Best Victorian Literary Criticism Books of 2025

All the Knowledge in the World: The Extraordinary History of the Encyclopedia by Simon Garfield is a fascinating exploration of the history of encyclopedias from ancient times to the present day. Garfield guides readers through the evolution of encyclopedias, from their origins as modest single-volumes to the massive 11,000-volume Chinese manuscript. He explores how encyclopedias have shaped our understanding of the world and how they reflect changing attitudes towards sexuality, race, and technology. This well-researched and thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of knowledge and information.

Sargent: The Masterworks is a stunning new book that showcases 100 of John Singer Sargent's most beloved paintings. The book covers all aspects of his diverse oeuvre, from portraits to landscapes, in both oil and watercolor. Author Stephanie L. Herdrich provides a comprehensive overview of Sargent's career, from his childhood in Paris to his later years painting outdoors. The book's richly illustrated three chapters are accompanied by an illustrated chronology that contains fascinating details about the artist's life. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the work of one of the greatest portraitists and watercolorists of all time.

The Biblia Reina Valera 1960 Tamaño grande, letra grande piel canela con cremallera is a beautiful edition of the Spanish Holy Bible RVR 1960. This large size bible with large print, brown imitation leather, and zipper is perfect for personal use or as a gift. The luxurious binding with dedication page, placeholder ribbon, and golden edge make it an elegant choice. The Bible includes large print, words of Christ highlighted in red, and over 10,000 cross-references. The 16 pages of color photos of the Holy Land are a nice addition. Overall, this edition is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality Spanish Bible.

The Uncensored Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a fascinating read that reveals the original manuscript of the novel, including the material removed by the editor for fear of public outcry. This edition, edited by Nicholas Frankel, restores all the deleted content, including graphic homosexual scenes. Wilde's comment that the novel contains much of him adds to the intrigue of this classic. The book offers a glimpse into Wilde's perspective on a more permissive time than his own repressive Victorian era. The Belknap Press edition is a must-read for fans of Wilde's work.

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a captivating and disturbing novel that tells the story of Grace Marks, a woman convicted of murder in the 19th century. While some believe her to be innocent, others think she's evil or insane. The novel follows an expert in mental illness who tries to unlock Grace's memories as he listens to her story. Atwood's writing is lyrical, assured, and evocative of time and place. The novel is full of suspense, mystery, and titillation, making it a walloping good read. Alias Grace is a shadowy and fascinating novel that showcases Atwood at the peak of her powers.

The Monk, a Gothic fiction masterpiece published in 1796, caused a scandal for its profanity and obscenity. The story follows Ambrosio, a Capuchin superior, who falls into a diabolical decline after succumbing to temptations offered by a disguised girl in his monastery. The novel explores the limits of social and moral restraint and the consequences of giving in to violent and erotic impulses. Christopher MacLachlan's introduction provides insightful commentary on the themes of sexual desire and abuse of power. The Penguin Classics edition is based on the first edition of 1796, before Lewis's revisions, and is a must-read for Gothic fiction fans.

You Took the Last Bus Home is a collection of witty and touching poems from Brian Bilston, the UK's "Poet Laureate of Twitter." Bilston's words explore modern life, from the importance of a mobile phone charger to the nuances of the English language. His poems experiment with literary form, taking shape in Excel spreadsheets, Venn diagrams, and Scrabble tiles. Bilston's cleverly composed poetry is both thought-provoking and humorous. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate limericks and humorous verse.

"Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday The 13th" is a must-have for any horror fan. This book provides a detailed visual memoir of the most successful horror franchise with nearly 600 photos, archives, and production materials. Peter M. Bracke, the author, is the world's foremost authority on the Friday the 13th film franchise, and his passion for the subject shines through in every page. The book is an affectionate look at a pop-culture phenomenon that will delight any fan of Hollywood biographies, film books, or horror. This big, glossy, and bloody book is utterly fantastic, and you can't do without it!

The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry is a captivating Victorian-era murder mystery that follows Inspector Pitt's investigation into the strangling of a maid in the Ellison household. As he interrogates the suspects, including the society girl Charlotte Ellison, he finds himself drawn to her. However, their romance seems impossible in the midst of a murder. This book is an excellent example of the manners and caste systems of the era, and the author's writing style is both engaging and intricate. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of police procedural books.

This leather-bound edition of the Selected Works of the Bronte Sisters includes the most acclaimed novels of each of the Brontë sisters: Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Originally published under male pseudonyms in the 1840s, these three novels later helped give rise to the feminist literary movement of the late nineteenth century. The scholarly introduction provides an overview of the sisters’ childhood, literary influences, and their enduring legacy. This book is a must-have for any classic literature and fiction book lovers.