Great Expectations is one of Dickens' later works and considered one of his best. It is notable for it's more naturalistic depiction of characters; here motivations and personal viewpoints form the heart of the narrative. The story follows the arc of a young orphan's life as he first tries to raise himself to a higher station in life and finally discovers the solution to some mysteries and comes to terms with himself.

Hunchbacked, one-eyed, lame and eventually deaf, Quasimodo is the bell-ringer at the Notre Dame cathedral in 15th century Paris, France. A victim of constant ridicule, Quasimodo finds greatest solace and happiness in these bells. He loves them like no other, until he happens upon the beautiful gypsy, La Esmerelda. A hunchback, an Archdeacon, a playwright and a handsome Captain - each enchanted by La Esmerelda. Accusations of sorcery, a sham marriage, mayhem and murder - The Hunchback of Notre Dame continues to entertain.

Widely considered one of the greatest manuals of devotion in Christianity it has inspired conversion and stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. It is praised by both Protestants and Roman Catholics, and counted among the Jesuit "exercises".

Orphaned early in life, Jane Eyre endures life with a cruel aunt, harsh boarding school and generous lashings of cruelty. From this grew Jane's strength of character and quest for freedom and equality. Jane eventually secures a job as a governess and falls in love with the owner of the manor, Edward Rochester. Despite her plainness, she captures his heart. But can they overcome differences in social status, age and experience? Will a secret he has come between them? Will she follow her convictions even if it meant losing her true love? Will love conquer all? Jane Eyre is a sensational love story Bronte style with truckloads of gutsy character building material to boot.

The lives of the poor and downtrodden during early 19th century France was, as this title suggests, miserable. This story by Victor Hugo centres on ex-convict Jean Valjean who is determined to escape his past and redeem himself. But a minor misdemeanour and a persistent policeman, Javert, puts Jean Valjean's efforts under constant threat. His freedom means that he is able to uphold his vow to look after, Cosette, the infant daughter of a prostitute. But what price freedom? Les Miserables brings us a story with history, love, moral arguments and much, much more. Powerful social commentary, moving and very touching.

When first published in 1899 the work received a mixed critical reception; praise for its outstanding writing style and condemnation for it's frank presentation of the limits of a woman's role and its sexual openness. At the time the book only had one printing. After it's rediscovery in 1969 the book has been praised for its treatment of issues facing women and its wonderful style.