Herbert Ernest Bates Book order

A journey down the banks and in the waters of two contrasting Midland rivers, the Nene and Ouse

The Flying Officer X stories were written by H.E. Bates in his unprecedented role as an official war writer with the R.A.F. during WWII, where he animates the realities faced by pilots tasked with protecting the skies from enemy aircraft. The resulting stories that appeared under the pseudonym Flying Officer X are portraits of individual pilots narrated by an observer who is on the inside of the air force without being a pilot. These portraits recount the personal history of the pilots, and convey the individual qualities and forces that motivate them. They blend the action and suspense of aerial battles, friendships cut off too soon, and life enduring against all odds

Set during World War II, the story follows an English bomber pilot who is shot down over occupied France. Rescued by a French family, he must stay behind to recover from his injuries while his crew escapes. As he heals, he develops a romantic bond with the homeowner's daughter, and together they embark on a journey through France, navigating danger and uncertainty in their quest to return to England. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience amidst the backdrop of war.

Set in the countryside, this collection features a variety of quirky characters, each brought to life through H. E. Bates's vivid storytelling. Published when he was only 23, the stories reflect the rural experiences and nuances of life, showcasing Bates's early talent for capturing the essence of his surroundings and the people within them.

Inspired by the gentle beauty of the English landscape, the celebrated writer HE Bates and the much loved wildlife artist CF Tunnicliffe produced an enchanting tribute to country life.

The pages are full of sharp observations which reveal the loveliness of every- day sights and fleeting moments, from the charm of butterflies and their names to the behaviour of animals and birds, the joys of gardening and the character of the people and their landscape.

Meet the Larkin family! They enjoy a wonderful country life, never worrying about money, work – or the law. But then, one day, a man arrives from the tax office. Is the taxman going to change the Larkin’s lives? Or is his life going to change forever?

Bates describes a single woodland year in this enchanting book.

H. E. Bates provides a beautifully written account of the British garden in its interaction with the seasons accompanied with illustrations by C. F. Tunnicliffe.

Set in the picturesque Kent countryside, this collection features poignant stories that showcase the depth and charm of rural life. Celebrated author HE Bates, often likened to Chekhov by Graham Greene, offers a masterful exploration of human emotions and relationships. Selected by his grandson, Tim Bates, these tales reveal why Bates is regarded as one of the finest short story writers of his generation, blending nostalgia with keen observations of everyday life.