Best Selling Books by Walter de la Mare

De la Mare''s capacity to both disturb and charm is demonstrated in a compilation of verse from earlier published volumes that chronologically arranges poems dating from 1906 to 1953.

In "Songs of Childhood," Walter De la Mare crafts a lyrical and evocative collection that captures the essence of childhood innocence through a series of enchanting poems. The work is characterized by its whimsical imagery, musicality, and a deep sense of nostalgia for the uncomplicated joys of youth. De la Mare employs a vivid palette of language, which not only conveys the joys and sorrows of childhood but also reflects the broader modernist movement of the early 20th century, where language and form were explored in innovative ways. The enchanting cadence of the poems makes them accessible to both children and adults, allowing them to resonate deeply with readers of various ages. Walter De la Mare (1873-1956) was an English author and poet who dedicated much of his literary career to exploring themes of memory, fantasy, and the innocence of childhood. His own experiences growing up in a Victorian society, combined with his interest in folklore and the supernatural, informed his writing style. De la Mare''s background in literature, along with his fascination with children''s emotions and experiences, provided a rich foundation for the creation of "Songs of Childhood," revealing the delicate interplay between reality and imagination. This poignant collection is an essential read for those seeking to reconnect with the wonder and simplicity of early life. Educators, parents, and poetry enthusiasts alike will find value in its timeless themes and exquisite verse, making "Songs of Childhood" a highly recommended addition to any literary repertoire.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

An anthology of poems for children.

In The Three Royal Monkeys, Walter de la Mare weaves a magical and deeply poetic fable that captures the innocence, wonder, and mystery of the imagination. First published in 1910, this enchanting tale follows three young monkeys — the children of the exiled royal family of their kind — on a perilous quest to reclaim their lost kingdom. Along their journey through lush forests, hidden valleys, and the haunting landscapes of de la Mare''s imagination, they encounter strange creatures, wise hermits, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow. Though written for younger readers, the novel resonates with the dreamlike lyricism and philosophical depth that made de la Mare one of the great stylists of English literature. Beneath its whimsical surface lies a meditation on courage, loyalty, and the mysterious workings of fate. His delicate prose and vivid imagery transform the animals'' adventure into a symbolic odyssey — a reflection on the endurance of hope and the search for one''s rightful place in the world. The Three Royal Monkeys stands as one of de la Mare''s earliest and most imaginative works, foreshadowing the poetic vision that would later define Peacock Pie and Memoirs of a Midget. At once fairy tale, allegory, and adventure story, it remains a timeless treasure of children''s literature — one that speaks as powerfully to adults as to the young, reminding readers that even in exile, the spirit of royalty endures.

In "The Listeners and Other Poems," Walter De la Mare crafts a collection that transcends mere verse, blending ethereal themes with vivid imagery and haunting tones. The poems range from explorations of the supernatural to contemplations on solitude and nature, all marked by De la Mare''s signature musicality and meticulous attention to language. His mastery of rhythm and sound, paired with a quintessentially British sensibility, evokes feelings of nostalgia and wonder, situating his work in the rich tradition of early 20th-century poetry that grapples with the metaphysical and the ambiguous. Walter De la Mare (1873-1956) was an English poet, novelist, and short story writer whose work often reflects his fascination with the uncanny and the mystical aspects of life. Growing up in a literary family and surrounded by the artistic influences of his time, De la Mare''s writing is imbued with an innate curiosity about the human experience and the worlds beyond. His own experiences, along with his deep engagement with folklore, children''s literature, and the everyday, shaped a unique voice that resonates through this collection. "The Listeners and Other Poems" is essential reading for anyone interested in the interplay of dream and reality. De la Mare''s evocative language and richly imaginative landscapes invite readers into realms of enchantment and introspection, making this collection a must-have for both poetry enthusiasts and those new to his work. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works'' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions. - A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation. - A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists. - A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work''s strengths. - Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author''s overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts. - Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection''s central themes.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Peacock Pie, a Book of Rhymes" by Walter De la Mare. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

Walter de la Mare was most famous for his uncanny fiction, and Memoirs of a Midget fits the description perfectly. The protagonist, who we know simply as “M.” or “Midgetina,” is a young woman just a few inches in height—though at times it seems that her height varies. Sometimes she’s small enough to be accosted by birds and carried on trays, and at other times it seems she’s large enough to ride horseback and even pass as a ten-year-old. She trips over hairbrushes, reads books that are larger than her, and must be especially careful around dogs and cats. The people around her seem to take this bizarre state of affairs in stride, and indeed, it’s the only truly uncanny quirk in an otherwise ornate, almost Jamesian narrative. The narrative follows Midgetina as she struggles to make her way in life after the tragic death of her parents. Even though she’s minuscule in size, she’s extremely sharp intellectually, taking an interest in literature, astronomy, natural science, and more. Her personality is so distinct that her minuscule stature becomes more of a symbol of her isolation, than the actual cause of it. In time she moves in to rooms managed by a Dickensian landlady, whose peripatetic daughter, Fanny, becomes a friend to Midgetina, a possible love interest, and even a sometimes-antagonist. Fanny, a master of manipulation, seems to float through life gleefully and selfishly using those around her. Midgetina, desperate for human connection, clings to Fanny with an interest that at times has an almost erotic edge. Fanny’s subtle manipulations, careless cruelty, and effortless charm make her a character just as memorable as Midgetina, and a powerful antidote to Midgetina’s naive, yearning hopefulness. Though largely forgotten today, Memoirs of a Midget was met with high praise from contemporary critics and went on to win the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction. Modern critic Edward Wagenknecht regards it as “the greatest English novel of its time.”

A collection of major Bible stories of the Old Testament, delightfully re-told in modern English, from the Garden of Eden to David and Goliath! Although geared towards the young, this book is a delight for all ages...

This is the first and possibly the most famous of de la Mare''s children''s books. It started as a series of stories he told his own children. An animal fable of three royal monkeys who travel to find their missing father; and their adventures on the journey. --Abebooks website.

"The Return" by Walter de la Mare is a novel that delves into the mysterious and unsettling transformation of Arthur Lawford, a man who experiences an inexplicable change in his appearance after a peculiar incident in a churchyard. The story begins with Lawford wandering through an old churchyard, reflecting on his life and health. He falls into a stupor and awakens to find his face altered beyond recognition. This metamorphosis leads to a series of events that challenge his identity and relationships, particularly with his wife, Sheila, who struggles to believe his story. Lawford''s predicament is compounded by the disbelief of those around him, including the vicar, Mr. Bethany, who is called upon to provide guidance. As Lawford grapples with his new reality, he is forced to confront the nature of his existence and the essence of his being. The novel explores themes of identity, reality, and the supernatural, leaving readers to ponder the boundaries between the physical and the metaphysical. De la Mare''s narrative is rich with psychological depth, capturing the protagonist''s internal turmoil and the reactions of those around him as they navigate this extraordinary situation.