Books with title First Shape Book

The first literary experiences of the greatest writers of all time. “Jerome K. Jerome persuaded a group of authors each to write an article called ‘My First Book.’ I believe every writer of eminence, whom he approached, allowed himself to be caught in the Jerome net. Who can resist writing about ‘My First Book’?” -Our Paper, Volume 38, January 1, 1921 “I sat down and wrote something.” In this rare collection, Arthur Conan Doyle, R. L. Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling, and other late 19th century authors talk about being published for the first time. This is not a children's book, as may be supposed from the title, but a collection of essays first published in The Idler magazine, in which over twenty well-known authors write with characteristic style and humor of their experiences in writing their first book... and getting it published. Authors include Jerome K. Jerome, R. L. Stevenson, Bret Harte, Rider Haggard, Rudyard Kipling, Conan Doyle and Mary Braddon. Full of charm, humor and pathos, this book is like a fireside chat with great writers of the past, as well as being a fascinating insight into the literary scene of the late 19th century. Packed with historical anecdotes you never knew, and loads of writing wisdom from the masters of the craft, “My First Book” is an indispensable collection to both readers and writers as an insight into the craft, and particularly the business of writing, that’s still refreshingly relevant. “Fifty little cylinders of manuscript did I send out during eight years, which described irregular orbits among publishers and usually came back like paper boomerangs to the place that they had started from.” -A. Conan Doyle CONTENTS READY-MONEY MORTIBOY. BY WALTER BESANT THE FAMILY SCAPEGRACE. BY JAMES PAYN THE WRECK OF THE 'GROSVENOR.' BY W. CLARK RUSSELL PHYSIOLOGICAL ÆSTHETICS AND PHILISTIA. BY GRANT ALLEN THE SHADOW OF A CRIME. BY HALL CAINE THE SOCIAL KALEIDOSCOPE. BY GEORGE R. SIMS DEPARTMENTAL DITTIES. BY RUDYARD KIPLING JUVENILIA. BY A. CONAN DOYLE THE TRAIL OF THE SERPENT. BY M. E. BRADDON THE HOUSE OF ELMORE. BY F. W. ROBINSON DAWN. BY H. RIDER HAGGARD HUDSON'S BAY. BY R. M. BALLANTYNE THE PREMIER AND THE PAINTER. BY I. ZANGWILL THE WESTERN AVERNUS. BY MORLEY ROBERTS A LIFE'S ATONEMENT. BY DAVID CHRISTIE MURRAY A ROMANCE OF TWO WORLDS. BY MARIE CORELLI ON THE STAGE AND OFF. BY JEROME K. JEROME CAVALRY LIFE. By 'JOHN STRANGE WINTER' (MRS. ARTHUR STANNARD) CALIFORNIAN VERSE. BY BRET HARTE DEAD MAN'S ROCK. BY 'Q.' UNDERTONES AND IDYLS AND LEGENDS OF INVERBURN. BY ROBERT BUCHANAN TREASURE ISLAND. BY ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

14 chunky, child-friendly pieces fit into custom-cut holes on each page, and disappear into a see-through compartment, for a peek-a-boo surprise! Parents will love the book’s combination of critical learning skills, charming simplicity, and sturdy construction. Toddlers will love the easy, hands-on play they can do all by themselves, over and over again!