The twelve adventurers, and other stories

In these early fragments a youthful imagination maps a fantastical continent where twelve towering Britons and Gauls first set foot among the mysterious Genii. The stories unfold as daring explorations of deserts that swirl into red storms, hidden cities of glass, and encounters with beings both noble and uncanny. Written between the ages of twelve and twenty‑one, they capture the same blend of wonder and moral curiosity that would later hallmark the writer’s celebrated novels.

The collection gathers a dozen varied narratives—tales of treasure hunts in Ireland, quests for happiness, whimsical fairy gifts, and passionate rivalries—each opening with an adventurous spark that invites listeners to wander the nascent world of Angria. Though some pieces were unpublished until now, the fresh voice and vivid sketches of heroic deeds, youthful love, and uncanny spectres remain a charming glimpse into a remarkable writer’s formative years.