Book excerpt: This meticulously edited collection contains the best works of Charles Reade, English novelist and dramatist, famous for his historical novels: "The Cloister and the Hearth" is a Reade's most successful work. The story is set in 15th century and it is based on the life of parents of the infamous philosopher Erasmus. "Griffith Gaunt" is a tale of a poor man who makes his fortune and a fine living, but has one weakness in the form of an insane jealousy "Hard Cash" highlights the abuses of private lunatic asylums. "It Is Never Too Late to Mend" depicts abuses in prison discipline and the treatment of criminals. "Peg Woffington" portrays the London success of the Irish actress Peg Woffington and featured other prominent figures of the days such as David Garrick. "Put Yourself in His Place" tells the story is of an English manufacturing town in which Henry Little, a worker and inventor, is persecuted by trade unions, jealous because he was better trained than his fellows. "Foul Play" – In Victorian Britain a clergyman is wrongly convicted of a crime and transported to Australia.