Brian Alderson Books

"Moonfleet" (1898) begins as a mystery and an adventure story, a tale of smuggling set among the cliffs, caves, and downs of Dorset. What will be the outcome of the conflict between smugglers and revenue men? How can the hero, John Trenchard, discover the secret of Colonel John Mohune's treasure? As the book progresses these two interwoven themes resolve themselves into a third and richer one, with the friendship and suffering of both John Trenchard and the craggy, taciturn Elzevir Block. Falkner's feeling for history and for the landscape of his Dorset setting combine with his gift for storytelling to turn Moonfleet into a historical romance of moving intensity.

Reprint of the 1989 first edition. Peter and Iona Opie collected children's books from the 18th to the 20th century, along with toys and games. The books are now in the Bodleian Library. Over half of this book deals with children's chapbooks, moral tracts, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, classics, picture books, comics, and more, with an account of the collection and of the development of children's publishing. Following this are a section on toys and games, a bibliography including the Opies' own publications in the field and an index. Well illustrated. 190, 2 pages. stiff paper wrappers.. 4to..