Books in Essential Modern Classics series

Set in nineteenth-century Australia, Voss is the story of the secret passion between an explorer and a naive young woman. Although they have met only a few times, Voss and Laura are joined by overwhelming, obsessive feelings for each other. Voss sets out to cross the continent. As hardships, mutiny and betrayal whittle away his power to endure and to lead, his attachment to Laura gradually increases. Laura, waiting in Sydney, moves through the months of separation as if they were a dream and Voss the only reality. From the careful delineation of Victorian society to the sensitive rendering of hidden love to the stark narrative of adventure in the Australian desert, Patrick White's novel is a work of extraordinary power and virtuosity.

ROBINSON CRUSOE As a boy, young Robinson was forever eager to go to sea, and when he disobeys his parents and first sets sail so begins his extraordinary life of adventures. Shipwreck, pirates, slavery and adversity all await him in this classic story of one man's struggle to endure and survive. One of the first novels written in English, Defoe's unforgettable tale is justifiably among the most widely published books ever written. Other titles available in this series: TREASURE ISLAND; KING SOLOMON'S MINES; THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER; THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON; THE CALL OF THE WILD; THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD.

Retold for younger readers, Bram Stoker's 1897 classic was so popular upon publication that a paperback was published just three years later. This chilling tale, which is told through the diaries and letters of the main character, is the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who comes to England from Transylvania to feed on new blood and to widen his ever-increasing circle of vampires!

A LITTLE PRINCESS - Sarah Crewe is the apple of her father's eye and wants for nothing at her boarding school. But when fate conspires to change her life completely, can the 'little princess' learn to overcome adversity in even the bleakest of places? Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of the Secret Garden, weaves an enchanting story of friendship, honesty and integrity. Other titles available in this series: THE SECRET GARDEN; WHAT KATY DID; THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ; HEIDI THE RAILWAY CHILDREN; and POLLYANNA

When young Heidi is orphaned, her aunt Dete leaves her in the care of her reclusive grandfather, Alm-Uncle. At first, the villagers of Dorflie are concerned for her welfare, but she flourishes in her new home until her aunt returns to take her away to live in Frankfurt. How will Heidi cope so far from her beloved mountain and the grandfather she adores? A classic tale of love and friendship.

Katy Carr plans to be 'beautiful and beloved, and amiable as an angel' when she grows up, but for now she is headstrong, gangly tomboy with tangled hair, who can't help but get into mischief. When a terrible accident leaves Katy confined to bed, can she find the courage to overcome her misfortune and recapture her dreams? First published in 1872, What Katy Did has been one of the world's best-loved stories ever since. Age 8+ Complete and unabridged.