We’ve independently picked our favourite non-fiction titles – from biography to science, there’s something here for everyone. Use the dropdown menu above to refine by non-fiction subject or click the category links under any product to narrow down your choices! And remember – we offer Free Postage in ROI on orders over €30 – just choose the Free Postage option at checkout.
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The Cottage Life reflects our collective desire to escape the chaos of modern existence; to live with more purpose, more compassion and more joy. The Cottage Life is an essential guide to slow and simple living, inspired by the magical world of cottagecore. To follow the cottagecore aesthetic is to wear secondhand clothes that tell their own stories; to bake fresh bread and cakes, no matter how wonky the outcome; to spend time in nature, to observe and draw the plants, to breathe freshair and to connect with species beyond our own. It is taking the time to notice the seasons change, or to turn off your screen mindfully and pick up an old novel instead. It is lighting a fire on the first cool night of autumn and sipping a fresh cup of tea by the fireplace, or watching the first spring leaves unfurl after the long, dark winter. Celebrating the small joys in life, from the first birdsong of the morning to the taste of ripe plums on a summer afternoon. And, above all else, it is learning to slow down, connect with the world around you and be a more compassionate, conscientious citizen of the earth. Each chapter explores different ways of embracing the cottagecore lifestyle, such as interacting with nature, eating seasonally and getting creative. Inherently low-impact and green, cottagecore embraces reuse and recycling and celebrates an old-fashioned no-waste ethic. Fortunately for most, possession of a country cottage is not essential to embody the cottagecore spirit. With guidance on nurturing your home and small touches for interior decoration, The Cottage Life brings country living ideals to any space. Cottagecore is much more than a fashion trend or social media bandwagon. It is a peaceful protest against the darker elements of modern life-The Cottage Life is a gentle embrace with the past, encouraging you to truly enjoy the present and nurture a brighter future. -
What looks good and why? Design consultant Frida Ramstedt runs Scandinavia's leading interior design blog. In this book she distils the secrets of successful interior design and styling to help you create a home that works best for your space, taste and lifestyle. Filled with practical tips, rules-of-thumb and tricks of the trade, The Interior Design Handbook will help you to think like a professional designer. 'Frida has created this BIBLE to interior design ... such useful info that has taken me years to learn, all in one place' Rebecca Wakefield, Studio Fortnum 'Beautifully illustrated with handy line drawings ... The Interior Design Handbook gets down to the nitty gritty of successfully putting a room together' Fabric Magazine 'Take it to bed and you'll be utterly engrossed and enlightened' Stylist -
Colour Confidence will demystify the technical world of colour, as it helps empower you to live a happier and more colourful life. Including a blend of everything from identifying your perfect palette, to creating a harmonious colour scheme and accessorising to achieve that perfect colour ratio, this book will show you how to use colour to transform your life. Get inspired with expert tips and tricks to create a home that truly reflects your personality. Discover how colour can impact your space and mood. Jess will show you how to embrace darker tones, find the perfect white, and demonstrate how to successfully bring a cohesive look together; whether that is pastels, neutrals, earth tones or even brights - find your colour confidence whatever your style. -
From the best-selling author of Dumplings and Noodles and Bowls and Broths Make your favourite noodle dishes at home with over 60 versatile recipes, all with ready-to-cook noodles at their heart. From simple stir fries to speedy noodle soups, as well as mix-and-match ideas to make the most of instant noodles, each recipe is practical and delicious - perfect for anyone who wants resourceful and realistic meals. Illustrated with beautiful photography and clear step-by-step instructions, these effortless, everyday recipes are all about minimum fuss and maximum flavour. Noodles with love, respect and sheer ease. -
From stand-up comedian Maria Bamford, a brutally honest and hilariously frenetic memoir about show business, mental health, and the comfort of rigid belief systems - from Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People, to Suzuki violin training, to Richard Simmons, to 12-step programs. Maria Bamford is a comedian's comedian (an outsider among outsiders) and has forever fought to find a place to belong. From struggling with an eating disorder as a child of the 1980s, to navigating a career in the arts (and medical debt and psychiatric institutionalization), she has tried just about every method possible to not only be a part of the world, but to want to be a part of it. In Bamford's signature voice, Sure, I'll Join Your Cult, brings us on a quest to participate in something. With sincerity and transparency, she recounts every anonymous fellowship she has joined (including but not limited to: Debtors Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous), every hypomanic episode (from worrying about selling out under capitalism to enforcing union rules on her Netflix TV show set to protect her health), and every easy 1-to-3-step recipe for fudge in between. Singular and inimitable, Bamford's memoir explores what it means to keep going, and to be a member of society (or any group she's invited to) despite not being very good at it. In turn, she hopes to transform isolating experiences into comedy that will make you feel less alone (without turning into a cult following). -
This family-friendly cookbook from social media sensation Dinner At Hol's - aka Hollie, a recipe creator and mum of two young children - will have everyone cooking up quick, tasty and affordable dinners at home. Featuring over 80 mouth-watering recipes, Dinner At Hol's was designed for busy people who want easy ways to mix up their mealtimes with healthy family dishes. Every recipe in the book is calorie counted, helping others like Hollie to eat a balanced diet without missing out on food they love, and includes helpful tips on everything from timings to simple adaptations. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting out, Hollie's first cookbook is sure to help you up your game and expand your culinary horizons! -
The full and shocking account of one of the biggest medical disasters in history - and the lengths that big pharma, the NHS and governments worldwide took to cover it up. Factor VIII was billed as a medical miracle when it was put on the market in the late 1960s: a revolutionary treatment that meant people with haemophilia no longer feared a bleed might prove fatal. But as the treatment was rolled out, haemophiliacs began to contract hepatitis and AIDS in terrifying numbers. Rumours circulated in the press; a climate of fear took hold. How safe was Factor VIII? Even as medical bodies and pharmaceutical companies tried to discredit whistleblowers and diminish the evidence, it became abundantly clear that the 'miracle' treatment was infected. Before long, Factor VIII was killing the very people it promised to protect. And government embarked on a cover-up on an industrial scale. Award-winning investigative journalist Cara McGoogan follows the survivors-turned-campaigners, the small-town lawyers and the fearless journalists who took on some of the most powerful interests in the world to uncover what really happened in the infected blood scandal. 'The Poison Line is the gripping tale of a terrible scandal' Jonathan Freedland 'A devastating piece of reportage. Books are routinely described as extraordinary, but this one really is' John Preston -
'There can be a perverse pleasure, as well as a sense of rightness and beauty, in insisting on flowering just when the world expects you to become quiet and diminish.' What is Hagitude? It means being at ease with the unique power women embody in the second half of their life. It means having a strong sense of who we are and what we have to offer the world. And a firm belief in our place in the ever-shifting web of life. For the woman who wishes to flourish without chasing eternal youth comes Hagitude. Interweaving myth, psychology, landscape and ecofeminism, acclaimed author Sharon Blackie reclaims the mid years as an alchemical moment - from which to shift into your chosen, authentic and fulfilling future - and the elder years as a path to dynamic influence. -
For the past decade, Lemn Sissay has composed a short poem as dawn breaks each morning. Life-affirming, witty and full of wonder, these poems chronicle his own battle with the dark and are fuelled by resilience and defiant joy. Let the Light Pour In is a collection of the best of these poems, and a book celebrating this morning practice. 'How do you do it?' said night 'How do you wake up and shine?' 'I keep it simple,' said light 'One day at a time' -
In this new title Animal Art: 101 creative activities to inspire and guide you, readers will gain expert instruction that still leaves plenty of room for experimentation and fun. Featuring 101 art activities that encourage engagement with the natural world, Lorna shows you that creating art with animals as subjects can be super enjoyable and need not be intimidating. Her insightful prompts will see readers sketching with joy in this accessible and helpful guide to creating everything from sketches of beloved pets to paintings of wild animals and fantastical creatures! Full of tips to help spark creative ideas, Animal Art shows readers how everyone (not just artists) can enjoy the playful pleasure of drawing all manner of beasts and critters, no matter their skill level. Suitable for Ages 12+. -
CLASH OF THE CLANS is a story that traces the emergence of the Irish mafia fromthe streets of Dublin to the highest echelons of global organised crime and right intothe heart of professional boxing. When a weigh-in turns into a gangland bloodbath,the tables begin to turn on the powerful Kinahan Organised Crime Group. But is it toolate to tame the beast or can the law finally catch up with the mob?Bestselling author and award-winning crime journalist Nicola Tallant brings the readeron her own journey of discovery as she delves into the dangerous underworld where agolden era of cocaine turned a brat pack of street dealers into an international mafia. With a unique insight into the rise of mob and its reach into boxing through a tapestryof confidential informants and some too-close-for-comfort experiences, Tallant bringsto life one of the most extraordinary stories in modern organised crime. Following the trail from the local authority estates of the Irish capital to the gildedmansions of Dubai, Clash of the Clans: The Inside Story of the Kinahan-Hutch Gangland Feud powers through the intriguing tale of the cocaine cowboys and the rivalries that threaten to bring down an empire. -
Joey O'Callaghan was just 18 years old when he became a ghost - the youngest ever person to be signed up to the Witness Protection Programme. Groomed into a drug gang from the age of 10, a cold-blooded assassination sickened him to his core, and he broke the golden bond of gangland silence. His evidence won murder convictions against two of the most violent drug bosses in Ireland. Relocated to England with a new identity, Joey had to face the world alone, and soon realised it was he who had received the life sentence. 15 years on, the ripple effects of the gunshots that rang out that night continue to leave a devastating legacy for everyone. None more so than Joey 'The Lips'. This is his story. 'A superb book... Joey's story is extraordinary and its authenticity and relevance to the times we're living in is stunning' Eamon Dunphy 'Gritty, terrifying and the most incredible true gangland story you will ever read. The Witness is hard to put down but will be harder to forget.' Donal MacIntyre -
This is a book about life and death over 8,500 years in Ireland. It explores the richness of the mortuary record that we have for Irish prehistory (8000 BC to AD 500) as a highlight of the archaeological record for that long period of time. Because we are dealing with how people coped with death, this rich and diverse record of mortuary practice is also relevant to understanding how we deal with death today, which is just as central a social issue as it always was. Illustrated by: Conor McHale 'This well-written and beautifully illustrated book is a valuable and extensive presentation of death in prehistoric Ireland and beyond. The way Cooney explores long-term patterns by moving between the past and the present is inspirational.'- Anna Wessman, Professor of Iron Age Archaeology, Department of Cultural History, University Museum of Bergen 'Our humanity and our history share the same rich humus - the soil out of which our cities, civilizations, and we ourselves all rise and to which we humans return, whether earth to earth, ashes to ashes or dust to dust. It is what distinguishes us from the other sentient and mortal beings and Cooney's erudition sheds a welcome light on the darker districts of our human being and ceasing to be.'- Thomas Lynch - poet, essayist, undertaker. -
'A book to return to again and again and again' Yotam Ottolenghi | Foreword by Samin Nosrat, author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat Change the way you think about cooking! In this epic guide to better eating, chef, recipe developer, and video producer Sohla El-Waylly reimagines what a cookbook can be, teaching home cooks of all skill levels how cooking really works. A practical, information-packed, and transformative guide to becoming a better cook and conquering the kitchen, Start Here is a must-have masterclass in leveling up your cooking. Across a dozen technique-themed chapters - from "Temperature Management 101" and "Break it Down & Get Saucy" to "Mix it Right," "Go to Brown Town," and "Getting to Know Dough" - Sohla El-Waylly explains the hows and whys of cooking, introducing the fundamental skills that you need to become a more intuitive, inventive cook. A one-stop resource, regardless of what you're hungry for, Start Here gives equal weight to savory and sweet dishes, with more than 200 mouthwatering recipes, including:- Crispy Skinned Salmon with Radishes & Nuoc Cham- Charred Lemon Risotto- Chilled Green Tahini Soba- Lemon, Pecorino & Potato Pizza- Fruity-Doodle Cookies- Masa & Buttermilk Tres LechesPacked with practical advice and scientific background, helpful tips, and an almost endless assortment of recipe variations, along with tips, guidance, and how-tos, Start Here is culinary school - without the student loans. 'An instant classic' Dan Levy | 'Sohla has improved my cooking' Samin Nosrat Published 2nd November 2023 - Order Now. -
A new concise history of modern painting, offering an indispensable reference to the complexities and characteristics of this medium. While acknowledging the legacy of Herbert Read's classic 1959 study A Concise History of Modern Painting in the World of Art series, academic and artist Simon Morley places the foundation of modern art much earlier than Read, at the emergence of Romanticism and the dawn of the industrial age. Structured loosely chronologically by period, the focus is as much on individual artists as well as movements, with works discussed within a broader context - stylistic, historical, geographical, and gender and ethnic frames - themes that recur throughout the chapters. Generously illustrated, the global and diverse range of artists featured include William Blake, Edouard Manet, Hilma af Klint, Kazimir Malevich, Willem de Kooning, Amrita Sher-Gil, Faith Ringgold, and Kehinde Wiley. This guide also includes an Appendix in the form of questions the reader might like to ask in relation to the artists and the ideas discussed - in order to reconsider the works from a contemporary perspective. -
Do you feel like we're in a permacrisis? Chances are you feel some anxiety about the state of the world. Gordon Brown, Mohamed A. El-Erian and Michael Spence certainly did. Three of the most internationally respected and experienced thinkers of our time, these friends found their pandemic Zooms increasingly focused on a cascade of crises: sputtering growth, surging inflation, poor policy responses, an escalating climate emergency, worsening inequality, increasing nationalism and a decline in global co-operation. They shared their fears and frustrations. And the more they talked, the more they realised that while past mistakes had set the world on this bumpy course, a better path leading to a brighter future exists. Informed by their different perspectives, they sought a common goal: achievable solutions to fix our fractured world. This book is the product of that thinking. At the heart of today's permacrisis are broken approaches to growth, economic management, and governance. While these approaches are broken, they are not beyond repair. An explanation of where we've gone wrong, and a provocative, inspiring plan to do nothing less than change the world, Permacrisis: A Plan to Fix a Fractured World, written with Reid Lidow, sets out how we can prevent crises and better manage the future for the benefit of the many and not the few. The longer a problem goes unresolved, the worse it will get; that's what happens in a permacrisis - and that's why we must act now. Published 28th September 2023 - Order Now. -
A gripping new investigation into the underbelly of digital technology, which reveals not only how costly the virtual world is, but how damaging it is to the environment. If digital technology were a country, it would be the third-highest consumer of electricity behind China and the United States. Every year, streaming technology generates as much greenhouse gas as Spain - close to 1 per cent of global emissions. One Google search uses as much electricity as a lightbulb left on for up to two minutes. It turns out that the 'dematerialised' digital world, essential for communicating, working, and consuming, is much more tangible than we would like to believe. Today, it absorbs 10 per cent of the world's electricity and represents nearly 4 per cent of the planet's carbon dioxide emissions. We are struggling to understand these impacts, as they are obscured to us in the mirage of 'the cloud'. The result of an investigation carried out over two years on four continents, The Dark Cloud reveals the anatomy of a technology that is virtual only in name. Under the guise of limiting the impact of humans on the planet, it is already asserting itself as one of the major environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. -
It's been said that, after 9/11, the 2008 financial crash and the Covid-19 pandemic, we're a more fearful society than ever before. Yet fear, and the panic it produces, have long been driving forces - perhaps the driving force - of world history: fear of God, of famine, war, disease, poverty, and other people. In Fear: An Alternative History of the World, Robert Peckham considers the impact of fear in history, as both a coercive tool of power and as a catalyst for social change. Beginning with the Black Death in the fourteenth century, Peckham traces a shadow history of fear. He takes us through the French Revolution and the social movements of the nineteenth century to modern market crashes, Cold War paranoia and the AIDS pandemic, into a digital culture increasingly marked by uniquely twenty-first-century fears. What did fear mean to us in the past, and how can a better understanding of it equip us to face the future? As Peckham demonstrates, fear can challenge as well as cement authority. Some crises have destroyed societies; others have been the making of them. Through the stories of the people and the moments that changed history, Fear: An Alternative History of the World reveals how fear and panic made us who we are. -
Florian Gadsby has devoted his life to pottery, refining his technique towards the point of perfection - and as his skill has grown, so has his social media following, which today numbers in the millions. Based at a studio in North London, he releases three new collections per year, characterized by simple forms and sharp edges, which sell out in a matter of minutes. In By My Hands, Florian tells the story of his artistic awakening, his education in England, Ireland and Japan, and of the sheer discipline which has led him to become the cultural sensation he is today. Arguing for the value in dedicating yourself to a craft, Florian weaves anecdotes about particular pots and processes into the narrative of his life, exploring what he has learnt from specific pieces he was taught to throw during his apprenticeships and how they have informed his philosophy and approach to his work. By My Hands is an ode to the beauty of small things, such as a simple hand-thrown mug or bowl, which can brighten life's daily rituals and make them more meaningful - as well as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance. 'Every page made me wish I was a potter' Nigel Slater -
Your own behaviour is the only behaviour over which you have absolute control. To change your children's behaviour, you first need to change your own. Here, Britain's leading behaviour expert reveals how we get children's behaviour wrong - and how to get it right. Drawing on a method tried and tested in over 100,000 classrooms, he shows that the only way to change what your child does is by first changing what you do. He explains why punishing your way to a life without tantrum-prone toddlers/sulking teenagers is a fool's errand - and how to instead grow new behaviours with love. And he reveals why a positive, relational, consistent approach to parenting is 1,000 times more powerful than any Xbox, Disneyland trip or cold, hard cash bribe that money can buy. Filled with practical tools and relatable case studies, Paul Dix's method will turn your home into a behavioural nirvana. It is not just a list of punishments and rewards. It is so much more useful than that. -
Why do we wear what we wear? To answer this question, we must go back and unlock the wardrobes of the early twentieth century, when fashion as we know it was born. In Bring No Clothes, acclaimed fashion writer Charlie Porter brings us face to face with six members of the Bloomsbury Group, the collective of artists and thinkers who were in the vanguard of a social and sartorial revolution. Each of them offers fresh insight into the constraints and possibilities of fashion today: from the stifling repression of E.M. Forster's top buttons to the creativity of Vanessa Bell's wayward hems; from the sheer pleasure of Ottoline Morrell's lavish dresses to the clashing self-consciousness of Virginia Woolf's orange stockings. As Porter carefully unpicks what they wore and how they wore it, we see how clothing can be a means of artistic, intellectual and sexual liberation, or, conversely, a tool for patriarchal control. Travelling through libraries, archives, attics and studios, Porter uncovers fresh evidence about his subjects, revealing them in a thrillingly intimate, vivid new light. And, as he is inspired to begin making his own clothing, his perspective on fashion - and on life - starts to change. In the end, he shows, we should all 'bring no clothes,' embracing a new philosophy of living: one which activates the connections between the way we dress and the way we think, act and love. 'He makes us see a subject we thought we knew so well from a completely different angle; in writing that is deeply researched, but inviting, warm, and full of personality' Katy Hessel -
Susannah Constantine is famous as the noughties style guru on What Not To Wear, but this is the least interesting thing about her. Hers is a life filled to the brim with 70s glitz, 80s glamour and above all else an enlightening 50 years of f**k-ups, crisis and chaos. There's dating cricket royalty not to mention real life royalty, as well as lavatory dramas with Princess Margaret. Add in weekends at Balmoral witnessing Thatcher and the Queen battle for power, plus time for falling in love, Strictly dancing debuts and a spot of wild swimming. Juicy, hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking, and crammed with moments where life goes completely wrong, Ready for Absolutely Nothing is full of absolutely everything. 'Wonderfully written, very funny, but more than anything completely genuine' LADY ANNE GLENCONNER 'A trooper with a filthy sense of humour' THE TIMES -
In a series of vignettes full of affection, irony, and good humor, Donna Leon narrates a remarkable life she feels has rather more happened to her than been planned. From a childhood in the company of her New Jersey family, with frequent visits to her grandfather's farm and its beloved animals and summers spent selling homegrown tomatoes by the roadside, Leon has long been open to adventure. In 1976, she made the spontaneous decision to teach English in Iran, before finding herself swept up in the early days of the 1979 Revolution. After teaching stints in China and Saudi Arabia, she finally landed in Venice. Leon vividly animates her decades-long love affair with Italy, from her first magical dinner when serving as a "chaperone" to a friend, to the hunt for the perfect cappuccino, to the warfare tactics of grandmothers doing their grocery shopping at the Rialto Market. Some things remain constant throughout the decades: her adoration of opera, especially Handel's vocal music, her advocacy for the environment, embodied in her passion for bees - which informs the surprising crux of the Brunetti mystery in Earthly Remains - and her eager imagination for crime as she watches unsuspecting travelers on trains. Yet as Leon inspects the cracks in the wall of a friend's bedroom, caused by the seven-story cruise ships making their way down Venice's canals, she admits regretfully that the thrill may be gone as mass tourism renders the city less and less appealing to its longtime chronicler. Having recently celebrated her eightieth birthday, Leon now confronts the dual challenges and pleasures of aging. Complete with a brief letter dissuading those hoping to meet Guido Brunetti at the Questura, and always suffused with music, food, and her fierce sense of humor, Wandering Through Life offers Donna Leon at her most personal. Published 21st September 2023 - Order Now. -
A searing insider's account of ten extraordinary years in Parliament from Rory Stewart, former Cabinet minister and co-presenter of breakout hit podcast The Rest Is Politics. Over the course of a decade from 2010, Rory Stewart went from being a political outsider to standing for prime minister - before being sacked from a Conservative Party that he had come to barely recognise. Tackling ministerial briefs on flood response and prison violence, engaging with conflict and poverty abroad as a foreign minister, and Brexit as a Cabinet minister, Stewart learned first-hand how profoundly hollow our democracy and government had become. Cronyism, ignorance and sheer incompetence ran rampant. Around him, individual politicians laid the foundations for the political and economic chaos of today. Stewart emerged battered but with a profound affection for his constituency of Penrith and the Border, and a deep direct insight into the era of populism and global conflict. Uncompromising, candid and darkly humorous, Politics On the Edge is his story of the challenges, absurdities and realities of political life and a remarkable portrait of our age. 'An instant classic' MARINA HYDE 'At last a politician who can write' SEBASTIAN FAULKS 'Candid, angry, funny, and self-revelatory' JONATHAN DIMBLEBY Published 14th September 2023 - Order Now. -
Love might not be what we think it is. We all seek the happiness that comes from loving and being loved, yet we often find ourselves dissatisfied in our relationships and unable to grasp the cause. Thich Nhat Hanh here shows the way to overcome our recurrent obstacles to love—by learning to be mindful, open, and present with ourselves and others. As he explains, “training is needed in order to love properly; and to be able to give happiness and joy, you must practice deep looking directed toward the person you love. Because if you do not understand this person, you cannot love properly. Understanding is the essence of love.” This quintessential guide to loving also introduces the four key aspects of love described in the Buddhist tradition—loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and freedom—and describes many simple and direct ways in which we can practice authentic love in our everyday lives. Published 19th September 2023 - Order Now. -
Before Edward Powys Mathers wrote Cain's Jabwone, the world's most difficult literary puzzle, he was a cryptic crossword creator. Published under his pseudonym 'Torquemada', his puzzles would taunt readers for days. He created his first cryptic crossword puzzle in 1924 and went on to set them for the Saturday Westminster and the Observer for the next 15 years. His true identity was only revealed when he died in 1939. As well as earning the reputation for setting the world's toughest crosswords, Torquemada - or 'Torq' as he was often referred to - was also delightfully creative: with many puzzles written in perfectly constructed verse or delivered as mini-narratives to their solvers. This selection of Torquemada's best crosswords was originally published in 1942 and this edition contains tributes to his life and achievements, including one by his widow, R.C. Mathers as well as a foreword by the crossword puzzle editor for the New York Times, Will Shortz. The successful revival of Cain's Jawbone has inspired a new generation of puzzle solvers. Here is the next challenge for Torquemada's fans - dare you take it on? Health warning: These crosswords are extremely difficult and not for the faint-hearted. -
As the list of U-turns grows ever longer, the cost of living crisis intensifies and mortgage rates rise, we really need those in charge to get it right. In Why Governments Get It Wrong, Cambridge's Professor Dennis C. Grube gives a timely and incisive examination of the pitfalls, failures and successes of those in power around the world. We live in an era when we really need governments to be effective - the economy, our health and the future of the planet are at stake - but so often they can seem clueless, and their decisions leave us confused. With insight and wit, Grube explains how governments can improve their decision-making and, by examining fascinating case studies, he highlights the key factors that make for effective government. With the stakes higher than ever before, this original and important book is an essential read for any concerned citizen who wants to understand why governments make the wrong decisions and, crucially, what can be done about it. 'This humane, accessible and lucid work will enlighten any voter, and remind any would-be - or currently serving - politician of the pitfalls to avoid' - TLS -
A parent's deeply moving love letter to a daughter who has always known exactly who she is. 'Stunning... Built like a thriller, moving, wise and illuminated on every page with love' - Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat. When Carolyn Hays's child made clear to the family that they were all wrong, he was not a boy, but, in fact, a girl, the Hays shifted pronouns, adopted a nickname and encouraged her to dress as she felt comfortable. One ordinary day, a caseworker from the Department of Children and Families knocked on their door to investigate an anonymous complaint about the upbringing of their transgender child. It was this threat that instilled in them a deep-seated fear for their child's safety in the Republican state they called home. And so they uprooted their lives to the more trans-accepting Northeast United States, though they were never far from the hate and fear resting at the nation's core. Intimate and thought-provoking, A Letter to My Transgender Daughter is an ode to Hays's brilliant, brave child, as well as a cathartic revisit of the pain of the past. It tells of the brutal truths of being trans, of the sacrificial nature of motherhood, and of the lengths a family will go to shield their youngest from the cruel realities of the world. Hays asks us all to love better, for children everywhere enduring injustice and prejudice just as they begin to understand themselves. A Letter to My Transgender Daughter is a celebration of difference, a plea for empathy, a hope for a better future, but moreover, it is a love letter to a child who has always known herself and is waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. Originally published as A Girlhood: A Letter to My Transgender Daughter -
A beautiful new edition of Sarah Raven's Garden Cookbook - a modern classic celebrating fresh ideas, inspiration and deliciously simple recipes for eating seasonally. Taking us through the year in six seasonal chunks of two months each, Sarah Raven highlights the best vegetables, fruit and herbs grown in the UK. For each one, there are hosts of simple yet inspiring recipes - over 450 in all - ranging from Warm broad bean salad to Green mayonnaise; Spinach and Gruyere tart to Mint and pea tip risotto; Sweet potato gratin to Celeriac souffle; and Basil ice cream to Damson and almond pudding. Sarah Raven's Garden Cookbook offers a practical, colourful and delicious repertoire of ideas that put vegetables, herbs and fruit at the centre of every meal, all year round. -
In A Brief History of Black Holes, award-winning University of Oxford researcher Dr Becky Smethurst charts five hundred years of scientific breakthroughs in astronomy and astrophysics. Right now, you are orbiting a black hole. The Earth orbits the Sun, and the Sun orbits the centre of the Milky Way: a supermassive black hole, the strangest and most misunderstood phenomenon in the galaxy. In this cosmic tale of discovery, Dr Becky Smethurst takes us from the earliest observations of the universe and the collapse of massive stars, to the iconic first photographs of a black hole and her own published findings. She explains why black holes aren't really 'black', that you never ever want to be 'spaghettified', how black holes are more like sofa cushions than hoovers and why, beyond the event horizon, the future is a direction in space rather than in time. Told with humour and wisdom, this captivating book describes the secrets behind the most profound questions about our universe - all hidden inside black holes. Published 21st September 2023 - Order Now. -
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Memoir When Hua Hsu first meets Ken in a Berkeley dorm room, he hates him. A frat boy with terrible taste in music, Ken seems exactly like everyone else. For Hua, who makes zines and haunts indie record shops, Ken represents all that he defines himself in opposition to - the mainstream. The only thing Hua, the son of Taiwanese immigrants, and Ken, whose Japanese American family has been in the US for generations, have in common is that, however they engage with it, American culture doesn't seem to have a place for either of them. But despite his first impressions, Hua and Ken become friends, a friendship built on late-night conversations over cigarettes, long drives along the California coast, and the successes and humiliations of everyday college life. And then violently, senselessly, Ken is gone, killed in a carjacking, not even three years after the day they first meet. Capturing a coming-of-age cut short, and a portrait of a beautiful friendship, Stay True is a deeply moving and intimate memoir about growing up and moving through the world in search of meaning and belonging. 'A glorious, unforgettable book' - Patrick Radden Keefe 'A richly observed examination of grief, being an outsider and the healing power of art' - The Guardian 'One of the best nonfiction books about friendship ever, right up there with Patti Smith's Just Kids' - The Atlantic -
Easy Vegan Christmas is a 80-recipe cookbook showcasing simple vegan recipes, for a fuss-free festive season. Whether you're cooking for your vegan family, looking for inspiration for your first vegan guest, or simply want to add new flavours and dishes to your Christmas dinner table, you'll find stress-free, plant-based recipes to get you through the happy holidays. With an easy tip for each recipe, plus advice on whether the recipe is suitable for freezing, this book is perfect for getting ahead! You'll also find a handy menu planner to take the stress out of deciding what to cook. All of the ingredients are available in supermarkets, with a focus on seasonal winter produce. The magic of Christmas is in togetherness and giving, and there's nothing that shows this more than a special, hearty meal, prepared with love. Published 14th September 2023 - Order Now. -
The Power of Cold explores how we can learn to use the cold to release tension and anxiety, to deal with all types of pressure, including stress, grief and fear, and to make us whole again. Niall O Murchu shares insightful stories from his practise to demonstrate how bringing intention to our thoughts and breath during cold water exposure can be transformative. Starting with small alterations to our daily routine such as turning our showers to cold at the end or spending more time barefoot, Niall shows that with the right intention these practices can be life changing. The cold is for everyone. With The Power of Cold, learn how to use it as a real force of good in our lives. Published 28th September 2023 - Order Now. -
A handsome anthology of 366 poems from around the world and throughout history, all especially selected for reading aloud, with one glorious poem for every day of the year. Everyone benefits from reading aloud, whether it's a bedtime story with Dad or Granny, an intimate moment with a loved one, or a performance to a group of people. When spoken, the poet's words hit us more powerfully and meaningfully, and what's more, it's good for our health: mindfully reading aloud helps with relaxation, improves working memory and aids vocabulary acquisition. With a wide and diverse range of poets including the 14th-century Persian poet Hafiz and Mary Oliver in the 21st century, old favourites such as Emily Dickinson and more recent voices such as Lemn Sissay, the obvious classics such as Wordsworth's Daffodils and slightly more offbeat fare like Spike Milligan, there's something for everyone in this book: poems that are funny, sad, consoling, uplifting and everything in between. Whether you're a teacher enthralling a class of children or a carer entertaining a group of pensioners, if you're looking for a reading for a special occasion or a powerful piece for a performance, you'll find everything you need here. It's the perfect book to dip into daily to share a poem with anyone, to hear the true beauty and rhythm of words and the magic they can weave. -
From the author of the hit Men to Avoid in Art and Life and follow-up Friends to Keep in Art and Life comes Parenting Advice to Ignore in Art and Life, a collection of all-too-familiar unsolicited advice parents receive on the daily. From in-laws and other parents to complete strangers and even your own kids - when it comes to parenting, everyone's a critic. Against the classic backdrop of fine art, Tersigni's captions poke fun at the many "experts" who think they know more than you about your own children. Utterly (and unfortunately) relatable and hilarious as ever, Parenting Advice to Ignore in Art and Life provides a much-needed laugh for anyone who has had the pleasure of parenting and the pain of having a stranger tell you to put a hat on your baby. -
Chess is a game of strategy, planning and problem-solving. It is deceptively simple, and learning the rules means a lifetime of intellectual challenge for adults and children, in person or online. It has lasted centuries and shows no sign of fading any time soon. Quite the opposite in fact, as during the COVID-19 pandemic, chess became even more popular, particularly online. Chess players and puzzle-solvers have a lot in common, and now that is united in this unique new puzzle publication. All the puzzles relate to chess and the culture surrounding it, from classic chess puzzles to quizzes about famous players and matches. Puzzles include: Classic chess conundrums: looking top-down at a board layout, the best move must be deduced. Wordsearch: find the chess-champion names in the grid* Crosswords: chess-themed questions and answers* Placement puzzles: certain pieces only may be placed next to other in these visual conundrums. Chess-doku: An original take on Sudoku: chess piece symbols. Logic grids: Clues are given and puzzlers must fill in a grid and work out the missing answers using logic. Visual puzzles: A square with a variety of chess pieces in it. One is duplicated, can you spot it? Other visual puzzles include Odd one out, Logic sequences and Spot the Difference. Chess-code and other word puzzles: Chess pieces are substituted for letters; to solve the puzzle you must work out which is which. Other word puzzles include anagrams, missing letters and word jumbles. Chess quizzes: great players, famous moves and epic matches all feature. -
Do you love playing wordle? Do you wish you could do more than one puzzle a day? If you do, then you will love this collection of 500 puzzles to do anytime, anywhere. Wordle Challenge presents a fun, interactive collection of brain-teasing puzzles, that can be played offline and will entertain for hours and hours. These stimulating puzzles are graded from Easy to Expert level. Puzzlers must guess what the correct word is, deducing from previous words in the grid what letters go where. A clue means there is only one correct solution to each puzzle, and answers can be found at the back of the book. Whether you are looking for puzzle practiceto train your brain, or seeking a screen-free offline alternative to online puzzles, this collection will have you enthralled. Perfect for commuters, keen puzzlers and all ardent wordle fans, and suitable for children and adults, this book is the perfect gift for anyone who can't get enough of the sensation puzzle game and wishes they could do more! -
This volume brings together three of John Gribbin's successful science books: Six Impossible Things, Seven Pillars of Science and Eight Improbable Possibilities. A scintillating collection of short essays that really does cover 'life, the Universe, and everything'. From the mysteries of the subatomic world to the curious property of water that makes our planet inhabitable, master of popular science John Gribbin delves into the astonishing facts that underlie our existence. Some aspects of the quantum world really do seem impossible to 'common sense', but have been proved correct by experiments. Other features of the Universe appear obvious, such as the fact that atoms are mostly empty space. But this familiarity hides the truly amazing truths underpinning these observations. And some things merely seem improbable but are also hiding a Deep Truth, such as the fact that the Moon and Sun look the same size as viewed from Earth. This book will change forever the way you view the world. -
"You are Black; you are female," Leslie Jones' father once said. "But if you work harder and you're better than everybody else, they can't f*cking deny you." Leslie Jones is a warrior. Raised by a tough dad and a loving but often sick mom, her father's military career meant she bounced around as a kid-fighting off bullies because she was tall and loud, sticking up for her troubled kid brother, and generally causing mayhem wherever she went. In the end the family settled in Lynwood, Los Angeles, where in high school she was a star basketball player, heavily recruited for what everyone thought would be a stellar college career. Then, one day in college, she discovered comedy instead, and everything changed. Eventually hitting the road as a working comedian, and holding down regular jobs to fund her dreams, she found herself fighting prejudice, tough crowds, stupid bosses, and people who thought a Black woman could never be funny enough. But she proved herself time and again to be undeniably funnier than most, and in Leslie F*cking Jones, we finally get to meet the woman behind the laughs: tough but full of love, uncompromising but wise, honest, revealing, challenging, and always completely hilarious. From clubs across the country, through hit TV specials, to six years at SNL; through the hell that was the Ghostbusters remake, and on into Twitter and Olympic-commentary stardom, guest hosting Ellen and The Daily Show, and beyond, Leslie F*cking Jones reveals what it took to become one of America's most beloved and plain-speaking superstars.In this audacious memoir, Leslie Jones opens up for the first time about how she faltered and triumphed on the road to success and, in doing so, encourages others to let go of the fear and self-doubt that has holds them back. Leslie F*cking Jones is a love letter to regular people just trying to make it day to day. Published 28th September 2023 - Order Now. -
Create beautiful botanical artworks, engage with the natural world around you, and take pleasure in the changing seasons with A Year of Watercolour. Award-winning and bestselling artist and tutor Harriet de Winton takes you through more than 30 step-by-step botanical paintings that span the seasons. Learn to paint cherry blossoms and lambs in the spring, honeybees and wildflowers for summer, oak leaves and harvest mice in autumn, and pine trees and snowdrops in winter. Plus, enjoy charming bonus features like a recipe for wild garlic pesto in springtime, or guidance on how to paint a festive wreath with winter berries and foliage. The perfect primer for creating seasonal cards, personalized stationery and stunning artworks to decorate your home or give to friends and family. -
How to Make Better Cocktails is a book for anyone wanting to improve their drinks-making skills. No gimmicks, no pretensions - just the skills, techniques and principles used by the best bartenders in the world. This book simplifies confusing terminology and complex techniques to unlock the magic of 70 classic and original cocktail recipes, and teaches you everything you need to know to master hundreds more. With a comprehensive introduction to everything from balance and dilution to how to achieve the perfect foam (and why a chopstick is an essential piece of kit), 70 recipes and a host of nerdy focus sections on hero drinks such as the Dry Martini and Daiquiri, this is the home bartenders bible. -
'Joe just makes the most delicious food that happens to have no meat or fish in it.'- Rachel Roddy 'When Joe Woodhouse cooks then you know that something very, very good will result from much happy time spent in the kitchen. For such a modern cook, the flavours are deep, rich and magical. That there is no meat is happily forgotten here, for this is about great cooking.' Jeremy Lee Swapping just one meat dish for a plant-based one saves greenhouse gas emissions that are equivalent to the energy used to charge your phone for two years. In this new collection of recipes, a companion to the highly acclaimed Your Daily Veg, long-time vegetarian Joe Woodhouse celebrates everyday, seasonal vegetables in a fresh, modern way with dishes that always deliver on flavour and satisfaction. Focusing either on one core vegetable or a group of similar vegetables - including celeriac, beetroot and squash, tomatoes and fennel, mushrooms, onions and leeks, and beans, pulses and seeds - the recipes follow a simple format of short ingredients lists and easy-to-follow instructions. Published 28th September 2023 - Order Now. -
There's a lot of talk about how we all must connect more with nature. But what does that mean? How do you do it? And what does it do for you in return? Can something as simple as going for a walk really improve your life? The simple answer is: YES. Walk Yourself Happy will explain the elemental link between our own health - both physical and mental - and the natural world. Julia knows first-hand the profound impact of nature: it has helped her survive breast cancer, overcome infertility and continue through failed IVF treatments; it balances the soul and acts as a confidante and therapist. Through science-backed information, practical tips and Julia's own story, Walk Yourself Happy will explore how nature can soothe anxiety and stress, how a mountain or a tree can keep you company in times of grief, and the importance of building nature into your everyday life, so you eat well, sleep better and move more. Walking, one of the most accessible activities for most of us, is the fastest and easiest way to embed yourself in nature. You don't need expertise or equipment; you just need to put one foot in front of another. You don't need an epic landscape either, you can walk down the street or in your local green space. Though, as you will learn from this book, a walk in the park is rarely just that. We all have shocks and surprises that stop us in our tracks, make us question who we are and why we are here. In walking, we have the power to change our pace. And when we do that, we can find union with nature, camaraderie with friends and a form of intimacy with self. We can walk ourselves happy and we can walk ourselves healthy, and we can rekindle the innate bonds, all-but extinguished by modern living, that we have always had to our natural environment. We can start today. Published 14th September 2023 - Order Now. -
The Great British Bake Off: Kitchen Classics showcases 80 sumptuous bakes inspired by the show's most popular signature themes - Cake, Biscuits, Bread, Pastry, Patisserie, Dessert, Chocolate and Free-from - taking the best classic recipes and reinventing them to create the most gorgeous, flavourful and indulgent bakes. Throughout the book, Paul, Prue and the 2023 bakers themselves show you how to turn a signature into something truly special. Among the many transformations, Victoria sponge becomes a four-tier, zesty extravaganza; a brioche-style babka turns savoury with kale pesto and red peppers; and the cherry Bakewell is reimagined as an irresistible fondant fancy. Page after page, this book is packed with 'new' classics that will draw family and friends to your own kitchen table time and again. -
A polish bear in World War II rose to the rank of colonel. Penguins can't taste fish. The ashes of the man who invented the pringles container are buried in one. Houseflies buzz in the key of F. 'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia' is the fear of long words. These are just 0.1% of all the facts in this incredible tome! Written by seven authors and covering subjects as diverse as The Universe, Art and Literature, The Natural World and Movies, The Colossal Book of Incredible Facts for Curious Minds is the ultimate trivia book! Why not amaze family and friends with the reasons pandas do handstands, the sinister source of the term 'rule of thumb', or that the patent for the fire hydrant was destroyed... in a fire. Every entry is weird, wonderful, inspiring and quite brilliantly, true! -
Discover the wonders of the Universe with this indispensable guide. The Night Sky is chock full of information explaining what, when and how to observe space and understanding the night sky. Not only accessible, but also invaluable, this is the perfect practical guide for both budding and seasoned astronomers, an easy introduction to astronomy and a useful resource for more experienced stargazers. -
So many of us feel lonely, unfulfilled, or trapped-in our roles and relationships, in cycles of self-sabotage and wrong decisions. According to Sara Kuburic, it doesn't have to be so difficult. The answer lies in taking responsibility for the choices and actions that create our reality. It's about slowing down, cutting through demands and expectations, and taking ownership of this person we call our "Self." In It's On Me, Kuburic unpacks "self-loss," giving us new vocabulary and offering tools she's used for years to help her clients recover. Self-loss becomes apparent when we feel the pain and emptiness from performing or observing life, rather than living it. Guiding us through self-reflection, acceptance, and discovery, Kuburic proves that we can: * experience but not feel overpowered by our emotions * establish a healthy connection to our bodies * set loving boundaries to define ourselves and heal our relationships * declutter our physical and mental environments to create space for our true selves to thrive * find meaning and purpose in a seemingly meaningless world Eye-opening and inspiring, It's On Me will teach you how to stop sleepwalking our way through the life you don't want and step into your most vibrant, authentic, and meaningful Self. Published 19th September 2023 - Order Now. -
As a Bolton teenager with a paper round, Clive Myrie read all the newspapers he delivered from cover to cover and dreamed of becoming a journalist. In this deeply personal memoir, he tells how his family history has influenced his view of the world, introducing us to his Windrush generation parents, a great grandfather who helped build the Panama Canal, and a great uncle who fought in the First World War, later to become a prominent police detective in Jamaica. He reflects on how being black has affected his perspective on issues he's encountered in thirty years reporting some of the biggest stories of our time (most recently from Ukraine), showing us how those experiences gave him a better idea of what it means to be an outsider. He tells of his pride in his roots, but his determination not to be defined by his background in dealing with the challenges of race and class to succeed at the highest level. Moving, engaging, revealing, Everything is Everything is a story of love and hate - but also hope. Published 14th September 2023 - Order Now. -
'The most important (thing) is to play,' Srna said, 'to show the world that we are still alive, that we are fighting, that we are living, that we will have a good future.' In 2014, the conflict in the Donbas region of Ukraine began - and top football club Shakhtar Donetsk has since been in exile. This book tells their story; inevitably a story of the conflict and the recent Russian invasion but also a testament to the power of the game and the will of the players. It is ultimately a footballing story, exploring the experience and meaning of being a Shakhtar player through the lens of a country in the shadow of a huge aggressive neighbour. There are moments of direct impact (such as when a youth coach was killed by Russian shelling earlier in 2022) but also what it means to just go out on the field and play, freely. Andy Brassell is a European football expert and has followed this story for years; he regards Shakhtar as the 'Barcelona of Eastern Europe'. This book celebrates the team and its achievements, while paying tribute to an occupied nation. Published 28th September 2023 - Order Now. -
Follow the journey of David Hockney's exceptional life in a unique graphic novel format. From his childhood in Bradford and early years making it as an artist, to his sun-drenched Los Angeles period, his triumphal return to the UK and his recent iPad drawings that proudly exclaim that 'spring cannot be cancelled', this charming biography traces the captivating life and times of David Hockney. Drawn entirely on an iPad in a fun, fully illustrated style - and in homage to Hockney's own iPad drawings - this is a colourful, thought-provoking and joyous story of one of the world's best-loved artists. Published 28th September 2023 - Order Now. -
Pop music didn't begin with the Beatles in 1963, or with Elvis in 1956, or even with the first seven-inch singles in 1949. There was a pre-history that went back to the first recorded music, right back to the turn of the century... Who were the earliest record stars, and were they in any meaningful way 'pop stars'? Who were the likes of George Gershwin writing songs for? Why did swing, the hit sound for a decade or more, become almost invisible after the Second World War? The prequel to Bob Stanley's Yeah Yeah Yeah, Let's Do It is the first book to tell the definitive story of the birth of pop, from the invention of the 78 rpm record at the end of the nineteenth century to the beginnings of rock and the modern pop age. Taking in superstars such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra alongside the unheralded songwriters and arrangers behind some of our most enduring songs, Stanley paints an aural portrait of pop music's formative years in stunning clarity, uncovering the silver threads and golden needles that bind the form together. Bringing the eclectic, evolving world of early pop to life - from ragtime, blues and jazz to Broadway, country, crooning and beyond - Let's Do It is essential reading for all music lovers. 'A perfect guidebook, filled with smart thinking and the kind of communicable enthusiasm that sends you rushing to the nearest streaming service, eager to hear what all the fuss was about.'ALEXIS PETRIDIS, GUARDIAN Published 21st September 2023 - Order Now. -
Embark on a journey of self-discovery as you learn the secrets to living a fearless, meaningful life. Today, more than ever, we act out of fear. We fear change, rejection, failure, and suffering. But what if we could find a way to live that looks to the future instead of the past? What if we could replace our fear with purpose, and discover our potential for growth instead of focusing on our limits?Global mentor for leaders in some of the world's biggest tech companies, Michal Oshman has created a unique personal growth methodology that challenges you to explore what really matters and offers solutions to everyday struggles. Covering everything from relationships to parenting, developing your career to dealing with past traumas and controlling anxiety, these tools will empower you to embrace change and discover who you really are and what you were born to do with your life. This unique book will help you to find your courage and move forward freely to embrace a life that is free from fear. -
Unlock your garden's winter potential and see the beauty and promise of the colder months with award-winning garden designer and author, Naomi Slade. There is so much to marvel at in a winter garden. As summer flowers fade and autumn winds strip trees, the season brings new delights to draw us outside, from the dusting of frost on bare seedheads and the long-reaching shadows cast by a December dawn to the joy of huddling up beside a fire pit to see in the New Year. RHS The Winter Garden is a celebration of the coldest season, with stunning photography that captures the very best that winter has to offer. Discover the bulbs that will bloom and the ornamental grasses that will dance in the winter breeze; create unique winter flower arrangements with cut stems and dried flowers; and learn how to design a garden with winter beauty at its heart. With tips on supporting wildlife over winter, the best cold-weather crops, and "recipes" for creating winter container displays, this essential book will make you see your winter garden in a whole new light. -
Six years after Brexit, it can feel like we're still having the same conversations. This is the explainer we need to move on. And we do need to move on, because in the meantime so much has changed. The economic realities that are making the UK less competitive, less productive and less well-off are ever more obvious - and more and more people are finding out the Brexit they were sold was based on falsehoods and fantasy. So what exactly went wrong with Brexit? In this book, Peter Foster dispels the myths and, most importantly, shows what a better future for Britain after Brexit might look like. With clear-headed practicality, he considers the real costs of leaving the EU, how we can recover international trust in the UK, how to improve cooperation and trade with neighbours, and how to begin to build the Global Britain that Brexit promised but failed to deliver. The politicians won't talk about it, so we need to.