Gift Books

'If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is' - John von Neumann. Mathematics can tell you things about the world that can't be learned in any other way. This hugely informative and wonderfully entertaining little book answers one hundred essential questions about existence. It unravels the knotty, clarifies the conundrums and sheds light into dark corners. From winning the lottery, placing bets at the races and escaping from bears to sports, Shakepeare, Google, game theory, drunks, divorce settlements and dodgy accounting; from chaos to infinity and everything in between, "100 Essential Things You Didn't Know You Didn't Know" has all the answers!

ISBN: 9781847920034

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

Everyone seems to be talking about 'Britishness' these days - but what does it really mean? Is it all just a big con? Having skewered modern British life in the bestselling Is It Just Me or Is Everything Shit, Steve Lowe and Alan McArthur set out to uncover the deep dark truth about Britain - its history, its myths and its people. Over the course of a year they watch Dorset Morris men dancing on a chalk-giant's thirty-foot-long erection and search for a couple of pissed dragons under a hill in Wales. They ask Prince William what it means to be British, witness Scotland rising again (a bit), encounter terrifying Europhobe ladies in Surrey, and lose the will to live in Gibraltar. They also meet a lot of druids. Hilarious, timely and provocative, BLIGHTY offers a brilliant, alternative vision of Britain - the island in the Atlantic that some people call Britain.

ISBN: 9781847441799

So, you thought you knew everything you needed to about Scotland and its chequered history? Well, think again.Did you know that tobacco made up half of Scotland's exports in the eighteenth century?Did you know that JM Barrie created the name 'Wendy' for his play Peter Pan" in 1904, meaning that there are no Wendys over the age of 104...?Did you know that The Beatles played at Dingwall Town Hall in 1963?See?John KV Eunson leads us through the history of the Scots in this accurate but none-too-heavy look at the great country. On a journey of almost breakneck speed full of chuckles, we still have enough time to stop and smell the heather, taste the fudge and feel the ghosties.

ISBN: 9780755318575

Want to know how to create fireworks from a crisp packet? Turn rice into quicksand? Generate a cloud in a lemonade bottle? How about build a toaster-powered hot air balloon, or work out the speed of light using margarine and a microwave?In this book, you'll find these and over 40 more incredible experiments to try at home. Easy and fun to do, whether you're 8 or 80, they will amuse, astound and educate in equal measure - see the amazing results then find out why it works!So whether it's racing jam jars, making Pyrex invisible or instantly freezing a fizzy drink before your eyes - with the "Naked Scientists'" help, you'll never have a dull rainy day again!A tempting self-purchase as well as the perfect gift.

ISBN: 9781845379810

Cats once were proud, shrewd, independent animals who lived life on our own terms. But then came a life of domestication, comfort and free health care. And now cats are in danger of losing our sense of adventure completely. Fluffy and Bonkers say it's time to fight back and regain control of your rightful place as ruler of the roost once again. Cats once ruled the alleys, galleys and the valleys. Rodents trembled in fear. Birds steered clear. Cats took chances. Some lived fast and died young! We were on the prowl. But then came a life of domestication that was simply too good to pass up. Humans gave us everything we desired, from ear massages and shelter from the rain to cuddle sessions and free health care. In return, they were permitted to bask in the majesty of our presence. It seemed like a fair trade. Or was it? Has domesticity really been good for cats? What has become of our sense of adventure, our sense of independence? Did you know that because of boredom and indolence, the average feline today uses up a mere 2-3 of its 9 lives? Fluffy and Bonkers think its time to get out of the comfortable back seat of life and regain control of your destiny.They created this manual to teach discerning cats how to wake up a human when they want to get fed, how to stare like a pro, how to carry yourself in a catfight and - most importantly - how to get away with practically anything. With The Devious Book for Cats you can return to the noble creature you once were and assume your rightful place as the ruler of your household once again.

ISBN: 9780007281237

Martin Clunes is happy to admit that with Mary, it was love at first sight; her soft, brown eyes, her perfect figure and that unstoppable wagging tail. As cocker spaniels go, she was perfect. It is a love that has taken them through puppy classes to the local dog show, a move to the country and even visits from a dog psychologist, and has often caused Martin to wonder: Where the hell did you come from? To find a satisfying answer to that question, Martin embarked on a worldwide quest to look into the history of dogs, and link the pampered pets of today with their wild ancestors painted dogs in Tanzania, dingoes in Australia and wolves in Yellowstone National Park, USA. He also explores how humans have shaped the dog breeds of today, visiting the Beverly Hills Mutt Club and meeting working dogs in several countries police dogs, hunting hounds and sled dogs. Accompanied by his stunning photography, Martins account of his discoveries, told with his trademark warmth and humour, is compelling and full of surprises. One thing is certain: at the end of this fascinating journey, Martin will never look at his own dogs in the same way again.

ISBN: 9780340977040

Bogeys and shanking, plus fours and six irons, the alleged etiquette of caddies - all you need to know about the heaven and hell of golf is in this unique book. From the serious (the origins of golf) to the bizarre (moon golf), the informative (the perfect tee-height) to the ridiculous (snow golf), "The Golfer's Pocket Companion" takes the reader down a fairway of notes, quotes, facts and stats.The market for this book is global and growing. Internationally golf is one of the most popular sports today - with more and more magazines on the subject appearing on the market, many aimed at the young or 'punk' golfer, some are even calling the sport the new rock and roll. In the 1950s golf was generally a sport enjoyed by the privileged minority in one or two countries, but today it is played by all classes from China to the U.S. There are millions of courses around the world, and there are even holidays catering just for golfers.It is packed with hundreds of nuggets of information from the serious to the bizarre. It is perfect for golf fans everywhere. It is part of a highly collectable series. It includes extra features such as: elastic closure, back pocket, and blank pages for notes.

ISBN: 9781862058231

From King Harold to Elizabeth II, this fascinating and unique book offers a view of the oddities, quirks, origins and stories behind the history of Britain that has made the country what it is today. Starting, quite literally at the beginning, the reader is taken on an unorthodox tour through the lesser known nuggets of British history. "The History of Britain Pocket Companion" provides the reader with a fascinating range of notes, quotes, facts and stats.The market for this book is huge: Britons have always been fond of looking backwards and now is no exception. The television schedules are brimming with history programmes and the rise of the celebrity historian continues.This book is packed with hundreds of nuggets of information; an indispensable addition to your bookshelf. It is a part of a highly collectable series. Sales of the original Companions series are in excess of 150,000 copies. It features: elastic closure, back pocket, and blank pages for notes.

ISBN: 9781862058224

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

ISBN: 9781846140655

OCTOBER 2008

This delightful guide to England, organised county by county, is now published in lavishly illustrated format. Alongside the charming black and white drawings of the original edition now sit gorgeous colour photographs of rolling hills, famous monuments and hidden treasures, plus quirky posters from a bygone age. Crammed with fascinating facts and enthralling stories, Christopher Winn once again takes us on a journey round England, celebrating the people and places that make up the country - from history, legends and firsts to birthplaces and gossip. From Oakley Court in Berkshire, which served as the headquarters of French resistance during the Second World War, to Burghley House in Northamptonshire which grew the first tomatoes in Britain and north to Ripon, Britain's oldest city, this book offers a spellbinding insight into England.

ISBN: 9780091927912

SEPTEMBER 2008

This wonderful book takes an affectionate, entertaining and perceptive look at the English people. Here are their traditions, foibles, quirks, customs, humour and achievements, triumphs and failures, peccadilloes and passions. Travel through England from coast to coast and learn how every county contributes in unique and different ways to the distinct English personality. Marvel at crooked black and white halls in Cheshire and soft golden stone cottages in Midland villages. Go cheese rolling in Gloucestershire, discover the origins of cricket in Hampshire, savour a hot pot in Lancashire and a pudding in Yorkshire. Gasp at the glories of stately homes and the families that create them, upstairs and down, enjoy a pint. Listen to the memories and tales of ordinary folk from every walk of life and find out from them what it means to be English. This irresistible book will entertain and inform for hours on end.

ISBN: 9780091926731

In the last thirty years new technology, fashion, and social set-ups have spawned new cliches galore. Everything on the Internet is available at the 'click of a mouse', TV presenters ask the audience to 'give it up' when they want them to applaud, call centres tell us 'we value your call' even though 'all our operators are busy'. And if you're 'gobsmacked' by all this you may be told to 'get a life', 'chill out' or 'whatever'.It's Not Rocket Science sifts through all aspects of modern life to find the most prevalent, ubiquitous and downright irritating cliches of our age. This high-octane, caffeine-fuelled, dictionary of cliches highlights the freshly-hackneyed phrases we're being subjected to 24/7.So how good is that? And what's not to like?

ISBN: 9780749951597

This book is for cat lovers, cat devotees and people who are willing to admit to being mad about cats. There is no criticism whatsoever of cats in it ...It is, instead, a feast of cat worship, best read with a cat on the lap. Of course, your cat may choose to sit on the page and thus block your view. Some cats enjoy interrupting our reading. Cats have padded silently into our hearts, bringing with them their grace, their independence and their essential mystery. How have we humans become so fond of these small desert creatures with their sharp claws and carnivorous teeth? Why do we love them so much? Celia Haddon In this beautiful anthology, Celia attempts to answer these questions by sharing the wisdom of cat lovers through the ages. From Herodotus, Darwin and Twain to T.S. Eliot and Edward Lear, all have not only had relationships with cats, but put pen to paper to explain just how wonderful that relationship can be ...

ISBN: 9780340954591

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

As everyone knows, the parking ticket is the most serious threat to individual liberty, an everyday symbol of the arbitrary power of government. It's your duty to fight back, and with the help of Steven Appleby and George Mole, you'll be able to transform all that anger and frustration into personal growth and achievement. The Little Book of Parking Tickets will not only teach you to talk your way out of fines and escape prosecution, but reclaim your piece of mind and your parking space! What's more, it will turn the weapon of your enemy into your shield. Carefully crafted tickets let you become your own parking warden: choose one, slip it under the wiper blade of a suitable vehicle and retreat unseen to a safe distance! Complete with a potted history of parking (citations from biblical, mediaeval and renaissance eras, as well as The Golden Age of Parking), as well as a collection of tickets from other lands (and beyond), The Little Book of Parking Tickets is the ultimate gift for any driver, or passenger, on your list. (Now go move your car.)

ISBN: 9780749951610

Guy Browning, author of the No 1 bestselling "Never Hit a Jellyfish with a Spade" and popular longstanding "Guardian" columnist, finally turns his unique attention to a rich new comic seam - his own deeply eccentric and far-flung upbringing. Weaned on maps, educated by maps, surrounded by maps and ever so slightly in love with maps, Guy Browning presents a selection of intriguing and quirkily annotated cartographic gems to chart his unsteady progress from pewling toddler to pewling young man via the furthest corners of the Alps, Niagara Falls, the Mediterranean, Central America and darkest Chipping Norton."Maps of My Life" revisits the richly comic highways, byways and unpaved tracks of Guy's unusually peripatetic early years, peopled with unforgettable relatives, friends and foe such as the Fatted Calf, the Sainted One, Langton Machoko and Marshal LaPoulette...Beautifully produced with full-colour maps throughout, "Maps of My Life" is one of the funniest autobiographical travel memoirs since Bill Bryson's "The Lost Continent".

ISBN: 9780224082723

In this modern era of traffic jams, road rage and speed cameras, it's easy to forget the simple pleasure that the gentlemanly pastime of motoring can bring. This handy little guide from the original age of the automobile, reminds us how to achieve maximum enjoyment from the motoring experience. With essential advice for both beginner drivers and confirmed Road Hogs - from choosing your vehicle and learning to drive to the latest dashboard equipment and all you could want to know about oiling, greasing and valve grinding - Pemberton also offers many tips on women drivers, picnicking, the holiday tour and fitting a wireless into your car.A man of strong opinions, he insists you give way to the man driving uphill, for 'if you block his way you may spoil one of the motorist's most pleasant thrills, that is, a good top-gear hill climb'. He also offers wise advice on everything from speed limits: 'From long experience of touring in Britain and abroad I should say that an average speed of 20 miles per hour is a sound allowance' to new technology: 'In wet weather one of the chief annoyances to the driver is an obscured wind-screen. There are highly efficient automatic wind-screen wipers on the market.' Both informative and entertaining, "Motor Do's and Dont's" is the perfect Christmas gift for the motor enthusiast in your life.

ISBN: 9780091928322

For the last six years of his life, Roger Deakin kept notebooks in which he wrote his daily thoughts, impressions, feelings and observations. Discursive, personal and often impassioned, they reveal the way he saw the world, whether it be observing the teeming ecosystem that was Walnut Tree Farm, thinking about the wider environment, walking in his fields, on Mellis Common or on his travels at home, or contemplating his past and his present life. "Notes from Walnut Tree Farm" collects the very best of these writings, capturing Roger's extraordinary, restless curiosity about the natural and human worlds, his love of literature and music, his knack for making unusual and apposite connections, and of course his distinct and subversive charm and humour. Together they cohere to present a passionate, engaged and - in spite of the worst pressures of contemporary life - optimistic view of our changing world.

ISBN: 9780241144206

OCTOBER 2008

It is Christmas Eve and the party is over. Clara creeps downstairs to find Nutcracker, a wooden doll given to her by her mysterious godfather Drosselmeier - a creator of fabulous mechanical toys, has come to life. Through her godfather's strange powers, Clara is caught up in a thrilling battle in which she and Nutcracker - in reality a prince transformed by an evil spell - overcome the Mouse King and his army. Clara's bravery is rewarded by a trip to the magical Land of Sweets, and in the end it is her love and loyalty that lift the curse, transforming Nutcracker back into his true self, and making Clara's dreams come true.This classic love story, which inspired the popular ballet that is danced to one of Tchaikovsky's most magical scores, is wonderfully retold by David Walser, in a direct translation from the original German story. Jan Pie kowski, master of illustration, brings the story vividly to life adding his own magic with exquisite illustrations on sparkling backgrounds. The finale is a multi-layered tableau of intricate laser-cut silhouettes, created in the style of traditional German papercraft. This beautiful and sumptuous novelty book is the ultimate Christmas gift.

ISBN: 9780141384542

OCTOBER 2008

If ever there was a book to make you switch off your television set, The Dangerous Book for Boys was it. And now, from the same authors, after the success of Things to Do and Things to Know, comes The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boy: Facts, Figures and Fun. 'The Dangerous Book for Boys' was the book of the year in 2006 and 2007, inspiring a newfound passion for adventure, fun and all things 'dangerous'. Now the authors have brought together all their facts: fun and frivolous, entertaining and useful, into a 'Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Facts, Figures and Fun. Ever wanted to know what the best ever scientific discoveries were? Or the most gruesome deaths of all time? How namy great men were assassinated? What were the pivotal moments of the last century? Facts, Figures and Fun is crammed with odd, interesting, facts which eveyr boy should know.

ISBN: 9780007284726

If ever there was a book to make you switch off your television set, The Dangerous Book for Boys was it. And now, from the same authors, after the success of Things to Do and Things to Know, comes The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boy: The Natural World -- packed with fascinating facts and tantalising trivia about the world around us. 'The Dangerous Book for Boys' was the book of the year in 2006 and 2007, inspiring a newfound passion for adventure, fun and all things 'dangerous'. Now the authors have brought together all their facts about the natural world into a 'Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: The Natural World'. Impress your friends and family with your amazing knowledge of the solar system, your indepth insights into fossils and dinosaurs, your amazing ability to name the seven wonders of the world The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: The Natural World' will make every man and boy, not to mention the women in their lives, as knowledgeable as they have always wished to be!

ISBN: 9780007281800

Brilliant things to do selected from The Daring Book for Girls - the only book for all feisty, fun-loving, adventure-seeking girls. The Daring Book for Girls is the manual for everything that girls need to know -- and that doesn't mean sewing buttonholes! Packed with exciting and fun things to do, this pocket book of 'Adventures and Pursuits' is a must-have for all girls who want to fill their days with fun and adventure. So here we present to you How to Make and Fly a Kite, How to Survive in the Wild, How to Make the Best Tree Swing Ever, and many other fun filled activities to keep you entertained.

ISBN: 9780007288038

Mr Jack has been nimble and he's been quick, searching through the history of nursery rhymes and he's found out all kind of plum tales, just like little Jack Horner. He's unearthed the answers to some very curious questions...Who were Mary Quite Contrary and Georgie Porgie? How could Hey Diddle Diddle offer an essential astronomy lesson? And if Ring a Ring a Roses isn't about catching the plague, then, what is it really about? The ingenious book delves into the hidden meanings of the nursery rhymes and songs we all know so well and discovers all kinds of strange tales ranging from Viking raids to firewalking and from political rebellion to slaves being smuggled to freedom.Children have always played at being grown up and all kinds of episodes in our history are still being re-enacted today in a series of dark games ("Oranges and Lemons" traces a condemned man's journey across London to his execution, "Goosie Gander" is about dragging a hidden Catholic priest to prison). And there are many many more...Full of vivid illustrations and with each verse reproduced, here are a multitude of surprising stories you won't be able to resist passing on to everyone you know.
Your childhood songs and rhymes will never sound the same again.

ISBN: 9781846141447

AUGUST 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

The RHS Diary 2009 is illustrated with works from the collection drawings made by Chinese artists under the supervision of John Reeves (1774--1856). Reeves, an inspector of tea at Canton and Macao for the East India Company, sent a total of 755 drawings to the Society. The Reeves Chinese drawings were divided into two sets. One set consists of three folio volumes containing 127 drawings of camellias, chrysanthemums and peonies. The remaining drawings were grouped in five volumes covering a large variety of plants. The anthologies are from the RHS Lindley Library, acknowledged as the world's finest horticultural library. Each week features a full-page colour illustration and the diary includes the dates of all the RHS Flower Shows as well as national and religious holidays and astronomical information.

ISBN: 9780711228405

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No month-by-month journal has ever made it so easy for the gardener to get the most from their veg plot. Carol Klein and the RHS experts consider every stage in the process. From buying seed, sowing, planting and feeding, to harvesting and effective storage.

ISBN: 9781845334710

NOVEMBER 2008

The RHS Pocket Diary 2009 is illustrated with works from the collection drawings made by Chinese artists under the supervision of John Reeves (1774--1856). Reeves, an inspector of tea at Canton and Macao for the East India Company, sent a total of 755 drawings to the Society. The Reeves Chinese drawings were divided into two sets. One set consists of three folio volumes containing 127 drawings of camellias, chrysanthemums and peonies. The remaining drawings were grouped in five volumes covering a large variety of plants. The anthologies are from the RHS Lindley Library, acknowledged as the world's finest horticultural library. Each week features a full-page colour illustration and the diary includes the dates of all the RHS Flower Shows as well as national and religious holidays and astronomical information.

ISBN: 9780711228429

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ISBN: 9780670917884

SEPTEMBER 2008

Always wondering where to write down those favourite recipes that you collect from friends, family, magazines etc. Featuring a cloth bound spine this beautifully packaged journal is the answer.This recipe journal has six section dividers for easy access - Soups & Starters, Seafood, Meat & Poultry, Pasta & Rice, Vegetables & Salads and Sweet Treats. An added bonus is the pocket at the back to store your recipes when you haven't time to write them out.

ISBN: 9781741106725

Kings and queens, British prime ministers, American presidents, countries of Europe - we should all know these things - but like me, you're probably resigned to being the kind of person that just never will. Now Grandmaster of Memory Ed Cooke offers up his memory secrets with a fun, quick and completely unforgettable way to remember the things you thought you never could. But this is no boring Willy, Willy, Harry, Ste. With Ed leading the way on unlikely adventures through people and places, Abraham Lincoln may become a circle of bra-wearing hams linking arms in your mind, and you may well encounter a fridge wearing Calvin Klein underpants. You could also soon find yourself rattling off the prime ministers to a rapt audience and adding, in a knowing tone, 'ah yes, Marquess of Rockingham, Whig I believe?'. What is for sure is that you'll be bursting with knowledge that will stick in your mind and impress your friends for ever.

ISBN: 9780670917853

NOVEMBER 2008

What do you call the groove that runs between your nose and your mouth? What is the name for the stringy bits of a banana? What's the right word for the long white exhaust trail of an aeroplane? What is that thingummy called? The world is full of thingummies - things we ought to know the names for, probably think we do know the names for, but when it comes to it we don't. "The Thingummy" is a lighthearted but informative look at everything from a-line skirts to umbrellas. It provides us with the real names for many of those elusive thingummies complete with the history, myth and anecdote behind them. Grasp "The Thingummy" and you'll never grasp helplessly for words again.

ISBN: 9780385614566

Feeling poor because of recession? Feeling guilty because of global warming? Feeling like you'd quite like to tighten your belt, but aren't quite ready to embrace DIY macrame handbags? No need to panic. Put down the economy mince and buy this book instead - it's a blueprint for living beautifully while saving money and easing your conscience. India Knight (no slouch when it comes to extravagance) shows you how even a dedicated consumer and child of the more-is-more 1980s can mend her ways, embrace the New Thrift, and find her life - and bank balance - dramatically improved in the process.She will show you: how to make wonderful dinners with very little money; how to grow things; how to make jellies, chutneys and pickles and how to can vegetables and fruit; how to dress on a budget and still look fabulous - and what to do with your mum's old sewing machine; how to make the most of living in a community, from borrowing preserving pans (that's right, we're making jam) to starting a toy-swapping group; how to holiday in new and imaginative ways - with only the merest whisper of a carbon footprint; how to make your own fun, from crafts to making presents, from parties to affordable pampering; and, finally how to manage your money - because, frankly, it's about time we all got a grip. Above all, India Knight will show you that saving money and tightening your belt doesn't have to feel like a penance - it can be both fun and glamorous (and a great deal more satisfying than buying the latest It-bag). Try it - you have nothing to lose but your overdraft.

ISBN: 9781905490370

NOVEMBER 2008

There is a world shrouded in secrecy that exists beyond the realms of conventional understanding. A world of coded languages, unsubstantiated rumour, incomprehensible handshakes, hidden meanings and red herrings that reveals itself only to the initiated, to the insiders, and for most of us remains tantalisingly out of reach. As you read this, it surrounds you, as you look up, it confronts you, as you wonder how you’ve missed it, you will continue to… But no longer. Tic-Tac, Teddy Bears and Teardrop Tattoos hands us the keys to understanding even the darkest corner of those closed-off, clandestine worlds. Here, you will learn how to go undetected within a Masonic lodge, why many Italians have an irrational fear of the number 17, and what a trucker means when he talks about his ‘running bobtail burning the hammer lane’. Discover the wonder of the everyday: did you know that the red and white pole outside the barbers refers to the trade’s gory history of bloodletting, or that when London Underground staff ask for ‘Inspector Sands’ over the tannoy, they’re actually reporting a fire, or that a pub named the Royal Oak has its origins back in a Civil War battle. We all need a guiding light to illuminate life’s darkened corners and obscure pathways – this book is just that beacon.

ISBN: 9780340976487

Twenty-first century fashion advice is nothing if not confusing. Bombarded with contradictory information from TV celebs and glossy magazines, how are we supposed to know just what to wear? Well wonder no more, because fashion expert Elise Vallee's little book "The Well-Dressed Woman's Do's and Dont's" is back in print after 80 years. For the thoroughly modern girl, Vallee advocates a Parisienne sense of style. From undergarments to frocks and hats, no item of the wardrobe is left unexamined. After perfecting your 'Mannequin' with the aid of the French elastic belt, she then divulges the Frenchwoman's secret of 'cheating', where the fashion of the day is adapted by the wearer to make it more becoming.But she doesn't stop there, Vallee is concerned that any woman who wants to make a really good appearance should not neglect the proper care of the face and hair. From cold cream to indelible lip colouring, Vallee will help you avoid a vulgar facade. Invaluable reading, after completing "The Well-Dressed Woman's Do's and Dont's", you too will be able to say 'I have arrived, as near as it is possible, to Perfection of Appearance'.

ISBN: 9780091928339

Now, that we have arrived in the future, and we're not wearing silver space suits to work or eating pills instead of food, we can look back with some amusement on Tomorrow's World. Illustrated throughout and structured by theme, this book will recall the best of TW's occasional successes and frequent failures. Kieran Prenderville was demonstrating cds as early as 1981, but more true to TW form was 'Hissing Sid', a snooker-playing robotic arm which, when challenged by Prenderville on the baize, combined the temperament of Rod Hull's emu with the ineptitude of Clouseau.We were promised miracle chopping boards, but they never made it to retail, and giant, Prisoner-like bubbles inside which commuters could traipse across the Thames haven't arrived to solve inner-city congestion. We're still waiting for holographic videophones, cybernautic sheep-shearing devices and flying cars, too. With profiles of the main presenters dropped in throughout, critiquing their presenting skills, sartorial statements and science credentials, this trip back to the future has the irresistible pull of nostalgia, but is also a glorious celebration of a very British tradition in Heath Robinson-esque solutions to life's little problems.

ISBN: 9781846075780

An indispensable compilation of the best tips from the phenomenally successful website toptipsforgirls.com.If you've ever wondered how to get more juice out of a lemon, how to tame a rogue eyebrow or how to throw the best parties, this beautiful, indispensable book has all those answers and many many more.Top Tips for Girls: Real advice from real women for real life.

ISBN: 9780755343157

Following on from the terrific success of "A Wayne in a Manger", Gervase Phinn has collected together from his bestselling Dales books his favourite stories about children, and included some poems from his popular Puffin poetry books. In this humorously illustrated book, the stories have one thing in common - the wonderfully funny (and usually innocent) things that children say. Whether they are stories about children who cannot read very well but know the names of many breeds of sheep or children who are more privileged (coming to school in a Wolls-Woyce), they are simply delightful. This heart-warming book will not only enchant you, it will make you look at life through a child's eyes - and that's quite a special thing.

ISBN: 9780718154172

NOVEMBER 2008

Now in its tenth edition, "Who's Who in the Archers" has become a perennial favourite among the show's listeners. It's the first point of reference when those niggling questions arise, such as: How old is David Archer? What does Jessica do at Lower Loxley? Where does Derek Fletcher live? Who works at Jaxx Caff? This essential pocket guide provides an A-Z listing of the key characters and places from Britain's best loved, and most enduring, radio drama. It will help you master the intricate and tangled web of relations in Ambridge, uncover the secrets behind the most recent feuds and scandals, and gain insight into the most up-to-date happenings on the show. Complete with full Archer family tree and an index of character forenames, "Who's Who in the Archers" is an indispensable guide for long-standing fans and newcomers alike.

ISBN: 9781846075797

This is a unique and hugely entertaining anthology of facts, amazing stories, snippets and lore about the birds, bugs and blooms of Britain. It includes hundreds of nuggets of practical (and not so practical) information to fascinate and amuse, including: how to identify animal footprints, the good manners guide on how to behave in a birdwatchers' hide, how gossamer got its name, how to tell the difference between a stoat and a weasel, the bizarre mating habits of dragonflies, and what the connection is between the table football game, Subbuteo and the small falcon-type bird, and, the hobby.It is a superb compendium to pop in the rucksack on a day out. It is perfect to keep at home to find out exactly what is going on in your garden. It is part of a highly collectible series. It features an elastic closure, back pocket, and blank pages for notes.

ISBN: 9781862058255

Bungee-jumping squirrels! goldfish playing footie! seagulls trained to flash-mob your favourite traffic warden! bathroom-cleaning slugs! squirrels re-enacting your favourite movie action moments! weightlifting for snails!.starlings mimicking your mobile ringtone! These are just a few of the fantastic animal stunts packed into Will Work For Nuts -- all of which you can achieve yourself at home or in the park. No special animals are required -- handy neighbourhood wildlife or pets are all you need. With these step-by-step projects and insider tips on natural animal behaviour, all you are doing -- with a bit of dedicated training -- is helping our furry and feathered friends tap into their natural talent for showing off.

ISBN: 9780007279579

OCTOBER 2008

This is a unique and charming collection of cooking and kitchen-based sayings, proverbs and country wisdom.Containing the familiar and the unfamiliar, this mixture of practical tips and amusing anecdotes is the perfect addition to any kitchen.Ruth Binney explores the origin and merits of each saying, often proving that 'old wives' tales' are just as relevant today as they were in times past.It features tips and advice on a wide range of subjects from meat and fish to fruit and veg, cooking methods to kitchen equipment, all the time providing pertinent lessons in the healthier and much less wasteful ways of former generations.Illustrated with delightful line drawings throughout, "Wise Words and Country Ways for the Cook" is the ideal gift for any cook or nostalgia lover.

ISBN: 9780715330081

For too many of us the weekend has become just another overcrowded couple of days dominated by duties, traffic jams, hassle and expense as we dash from supermarket to superstore catching up with the weeks chores. But it doesnt have to be this way. Elspeth Thompsons original and inspiring book shows we can reclaim the weekend by re-charging our batteries and relationships through enjoying the simple pleasures in life. From watching the sunset and the stars, making chutney and writing proper letters to borrowing a dog, going to dance classes and using the internet inventively, The Wonderful Weekend Book is packed with ideas that will help restore the balance in our lives, reconnect us to the seasons, and quite literally not cost the earth.

ISBN: 9781848540460

It is a fact universally acknowledged that the British are obsessed with the weather. This is not surprising as no country in the world has such unpredictable weather, with such power to rule people's lives. THE WRONG KIND OF SNOW is the complete daily companion to this national phenomenon. From the Spanish Armada to the invention of the windscreen wiper, each of the 365 entries beautifully illustrates a day in the weird and wonderful history of the British and their weather.

31 January: The Big Freeze of 1963 brings the FA Cup competition to a halt: every football pitch in Britain is frozen: the third round takes 66 days to complete: the Pools Panel is formed as a result.
9 February: British Rail blames the 'Wrong Kind of Snow'. It was a journalist's phrase, but on this day in 1991 it stuck to the beleagured BR like flesh to ice.
15 July: The exceptionally hot and steamy summer of 1858 caused the Great Stink of London, resulting in the building of London's sewage system, still in use today. On the same day in 1930, rainfall in Yorkshire was so heavy that the Whitby lifeboat makes a rescue two miles inland.
10 September: A violent storm rather than British sea power defeats the Spanish Armada in 1588. Had the weather held and the fleet reached home, it would have been hailed as a Spanish triumph. Four centuries later, bad light and rain stop play at the Oval . . .

And much much more.

ISBN: 9780340937884