Nancy Mitford Boeken

Nancy Mitford modelled the characters in her best-known novels on her own unconventional (and at the time of writing, notorious) family. We are introduced to the Radletts through the eyes of their cousin, Fanny ('the Bolter's girl'), on one of her frequent visits to their country estate: Uncle Matthew the blustering patriarch, owner of that bloodied entrenching tool above the fireplace, who hunts his children with bloodhounds; vague Aunt Sadie, and six children recklessly eager to grow up. The Pursuit of Love is the story of Linda, the most beautiful and wayward of the Radlett daughters, who falls first for a stuffy Tory politician, then an ardent Communist (whom she follows to the Spanish Civil War), and finally a very wicked and irresistibly charming French duke. Love in a Cold Climate, again related by Fanny, focuses on Polly Hampton, long groomed for the perfect marriage by her fearsome mother, Lady Montdore, but secretly determined to pursue her own course.

The Penguin Complete Novels of Nancy Mitford. Here in one volume are all eight of Nancy Mitford's sparklingly astute, hilarious and completely unputdownable novels: Highland Fling, Christmas Pudding, Wigs on the Green, Pigeon Pie, The Pursuit of Love, Love in a Cold Climate, The Blessing and Don't Tell Alfred. Published over a period of 30 years, they provide a wonderful glimpse of the bright young things of the thirties, forties, fifties and sixties in the city and in the shires; firmly ensconced at home or making a go of it abroad; and what the upper classes really got up to in peace and in war. 'Entirely original, inimitable and irresistible' Spectator 'Deliciously funny' Evelyn Waugh 'Utter, utter bliss' Daily Mail

Introducing a new series of unauthorized biographies on the world's biggest names and rising stars in entertainment, sports, and pop culture! Complete with quizzes, listicles, trivia, and a full-color pull-out poster of the star, this is the definitive collection to get the full Scoop! and more on your favorite celebrities. Jacob Elordi is on his way to superstar status: From his breakout role as Noah in The Kissing Booth to his steamy HBO debut in Euphoria followed by an ad campaign for Calvin Klein underwear, things are really starting to heat up for this Aussie actor. But what's next? Get the full Scoop! and more on Jacob Elordi, Hollywood's next heartthrob.

Each Reader contains grammar and vocabulary exercises, and exam skills practise.

When fashionable Bright Young People meet the old regime on a Scottish grouse moor, the real sport begins. Albert Gates, a surrealist painter of impeccable family, is given to outrageous pranks; Jane Dacre finds him irresistible but the crusty older members of the shooting party are less keen. His victims include Lady Prague, whom he haunts disguised as the castle ghost, and General Murgatroyd, who will never willingly shake hands with a foreigner. The comically ill-assorted house-party encapsulates perfectly the high-society glamour of the decade before the Second World War. ‘Oh, now do tell me, I’m so interested in art, what do you chiefly go in for? I mean – water-colours or oils?’ ‘My principal medium is what you would call oils. Gouache, tempera and prepared dung are mediums I never neglect, while my bead, straw and button pictures have aroused a great deal of criticism not by any means all unfavourable.’ ‘It always seems to me a great pity to go in for oils unless you’re really good. Now Prague’s sister has a girl who draws quite nicely and she wanted to go Paris, but I said to her parents, “Why let her learn oils. There are too many oil paintings in the world already.”’

The Penguin Complete Novels of Nancy Mitford, with an introduction by India Knight, collects all eight of her witty and insightful novels in one volume for the first time in years. Spanning three decades, these works offer a vivid portrayal of the vibrant young socialites of the thirties through the sixties, exploring their lives both at home and abroad, and revealing the antics of the upper classes during peacetime and wartime. Celebrated for their originality and humor, Mitford's novels have garnered praise from notable figures, including Evelyn Waugh and the Daily Mail. Born in London in 1904, Mitford was the eldest of the second Baron Redesdale's six children. Her upbringing in a large country house with her siblings is reflected in her semi-autobiographical work, The Pursuit of Love (1945), which marked her breakthrough. Following this success, she wrote several more novels, including Love in a Cold Climate (1949) and Don't Tell Alfred (1960). Mitford also authored acclaimed biographies and translated classic works, contributing significantly to literature and cultural commentary. She was honored with a CBE in 1972, leaving a lasting legacy as a novelist and biographer.

Introducing a new series of unauthorised biographies on the world's biggest names and rising stars in entertainment, sports, and pop culture!