Headlong Hall and Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock

Explore the wit and wisdom of Thomas Love Peacock in this special edition containing two of his most celebrated works, Headlong Hall and Nightmare Abbey. In these brilliant satires, Peacock weaves humor and philosophy into tales that poke fun at the extremes of human thought, offering readers a timeless critique of intellectual fads and social quirks.

In Headlong Hall, Squire Headlong gathers an eccentric group of guests at his Welsh estate, where debates on progress, nature, and human folly unfold in comical fashion. With each character representing a distinct philosophical view, the novel invites readers to reflect on society’s tendency to cling to extremes—all while being thoroughly entertained.

Nightmare Abbey shifts to a darker tone with Scythrop Glowry, a young Romantic grappling with melancholia, idealism, and unrequited love within the gloomy walls of his family mansion. Through Scythrop and his colorful companions, Peacock gently parodies the Romantic movement, particularly figures like Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, highlighting the humor in their passionate ideals and existential woes.

Both novels showcase Peacock’s unique style, blending clever dialogue, social satire, and memorable characters. His friendship with Shelley and his insightful critiques make these novels a fascinating look at Romantic-era thought—yet Peacock’s humor and insights feel just as relevant today.

This edition, complete with thoughtful introductions and biographies, provides context for Peacock’s life and times, enriching the reading experience. Whether you’re new to Peacock or revisiting his works, Headlong Hall and Nightmare Abbey promise a journey through satire, philosophy, and timeless human folly.

Perfect for readers who enjoy classic satire, witty social commentary, and the rich intellectual landscape of the early 19th century.

About the Book:
Headlong Hall and Nightmare Abbey are two of Thomas Love Peacock’s most celebrated novels, blending sharp satire, philosophical humour, and social critique. This new edition pairs these timeless works with insightful introductions and biographical context, making Peacock’s wit and commentary accessible to modern readers.

Why Read This Book?:
• Perfect for fans of classic literature, British satire, and intellectual humour.
• Ideal for readers who enjoy the works of Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, or P.G. Wodehouse.
• A fresh opportunity to rediscover Peacock’s brilliant critiques of Romantic ideals and human folly, presented in a beautifully designed edition.

Key Features:
• Includes Peacock’s original footnotes alongside new annotations to provide clarity and context for today’s readers.
• Text carefully prepared using multiple editions to approximate a definitive version, with corrections made only for clarity or fidelity to the first edition.
• Launch title for P-Wave Press’s new imprint, P-Wave Classics, which aims to bring timeless works to contemporary audiences.

For Readers of:
• Classic British literature
• Satirical and humorous novels
• Philosophical and intellectual fiction

Request and Review:
We welcome early reviews and reader feedback for this exciting new edition. Please share your thoughts on NetGalley, Goodreads, and other platforms to help us celebrate the launch of P-Wave Classics and Thomas Love Peacock’s enduring legacy.