Prize-winning historian and biographer, Carolly Erickson has created an eminently readable biography that recognizes the humanity of Great Catherine-Empress of Russia-with her majesty and immense capability. Dispelling some of the myths surrounding her voracious sexual appetite, the biographer portrays Catherine as a lonely woman far ahead of her time-achieving greatness in an era when women were executed on a husband's whim.

Dame Muriel Spark has written 21 novels. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1993 and Commandeur de L'Ordre Arts et des Lettres in 1996. Aiding and Abetting, based on an actual murder case, becomes a fascinating mystery under Spark's sharp pen. Lord Lucan disappeared in 1974, shortly after murdering his children's nanny in a botched attempt to kill his wife. Despite reports of sightings, no one knows for sure where the crafty fugitive...

Martha's Vineyard has been home to Victoria Trumbull for most of her ninety-two years. Its magic, history, and picture-perfect calm are part of her very being. But one evening, Victoria hears something that doesn't quite belong: a scream followed by a splash and a sound of a car speeding away. She investigates and discovers a body on the outgoing tide. Victoria concocts a scheme to trap the killer, but she'll need to act quickly—victim number two...

Pudding the panda makes everyone smile at Edinburgh Zoo. But what would make her truly happy is a family to take care of — like her heroine, Mary Poppins. Meanwhile, Callum is having a hard time at home. His parents keep arguing, his sister is annoying and his ninth birthday gift is a certificate for an 'adopted' panda when all he'd wanted was Lego. Then by a twist of fate, the unbelievable happens and the two come together on Callum's front doorstep...

Popular English literary novelist and recipient of the prestigious Booker Prize, Penelope Lively deftly captures the multi-layered drama and reminiscences that lie behind everyday events. Heat Wave is her ironic tale of obsession, love, and disillusionment. Freelance editor Pauline has planned an idyllic working holiday in her summer cottage, enjoying life in the country and her young grandson. Her daughter and son-in-law will spend their holidays...

The 18th century's Age of Enlightenment in pre-Revolutionary France continues to fascinate us today. Steegmuller brings his scholarly talents to this collection of the letters of Mme. Louise d'Epinay, best-known for the treatment she received in Rousseau's Confessions. Eavesdropping on the writings of this intelligent woman, the listener gains not only insights into her friendship with Italian priest-diplomat, Ferdinando Galiani, but also a glance...

Best-selling author Mary Jo Putney is the recipient of two RITA Awards, four Golden Leaf Awards, and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. With a touch of fantasy she captivates fans with this enchanting love story rich in historical details. In 18th century London, Gwynne Owens dutifully agrees to marry the dangerous laird of a Scottish clan, Duncan Macrae. Unlocking her hidden supernatural powers as a Guardian is the key to averting disaster...

The push for modernization in the early twentieth century has brought many changes to the once-grand Stonewycke estate. By 1931, the Stonewycke fortune is stretched thin as the Depression reaches Scotland, and heir Allison MacNeil finds herself at a crossroads. When a stranger shows up with a marked interest in the estate, will she hold on to the family legacy?

Allison and Logan Macintyre's marriage has flourished in the intervening years since World War II. Logan is now a distinguished member of the British Parliament. In 1971, a family loss deeply affects all who are connected to the Stonewycke estate, but also marks the beginning of new discoveries that promise to reshape their lives.

Villette, by Charlotte Bronte, is part of the Barnes & Noble Classics series, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of Barnes & Noble Classics: • New introductions commissioned from todays top writers and scholars • Biographies of the authors • Chronologies of contemporary...