Pip Williams Duo by Pip Williams 2 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
The Dictionary of Lost Words
The Bookbinder of Jericho

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781529921304/9781529113228

Overview:
Pip Williams’ two-holiday-ready historical novels are gathered in this paperback set, offering a seamless reading journey through language, memory, and resilience. The Dictionary of Lost Words follows Esme as she grows up at her father’s side, collecting words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary. When a forgotten word slips from public memory, she begins a secret project—building a private lexicon that honors voices often left out of history. Set against the dawn of the Great War and the suffrage movement, Esme’s story asks what it means to preserve accuracy, belonging, and identity when the world is shifting beneath your feet. The Bookbinder of Jericho shifts to Peggy, a skilled bookbinder who spots opportunity amid upheaval as World War I redefines women’s lives. Together, the volumes probe how stories—and the words we choose—shape our futures, with lyrical prose and richly drawn settings that linger well after the final page.

What This Collection Covers:
This two-book collection threads together two intimate portraits of women facing extraordinary times. In The Dictionary of Lost Words, words become witnesses to history, revealing who is heard and who is overlooked. The narrative treats lexicography as a human-scale act, highlighting memory’s power to illuminate lives that official accounts often erase. The Bookbinder of Jericho foregrounds Peggy’s quest for independence as she navigates home-front duties, friendships, and love in a society transforming under war’s pressure. Across both titles, themes of memory, language, and agency intersect with vivid period detail to deliver a cohesive, emotionally resonant reading experience. The set is ideal for readers who enjoy literary historical fiction with a strong sense of place and purpose, and for those who appreciate character-driven stories that illuminate cultural change.

Book-by-Book Guide:
The Dictionary of Lost Words
Esme, motherless and intensely curious, grows up at her father’s side as he and his team contribute to the making of the first Oxford English Dictionary. When a slip of paper bearing a forgotten word lands at her feet, she begins secretly collecting words for a private dictionary of those left out of the official record. As the shadow of the Great War lengthens and the suffrage movement gains momentum, Esme’s quiet project becomes a powerful act of memory and defiance. This novel blends historical detail with intimate coming-of-age reflections, inviting readers to consider whose voices count and how language can shape a life’s purpose. A deeply moving meditation on belonging, truth, and the enduring art of listening to the words that define us. The Bookbinder of Jericho
World War I reshapes possibilities for Peggy, a resourceful bookbinder with dreams of a life beyond the lock and loom of her days. With the men away at the Front, Peggy and her friends shoulder new responsibilities at home, guiding a community through scarcity and change. Her narrowboat becomes a moving workplace and sanctuary, while the bindery becomes a workshop of independence, friendship, and romantic possibility. The war era’s upheaval brings both opportunities and hard choices, forcing Peggy to weigh loyalty against personal longing. Through Peggy’s voice, the novel celebrates resilience, the power of craft, and the quiet courage of women writing their own stories in turbulent times.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This set is ideal for adult readers who love thoughtfully written historical fiction with strong female leads and a keen sense of place. Fans of literary fiction that intertwines language, culture, and social history will find both titles compelling and deeply human. It also makes a meaningful gift for book clubs seeking discussions about memory, identity, and the ways words shape society. For collectors, the paperback collection provides a complete, cohesive reading experience that complements any shelf of contemporary historical works. With its dual emphasis on personal growth and broader cultural change, the set is well-suited to readers who enjoy reflective, character-driven narratives as well as those exploring women’s history in the early 20th century.

Key Benefits:

• Two immersive historical novels in one paperback set
• Rich character journeys centered on language and memory
• Compelling, giftable collection for readers and book clubs
• Accessible, thought-provoking storytelling with strong themes
• Beautifully bound paperbacks suitable for shelf display
• Ideal for fans of literary historical fiction and women’s history

About the Author:
Pip Williams is an acclaimed author celebrated for historic fiction that centers on women’s lives, language, and memory. The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho showcase her gift for meticulous period detail paired with intimate, emotionally engaging storytelling. Williams’ books invite readers to explore how language can shape identity and society, while delivering richly drawn settings and compelling moral questions. Her work appeals to readers who value literary craftsmanship, thoughtful character arcs, and narratives that illuminate overlooked corners of history with empathy and clarity.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This collection offers a complete, emotionally rewarding reading experience—two novels that resonate with readers who value literary depth, historical texture, and human connection. Owning the full set provides a cohesive immersion in Williams’ distinctive voice and thematic threads, making it a thoughtful gift or a cherished addition to any contemporary literary collection. Perfect for quiet weekends, rainy days, or group discussions, the set invites readers to consider how the past informs the present and how the act of reading can illuminate new possibilities for the future.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.