The rescuers - Margery Sharp

Essential Modern Classics are relaunched in gorgeous new covers bringing these timeless story to a new generation.

The Prisoners' Aid Society of Mice discusses the proposed rescue of a Norwegian poet from the terrible Black Castle.

Miss Bianca, the pet white mouse belonging to the Ambassador's son, is sent to Norway on a mission to recruit the bravest Norwegian mouse she can find. She finds Nils, and brings him back triumphantly. Then she, Nils, and Bernard, a pantry mouse who falls in love with her, set off for the Black Castle.

They set up home in a mousehole in the Chief Jailer's room, and narrowly avoid the jaws of Mamelouk the cruel Persian cat. Eventually they trick the cat and the jailer, and get into the prisoner's cell. A dramatic rescue via an underground river, and they are all free - and the Nils and Miss Bianca medal for bravery is struck in the mice's honour!

Margery Sharp was born in 1905. She is best known for her books for children, but she also wrote for adults. She was a prolific writer in her long career: twenty six novels for adults, fourteen stories for children, four plays, two mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She died in 1991

"A devastating mixture of magic and fantasy."
Evening News

"Margery Sharp is an adept describer of situations; whether comic or merely piquant, embarrassing or exciting. Her dialogue is brilliant, uncannily true. Her taste is excellent: she is an excellent story teller"
The Tatler