Headlong Hall and Nightmare Abbey

Published on: 11 April 2025

At P-Wave Press, we’ve always believed in the timeless power of literature to inspire, entertain and provoke thought. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new imprint, P-Wave Classics, dedicated to bringing classic works of literature to a modern audience in accessible, beautifully crafted editions.

To inaugurate this exciting venture, we’re proud to present Headlong Hall and Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock, releasing on 11 April 2025. These two satirical masterpieces showcase Peacock’s sharp wit and unique ability to blend philosophical exploration with laugh-out-loud humour, creating stories that are as relevant today as they were in the early 19th century.

About the books

• In Headlong Hall: Join the eccentric guests of Squire Headlong as they gather at his Welsh estate to debate progress, nature and society. This lively clash of ideas offers a humorous reflection on humanity’s endless pursuit of ideals and innovations.
• In Nightmare Abbey: Enter the gloomy mansion of Scythrop Glowry, a young man consumed by Romantic despair and lofty ideals. Peacock’s playful satire of the Romantic movement gently mocks figures like Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, making this a delightful read for fans of literary history.

Both novels highlight Peacock’s talent for turning serious debates into light-hearted yet thought-provoking narratives, cementing his legacy as one of British literature’s finest satirists.

Why this edition matters

This special edition pairs these two classics with carefully curated introductions and biographical insights, offering readers valuable context on Peacock’s life and his satirical brilliance. All footnotes are either by Peacock himself or newly added in square brackets to clarify the text. Additionally, this edition is enriched by the outstanding work of earlier editors, including David Garnett and Raymond Wright, whose scholarship has been indispensable in creating a definitive version of the text.

What makes P-Wave Classics unique?

With P-Wave Classics, we aim to do more than reprint classic works. Each title is carefully selected and thoughtfully presented to engage modern readers while respecting the historical significance of the original texts. By combining scholarly insight with engaging design, we hope to make classics feel vibrant, relevant, and essential once again.

Mark your calendar!

Headlong Hall and Nightmare Abbey will be available from 11 April 2025, in a beautifully presented paperback format (4.37 x 7 inches). Whether you’re a fan of satire, British literature or timeless wit, this edition promises to delight and entertain.

Stay tuned for more updates, including behind-the-scenes insights, quotes from the books and more.

Join the conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Are you a fan of Thomas Love Peacock? What are your favourite satirical works? Share your comments below or join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky using #PWaveClassics.

Discover more about P-Wave Classics and our mission to celebrate timeless literature at https://p-wavepress.co.uk.