judd Co. in 1883 in 121 pages; Subjects: Soils; Fertilizers; Technology & Engineering / Agriculture / General; Technology & Engineering / Agriculture / Agronomy / Soil Science; Technology & Engineering / Agriculture / Agronomy / General; ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: Printed by W. Clowes and sons in 1855 in 106 pages; Subjects: Technology & Engineering / Agriculture / General; ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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Mark Twain once famously said "there was but one solitary thing about the past worth remembering, and that was the fact that it is past and can't be restored."Ê Well, over recent years, The British Library, working with Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious programme to digitise its collection of 19th century books.

There are now 65,000Ê titles availableÊ (that's an incredible 25 million pages) of material ranging from works by famous names such asÊ Dickens, Trollope and Hardy as well as many forgotten literary gems , all of which can now be printed on demand and purchased right here on Amazon.

Further information on The British Library and its digitisation programme can be found on The British Library website. ... Read more

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Merrymaking abounds when 4 year-old Jason Mason Middleton-Tapp is sent upstairs to take his nap. Jason's inspired imagination transforms his otherwise ordinary bedroom into a fantasy playground. Splendidly and whimsically illustrated by Isabelle Charbonneau. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Soils; Soil fertility; Technology ... Read more