Collected biographies Books

Book SynopsisThe inspiring story of five women who set out to explore the furthest reaches of the globe and redefine scholarship At the dawn of the twentieth century, Katherine Routledge, Maria Czaplicka, Winifred Blackman, Beatrice Blackwood and Barbara Freire-Marreco set out to explore the furthest reaches of the globe. Resisting pernicious sexism and misogyny, they were among the first women to study at university and went on to chart now-vanished worlds, seeking new freedoms in in the wastelands of Siberia, the uncharted interior of New Guinea, on Easter Island, and in the villages of the Nile. Yet upon their return to England, they found only loss, madness and regret waiting for them. An extraordinary insight into women's suffrage at the turn of the century and a revelatory study of Britain's colonial legacy, Undreamed Shores is an extraordinary portrait of a pioneering quintet whose struggles helped usher in a brighter dawn.Trade ReviewA deeply poignant account of five women who defied convention to pioneer female scholarship at immense personal cost. If you want to understand why there is so little historical evidence of women's intellectual achievement, read this. A devastating indictment of prejudice and how it held women back -- Madeleine BuntingLarson's close and sensitive attention... gives this book, superbly researched and winningly written, its compassionate authority as well as its storytelling zest -- Boyd Tonkin * The Arts Desk *A vivid and moving history, sensitively told and rigorously researched. -- Sarah MossEngrossing, humbling and immensely enjoyable. These five courageous pioneers not only braved extreme conditions and heart-stopping dangers in remote lands, but also the prejudice and hostility of a male-dominated world. Their extraordinary lives are uplifting and tragic in equal measure, and Larson unfolds their story with her customary blend of scholarly insight and page-turning verve -- Wendy MooreAn absorbing biography of five extraordinary people - the hidden heroines of anthropology - which raises some intriguing questions about their era, and ours -- Jane Robinson, author of Ladies Can't Climb LaddersAbsorbing... With this tender and luminously written work, Larson has convincingly vindicated [the women's] careers * Rana Mitter, Literary Review *Larson's subjects aren't as well-known as they deserve to be... The expansiveness and meticulousness of Larson's research deserves applause * Lucy Scholes, Daily Telegraph *An extraordinarily well-crafted, many-layered and captivating book, in which the author makes the amount of research that underlies its chapters seem effortless -- Felix Haas * World Literature Today *Enthralling... the first generation of professional female anthropologists faced far more prejudice back home than they ever did out in the field -- Kathryn Hughes * Guardian *Undreamed Shores is a compelling group biography... This is a beautifully written and convincing book that is deeply sympathetic to the difficulties encountered by this first generation of British women anthropologists. It reveals much about how their work at the time was compromised by the myriad ways in which they, and the people they studied, depended on the colonial infrastructure * TLS *

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Book SynopsisWhich Scottish anti-slavery campaigner lost a son in a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War? Was the enemy of Scotland's first 'freedom fighter' not England, but ancient Rome? What was the laboratory accident that led to one of the greatest discoveries in modern medicine? How did the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 influence the legal foundation of the greatest superpower the world has ever seen? Which singing superstar overcame a learning difficulty to become a worldwide inspiration? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in Great Scottish Heroes, covering 2,000 years of Scottish history and encompassing outstanding leaders in a broad range of pursuits, including the arts, exploration, medicine, sport, religion and politics. Even a brief list of Scottish inventions shows the nation's influence upon our world: television, penicillin, the steam engine, the telephone, the vacuum flask, to name only a few. Scotland has for centuries produced a great number of exceptional, heroic individuals out of all proportion to its small population and geographical size. This concise but wide-ranging book offers biographies of fifty Scottish heroes and heroines, but in truth there are a hundred others, and more, who would qualify for inclusion. These men and women helped to shape the world, and continue to do so today. Great Scottish Heroes shows how they achieved such remarkable success. If you are a Scot by birth, descent, or adoption, this book will make you even prouder of your countrymen. If you are not Scottish, you will wish you were.

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Book Synopsis*A NEW STATESMAN AND THE TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR**WINNER OF THE TONY LOTHIAN PRIZE*'Interesting women have secrets. They also ought to have sisters.'From the beginning of their lives, the Olivier sisters stood out: surprisingly emancipated, strikingly beautiful, markedly determined, and alarmingly 'wild'. Rupert Brooke was said to be in love with all four of them; D. H. Lawrence thought they were frankly 'wrong'; Virginia Woolf found them curiously difficult to read. In this intimate, sweeping biography, Sarah Watling brings the sisters in from the margins, tracing lives that span colonial Jamaica, the bucolic life of Victorian progressives, the frantic optimism of Edwardian Cambridge, the bleakness of two world wars, and a host of evolving philosophies for life over the course of the twentieth century.Noble Savages is a compelling portrait of sisterhood in all its complexities, which rediscovers the lives of four extraordinary women within the varied fortunes of the feminism of their times, while illuminating the battles and ethics of biography itself.Trade ReviewThe best group biography of the year – of many years, in fact – is Sarah Watling’s Noble Savages, the story of the four Olivier sisters... Their mother was the model for Tess of the D’Urbevilles, their joint best friend was Rupert Brooke, and they had, said Virginia Woolf, strange glass eyes which they took out at night. But this is not why they are interesting. After feral childhoods in Surrey, where their parents lived in a Fabian utopia, each woman struggled with postwar realities: insanity, grief, poverty, catastrophic marriages. Elegantly structured in “seven fragments”, Watling’s book gives us a riveting drama that begins as pastoral comedy and ends as tragedy. -- Frances Wilson * New Statesman, Books of the Year *This is the first time [the Olivier sisters] have had a biography to themselves, and a very fine job Sarah Watling makes of it… thoroughly fascinating... This book is interesting on a dozen levels. * Daily Telegraph *Four remarkable sisters born at the end of the 19th century, and I didn’t know about any of them before reading this utterly absorbing book in which their whole lives are laid before us. Their story has opened my eyes to whole new areas of early 20th-century British life. * Daily Mail *In this compelling biography Sarah Watling tells [the Olivier sisters’] tale for the first time. It is the story of the end of Victorianism and the birth of the modern age. It is also, grippingly, the story of the early feminist movement, and a vital contribution to the construction of an alternative women’s history… [Watling] is quite brilliant. * Guardian *A story of four girls rebelling against Edwardian stuffiness is vividly told… in this thoughtful, compassionate biography… I found much to celebrate and admire here. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisIncredible stories of the great Scots who changed the world we live in. Let the lives of these artists, explorers, poets, philosophers and engineers inspire YOU! DID YOU KNOW THAT... WILLIAMINA FLEMING was an astronomer who discovered hundreds of stars? ALEXANDER FLEMING won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery of penicillin? ELSIE INGLIS set up hospitals all across Europe to treat over 200,000 soldiers? (Have you seen her on a £50 note?) ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON'S family of engineers built more than 100 lighthouses? PRAISE for STRONG BRAVE TRUE: “A wonderfully colourful, fun-packed, characterful introduction to the famous and not-so-famous Scots who made their mark on history . . . A must-have for any young historian or true Scot! Loved it!” – PHILIP ARDAGH, Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning author “Who wouldn’t want to be Scottish after reading this splendid book?” – ROSS COLLINS, Prize-winning author of The ElephantomTrade ReviewWho wouldnt want to be Scottish after reading this splendid book? * Ross Collins *

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Book SynopsisSweet Fighting Man is based on a collection of interviews with British boxers, from journeymen to champions. The book covers a timespan of over 50 years and features some classic personalities, such as Dave 'Boy' Green, the ever-popular British and European champion who fought for world titles against Carlos Palomino and Sugar Ray Leonard; Bunny Johnson, the first black British Heavyweight Champion, and Joe Somerville, the jovial journeyman who had literally thousands of fights in the lurid environment of the boxing booths. Boxers are fundamentally entertainers and each chapter in this book is an individual performance, giving the true flavour of the characters involved. Their thought-provoking reflections proffer a unique insight into the often rollercoaster life of a professional boxer. The interviewees also talk about many aspects of their lives away from the ring and, as they drop their guards and open their hearts, they deliver plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way.

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Book SynopsisBooked! The Gospel According to our Football Heroes is a funny, fascinating digest of over 120 footballer autobiographies. Authors John Smith and Dan Trelfer have forensically examined the life stories of legends, hard-cases, cult heroes and one or two players they vaguely remember playing for Portsmouth - so you don't have to. Along the way, they discovered answers to questions they never knew they needed to know. Which coach has a tattoo inked by Mickey Rourke? Which maverick witnessed his gaffer murder an animal in a team talk? Yes, the revelations from this Pandora's Box may melt the reader's face, like at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. But they also offer an insight into the strange world that footballers inhabit, using their very own words. What drives star players apart? And what binds them together, beyond an almost universal love of Rod Stewart? Booked! investigates a unique world full of sex, booze, cash, fights, glory, bitterness, fame - and incessant, relentless banter.

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Book SynopsisThe Next Big Thing tells the stories of 15 footballers who were tipped for the top as youngsters yet were unable to fulfil their potential. With each player exclusively interviewed and insight provided by former team-mates, coaches and expert journalists, Ryan Baldi explores the pitfalls facing young players and what happens when plans go awry. The players featured share much in common, having played for some of the world's biggest clubs - such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Internazionale and Ajax - represented their country at various levels and been tipped for the very top. They all fell desperately short of expectations, but the reasons for their struggles differ greatly. Myriad factors can prevent gifted young footballers from fulfilling their true potential, from catastrophic injuries to issues of addiction and temptation, from managerial misunderstandings to bad advice and bad decisions. The Next Big Thing uncovers what becomes of football's wonderkids when the stars fail to align.

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Book SynopsisDead People is a book of eulogies, written for an eclectic assortment of famous and interesting people who died in recent years. The essays were written by Stefany Anne Golberg and 2013 Whiting Award winner Morgan Meis. The book covers twenty-eight dead people in all, including intellectuals like Susan Sontag, Christopher Hitchens and Eric Hobsbawn; musicians like Sun Ra, MCA (Beastie Boys) and Kurt Cobain; writers like David Foster Wallace, John Updike and Tom Clancy; artists like Thomas Kinkade and Robert Rauschenberg; and controversial political figures like Osama bin Laden and Mikhail Kalashnikov.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Moore Prize 2021 'A beautiful, moving and important book' - Simon Reeve Veronica is a teenager when civil war erupts in South Sudan, the world's youngest country. Lonely and friendless after the death of her father, she finds solace in her first boyfriend, and together they flee across the city when fighting breaks out. On the same night Daniel, the son of a colonel, also makes his escape, but finds himself stranded beside the River Nile, alone and vulnerable. Lilian is a young mother who runs for her life holding the hand of her little boy, Harmony - until a bomb attack wrenches them apart and she is forced to trek on alone. After epic journeys of endurance, these three young people's lives cross in Bidi Bidi in Uganda - the world's largest refugee camp. There they meet James, a counsellor who helps them find light and hope in the darkest of places. In a gripping true-life narrative, Rosalind Russell tells their stories with uplifting empathy and tenderness.

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Book SynopsisFOREWORD BY PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY When Constance Markievicz stood for election as MP for Dublin St Patrick's in 1918, few people believed she could win the seat - yet she did. A breakthrough in the bitter struggle for female enfranchisement had come earlier that year, followed by a second landmark piece of legislation allowing women to be elected to Parliament - and Markievicz duly became the first female MP. A member of Sinn Fein, she refused to take her seat. She did, however, pave the way for future generations, and only eleven months later, Nancy Astor entered the Commons. A century on from that historic event, 491 women have now passed through the hallowed doors of Parliament. Each one of these pioneers has fought tenaciously to introduce enduring reform, and in doing so has helped revolutionise Britain's political landscape, ensuring that women's contributions are not consigned to the history books. Containing profiles of every woman MP from 1918 to 1996, and with female contributors from Mary Beard to Caroline Lucas, Ruth Davidson to Yvette Cooper and Margaret Beckett to Ann Widdecombe, The Honourable Ladies is an indispensable and illuminating testament to the stories and achievements of these remarkable women.

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Book SynopsisBiteback Publishing is delighted to announce a major new project, a two volume series of biographies of every female MP ever to be elected to the House of Commons. When Constance Markievicz stood as the Sinn Fein candidate for Dublin St Patrick's in 1918, few people believed she would win the election to become the first woman MP - but she did. Now, just over 100 years later, women following the path she paved are increasingly winning, and filling, the hallowed seats of Parliament. The past two decades have seen more and more women stepping up to fight for the interests of their constituents and redressing the unequal gender balance in the Commons. Since the huge influx of female Labour MPs with the election of Tony Blair (unfortunately referred to as 'Blair's Babes'), there are now women standing for a wide range of parties across the political spectrum. Alongside the ever-growing representation of BAME members in Parliament, these women are revolutionising Britain's political landscape like never before. Highlighting the profiles of each woman MP elected from 1997 to 2019, and written by an impressive array of solely female contributors, such as Emily Thornberry, Edwina Currie, Ayesha Hazarika, Natalie Bennett and Dia Chakravarty, The Honourable Ladies: Volume II is the second instalment in a compelling and comprehensive project to honour the lives and achievements of these unforgettable women.

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Book SynopsisSince 1995, there have been four deaths following fights in Britain and forty around the world. In Death of a Boxer, Pete Carvill sets out to explore the psychology of those who choose to fight and what draws them towards this most dangerous of pursuits. But to write about the death of fighters would only be half the story. Carvill, who has written extensively on boxing and combat sports for fifteen years, will take off his own gloves and pick up a pen to explore the lives of fighters, from the early days in amateur clubs, to established professionals, to those down on their luck and to the retired still hankering for the feeling of being able to do what once came so easily to them. A deep and powerful meditation on the nature of boxing that asks why people do it, what it does for them – and ultimately to them. This may be the most important book on the sport for decades.

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Book SynopsisIn May 1978 Harold Pinter and Antonia Fraser visited Israel at the time of the 30th Anniversary of Independence. It was three years after they first lived together; neither had set foot in Israel before. Based in Jerusalem, they toured many of the country’s historic sites: from Bethlehem to the fortress of Masada, encountering future Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Mayor of Jerusalem Teddy Kollek, Jackie Kennedy and a long-lost cousin of Harold’s on a kibbutz. It was a trip during which Pinter’s feelings about his heritage emerged for the first time. As he said himself: ‘For the first time I feel Jewish’. This diary was kept daily by Antonia Fraser: the vivid narrative and descriptions (Antonia swimming in the Dead Sea while Harold had a beer) are leavened with humour, occasionally wry where Harold’s quirks were concerned, and always tender. Above all, it is a unique picture of a time and place – and a touching insight into fifteen days in the lives of two writers, one Jewish, one Catholic, one a playwright and one a biographer, who were also a devoted couple.Trade Review‘A compelling mixture of charm, humour and wisdom.’ * TLS *‘A little gem of a book that offers a snapshot of Israel 30 years after independence; sharp insights into a range of characters from Shimon Peres to Jackie Kennedy.’ * Jewish Chronicle *‘Engaging…above all an interesting account of a time and a place.’ * Financial Times *‘Wise and witty…Fraser’s personality shines through here: ever curious, good-natured, with an ear for memorable one-liners.’ * Observer *‘Rather fun…unguarded, unpolished and often quite funny.’ * Telegraph *‘...a fabulous book...[Antonia Fraser is] a natural-born conjuror of lost realities... Exemplary, unparalleled, and peerless.’ -- Sebastian Barry

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Book SynopsisVictoria Woodhull, Mary Wollstonecraft, Aimee Semple McPherson, Edwina Mountbatten, Margaret Argyll and Chanel were all women who dared. They had no time for what society said they could and couldn’t do and would see the world bend before they did. In 1872 a mesmerising psychic named Victoria Woodhull shattered tradition by running for the White House. Had she won the ensuing spectacle would surely have rivalled that of our own era. Abhorring such flamboyance, Mary Wollstonecraft inspired a revolution of thought with her pen as she issued women’s first manifesto – still to be fulfilled. From Aimee Semple McPherson, the first female preacher in America, to Coco Chanel, designer of an empire, these women became the change they wanted to see in society. In Women Who Dared, Jeremy Scott pays tribute to them all with wit, verve and reverence.Trade Review‘With an adman’s flair for what’s bold and flashy [Scott] speeds the reader through the lives of his extraordinary subjects.’ * Sunday Times *‘There are some great stories along the way, and Scott tells them with verve.’ * New York Times *‘Hugely enjoyable and a sparkling addition to the genre.’ -- Katie Hickman, author of Daughters of Britannia and Courtesans‘Simultaneously an exuberant celebration of lives lived at full throttle, and a collection of cautionary tales… an engaging and often witty celebration of rugged individualism and outright eccentricity.’ -- Siân Evans, author of Queen Bees‘Bold, raunchy, and colorful, Scott’s book reveals what the history books leave out, including intimate details of the hidden and public scandals that marked the lives of these outspoken women, and honors them for their courage, determination, and commitment to change.’ * Foreword Reviews *‘He writes with verve…his fascination with his subjects is infectious.’ * Kirkus *‘Jeremy Scott, a man who clearly loves women, is awed by the exploits of these outrageous rule breakers. Me too. It’s a great read.’ -- Marcelle d’Argy Smith

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Book SynopsisThis empowering volume collects the words of 40 amazing women who have shown their personal power in many different ways. From environmentalists, humanitarians and Nobel Peace Prize winners to entrepreneurs, musicians and artists, these women discuss their work, their achievements, their hopes and their fears, offering inspiration and optimism for the future through their fascinating explanations of what they have achieved. Topics range from influential early experiences, inspirations in life and most admired female figures to causes of anger, greatest fears, how to change the world and advice for the younger generation. This book encourages women everywhere to know they can achieve their greatest ambitions and help change the world for the better.Trade Review'Remarkable questions answered by remarkable women . . . A fascinating collection' - Maya Angelou

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Book SynopsisIn Letters of Note: Love, Shaun Usher gathers together some of the most powerful messages about love ever composed, whether inspired by love's first blush or the recriminations at its ending, the regrets of unrequited feelings and the joys of passions known.Includes letters by:Simone de Beauvoir, Frida Kahlo Georgia O'Keeffe, Zora Neale Hurston Evelyn Waugh, Vita Sackville-West Nelson Mandela, John Steinbeck & many moreTrade ReviewPraise for Letters of Note: Quite literally the most enjoyable volume it is possible to imagine. Every page is a marvel * * Spectator * *It is inspiring, and often sad, funny, and occasionally quite surreal * * GQ * *A truly extraordinary reading experience * * Big Issue * *Witty, tragic, educational, inspirational * * The List * *Addictive, like dipping into a bag of variously tempting assorted candies, knowing that the next one will always bring surprise and pleasure * * New Yorker * *A gloriously presented compilation * * Financial Times * *The literary equivalent of a box of chocolates - bite-sized and pure addictive pleasure . . . The result is beautifully produced, with photographs and colour facsimiles of much of the correspondence. A gorgeous Christmas present * * The Sunday Times * *It is hard to see how Letters Of Note could ever be surpassed * * Mail on Sunday * *Funny, tragic, brilliantly incisive, historic, lyrical, romantic and studiedly offensive, this stupendous compendium of letters ancient and modern is my book of the year. You will never tire of it -- Stephen FryA wonderful collection of magical missives . . . It'll have you reaching for pen and paper * * Evening Standard * *

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Book SynopsisIn Letters of Note: Cats, Shaun Usher collects together the most engaging missives that celebrate, eulogise, rail against and analyse the idiosyncratic ways of our feline companions.Nikola Tesla, Elizabeth Taylor,Charles Dickens, Anne Frank,T.S. Eliot, Raymond Chandler,John Cheever, Florence Nightingale,Rachel Carson, Jack Lemmon& many moreTrade ReviewA wonderful collection of magical missives . . . It'll have you reaching for pen and paper * * Evening Standard * *Praise for Letters of Note: It is hard to see how Letters Of Note could ever be surpassed * * Mail on Sunday * *The volume is so well-produced it could become an heirloom, passed down through generations * * Huffington Post * *Quite literally the most enjoyable volume it is possible to imagine. Every page is a marvel * * Spectator * *Addictive, like dipping into a bag of variously tempting assorted candies, knowing that the next one will always bring surprise and pleasure * * New Yorker * *A gloriously presented compilation * * Financial Times * *The literary equivalent of a box of chocolates - bite-sized and pure addictive pleasure . . . The result is beautifully produced, with photographs and colour facsimiles of much of the correspondence. A gorgeous Christmas present * * The Sunday Times * *

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Book SynopsisGreat explorers are known for their hard-earned skills and meticulously honed character traits which have made their astonishing endeavours possible. Valuable lessons are waiting to be learned from the feats attained by the most revered names in exploration – from legendary adventurers such as Ernest Shackleton to lesser-known figures such as Junko Tabei.Life Lessons from Explorers collects 15 of the most highly prized traits shared by those who have scaled mountains and traversed tundras, proposing how these could be applied to your own life, whether you are crossing Antarctica or battling a mental obstacle. Compelling accounts of the life and times of celebrated explorers, highlighting when they have displayed these traits are accompanied by remarkable images of the people who have travelled to the ends of the Earth, and the places they discovered.Table of ContentsAdaptability (Roald Amundsen) • Humanity (Neil Armstrong) • Risk (Amelia Earhart) • Leadership (Ernest Shackleton) • Self-discipline (Nain Singh Rawat) • Courage (Piccard) • Diplomacy (Gertrude Bell) • Creativity (Agatha Christie) • Determination (Junko Tabei) • Independence (Gudrun the Far Traveller) • Patience (Charles Darwin) • Curiosity (Abu Al Hasan Al Masudi) • Resilience (David Livingstone) • Innovation (Sylvia Earle) • Purpose (Olaudah Equiano).

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Book SynopsisStories for Boys Who Dare to be Different 2, Oliver Sacks, the Jamaican Bobsled team, Amrou Al-Kadhi, Carlos Acosta... all dared to be different.This is the follow-up to the much loved and hugely successful Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, the bestselling book that changed countless boys' lives around the world and gave them the confidence to be themselves.What have the footballer Kylian Mbappé, the philosopher Socrates and the singer Ed Sheeran all got in common? All three of them defied expectations - going against the grain and pursuing their dreams - despite a seemingly impossible barrage of obstacles and difficulties. Their stories are incredible, as are those of the tap-dancer Evan Ruggiero, the Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri, and the other inspirational boys who fill the pages of this extraordinary book. It is books like these that can make a huge difference to parents and their children's lives.Trade ReviewThis book can save lives. This book can change lives. This book can help to bring forth another generation of boys who dare to be different. * Benjamin Zephaniah (Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different) *[The stories] coalesce into a rousing symphony of against-the-odds achievement. * Financial Times (Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different) *[This] will help to inspire a younger generation to understand that you don't have to be tough, strong and a dragon killer to be worthwhile. * Stylist (Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different) *Offer[s] a refreshing twist . . . and will encourage young boys to resist the gender stereotypes that can damage men as much as women. * Daily Express (Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different) *

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Book of the YearAll royalties from sales of this book go to The Big IssueIf you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?Over 10 years ago, The Big Issue began to ask some of the best-known, most interesting and most successful figures in entertainment, politics, food, sport and business to give advice, offer hope and share a few jokes with their younger selves. They opened up, in ways they never had, to interviewer Jane Graham, reflecting on their lives and themselves with affection, sympathy and sometimes disbelief. This collection of 100 of the most incredible letters includes Paul McCartney on how he found inspiration, Olivia Colman on overcoming confidence problems, Mo Farah on the importance of losing, Arianna Huffington on knowing your motivations, Jamie Oliver on trusting your instinct and many, many more, including Rod Stewart, Margaret Atwood, Buzz Aldrin, David Cameron, Eddie Izzard, Desmond Tutu, Neil Gaiman, Ruby Wax, Ranulph Fiennes, Tracey Emin, Ian McEwan, Michael Palin, Melanie C, Tim Peake, Dionne Warwick and Ewan McGregor.Letter to My Younger Self is a revelatory and profound exploration into the wit and wisdom that age brings, and of the unique insights that looking back can reveal.Proceeds from the sales of this book go to The Big Issue to continue their work dismantling poverty and promoting social justice."A truly wonderful book ... a gateway to intelligent, learned and genuinely inspiring stories, moments and people ... We would highly recommend it ... It's a fab cause and put together seamlessly." Magic Radio - October Book Club Pick'The answers make for great reading.' Sunday Mirror'This collection is full of insightful stories that will make you think about how you live your own life, and how you want to live it in the future.' Woman's Weekly Trade ReviewA thoughtful, funny and moving book. -- Alastair Mabbott * The National Scot *Like all the best ideas, it's simple. A hundred famous people, from Hollywood stars to sporting heroes, were asked [...] what they'd say to the younger version of themselves. The answers make for great reading. -- Book review * Sunday Mirror *This collection is full of insightful stories that will make you think about how you live your own life, and how you want to live it in the future. And the best bit is that all the royalties from the sale of the book will go to The Big Issue. -- Book of the month review * Woman's Weekly *

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Book SynopsisNOW INCLUDES BONUS MATERIAL FROM RICHARD OSMAN, DOLLY PARTON, DAVE GROHL AND MANY MORE. Over 10 years ago, The Big Issue began to ask well-known figures to give advice, offer hope and share a few jokes with their younger selves. They opened up in ways they never had, reflecting on their lives and themselves with affection, sympathy and, sometimes, disbelief.This collection of 100 incredible letters includes Paul McCartney on how he found inspiration, Olivia Colman on overcoming confidence problems, Mo Farah on the importance of losing, Diane Abbott on self-belief, Jamie Oliver on trusting your instinct, and so much more.Letter to My Younger Self is a revelatory and profound exploration into the wit and wisdom that age brings, and of the unique insights that looking back can reveal.

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Book SynopsisA new edition of the bestselling Every Picture Tells a Story from one of the greatest photographers of the last 60 years, Terry O’Neill. This updated edition includes 32 additional pages of new stories behind some of the O’Neill’s most iconic images. From the morning he spent with Faye Dunaway at the pool in Beverly Hills, to walking around Vegas with Sean Connery dressed as James Bond, a chance encounter with Bruce Springsteen on the Sunset Strip, to taking Jean Shrimpton to a doll hospital - these are the stories behind the images as only Terry O'Neill can reveal. "I was walking up the Miami Beach boardwalk to the Fontainebleau Hotel where Sinatra was staying... I just reached out with the letter in my hand and he took it. He opened it, read it... turned to his security men and said, "this kid's with me." I never found out what Ava said to him in that letter. From that moment on, I was part of his inner circle." - Terry O'Neill From The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Terry O'Neill fast became the photographer of the 1960s. Having an eye - and ear - for music and musicians, he instinctively knew what bands to focus on. And they in turn trusted him. "I remember sitting in a pub with the Beatles and the Stones. We were just hanging-out and talking about what we'd do next, after all of this was over. By this, we meant the fame, being the 'new kids of the moment'. Usually, this sort of celebrity doesn't last. Little did we know that 60 years later, we'd still be at it." Music led O'Neill to Hollywood and working with stars resulted not only in to memorable moments but long-lasting friendships. He travelled with Frank Sinatra. Took Raquel Welch to the beach. Went in the ring with Ali. Put The Who in a cage. O'Neill captured many of the most unforgettable faces from the frontline of fame, and his photographs exude his own brand of serene simplicity, intimate behind-the-scene moments and the rare quality of trust between photographer and subject. The list of people Terry O'Neill has worked with over the past 60 years is a Who's Who in celebrity; from film to music, sports to politics. Terry O'Neill: Every Picture Tells a Story is like going through a walking tour of memory by a man who has seen, met and photographed them all.Trade Review"Photographer Terry O’Neill knew people better than he knew cameras… Here are [several] O’Neill shots that withstand time..." - Michael Kaplan, New York Post"Someone once said about Terry O'Neill that his photographs were so cool because he was." - Ramp

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Book SynopsisNepali women are among the most dispossessed and downtrodden in the world. Thanks to traditional customs and religious rituals, many face ordeals unimaginable to those living in the developed world. Anna Townsend invites you to meet twelve women and discover their astounding stories. Among them is Kopisha, whose infant daughter died due to the neglect of her own family, Suki, the mother of a human trafficking victim, and Maria, forced to marry her rapist. Poignant, shocking, but ultimately inspirational, you will be encouraged to see how God is at work in these women, changing their lives and giving them a more hopeful future. Content Benefits: These poignant stories will open your eyes to the plight of women in Nepal, but also encourage you to see that God is moving around the world and that his church is growing. • Includes 12 personal stories of Nepali women, interviewed by Anna • Offers an understanding of the cultural context of these stories • Includes anecdotes of Anna’s own experience of living in Kathmandu • Will help you see what life is like for women living in Nepal • Has the power to change hearts and minds towards the injustices still facing women in the world today • Vividly evokes the sights and sounds of modern-day Kathmandu • An insight into how God is still at work in the world • Perfect for anyone who loves to hear stories of God at work • Suitable for readers who love testimonies and faith-inspiring stories • An inspirational gift idea for any occasion

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Book SynopsisChildren of Mercury is a bold new account of the lives of pre-modern painters, viewed through the lens of The Seven Ages of Man, a widespread belief made famous in the ‘All the world’s a stage’ speech in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Spike Bucklow follows artists’ lives from infancy, through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, to maturity, old age and death. He tracks how lives unfolded for both male and female painters, from the famous, like Michelangelo, through Artemisia Gentileschi and Mary Beale to those who are now forgotten, like Jehan Gillemer. The book draws on historic biographies, artists’ own writings and, uniquely, the physical evidence offered by their paintings.Trade Review'Bucklow offers a deeply humane poetics of the life-cycle and artistic creativity that is enchanting and original. This beautifully written book is an enormously rewarding read for anyone interested in art history.' – Ulinka Rublack, FBA, Professor of Early Modern European History, University of Cambridge 'While there have been studies of prodigies and of aging artists, Spike Bucklow's book is distinctive in looking systematically at the periods in between. It also stands out within this literature for devoting real attention to women as well as men.' – Michael Cole, Howard McP. Davis Professor and Chair of the Department of Art History and Archaeology, Columbia University

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Book SynopsisA collection of in-depth interviews from one of Wales'' best rugby journalists, looking back on the careers of 26 of Welsh rugby''s finest players.

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Book SynopsisIn the early 1970s, the athletes of the German Democratic Republic started to achieve incredible sports results, winning medals and setting new world records with astonishing frequency. For many years, their sporting supremacy was hailed as a triumph of the socialist government's commitment to scientific research and innovative training methods. But after the Cold War ended, the Stasi archives revealed a sinister secret behind the successes: a perverse doping system imposed by the government itself. Drugs were administered to young athletes, often without their consent, and the price their bodies are now paying is very high, both physically and mentally. Through the athletes' personal stories, Synthetic Medals reveals the events that led to the discovery of the state-doping system and the subsequent trial. It also explores the state's motives for this crime against its own people - people who were sacrificed on the altar of a distorted ideology, for the simple purpose of achieving glory on the international chessboard.

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Book SynopsisWhile the heroic exploits of ‘The Few’ of Fighter Command are rightly lauded, those of ‘The Many’ of Bomber Command often remain overlooked. Night after night, the bomber crews ranged across Europe seeking out and attacking targets in an all-out endeavour to undermine the German war effort against Britain and prevent invasion.Bomber Command’s Forgotten Summer tells the stories of the young men who carried out dangerous missions on a nightly basis, battling against both the enemy and the elements, relying on a mix of nerve, skills and luck to hit their target and make it home. Faced with flak and fighters, exposed to the harsh weather conditions and operating at the edge of their capabilities, for the young men of Bomber Command, this was just as vital as the Battle of Britain.

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Book Synopsis‘Lively history of British women aviators.’ Daily Mail‘Compelling stories of female pioneers whose soaring ambition achieved firsts in the field of aviation.’ Britain Magazine‘This lovely book offers a welcome and enjoyable read and provides a timely testament for these unsung pioneers of aviation.’ Maggie Appleton MBE, Chief Executive Officer, RAF Museum‘A real celebration of the women who defied tradition and followed their dreams into the sky. Readable and entertaining, this book is a worthy tribute to Britain’s woman aviation pioneers.’ Sharon Nicholson FRAeS, Chairwoman of the British Women Pilots’ AssociationJust eighteen months after two Frenchmen made the world’s first ever flight, a fearless British woman hopped into a flimsy balloon and flew across the London sky for nearly an hour. Since then, many other remarkable British women have decided to defy traditional society and follow their dreams to get into the sky.For the first time, Magnificent Women and Flying Machines tells the stories of the pioneers who achieved real firsts in various forms of aviation: in ballooning, parachuting, gliding, airships and fixed-wing flight – right up to a trip to the International Space Station! Full of entertaining adventure, here at last is a proper record of Britain’s wonderful women of the air.Trade ReviewMagnificent Women and Flying Machines is a fantastic celebration of the amazing achievement of women in the air and space! All kudos to our foremothers who said “knickers” to peril and prejudice and went ahead with their ambition regardless. -- Dr Alice Bunn CEng, FRAeS, FIMechEThis lovely book offers a welcome and enjoyable read and provides a timely testament for these unsung pioneers of aviation. -- Maggie Appleton MBEA real celebration of the women who defied tradition and followed their dreams into the sky. Readable and entertaining, this book is a worthy tribute to Britain’s woman aviation pioneers. -- Sharon Nicholson FRAeS

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Book SynopsisThe Dams Raid is the RAF’s most famous bombing operation of the Second World War, and Guy Gibson, who was in command, its most famous bomber pilot. Of the six men who made up his crew on the Dams Raid – two Canadians, an Australian and three Englishmen – only one had previously flown with him, but altogether the men had previously amassed more than 180 operations.Drawing on rare and unpublished sources and family archives, this new study is the first to fully detail their stories. It explores the previous connections between the seven men who would eventually fly on just one operation together and examines how their relationships developed in the months they spent in each other’s company.

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Book Synopsis'This book is an extremely important part of women's social history. Read it!' - Maxine PeakeRobin Hood, Dick Turpin, Ronnie Biggs, the Krays … All have become folk heroes, glamorised and romanticised, even when they killed. But where are their female equivalents? Where are the street robbers, gang leaders, diamond thieves, gold smugglers and bank robbers?Queens of the Underworld reveals the incredible story of female crooks from the seventeenth century to the present. From Moll Cutpurse to the Black Boy Alley Ladies, from jewel thief Emily Lawrence to bandit leader Elsie Carey and burglar Zoe Progl, these were charismatic women at the top of their game. But female criminals have long been dismissed as either not ‘real women’ or not ‘real criminals’, and in the process their stories have been lost.Caitlin Davies unravels the myths, confronts the lies and tracks down modern-day descendants in order to tell the truth about their lives for the first time. Trade ReviewWhat a brilliant piece of research; pieced together with compassion, heart and understanding. Caitlin's book gives voice to women who have been forgotten or have only been seen through a male prism. She wrestles back their stories. This book is an extremely important part of women's social history. Read it! -- Maxine PeakeThis riveting book begins with the surprise of a different "ever after" and goes on to confound expectations, assumptions and stereotypes.In Queens of the Underworld, Caitlin Davies displays that rare talent for history and storytelling without judgment. "Female Crooks" in particular could do with more of this. -- Shami ChakrabartiNeither sentimental nor judgmental, Davies presents these characters as important examples of criminological history.

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Book SynopsisForget the adventure stories of James Bond, Kim Philby, Klaus Fuchs and co. – espionage is not just a boys’ game. As long as there has been conflict, there have been female agents behind the scenes. In Belgium and northern France in 1914–18 there were several thousand women actively working against the Kaiser’s forces occupying their homelands. In the Second World War, women of many nations opposed the Nazis, risking the firing squad or decapitation by axe or guillotine. Yet, many of those women did not have the right to vote for a government or even open a bank account. So why did they do it?Female Secret Agents explores the lives and the motivations of the women of many races and social classes who have risked their lives as secret agents, and celebrates their intelligence, strength and courage.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that Beethoven made every cup of coffee with exactly 60 beans?Or that Shirley Temple always had precisely 56 curls in her hair?Or that the young Frank Sinatra practised underwater swimming as a way of developing his ability to hold long breaths?In Secrets of Success, Charlie Croker brings his proven blend of gripping trivia and incisive humour to the question of how famous high achievers reached those heights. We’ll see Chopin sleeping with wedges between his fingers to increase their span, learn how P.G. Wodehouse reminded himself which pages of a manuscript still needed work, and find out why Thomas Edison chose his research assistants on the basis of their soup-eating habits.This revealing and entertaining book provides countless glimpses into the methods – and sometimes madness – of the world’s most famous figures. From ancient Egypt to the modern day, you’re about to learn the secrets of their success . . .

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Book SynopsisEarly in the 2020 pandemic, author Steven E. Mason began to look at the lives of some of the great personalities from history, seeking inspiration to help him deal with the Covid-19 crisis. He discovered that many of these people had experienced significant adversity on their path to success. After sharing these stories with friends and colleagues, positive feedback led to the writing of this book. The Adversity Formula: Inspiring Stories of Hope from History looks at the lives of thirty remarkable characters from history and how they dealt with adversity. The book goes on to provides a formula which readers can apply to their own lives when faced with major challenges. The text focuses on the lives of a group of inspiring individuals mainly from the 20th Century: fifteen men and fifteen women, across a range of categories, including scientists, entrepreneurs, humanitarians, politicians, entertainers, sports stars and war heroes. The book looks at the adversity these greats faced and what they achieved despite it. More importantly, the book looks at how they dealt with the adversity they faced, often using it to their advantage. The book then identifies five characteristics that each individual used which were key to how they dealt with the challenges facing them. The traits are then packaged into a general formula for tackling those challenges, emphasising that it's not just the experience of adversity but the way people respond to it which determine a successful outcome. The Adversity Formula: Inspiring Stories of Hope from History will be of interest to those who enjoy history and those who are interested in self-development, especially during difficult times. The book offers us all hope in the face of life's major challenges.Trade Review'What a great idea for a book and superbly executed. There's so much to learn from and so much to be inspired by, packed into this volume'. Daniel Finkelstein, Award-winning Journalist, Associate Editor and Political Columnist - The Times; 'This is a spirited case for the role of great men and women in shaping the world. Whether in politics or golf or on the stage, Steven Mason seeks to draw out the common threads: the attitudes, habits and qualities that allow inspirational figures not just to survive misfortune but to profit from it ...' Sir Graham Brady, MP, Chairman - 1922 Committee; 'The Adversity Formula: Inspirational Lessons from History is motivational. Steven Mason has shared the personal challenges that many icons from the world of politics, sports and entertainment have faced along with the resilience they demonstrated in ways for all of us to relate to, learn and live by'. Janet Fanaki, Host - The RESILIENT PEOPLE podcast, resilientpeople.ca; Steven Mason has managed to capture every nuance of Muhammad Ali's remarkable life in a single chapter and it's a fascinating read. I was privileged to have spent ten years - from 1971 to 1981 - going around the world with Ali, covering all his major fights. His name will always be prominent in any history of the twentieth century. Mason must have had difficulty in deciding where to place him in his book. Ali could also have fitted comfortably among 'The Humanists', 'The Entrepreneurs', 'The Politicians' and 'The Entertainers', such was his mesmerising influence on mankind'. Colin Hart, Boxing Columnist - The Sun; 'Delighted that Steven Mason has chosen Ella Fitzgerald to figure among his subjects as an inspirational lesson from history in overcoming adversity. In her own quiet and understated way, Ella epitomised the American Dream, literally starting with nothing as a homeless waif, she ended her life in Beverley Hills luxury in an America riven with racial prejudice - it's an object lesson we can all learn from'. Professor Stuart Nicholson. Author - Ella Fitzgerald: A Biography Of The First Lady Of Jazz; 'Steven Mason has compiled some fascinating portraits of some of the most inspirational figures of the past century, who overcame adversity despite overwhelming odds. We all have limiting beliefs and this book will help you to shed yours, by witnessing the limits of the human resolve.' Rabbi Chaim Miller, Author - Turning Judaism Outward: A Biography of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson; 'Like never before, we would be wise to listen to the figures talking to us through Steven Mason. They remind us that adversity is not only nothing new, it's a requisite of the human experience'. Julie Des Jardins, Historian of American women and gender. Author - The Madame Curie Complex: The Hidden History of Women in Science; 'Mason's emphasis on adversity as a catalyst for positive change is a good addition to the literature on self-improvement'. Robin Gerber, Best-Selling Author, Speaker and Historian. Author - Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way; 'An essential resource for anyone looking to improve their own performance. This book demonstrates that looking back at our role models' reaction to adversity, helps prepare us for any challenges that lie ahead'. Tania Friedlander, Certified Leadership & Development Coach for Fortune 500 employees; 'Thomas Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls." In order to get through contemporary trying times, I highly recommend Steve Mason's 'The Adversity Formula' that delivers the message of fortitude, persistence, and enlightenment'. Marlene Wagman-Geller, Author - Women of Means: Fascinating Biographies of Royals, Heiresses, Eccentrics and Other Poor Little Rich Girls; 'In these trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us need reassurance that brighter days lie ahead. Steven Mason shows us the way forward in this remarkable work that focuses on the biographies of thirty notable figures. Coming from diverse backgrounds and fields, these individuals overcame almost unbelievable adversity to both triumph in their own pursuits - whether in business, sports, entertainment, politics, or war - and make the world a better place for others. Drawing on the life experiences of figures as different as Eleanor Roosevelt, Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Katharine Graham, Margaret Thatcher and Ella Fitzgerald, Mason provides an inspiring message that adversity can serve as a challenge rather than a defeat. The book provides much-needed inspiration during a period of global uncertainty on many fronts - medical, political, and cultural - leaving the reader with a renewed appreciation of the human potential'. Maurine H. Beasley, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, University of Maryland, College Park, US. Author - Eleanor Roosevelt, Transformative First Lady; 'A thought-provoking read, particularly in these most challenging times, of how to cope with and ultimately triumph over adversity'. Jim White, Columnist - Telegraph Media Group. Author - Manchester United: The Biography

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Book Synopsis“What are we if not our stories?” – Enda Walsh, PlaywrightStories. Life stories. Stories of love and loss. Success and failure. Stories about people and place. Stories about the magical spark of creativity. Life stories that make us feel and that make us think. Stories that are stirring and inspirational.With a particular emphasis on the role of landscape and environs, The Art of Place brings together 30 captivating personal stories by some of the most creative people in Ireland, who all live in or come from County Clare.Featured contributors include writers and visual artists, musicians and composers, sculptors and crafts people, photographers and filmmakers. Their compelling and deeply personal stories will resonate not only with people from the West of Ireland, but with people worldwide who are enthralled by the creative process.Beautifully designed and including 30 specially commissioned photographic interpretations by award-winning photographer John Kelly, The Art of Place is a work of art itself, and a magnificent testament to the artistic spirit for which Ireland is justifiably famous.

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Book SynopsisPat Stanton is a Hibs legend. With his silky skills and natural leadership, Pat captained Hibs to three trophies and later went on to manage the team. Now he chooses his ultimate Hibernian dream team. In Pat Stanton's "Hibernian Dream Team" Pat devotes a chapter to each position and evaluates the many outstanding players who have worn the green and white during his lifetime. He looks at their strengths and weaknesses, reveals their character and tells personal anecdotes about many of the players he has known over the years. He also debates the merits of Hibs' post-war managers and chooses his top team boss. Written with humour, honesty and insight, Pat Stanton's "Hibernian Dream Team" will be one of the most talked about books on the club for many years.

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