Sylvia Townsend Warner Books

Set in the early 20th century, this novel explores the life of Lolly Willowes, a woman who defies societal expectations by embracing her independence and pursuing a life of her own in the English countryside. Through humor and wit, the story delves into themes of feminism, identity, and the clash between tradition and self-discovery. Warner's unique narrative style and character development offer a fresh perspective on women's roles in society, making it a compelling read for those interested in early feminist literature.

A masterful historical novel of monastic life, set in the 14th century. Many consider this Townsend Warner's most accomplished work.

T H White, author of the much-loved The Sword in The Stone, The Once and Future King, The Goshawk, and many other works of English literature, died in Greece from a heart attack in 1964, aged 57. Warner treats White's repressed homosexuality and his sexual predilections with humane understanding in this wise portrait of a tormented literary giant.

'A comic masterpiece' Patrick Gale, Guardian Pillar of society and stern upholder of Victorian values, god-fearing Norfolk merchant John Barnard presides over a large and largely unhappy family. This is their story - his brandy-swilling wife, their hapless offspring and their changing fortunes - over the decades. Sylvia Townsend Warner's last novel, The Flint Anchor gloriously overturns our ideas of history, family and storytelling itself. 'A novel created with solidity and subtlety of feeling, a fusion of warmth, wit and quietly biting shrewdness that are reminiscent of Jane Austen' Atlantic Review 'As a sustained work of historical imagination, it has few rivals ... one of the most acute and intelligent writers of her age' Claire Harman

Endorsed by Neil Gaiman, this new edition of Sylvia Townsend Warner's final collection of short stories brings her fantasy writing to a new readership. These sixteen sly and enchanting stories of Elfindom show Warner's mastery of realist fantasy that recalls the success of her first novel, the witchcraft classic Lolly Willowes (1926).

Of the previous century's many great storytellers, Sylvia Townsend Warner was the supreme enchantress. The Music at Long Verney collects twenty of her best short stories, most of them from the great years at The New Yorker. They span a full half-century, from 1929 to 1977, and are crowded with irrepressible, living characters and even more animated objects and incidents. There are stories of romantic love and the mysteries of marriage; of artists who speak the truth even as they distort reality; of gardens and houses and very fine things and of those who fancy themselves their owners.The centerpiece of the collection is a series of five linked stories about an eccentric establishment, the Abbey Antiques Gallery, and its singular proprietor, the urbane Mr. Edom. Some of these stories are hilarious, others hauntingly lyrical, but all are incomparably witty and original-in short, they're vintage Warner.

Conversation Gambits actively teaches the language of conversation and discussion. Throughout their careful choice of language, the authors predict the words and phrases students will require to take part in the conversation activities effectively.

Four novels deal with a woman who is dissatisfied with conventional choices, a missionary who visits a South Sea island, the daily life of fourteenth century nuns, and the French Revolution

'Witty, poetic, clairvoyant' John Updike The Reverend Timothy Fortune, ex-clerk of the Hornsey branch of Lloyds Bank, has found his vocation: to convert the inhabitants of the remote tropical island of Fanua to Christianity. Even when everyone except for a young boy called Lueli remains indifferent to his preaching, Mr Fortune's good spirits cannot be dampened - until one day his faith is put to a terrible test. 'This quizzical tale is so intensely moving' Gillian Beer, New Statesman 'Original, elegant and hypnotically strange' Miranda Seymour, The New York Times 'Sylvia Townsend Warner pursues the psychology of the story with beautiful accuracy' John Carey

Set in the early 20th century, this novel follows the life of Lolly Willowes, a woman who defies societal expectations by seeking independence and fulfillment outside of traditional roles. With a blend of humor and keen observation, the story explores themes of individuality, rebellion, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Lolly's journey leads her to unexpected encounters and a deeper understanding of herself, making it a delightful and thought-provoking read.