PETER MARTIN

The first new biography for a generation of one of the great figures of English literaturePoet, essayist, biographer, lexicographer, critic, conversationalist and wit, Dr Johnson is one of the great figures of English literature, perhaps the most quoted English writer after Shakespeare. Our view of Johnson has been overwhelmingly shaped by James Boswells Life of Samuel Johnson, published in 1791, the most famous biography in the English language. But invaluable as Boswell is as a source, he should not be the last word.This new biography illuminates the Johnson that Boswell never knew: the awkward youth, the unsuccessful schoolmaster, the eccentric marriage, his early years in London in the 1740s scratching a living, the epic struggle to produce the Dictionary. Very much the outsider, rather than the supremely confident dispenser of robust common sense.Using material unknown to previous biographers, Peter Martin describes the psychological knife-edge on which Johnson felt he lived, caused by his severe melancholia and his physical diseases. He explores Johnsons role in the publishing and printing world of the time and he reveals how important women were to Johnson throughout his life. The Samuel Johnson that emerges from this enthralling biography is still the foremost figure of his age but a more rebellious, unpredictable and sympathetic figure than the one that Boswell so memorably portrayed.

For most women, a positive pregnancy test would bring joy. But for Angie, it marks the beginning of a nightmare that will bring heartbreak and despair.All too aware of the dire consequences she faces, she knows she never should have gotten pregnant in the first place. Her husband doesnt know the family secret that killed her mother and overshadows his happiness at becoming a father - and Angie isnt going to be the one to tell him. As her marriage and her life begin to fall apart, can Angie overcome her demons and find peace... And is there something even she doesnt know?

It only takes one phone call for Garrys life to change forever. A desperate old lady, his mother has a heart attack and is lying in her bungalow, close to death. Garry rushes over in a panic, only to find her unconscious on the carpet. She is taken to the hospital, and he sits by her bedside, praying for her to survive. Just before she dies, she wakes and reveals a secret that shocks Garry to the core. To learn of his adoption now and to witness her passing is too much to bear.He is so mortified, he cant tell his family, but the revelation eats away at him, and he must find out if his mothers last words are true. After confiding in his wife, they try to unravel the mystery together. Their search is never easy and when obstacles are put in their way, they realise someone is out to stop them whatever the cost. Who are these people? What are they hiding? And if his determination to learn the truth puts him and his family in grave danger, will he still continue looking for his real parents?

This heartwarming story of a truly remarkable dog, who changed the lives of her owners forever, will move and delight dog lovers everywhere.From the moment Peter and Cindy Martin spotted her as a puppy in a kennel she came streaking toward them and staring with her intense gaze, they knew she was the one. Almost immediately, she became a central part of their household. Alwayas left to run free, she became indefatigable explorer, gone for hours, sometimes entire days, but her infallible compass always brought her home. From her exploits in upstate New York to the story of her incredible survival in the Vermont wilderness and her later adventures in the English countryside, Perth displayed the same pluck, intelligence, devotion, unshakable trust, and unstinting love.Anyone who has ever owned or grown up with or wanted a dog will be captivated by this extraordinary, beautifully written homage to a very special creature.

The moving true story of Perth the beagle.Perth was a dog larger than life. She bought us adventure, drama and joy. She changed us forever.From the instant they spotted the forlorn puppy in the kennel, Cindy and Peter Martin knew she was the one for them. Refusing to remain a mere pet, Perth becomes an adored member of the household - fiercely loyal, impossibly intelligent and totally trusting. The Martins swear to always let Perth run free, and she becomes an indefatigable explorer with an infallible compass. From the woods and lakes of upstate New York and her incredible survival in the wilderness of Vermont to her later adventures in the English countryside, Perth rewards the Martins with unshakable trust and unstinting love.This is an entertaining, beautifully written homage to a very special canine heroine that will bring tears to the eyes of dog lovers everywhere.