Books published by publisher Hesperides Press

So controversial was Black Girl when it first appeared in 1932 that it provoked public outcry with Shaw decried as a blasphemer. Today, it remains a surprisingly irreverent depiction of the universal search for God. Dissatisfied with the teachings of respectable white missionaries, an African girl embarks upon her own quest for God and Truth. Journeying through the forest, she encounters various religious figures, each one seeking to convert her to their own brand of faith. This brilliantly sardonic allegory showcases some of Shaw's most unorthodox thoughts on religion and race. George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) is best known for his dramatic works, of which Pygmalion is the most famous.

This vintage book contains Mark Twain’s 1883 memoir, "Life on the Mississippi". As well as being a memoir of his time spent as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi river, this book is also a travel book that recounts his journey along the river from St. Louis to New Orleans - many years after the War. A fascinating and characteristically humourous account, this volume is highly recommended for fans of Twain’s work, and it would make for a great addition to any personal collection. The chapters of this book include: “The River and Its History”, “The River and Its Explorers”, “Frescoes from the Past”, “The Boy’s Ambition”, “I Want to be a Cub-Pilot”, “A Cub-Pilot’s Experience”, “A Daring Deed”, “Perplexing Lessons”, “Continued Perplexities”, “Completing my Education”, etcetera. Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 - 1910), better known by his pseudonym, Mark Twain, was a seminal American writer and humourist. This antiquarian book is being republished now in an affordable, modern edition - complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

From the author of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden comes a masterful adventure that will capture the imagination: a tale of destiny, revolution, family and friendshipTwelve-year-old Marco and his father, Stefan, are exiled citizens of the impoverished Eastern European nation of Samavia. They live in London, where Stefan often receives mysterious visitors and where Marco befriends a street urchin known only as Rat. Stefan decides to send the pair on a secret mission in Europe, carrying a coded message to fellow Samavian patriots across the continent. On their arrival in Europe, it quickly becomes clear that Marco and Rat might not know the whole story; everywhere they go, Samavian exiles show Marco particular attention, but it is not until their return to London that the magnitude of the secret hidden within him becomes clear. Burnett's evocation of early 20th-century Europe is masterful, and her imaginative tale of political intrigue and family destiny will appeal to readers of all ages.

First published in 1937, “Black Hamlet” is a chronicle of physician Wulf Sachs' experiences psychoanalysing a man from a Johannesburg slum for two-and-a-half years. Originally an attempt to learn whether psychoanalysis was applicable across different cultures, Sachs' findings became so much more. “Black Hamlet” is a narrative reconstruction of one black South African's life as two worlds collide. Critically acclaimed when first published, this fascinating book will appeal to those with an interest in psychology and psychoanalysis, and it is not to be missed by collectors of related literature. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in a modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.

One of the all-time classics of children's literature, a feel-good book full of enthusiasm and exuberance, and a perfect family read"There is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it."When Pollyanna Whittier's father dies she is sent to live with her Aunt Polly in Vermont. A clash of personalities ensues as Pollyanna's sunny disposition sits ill with her aunt's need for quiet, her passion for shutting windows, and her obsession with quietly shut doors. The key to Pollyanna's happiness is The Glad Game—originally invented to deal with disappointing missionary boxes—and is applied to all parts of life. No matter how dark the situation, it is always possible to find something to be glad about. Any attempts to discipline the child fail helplessly in the face of The Glad Game. A bread and milk supper in the kitchen is greeted with rapture; a puritan attic bedroom with sparse furnishing is valued for its rapturous views. As Pollyanna becomes acquainted with other inhabitants of the town, the cantankerous residents fall victim to her charms. However, the arrival of a motor car in town heralds a tragic change which not even Pollyanna looks likely to be able to overcome. This timeless classic has spawned many spin-off novels and films.