Swallows and Amazons Swallows and Amazons Swallows and Amazons is the first book in the "Swallows and Amazons" series by English author Arthur Ransome; it was first published in 1930, with the action taking place in the summer of 1929 in the Lake District. The book introduces central protagonists John, Susan, Titty and Roger Walker (Swallows) and their mother and baby sister (Bridget), as well as Nancy and Peggy Blackett (Amazons) and their uncle Jim, commonly referred to as Captain Flint. At the time, Ransome had been working as a journalist with the "Manchester Guardian", but decided to become a full-time author rather
The City of Dreaming Books The City of Dreaming Books The City of Dreaming Books (original title: "Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher") is the fourth novel in the Zamonia series written and illustrated by German author Walter Moers, but the third to be translated into English by John Brownjohn. The German version was released in Autumn 2004, and the English version followed in Autumn 2007. It is followed by two sequels, "The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books" (2011) and "The Castle of Dreaming Books" (TBA). Protagonist Optimus Yarnspinner ("Hildegunst von Mythenmetz" in the German text) is a Lindworm (dinosaur) who inherits his authorial godfather's possessions, including