Richmal Crompton

William is back and just as mischievous as ever! Dive into this collection of classic adventure stories by Richmal Crompton, featuring the endearing and troublesome William Brown - updated for a new generation of readers. Bursting with fun, adventure and wit, this centenary anniversary edition features Thomas Henry’s original inside illustrations and an introduction by Louise Rennison.'William is as fresh and funny as ever' - Chris Riddell'Gloriously funny' - Sue Townsend, author of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable ball of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his hundreds of thousands of admirers since 1922. In this collection of fourteen stories, William Brown has his sights set on the stage. When William gets to work writing, directing and performing in his very own play, he intends to amaze and impress his audience – whether they like it or not! Enjoy more of William's adventures in Just William, More William, William the Outlaw and William at Christmas.

William Brown is back in this 100th anniversary edition of More William, featuring fourteen funny, classic Just William adventures by Richmal Crompton - updated for a new generation of readers. This edition featurres timeless original artwork from Thomas Henry, and an introduction by Martin Jarvis.'William is as fresh and funny as ever' - Chris Riddell'Gloriously funny' - Sue Townsend, author of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable ball of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his hundreds of thousands of admirers since 1922. William Brown and the Outlaws are up to their old tricks with more hilarious mischief, mayhem and muddles. When Aunt Lucy says that 'a busy day is a happy day', William does his best to keep himself very busy indeed. Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates his efforts. Including fourteen fantastic stories, More William is as funny as ever. This delightful children's classic features the original inside illustrations by Thomas Henry. Enjoy more of William's adventures in Just William, William Again, William the Outlaw and William at Christmas.

In "Just William," Richmal Crompton masterfully presents a series of side-splitting misadventures centered around the irrepressible protagonist, William Brown. Written in the early 20th century, the book employs a sharp, humorous narrative style that cleverly captures the essence of childhood exuberance and rebellion against conformist societal norms. Crompton's vignettes intricately explore themes of friendship, mischief, and the clash between innocence and adulthood, all set against the backdrop of interwar Britain, providing a rich context that resonates with contemporary readers while revealing the era's prevailing attitudes. Richmal Crompton, a schoolteacher and pioneering female writer, drew much of her inspiration from her experiences in education and her observations of young boys. Her unique ability to articulate the inner workings of a child's mind, combined with her affectionate yet critical view of adult society, lends an authentic voice to William's escapades. Crompton's own spirited persona and her extensive writing background culminated in creating a character that has remained beloved for generations, embodying the essence of childhood in its most unabashed form. "Just William" is a delightful read that transcends age, inviting readers of all backgrounds to indulge in nostalgia and laughter. Crompton's wit and keen social observations make this collection not just entertaining but also a poignant exploration of youth. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into the trials and tribulations of becoming who one is amid the expectations of the world.

In "More William," Richmal Crompton expands upon the beloved escapades of her infamous character, William Brown, a mischievous pre-adolescent boy whose antics provoke both hilarity and chaos in his small English village. Through a rich tapestry of humorous narratives, Crompton employs an accessible yet imaginative prose style that embodies the spirit of early 20th-century children's literature. The book is marked by its witty dialogue, keen observations of human nature, and the insightful reflections of childhood innocence amidst the complexities of adult society. Readers are invited to join William on his adventures, each chapter offering humorous yet thought-provoking commentary on social norms and childhood camaraderie. Richmal Crompton, a prolific author and educator, found inspiration from her own experiences working with children and her deep understanding of their psyche. Growing up in a quintessential English environment provided Crompton with authentic insights into rural life and the exuberance of youth. Her ability to capture the essence of boyhood mischief is rooted in her professional background as a teacher, which enriched her depictions of youthful folly and resilience. "More William" is an essential read for anyone who cherishes laughter intertwined with nostalgia. Its exploration of childhood freedom and the often underestimated wisdom of youthful rebellion resonates with readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic in the canon of children's literature. Whether you are a nostalgic adult or a curious young reader, this delightful collection of stories invites you to rediscover the joy of unbridled imagination.

A tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable ball of mischief, William Brown has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his hundreds of thousands of admirers since 1922. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features original illustrations by Thomas Henry and a foreword by novelist, dramatist and screenwriter Roddy Doyle. Just William is Richmal Crompton’s first book about the incorrigible William Brown. Follow his adventures from getting over a school teacher crush to a failed attempt at baby-sitting, and from throwing a wild party to meeting his faithful dog Jumble in this hilarious collection of stories.

Just William makes his mark in this hilarious collection of twelve classic stories. Whether it's trying to arrange a marriage for his sister or taking a job as a boot boy as step one in his grand plan to run away, William manages to cause chaos wherever he goes

It is the summer of 1892 and fifteen-year-old Tilly Pound has come to Linden Rise – the holiday cottage of the genteel but dysfunctional Culverton family – to work as a housemaid. She starts as just another member of ‘the help’ but, as the years pass and the 19th century judders its unwieldy way into the 20th, this tough and resourceful young woman becomes an anchor in a fragmenting world. Mr and Mrs Culverton are trapped in a loveless marriage, rocked by his obvious infidelities and marked by her helplessness and fragility. Their children are raising themselves until Tilly arrives, and it remains to be seen whether her lively good sense can change their lives for the better . . . A beautifully written, razor-sharp saga that paints a vivid portrait of the fraught and nuanced relationships between parents and their children, Linden Rise is full of the charming child characters that Richmal Crompton always evokes so beautifully.

The quartet at the heart of this delightful novel are the four Gainsborough siblings: beautiful but vain Lorna, ultra-sensitive Adrian, nature-loving Laurence and thoughtful, strange little Jenifer. We join them in 1900 – four happy children at the heart of a loving family, idolizing their strikingly beautiful mother, shrinking from their emotionally damaged Aunt Lena and ill-tempered governess, Miss Marchant. As their world widens on the journey to adulthood – through the advent of the motor car, the horrors of the First World War, the trials and tribulations of unrequited love and unfulfilled dreams – they must fight to keep that happiness. But with Lorna compelled to make everyone love her, Adrian’s artistic genius crippled by over-sensitivity to criticism, and Laurence so intent on success in business that he forgets to really live, will Jenifer’s clear-sighted pragmatism be enough to save them? A beautiful exploration of love and family, Quartet has a vivid cast of characters worthy of Elizabeth Gaskell and paints a wonderful, affectionate portrait of childhood to rival Richmal Crompton’s Just William.

Frost at Morning is the heartbreaking story of four young children who, deserted by their parents, have been sent off to a vicarage that takes in children as paying guests. There's Philip, a sensitive boy whose father has remarried and gained a more preferable stepson; anxious little Monica, with a mother spiralling towards alcoholism; adopted Geraldine, whose desperate desire be loved actively repels people; and beautiful, vain Angela, who is ignored by her eccentric novelist mother. Left to themselves they grow to depend on one another and, as they leave the vicarage and return to their fractured homes, it becomes clear that a bond has formed that will hold them forever. . . As the years pass, their adult lives connect and intertwine, and the damage inflicted by their childhoods creeps ever closer to the surface. Can they build themselves anew? Or will happiness elude them forever? An exquisitely written and poignant story, Richmal Crompton's Frost at Morning is a wonderful exploration of childhood and an evocative portrait of interwar Britain.

Weatherley Parade is the compelling saga of the lives and loves of the Weatherley family, spanning the years 1902 to 1940. The story begins with Arthur Weatherley returning – tired and broken – from the Boer War to his wife and three children, and closes with his grandchildren facing the Battle of Britain. In the years between are births and death, public triumphs and private tragedies, all wrought against a backdrop of British history. As the Weatherley’s lives are marked by infidelity, alcoholism, and scandal, Edwardian England fades into the First World War and the young men and women – damaged by war and caught in the wake of a rapidly changing society – strive for a future in the shadow of the rise of Nazi Germany . . . A sumptuous, multi-generational saga and immaculately rendered period piece, Weatherley Parade’s sprawling cast of children and eccentrics is full of all the charm and character of Just William.

When Julia Gideon is widowed during the Second World War with five children to look after, she is left to manage Westover House with insufficient means for its upkeep. Urged by her solicitor brother to downsize and turn the family home into flats, she reluctantly agrees. However, as her new tenants move in it soon becomes clear that the manor house cannot contain the fiery personalities that are now living under its roof . . . From the hard up Godfrey and his wife Cynthia, who must share a flat with his brother Hubert and the uncouth Trixie; to Julia’s elderly aunts, Letitia and Lucy, who aspire to very different lives in their old age; and the faux-French Mrs Pollock whose overbearing presence in her daughter Ann-Marie’s life is protective to the point of suffocation – life is anything but simple at Westover. As heated relationships simmer away and family feuds break through to the surface, Richmal Crompton’s Westover is a keenly observed study of what happens when domestic life doesn’t run so smoothly . . .

Frost at Morning is the heartbreaking story of four young children who, deserted by their parents, have been sent off to a vicarage that takes in children as paying guests. There's Philip, a sensitive boy whose father has remarried and gained a more preferable stepson; anxious little Monica, with a mother spiralling towards alcoholism; adopted Geraldine, whose desperate desire be loved actively repels people; and beautiful, vain Angela, who is ignored by her eccentric novelist mother. Left to themselves they grow to depend on one another and, as they leave the vicarage and return to their fractured homes, it becomes clear that a bond has formed that will hold them forever. . . As the years pass, their adult lives connect and intertwine, and the damage inflicted by their childhoods creeps ever closer to the surface. Can they build themselves anew? Or will happiness elude them forever? An exquisitely written and poignant story, Richmal Crompton's Frost at Morning is a wonderful exploration of childhood and an evocative portrait of interwar Britain.

Weatherley Parade is the compelling saga of the lives and loves of the Weatherley family, spanning the years 1902 to 1940. The story begins with Arthur Weatherley returning – tired and broken – from the Boer War to his wife and three children, and closes with his grandchildren facing the Battle of Britain. In the years between are births and death, public triumphs and private tragedies, all wrought against a backdrop of British history. As the Weatherley’s lives are marked by infidelity, alcoholism, and scandal, Edwardian England fades into the First World War and the young men and women – damaged by war and caught in the wake of a rapidly changing society – strive for a future in the shadow of the rise of Nazi Germany . . . A sumptuous, multi-generational saga and immaculately rendered period piece, Weatherley Parade’s sprawling cast of children and eccentrics is full of all the charm and character of Just William.

It is the summer of 1892 and fifteen-year-old Tilly Pound has come to Linden Rise – the holiday cottage of the genteel but dysfunctional Culverton family – to work as a housemaid. She starts as just another member of ‘the help’ but, as the years pass and the 19th century judders its unwieldy way into the 20th, this tough and resourceful young woman becomes an anchor in a fragmenting world. Mr and Mrs Culverton are trapped in a loveless marriage, rocked by his obvious infidelities and marked by her helplessness and fragility. Their children are raising themselves until Tilly arrives, and it remains to be seen whether her lively good sense can change their lives for the better . . . A beautifully written, razor-sharp saga that paints a vivid portrait of the fraught and nuanced relationships between parents and their children, Linden Rise is full of the charming child characters that Richmal Crompton always evokes so beautifully.

The quartet at the heart of this delightful novel are the four Gainsborough siblings: beautiful but vain Lorna, ultra-sensitive Adrian, nature-loving Laurence and thoughtful, strange little Jenifer. We join them in 1900 – four happy children at the heart of a loving family, idolizing their strikingly beautiful mother, shrinking from their emotionally damaged Aunt Lena and ill-tempered governess, Miss Marchant. As their world widens on the journey to adulthood – through the advent of the motor car, the horrors of the First World War, the trials and tribulations of unrequited love and unfulfilled dreams – they must fight to keep that happiness. But with Lorna compelled to make everyone love her, Adrian’s artistic genius crippled by over-sensitivity to criticism, and Laurence so intent on success in business that he forgets to really live, will Jenifer’s clear-sighted pragmatism be enough to save them? A beautiful exploration of love and family, Quartet has a vivid cast of characters worthy of Elizabeth Gaskell and paints a wonderful, affectionate portrait of childhood to rival Richmal Crompton’s Just William.

Felicity – Stands By is a delightful, charming set of short stories by Richmal Crompton, following the adventures (and misadventures) of a young woman, Miss Norma Felicity Montague Harborough. Having finished school, Felicity returns to the family seat to live with her grandfather Sir Digby, sufferer of the infamous Harborough gout and the Harborough temper. Always well-meaning and often hapless, Felicity sets about to organize and matchmaker those around her: including rescuing her friend Sheila from the affections (and affectations) of local poet Marmaduke Eltham; joining travelling band ‘The Oranges’; and saving some rather important political papers from the clutches of a thief. Her escapades are a series of witty, warm and entertaining vignettes, sure to enchant anyone who loved the bestselling Just William series.

When Julia Gideon is widowed during the Second World War with five children to look after, she is left to manage Westover House with insufficient means for its upkeep. Urged by her solicitor brother to downsize and turn the family home into flats, she reluctantly agrees. However, as her new tenants move in it soon becomes clear that the manor house cannot contain the fiery personalities that are now living under its roof . . . From the hard up Godfrey and his wife Cynthia, who must share a flat with his brother Hubert and the uncouth Trixie; to Julia’s elderly aunts, Letitia and Lucy, who aspire to very different lives in their old age; and the faux-French Mrs Pollock whose overbearing presence in her daughter Ann-Marie’s life is protective to the point of suffocation – life is anything but simple at Westover. As heated relationships simmer away and family feuds break through to the surface, Richmal Crompton’s Westover is a keenly observed study of what happens when domestic life doesn’t run so smoothly . . .

Felicity – Stands By is a delightful, charming set of short stories by Richmal Crompton, following the adventures (and misadventures) of a young woman, Miss Norma Felicity Montague Harborough. Having finished school, Felicity returns to the family seat to live with her grandfather Sir Digby, sufferer of the infamous Harborough gout and the Harborough temper. Always well-meaning and often hapless, Felicity sets about to organize and matchmaker those around her: including rescuing her friend Sheila from the affections (and affectations) of local poet Marmaduke Eltham; joining travelling band ‘The Oranges’; and saving some rather important political papers from the clutches of a thief. Her escapades are a series of witty, warm and entertaining vignettes, sure to enchant anyone who loved the bestselling Just William series.

Everyone's favourite troublemaker is back in Richmal Crompton's William the Bad – with a fun and contemporary cover illustrated by Chris Garbutt and an introduction by writer Anne Fine. William doesn't understand why he's not invited to Robert and Ethel's fancy-dress party – what could possibly go wrong? Desperate for an invite, his search for the perfect costume causes mayhem. Somehow nothing ever goes to plan when William the Bad is around! There is only one William. This tousle-headed, snub-nosed, hearty, lovable imp of mischief has been harassing his unfortunate family and delighting his admirers since 1922. Enjoy more of William's adventures in William's Happy Days and William Again.