William Black Books

Set in 18th-century London, this literary biography immerses readers in the life of Oliver Goldsmith, a key figure in Irish literature, amid the struggles of poverty and social class. It explores themes of friendship, romance, and literary criticism during the Enlightenment, all while vividly depicting the bustling streets of London. Black’s rich prose captures the challenges and triumphs of Goldsmith and his contemporaries, highlighting the resilience of literary figures and the profound impact of literature on society.

The book is a classical work that has held significant importance throughout history. Alpha Editions has taken steps to preserve its legacy by republishing it in a modern format, ensuring clarity and readability. The text has been reformatted and retyped, avoiding the use of scanned copies, which enhances the reading experience for both present and future generations.

The book is a classical work that has played a significant role in human history, now preserved for contemporary readers through modern reformatting and design. Alpha Editions has ensured that this edition is not a mere scanned copy, but a freshly typed and clearly presented text, making it accessible for both present and future generations.

Set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this romance novel delves into clan traditions and family loyalties, weaving a tale of love and conflict. The Macleod clan's lives are intricately connected to the dramatic landscapes, reflecting their strength and resilience. As characters navigate moments of triumph and tragedy, the narrative explores the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of adventure. With vivid descriptions and a deep sense of nostalgia, the story captures the essence of Scottish literature, celebrating love and honor.

The book is a modern republication of a classical work, emphasizing its historical significance. It has been meticulously reformatted and retyped to ensure clarity and readability, making it accessible for contemporary and future readers. The effort to preserve this important text reflects a commitment to keeping its legacy alive.

The narrative recounts a personal journey of overcoming severe mental health challenges, addiction, and incarceration. Through vivid storytelling, the author shares experiences of fear, depression, and intense anxiety, including auditory and other hallucinations. This powerful testimonial highlights the struggle for freedom and the transformative power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of ancient Rome, the narrative follows the pupil of Aurelius as he navigates love, ambition, and complex moral choices. Under Aurelius's mentorship, he experiences personal growth while grappling with the political intrigue and philosophical debates of the time. William Black's evocative prose immerses readers in the richness of Roman society, exploring themes of morality, self-discovery, and the transformative power of mentorship. This historical fiction masterfully blends accuracy with engaging storytelling, offering a profound glimpse into the era.

Set in Victorian London, the story follows Judith Shakespeare, a character steeped in literary intrigue, as she explores love affairs and familial complexities. The novel weaves together themes of independence, identity, and feminism against a richly detailed historical backdrop. Through Judith's adventures, readers witness her struggle for self-discovery and empowerment amidst societal constraints. With masterful storytelling, the narrative combines romance and adventure, offering profound insights into the human experience while keeping readers captivated with unexpected twists.

Celebrated for his vivid and atmospheric descriptions, William Black's literary work is deeply influenced by his background in landscape painting. After moving to London at twenty-three, he contributed to prominent newspapers and served as a war correspondent during the Austro-Prussian War. His first novel, James Merle, was published in 1864 but did not achieve much success. Black's notable works include White Wings: A Yachting Romance, showcasing his talent for capturing the beauty of nature in his narratives.

There is more than a slight malaise in the air these days about French food and cooking. While the rest of the world delights in the intricacies of molecular gastronomy and even Britain is revelling in a culinary renaissance, in France the years of worship at the temple of the great god Michelin seem to have blinded them to change and evolution. Why is this? What is it about the French that causes them to be so blinkered about their food? Plats du Jour is an attempt to answer that question, as William Black explores the highways and byways of French cooking. Taking as his starting point the great tradition of French food, William tackles years of received wisdom and parochial food snobbery head on, though with his mind (and his mouth) firmly open... He eats tête de veau and fried cow's udder with his French wife's family near Orléans. He samples the dubious (and illegal) delights of ortolan in the south west and has the most painfully disappointing gastronomic experience of his life. He combs the beaches of Brittany for seafood and is chased away from a festival by an enraged Basque villager. His dedication to the culinary cause knows few bounds. Plats du Jour is a book which the French aren't going to like very much. That said, it's a highly entertaining and irreverent look at the world's greatest culinary tradition which will be required reading for anyone with an interest in food and cooking...