John Wilmot Book order

Set during the Restoration of the English monarchy, this sexually explicit play critiques the reign of Charles II through sharp satire. It explores themes of morality, power, and excess, using humor to reflect on the social and political dynamics of the era. The narrative intertwines provocative content with a critical examination of the historical context, offering a bold commentary on the cultural landscape of the time.

The biography chronicles the tumultuous life of John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester, highlighting his privileged upbringing and descent into debauchery. After inheriting his title at 13, he was educated at Oxford and influenced by European culture during a Grand Tour. His courtship of Elizabeth Malet led to scandal and imprisonment, while his bravery in naval battles earned him royal favor. Known for his wit and satirical poetry, Rochester's extravagant lifestyle ultimately led to his banishment from court. He died in 1680, leaving a legacy of both literary brilliance and notorious escapades.

In early 1941 Australian soldiers stormed Italy’s stronghold on the Libyan coast and took control of the port city of Tobruk. Heavily outnumbered, yet resourceful and defiant, the Australians then defended the garrison against sustained attack by German forces. For five months the ‘Rats of Tobruk’ held on, dealing a major blow to the Axis powers’ North African campaign. Tobruk 1941 is the pioneering ABC reporter Chester Wilmot’s on-the-ground account of the siege, a landmark work of war writing. This edition comes with a new introduction by the historian Peter Cochrane.

Rochester's scandalous reputation belies the variety and sophistication of his love poems and satires. This new, modern-spelling edition is the most textually up to date, based not on the unreliable printed editions but on the most authoritative manuscripts. It includes a valuable introduction, helpful notes, and an index of manuscripts.