E. M. Forster

Lucy is a well-mannered Edwardian lady who finds that true love has no interest in playing by her rules. But how can she choose between what she wants and what everyone around her expects her to want? This gentle but sharp comedy has it all: surprise encounters, jealousy and revenge, conventional fools and unconventional sages, confrontation, loss, and eventual triumph.

E.M. Forster's Where Angels Fear to Tread is amongst the greatest twentieth-century literary explorations of vice, virtue and the nature of prejudice, edited with notes by Oliver Stallybrass and an introduction by Ruth Padel in Penguin Classics.On travelling to Italy with her friend Caroline Abbott, the impulsive English widow Lilia Herriton outrages her dead husband's family by meeting and quickly becoming engaged to Gino, a dashing but deeply unsuitable Italian man twelve years her junior. Infuriated, her ex-brother-in-law Philip sets off from England to her new home in the Tuscan town of Monteriano - but, finding himself unable to persuade Lilia to leave her handsome, uncouth new lover, returns to England without her. When Lilia's marriage leads to sudden tragedy, however, Philip and Caroline feel compelled to return once more to Italy, where they are forced to examine their own lives.This edition reproduces the Abinger text, and also includes further reading, notes, a chronology, an introduction by Ruth Padel discussing division and culture clash in the novel and an appendix detailing an exchange about the novel between Forster and the poet R.C. Trevelyan.E. M. Forster (1879-1970) was a noted English author and critic and a member of the Bloomsbury group. His first novel, Where Angels Fear To Tread appeared in 1905. The Longest Journey appeared in 1907, followed by A Room With A View (1908), based partly on the material from extended holidays in Italy with his mother. Howards End (1910) was a story that centered on an English country house and dealt with the clash between two families, one interested in art and literature, the other only in business. Maurice was revised several times during his life, and finally published posthumously in 1971.If you enjoyed Where Angels Fear to Tread, you might enjoy Forster's A Room With a View, also available in Penguin Classics.

This Edwardian social comedy explores love and prim propriety among an eccentric cast of characters assembled in an Italian pensione and in a corner of Surrey, England. A charming young English woman, Lucy Honeychurch, faints into the arms of a fellow Britisher when she witnesses a murder in a Florentine piazza. Attracted to this man, George Emerson--who is entirely unsuitable and whose father just may be a Socialist--Lucy is soon at war with the snobbery of her class and her own conflicting desires. Back in England she is courted by a more acceptable, if stifling, suitor, and soon realizes she must make a startling decision that will decide the course of her future: she is forced to choose between convention and passion. The enduring delight of this tale of romantic intrigue is rooted in Forster's colorful characters, including outrageous spinsters, pompous clergymen and outspoken patriots. Written in 1908, A Room With A View is one of E.M. Forster's earliest and most celebrated works.

E.M. Forster's Aspects of the Novel is an innovative and effusive treatise on a literary form that, at the time of publication, had only recently begun to enjoy serious academic consideration. This Penguin Classics edition is edited with an introduction by Oliver Stallybrass, and features a new preface by Frank Kermode.First given as a series of lectures at Cambridge University, Aspects of the Novel is Forster's analysis of this great literary form. Here he rejects the 'pseudoscholarship' of historical criticism - 'that great demon of chronology' - that considers writers in terms of the period in which they wrote and instead asks us to imagine the great novelists working together in a single room. He discusses aspects of people, plot, fantasy and rhythm, making illuminating comparisons between novelists such as Proust and James, Dickens and Thackeray, Eliot and Dostoyevsky - the features shared by their books and the ways in which they differ. Written in a wonderfully engaging and conversational manner, this penetrating work of criticism is full of Forster's habitual irreverence, wit and wisdom.In his new introduction, Frank Kermode discusses the ways in which Forster's perspective as a novelist inspired his lectures. This edition also includes the original introduction by Oliver Stallybrass, a chronology, further reading and appendices.E. M. Forster (1879-1970) was a noted English author and critic and a member of the Bloomsbury group. His first novel, Where Angels Fear To Tread appeared in 1905. The Longest Journey appeared in 1907, followed by A Room With A View (1908), based partly on the material from extended holidays in Italy with his mother. Howards End (1910) was a story that centered on an English country house and dealt with the clash between two families, one interested in art and literature, the other only in business. Maurice was revised several times during his life, and finally published posthumously in 1971.If you enjoyed Aspects of the Novel, you might like Forster's A Room with a View, also available in Penguin Classics.

"Howards End is a beautifully subtle tale of two very different families brought together by an unusual event. The Schlegels are intellectuals, devotees of art and literature. The Wilcoxes are practical, wealthy, and materialistic. When the elder Mrs. Wilcox dies and her family discovers she has left their country home, Howards End, to one of the Schlegel sisters, a crisis erupts between the two families. Written in 1910, "Howards End is a symbolic exploration of the social, economic, and intellectual forces at work in England in the years preceding World War I. Forster's novel asks: In a changing modern society, what should be the relation between the inner and outer life, between the world of the intellect and the world of business? Can they ever, as Forster urges, "only connect"? Mary Gordon is a McIntosh Professor of English at Barnard College. Her best-selling novels include "Final Payments, "The Company of Women, and "Spending.

Reflecting Forster's view of the moral and emotional weaknesses of the English upper class, this novel deals with a country house called Howards End and its influence on the lives of the wealthy and materialistic Wilcoxes; the cultured, idealistic Schlegel sisters; and the poor bank clerk Leonard Bast. Illustrating Forster's key aphorism, "Only connect," it brings together people from different classes and nations through sympathetic insight and understanding. As Lionel Trilling noted, it "eloquently addresses the question 'Who shall inherit England?'"

A beautiful Everyman's Library Contemporary Classics hardcover edition of one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century, with an introduction by P. N. Furbank. Britain's three-hundred-year relationship with the Indian subcontinent produced much fiction of interest but only one indisputable masterpiece of English literature: E. M. Forster's A Passage to India, published in 1924, at the height of the Indian independence movement. Centering on an ambiguous incident between a young Englishwoman of uncertain stability and an Indian doctor eager to know the English better, Forster's book explores, with unexampled profundity, both the historical chasm between colonizer and colonized and the eternal one between individuals struggling to ease their isolation and make sense of their humanity. Everyman's Library pursues the highest production standards, printing on acid-free cream-colored paper, with full-cloth cases with two-color foil stamping, decorative endpapers, silk ribbon markers, European-style half-round spines, and a full-color illustrated jacket. Contemporary Classics include an introduction, a select bibliography, and a chronology of the author's life and times.

A stunning new edition of Forster's beloved classic novel, with a new introduction by David Nicholls, bestselling author of You Are Here'A social comedy, often delightful . . . with energy, curiosity and wit'DAVID NICHOLLS'Forster's masterpiece'THE TIMES'The present flowed by them like a stream. The tree rustled. It had made music before they were born, and would continue after their deaths, but its song was of the moment.'Howards End, the country home of the Wilcoxes, overlooks a fertile garden and a meadow beyond, the boundary marked by a majestic wych-elm tree. Great red poppies bloom, cherry and plum trees flower and the scent of cut hay perfumes the air.In the spring of 1905, within those vine-covered walls, a brief romance between Helen Schlegel and Paul Wilcox brings the pragmatic, bourgeois Wilcoxes into conflict with the liberal, idealistic Schlegels. When Helen befriends Leonard Bast, a young bank clerk on the edge of ruin, a chain of events is set in motion that brings the Schlegel, Wilcox and Bast families together irrevocably, for better or for worse, and leads back, in the end, to where it all began, Howards End.

A stunning new edition of Forster's first novel, with a new introduction by Elif Shafak, the Booker-shortlisted author of The Island of Missing Trees'Strangely timeless . . . Both darkly comedic and tinged with tragic undertones'ELIF SHAFAK'Swift, witty and satirical, with a fine eye for English manners and English snobbery'JULIAN BARNESImpulsive Lilia Herriton is a vulgar source of embarrassment to her late husband's family, so her decision to embark on a year abroad in Italy with her friend Caroline Abbott is welcomed by all. But in Monteriano, a Tuscan town perched among the hills and surrounded by olive trees, Lilia scandalises her in-laws by quickly becoming engaged to a charismatic but unsuitable Italian man twelve years her junior.Hoping to bring Lilia back to England before it's too late, her brother-in-law Philip sets out for Tuscany, but on arrival, his ideas about the town and Lilia are challenged at every turn, and he returns home in defeat.When the marriage leads to tragedy, Philip and Caroline must once again take the winding road to Monteriano, where they are forced to examine their own values and reconsider the lives that await them back in England.

Illustrated Edition: Includes 20 stunning illustrations that bring the early 20th-century English countryside and its characters to life.Includes a Detailed Summary: An engaging synopsis that will improve your comprehension and pleasure of the narrative.Character List Provided: Get to know the intricate web of characters with a comprehensive list and descriptions.Author Biography: Dive into the life of E.M. Forster, understanding the man behind the masterpiece.Dive into the heart of early 20th-century England with this beautifully illustrated edition of E.M. Forster's timeless novel, Howards End. This edition breathes new life into the entangled lives of the Schlegel sisters, Margaret and Helen, and their complex relationships with the Wilcox family and Leonard Bast, set against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing society.Through 20 evocative illustrations, readers are transported to the English countryside and London's vibrant streets, witnessing the collision of social classes, ideologies, and passions. Accompanied by a detailed summary, this edition ensures a deeper appreciation of Forster's exploration of human connection, social change, and the enduring question of what makes a place home.A comprehensive list of characters aids in navigating the complex relationships and societal intricacies that define this iconic story. Furthermore, an insightful biography of E.M. Forster provides context to the novel's themes, enriching your reading experience.Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Forster's work for the first time, this illustrated edition of Howards End offers a visually stunning and intellectually rewarding journey into one of literature's most cherished narratives.

Illustrated Edition: Includes 20 captivating illustrations that bring the story to life.Comprehensive Summary: A succinct and engaging summary to whet your appetite and deepen your understanding of the narrative.Detailed Character List: An insightful exploration of the key figures within this prophetic tale.Author Biography: A look into the life of E.M. Forster, offering context to his creation of this timeless work.Dive into the dystopian world of E.M. Forster's "The Machine Stops," a visionary novella that presages our modern dilemmas with technology and isolation. This illustrated edition, enriched with 20 striking illustrations, not only visualizes Forster's imagined future but also invites readers into the depths of its message with an accompanying summary, detailed character list, and a biography of the author himself.Set in a future where humanity dwells beneath the earth's surface, nurtured and governed by an all-encompassing Machine, Forster explores the chilling ramifications of a life devoid of direct human contact and dependence on technology. Through the eyes of Vashti and her son Kuno, we witness the struggle between the comfort of a controlled, mechanized existence and the innate human desire for autonomy, physical experience, and connection.Vashti epitomizes the complacent citizen, perfectly content within the confines of her technological cell, communicating through instant messaging and lectures. In stark contrast, Kuno represents the human spirit's rebellion against the fetters of an overly mechanized life, yearning for the freedom to explore the forbidden surface of the Earth and the direct touch of human interaction."The Machine Stops" is not merely a story but a warning, a reflection on our relationship with technology and the enduring quest for meaningful connections in a mediated world. This edition, with its beautiful illustrations, comprehensive summary, character analysis, and insight into Forster's life, offers a complete journey into one of the most prescient works of 20th-century literature. Whether you're a long-time fan of Forster or new to his work, this edition is an essential addition to your collection, providing a fresh perspective on a tale that has never been more relevant.

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that examines love, individuality, and the constraints of Edwardian society. The story follows Lucy Honeychurch, a spirited young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery during a trip to Italy. While staying at a pension in Florence, she meets the unconventional and passionate George Emerson, who challenges her views on life and love. Returning to England, Lucy finds herself caught between George’s spontaneity and the stifling propriety of her fiancé, Cecil Vyse. As Lucy navigates these contrasting worlds, she must decide whether to follow her heart or conform to societal expectations. With its vivid settings, sharp wit, and timeless themes, A Room with a View is a beloved classic that continues to inspire and captivate readers.

A stunning new edition of Forster's classic novel, with a new introduction by Sarah Winman, bestselling author of Still Life'One of the most beautiful, poignant and poetic love stories, as relevant today as it was then'SARAH WINMAN'My first intimation of the possibilities of fiction'ZADIE SMITH'Brimming with yearning and desire . . . a novel I return to often'CALEB AZUMAH NELSON'You can transmute love, ignore it, muddle it, but you can never pull it out of you. I know by experience that the poets are right: love is eternal.'Young, impressionable Lucy Honeychurch arrives in Italy for the first time, dependent on a Baedeker travel guide and her stern chaperone, Miss Bartlett. Staying at the Pension Bertolini, where a group of unusual characters come together, Lucy explores the basilicas and piazzas of Florence, the romantic charm of Italy beginning to work on her. And then one day, on a hill of violets overlooking the city, an encounter with passionate George Emerson opens Lucy's eyes to the possibility of a life beyond the constraints of her middle-class upbringing.Back in England, among the tennis courts and manicured lawns of home, Lucy tries to regain the respectable path laid out for her. But when she meets George again, she is torn between social obligation and the desire for a different sort of life. Can she learn how to be true to herself, before the possibility of a life of love and beauty slips through her fingers?