Daniel Hahn Knihy

An energizing real-time journey through the translation of Never Did the Fire and the process of literary translation.

A year in the life of the Nobel laureate on the anniversary of his death.

A cauliflower hat, a fish bonnet, a few large animals, a flying boar called Melvin, and a whole lot of watermelons come together in this wacky tale told in rhyme   To the villagers who watch her going about her day, it is clear that Miss Jolly is irritatingly happy. Her never-ending cheerfulness leaves three of her neighbors highly confused and jealous, driving them to ridiculous and hilarious measures in an attempt to compete with Miss Jolly in the happiness—and headgear—stakes. Beautiful and insane in equal measure, this wacky book follows three local busybodies on their journey to discover the secret of true happiness.

This indispensable volume, based on the popular Oxford Companion to English Literature, features over five thousand alphabetically arranged entries covering novels, plays, poems, authors, literary movements, and more. It includes useful plot summaries, important character profiles, and biographical articles on influential figures in literature, all presented with a light touch that enhances readability. The fully revised third edition introduces numerous new entries on writers such as Marcel Proust, Michael Cunningham, Harper Lee, and Cormac McCarthy, alongside emerging British talents like Monica Ali, Hari Kunzru, and Zadie Smith. Readers will find concise accounts of notable figures including philosopher Jean Baudrillard, critic Terry Eagleton, science fiction writer Douglas Adams, fantasy author Philip Pullman, poet Jean "Binta" Breeze, playwright Michael Poliakoff, and children's author J.K. Rowling. Updated appendices list Nobel, Booker, and Pulitzer prize winners, and a new timeline chronicles the evolution of literature from its origins to the present day. With extensive coverage of global literature, critical theories, and modern authors, this work is essential for all literature enthusiasts. Compiled by over 140 distinguished contributors under the guidance of Margaret Drabble, it deserves a place on the shelves of every literature lover.