Literature

From the weird and wonderful to the frankly fantastic. A stylishly illustrated A-to-Z dictionary text supplemented by a wealth of fascinating information on a wide range of subjects. Aardvark to Zygote is a dictionary that demands to be taken off the shelf and looked at. It contains a stylishly illustrated A-to-Z dictionary text supplemented by a wealth of fascinating information in the form of charts, diagrams and lists covering subjects ranging from alphabets and musical symbols to weapons and architecture. This combination of dictionary and miscellany will provide you with the definitive answer to numerous enquiries as well as proving a delight to browse through.

ISBN: 9780007281022

OCTOBER 2008

This collection of Vera Brittain's poetry and prose, some of it never published before, commemorates the men she loved - fiance, brother and two close friends - who served and died in the First World War. It draws on her experiences as a VAD nurse in London, Malta, and France, and illustrates her growing conviction of the wickedness of all war. Illustrated with many extraordinary photographs from Brittain's own albums, and edited with a new introduction by Mark Bostridge, Because You Died is an elegy to men who lost their lives in a bloody conflict, and a volume of remembrance to mark the ninetieth anniversary of the Armistice.

ISBN: 9781844084135

OCTOBER 2008

This new edition of the classic Christmas tale, complete and unabridged, has been illustrated by Robert Inkpen, winner of the Hans Christian Andersen award. He superbly captures the atmosphere of Victorian London and brings to life the unforgettable characters that Dickens created. Also included is Dickens's charming, festive short story 'A Christmas Tree', which first appeared in the twopenny weekly, Household Words.

ISBN: 9781840115017

This is a beautiful edition of the timeless Christmas classic. "A Christmas Carol" is the book that defines the Christmas spirit - literally. Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited miser, is visited by three ghosts one Christmas Eve. The ghosts (of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come) show Scrooge the true value of Christmas - charity, good humour and love for his fellow man.Quentin Blake's joyous illustrations, full of colour and fun, guide the reader through the lively (and occasionally scary) journey to find the meaning of Christmas. This unabridged edition contains a forward by the illustrator and is the ultimate Christmas gift book.This book is illustrated by one of the popular artists working today. It is a great gift for the season of giving.

ISBN: 9781843651215

One of our best-known and best-loved literary critics turns his attention to the more bizarre areas of literature in this miscellany of fact and trivia. Which author had the heaviest brain? Whose manuscript was inadvertently used to light a fire? What was the original title of 1984? This is the ideal anthology of useless information for all literary devotees.

ISBN: 9781905211975

Ever wondered how some people seem to have an opinion on every book ever published? Nowadays, there are so many books: how can anyone to be well read anymore? Well, help is at hand. Let Henry Hitchings educate you in the invaluable skill of literary bluffing in this survivors guide to talking about books you havent read. With tips on how to bluff with confidence using quotable insights and invaluable trivia, Henry Hitchings covers all the great books you ought to have read but havent got round to yet. If you want to be able to hold your own in a debate aboutStephen Hawkingor Philip Roth or perhaps you find Shakespeare or Dostoevsky intimidating, then look no further. Including literary heavyweights such as Ulysses, Bleak House and War and Peace this guide will equip you with all the bookish information you need to bluff your way through any scenario, be it a vital exam, an in-depth conversation at the pub or chatting up the potential love of your life. Contentsincludes, Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Henry James, James Joyce, Proust, Homer, Virgil, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Dickens, various contemporary writers, the Bible, the Koran, fairy tales, select bestsellers and some poetry.

ISBN: 9781848540095

Which book was first published in a cover made of human skin? Who wrote "The Benefits of Farting Explain'd" under the pseudonym Don Fart-inhando Puff-indorst? Which 18th-century playwright was such a compulsive drinker he would drink eau-de-cologne? What was in Hitler's secret library? What is the most shoplifted book in the world? Which author wrote most of his books standing up?If you've ever picked up a novel and settled down in a nice comfy chair, rummaged though a secondhand bookshop or spent hours in the library thumbing through the volumes you mean to read one day, then this is the book for you. Within these pages are hundreds of facts, figures, stories and trivia about reading and writing, from the earliest printed books to today's best sellers. You'll find out whether you're a sponge, a sandglass, a strain-bag or a mogul diamond; why Lewis Carroll was once accused of being Jack the Ripper; the working title of Lady Chatterley's Lover; and which best-selling classic was rejected 22 times, once with the note: 'garbage passing itself off as literature'. It's the only book about books that you'll ever need.This book is packed with hundreds of nuggets of information; and, a vital addition to any bookworm's collection. It is a part of a highly collectable series. It features: elastic closure, back pocket, and blank pages for notes.

ISBN: 9781862058248

"The Works" contains 120 of Pam Ayres' best-known poems from the seventies and eighties, including "The Battery Hen", "Please Will You Take Your Children Home Before I Do Them In", "Sling Another Chair Leg on the Fire", "Mother" and, of course, "Oh, I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth". For this new edition Pam has written a general introduction, as well as individual introductions to the poems, many of which are now illustrated with specially commissioned line drawings by Susan Hellard. This is the first time "The Works" has been available in hardback and is certain to delight Pam's fans of all ages. Pam is one of Britain's best-loved personalities and has been a regular on television and radio for more than 30 years - most recently on "Just a Minute", "The Comedy Quiz", "Countdown" and her own series, "Ayres on the Air". She performs her solo stage show throughout Britain and around the world and has a huge fan base in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

ISBN: 9781846074653

SEPTEMBER 2008

A treasury of quotations coupled with a unique and insightful look at language; the perfect gift for language lovers and an essential reference for anyone looking for the right words to say. Whether you're making a speech, offering congratulations or condolences, or simply hold an interest in language, Elizabeth Knowles' insightful selection of quotations will provide inspiration. Elizabeth Knowles has long been considered an authority on quotations. Here she provides a playful, humorous look at a range of themed quotations, exploring how language and opinions have changed over time. This highly browsable, witty guide to quotations offers practical help as well as being a joy to read and explore.

ISBN: 9780007269563

OCTOBER 2008