Today we have not one, but two Silksoundbooks author's birthdays to celebrate!

Edith Nesbit, born on 15 August 1858 was an English author and poet whose children's works were published under the name of E. Nesbit. She wrote or collaborated on over 60 books of fiction for children, several of which have been adapted for film and television. She was also a political activist and co-founded the Fabian Society, a precursor to the modern Labour Party. Perhaps the most enduring favourite of her stories is The Railway Children originally published in 1906.

Also born on August 15th, in 1771, was Sir Walter Scott, a prolific Scottish historical novelist and poet popular throughout Europe during his time. One of Sir Walter Scott’s greatest novels is the story of Ivanhoe. Set amongst the roaring battles during the struggle between the Normans and the Saxons for control of Medieval England, it deals with the rivalry between King Richard the Lion-Heart and his brother John. We follow the adventures, skirmishes and romances of the hero, Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight.

Margaret Tyzack brings to life the joys and adversities of the delightful Waterbury family lovingly and touchingly in her unabridged audio book of The Railway Children.

The unabridged Silksoundbooks audio book Ivanhoe is read by James Cosmo, famous for his many many film roles including Battle Of Britain, Highlander, Trainspotting, Braveheart, and The Adventures Of Greyfriars Bobby.

Two birthdays, two great authors and two wonderful audiobooks read by two of the UK's most talented actors - what a great way to start the week!