Five books with material
from DES's very early days as an author are now available. We have made
arrangements with the publisher in Scotland to be the exclusive North American
distributor for these books.
You may order by clicking the title
or image links. Join our new
arrivals notification list
to be contacted when other books are in stock.
"Jean Erskine's Secret"
Probably written c.1917, this novel
opens in 1913 with the Erskine family moving from Edinburgh to the Scottish
east coast village of Crale, where Jean’s life is transformed by her friendship
with Diana MacDonald of Crale Castle. She writes a book telling Diana’s
story; of friendships and love affairs, of family and village life, all
shadowed by the much darker themes of the Great War and devastating inherited
conditions. At the heart of the story is the secret, known only to
Jean, that threatens Diana’s hard-won happiness.
Click
to read an excerpt
"Found in the Attic"
A selection from the unpublished
papers ‘found in the attic’ by the author’s granddaughter. They include
short stories (including a gentle revenge on critics, an eccentric maid,
a
ventriloquist desperate for work and a very human burglar); verse (a burlesque,
some war poems); two delightfully witty one-act plays, and articles and
talks on books and writing. Illustrated with family photographs.
The articles on books and writing especially offer a compelling insight
into this beloved author.
"A very interesting glimpse into
the mind and personality of D.E. Stevenson." From the wonderful preface
by Jerri Chase, member of the ATS, and AT and DE Stevenson discussion groups.
Click
to read an excerpt
"Portrait
of Saskia"
Another publication of previously unpublished very early material from
this beloved author. It was probably written in the late 1920s, and foreshadows
her later romances and family stories with that little humorous twist of
something extra.
Kenneth Leslie, needing money to start a new life in Canada after a
broken engagement, answers an advertisement in the Daily Clarion -
'Retired Army Officer offers a large sum of money to a Young Man who wants
Adventure. Must be of good appearance and free from dependants.'
and finds more than he dreamed of: fishing, art, family skulduggery, rogues,
thieves and fisticuffs, friendship – and romance.
Also included are four short stories, Moira, The Mulberry Coach, The
Secret of the Black Rocks, and The Murder of Alma Atherton, and a novella,
Where the Gentian Blooms.
"The
Fair Miss Fortune"
Written in the 1930's but never before published, this edition contains
letters concerning the book between the author and her agent.
Jane Fortune causes a stir when she arrives in Dingleford to open a
tearoom. Charles and Harold both fall for the newcomer, but her behaviour
seems to vary wildly – she encourages first one then the other and at other
times barely recognises them. A warm-hearted romance of British village
life.
"Emily
Dennistoun" ["Truth is the Strong Thing"]
'This novel, with action set in both England and Scotland, tells of
the life of Emily Dennistoun as she escapes the domination of her tyrant
father and learns to trust herself and her true love. Other memorable characters
are part of this tale. And, as always, D. E. Stevenson's descriptions of
the countryside of both England and Scotland transport the reader to another
time and place.' - Jerri C. of the ATS, AT, and DES email discussion groups.
'D. E. Stevenson wrote many novels
of life in Scotland and/or England, beloved by loyal fans world wide. Since
her death in the 70's, it was thought that we would have no new novels
from her pen. However, two years ago her grandaughter discovered some previously
unpublished manuscripts in her attic.
The publication of "new" books by
D. E. Stevenson 40 years or so after her death has been a joy to her fans.
While these early works aren't quite up to the level of quality of her
mature works, a weak novel by D. E. Stevenson is still better than the
best works of many lesser writers.' - Jerri C. of the ATS, AT and
DES email discussion groups.
"Peter
West"
We are also the North American distributor
for the new re-issue of "Peter
West". Originally issued only in the Britain in 1923, "Peter West"
was D.E. Stevenson's first published novel. It has been much sought after
by DE Stevenson collectors for many many years.
"The
English Air"
We are also very pleased to be the
North American distributor for the new re-issue of "The
English Air". This novel was written in 1940, near the beginning
of World War II. Completed on 29 February, 1940, before the US had entered
the war, DES hoped this book would explain the British attitude to the
war to her American readers. Many of the incidents in this story are true.
Here is a very nice BBC
Scotland article about the publication of the first two 'lost' books.
Jerri C. and I were very nervous about the interview given while we were
in Moffat.
Here is our
D.E. Stevenson catalogue .
Click D.E.
Stevenson to see our informational bibliography of Dorothy Emily Stevenson's
books. |