The Beau Monde

The story of the world's first fashion-obsessed society in eighteenth-century London - and the colourful tales of extravagance, vanity, intrigue, and sexual indiscretion that accompanied it

In Beau Monde on Empire’s Edge, Mayhill C. Fowler tells the story of the rise and fall of a group of men who created culture both Soviet and Ukrainian. This collective biography showcases new aspects of the politics of cultural production in the Soviet Union by focusing on theater and on the multi-ethnic borderlands. Unlike their contemporaries in Moscow or Leningrad, these artists from the regions have been all but forgotten despite the quality of their art. Beau Monde restores the periphery to the center of Soviet culture. Sources in Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, and Yiddish highlight the important multi-ethnic context and the challenges inherent in constructing Ukrainian culture in a place of Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, and Jews. Beau Monde on Empire’s Edge traces the growing overlap between the arts and the state in the early Soviet years, and explains the intertwining of politics and culture in the region today.

"Again and again. . . I find myself being a Mrs. Bridge evangelist, telling them that it’s a perfect novel, and then pressing copies on them. . . What writing! Economical, piquant, beautiful, true." —Meg Wolitzer, The New York Times In Mrs. Bridge, Evan S. Connell, a consummate storyteller, artfully crafts a portrait using the finest of details in everyday events and confrontations. The novel is comprised of vignettes, images, fragments of conversations, events—all building powerfully toward the completed group portrait of a family, closely knit on the surface but deeply divided by loneliness, boredom, misunderstandings, isolation, sexual longing, and terminal isolation. In this special fiftieth anniversary edition, we are reminded once again why Mrs. Bridge has been hailed by readers and critics alike as one of the greatest novels in American literature.

A revised and updated edition of the first book in Samantha Grace’s critically acclaimed steamy Regency-set Beau Monde Bachelors: Scandals and Rogues series. "CLEVER AND CHARMING, THIS TALE BRINGS IN EVERYTHING REGENCY FANS LOVE." Publisher's Weekly starred review There’s no taming the wicked… Debonaire bachelor Lord Andrew lives for pleasure and makes no apologies. But after a daring heiress falls from the sky and interrupts his plans for a tryst in the gardens, his once exciting life begins to feel dull. When he learns the intriguing miss is staying as his family’s house guest, he abandons London and travels to the country, only to learn the lady he cannot forget is forbidden—even if he is able to tear down the walls she hides behind. Reforming rakes is a fool’s game… After three Seasons of evading fortune hunters and a failed engagement, heiress Lana Hillary is exhausted and looking forward to a quiet month in the country with her best friend. Unfortunately, her social climbing mother views the invitation as the perfect opportunity to play matchmaker. While her mother sets out to win her a Bavarian count, Lana is captivated by her host’s charming brother. Flirting with trouble is meant to be harmless, but soon Lana finds herself entangled with the most infamous scoundrel in England, and their romance is destined for heartbreak.

Bridgerton meets Werewolves Within in this sparkling shapeshifter Regency romance mixed with humor, steamy chemistry, and fantasy. A Duke in want of a wife... Alfred Blakesley, Duke of Lowell, has long been an enigma. No one dares to give a man of his status the cut direct, but there's simply something not quite right about him. What would the society ladies say if they learned the truth—that the Duke of Lowell is a wolf shifter and the leader of a pack facing extinction if he doesn't find his true love? So now he's on the hunt...for a wife. Felicity Templeton has a goal of her own: to remain unwed until her twenty-fifth birthday, when she will inherit a significant fortune. But that all changes when she meets Alfred, the dashing duke who's determined to have her for his very own... "Sparkling wit, scrumptious chemistry!"—Grace Burrowes, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Bridgerton meets New Moon in this sparkling shapeshifter Regency romance mixed with humor, steamy chemistry, and fantasy. The Duke said he'd never get married... The Prince Regent insists his cousin and fellow bear shifter Arthur Humphries, the Duke of Osborn, take a mate to ensure the continuation of their species. After all, Arthur is an Alpha, so he must set a good example. The duke would very much prefer to continue his comfortable bachelor lifestyle, but the Prince Regent is not a bear to be poked. Beatrice, the widowed Marchioness of Castleton, is in possession of a powerful secret. She knows all about Shifters, her horrible late husband being one of them. At any moment, Beatrice could reveal the secrets of the Prince and those like him—unless the Prince can make sure she marries another Shifter. A marriage between the Duke of Osborn and Beatrice is far from ideal for either one, but at least they won't fall in love...right? Witty, fantastical, and entirely unique, A Most Unusual Duke is perfect for readers looking for: A delicious Regency romp with a paranormal twist A devilishly handsome Alpha hero A marriage of convenience A magical world to sink your teeth into Praise for Allen's A Wolf in Duke's Clothing: "Sparkling wit, scrumptious chemistry!"—Grace Burrowes, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author "A playful mix of humor, fantasy, and Regency romance conventions, this genre-bending novel introduces a well-constructed world filled with distinctive and endearing characters."—Publishers Weekly "Sparkling dialogue and steamy chemistry...Regency romance meets shape-shifters, to great effect."—Kirkus Reviews

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer ! 'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 'A rollicking good read that will be of particular joy to Bridgerton viewers' Independent 'My generation's Julia Quinn' Adjoa Andoh, star of Bridgerton _____________ Handsome, wealthy Sir Waldo Hawkridge is the envy of all those around him. So when the people of Oversett get word of his impending visit, excitement ripples. But his planned visit ruffles a few feathers, too; not least for Miss Ancilla Trent, who worries about the relationship that may unfold between Waldo and her hot-headed young pupil, Tiffany. And when Waldo eventually arrives in the village, his presence leads to the most entertaining of ramifications . . . _____________ 'One of my perennial comfort authors. Heyer's books are as incisively witty and quietly subversive as any of Jane Austen's' Joanne Harris 'Elegant, witty and rapturously romantic' Katie Fforde 'Utterly delightful' Guardian 'Absolutely delicious tales of Regency heroes. . . Utter, immersive escapism' Sophie Kinsella 'Georgette Heyer's Regency romances brim with elegance, wit and historical accuracy, and this is one of her finest and most entertaining ... Escapism of the highest order' Daily Mail 'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet, what a treat you have in store!' Harriet Evans 'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable.' Sunday Telegraph _____________ Readers love The Nonesuch ... ***** 'The book was a marvel. Whatever I'm going to read next might seem pretty poor after this!' ***** 'The Nonesuch was simply a charming and witty book. I've added it to my favourite list for the fantastic ending and banter.' ***** 'Just as wonderful as every other time I read it!! Still an absolute favourite.' ***** 'This was beautiful! So enjoyable, and so Austen-like! :)' ***** 'Magical. Still five stars - of course. As enjoyable as ever - or maybe even more.'

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer! 'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser 'Fabulously witty' Stephen Fry 'Incisively witty, quietly subversive' Joanne Harris 'If you haven't read Georgette Heyer yet what a treat you have in store' Harriet Evans _________________ Growing up in England's most turbulent era on the wild and lawless Northern Marches, John Duke of Bedford grew to manhood fighting for his father, King Henry IV. Through his loyalty, strength, and superb fighting power, he would go on to became the greatest ally his brother, King Henry V, could have asked for. Filled with the clash of bitter rivalries and deadly power struggles, this is Georgette Heyer's final and most ambitious novel. _________________ Readers love My Lord John ... ***** 'I found this book absolutely incredible.' ***** 'Truly brilliant.' ***** 'She truly knew how to bring history to life.' ***** 'A brilliant, well-researched, beautifully written yet sadly unfinished novel.'