Classic Canning
5 total works
I travelled from King's Cross to Berwick-on-Tweed in a sleeper on the night express for no other reason than that I like to read in bed and, at the same time, feel that I am being rushed forward at a tremendous speed.
In this series of pen-portraits of...
I travelled from King's Cross to Berwick-on-Tweed in a sleeper on the night express for no other reason than that I like to read in bed and, at the same time, feel that I am being rushed forward at a tremendous speed.
In this series of pen-portraits of England, commissioned by The Daily Mail in the 1930s, Victor Canning vividly conjures the pattern and colour of the 'great fabric of English Life' from Cumberland to Cornwall. His heartwarming, humorous and often irreverent observations of sleepy villages, pastoral scenes and busy industries provide a delightful insight into life between the wars.
A life-affirming story of family and personal self-discovery
When George, the eldest son of Matthew Silverman, announces he won’t follow his father’s footsteps as editor of the family-owned local newspaper, the family finds itself on a course for change. The newspaper has been going for nearly 100 years.
With...
Read moreA life-affirming story of family and personal self-discovery
When George, the eldest son of Matthew Silverman, announces he won’t follow his father’s footsteps as editor of the family-owned local newspaper, the family finds itself on a course for change. The newspaper has been going for nearly 100 years.
With younger brother Alexander and sisters Loraine and Alison growing up fast too, and gradual progress in the world around them, can Matthew do what’s best for them all?
This beautifully observed story of a loving family navigating generational change retains a timeless appeal today.
Praise for Victor Canning:‘His gift of story-telling is obviously innate. Rarely does one come on so satisfying an amalgam of plot, characterisation and good writing.’ Punch
‘Quite delightful … with an atmosphere of quiet contentment and humour that cannot fail to charm.’ Daily Telegraph
‘A swift-moving novel, joyous, happy and incurably optimistic.’ Evening Standard
‘There is such a gentle humour in the book.’ Daily Sketch
‘What counts for most in the story … is his mounting pleasure in vagabondage and the English scene.’ The Times
‘A paean to the beauties of the English countryside and the lovable oddities of the English character.’ New York Times
What’s going on behind the doors of Fountain Inn?
When her employer suddenly disappears, young Grace Kirkstall finds herself accepting a new job at a new company in the same building – an oasis of tranquillity off the streets of London.
Ben and Helen Brown’s startup company’s pitch is...
Read moreWhat’s going on behind the doors of Fountain Inn?
When her employer suddenly disappears, young Grace Kirkstall finds herself accepting a new job at a new company in the same building – an oasis of tranquillity off the streets of London.
Ben and Helen Brown’s startup company’s pitch is that, for a small consideration, they will help people out of their major and minor fixes. Their first big commission initiates Ben into the gentle art of house-breaking, and Helen into the mysteries of the Society for Progressive Rehabilitation…
But for Grace, it will plunge her into more danger than she could ever have imagined.
This leisurely, beautifully observed thriller marked Victor Canning’s entrée into crime fiction, and rewards with a thrilling finale - sure to delight fans of Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence.
An exuberant, life-affirming novel of taking your chances
After a spur-of-the-moment day out with his boss’ daughter in celebration of his 21st birthday, Polycarp Jarvis decides to quit his Bristol-based junior government worker job. Newly emboldened, he embarks on an erratic, engaging and not always strictly legal course through...
Read moreAn exuberant, life-affirming novel of taking your chances
After a spur-of-the-moment day out with his boss’ daughter in celebration of his 21st birthday, Polycarp Jarvis decides to quit his Bristol-based junior government worker job. Newly emboldened, he embarks on an erratic, engaging and not always strictly legal course through life.
Going from bus driver for the Red Dragon Motor Company to co-owner of a flying company, to seller of quack medicines, and eventually to media tycoon, Polycarp makes much of his luck along the way. Through ups and downs, his exuberance and charm carry him through.
But what kind of person will he be by the end?
This gentle coming-of-age story was hugely popular on first publication in the 1930s and retains a timeless appeal today.