The Victorian era produced many famous writers and poets, including Dickens, Thackeray, H.G. Wells and Tennyson. Magazines like The Strand launched famous creations such as Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, whose cliff-hanger stories were told in part-works to add to the excitement.The poetry was epic, Tennyson’s Morte d’Arthur and The Lady of Shalott tapped into the Pre-Raphaelite style so popular in the art of the day. Russell James has explored the role of the Victorian writer and their genres, from Dickens’ desire to correct social wrongs and expose poverty to H.G. Wells’ desire to escape the modern world. The responsibility of the Victorian poet is also revealed from romantic declaration and escapism to heroism and historical commemorations – would modern generations know about the Charge of the Light Brigade if Tennyson hadn’t immortalised it? Together with A-Zs of writers and poets, this is a must-read book for everyone who loves good writing and wants to discover more.