Who was Dan Leno? In 1901 everyone in Britain knew who he was. They had seen him live on the music hall stage, listened to his jokes on the new gramophone and watched his funny antics in some of the earliest moving pictures. Even King Edward VII was a fan and the popular press dubbed Dan Leno 'The King's Jester'. But his path to fame was a hard one: he journeyed from being a child performer in the London and Liverpool slums to a chaotic career in hard-bitten northern variety theatres. Dan became the nation's favourite comedian, but as one of the first mass media stars he suffered from this continual exposure and died at the early age of forty three. Drawing on many previously unused sources, this is first, authoritative, biography of Dan Leno. Only Charlie Chaplin, often compared to Dan in style and appearance, was to occupy a similar position in the hearts of the British public. In telling the full story of Dan's life and career on the stage and screen, Barry Anthony brings to life the everyday life of Victorian Britain, as well as Dan's unique brand of humour and its resonance with later comedians such as Spike Milligan and the Monty Python team.

This lively and far-reaching account of the politics, religion, and culture of England in the century and a half after the Norman Conquest provides a vivid picture of everyday existence, and increases our understanding of all aspects of medieval society. This was a period in which the ruling dynasty and military aristocracy were deeply enmeshed with the politics and culture of France. Professor Bartlett describes their conflicts, and their preoccupations - the sense of honour, the role of violence, and the glitter of tournament, heraldry, and Arthurian romance. He explores the mechanics of government; assesses the role of the Church at a time of radical developments in religious life and organization; and investigates the peasant economy, the foundation of this society, and the growing urban and commercial activity. There are colourful details of the everyday life of ordinary men and women, with their views on the past, on sexuality, on animals, on death, the undead, and the occult. The result is a fascinating and comprehensive portrayal of a period which begins with conquest and ends in assimilation.

Mary Hastings Bradley (1882-1976) wrote historical novels, travelogues, and mysteries, and was a journalist for Colliers Magazine during World War II. She traveled extensively, and wrote many articles and novels about her experiences.

"The King's Esquires" is an engaging historical novel penned by using George Manville Fenn. Set towards the backdrop of medieval England, the narrative follows the adventures of a collection of young men who serve as esquires to the king. Fenn, acknowledged for his prowess in crafting interesting memories, weaves a story that combines factors of chivalry, camaraderie, and bold exploits. The plot unfolds because the esquires find themselves entangled inside the political intrigues and demanding situations of the medieval court. Fenn captures the spirit of the era with brilliant descriptions of castles, tournaments, and the intricacies of royal life. The esquires navigate their duties with loyalty to the king, going through both external threats and internal conflicts. The novel now not best offers a thrilling adventure but also explores topics of honor, loyalty, and the complexities of medieval society. Fenn's storytelling prowess shines thru as he creates a wealthy tapestry of characters and occasions, transporting readers to a bygone technology full of knights, royalty, and the quest for glory.

Contains the first printing of Sartor resartus, as well as other works by Thomas Carlyle.