Secondhand Classics & Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box SP2265

Secondhand Modern Classics & Literary Fiction Bargain Book Box

This collection of twenty-five books brings together a wide range of twentieth-century literature, including influential modern classics, war narratives, and satirical fiction. The set features major works by authors such as Evelyn Waugh, Robert Graves, and Roald Dahl, alongside the complete Divine Comedy by Dante. From the trenches of World War I to the philosophical questions of Camus and the humorous social critiques of Wodehouse, this box offers a substantial variety of reading material for those interested in literary history. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves This autobiography is one of the most significant personal accounts of the First World War, detailing Graves' service in the trenches and the disillusionment of the post-war generation. It offers a candid and often bitter look at the British public school system and the military hierarchy. The narrative serves as a powerful farewell to the old order of Victorian England and the innocence lost in battle.

2. The Outward Urge by John Wyndham & Lucas Parkes Written during the early years of the space race, this science fiction novel chronicles the exploration of the solar system through several generations of the Troon family. It blends technical realism with a focus on the human drive to explore the unknown, from moon bases to Mars landings. The story examines the sacrifices required for progress and the enduring compulsion to push boundaries.

3. Someone Like You by Roald Dahl This collection of short stories showcases Roald Dahl’s talent for the macabre and the unexpected, featuring famous tales such as "Lamb to the Slaughter." The stories are known for their dark humor, twist endings, and sharp observation of human foibles. It provides an entertaining and slightly unsettling look at the darker side of domestic life and human relationships.

4. Sherston's Progress by Siegfried Sassoon The final volume in Sassoon’s fictionalized autobiography focuses on the protagonist's return to active service in World War I after a period of convalescence. It explores the psychological strain of warfare and the complex bond between an officer and his men. The book offers a reflective and understated account of the conflict, bridging the gap between memoir and fiction.

5. Selected Short Stories by H.G. Wells H.G. Wells is best known for his novels, but this collection highlights his mastery of the short form, ranging from science fiction to social commentary. The stories explore themes of scientific hubris, the supernatural, and the potential futures of humanity. It serves as an accessible introduction to the imaginative breadth of one of the fathers of modern science fiction.

6. Men at Arms by Evelyn Waugh The first book in the Sword of Honour trilogy introduces Guy Crouchback, an idealistic Catholic who joins the army at the outbreak of World War II. Waugh uses satire to depict the bureaucracy, confusion, and often farcical nature of military life. It sets the stage for a profound exploration of honor, tradition, and the spiritual impact of global conflict.

7. The Last Days of Pompeii by Lord Lytton This Victorian historical novel reconstructs the final days of the Roman city before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It weaves a dramatic tale of romance, religious conflict, and gladiatorial combat against the backdrop of impending doom. The book remains a classic example of 19th-century historical romance, known for its vivid, if stylized, depiction of ancient life.

8. I, Claudius by Robert Graves Written in the form of a secret autobiography, this novel presents the life of the Roman Emperor Claudius, who survives the intrigues of his murderous family by playing the fool. It offers a gripping and intimate perspective on the corruption and power struggles of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The narrative combines meticulous historical research with a compelling, character-driven plot.

9. Jericho by Dirk Bogarde Written by the celebrated actor Dirk Bogarde, this novel follows a man who retreats to a house in the south of France to find solitude and make sense of his past. It is a quiet, introspective story about memory, writing, and the search for personal peace. The book is noted for its evocative descriptions of the French landscape and its sensitive portrayal of emotional isolation.

10. Indiscretions of Archie by P.G. Wodehouse This comedic novel follows the misadventures of Archie Moffam, a well-meaning but bumbling Englishman trying to navigate life in New York City. It features Wodehouse’s trademark wit, intricate plotting, and playful use of language. The story is a lighthearted series of episodes involving angry hotel managers, artists, and the eternal struggle to avoid work.

11. The Outsider by Albert Camus A seminal work of existential literature, this novel tells the story of Meursault, an indifferent French Algerian who commits a murder on a beach. The narrative explores the absurdity of human existence and the alienation of the individual from societal norms. It is a stark and provocative book that challenges readers to consider the meaning of justice and emotion.

12. Bring Larks and Heroes by Thomas Keneally Set in an unspecified penal colony resembling early colonial Australia, this novel examines the moral conflicts of an Irish corporal caught between duty and conscience. It explores themes of exile, authority, and the brutalizing effects of the convict system. The prose is dense and poetic, offering a grim but powerful vision of the colonial experience.

13. Claudius the God by Robert Graves Continuing the story begun in I, Claudius, this sequel covers Claudius's reign as Emperor and his eventual downfall. It details his administrative achievements, his invasion of Britain, and his betrayal by those closest to him. The book maintains the engaging voice of the first novel, portraying a ruler who is both wise and tragic in his understanding of power.

14. Unconditional Surrender by Evelyn Waugh The final volume of the Sword of Honour trilogy sees Guy Crouchback confronting the realities of the war's end and the moral compromises involved. The tone shifts from satire to a more somber reflection on the outcomes of the conflict and the loss of idealism. It brings the protagonist’s spiritual and military journey to a resolved, if melancholy, conclusion.

15. Scoop by Evelyn Waugh Widely considered one of the funniest novels ever written about journalism, this satire follows a nature writer who is mistakenly sent to cover a war in a fictional African nation. It skewers the sensationalism and incompetence of the press, as well as the chaotic nature of foreign correspondence. The story remains a sharp critique of the media landscape.

16. The Divine Comedy 1: Hell by Dante Alighieri The first canticle of Dante’s epic poem describes his journey through the nine circles of Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. It is a vivid allegorical tour of sin and punishment, filled with historical figures and theological symbolism. This Penguin Classics edition provides the necessary notes to navigate the complex political and religious context of the work.

17. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis This novel is a definitive campus satire, following the misfortunes of Jim Dixon, a junior lecturer at a provincial university who despises his job and his pretentous boss. It captures the frustrations of post-war British life and the clash between established norms and a younger generation. The book is celebrated for its anti-hero protagonist and its comedic set-pieces.

18. The Ring-Givers by W.H. Canaway This historical novel offers a realistic retelling of the Beowulf legend, grounding the myth in the gritty reality of Dark Age Europe. It focuses on the life of the hero and the brutal society that shaped the original poem. The narrative strips away the fantasy elements to present a story of survival, leadership, and tribal warfare.

19. Mr Norris Changes Trains by Christopher Isherwood Set in Berlin during the rise of the Nazis, this novel portrays the friendship between the narrator and the eccentric, corrupt Arthur Norris. It captures the atmosphere of a city on the brink of collapse, blending humor with a sense of impending dread. The book provides a fascinating, semi-autobiographical glimpse into the chaotic political and social life of 1930s Germany.

20. Over to You by Roald Dahl Drawing on Dahl’s own experiences as a fighter pilot in World War II, this collection of short stories focuses on the psychological and physical toll of flight and combat. The tales are less fantastical than his later work, offering instead a stark realism and a focus on the fragility of life. It highlights a different, more serious side of the author's writing.

21. The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck This novella depicts the military occupation of a small town in Northern Europe by an unnamed army, exploring the psychological effects of resistance. It argues that a free people cannot be permanently conquered, focusing on the quiet defiance of the local population. The book was written as propaganda for the Allied cause but endures as a study of human dignity.

22. Officers and Gentlemen by Evelyn Waugh The second book in the Sword of Honour trilogy follows Guy Crouchback through the disastrous Battle of Crete. It deepens the satire of the military establishment while exposing the confusion and incompetence that often accompany warfare. The novel marks a turning point for the protagonist, as his romantic notions of crusading are further eroded by reality.

23. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad This classic novella narrates Charles Marlow’s voyage up the Congo River to find the enigmatic ivory trader Kurtz. It is a dense and atmospheric critique of imperialism, exploring the darkness that lies within the human heart and the veneer of civilization. The story is famous for its psychological depth and its haunting, ambiguous imagery.

24. The Divine Comedy 2: Purgatory by Dante Alighieri In the second part of the epic, Dante climbs the Mount of Purgatory, encountering souls who are purifying themselves of sin before entering Heaven. It explores themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of art and prayer. The tone is lighter and more reflective than the Inferno, focusing on the possibility of spiritual growth.

25. The Divine Comedy 3: Paradise by Dante Alighieri The final volume depicts Dante’s ascent through the celestial spheres, guided by Beatrice, towards the ultimate vision of God. It is a complex work of theology and metaphysics, attempting to describe the indescribable nature of divine light and order. This concludes the journey, offering a vision of harmony that contrasts with the chaos of Hell.