William Horwood is an English novelist known for his allegorical tales. His early work often explored the lives of animals, weaving complex narratives that delve into themes of community and instinct. Later, he expanded his scope to include human experiences, examining profound aspects of love, trust, and overcoming adversity. Horwood's writing is characterized by its imaginative depth and thoughtful exploration of the natural world and the human condition.
Pro vlky v Evropě přišel čas, aby opět převzali vládu nad svým dávným Srdcem krajiny, které celá staletí ničili a pustošili Manové a zákeřná maďarská smečka. Teprve pak se mohou zrodit praví bohové a může být obnoven přirozený řád. "Jak se jmenuje to místo, které jsi tak dávno opustil?" zeptal jsem se. Otočil se ke mě, v očích se mu třpytily hvězdy a ve staré srsti světlo bloumajícího měsíce. Netušil jsem, že by vlk mohl vypadat tak zranitelně. "Jmenuje se domov," odpověděl.
První kniha série nazvané podle čtyř ročních období uvádí čtenáře do Skrytého světa, domova hyddenů, který je lidem skrytý neviditelným pláštěm. Mezi těmito dvěma světy existují průchody, avšak hyddenové, ačkoliv o lidech vědí, zůstávají většinou neviditelní. K jednomu setkání dochází, když hyddenové vyšlou mladého chlapce Jacka, aby žil mezi lidmi. Jeho úkolem je naplnit dávné proroctví a najít ztracený úlomek legendární Sféry, kterou vyrobil mistr kovář Beornamund. Tento úlomek skrývá jiskru Ohňů vesmíru, kterou Beornamund ukradl bohům. Hlavními postavami jsou čtyři hyddenové, vážení občané města Brumu, kteří se rozhodnou porušit staletí trvající tabu a pomoci Jackovi na jeho cestě. Jack se setkává s Katherine, dívkou, které zachrání život při tragické nehodě, což zásadně změní jeho osud. Oba jsou s hyddenským světem spojeni víc, než si uvědomují. Jejich cesta do nebezpečného Skrytého světa odhalí mnohé o jejich předurčeném osudu. Společně se svými hyddenskými přáteli se zúčastní mocenského střetnutí v Brumu, aby dokončili své poslání a zachránili oba světy před zničením.
Skallagrigg unites Arthur, a little boy abandoned many years ago in a grim hospital in northern England with Esther, a radiantly intelligent young girl who is suffering from cerebral palsy, and with Daniel, an American computer-games genius.Skallagrigg - whatever the name signifies, whoever he is - will come to transform all their lives. And William Horwood's inspired, heart-rending story of rescue and redemptive love will undoubtedly touch your life too.
As the glorious events of Duncton Wood ended, Tryfan, son of Bracken and Rebecca, was entrusted with a special task – to accompany the old scribemole Boswell back to the Holy Burrows of Uffington and take the seventh Stillstone to its rightful resting place. But a dark evil is spreading across moledom, whispering falseness to the weak and giving corrupt power to the cunning and faithless. When the two moles finally reach Uffington they discover only death and destruction. The sacred burrows are abandoned, the Holy Library desecrated and the sole survivor is a frail and timid mole called Spindle. For out the chilly of the chilly north have swarmed the Grikes – a bloodthirsty tribe of warrior moles under the leadership of their evil queen, Henbane. They are fanatical followers of the Word, a harsh creed which demands that they convert or kill all believers in the sacred Stone. Their tyranny extends far and wide and even mighty Duncton Wood is now threatened. Tryfan finds he has a new and terrible task…
Toad of Toad Hall has his finest hour - in the final volume of William Horwood's bestselling Tales of the Willows sequence.
When Tryfan, son of Bracken and Rebecca, returns to the sacred Burrows of Uffington, he finds dreadful signs of death and destruction. For out of the chilly North have swarmed the grikes, a fanatical tribe of warrior moles bent on destroying all believers in the powers of the Stone. Tryfan’s duty is clear – to muster and protect the few remaining Stone followers from the evil that seems certain to engulf them. With only a frail and timid mole named Spindle for company, he sets off on an epic journey… But can he save his friends?
(The Book of Silence, 3) is the English original edition, comprising 872 pages and 9 sections.
The secret and power of James MacAskill Stonor's extraordinary sculptures and paintings are traced back to his childhood years of loss and uncertainty and the tale of Cuillin, last of the great sea eagles of Skye
A century after the great days of moledom described in the great Chronicles, Privet, a lonely female pilgrim from the north, arrives in fabled Duncton Wood. Only old Stour, Master of the Library, realizes the importance of her quest. For Privet seeks an answer to moledom’s final mystery: where and what is the Book of Silence, whose scribe nomole knows, whose content none can guess, whose existence many still doubt? Decades of harmony have passed since the brave moles of Duncton saved moledom’s peaceful Stone followers from the disciples of the evil Word. But now all is not well. Their system has grown sleepy, while moledom is dangerously complacent about the spread of zealots from Caer Caradoc. Led by the sinister Thripp of Blagrove Slide, the Newborns believe that any other way than theirs to the Stone’s Silence is blasphemy and deserves death. As the Caradocian moles gain power, shy Privet, aided by Stour and inspired by the strange and inarticulate Rooster, finds herself the agent of change and renewal in Duncton Wood.
The beloved characters of Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and Toad are vividly reimagined in this enchanting novel, celebrating their timeless charm and humor. William Horwood skillfully brings back their adventures, capturing the essence of Grahame's original work while infusing it with new life. Enhanced by delightful illustrations, the story promises to evoke joy and nostalgia, showcasing Toad's irresistible and exasperating nature that fans have cherished for generations.