Biography Books

Book SynopsisTHE ULTIMATE EDITION - EXPANDED AND UPDATED WITH MORE THAN 70,000 WORDS OF NEW MATERIALCritically acclaimed in its previous editions, The Complete David Bowie is recognized as the foremost source of analysis and information on every facet of Bowie's work. The A-Z of songs and the day-by-day dateline are the most complete ever published. From his boyhood skiffle performance at the 18th Bromley Scouts' Summer Camp, to the majesty of his final masterpiece Blackstar, every aspect of David Bowie's extraordinary career is explored and dissected by Nicholas Pegg's unrivalled combination of in-depth knowledge and penetrating insight.* The Albums - detailed production history and analysis of every album.*The Songs - hundreds of individual entries reveal the facts and anecdotes behind not just the famous recordings, but also the most obscure of unreleased rarities - from 'Absolute Beginners' to 'Ziggy Stardust', from 'Abdulmajid' to 'Zion'.* The Tours - set-lists and histories of every live show.* The Actor - a complete guide to Bowie's career on stage and screen.* Plus - the videos, the BBC radio sessions, the paintings, the internet and much more.Trade Review"I can't imagine how this nook could be better...the definitive read for Bowiephiles." Uncut. "The complete David Bowie certainly lives up to its title... Pegg's opinionated and witty prose turns it into that rare thing: a reference book that sparkles." MOJO. "Pegg has a keen critical intelligence." Sunday Telegraph.

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Book SynopsisPeter''s mother is dying. Born in England and having spent most of her adult life as a doctor in Zimbabwe, she now lies on a hospital bed in the partitioned living room of his sister''s London apartment, her accent having overnight become posher than the Queen''s. Unsentimental, fiercely stubborn and at times hilarious, she finally drops her guard, losing all fear of conflict to become the family provocateur.While confronting the revelations of what his family was - and wasn''t - and the stoicism that sometimes threatened to destroy them, Peter also mourns the ending of his long marriage. At this point of rupture and healing, Peter reflects on his family''s legacy of exile and their tenuous hold on home.In Exit Wounds: A Story of Love, Loss and Occasional Wars, Peter Godwin considers, with both tenderness and candour, the life of émigrés, exiles and refugees, and grieves the many losses that make life both magnificent and unbearable. He brings us into the spac

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild and Suleika Jaouad's Between Two Kingdoms, the invigorating true story of a man and his dog who circled the globe on foot.“Gripping . . . A delightful companion for adventurers and dog lovers alike, The World Walk poignantly grapples with strength and vulnerability, love and loss, and unpacks what it really means to summon the will to keep going.” —Suleika Jaouad, New York Times bestselling author of Between Two Kingdoms'Quietly stunning.' —Laurie Woolever, New York Times bestselling author of World Travel with Anthony Bourdain and Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography After the death of a close friend at seventeen, Tom Turcich resolved to make the most out of life; to travel and be forced into adventure; to experience and understand the world. On April 2nd, 2015, he set out to see it all—one step at a time.The World Walk is the emotional and exhilarating story of the tenth person and first dog to walk around the world. Together, Turcich and his dog, Savannah, covered twenty-eight thousand miles over the course of seven years. Through deserts, jungles, cities, and mountains, Turcich meditated on what’s important in life and took lessons from cultures around the globe. Rarely has there been a true-life tale of such scope. From sheltered suburbanite to world traveler, Turcich’s epic account runs the full gamut: He is held up at knifepoint in Panama and gunpoint in Turkey; wanders deep within himself in the deserts of Peru; watches a democracy fortify itself in Georgia; and takes it all in with his resolute companion by his side. His growth spans the most basic elements of surviving on the road—finding food, water, and safe places to camp—to humanity’s more noble aspirations, such as the benefits of democracy, the search for love, and the weighing of personal significance. Accompanied by some of the author’s world-class photography, this tour de force of resilience and triumph of the human spirit will reaffirm to readers that the world is beautiful, people are good, and life should be a generous, vibrant adventure.

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Book Synopsis_______________A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICKTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEKSELECTED AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE TIMESSELECTED AS A SUMMER READ BY THE SUNDAY TIMES, FINANCIAL TIMES, DAILY TELEGRAPH, THE TIMES AND THE MAIL ON SUNDAY_______________''Anyone who knows a person living with dementia should read this book'' - The Times''Revelatory'' - Guardian''A miracle'' - Telegraph''Remarkable'' - Daily Mail''A landmark book'' - Financial Times_______________How do you build a life when all that you know is changing?How do you conceive of love when you can no longer recognise those who mean the most to you?A phenomenal memoir, Somebody I Used to Know is both a heart-rending tribute to the woman Wendy Mitchell once was, and a brave affirmation of the woman dementia has seen her become.Trade ReviewThe world could do with more Wendy Mitchells ... This is a book from which we can all learn -- Jackie Annesley * Sunday Times *With humour, truth and grace, this book [gives] a unique insight into what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s * Spectator *Remarkable ... Mitchell gives such clear-eyed insight that anyone who knows a person living with dementia should read this book -- Siobhan Murphy * The Times *A landmark book * Financial Times *Revelatory * Guardian *Usually the experience of someone living with dementia is lost; known only partially even to their loved ones. The miracle of this work is that it managed to capture the experience, and hold it up for the rest of us to see * Telegraph *A lucid, candid and gallant portrayal of what the early stages of dementia feel like ... This memoir, with its humour and its sense of resilience, demonstrates how the diagnosis of dementia is not a clear line that a person crosses; they are no different than they were the day before -- Nicci Gerrard * Observer *I am so impressed with Wendy Mitchell’s attitude and ability to explain her experience - she is both an inspiration and a guide. I think this book will be extremely helpful to people who are trying to come to terms with dementia, in their own lives, or the lives of their family and friends -- Michael PalinHow does it feel to start to lose your memories, your identity? Mitchell, who discovered at the age of 58 that she had early-onset dementia, tells us in this remarkable book -- Summer Reads * Mail on Sunday *Fluent, lucid and illuminating ... The difficulties are clearly daunting and distressing, the future unpredictable and frightening. Yet Mitchell’s sparkling book is hugely positive and uplifting. It should be required reading for all health professionals and anyone touched by dementia * Literary Review *An absolutely compelling account of life with dementia ... A testimony to human spirit and ingenuity -- Jan R Oyebode, Professor of Dementia Care, University of BradfordA remarkable memoir – remorselessly honest yet with more mirth than misery. Though she is fully aware that her story will not end well, the author describes vividly how she works around her growing mental disability with the help of family and friends -- Summer Books of 2018 * Financial Times *An extraordinary book about a little-understood disease. Awe-inspiring, courageous and insightful. I would recommend it to everyone -- Rosie Boycott, writer and activistNothing is more frightening than dementia, says Wendy - and yet, every day, she chooses to face her fears head on. By sharing her story Wendy challenges assumptions and ignorance about dementia. Read this amazing book. It will change a lot of people’s minds about what it means to have the disease -- Professor Pat Sikes, University of SheffieldA brave and illuminating journey inside the mind, heart, and life of young-onset Alzheimer's disease -- Lisa Genova, neuroscientist and author of 'Still Alice'This is an eloquent and poignant book. Those of us who have gone on the heartbreaking journey of losing a loved one to dementia have wondered what they were feeling. Wendy Mitchell's courageous and unflinching account lets us know -- Patti Davis, author of 'The Long Goodbye'In Somebody I Used to Know [Mitchell] describes life after her diagnosis – one that, despite looming loss, remains full of purpose * Radio Times *The only memoir of Alzheimer’s disease written by someone suffering from the illness. Wendy Mitchell describes what it’s like to begin to forget who you are. Heartbreaking stuff * Love It! *Extraordinary … [Mitchell] decided to chronicle her experiences of living with dementia to show others what it really feels like and the result is a rare and moving memoir about losing memories, no longer recognising people you love, and saying goodbye to her career and independence. It also energetically and vividly affirms the reality of the new woman that Mitchell has had to become -- Radio Choice, Book of the Week * Daily Telegraph *Remarkable … Frank, angry, practical and, just occasionally, funny -- Gillian Reynolds * Sunday Times *Fascinating and groundbreaking … Her urgent present tense articulation of her day-to-day struggles, set against fragmented memories of the woman she used to be, is so close to the bone that it’s chilling. At the same time, however, it’s also an amazing testament to Mitchell’s tenacity, an account of how she’s developed coping mechanisms to continue living as independent a life for as long as possible * National *Astonishingly acute … For all the honest rage, Mitchell has written a remarkably hopeful book. Her mission is to remind readers that people can live with dementia as well as suffer from it … Mitchell is a mine of practical tips … Making this book is both a testament to the author’s intense will to live, and also a living will -- Helen Brown * Daily Telegraph *[Mitchell’s] amazing memoir is a real insight into what living with dementia is really like. It’s very poignant and beautifully written * Woman's Weekly *One of the bestselling new books this year is Somebody I Used to Know, Wendy Mitchell’s assiduous account of her early onset dementia … In the same way that people seek out cancer chronicles in the hope that they might prove instructive, so Mitchell’s has resonated for similar reasons: the longer we live, the more likely dementia becomes. We read to see how others cope in the hope that, if our time comes, we might cope, too -- Nick Duerden * Guardian *Astonishingly acute -- Summer Reads * Daily Telegraph *Wendy Mitchell’s Somebody I Used to Know was not only sad, but also should be required reading by all professional carers, and especially by doctors and medical staff. Who better to help us understand dementia than the person themselves, as demonstrated by Wendy Mitchell in her brave account of her experience of living with the illness * Radio Times *An unusual memoir … Life is tough when your memory is going and you are having hallucinations. Brave woman -- Summer Books * The Times *

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Book Synopsis''An intricate and brilliantly written psychiatric perspective on the most perplexing of crimes'' Kerry Daynes, author of The Dark Side of the Mind''Beautifully written and very dark'' Nimco Ali OBE''Whodunnit'' doesn''t matter so much, not to a forensic psychiatrist. We''re more interested in the ''why''.In his twenty-six years in the field, Richard Taylor has worked on well over a hundred murder cases, with victims and perpetrators from all walks of life. In this fascinating memoir, Taylor draws on some of the most tragic, horrific and illuminating of these cases - as well as dark secrets from his own family''s past - to explore some of the questions he grapples with every day:Why do people kill? Does committing a monstrous act make someone a monster? Could any of us, in the wrong circumstances, become a killer?As Taylor helps us understand what lies inside the minds of those chTrade ReviewAn absorbing mix of high-profile case histories and a glimpse into the personal and professional pressures of a career spent at the sharp end of psychiatry. Dr Richard Taylor's knowledge and experience is undeniable. An intricate and brilliantly written psychiatric perspective on the most perplexing of crimesHeartbreaking, horrifying, but a brilliant and insightful book. Beautifully written and very darkA dark, fascinating and often surprising glimpse into the minds of those who kill, from a forensic psychiatrist who's seen it allA fascinating insight into what drives criminality - and a punchy polemic against mental-health service cuts * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe fascinating story of the Princesses of Hesse, four sisters at the heart of twentieth-century politicsA gripping family saga and a portrait of a world in turmoil The Princesses of Hesse were Queen Victoria's grandchildren. After the death of their mother, Queen Victoria's favorite daughter Alice, the Queen stepped in, taking an almost manic interest in the motherless girl's marriage prospects. Very little went according to plan. Fortunately, Queen Victoria did not live to see her direst fears for the girls spouses being realized. She died in January 1901, just before her beloved Hesse granddaughters became caught up in the maelstrom of early 20th century Europe. The youngest sister, Alix, married Tsar Nicholas II of Russia; she was assassinated, along with the rest of her family, in a cellar in Ekaterinburg.     The second, Ella, married the Russian Grand Duke Serge. After he was assassinated, she became a nun, only to be assassinated by the Bolsheviks twenty-four hours after Alix in 1918.     The third, Irene, married the Kaiser's brother, Prince Henry, and was entangled in the 1918 German uprisings.     The eldest sister, Princess Victoria, married Prince Louis Battenberg, and became the mother of Lord Louis Mountbatten and grandmother of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Their lives were all dramatic, but this book - the first full-length biography of the Princesses of Hesse - also shows how they interacted as sisters, forever jostling for status and relaying the politics and intrigues that surrounded them.   Drawing on hundreds of previously unseen letters from the sisters as well as from their grandmother Queen Victoria, The Princesses of Hesse takes us on a sweeping journey across the tumultuous landscape of the turn of the century - from the dramas of the Russian Court to the Russian Revolution, and through both World Wars in which they often found themselves on opposing sides.Both intimate and epic in scope, Frances Welch's biography sheds new light on the four sisters' lives, illuminating a remarkable period of history in the process.

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Book SynopsisBorn in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire in 1966, musician Rick Astley started his career at the music production company Stock Aitken Waterman. His 1987 debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody, sold 15.2m copies worldwide and made him a household name. Since then he has gone on to release eight studio albums, selling over 40 million records worldwide, and played and toured around the world multiple times, including, in 2024, a sell-out UK arena tour. Never is his first and only official autobiography.

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Book Synopsis The inspiring, long-awaited autobiography of video-game designer and DOOM cocreator John Romero.“DOOM Guy: Life in First Person is…arguably the best non-fiction gaming book of all time, giving a unique insight into one of the industry’s most transformative eras through the eyes of one of its groundbreaking pioneers.”—Forbes John Romero, gaming’s original rock star, is the cocreator of DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3-D, some of the biggest video games of all time. Considered the godfather of the first-person shooter, a genre that continues to dominate the market today, he holds a unique place in gaming history. In DOOM Guy: Life in First Person, Romero chronicles, for the first time, his difficult childhood and storied career, beginning with his early days submitting Apple II game code to computer magazines and sneaking computers out the back door of his day jo

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Book SynopsisWhat came before #1 New York Times bestseller UNTAMED, Glennon Doyle's journey of self-discovery after the implosion of her marriage.Trade ReviewA testament to the power of vulnerability... It's as if she reached into her heart, captured the raw emotions there, and translated them into words that anyone who's ever known pain or shame can relate to * Oprah Winfrey (Oprah's Book Club selection) *I have long admired the work of Glennon Doyle both her writing and her mission but with Love Warrior, she has outdone herself. She has reached a depth of truth and power and emotional gravity that is rarely seen in the world, and even more rarely spoken aloud. Her story about the resurrection of her marriage (a tale of a woman daring to come into her body, and a man daring to come into his mind, and the two of them daring with outrageous courage to trust each other) is something beyond merely inspirational; it is epic. Melton has, indeed, become a love warrior. This book will change lives, and I am incredibly grateful that it exists. * Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of EAT PRAY LOVE and BIG MAGIC *This is a book about what it means to be human to wrestle with love, hurt, addiction, vulnerability, intimacy, and grace. Love Warrior blew me away. We can all find pieces of our own stories reflected in Glennon s powerful words. We are so lucky to have her courage and wisdom in the world. We need this kind of truth-telling if we are ever going to find our way back to each other. * Brené Brown, bestselling author of RISING STRONG and DARING GREATLY *Love Warrior is a book with so much painful truth packed into its pages that every person who's ever married or plans to marry should really give it a read * Chicago Tribune *How can I do justice to this book? Moving and brilliant and funny and shocking and heartbreaking and inspiring, Love Warrior raises provocative questions about just what is possible for a person, a marriage, a family, a life. At the heart of this story is the insistence that we don't have to settle we can explore our shadows, and we re not just going to survive it, but we re going to come out the other side a whole new person with new love, new hope, new strength, and maybe even a new marriage. This is a big, stunning, buoyant, honest, raw glimpse into the life of an astonishing woman, but it is also a punch in the face to anyone anywhere who believes that this is just how it is and it's not going to get any better. * Rob Bell, bestselling author of LOVE WINS *This elegant, moving memoir is about one woman's marriage, but also much more than that. Glennon writes about a hunger for love that all of us feel and the only food that ultimately feeds us. She understands the unique relationship between spiritual and romantic love, and in finding one, she masters the other. Truly a wonderful book. * Marianne Williamson, bestselling author of A RETURN TO LOVE *Candid, brave, and generous * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Funny, wicked, naughty, eye-popping and compulsively, joyously brilliant''STEPHEN FRYFrom the ingenious comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and creator of Spamalot, comes an absurdly funny memoir of unparalleled wit and heartfelt candour.Best known for his unforgettable roles in Monty Python, from the Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life, Eric Idle reflects on the meaning of his own life in this brilliantly entertaining memoir that takes us on an unforgettable journey from his childhood in an austere boarding school through his successful career in comedy, television, theatre and film. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of The Pythons, and this laugh-out-loud memoir is the perfect celebration, chock-full of behind-the-scenes stories from a high-flying life that features everyone from Princess Leia to the Queen. With anecdotes sprinkled throughoTrade ReviewAs funny, wicked, naughty, eye-popping and compulsively, joyously brilliant as the genius who wrote it -- Stephen FryOn the last day, when the last human beings look out at the blackened cinders of their world, I can only hope that one of them will sing, "Some things in life are bad, they can really make you mad," and "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" will ring out as humanity's final words. I loved this biography of a song and the man who made it, and the picture he paints of his life, his friends, his passions, five Pythons and a Beatle -- Neil GaimanThe Monty Python man embraced fame and became friends with George Harrison, David Bowie, Paul Simon and many others. This is an unashamedly starry autobiography, packed with hilarious name-dropping anecdotes -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday Books of the Year *The pleasingly jolly tone of what he calls his "sortabiography" captures the daft glee with which the he and his fellow Pythons lampooned British authority -- Fiona Sturges * Guardian Best Books of 2018 *I read Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from cover to cover. My next mission is to read what's between the covers. It's a joy to read Eric Idle's fully transparent personal stories of what got him to the present from birth. Any Monty Python lover or lover of honesty and the crafting of a hilarious comedian and musical genius will love this book. And love Eric as I do. Not to spoil-alert, but his stating that "Laughter is the best revenge" sums it up. Read every word of this book or I will hunt you down and read it to you. And you don't want me in your house -- Bob SagetIf you're Christmas shopping then Eric Idle's Always Look on the Bright Side of Life is the perfect present. Very funny and touching -- Matt LucasIf I could go back in time and observe any comedian's journey, I think it would be a terrible waste of time travel. That said, I'd want to see just how Eric idle and a few friends changed comedy forever. This is the book that've been waiting for most of my life -- Conan O'BrienA thoroughly pleasurable read ... [It captures] the infectious glee with which the Monty Python troupe went about subverting the British establishment -- Alexander Larman * Observer *Charming ... A treasure trove of comedy insights * Rolling Stone *A hilarious, charming, book by this incredible, insufferable genius -- Steve MartinInevitably, Eric Idle's memoir, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, is no ordinary celebrity autobiography ... [Showbiz anecdotes] are combined with frank, fresh insights into five decades as part of Monty Python -- Hannah Shaddock * Radio Times *Idle is engaging company -- Roland White * Sunday Times *When you have a tour guide as engaging as Eric Idle, you'll gladly go wherever he takes you. The writer and comedian best known as a member of the British sketch troupe Monty Python has curated an intimate journey of what it was like to be a writer who suddenly found himself a massively famous actor. . . . It's also the kind of book you'll want to read twice-once when the genius of Python sketches are fresh in your memory, and once when those scenes have faded so you can be reminded how these comedy rebels shook up an art form that was due for a dose of surreal silliness * Washington Post *This tell-all from my comedy hero Eric Idle is brilliant, hilarious, touching, enlightening, filled with swashbuckling adventure, edge-of-your-seat suspense, heart-pounding romance, and contained several typos and one inaccurate fact about the Spanish-American war. I expected more out of Mr Idle's proofreading skills, quite frankly -- Paul FeigIdeal for Python lovers -- Sarah Hughes * i Best book gifts to buy this Chrismas *A remarkable and very entertaining memoir * The People's Friend *

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Book SynopsisVivienne Westwood is one of the icons of our age. Fashion designer, activist, co-creator of punk, global brand and grandmother; a true legend. Her career successfully spanned five decades and her work has influenced millions of people across the world.For the first and only time, Vivienne Westwood has written a personal memoir, collaborating with award-winning biographer Ian Kelly, to describe the events, people and ideas that have shaped her extraordinary life.Told in all its glamour and glory, and with her unique voice, unexpected perspective and passionate honesty, this is her story.Trade ReviewThis wonderful memoir, which is adorned with beautiful images, provides a captivating portrait of a fascinating character * Daily Mail *An uproarious picaresque romp through Westwood's wild life * Daily Telegraph *This serious biography explores not only Westwood's life and career but also decades of British history and the way in which the fashion industry has developed. . .I consumed the 500-page biography in gulps, cramming it in and then decelerating to wallow in Kelly's sinuous prose * Business Day’s Wanted *I consumed the 500-page biography in gulps, cramming it in and then decelerating to wallow in Kelly's sinuous prose.In a world where clothes are designed to become unfashionable almost upon wearing them, Vivienne Westwood reminded me of why I'm so drawn to the industry and shows how fashion, as a wearable expression of art, can change the world for the better * Sartorial Reads *Table of ContentsChapter - 1: Everything is Connected Chapter - 2: The Girl in the Utility Dress Chapter - 3: Let it Rock Chapter - 4: Mrs Westwood's Wedding Dress Chapter - 5: The Dirty-Turquoise Skirt Chapter - 6: Sex at the World's End Chapter - 7: New York Doll Chapter - 8: God Save the Queen Chapter - 9: Thurleigh Court Chapter - 10: Pirate Princess Chapter - 11: Maid in Italy Chapter - 12: Culture Club Chapter - 13: Fräulein Kronthaler Chapter - 14: ‘Dowager Empress West’ Chapter - 15: Climate Revolutionary Chapter - 16: The River Flows On Section - i: Chronology: A Life in Fashion and Activism Acknowledgements - ii: Acknowledgements Section - iii: Notes on Sources Index - iv: Index Section - v: About the Author

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER.‘The SAS and all it stands for is exemplified in men such as Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham. They are the backbone of the British military and I for one am thankful he is on our side!’ – Sir Ranulph Fiennes 'The most experienced Special Forces soldier in recent memory. The Hard Way is brutally brilliant.' – Tom Marcus, Number One bestselling author of Soldier Spy Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham grew up tough, a grim future ahead of him offering little respite from the hostile streets he walked. Leaving school at thirteen, he ran with gangs in Walsall – and almost died in a knife fight. At sixteen, Billy discovered the British armed forces. It would be the making of him. Billingham would succeed in passing the Parachute Regiment’s arduous ‘P Company’ selection and training, going on to serve with 3 Trade Review'The most experienced Special Forces soldier in recent memory. The Hard Way is brutally brilliant.' -- Tom Marcus, Number One bestselling author of Soldier Spy‘The SAS and all it stands for is exemplified in men such as Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham. They are the backbone of the British military and I for one am thankful he is on our side!’ -- Sir Ranulph Fiennes‘Billy is inspirational and always humble. A giant of a man!’ -- Bear Grylls

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Book SynopsisImagine being alongside one of the greatest bands in the history of rock, touring the world and being there as they perform at some of the best and biggest music venues in the world. Peter Hince didn't have to imagine: for more than a decade, he lived a life that other people can only dream of as he worked with Queen as head of their road crew. In 1973, Queen was the support act for Mott the Hoople, for whom Peter was a roadie. Back then, Queen had to content themselves with being second on the bill and the world had not yet woken up to the flamboyant talent of Freddie Mercury. Peter started working full time for Queen just as they were making A Night at the Opera, the album which catapulted them to international stardom. In this intimate and affectionate book, Peter recalls the highlights of his years with the band. He was with Freddie when he composed 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'; he was responsible for making sure that Freddie's stage performances went without a hitch - and was often there to witness his famed tantrums! He was also party to the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll which are invariably part of life on the road with a rock band.Trade Review'Will satisfy the curiosity of anyone wanting to know what it was really like to work with a famous rock band' - MOJO

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Book SynopsisWhen Muddy Waters came to London at the start of the '60s, a kid from Boston called Joe Boyd was his tour manager; when Dylan went electric at the Newport Festival, Joe Boyd was plugging in his guitar; when the summer of love got going, Joe Boyd was running the coolest club in London, the UFO; when a bunch of club regulars called Pink Floyd recorded their first single, Joe Boyd was the producer; when a young songwriter named Nick Drake wanted to give his demo tape to someone, he chose Joe Boyd. More than any previous '60s music autobiography, Joe Boyd's White Bicycles offers the real story of what it was like to be there at the time. His greatest coup is bringing to life the famously elusive figure of Nick Drake - the first time he's been written about by anyone who knew him well. As well as the '60s heavy-hitters, this book also offers wonderfully vivid portraits of a whole host of other musicians: everyone from the great jazzman Coleman Hawkins to the folk diva Sandy Denny, Lonnie Johnson to Eric Clapton, The Incredible String Band to Fairport Convention.Trade ReviewGloriously entertaining ... even those unfamiliar with back catalogues and B-sides will be intrigued by Boyd's ability to dish the dirt * Observer *The simple brilliance of White Bicycles is that its author never overstates his own importance or exaggerates his failings, and still ends up telling an irresistible tale. * The New York Times *From Dylan to Pink Floyd, Boyd was there and luckily for us, he can remember it all * Daily Express *An excellent memoir * Sunday Express *[Boyd] was at the heart of the action ... But there's much to interest non-music fans as well * Mail on Sunday *Drake's suicide provides the memoir with its most poignant episode, but there are plenty of colourful anecdotes * Sunday Telegraph *A brisk, wised-up and highly entertaining consideration of a crucial musical epoch's many facets. * Kirkus *One of the most entertaining and insightful rock 'n' roll books I've read -- Noel Mengel * Courier Mail, Brisbane Australia *Whenever anything musically noteworthy occurred in the 60s, Joe Boyd was probably nearby ... White Bicycles bursts with rollicking anecdotes, eyewitness accounts and canny observations about politics and youth ... Boyd guides us through the decade with keen ears and restless intellectual curiosity * Pitchfork *Brilliant and inspiring ... one of the finest music books ever -- Mike Scott, The Waterboys

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Book SynopsisPeter Godwin is an award-winning author and journalist. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, after military service he studied law at Cambridge University and International Relations and African History at Oxford. He was a foreign correspondent for the Sunday Times and a founding presenter and writer of Assignment/Correspondent, BBC television's premier foreign affairs programme. Mukiwa was an international bestseller and winner of the George Orwell Prize for political writing and the Esquire-Apple-Waterstone's Non-Fiction Award. When a Crocodile Eats the Sun, about his return to Zimbabwe as it began to collapse into chaos, is also published by Picador. He lives in New York.

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Book SynopsisUpdated edition including new materialHeiress. Party girl. Problem child. Model. Reality star. Self-created. Icon.The future belongs to girls who refuse to do as they're told.Heiress. Party girl. Problem child. Model. Reality star.The labels attached to Paris Hilton.Entrepreneur. Innovator. Survivor. Activist. Daughter. Sister. Wife. Mother.?The roles Paris embraces as a fully realized woman.Paris Hilton rose to fame as the It Girl of the aughts and despite coming of age under the scrutiny of a tabloid culture that that wrote her off famous for being famous, she built her own global empire and became a modern icon beloved around the world.Now, with courage, honesty, and humour, Paris is ready to share her side of the story. Paris: The Memoir reveals the truth about her privileged yet traumatic upbringing, takes us to wild parties, follows the success and love she found on her own terms and shares new stories that chart her difficult road to motherhood; stories that reveal the truth abo

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Book SynopsisTHE TIMES BIOGRAPHY OF THE DECADEWINNER OF THE 2013 SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE FOR NON-FICTIONWINNER OF THE 2013 COSTA BOOK AWARDS BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEARThe story of Gabriele D'Annunzio, poet, daredevil and Fascist.In September 1919 Gabriele D'Annunzio, successful poet and occasional politician, declared himself Commandante of the city of Fiume in modern day Croatia. His intention to establish a utopia based on his fascist and artistic ideals. It was the dramatic pinnacle to an outrageous career.Lucy Hughes-Hallett charts the controversial life of D'Annunzio, the debauched artist who became a national hero. His evolution from idealist Romantic to radical right-wing revolutionary is a political parable. Through his ideological journey, culminating in the failure of the Fiume endeavour, we witness the political turbulence of early 20th century Europe and the emergence of fascism.In The Pike', Hughes-Hallett addresses the cult of nationalism and the origins of political extremism and at the centre of the book stands the charismatic D'Annunzio: a figure as deplorable as he is fascinating.Trade Review‘Hard to beat … a biographical tour de force … a rich, voluptuous treat … a triumph, the biography of the year’ Robert McCrum, Observer, ‘Books of the Year’ ‘[The Pike] dramatically extends biography’s formal range to encompass a daunting theme’ TLS, ‘Books of the Year’ ‘This is a magnificent portrait of a preposterous character … deplorable, brilliant, ludicrous, tragic but above all irresistible, as hundreds of women could testify. His biographer has done him full justice’ Francis Wheen, Daily Mail ‘A cracker of a biography, an extraordinary story of literary accomplishment, passionate war-mongering and sexual incorrigibility… In less skilled hands this could have been a disaster; in fact it works wonderfully well’ Spectator, ‘Books of the Year’ ‘Beautiful, strange and original … an extraordinarily intimate portrait’ New Statesman ‘Hugely enjoyable … Hughes-Hallett has a great talent for encapsulating an era or an attitude …That almost 700 pages flew by bears testimony to how pleasurable and readable those pages were’ Sunday Times ‘A splendid subject for a biography … Hughes-Hallett dances her way through this extraordinary life in a style that is playful, punchy and generally pleasing … In death, as in life, the amazing story of D’Annunzio is painted in primary colours, but with the darkest shadows’ Observer ‘A riveting biography … It must have been so tempting to be judgmental, but Hughes-Hallett allows us to judge for ourselves’ Antonia Fraser, Daily Mail, ‘Books of the Year’ ‘Not only an inspired telling of a life that becomes more repellent with each page, it illuminates early 20th-century Europe in brilliant, unexpected ways’ Observer ‘Electrifying … a fascinating portrait … Hughes-Hallett relates his journey from romantic idealist to Right-wing warmonger with flair and insight’ Daily Express

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Book Synopsis'George Raveling is a legend on sports, business, and the great game of life' TIM FERRISS'I'm proud to call George a mentor and a friend' MICHAEL JORDAN'George Raveling is the mentor you wish you had' RICH ROLL'This is a must-read book' CHARLES BARKLEYGame-changing wisdom from pioneering coach and Nike executive George Raveling, coauthored by bestselling author Ryan Holiday - with a foreword by basketball legend Michael JordanGeorge Raveling knows all about beating the odds. A living legend, he has been a game-changing basketball coach, stood at the side of Martin Luther King Jr, mentored Michael Jordan and shaped the world of sports as a Director at Nike. But his life began in the shadow of segregation, death and mental illness. Here, he teams up with bestselling author Ryan Holiday to share the lessons drawn from his extraordinary life and career. This is not a memoir, but a blueprint for anyone who wants to overcome obstacles and achieve success on their own terms. You'll find strategies for discovering purpose, insights on how to keep evolving and growing, advice for building meaningful connections, and tactics to compound daily victories into your greatest achievements. From finding a mentor to building a legacy, this book provides tools to not just navigate life, but to live it with intention and impact. And it all starts with the question: what are you made for?

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Book SynopsisPat Tillman was well-known to American sports fans: a chisel-jawed and talented young professional football star, he was on the brink of signing a million dollar contract when, in 2001, al-Qaeda launched terrorist attacks against his country. Driven by deeply felt moral patriotism, he walked away from fame and money to enlist in the United States Special Operations Forces. A year later he was killed - apparently in the line of fire - on a desolate hillside near the Pakistan border in Afghanistan.News of Tillman's death shocked America. But even as the public mourned his loss, the US Army aggressively maneuvered to conceal the truth: that it was a ranger in Tillman's own platoon who had fired the fatal shots. In Where Men Win Glory, Jon Krakauer reveals how an entire country was deliberately deceived by those at the very highest levels of the US army and government. Infused with the power and authenticity readers have come to expect from Krakauer's storytelling, Where Men Win Glory exposes shattering truths about men and war.

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Book SynopsisSitting down to write a book about his hero D.H. Lawrence, Geoff Dyer finds himself compelled to write about anything else. He is in fact compelled to do more or less anything else instead of write. In Sicily he is too preoccupied by his hatred of seafood to follow the great writer's footsteps; in Mexico he cannot get beyond a drug-induced erotic fantasy on a nudist beach . . . And yet, incredibly, this attempt to write a 'sober academic study' reveals the hold Lawrence and his work still exert on us today. Out of Sheer Rage is a complete one-off, a richly comic study of the combination of bad temper, procrastination and the uncanny power of obliquity.Trade ReviewAn intriguing, magnetic, genre-rattling book * * The Times * *Marvellous . . . a glorious truant from study . . . gives a better picture of (Lawrence) than any biography I know. -- James Wood * * Guardian * *The kind of book that gives literary criticism a bad name. Hilarious! -- John BergerA masterpiece * * Mail on Sunday * *If there was a prize for the year's funniest book then it would win hands down * * Independent on Sunday * *Quite possibly the best living writer in Britain * * Daily Telegraph * *A national treasure -- Zadie SmithOne of my favourite of all contemporary writers. I love his sense of the absurd, his pessimism mixed with robust good cheer, his beautifully crafted sentences, his jokes and his intelligence. -- Alain de BottonGeoff Dyer is a true original - one of those rare voices in contemporary literature that never ceases to surprise, disturb and delight. Risky, breathtakingly candid, intellectual, cool, outrageous, laconic and sometimes shocking, Geoff Dyer is a must-read for our confused and perplexing times. -- William Boyd[Out of Sheer Rage] gets the full Canongate Canons treatment from its new Edinburgh publishers this month; happy, happy news if ever there was any, O.O.S.R is vintage Dyer, and well worthy of this upgrade to 'modern classic' status. * * Dazed and Confused * *Reading this book is the very opposite of a waste of time. It is an education and a delight * * Guardian * *

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Book SynopsisA Financial Times Book Best Book of the Year 2020A Foreign Affairs Best Book of the Year 2020The gripping, untold story of how Saudi Arabia''s secretive and mercurial new ruler rose to power.Even in his youth as a prince among thousands of princes, Mohammed bin Salman nurtured sweeping ambitions. He wanted power enough of it to reshape his hyper-conservative, insular Islamic kingdom.When his elderly father took the throne in 2015, MBS got his chance. As the hands-on-ruler, he made seismic changes, working doggedly to overhaul the kingdom''s economy, loosen its strict Islamic social codes and confront nearby enemies, especially Iran. His vision initially won fans at home and abroad as he convinced other nations that the moment had come to bet big on Saudi Arabia. Over time, however, the sheen of the visionary young reformer has tarnished, leaving many wondering whether MBS is actually an aspiring dictator whose lack of experience and rash decisions are destabilizing the world''s most volatile region.Based on years of reporting and hundreds of covert interviews,MBSprovides new insights into Saudi Arabia's catastrophic military intervention in Yemen, the bizarre detention of the Lebanese prime minister, the surprise arrest of hundreds of princes and businessmen, and the greatest scandal of the young prince''s rise: the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi state officials with links to MBS a crime that shocked the world.A riveting portrait of a determined autocrat on the rise, MBSasks how one man's actions and obsessions are shaking the Middle East.Trade Review‘Detailed and disturbing … Clear and convincing … the book’s strength is the thoroughness of its reporting… Hubbard does a brilliant job helping us understand Khashoggi the man as well as the operation that killed him’ New York Times ‘A fine account of the crown prince’s rise… Hubbard delivers a highly informed portrait, leavening his narrative with well-deserved scepticism, and leaves the reader wondering what lies ahead for the prince and his kingdom’ Guardian ‘He has spent more time in the kingdom than most other working western journalists … Moves at a brisk pace through the key events: the lifting of the women’s driving ban, coupled with the arrests and torture of the women who campaigned for it … Capping it all, of course, is Khashoggi’s murder’ Times ‘Can we trust this mysterious prince with our oil supplies, with our friendship – with the prospects of peace in the Middle East? If anyone can give us the answers to these life-and-death questions, it is the brilliant and compulsively readable Ben Hubbard.’ Robert Lacey, author of The Kingdom and Inside the Kingdom ‘Is Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, a modernizer or a murderer? Through dogged research and a remarkable ability to navigate the labyrinth that is Saudi society, Hubbard makes clear the answer is ‘both.’ MBS is a devastating portrait of the young and increasingly despotic prince whom President Trump calls “a very great friend” … Essential reading.’ Scott Anderson, author of Lawrence in Arabia ‘A rare and penetrating look behind the curtain of the world’s most important family and its dangerous new leader. Ben Hubbard brings all the strands together in this absorbing biography.’ Lawrence Wright

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Book SynopsisElsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) was one of the leading fashion designers of the 1920s and 1930s with a flair for the unusual. The first to use shoulder pads, animal print and the inventor of shocking pink, Schiaparelli collaborated with artists including Jean Cocteau, Alberto Giacometti and Salvador Dali, to create extraordinary garments such as the Dali Lobster Dress. Schiaparelli had an affluent clientele, from Katherine Hepburn to Marlene Dietrich, who embraced her outrageous but elegant designs. She designed aviator Amy Johnson's wardrobe for her solo flight to Cape Town in 1936, the culottes for tennis champion Lily d'Alvarez that outraged the lawn tennis establishment, and her clothes appeared in more than 30 films including Every Day's a Holiday with Mae West and Moulin Rouge. Schiaparelli's fascinating autobiography charts her rise from resident of a rat-infested apartment to designer to the stars.Trade Review"There's no better way to understand Daniel Roseberry's work for the French maison than looking at the novel-esque life of its founder Elsa Schiaparelli.", Eleonora dal Bosco, 1 Granary, January 3rd 2022

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Book SynopsisThe best tales from around the country, chosen from our popular series of Folk Tales

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Book SynopsisThe sequel to bestseller Tokyo Vice, now a major HBO drama, with a second season coming in 2024. It's been a while since Jake Adelstein was the only gaijin crime reporter for the Yomiuri Shimbun. The global economy is in shambles, Jake is off the police beat but still chain-smoking clove cigarettes, and Tadamasa Goto, the most powerful boss in the Japanese organised-crime world, has been banished from the yakuza, giving Adelstein one less enemy to worry about for the time being. Adelstein has a new gig these days: due-diligence work, or using his investigative skills to dig up information on entities whose bosses would prefer that some things stay hidden. Underneath layers of paperwork, corporations are thinly veiled fronts for the yakuza. Pachinko parlors are a hidden battleground between disenfranchised Japanese Koreans and North Korean extortion plots. TEPCO, the electric power corporation keeping the lights on for all of Tokyo, scrambles to hide its willful oversights that ult

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Book SynopsisEvery American president, from Washington to Biden: Their lives, policies, foibles, and legacies, assessed with clear-eyed authority and wit.Authors of the acclaimed Killing books, the #1 bestselling narrative history series in the world, Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard begin a new direction with Confronting the Presidents.From Washington to Jefferson, Lincoln to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kennedy to Nixon, Reagan to Obama and Biden, the 45 United States presidents have left lasting impacts on our nation. Some of their legacies continue today, some are justly forgotten, and some have changed as America has changed. Whether famous, infamous, or obscure, all the presidents shaped our nation in unexpected ways.The authors'' extensive research has uncovered never before seen historical facts based on private correspondence and newly discovered documentation, such as George Washington''s troubled relationship with his mother.In Confronting

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Book SynopsisThe Roger Federer Effect tells the story of the world's most famous tennis player in a fresh, innovative way - through the eyes of his friends, rivals, coaches, fans and many others who have been drawn to him as he blazed a trail and transcended the sport. In a glorious career spanning more than two decades, Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles - including eight at Wimbledon - and more than 100 tournaments worldwide, taking the game to a new level and becoming the most popular player the sport has ever seen. As he enters retirement, more than 40 personalities from inside and outside tennis reveal the special place Federer holds in their lives. Through exclusive interviews, they explain the Roger Federer phenomenon. As much as his deeds are important, it is also the intimate details that really make a person who they are. The Roger Federer Effect reveals them in fascinating and often previously untold anecdotes.

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Book SynopsisRory Cellan-Jones knew he was the child of a brief love affair between two unmarried BBC employees. But until his mother died and he found a previously unknown file labelled ''For Rory'' he had no idea of their beginnings or ending, and why his peculiarly isolated childhood had so tested the bond between him and his mother. ''For Rory,'' his mother had written on the file ''in the hope that it will help him understand how it really was ...'' This is a tender account of what Rory uncovered in the papers, letters and diaries; a relationship between two colleagues (two romantics) and the restrictive forces of post-war respectability and prejudice that ended it. It is also an evocation of the progressive, centrifugal force at the centre of all their lives - the BBC itself. Both compelling and moving, the drama moves from wartime radio broadcasts, to the glamour of 1950s television studios, to the golden era of BBC drama. His father may have directed The Forsythe Saga and Rory may have watched him from the corridors, but he would never actually meet him until much later in adulthood. Until then Rory''s life was bound to the one bedroom flat he shared with his mother in Ruskin Park...

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Moore Prize for Human Rights Writing in 2023 "This book will stay with me for years." ADAM KAY, author of This is Going to Hurt "Black puts a human and profoundly humane face on what it's like to be a doctor." FORBES A brilliant, painful and honest book. Read it. MARY HARPER, BBC Africa Editor Benjamin Black has the most amazing gift for telling a story. I could not put the book down. VICTORIA MACDONALD, Channel 4 News Courage meets crisis in a doctor''s extraordinary true account on the frontlines of maternal healthcare during a deadly epidemic in Sierra Leone. In May 2014, as the country grapples with the highest maternal mortality rate globally, a new, invisible threat emerges: Ebola. Dr. Benjamin Black finds himself at the centre of the outbreak. From the life-and-death decisions on the maternity ward to moral dilemmas in the Ebola Treatment Centers, every moment is a crossroads where a single choice could tip the balance between survival and catastrophe. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are unimaginably high. One mistake, one error of judgment, could spell disaster. Belly Woman is a powerful piece of reportage and advocacy that draws parallels between two global outbreaks of infectious diseases: Ebola and COVID-19. Black''s firsthand experience on the frontlines of a global health crisis bears witness to the raw emotions, tough decisions, such as the need to carry out medically-mandated abortions to save lives, and the unwavering dedication that defines the lives of those who step up when the world needs them most. Compelling for readers with an interest in medical memoirs, social justice, and humanitarianism, as well as healthcare professionals and maternal health caregivers.

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Book SynopsisOne is not born a woman, but becomes one, Simone de BeauvoirA symbol of liberated womanhood, Simone de Beauvoir's unconventional relationships inspired and scandalised her generation. A philosopher, writer, and feminist icon, she won prestigious literary prizes and transformed the way we think about gender with The Second Sex. But despite her successes, she wondered if she had sold herself short.Her liaison with Jean-Paul Sartre has been billed as one of the most legendary love affairs of the twentieth century. But for Beauvoir it came at a cost: for decades she was dismissed as an unoriginal thinker who applied' Sartre's ideas. In recent years new material has come to light revealing the ingenuity of Beauvoir's own philosophy and the importance of other lovers in her life. This ground-breaking biography draws on never-before-published diaries and letters to tell the fascinating story of how Simone de Beauvoir became herself.Trade ReviewA book to be read slowly and savoured. There’s too much detail to gulp it down. But it is worth the time it takes to read a fascinating portrait of a woman who inspired women around the world and who changed the way many people think. * The Sunday Times *[Kirkpatrick] gives more space to De Beauvoir’s contrary relationship with feminism, and the discussion here is helpfully rich ... The letters to Lanzmann do constitute a major new resource ... Where Kirkpatrick’s biography is strongest is in clarifying and showing the strength of De Beauvoir’s ethical commitments, and how these were transformed into political commitments after the war. * The Guardian *4 stars ... Illuminating. * The Daily Telegraph *Kirkpatrick's biography is an exercise in meticulous research. Using newly published diaries – only recently made available to researchers – it refuses simple characterisations and reveals de Beauvoir in all her brilliance and complexity ... Becoming Beauvoir is a beautiful tribute to a remarkable woman. * Times Higher Education *Fascinating and deeply researched. * Daily Mail *Kirkpatrick offers a far more detailed and analytical account of de Beauvoir's philosophy than any previous biography ... Kirkpatrick's essential achievement here is to have related Simone de Beauvoir's logic to her life ... This is the best Beauvoir biography yet. * Standpoint Magazine *In her excellent new biography, Kate Kirkpatrick [..] shows us why we've much more to learn from Beauvoir. * New Statesman *In Kirkpatrick’s biography, Beauvoir is restored to her full body of work, her full complexity, her full bravery – so much more than one misquoted line. * Literary Review *An admirable biography probing beneath the surface of misogynistic predecessors and exposing the complexities and contradictions of this extraordinary woman. * Irish Examiner *While she advocates for de Beauvoir, contesting various criticisms, she allows complexity...Meticulously and engagingly, Kirkpatrick catches myriad "instants" of the flux behind the icon. -- Felicity Plunkett * The Australian *Kirkpatrick has trawled fastidiously through her commentaries, diaries and, significantly, the interviews she gave towards the end of her life. The result is a rich rediscovery of this inspirational feminist, philosopher and existentialist. It will spark a whole new love affair since such politically-aware feminists remain thin on the ground – and more needed than ever. -- Samela Harris * SA Weekend Magazine *[An] accessible and enjoyable resource for a wide audience … Becoming Beauvoir gives sensitive treatment to issues that have troubled feminists: Beauvoir’s polyamory; the damage caused by her early liaisons with younger women; and her ambivalent attitude toward the philosophical content of her own oeuvre. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers. * CHOICE *A comprehensive and revealing approach to the life of the French philosopher and writer * Philosophy (Bloomsbury Translation) *This powerful, important book offers a necessary and radical, new, evidence-based reading of Simone de Beauvoir’s life and work. It unpicks and undermines the extraordinary torrent of belittling and sexist criticism that has been directed at Beauvoir, both in her lifetime and since, and recovers her from Jean-Paul Sartre’s shadow to bring her to stand in her own light. This haunting, scholarly, and compelling biography lingers long in the reader’s mind. * Suzannah Lipscomb FRHS, Professor of History, University of Roehampton, UK *Do we need another biography on Simone de Beauvoir? Definitely! Here we finally have a biography that makes Beauvoir’s philosophical ideas the focal point – not her love life. Based on new material, and written with insight, respect and sympathy, Kate Kirkpatrick re-examines Beauvoir’s life and demonstrates how it was guided by her own existentialist ideals as well as twisted by her circumstances. A timely and fascinating book! * Tove Pettersen, Professor of Philosophy, University of Oslo, Norway. President of the International Simone de Beauvoir Society *Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Kirkpatrick draws on new material to find contradictions in previous accounts of Simone de Beauvoir’s biography, including those from Beauvoir herself. Becoming Beauvoir is essential reading for anyone interested not just in Beauvoir’s life, but the philosophy within it. * Fiona Vera-Gray, Assistant Professor in Sociology, Durham University, UK *Table of ContentsAbbreviations of Beauvoir’s Works Introduction: Simone de Beauvoir—Who’s She? 1. Growing like a girl 2. The dutiful daughter 3. Lover of God or lover of men? 4. The love before the legend 5. The Valkyrie and the Playboy 6. Rooms of her own 7. The trio that was a quartet 8. War within, war without 9. Forgotten philosophy 10. Queen of existentialism 11. American dilemmas 12. The scandalous Second Sex 13. Putting a new face on love 14. Feeling gypped 15. Old age revealed 16. The dying of the light 17. Afterwords: What will become of Simone de Beauvoir? Select Bibliography

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Book SynopsisWhat would it be like to sit down for an impassioned, entertaining conversation with Hillary Clinton? In Something Lost, Something Gained, Hillary offers her candid views on life and love, politics, liberty, democracy, the threats we face, and the future within our reach. She describes the strength she draws from her deepest friendships, her Methodist faith, and the nearly fifty years she’s been married to President Bill Clinton—all with the wisdom that comes from looking back on a full life with fresh eyes. She takes us along as she returns to the classroom as a college professor, enjoys the bonds inside the exclusive club of former First Ladies, moves past her dream of being president, and dives into new activism for women and democracy. From canoeing with an ex-Nazi trying to deprogram white supremacists to sweltering with salt farmers in the desert trying to adapt to the climate crisis in India, Hillary brings us to the front l

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Book SynopsisAn epic true story of ambition, greed and hubris – the collapse of Greensill Capital is a billion pound scandal that shredded the reputation of a British Prime Minister.'The British version of Bad Blood . . . [but] better' – The Sunday Times'Terrific' – The Observer, Book of the WeekPyramid of Lies charts the meteoric rise and spectacular downfall of Lex Greensill and his company. He had a simple idea that disrupted a trillion dollar industry and drew in Swiss bankers, global CEOs, and world leaders, including former British Prime Minister, David Cameron. But a staid business model concealed dubious practices, as Greensill made increasingly risky loans to fraudulent companies using other people’s money.Financial journalist Duncan Mavin, who helped expose Greensill, tells the incredible story of how a former sugar-cane farmer became one of the world’s richest men before falling back to earth. With a globe-circling narrative full of scandal and intrigue, Pyramid of Lies reveals how the grubby world of shadow banking really operates.‘Forensic and riveting’ – The New Statesman‘Meticulously researched’ – The Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewUnputdownably delicious . . . the British version of Bad Blood . . . [but] better * Sunday Times *Terrific . . . shows the emptiness behind the bombast -- Nick Cohen, Observer, Book of the WeekA meticulously researched and enjoyably lively account * Daily Telegraph *Forensic and riveting * The New Statesman *An incredible book, transforming a complex financial scandal into a rich character drama -- Bradley Hope, co-author of New York Times bestseller Billion Dollar WhaleQuite simply one of the best books of investigative journalism I have ever read. Duncan Mavin is a natural storyteller and a brilliant sleuth -- Matthew d’Ancona, author of Post-TruthLeaves little doubt that much is indeed wrong in the excessively close relationship between some financiers and politicians . . . [who] stood to gain millions of pounds -- Simon Clark, author of The Key ManMavin expertly demystifies the rise and fall of Greensill Capital and weaves an intriguing tale at the cross section of sleaze, power and greed at the heart of UK politics and global finance. A fascinating – and prescient – read -- Karl Holbrook, Executive Editor, Daily ExpressThe extraordinary story of Greensill’s rise and collapse is a microcosm of global finance in the last decade . . . a keen eye for the colourful – and at times absurd – human drama -- Peter Thal Larsen, EMEA Editor Reuters BreakingviewsThe definitive account of Greensill Capital’s rise and spectacular meltdown . . . and a searing inquisition into the political connections that make it all possible -- Mary Childs, cohost of NPR's Planet Money and author of The Bond KingA classic cautionary tale, as fun to read as it is disturbing. Meticulously reported and brilliantly narrated -- Katherine Bell, formerly Editor in Chief, Quartz and Barron’sMavin expertly unfolds a searing, unflinching, incisive, and definitively reported narrative on one of the great financial scandals of our time and the wreckage left in its wake . . . a must-read cautionary tale -- Sean Silcoff, co-author, Losing the Signal: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of BlackBerryA keen eye for the colourful and at times absurd human drama * Reuters *

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Book SynopsisFascinating' Greta ThunbergExtraordinary' Merlin SheldrakeA must-read' New ScientistEnthralling' George MonbiotBrilliant' Philip HoareWildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill had always liked whales. But when one breached onto his kayak, nearly killing him, he became obsessed.This book traces his extraordinary investigation into the deep ocean and the cutting-edge science of animal translation.What would it take to speak with a whale? Are we ready for what they might say?MORE PRAISE FOR HOW TO SPEAK WHALEOne of the most exciting and hopeful books I have read in ages' SY MONTGOMERY, AUTHOR OF THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUSA narrative that will expand your concept of language and deepen your understanding of the many ways there are to be alive It left me inspired' MERLIN SHELDRAKE, AUTHOR OF ENTANGLED LIFEA must-read a hugely engaging personal story of a journey into the future of human-animal communication facilitated by delving into its past' NEW SCIENTISTFascinating and deeply humane' GRETA THUNBERGATrade Review‘A rich exploration of some of the world's most astonishing creatures … Mustill weaves a narrative that will expand your concept of language and deepen your understanding of the many ways there are to be alive. This is an extraordinary book that left me inspired’ Merlin Sheldrake, author of Entangled Life ‘A must-read… a hugely engaging personal story of a journey into the future of human-animal communication facilitated by delving into its past’ New Scientist ‘[An] extensively researched and energetic book… it is via the informed, far-reaching empathy of intermediaries such as Mustill that we stand our best chance of seeing into the non-human depths’ New Statesman ‘First-class … Reasoned, entertaining, and fact-filled’ Forbes ‘Fascinating and deeply humane’ Greta Thunberg ‘A rich, enthralling, brilliant book that opens our eyes and ears to worlds we can scarcely imagine’George Monbiot, Sunday Times bestselling author of Regenesis ‘Tantalizing … Think how transformative it would be if we could chat with whales about their love lives or their sorrows or their thoughts on the philosophy of language’ Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker ‘Mind-blowing … You will never feel closer to the magnificence of whales’Lucy Jones, author of Losing Eden ‘A scary, important and brilliant book … If we do get to translate ‘whale’, will we like what they’ve got to say?’Philip Hoare, author of Leviathan ‘Mustill takes us farther, much farther, than Dr. Dolittle ever imagined’ Carl Safina ‘Riveting … One of the most exciting and hopeful books I have read in ages’ Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus ‘Mustill conveys the richness of whale song and communication’ Frans de Waal ‘Lively and informative’ Jonathan Slaght, author of Owls of the Eastern Ice ‘Extraordinary’ Christiana Figueres

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Book SynopsisAn incisive and deeply candid account that explores autistic women in culture, myth, and society through the prism of the author’s own diagnosis. Until the 1980s, autism was regarded as a condition found mostly in boys. Even in our time, autistic girls and women have largely remained undiagnosed. When portrayed in popular culture, women on the spectrum often appear simply as copies of their male counterparts — talented and socially awkward. Yet autistic women exist, and always have. They are varied in their interests and in their experiences. Autism may be relatively new as a term and a diagnosis, but not as a way of being and functioning in the world. It has always been part of the human condition. So who are these women, and what does it mean to see the world through their eyes? In The Autists, Clara Törnvall reclaims the language to describe autism and explores the autistic experience in arts and culture throughout history. From popular culture, films, and photography to literature, opera, and ballet, she dares to ask what it might mean to re-read these works through an autistic lens — what we might discover if we allow perspectives beyond the neurotypical to take centre stage.Trade Review‘Törnvall has written an important, illuminating first book, one that deserves to sit alongside the best insider accounts of autism … [The Autists] should be required reading for all parents, partners, friends and colleagues of anyone on the autism spectrum, as well as a road map for autistic women navigating the neurotypical world.’ -- James Cook * Times Literary Supplement *‘Personal, entertaining, educational.’ * M Magasin *‘She writes with clarity, the style is characterised with rigour and clear pedagogics, making it easy for the reader to learn a subject that for many has only had a stereotypical “Rain Man”-connotations.’ * Svenska Dagbladet *‘Even if you ought to avoid hyping the autistic as superheroes, Törnvall shows that conformity to the norm is a ludicrous waste of the power in these beautiful brains.’ * Dagens Nyheter *‘[E]ven today, the adult autistic woman is a person who is difficult to grasp. She’s our civilisations’ elusive shadow. She’s the topic of of the thought-provoking book, The Autists.’ * Expressen *‘A carefully and intelligently composed book that fills a gaping hole … It is part of a big knowledge building that is ultimately about getting girls and women on the spectrum made visible and noticed.’ * Dagens ETC *‘The Autists is a medical, cultural, psychological history of autism research, diagnosis, and representation. It is framed as a memoir, but goes far beyond that … This will be an eye-opening and useful book for people with preconceptions about autism and autists … This is an excellent book to help you understand how autism works, full of clear and entertaining examples and anecdotes, beautifully written and translated (by Alice E. Olsson) so that it reads smoothly and swiftly. Whether you are neurodivergent, know someone who is, or are simply interested in seeing the world as it really is, there is a lot to be learned from this short entertaining book.’ -- Henry Oliver * The Common Reader *‘Journalist Törnvall seeks comfort in the stories of other autistic women throughout history in her illuminating debut … An insightful and involving narrator, Törnvall movingly explores how women with so-called “high-functioning autism” persisted in harnessing their abilities whether or not they lived in a time that recognised their neurotype. This winning combination of memoir and cultural history stimulates and entertains in equal measure.’ -- Publishers Weekly, starred review‘Törnvall was diagnosed as autistic at the age of forty-two, and The Autists takes her own experience as a lens through which to explore the phenomena and experiences of autistic women more generally. Its research is wide-ranging … I was particularly delighted by Törnvall’s chapter on language, “Too Much Faith in Words”’ -- Caitlin McGregor * Sydney Review of Books *

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Book SynopsisA NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER This “beautiful tribute to a legendary artist” (Quincy Jones) is the first in-depth biography of Nipsey Hussle, the hip-hop mogul, artist, and activist whose transformative legacy inspired a generation with his motivational lyrics and visionary business savvy—before he was tragically shot down in the very neighborhood he was dedicated to building up. For Nipsey Hussle, “The Marathon” was more than a mixtape title or the name of a clothing store; it was a way of life, a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of excellence and the willpower required to overcome adversity day after day. Hussle was determined to win the race to success on his own terms, and he wanted to see his whole community in the winner’s circle with him. A moving and powerful exploration of an extraordinary artist, The Marathon Don’t Stop places Hussle in historical context and unpacks his complex legacy. Combining on-the-ground reporting and candid interviews, “Rob Kenner has given us the book the world—and hip-hop and pop culture—has been waiting for…one that should be celebrated alongside the best biographies ever about iconic figures we have loved—and lost” (Kevin Powell, author of When We Free the World).Trade Review“Like dead prez said, ‘it’s bigger than hip-hop,’ and few embodied that more than Nipsey. His life must serve as a textbook example for anyone working towards uplifting their community, where the work, and not the fame, take full precedent. We need more people like Nipsey Hussle, which is what makes telling his story important.” -- Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson“Rob Kenner was part of the original editorial team who brought my vision for VIBE magazine to reality, and during his seventeen years at the magazine he always did outstanding work. The Marathon Don’t Stop is a beautiful tribute to a legendary artist.” -- Quincy Jones“You may have heard of Nipsey Hussle, but you don’t know the awesome story of one of the most inspiring men of his generation. Nipsey was the Tupac of his generation and this book explains why.” -- Touré, author of I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon“Ermias Asghedom’s all-too-short life was a pure epic run—from child prodigy, teenage baller, and young G to worldly rapper, hood builder, and global superstar. Rob Kenner’s thorough, definitive, and powerful telling of his story captures all of his heart, courage, and commitment. Read it and be inspired.” -- Jeff Chang, author of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop“The Marathon Don’t Stop is chronicle of a complex love and Kenner delivers it with the clear-eyed authority that has made him one of the best culture writers of his era.” -- Dr. Joan Morgan, author of When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: A Hip-Hop Feminist Breaks It Down“Kenner episodically reconstructs Hussle’s evolutionary process, the long strides and long game he played to become a master of his own destiny in the voracious rap business, and a generous and visionary community leader in South Central Los Angeles. For those wanting an immersive, concentrated read about why Hussle’s run and ting still matters, The Marathon Don’t Stop provides layered chapters of incisive and insightful reveals.” -- Greg Tate, author of Flyboy in the Buttermilk“The assassination of Nipsey Husssle was, in many ways, the death of modern classical hip-hop. In death, Nipsey’s star has risen to the heavens. Rob Kenner illuminates the artist’s mortal side while artfully unpacking his humble beginnings and momentous victories. You see his flowers in bloom, in Technicolor, then and now. Behold.” -- Sacha Jenkins, filmmaker“With The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle, Rob Kenner has given us the book the world—and hip-hop and pop culture—has been waiting for. It is a powerfully written and reported biography of a life gone too soon, yes. But it is also history, sociology, psychology, and a case study of what is humanly possible, even for those of us born with very little. This is one of the finest pieces of literature about a real life I’ve ever read, and one that should be celebrated alongside the best biographies ever about iconic figures we have loved—and lost.” -- Kevin Powell, author of When We Free the World“What made Rob one of my favorite editors and my primary longform collaborator was his insightful eye, his innate sense of story, and his ability to appreciate the importance of minutiae as they relate to a larger narrative. He brings all of those skills to the forefront with this incredible book. Not only do you walk way appreciating Nipsey’s work, love for his community, and yes, hustle, but Rob also paints a sensitive portrait of Ermias the man. God rose inside of this man, and Rob captures every moment.” -- Cheo Hodari Coker, author of Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G.“An extraordinary accomplishment: a book about a rapper, a neighborhood, business and ownership, racism, immigration, friendship, family, art, and love . . . from the Pacific Ocean to the Red Sea. A masterclass in music journalism’s higher calling, The Marathon Don’t Stop is a book not only for Nipsey Hussle fans, but for anyone who wants to understand the brutal and beautiful truths of the country called America. Rob Kenner has been to the mountaintop, and brought the word back down for the rest of us. ” -- Peter Relic, author of For Whom the Cowbell Tolls: 25 Years of Paul’s Boutique“From the cradle to the grave, The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle is a deep dive into the man, music, and motivation of one of the most gifted rappers to emerge from the West in decades. More than a hustler, Nipsey Hustle was both a businessman and teacher who was equally inspired by family, the streets, and the motherland. With an eye for the real, writer Rob Kenner has composed a biography that is journalistically solid, cinematically vivid, as gritty as the streets of Crenshaw, and beautiful as a rose growing through concrete.” -- Michael A. Gonzales, co-author of Bring the Noise: A Guide to Rap Music and Hip-Hop Culture“A rigorously reported, gripping account of how Ermias Joseph Asghedom hustled his way into the hearts and minds of millions. Veteran journalist Rob Kenner takes us on a harrowing journey, from the embattled streets of South L.A. to the ancient shores of East Africa to tell the story of a conflicted gang member, gifted hip hop artist, and crafty businessman who devoted his life to transforming himself and his community by any means necessary.” -- Carter Harris, screenwriter, producer, and former editor at The Source and VIBE magazines“In his relatively short and tragic life, Nipsey Hussle was an icon of the new new music business, where sheer grit, determination—and, of course, natural talent—helped cement his undying legacy. One of hip-hop’s most powerful voices, Hussle was an entrepreneurial activist, a street corner philosopher whose everlasting contribution lies not just in the songs he made, but also in the way he chose to live. In The Marathon Don't Stop, veteran music journalist Rob Kenner tracks Hussle's life with verve and compassion, from his humble beginnings to his horrific ending, unpacking the chaotic world which made him, fueled the work that defined him, and sadly took him from this planet all too soon.” -- Paul Cantor, contributor to the New York Times, New York Magazine, and XXL

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Book SynopsisBiography detailing motorcycle adventurer Charley Boorman's recovery from a major road traffic accident in February 2016.

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Book SynopsisA victim of violent abuse at the hands of his stepfather, Lenny spent much of his teenage life in borstal as he began to follow a life of crime. However, it was his ability as a fighter that was to turn his life around. Lenny McLean inspired fear in many, but respect from all, as he became a bare-knuckle fighting legend. His fame became even greater in later life, appearing in Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels just as his autobiography was reaching the top of the bestsellers chart. Lenny's untimely death from cancer in 1998 marked the beginning of the end of the old Cockney way of life and interest in his story has only increased since his passing, inspiring documentaries as well as a feature film, My Name is Lenny. In these unedited conversations between Lenny and his 'book man' Peter Gerrard, featuring many anecdotes that did not appear in The Guv'nor, we get to see the man behind the public image. As he looks back on his life, these transcripts reveal Lenny's humour and charm as well as the volatility that made him one of the most notorious figures ever to emerge from the East End.

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Book SynopsisSoon to be an ABC reality series entitled Ultimate Surfer, starring 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly SlaterSix-time world surfing champion, actor, and American heartthrob Kelly Slater tells his inspiring story of triumph over adversity From Beach Blanket Bingo to Baywatch to Blue Crush, surfing has fascinated people for years, and Kelly Slater is the sport’s hottest star. He has won more world championships than any other competitor, and he continues to change peoples’ minds about what can and can’t be done on a surfboard. His wild ride has included fame, fortune, a stint on Baywatch, and a high-profile relationship with Pamela Anderson. Not bad for a skinny kid from a broken home in Cocoa Beach, Florida. In Pipe Dreams, Kelly takes the reader into oceans around the world to take on thunderous walls of water and shares the outrageous stories, solemn moments, and undeniable spirit that have made him a superstar.

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Book SynopsisVeuve Clicquot champagne epitomizes glamor and style, with tribute paid everywhere from Lord Byron to Casablanca. But who was this young widow - the 'Veuve' - Clicquot, whose champagne sparkled at the courts of France, Britain, and Russia, and how did she rise to celebrity and fortune? This book talks about widow Clicquot.Trade Review"Joan of Arc and Madame Clicquot were the two women heroes I knew when growing up in France. What a gift to have this new, well-researched biography of one of the world's first 'legitimate' businesswoman, our contemporary as a global business leader." -- Mireille Guiliano, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller, French Women Don't Get Fat "The Widow Clicquot is someone we should all know about... Long a shadowy, legend-obscured figure, in Tilar Mazzeo's agile hands the widow sheds her weeds and takes form before our eyes as a distinctly modern entrepreneur...The result is narrative history that fizzes with life and feeling." -- Benjamin Wallace, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Billionaire's Vinegar "Told in a light and graceful style that is just right for its subject... [I]t's a fascinating trip, made even more so by Ms. Mazzeo's charming cameo appearances as a kind of tour guide... This example of Barbe-Nicole's voice is exceptional...an intoxicating business biography." -- Julia Flynn Siler, The Wall Street Journal "The Widow Clicquot, Tilar J. Mazzeo's sweeping oenobiography of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, is the story of a woman who was a smashing success long before anyone conceptualized the glass ceiling." -- New York Times Book Review "Mazzeo's resulting book is an enticing stew of biography and history." -- USA Today "If you like champagne, "The Widow Clicquot" by Tilar J. Mazzeo is definitely worth a drink." -- Associated Press "Tilar J. Mazzeo's informed and enlightening biography of Madame Clicquot, the widow and, more important, the businesswoman, retrieves her vintage story as if looking for a rare bottle in one of the Champagne region's deepest caves." -- Newsday "This book is full of fascinating morsels of information." -- Canberra Times The Widow Clicquot is a miraculous feat of organization, one worthy of a doctoral thesis... [I]n its moments of action, this is actually a gripping story. And while the book appears to be a feminist history/business biography, it's also the appealing story of the author's odyssey. -- Austin Chronicle "Mazzeo's tale moves swiftly through Barbe-Nicole's many accomplishments, including her method for storing bottles nose-down-an innovation that allowed the second fermentation detritus to be cleared efficiently, setting her far ahead of her competitors." -- Los Angeles Times

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Book Synopsis‘I don’t know how to write love letters. But I wanted to tell you that my whole being opened for you. Since I fell in love with you everything is transformed and is full of beauty . . . love is like an aroma, like a current, like rain’ Since her death Frida Kahlo has become an iconic cultural figure, renowned for her expressive, highly personal paintings. Her art drew on her often tumultuous private life and while painting was her main form of creative expression, she was also a prolific and moving letter writer.Though married to fellow artist Diego Rivera for most of her life, they both had numerous affairs, and Frida wrote frequently to her lovers. This book includes a selection of her letters, some of which were also decorated with small drawings. Many examples are reproduced here in facsimile, together with archival images and examples of her art.As well as examples sent to her first love, Alejandro Gomez Arias, and to her husband Diego Rivera, there are letters written to several other people, including Julien Levy, Nickolas Muray and Jose Bartoli. Taken together they create a very intimate portrait of her personal life as well as showing another side to her creativity.Beautifully designed and illustrated, this book makes the perfect gift for anyone looking for new insights into the life and work of Frida Kahlo or who simply find her an inspiring figure.

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Book SynopsisNew York Times BestsellerEnter Audrey Hepburn?s private world in this unique New York Times bestselling biography compiled by her son that combines recollections, anecdotes, excerpts from her personal correspondence, drawings, and recipes for her favorite dishes written in her own hand, and more than 250 previously unpublished personal family photographs.Audrey at Home offers fans an unprecedented look at the legendary star, bringing together the varied aspects of her life through the food she loved?from her childhood in Holland during World War II, to her time in Hollywood as an actress and in Rome as a wife and mother, to her final years as a philanthropist traveling the world for UNICEF.Here are fifty recipes that reflect Audrey?s life, set in the context of a specific time, including Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream?a celebration of liberation in Holland at the end of the war; Penne alla Vodka?a favorite home-away-from-home dish in Hollywood; Turkish-style Sea Bass?her romance with and subsequent marriage to Andrea Dotti; Boeuf à la Cuillère?Givenchy?s favorite dish, which she?d prepare when he?d visit her in Switzerland; and Mousse au Chocolat?dinner at the White House. Audrey also loved the basics: Spaghetti al Pomodoro was an all-time favorite, particularly when returning home from her travels, as was a dish of good vanilla ice cream. Each recipe is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, including variations and preparation tips, anecdotes about Audrey and her life, and a poignant collection of photographs and memorabilia.Audrey at Home is a personal scrapbook of Audrey?s world and the things she loved best?her children, her friends, her pets. It is a life that unfolds through food, photographs, and intimate vignettes in a sophisticated and lovely book that is a must for Audrey Hepburn fans and food lovers.Trade Review"Dotti's book offers a unique view of the star's personal life through the lens of her food philosophies, including a love of growing vegetables in the garden and sourcing from local farmer's markets." -- Redbook.com "Home cooks are offered a taste of Hepburn's life beyond the sound stages, red carpets and magazine covers." -- Yahoo! Food

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Book SynopsisThe second novel, and first quick read title, from Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Cathy Glass. My Dad's a Policeman is a dramatic and engaging story of a young boy with an alcoholic mother. Lonely, bullied and desperate for a life of happiness and security he tells everyone he meets his dad's a policeman.

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