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Book SynopsisThis is the second title in a series of Sherlock Holmes Escape Books: a unique, new form of puzzle book, in which the reader must solve the puzzles to escape the pages. Inspired by the urban craze for escape rooms, where players tackle challenges while trapped in a locked room, this is an escape room in the form of a locked book: filled with codes, ciphers, riddles and red herrings, plus an ingenious Hieroglyphic Code Wheel set into the cover. Taking on the role of Sherlock Holmes, in this new adventure readers find themselves trapped with Watson in the Enlightenment Gallery of the British Museum after a curator collapses in the Egyptian Collection. With Edward VII due to arrive at the nearby tube station, and rumours of an anarchist plot, Holmes and Watson must find their way through the museum, and fathom the involvement of both Mycroft and Colonel Sebastian Moran, if they are to win their freedom and save the day.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the 10th anniversary of Tequila Mockingbird with this special new, expanded edition! This clever cocktail guide pairs cherished novels with both classic and cutting-edge drink recipes—no B.A. in English required. It’s been ten years since the world’s bestselling cocktail recipes book, Tequila Mockingbird, captured the attention of bar crowds, literary lovers, English majors, and readers everywhere with its clever commentary on history’s most beloved books. This much anticipated 10th anniversary expanded edition features an updated introduction, refined drink recipes, and more than 70 delicious drinks and bar snacks, of which 15 recipes and 7 illustrations are exclusive to this revised edition.  Don’t worry if you snoozed your way through Comp Lit. Think of this recipe guide as SparkNotes with a liquor license, trading out pop quizzes for popped corks. For all you mixologists and cosmo connoisseurs out there, we’re serving up your favorite recipes with a smart new twist. You’ve gotta have something to talk about behind the bar—why not raise the level of banter by brushing up on your Brontë? Let’s get a little stupid and look a little smart. Even if you don’t have a B.A. in English, tonight you’re gonna drink like you do. Recipes include: Big Little Limes Are You There God? It’s Me, Margarita The Other Cognac Girl Gin Eyre Call Me by Your Nectarine The Hand-Mule's Tale And more!  

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Book SynopsisA Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the Analytical Engine is a unique form of puzzle book, in which the reader must solve the riddles to escape the pages. The third title in this ingenious series of Sherlock Holmes Escape Books, The Adventure of the Analytical Engine is an exhilarating combination of escape room, puzzle book and adventure story. Inspired by the urban craze for escape rooms, where players tackle puzzles while trapped in a locked room, it is an escape room in the form of a locked book, filled with codes, ciphers, riddles and red herrings, and a clever Code Wheel set into the cover. In this new adventure, readers will take on the role of the world’s foremost consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, snared at the centre of a cunning plot, after receiving a mysterious letter from beyond the grave. Intrigued by an invitation from mathematician Charles Babbage to view his newly completed pioneering contraption, Holmes becomes imprisoned in a magnificent London villa, where tricks, traps and illusions aim to divert him from uncovering the true purpose of the reimagined Analytical Engine. Combines riddles, logic puzzles, timed challenges, mathematical brain-teasers, maps and mazes.

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Book SynopsisA Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the Tower of London is a unique form of puzzle book, in which the reader must solve the riddles to escape the pages. The fourth title in this ingenious series of Sherlock Holmes Escape Books, The Adventure of the Tower of London is an exhilarating combination of escape room, puzzle book and adventure story. Inspired by the urban craze for escape rooms, where players tackle puzzles while trapped in a locked room, it is an escape room in the form of a locked book, filled with codes, ciphers, riddles and red herrings, and a clever Code Wheel set into the cover. In the latest adventure in the series, readers will take on the role of the world’s foremost consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes. Holmes’s nemesis Moriarty has locked Sherlock’s friend, the musician Odon von Mihalovic, with the Crown Jewels in a cage in Tower Bridge the night before a special ceremony is due to be held for the Queen. Holmes and Watson are themselves trapped in the nearby Tower of London by Moriarty, and they must work through the night and against the clock to find and free Odon from the cage to prevent him being disgraced in the ceremony the following morning. Combines riddles, logic puzzles, timed challenges, mathematical brain-teasers, maps and mazes. The fourth title in the series of bestselling Sherlock Holmes ‘escape room’ puzzle books Creates an interactive adventure based around two of Victorian London’s most famous landmarks Aimed at puzzle/escape room fans, Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and those interested in popular mathematics and the early history of computing From the authors of two previous books in the series, A Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the British Museum and A Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the Analytical Engine

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Book Synopsis100 Marvel comics that built a universe.Which comic books have helped define Marvel Comics and make them the pop-culture phenomenon they are today? Find out in Marvel Greatest Comics, a compelling showcase of some of the most trailblazing and inspiring comic books ever created. From the groundbreaking original Human Torch and his aquatic adversary Namor, the Sub-Mariner in 1939 to the game-changing 1960s Super Hero icons such as Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four, to smart modern makeovers in the 21st century like Guardians of the Galaxy and Squirrel Girl, Marvel have set the pace.This book''s specially curated and expertly appraised selection is a stunningly illustrated and insightful assessment of Marvel Comics and its legacy through the comics that made the company great. These are the comics that changed the face of an industry. These are Marvel''s greatest comics. 2020 MARVEL

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Book SynopsisAn unhappy orphaned girl is transformed by the redeeming power of nature into an unselfish child who transforms the lives of others in Burnett's classic children's story. This edition explores the relationship between the book and other literary genres and historical influences, and includes the companion-piece, 'My Robin'.Trade Reviewa jolly good, heart-warming classic. * The Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA peerless AZ guide to the names, places and events in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, fully illustrated in colour throughout by acclaimed Tolkien artist, Ted Nasmith.J.R.R. Tolkien's works of epic adventure and fantasy, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion have delighted many millions of fans since they were first published, and are now more popular than ever before.The Complete Guide to Middle-earth has been compiled to enhance the reader's enjoyment of Tolkien's books by bringing together in an A-Z sequence all the key facts and information about names, places, languages and events from The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.Accompanied with numerous genealogical tables and a unique Chronology of the First Age, it will provide an indispensable aid to every reader's discovery of Tolkien's world.The first, and definitive, encyclopedia, The Complete Guide to Middle-earth is now reissued to complement the illustrated hardbacks of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, and is lavishly illustrated with more than 50 full-colour paintings by acclaimed Tolkien artist, Ted Nasmith, with many appearing exclusively in this edition.Trade Review‘Middle-earth is the country of J.R.R. Tolkien’s tales – the territory of Sauron, Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Sam Gamgee – whose legends, history, geography and inhabitants combine to make a unique fictional world. This Guide is a comprehensive reference work to every name and event in Tolkien’s books, from The Hobbit to The Silmarillion.’Daily Telegraph ‘Mr Robert Foster’s Complete Guide to Middle-earth supplies, as I have found through frequent use, an admirable work of reference.’CHRISTOPHER TOLKIEN

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Book SynopsisInspired Traveller’s Guides: Literary Places takes you on an enlightening journey through the key locations of literature’s best and brightest authors, movements and moments – brought to life through comprehensively researched text and stunning hand-drawn artwork. Travel journalist Sarah Baxter provides comprehensive and atmospheric outlines of the history and culture of 25 literary places around the globe, as well as how they intersect with the lives of the authors and the works that make them significant. Full-page colour illustrations instantly transport you to each location. You’ll find that these places are not just backdrops to the tales told, but characters in their own right. Travel to the sun-scorched plains of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, roam the wild Yorkshire moors with Cathy and Heathcliff or view Central Park through the eyes of J.D. Salinger’s antihero. Explore the lush and languid backwaters of Arundhati Roy’s Kerala, the imposing precipice of Joan Lindsay’s Hanging Rock and the labyrinthine streets and sewers of Victor Hugo’s Paris. Featured locations: Paris, Les Miserables Dublin, Ulysses Florence, A Room with a View Naples, My Brilliant Friend Berlin, Berlin Alexanderplatz Nordland, Growth of the Soil St Petersburg, Crime and Punishment Sierra de Guadarrama, For Whom the Bell Tolls La Mancha, Don Quixote Davos, The Magic Mountain Bath, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion London, Oliver Twist Yorkshire Moors, Wuthering Heights Cairo, Palace Walk Soweto, Burger's Daughter Kerala, The God of Small Things Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), The Quiet American Kabul, The Kite Runner Hanging Rock, Picnic at Hanging Rock New York, The Catcher in the Rye Monterey, Cannery Row Mississippi River, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Monroeville, To Kill a Mockingbird Cartagena, Love in the Time of Cholera Chile, The House of the Spirits Delve into this book to discover some of the world’s most fascinating literary places and the novels that celebrate them. Each book in the Inspired Traveller's Guides series offers readers a fascinating, informative and charmingly illustrated guide to must-visit destinations round the globe. Also from this series, explore intriguing: Artistic Places (March 2021), Spiritual Places, Hidden Places and Mystical Places.Trade Review"A slam-dunk for bibliophile armchair travelers." * Booklist *Table of Contents1. Paris, France – Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Uncovering and exploring the settings of Hugo’s classic book – the sewers, bridges, the river Seine.2. Dublin, Ireland – James Joyce’s Ulysses. Discover Davy Byrne's pub, the iconic location where you can still drink in the spirit of Leopold Bloom.3. Florence, Italy – EM Forster’s A Room with a View. Exploring the city that sparked a young English woman’s awakening.4. Naples, Italy – Elsa Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend. A modern classic of two girls building a life on the outskirts of Naples. 5. Berlin, Germany – Alfred Doblin’s Berlin Alexanderplatz. Exploring the working-class neighbourhoods near the Alexanderplatz in 1920s Berlin. 6. Rural Norway – Knut Hamsun’s Growth of the Soil. Nobel Prize winning novel, exploring the relationship between settlers and the natural environment in 1920s Norway.7. St Petersburg, Russia – Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Follow in the footsteps of Raskolnikov roaming the back streets of the city.8. Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain – Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls. Setting for the classic Spanish Civil War story.9. La Mancha, Spain – Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Explore the plains of Don Quixote, a founding work of modern Western literature.10. Davos, Switzerland – Thomas Mann’s The Magic Mountain. One of the most influential works of 20th-century German literature.11. Bath, UK – Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. A tour of Austen locations in the Georgian city.12. London, UK – Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist. The city streets and site of the slums where Fagin’s gang lived.13. Yorkshire Moors, UK – Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Walk where Cathy and Heathcliff roamed.14. Cairo, Egypt – Naguib Mahfouz’s novel Palace Walk, part of the Nobel Prize winner's Cairo Trilogy, depicting the life of a family over three generations in Cairo.15. Soweto, South Africa – Nadine Gordimer’s Burger’s Daughter. The Nobel Prize winner's novel set in South Africa is about apartheid struggle.16. Kerala, India – Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. The Booker-winning novel follows the lives of twins, and captures many facets of Kerala life.17. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam – Graham Greene’s The Quiet American. Featuring the street on which the protagonist and writer lived.18. Kabul, Afghanistan – Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner. The setting for this evocative tale of two boys set against the fall of Afghanistan’s monarchy and the rise of the Taliban.19. Hanging Rock, Australia – Joan Lindsay’s Picnic at Hanging Rock. The real location of this classic novel.20. New York, USA – JD Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. Take a Holden Caulfield tour of NYC.21. Monterey, USA – John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. The California street packed with Steinbeck resonance. 22. Mississippi River, USA – Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The mighty waterway, brimming with adventure and social significance.23. Monroeville, Alabama, USA – Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Lee's hometown, the inspiration for the setting of this classic novel.24. Cartagena, Colombia – Gabriel García Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera. Exploring locations used in the novel by the iconic Colombian author.25. Chile – Isabel Allende’s The House of Spirits. Evocative novel set in unnamed place but believed to be Santiago under Pinochet.

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Book SynopsisFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes a highly designed, colourful collection of quotes, wit, and wisdom from Lady Whistledown and the most memorable characters of the beloved Bridgerton books, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.Most esteemed members of the Ton, we are delighted to extend a very special invitation . . . let the notorious Lady Whistledown be your personal guide to each of the characters you know and love. From Simon, to Daphne, to Penelope and Colin, this is your chance to get to know your favourite characters like never before, discovering new gossip and old scandals (once noted, never forgotten...). With over 10,000 words of brand new material written by Quinn (AKA Whistledown) herself, this is the true Bridgerton devotee''s perfect Christmas gift . . .Each chapter in the book will highlight a different character from the Bridgerton series and include a new introduction from Lady Whistledo

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Book SynopsisA stunning companion to Elly Griffiths' beloved crime series, the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries, and a photographic journey through magical Norfolk.Norfolk, a land of peaceful broads, marshy fens, sprawling coastline and shady brecks, is the home of Dr Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist. A place steeped in folklore and history, visibly shaped by the lives of those who have come before, it has become an integral character in Elly Griffiths' bestselling crime series.In this book Elly takes us through a year in the Norfolk landscape, featuring the fascinating locations that have inspired her series and her writing. From seascapes to farmlands, wetlands to woodlands, churches to cottages, this beautiful book captures Norfolk in all its glorious variety and is the perfect gift for any Elly Griffiths fan.

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Book Synopsis_______________ Delve behind the scenes and learn the secrets of the making of this epic wizarding world video game, Hogwarts Legacy The Art and Making of Hogwarts Legacy takes readers on a journey through the creation of the immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books and the films. Go beyond the game via exclusive interviews with the development team, stunning concept sketches, renders and illustrations to really explore the creation of this unique take on a beloved world. ORIGINAL CONCEPT ART: Includes many never-before-seen pieces of beautiful concept art used to craft compelling wizarding world locations from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade, Gringotts and more. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS: Hear from the development team on the process of creating this exciting chapter in the history of the wizarding world. PEOPLE, PLACES AND MAGIC: Get an in-depth look at the compelling characters, detailed environments and amazing magic system that bring Hogwarts Legacy to life. GO BEHIND THE GAME: Filled with behind-the-scenes fun facts and information about the game-making process, from crafting the setting to developing the gameplay – see the incredible work and talent that go into creating such an immersive gaming experience. THE PERFECT COMPANION TO THE GAME: This beautiful volume is an ideal collectable for gamers and fans of the wizarding world.

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Book SynopsisNOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING MICHELLE PFEIFFER AND LUCAS HEDGES A tragedy of manners from the Man Booker-shortlisted author of The Sisters Brothers ‘My favourite book of his yet’ Maria Semple, author of Where'd You Go, Bernadette 'Pure joy' Mail on Sunday 'Buoyantly insane' New Yorker Frances Price is in dire straits. Scandals swirl around the recently widowed New York socialite, and her adult-aged, toddler-brained son Malcolm is no help. Cutting their losses, they grab their cat, Small Frank, and head for the exit. Paris becomes the backdrop for a giddy drive to self-destruction, helped along by a cast of singularly curious characters. Brimming with pathos, warmth and wit, French Exit is a riotous send-up of high society and a moving story of mothers and sons.Trade ReviewFrench Exit made me so happy ... Brilliant, addictive, funny and wise -- Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'Less'Dazzling … deWitt writes in a gorgeously relaxed, freeform style, dabbing a clause here, a phrase there. The book is studded with tiny pleasures … Sharp and strange … DeWitt’s particular comic genius is to evoke the darkness behind the dazzle ... Whichever style he adopts or genre he inhabits, deWitt remains a true original * Guardian *An accomplished comic novel shot through with DeWitt’s trademark genre defiance and caustic sense of humour * i *Pure joy – think Noël Coward shaken up with Ivy Compton-Burnett and garnished with a twist of Lemony Snicket * Mail on Sunday *DeWitt is in possession of a fresh, lively voice that surprises at every turn -- Kate Atkinson, author of 'Transcription'My favourite book of his yet. The dialogue is dizzyingly good, the world so weird and fresh. A triumph from a writer truly in the zone -- Maria Semple, author of the bestselling 'Where’d You Go, Bernadette'Gloriously, acerbically funny and odd -- Melissa HarrisonA sparkling dark comedy ... DeWitt’s tone is breezy, droll, and blithely transgressive ... These are people you may not want to invite to dinner, but they sure make for fun reading * NPR *A thrilling madcap caper anchored by memorable characters, emotional depth and forensically sharp writing -- Hannah Rothschild, author of 'The Improbability of Love'The first time I read French Exit, I raced through, impatient to know the fates of its characters. Then I turned back to page one to enjoy Patrick deWitt's understated satire and casually brutal wit -- Nell Zink, author of 'Mislaid' and 'The Wallcreeper'A modern story, a satire about an insouciant widow on a quest for refined self-immolation .... DeWitt’s surrealism is cheerful and matter-of-fact, making the novel feel as buoyantly insane as its characters .... DeWitt is a stealth absurdist, with a flair for dressing up rhyme as reason * New Yorker *DeWitt is a promiscuous writer, flirting and subverting a different genre with each new novel. With French Exit he has served up a wry, soufflé-light, European-style comedy … A diverting oddball tale that treads just the right line between bite and whimsy * Metro *A Preston Sturges-esque satire on New York’s moneyed classes and the casual brutality of their emotional lives, with more than a whiff of The Royal Tenenbaums … Think Cary Grant’s uptight paleontologist trading barbs with Katharine Hepburn’s blithe heiress in Bringing Up Baby’ * Telegraph *A breezily enjoyable social comedy … Frances and Malcolm make for a memorable double act, with Frances in particular zinging out waspish one-liners * The Times *Patrick deWitt has taken all of what I usually expect and want from a story, misted it in Chanel No 5, and set to it an immeasurably classy lighter. Love it -- Natasha Pulley, bestselling author of 'The Watchmaker of Filigree Street'Patrick deWitt is an artful ventriloquist: for each of his three novels he has deployed a distinctive and utterly beguiling voice * Metro *DeWitt is a true original, conjuring up dark and hilarious images * The Times *DeWittland is a place of exaggerated, creeping horror; a place populated by unfeeling characters who engage in bouts of baroque violence; above all a place suffused with grim humour. It's also a place in which the limits of genre are explored * Daily Telegraph *Disarmingly funny ... DeWitt can inject so much exposition with a single sentence that the reader seldom feels the need for elaboration … True to the theatrical form deWitt appears to have been inspired by, French Exit includes multiple layers of meaning and social commentary, wrapped up in a whip-smart package that cracks with wit and wordplay * Quill and Quire *From the author of the masterpiece of comic taciturnity The Sisters Brothers, French Exit is a “tragedy of manners” delivered with similar devastating wit and brilliance … Combining Edward St Aubyn levels of social awfulness with a masterclass in understated absurdity, any new deWitt novel should be a cause for a national holiday, this one deserving champagne, fireworks and a marching band besides * Strong Words *If you liked Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple, you’ll love the quirky characters and sharp humour of French Exit * Good Housekeeping *A highly enjoyable read … deWitt’s style is nothing if not idiosyncratic, and his elevated language – played for particular comic effect when it comes to dialogue – is perfectly suited to affectionately chiding upper-class mores … The tenderness between Frances, her son and her old friend Joan is of the real stuff * Esquire *Frances and Malcolm are terrific characters, immediately arresting … The greatest achievement of French Exit however is the glamorous, formidable Frances; eccentric, highly intelligent, cold-blooded in both personal and business relationships, she's as witty as any Evelyn Waugh mother … A terrible tale of self-ruin more akin to Gatsby or Patrick Melrose than the Wodehouse or Mitford stories it initially conjures … Faintly comparable to Waugh's A Handful of Dust * Big Issue *If you like Paris, cats, dark humour and satire this is the book for you … With a unique cast of characters and an unusual relationships the book is both witty and warm * Living France *

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Book SynopsisHow does magic in J. K. Rowling’s universe work? Finally, the scientific secrets are revealed! The story of the boy who lived has brought the idea of magic and sorcery into mainstream fruition more than any other book series in history. Modern muggle scientists have uncovered explanations to the seemingly impossible, including answers to such questions as: Will we ever see an invisibility cloak? How hazardous is a flying broomstick like the Nimbus 2000? How has medicine made powerful potions from peculiar plants? (Felix Felicis, anyone?) Can scientists ever demonstrate Wingardium Leviosa, or the flying power of a Golden Snitch? Is it possible to stupefy someone? And many more! A perfect Harry Potter gift for anyone obsessed enough to stand in line to be the first to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, witches and wizards alike will be fascinated by the merging of this improbable realm and real science.Trade ReviewPraise for Mark Brake and Jon Chase’s The Science of Star Wars“If you’ve ever wondered how life could arise on Tatooine or how likely it is that there’s a cantina full of aliens somewhere in our galaxy, The Science of Star Wars is for you.”—San Francisco Book Review“A real treat, with many moments of epiphany lurking between the pages . . . Offers much more than just the scientific facts.”—Labtimes“A gloriously fascinating look into that galaxy far, far away!”—Professor Lewis Dartnell, University of Westminster, New York Times bestselling author of The Knowledge“As a longtime Star Wars maniac, I’d like to recommend Mark Brake and Jon Chase’s The Science of Star Wars: The Scientific Facts Behind the Force, Space Travel, and More! for the geek on your Christmas list. The book is divided into sections on space travel, space, aliens, tech, and bio-tech, with each addressing the scientific feasibility of the Star Wars universe, from faster than light travel to the nature of the Force itself. Written in a clear, friendly style, reading The Science of Star Wars is like sitting down for a conversation with a super geeky scientist friend.”—Unbound Worlds“Using the basic principles of mathematics and science, author Mark Brake and science presenter Jon Chase have unlocked some of the secrets behind the George Lucas films, and have concluded that The Force might not be complete fantasy.”—Telegraph“A fairly easy read in the sense that simple language is used to explain what can at times be fairly complex concepts . . . It’s certainly best enjoyed by anyone with a bent towards the stars and how they stay up there. . . . For the right fan, it would be an excellent Christmas present.”—In a Far Away GalaxyPraise for Mark Brake and Jon Chase’s The Science of Star Wars“If you’ve ever wondered how life could arise on Tatooine or how likely it is that there’s a cantina full of aliens somewhere in our galaxy, The Science of Star Wars is for you.”—San Francisco Book Review“A real treat, with many moments of epiphany lurking between the pages . . . Offers much more than just the scientific facts.”—Labtimes“A gloriously fascinating look into that galaxy far, far away!”—Professor Lewis Dartnell, University of Westminster, New York Times bestselling author of The Knowledge“As a longtime Star Wars maniac, I’d like to recommend Mark Brake and Jon Chase’s The Science of Star Wars: The Scientific Facts Behind the Force, Space Travel, and More! for the geek on your Christmas list. The book is divided into sections on space travel, space, aliens, tech, and bio-tech, with each addressing the scientific feasibility of the Star Wars universe, from faster than light travel to the nature of the Force itself. Written in a clear, friendly style, reading The Science of Star Wars is like sitting down for a conversation with a super geeky scientist friend.”—Unbound Worlds“Using the basic principles of mathematics and science, author Mark Brake and science presenter Jon Chase have unlocked some of the secrets behind the George Lucas films, and have concluded that The Force might not be complete fantasy.”—Telegraph“A fairly easy read in the sense that simple language is used to explain what can at times be fairly complex concepts . . . It’s certainly best enjoyed by anyone with a bent towards the stars and how they stay up there. . . . For the right fan, it would be an excellent Christmas present.”—In a Far Away Galaxy

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Book SynopsisThis special edition invites fans inside the world of the March sisters. It includes the full text of Little Women, plus gorgeous, removable replicas of the characters' letters and other writings. For anyone who loves Little Women, or still cherishes the joy of letter writing, this book illuminates a favorite story in a whole new way. Louisa May Alcott's classic tale follows the March sisters as they come of age, and these unforgettable characters come alive in their letters and other writings. When Laurie invites Jo to join him for a picnic and "all sorts of larks," the unbridled joy of their friendship shines through. Each of the girls' personalities is perfectly encapsulated in the letters they pen to Marmee. And Jo's heart-wrenching poem "My Beth" speaks to the profound bond between two sisters. As you read this deluxe edition of the novel, you will find pockets throughout containing replicas of all 17 significant letters and paper ephemera from the story, re-created with beautiful calligraphy and painstaking attention to historical detail. Pull out each one, peruse its contents, and allow yourself to be transported to the parlor of the March family home. BELOVED STORY: LITTLE WOMEN has been passed down from generation to generation. Greta Gerwig's 2019 film adaption welcomed new fans to the story. Now is the perfect time to revisit the Alcott's original text and experience it in a unique way with physical ephemera that links you directly to the world of the March family. UNIQUE FORMAT: From the masterful calligraphy, to the painstaking attention to historical detail, to the hand-folding of the letters, to the quality of the materials—each book is an object made by fans for fans. This edition offers an immersive experience of the story, stands apart on the shelf, and makes for a truly lovely gift and keepsake. NOSTALGIC APPEAL, TIMELESS STORY: LITTLE WOMEN evokes deep childhood nostalgia—yet it's a rich and sophisticated story with feminist overtones that engages readers of any age and any generation. This edition allows those who read LITTLE WOMEN as children to experience their beloved novel anew, while inviting first-time readers to the party. Perfect for: • LITTLE WOMEN fans • Fans of the film adaptions • Moms, daughters, grandmothers, and girlfriends • Book clubbers • Letter writers • Collectors of vintage ephemera

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Book SynopsisThis deluxe Miniature Edition is packed with summaries of the novels of one of history''s most beloved storytellers, Jane Austen. All six of her classic novels, Sense and Sensibility; Pride and Prejudice; Mansfield Park; Emma; Northanger Abbey; and Persuasion are efficiently organized in this compact tome, which is perfect for either digesting small bites of information or devouring in one sitting. Featuring synopses, character profiles, and two-color illustrations, this mini book brings to life a collection of timeless stories and the iconic characters that populate the novels of Jane Austen.

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Book SynopsisThe first Sherlock Holmes adventure appeared in 1888, but today the detective is more popular than ever-witness the upcoming release of "Sherlock Holmes", starring Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary Victorian sleuth and Jude Law as his faithful chronicler, Dr. John H. Watson. For readers who dream of solving crimes in turn-of-the-century London, "The Sherlock Holmes Handbook" features skills that every would-be sleuth should know: How to Use Deductive Reasoning, How to Analyze Fingerprints - Without Computers, How to Master a Dozen Disguises, How to Survive a Plunge over a Waterfall, and How to Fake Your Own Death. Readers will also discover a host of information about Holmes and his universe: How was the real Scotland Yard organized? Could people really buy cocaine over-the-counter back then? And why were the British so terrified of Australia? Packed with fascinating trivia, evocative illustrations, and a classic Victorian design, "The Sherlock Holmes Handbook" will appeal to 'Baker Street Irregulars' of all ages.

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Book SynopsisThe majority of the pretty villages that make up Midsomer country areactually strewn over four counties - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshireand Oxfordshire. Here for the first time is a comprehensive guide to thegorgeous locations used in filming the series.From Aldbury to Windsor, this book, published in conjunction with theMidsomer Murders Society, surveys over one hundred of these picturesquelocations, complete with filming anecdotes. However, it concentratesprimarily on the historical aspects of each site, most of which are open to thepublic and worth a visit in their own right. The guide is fully indexed bycounty and episode, and covers everything from public houses to churchesand stately homes. Midsomer Murders on Location is extensively illustratedand contains maps to assist the reader in planning their own visit.This book is a must for all Midsomer Murders enthusiasts as well asthose interested in visiting some of England''s finest countryside. Published in conjunction with The Midsomer Murders Society and Bentley Productions.

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Book SynopsisIan Stewart (Author) Professor Ian Stewart is the author of many popular science books. He is the mathematics consultant for New Scientist and a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick. He was awarded the Michael Faraday Prize for furthering the public understanding of science, and in 2001 became a Fellow of the Royal Society.Terry Pratchett (Author) Terry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books which have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. He was awarded a knighthood for services to literature in 2009, although he always wryly maintained that his greatest service to literature was to avoid writing any. www.terrypratchettbooks.comJack Cohen (Author) Dr Jack Cohen is an internationally-known reproductive biologist, and lives in Newent, Gloucestershire. Jack has a laboratory in his kitchen, helps couples get pregnant by referring them to colleagues, invents biologically realistic aliens for science fiction writers and, in his spare time, throws boomerangs. Jack, who has more letters to his name than can be repeated here, writes, lectures, talks and campaigns to promote public awareness of science, particularly biology. He is mostly retired.Trade ReviewIt is exhilarating to feel yourself immersed in such well-expressed and up-to-date debates... * New Scientist *The hard science is as gripping as the fiction * The Times *Entertaining and illuminating * New Scientist *Fantastic... this is some of the best science writing around today, intelligent and witty, creative and playful... if only science could be taught like this in school, many of us would have paid more attention * Fortean Times *

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Book SynopsisSharp wit and compassion combine in a novel about girls and the women who shape them; about influence, identity, individual freedom and group responsibility.

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Book Synopsis*Please note this is not a novel, but a companion book for Reacher fans*NOW UPDATED TO INCLUDE A Q&A WITH LEE CHILD AND ALAN RITCHSON, STAR OF PRIME TV'S HIT SERIES, REACHERMy name is Jack Reacher.No middle name, no address.I'm a man with a rule. People leave me alone, I leave them alone. If they don't, I don't.As every Reacher fan knows, you don't have to break the rules if you make the rules.Rule 1. NEVER VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHINGRule 2: BE ON YOUR FEET AND READYRule 3. SHOW THEM WHAT THEY'RE MESSING WITH Rule 4: DON'T BREAK THE FURNITURERule 5: IF IN DOUBT, DRINK COFFEE'There's only one Jack Reacher. Accept no substitutes'MICK HERRONTrade ReviewJack Reacher is today's James Bond, a thriller hero we can't get enough of. * Ken Follett *Everyone needs to kick some butt sometimes, even if it's just imaginary. * Jojo Moyes *There's only one Jack Reacher. Accept no substitutes. * Mick Herron *One of the thriller genre's great heroes...Women love him as much as men...a new version of the righteous avenger, a Robin Hood for our troubled times...we all want to be Jack Reacher. * Daily Telegraph *Jack is Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson and Bruce Willis all rolled into one, a superman for our time. * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisThe Daffodil Case brings together the best of Ruskin Bond''s fiction and non-fiction. From the thoroughly delightful Dinner with Foster'' and Who Kissed Me in the Dark'' to spooky talesike A Fright in the Night'' and Wilson''s Bridge'', and classicsike Death of a Familiar'', Voting at Barlowganj'' and My Father''s Trees in Dehra''this volume is a selection of some of Bond''s best works. One of India''s most prolific writers, Ruskin Bond creates a charming portrait of the quiet, unhurriedife for his readers with this collection.

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Book Synopsis‘Everything you ever wanted to know about cats in books. A wonderful idea, beautifully executed.’ - Viv Groskop Cats have provided the inspiration for an incredible range of fiction, memoir and poetry, from ancient myths and fables to much-loved children’s books, and from classic tales to contemporary novels. Featuring such famous feline characters as Puss in Boots, Tom Kitten, Pangur Bán, the Cheshire Cat, Macavity, Pluto and Bob the street cat, this light-hearted book is a whirlwind journey through the history of literary cats, uncovering their domestication, early cultural beginnings and religious associations, exploring their roles in different literary genres and revealing some real-life authors’ cats, including those belonging to Edgar Allen Poe, Ernest Hemingway, Patricia Highsmith and Muriel Spark. A section on cats in world literature introduces narrator cats and cat companions from Japan, Eastern Europe, France, Greece, Germany and Finland, demonstrating their enduring worldwide appeal. A must for all cat-lovers, this book celebrates the inspirational connections between our favourite feline friends and the literary imagination.Table of ContentsContents Introduction Felines of Note Classic Cats Poetical Cats Books for Kittens Talking Cats Authors and their Cats Astrocats Cats in Fact Cats in Translation Notes Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the BMA Book Awards and Macavity Awards 2016Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because it''s fiction doesn't mean it''s all made-up ...Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. Her choice of deadly substances was far from random the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but this is not the case with poisons. How is it that some compounds prove so deadly, and in such tiny amounts?Christie''s extensive chemical knowledge provides the backdrop for A is for Arsenic, in which Kathryn Harkup investigates the poisons used by the murderer in fourteen classic Agatha Christie mysteries. It looks at why certain chemicals kill, how they interact with the boTrade ReviewA is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie has lethal charm. Harkup leads every chapter with a literary quote, then proceeds to tell us what the poison is, how and under what circumstances it kills, some real-life instances of its use and what role it plays in the Christie plot ... good fun. * The Washington Post *This book is fascinating, and anyone who is interested in the myriad painful and unpleasant ways in which people can be killed will relish it. * The Times *Harkup superbly captures the texture of Christie's books, the sunshine and the surreptitious villainy. * Daily Mail *A cracking compendium of Christie's poisonings ... A Is For Arsenic will appeal to any fan of Christie's work, but as a potted history of poisons, antidotes and medicines it has much wider reach than that. * BBC Focus *Fact and fun packed, A is for Arsenic looks at why certain chemicals kill, how they interact with th body, and the feasibility of obtaining, administering and detecting these poisons. * Agatha Christie Website *An enjoyable, alphabetical overview of the renowned mystery writer's frequent weapon of choice. * Washington Independent Review of Books *A knockout analysis of poisons used in Christie's novels and short stories … Each chapter gives riveting information on the poison's chemical makeup, how it kills, whether there's an antidote, its history and its use in Christie's works and in real life ... This is an absolutely bravura chemical compound. * Booklist *If you are coming to Agatha Christie's work for the first time, an avid fan, have an interest in crime or toxicology, or just like being taken on an adventure through time, A is for Arsenic is a must read. * Chemistry World *A killing read that combines scientific expertise with fan-based knowledge. * Saga *Table of Contents1. Dame Agatha’s Deadly Dispensary 2. A is for Arsenic – Murder is Easy 3. B is for Belladonna – The Labours of Hercules 4. C is for Cyanide – Sparkling Cyanide 5. D is for Digitalis – Appointment with Death 6. E is for Eserine – Crooked House 7. H is for Hemlock – Five Little Pigs 8. M is for Monkshood – 4:50 from Paddington 9. N is for Nicotine – Three Act Tragedy 10. O is for Opium – Sad Cypress 11. P is for Phosphorus – Dumb Witness 12. R is for Ricin – Partners in Crime 13. S is for Strychnine – The Mysterious Affair at Styles 14. T is for Thallium – The Pale Horse 15. V is for Veranol – Lord Edgware Dies Appendix Glossary Bibliography

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Book SynopsisFrom Blizzard Entertainment, the makers of critically acclaimed games such as Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo comes this exciting companion edition to Diablo III: Book of Cain, giving fans an in-depth look into the mind of Tyrael.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the man behind the moustache in this book of one-liners by the world's most famous Belgian detective, revealing the wit and wisdom of Hercule Poirot and his creator, Agatha Christie. A perfect stocking-filler for every Christie fan, to help celebrate her 125th birthday.My name is Hercule Poirot and I am probably the greatest detective in the world.'The dapper, moustache-twirling little Belgian with the egg-shaped head, curious mannerisms and inordinate respect for his own little grey cells' solved some of the twentieth century's most puzzling crimes. But what do we really know about the eccentric genius underneath that fussy façade?Sometimes funny, often profound, and always revealing, this book of quotes and comments, from more than 50 Poirot novels and short stories, gives an entertaining glimpse of the man behind the moustache, and the wit and wisdom of the Queen of Crime who created him.Includes an exclusive essay by Agatha Christie from the archives on her love/hate relatTrade Review‘As usual, the little man has the last word!’—Agatha Christie, 1938

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Book SynopsisFrom the very first book publication in 1920 to the upcoming film release of Death on the Nile, this investigation into Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot celebrates a century of probably the world's favourite fictional detective.This book tells his story decade-by-decade, exploring his appearances not only in the original novels, short stories and plays but also across stage, screen and radio productions. The hardback edition includes more than 400 illustrations.Poirot has had near-permanent presence in the public eye ever since the 1920 publication of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. From character development, publication history and private discussion concerning the original stories themselves, to early forays on to the stage and screen, the story of Poirot is as fascinating as it is enduring.Based on the author's original research, review excerpts and original Agatha Christie correspondence, Poirot: The Greatest Detective in the World is a lively and accessible history of the character, offering new information and helpful pieces of context, that will delight all Agatha Christie fans, from a new generation of readers to those already highly familiar with the canon.Trade Review‘Delightful, detailed and compulsively readable.’ MARK GATISS ‘What a magnificent book! An essential component of every Poirot fan's book collection. I couldn't put it down.’ SOPHIE HANNAH ‘Exhaustively and entertainingly surveys the book, stage, radio, magazine and film appearances of that fussy little Belgian.’ MICHAEL DIRDA, WASHINGTON POST 'This quirky, trivia-filled look at a touchstone of detective fiction will have Christie fans young and old in heaven.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

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Book SynopsisThe Time Lords are an immensely civilised, and immensely powerful, race. Yet we know very little about them, save that they can live forever (barring accidents) and possess the secrets of space and time travel. Their history has been shrouded in myth and mystery. Until now.A Brief History of Time Lords unlocks the secrets of this ancient, legendary alien race - a civilisation that inflicted some of its most notorious renegades and criminals on the universe, but was also the benevolent power that rid the cosmos of its most fearsome enemies. Drawn from the ancient records of Gallifrey, and handed down from generation to generation, this remarkable book reveals the Time Lords in all of their guises: pioneers and power-mad conspirators, time-travellers and tyrants, creators and destroyers. Be careful who you share it with.

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Book SynopsisWho is Black Widow? Master spy? Avenger? S.H.I.E.L.D. agent?Natasha Romanoff is all this and much more. With a past cloaked in mystery and disinformation, it''s hard to tell truth from deception. That''s why Black Widow: Secrets of a Super-Spy is an invaluable guide to this most secretive of heroes.Expertly written, lavishly illustrated, and boasting a stunning new cover artwork by Jen Bartel, the book traces Natasha''s extraordinary journey from Soviet assassin to Super Hero. Fearless, formidable, and steeped in the world of espionage, Black Widow is one of Marvel Comics'' most unique and enduring Super Heroes. No Black Widow or Marvel fan will want to miss this. 2020 MARVELTrade ReviewAn essential volume in deciphering the past of this particular femme fatale * Starburst magazine online *The perfect tribute to the character. The perfect volume for her to have all to herself. Her story is bared here for all to see and digest. And it is Melanie Scott's words that make the book something that comic-book fans cannot be without. * Future of the Force *

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