Fiction companion works
Austin Macauley Publishers Marsupial Tracks
Book Synopsis
£13.49
Austin Macauley Publishers Purely for The Money and Not A Little Love
Book Synopsis
£9.93
Austin Macauley Publishers Deviant Diva Sex and RocknRoll
Book Synopsis
£9.09
Austin Macauley Publishers East
Book Synopsis
£10.78
The Amazing Maurice Jigsaw Puzzle
Book Synopsis
£12.74
Abrams The Anna Karenina Fix Life Lessons from Russian
Book Synopsis
£18.75
Abrams The Writers Crusade
Book SynopsisJournalist Tom Roston’s The Writer’s Crusade is the story of Kurt Vonnegut and Slaughterhouse-Five, an enduring masterpiece on trauma and memory.“A book about time; or, put another way, a book about how Pilgrim (and Vonnegut) became unstuck in time and how this ‘unsticking’ created Slaughterhouse-Five . . . Roston [casts] himself as part literary scholar and part psychoanalytic sleuth.” —Washington Post Kurt Vonnegut was 20 years old when he enlisted in the United States Army. Less than two years later, he was captured by the Germans in the single deadliest US engagement of the war, the Battle of the Bulge. He was taken to a POW camp, then transferred to a work camp near Dresden, and held in a slaughterhouse called Schlachthof Fünf where he survived the horrific firebombing that killed thousands and destroyed the city. To the millions of fans of Vonnegut&rsquTrade Review“A book about time; or, put another way, a book about how Pilgrim (and Vonnegut) became unstuck in time and how this 'unsticking' created ‘Slaughterhouse-Five'... Roston [casts] himself as part literary scholar and part psychoanalytic sleuth.” * The Washington Post *“A fresh look at Kurt Vonnegut’s classic 1969 novel through the lens of PTSD...[Roston] successfully reenergizes a major work from a writer whose star has faded somewhat. New wars, and more recent fiction about them, may have overshadowed Slaughterhouse-Five, but Roston persuasively shows how the novel speaks both to Vonnegut’s moment and to our own.” * Kirkus Reviews *“Part biography, part literary interpretation, and part fan notes, The Writer's Crusade is a spellbinding reexamination of both Slaughterhouse-Five and its author, Kurt Vonnegut. Although the emphasis of this marvelous book is on PTSD, Tom Roston never loses sight of the intuitive, imaginative genius of a boldly original prose stylist. Any Vonnegut enthusiast, and anyone interested in the sources of fine literature, will find pleasure in these pages.” -- Tim O’Brien“[An] engrossing tale...an absorbing biographical study...Roston [makes] a strong case that the roots of the novel—and its ultimate message—stem from Vonnegut’s attempts to process all he had witnessed in the war.” * Bookpage *“[Roston’s] passion for Vonnegut’s writing is contagious. … a fresh take on a classic.” * Publishers Weekly *“The Writer's Crusade is a multifaceted look at one of the great modern novels. It’s part history of how the book came to be, part Vonnegut biography, and a thoughtful consideration of the book’s impact on America’s post-WWII combat vets...The Writer’s Crusade is an important consideration of Kurt Vonnegut and the legacy of Slaughterhouse-Five. Even better, Roston’s work will send readers back to the original novel, and with fresh new insights on Vonnegut’s complex masterpiece.” * New York Journal of Books *“Mr. Roston gives the reader a book that encompasses many things — simultaneously biography, literary analysis, an inquiry into the creative process, and a concise history of the perception and recognition of war trauma and the development of the concept of post-traumatic stress disorder. He writes with informed insight as well as wit, and his tone is light and engaging despite the seriousness of the subject.... ‘The Writer's Crusade’ provides a thoughtful head start for a renewed appreciation of the author and his best-known work.” * East Hampton Star *A stark reminder of Vonnegut’s uneasy position with contemporary liberalism * The American Conservative Magazine *“Kurt Vonnegut’s dogged pursuit of the truth about his war experiences in writing what would become Slaughterhouse-Five is fully rendered in Tom Roston’s perfectly titled The Writer’s Crusade. In readable and probing prose, Roston illuminates Vonnegut as a veteran, writer, and human being, and investigates haunting questions about war and human nature. For anyone touched by war, Slaughterhouse-Five, or intrigued by the intersection of creativity with trauma and recovery, this superb book is for you.” -- Suzanne McConnell, coauthor, with Kurt Vonnegut, of Pity the Reader: On Writing with Style"I read Slaughterhouse-Five when I had just returned from my war in Vietnam. I didn't understand it until I read The Writer's Crusade. Tom Roston's insightful exploration of Vonnegut's struggle to write the novel, and its significant place in our ongoing task of better understanding and treating the trauma of war should be read by all fans of Vonnegut, and all who suffer from trauma, no matter what the source.” -- Karl Marlantes“I absolutely loved The Writer’s Crusade. As soon as I finished it, I picked up Slaughterhouse-Fiveagain. Tom Roston’s excellent book has given me the great gift of getting to read Vonnegut’s masterpiece as though it were my first time.” -- Kevin Powers“The best thing that Roston does...is to give context to the question of whether Slaughterhouse-Five is an autobiographical portrait of Vonnegut’s own war trauma. Roston writes in depth about the novel itself and how it came to be written... Roston also provides a history of war trauma and how our understanding of it has evolved over the years.” * The Millions *
£18.04
Adams Media Corporation The 100 Best Romance Novels
Book Synopsis
£9.99
Amberley Publishing Arthur Ransome on the Broads
Book SynopsisThe inside story of the two Swallows and Amazons books set on the Norfolk Broads.
£14.39
Simon & Schuster Ltd The Unheard
Book Synopsis
£11.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Elf Warfare
Book SynopsisAlthough few in number, elves produce the most skillful and deadly warriors of all the races. Renowned for their archery and agility, they are mostly associated with hit-and-run tactics; however, they should not be underestimated in open battle. This book compiles all of the information known about these elegant warriors and how they practise war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual elf warrior, it goes on to reveal how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types--from their famed bowmen and swordmasters to their lightning-fast cavalry--making special note of regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as war mages. Accompanied by numerous illustrations in both color and black and white, this book examines specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the elf way of war.Table of ContentsIntroduction / The Elf Warrior / Companies and Armies / Troop Types / Tactics / Allies / Victories
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Superspy Science
Book SynopsisWitty and well researched.' THE TIMESA scientific dose of reality.' MAIL ON SUNDAYA fun and comprehensive exploration.' LINDA McROBBIEEndlessly fascinating.' LIBRARY JOURNALThe science behind James Bond's exploits armaments, tactics, plots and enemy tech.The adventures of James Bond have thrilled readers since Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie of Dr No was released in 1962, Bond quickly became the world's favourite secret agent.Science and technology have always been central to the plots that make up the world of Bond, and in Superspy Science Kathryn Harkup explores the full range of 007's exploits and the arms, technologies, tactics and downfalls of his various foes. From the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold paint really will kill you, and if your plan is to take over the Trade ReviewHighly entertaining ... witty and well researched, this book is great fun to dip into if you're watching any of the Bonds and are curious about the facts behind an eyebrow-raising plot element. * The Times *Harkup is the ideal boffin to probe the facts behind the Bond films' more fanciful diversions from reality ... A great way to know the Bond series' artistic licences from its total thunder-balls. * Total Film Magazine *Bond’s evil foes are doomed … by a scientist’s lethal dose of reality. * Mail on Sunday *Films starring secret agent James Bond are famous for their technology. But how reliable is their science? Kathryn Harkup provides a stylish answer. * Nature *Whichever Bond is your favourite, Harkup’s book is a fun and comprehensive exploration of the not-so-gentlemanly spy’s improbable exploits. ... Harkup writes with clear and contagious affection for the franchise; peppered with just as much historical back story and film trivia as scientific analysis. * Linda Rodriguez McRobbie, author of Ouch! *Harkup has a true skill for turning complicated ideas into easily digestible and endlessly fascinating reading… An entertaining, page-turning, sure-fire hit with all fans of 007. * Library Journal *Superspy Science brings science, technology, history, and adventure together in a tantalising look at the gadgets and inventions that make 007 invincible. * Foreword Reviews *Table of ContentsPre-title sequence 001: Dr No and the gun-barrel sequence 002: From Russia with Love and Rosa Klebb’s shoe 003: Goldfinger and the laser 004: Thunderball and the gamma gas 005: You Only Live Twice and the volcano lair 006: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Blofeld’s bioterrorism plot 007: Diamonds Are Forever and diamonds 008: Live and Let Die and the crocodile run 009: The Man with the Golden Gun and the golden gun 010: The Spy Who Loved Me and the parachute jump 011: Moonraker and the exploding space station 012: For Your Eyes Only and electrocution through headphones 013: Octopussy and the atomic bomb 014: A View to a Kill and May Day 015: The Living Daylights and the cello case 016: Licence to Kill and a tanker full of cocaine 017: GoldenEye and the EM pulse 018: Tomorrow Never Dies and the stealth boat 019: The World Is Not Enough and Renard’s bullet 020: Die Another Day and being sucked out of a plane 021: Casino Royale and the knotted rope 022: Quantum of Solace and the girl covered in oil 023: Skyfall and the cyanide capsule 024: Spectre and Bond’s backstory 025: No Time to Die and the nanobots Bibliography Acknowledgements Index
£10.44
McFarland & Co Inc Patricia A. McKillip and the Art of Fantasy
Book Synopsis From wondrous fairy-lands to nightmarish hellscapes, the elements that make fantasy worlds come alive also invite their exploration. This first book-length study of critically acclaimed novelist Patricia A. McKillip''s lyrical other-worlds analyzes her characters, environments and legends and their interplay with genre expectations. The author gives long overdue critical attention to McKillip''s work and demonstrates how a broader understanding of world-building enables a deeper appreciation of her fantasies.
£20.89
Bolinda Publishing Monsignor Quixote
Book SynopsisPromoted to the rank of Monsignor, Quixote and his friend Sancho, the ex-mayor of El Toboso and an avid Communist, set off on their travels in the rusty old car they call Rocinante. Together, they roam through modern-day Spain in a brilliant picaresque fable that, like Cervantes'' classic, offers enduring insights into our life and times.
£14.24
Bolinda Publishing Monsignor Quixote
Book SynopsisPromoted to the rank of Monsignor, Quixote and his friend Sancho, the ex-mayor of El Toboso and an avid Communist, set off on their travels in the rusty old car they call Rocinante. Together, they roam through modern-day Spain in a brilliant picaresque fable that, like Cervantes'' classic, offers enduring insights into our life and times.
£11.98
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC French Exit: NOW A MAJOR FILM
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 *
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The New Girl
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.
£9.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Ian Fleming's Inspiration: The Truth Behind the
Book SynopsisJames Bond is possibly the most well known fictional characters in history. What most people don't know is that almost all of the characters, plots and gadgets come from the real life experiences of Bond's creator - Commander Ian Fleming. In this book, we go through the plots of Fleming's novels explaining the real life experiences that inspired them. The reader is taken on a journey through Fleming's direct involvement in World War II intelligence and how this translated through his typewriter into James Bond's world, as well as the many other factors of Fleming's life which were also taken as inspiration. Most notably, the friends who Fleming kept, among whom were Noel Coward and Randolph Churchill and the influential people he would mingle with, British Prime Ministers and American Presidents.Bond is known for his exotic travel, most notably to the island of Jamaica, where Fleming spent much of his life. The desk in his Caribbean house, Goldeneye, was also where his life experiences would be put onto paper in the guise of James Bond. As the island was highly influential for Fleming, it features heavily in this book, offering an element of escapism to the reader, with tales of a clear blue sea, Caribbean climate and island socialising. Ian Fleming might have died prematurely aged 53, but so much of him lives on to this day through the most famous spy in the world, James Bond.Trade ReviewThe reader is taken on a journey through Fleming's direct involvement in World War II intelligence and how this translated through his typewriter into James Bond's world, as well as the many other factors of Fleming's life which were also taken as inspiration.--Washington Times
£13.49
Austin Macauley Publishers The Cicero File
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£10.99
Austin Macauley Publishers The Journal Writer
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£10.79
Austin Macauley Publishers Henderson Yip's Hardware Store
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£10.99
Austin Macauley Publishers The Stony Stage
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£10.99
Austin Macauley Publishers Destiny Ruled by Mind
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£11.63
Austin Macauley Publishers Destiny Ruled by Mind
Book Synopsis
£13.99
Austin Macauley Publishers The Desert's Daughters
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£12.99
Austin Macauley Publishers The Cedars of Beckenham
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£16.14
Austin Macauley Publishers Let It Snow
Book Synopsis
£10.44
Austin Macauley Publishers Australia We Didn’t See
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£12.99
Austin Macauley Publishers Magnet Man
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£9.49
Austin Macauley Publishers Piece of the Action: A Klondike's Circus Novel
Book Synopsis
£12.99
Quercus Publishing This is the Canon: Decolonize Your Bookshelves in
Book Synopsis'A vital and timely introduction to some of the best books I've ever read. Perfectly curated and filled with brilliant literature'Nikesh Shukla'The ultimate introduction to post-colonial literature for those who want to understand the classics and the pioneers in this exciting area of books'Symeon BrownThese are the books you should read. This is the canon.Joan Anim-Addo, Deirdre Osborne and Kadija Sesay have curated a decolonized reading list that celebrates the wide and diverse experiences of people from around the world, of all backgrounds and all races. It disrupts the all-too-often white-dominated 'required reading' collections that have become the accepted norm and highlights powerful voices and cultural perspectives that demand a place on our shelves.From literary giants such as Toni Morrison and Chinua Achebe to less well known (but equally vital) writers such as Caribbean novelist Earl Lovelace or Indigenous Australian author Tony Birch, the novels recommended here are in turn haunting and lyrical; innovative and inspiring; edgy and poignant.The power of great fiction is that readers have the opportunity to discover new worlds and encounter other beliefs and opinions. This is the Canon offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on our past, present and future which deserves to be read by all bibliophiles - whether they are book club members or solitary readers, self-educators or teachers.Trade ReviewA vital and timely introduction to some of the best books I've ever read. Perfectly curated and filled with brilliant literature. -- Nikesh ShuklaThe ultimate introduction to post-colonial literature for those who want to understand the classics and the pioneers in this exciting area of books -- Symeon BrownA beautiful opportunity to rethink your reading lists and discover books from around the world... Joan Anim-Addo, Deirdre Osborne and Kadija Sesay are well respected and explain their thoughts, reasoning, and hold their arms wide in welcoming you to This is the Canon -- LoveReading.co.uk
£10.44
Simon & Schuster What Every Girl Should Know: Margaret Sanger's
Book SynopsisThis compelling historical novel spans the early and very formative years of feminist and women’s health activist Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, as she struggles to find her way amidst the harsh realities of poverty.Margaret was determined to get out. She didn’t want to clean the dirty dishes and soiled diapers that piled up day in and day out in her large family’s small home. She didn’t want to disappoint her ailing mother, who cared tirelessly for an ever-growing number of children despite her incessant cough. And Margaret certainly didn’t want to be labeled a girl of “promise,” destined to become either a teacher or a mother—which seemed to be a woman’s only options. As a feisty and opinionated young woman, Margaret Higgins Sanger witnessed and experienced incredible hardships, which led to her groundbreaking work as an advocate for women’s rights and the founder of Planned Parenthood. This fiery novel of Margaret’s early life paints the portrait of a young woman with the passion and courage to change the world.
£16.14
Simon & Schuster The Great Unknowable End
Book Synopsis
£16.99
Dalkey Archive Press Friction
Book SynopsisA dazzling literary card game: an investigation into how and why we fall into or out of love--with a person or a book.
£12.34
Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc The Ultimate Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Book: Solve
Book SynopsisSolve over 144 puzzles, navigate around maps of London and the English countryside, search for hidden clues, and—most importantly—exercise your sharp intellect and keen perception skills, just as Sherlock Holmes would. First appearing in 1887, Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend and biographer, Dr. John Watson, continue to be two of the most popular detective characters of all time. Who, then, could be better companions to accompany you on this three-challenge puzzle adventure, inspired by these six classic Sherlock Holmes short stories? The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge The Adventure of the Second Stain The Adventure of the Reigate Puzzle The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plan This illustrated edition includes: The Puzzle Challenge: Each of the six chapters, inspired by a Sherlock Holmes short story, contains 24 puzzles for you to solve, including cryptograms, crosswords, ciphers, and more. The Map Challenge: Each chapter has an accompanying map, so after you solve a puzzle, you consult the map clue box at the bottom of the page for your next stop on the map and puzzle to solve. The Sherlock Challenge: This challenge has you looking out for Sherlock’s magnifying glass with a number in it, prompting you to add words to grids and ultimately revealing a Sherlock Holmes quotation. Hours of fun and entertainment await you inside! The Puzzlecraft series from Wellfleet Press tackles some of the greatest conundrums of our time. Learn how to navigate the world’s trickiest mazes, solve the most complex crosswords, and finally get the answer to “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” Follow literature’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, as he guides you through hundreds of challenging cross-fitness brain exercises inspired by his most popular cases and adventures. You can also train your memory to perform better and learn the meanings behind your own personality traits or the traits of others. These handy and portable paperbacks are sized perfectly to travel, whether on vacation or just for your daily commute. The intricately designed covers and bold colors will capture your attention as much as the engaging content inside. Other titles in the series include: The Curious History of Mazes; The Curious History of the Crossword; The Curious History of the Riddle; Escape from Sherlock Holmes; Sherlock Holmes Puzzles: Code Breakers; Sherlock Holmes Puzzles: Math & Logic Games; Sherlock Holmes Puzzles: Visual Puzzles; Sherlock Holmes Puzzles: Lateral Brain Teasers; Solving Sherlock Homes; Maximize Your Memory; and The Book of Personality Tests.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: The Mazarin Stone Chapter 2: Wisteria Lodge Chapter 3: The Second Stain Chapter 4: The Reigate Puzzle Chapter 5: The Greek Interpreter Chapter 6: The Bruce-Partington Plans The Sherlock Challenge Answers to The Mazarin Stone Answers to Wisteria Lodge Answers to The Second Stain Answers to The Reigate Puzzle Answers to The Greek Interpreter Answers to The Bruce-Partington Plans Answers to The Sherlock Challenge Answers to The Map Challenge
£13.49
Quirk Books The Sherlock Holmes Handbook: The Methods and
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.
£13.59
University of Massachusetts Press Wild Horse: Stories
Book SynopsisWinner of the prestigious Grace Paley Prize, Wild Horse explores human experience in forgotten places of America's industrial decline. Interweaving images of remarkable natural beauty with neglected homes and trashed streets, Neuenfeldt writes fully to life characters who have been dealt losing hands. With a pathos both heartrending and fascinating, he offers stories that pull readers completely into the landscapes of loss, daring them to keep looking despite the squalor because there is something about the character - the grit he displays or the hopefulness he maintains - that makes readers want to see how it ends.An orphaned boy fights to keep the dilapidated home that contains the memory of his family. A sawyer's nephew scrambles to recall the skills of the trade in the wake of his uncle's death. A corrections teacher strains to give his son direction in a remote prison town after his addict mother deserts them. These stories create a portrait of the difficult decisions people must make in unforgiving surroundings and the consequences of the battle to press on.Published in cooperation with Association of Writers and Writing Programs.
£19.76
University of Massachusetts Press Freak Weather: stories
Book SynopsisFrom a nurse who sees a rattlesnake in the pediatric ICU to an animal control officer convinced she's found her abducted daughter in the house of a dog hoarder, the thirteen stories in Freak Weather are as unpredictable as the atmospheric changes that give this collection its name. With dark and raucous humor, Mary Kuryla creates female characters who, at times, combine a violent urgency with lack of introspection as they struggle to get out from under the thumb of a perceived authority. The intricate language is inseparable from the narrator's conviction; the characters lie with such bravado they're soon tangled up in their own webs. This brand of romanticism in a female character is little tolerated, and Freak Weather's mission - Kuryla's artistic mission overall - is to scratch at the intolerable. Call it bad instructions for moral behavior.
£19.76
University of Massachusetts Press Veterans Crisis Hotline
Book SynopsisThe twelve stories of Veterans Crisis Hotline offer a meditation on the relationship between war and righteousness and consider the impossible distance between who men are and who they want to be. A veteran working at the hotline listens to the stories men tell when they need someone to hear their voices, when they need to access a language for their pain. Two men search for the head of a decapitated Iraqi civilian so that they might absolve themselves of the atrocities of war, a Marine hunts for the man who raped his girlfriend, and a teenage son replaces his dead father on the battlefield. With a quick wit and offbeat humor, Jon Chopan takes us from the banks of the Euphrates to the bars and VFW halls of the Rust Belt, providing insight into the Iraq War and its enduring impact on those who volunteered to fight in it.
£19.76
BenBella Books Smart Pop Explains Harry Potter Books and Movies
Book SynopsisWho is Snape? What’s a horcrux? When did Sirius Black escape from Azkaban? Why was Hermione sorted into Gryffindor?It’s easy for new fans to get overwhelmed by the sprawling mythology and complexity of the Harry Potter movies and books. Unlike encyclopedias and guides that offer diehard fans trivia, details, and deep dives into every on-screen moment, this first-of-its-kind explainer is an easy, fun, and accessible introduction to the hundreds of characters, plots, and interconnected stories that make up one of the greatest pop culture franchises of all time. Maybe you’re a First Year and need an entry level class on the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Are you trying to figure out why Slytherins are so slippery? Trying to parcel out parceltongue? Having trouble sorting out when Dumbledore battled Grindelwald? Or maybe you’re a confident Ravenclaw who wants to understand why it’s leviOsa, not levioSA! If you’re a Muggle, witch, or wizard looking for an easy entry into what literally everyone is talking about then this is the book for you. As the perfect and unauthorized resource to keep on hand when watching something for the first—or tenth—time, Smart Pop ExplainsHarry Potter Movies and Books to you like no one could!
£12.34
Austin Macauley Publishers LLC Freedom Runner
£9.49
Austin Macauley Publishers LLC Freedom Runner
£16.14
Insight Editions Harry Potter: Marauder's Map Lock and Key Diary
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£13.26
H.W. Wilson Publishing Co. Novels into Film: Adaptations & Interpretation
Book SynopsisWith 100 concise essays on significant novels and movie adaptations, ranging from classics to contemporary favorites, this new Salem edition will appeal to students of literature and film, not to mention movie lovers from every walk of life. This reference work brings value to students and teachers at the high school and undergraduate levels, and the essays can be used to complement individual or classroom study.
£147.20
Scratch Books Reverse Engineering
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£9.49
Quarto Publishing PLC Literary Places: Volume 2
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.
£12.74
Royal Society of Chemistry The Secret Science of Superheroes
Book SynopsisEver wondered what a superhero eats for breakfast? Do they need a special diet to feed their superpowers? The odd metabolisms of superheroes must mean they have strange dietary needs, from the high calorie diets to fuel flaming bodies and super speeds, to not so obvious requirements for vitamins and minerals. The Secret Science of Superheroes looks at the underpinning chemistry, physics and biology needed for their superpowers. Individual chapters look at synthesising elements on demand, genetic evolution and what superhero suits could be made of. By exploring these topics, the book introduces a wide range of scientific concepts, from protein chemistry to particle physics for a general scientifically interested audience. With contributions from leading science communicators the book hopes to answer some of these important questions rather than debunk or pick holes in the science of superheroes.Trade ReviewCover-to-cover, the book is short and sweet, an experience populated with quintessential superheroes and comic history (the authors' knowledge is impressive). It introduces a wide range of topics that can captivate a diverse range of readers - from those with general science knowledge to comic book and film enthusiasts. What I enjoyed most about this book was how well it made difficult concepts understandable. -- Cam Meze * Nature Reviews Chemistry, Volume 1, 2017, Article Number 0089 * I found this book very inspirational - I do not think that there are many books that join fundamental science and popular fiction in such an engaging way! [A]n illustration of the fact that serious subjects can be explained in a fascinatingly clear way to which broader audience can easily relate. -- Darja Lavogina * Darja Lavogina * The secret science of superheroes is fun, engaging and suitable for superhero fans of any level. -- Aurora Walshe * Chemistry World, December 2017 * The Secret Science of Superheroes is quite possibly the best book I have read that uses science fiction as a vehicle for science fact. -- Michael Follows * Physics World, November 2017 * Much like superheroes, scientists tend to assemble...at conferences or science festivals. At one such event, the 2016 Manchester Science Festival to be precise, a team of like-minded scientists came together to try to suss out the real-world science behind everything from Wonder Woman's lasso to the Hulk's gigantic transformation. The result is The Secret Science of Superheroes - an eclectic collection of essays by 15 scientists and science communicators, edited by Mark Lorch and Andy Miah. While not explicitly a sequel to James Kakalios's The Physics of Superheroes, this book is greater than the sum of its parts and fills many of the gaps when it comes to other sciences including biology and chemistry. It is clear from the preface that the book does not aim to debunk the science (which is easy) - instead, it considers how science might make the superheroes plausible. Each section is concise and faster-paced than similar books, as the authors each had to fit their contributions into 15 or so pages. Laced with gentle humour, every chapter ends with a list of references for the interested reader. In biology, the book covers key issues such as evolution, epidemiology and cancer. Louise Gentle, from Nottingham Trent University, writes about the evolution of superpowers but starts with an excellent explanation of natural selection, before suggesting that X-Men mutants could originate from a founder population. Embryos develop structures reminiscent of gills, a testament to life evolving in the oceans. It is conceivable that an environmental trigger might lead to the expression of this ancestral characteristic and the appearance of Aquaman. Gentle shows that many living creatures possess the superpowers claimed by our superheroes and this refrain echoes throughout the book. For example, shape-shifting comes as naturally to the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) as X-Men's Mystique. By using muscular hydrostatics to squeeze through an aperture the size of a pound coin, a 273 kg octopus outdoes Elastigirl. Although she can stretch any part of her body by 30 m, Elastigirl gets undone by the effect of turning forces - the further she stretches, the smaller the force she can apply - one of the few places in the book where we are confronted with the limits of superheroes. To a greater or lesser extent, all of the writers strayed from their superhero brief. For example, Isabel Pires, a life scientist at the University of Hull, uses the Hulk as a metaphor for how cancers develop. Paul Coxon, a materials scientist at the University of Cambridge, talks about lithium, though he cleverly weaves it into the superhero world by suggesting that we should not overlook the super elements we already have at our disposal. Felicity Heathcote-Marcz, at the University of Manchester, tells us that Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth was most likely a comic-book manifestation of the lie-detector test. After all, William Moulton Marston, who dreamt up and wrote the first Wonder Woman comics, also developed the systolic blood pressure test, an integral part of the polygraph. Rob Miles, from the University of Hull's school of engineering and computer science, writes about big data, computers and artificial intelligence, but he starts by talking about Tony Stark's (aka Iron Man) home computing system "Jarvis" (Just A Rather Very Intelligent System). Miles then turns his back on superheroes, veering to "homicidal HAL" in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: a Space Odyssey, before going into the Turing test, personal assistants such as Apple's Siri, and even Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. Miles closes by talking about recent, possibly state-sponsored, cyber-attacks and the dangers of big data. While Spider-Man is arguably the best superhero vehicle for explaining physics, the University of Surrey's Suze Kundu makes a persuasive case for using Batman and his costume to showcase composite materials. Kevlar would be a good choice for his suit, as it is bulletproof. This is because it spreads the force of an impact over a wide area, and this effect could be enhanced by incorporating a non-Newtonian material such as D3O. Already used in beanie hats worn by snowboarders, it stiffens on impact, turning the hat into a crash helmet and deforms slightly to absorb kinetic energy. Weaving in carbon nanotubes would enhance its tensile strength and provide a figure-hugging Faraday cage. Carbon is a conductor so Batman would be insulated from electric shocks, while heat would be channelled along the tubes. His cape could be made from "memory cloth" and the desired shape could be activated by an electrical current. If it were made of something like Nitinol, it could pop back into shape. Shape-memory materials are already in use as arterial stents and underwiring for bras. Of course, all these superheroes really need crumple zones or an airbag to avoid injury but this would compromise the visual spectacle and we are prepared to suspend disbelief for the sake of the story. Meanwhile, scientists are developing supersuits for soldiers and people with disabilities, inspired by science fiction. Brian Mackenwells, of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, tries to trip up the Flash, who can run at a maximum speed of 140,000 mph (or just shy of 63 km/s) - an ideal pretext to talk about the physics of re-entry from space. Mackenwells uses the "isentropic gas equation" to work out that the temperature of someone running at Mach 182 would rise by 3.4 million DegreesC. Three strategies are used for space re-entry vehicles to minimize heating: ablation, where some material absorbs thermal energy and changes state; emission, where thermal energy is absorbed and then emitted as electromagnetic radiation; or using heat sink material with a high specific heat capacity, which is the only option open to the Flash. Mackenwells works out the Flash's specific heat capacity to be around 7 billion J kg-1 K-1, making him an amazing human heat-sink. Very few typographical errors sneaked in, though the book could have benefited from a few tables of data rather than some of the infographics used. Despite these small niggles, The Secret Science of Superheroes is quite possibly the best book I have read that uses science fiction as a vehicle for science fact. -- Michael Follows * Physics World * The secret science of superheroes is a collection of scientific essays that were written by a team of science writers over a single weekend, then compiled and edited by Mark Lorch and Andy Miah. While there are plenty of equations, diagrams and mind-bending concepts, it's definitely not a textbook. It's far too silly to be a textbook. In fact, there is a wonderful juxtaposition in using well-considered logical scientific arguments to explain the (often ridiculous) comic book world by, for example, predicting and understanding the physical properties of Captain America's vibranium shield or asking how easy it would be for Elastigirl to give birth. What I loved about this book was the fact that each chapter was independent and unique, and each had a different approach - which makes sense as each chapter is written by a different author talking about their own favourite subject in their own way. The secret science of superheroes addresses all of those niggling inconsistencies that hardcore nerds have grumbled about during movie marathons, but it also breaks the science down in a fun and easy-to-read way for the comic book novice. I honestly think this book would appeal to anyone, regardless of their scientific education. Let's face it, is there really a better way to learn about epidemiology than by choosing which virus would best enslave humanity? The secret science of superheroes is fun, engaging and suitable for superhero fans of any level. Not to mention a great way to learn how to laugh like an evil genius. -- AURORA WALSHE * Chemistry World * In worlds where superheroes exist, I often imagine how such powers could be possible. These are worlds in which we often have to suspend belief. But what if we didn't? The authors - a banded `super' team of scientists - of The Secret Science of Superheroes aim to explore the many scientific principles underpinning the superpowers we marvel at. This book is composed of short, concise chapters that delve into individual superpowers and provide examples of comparable abilities exercised in the world we live in, whether they appear in nature or spawn from technology. The reader is challenged to consider what sort of nutritional intake Spider-Man would need to kickstart his crime-fighting day, or how the ins and outs of Batman's suit allow him to keep Gotham City safe. Cover-to-cover, the book is short and sweet, an experience populated with quintessential superheroes and comic history (the authors' knowledge is impressive). It introduces a wide range of topics that can captivate a diverse range of readers - from those with general science knowledge to comic book and film enthusiasts. Each chapter is structured similarly and is accompanied by educational illustrations by Andy Brunning, providing the perfect blend of entertaining and informative material with plenty of references for the reader to peruse should he or she want to explore the science a little more. The sheer diversity of the content means that not all chapters may appeal to you. However, I would dissuade against skipping them. On first glance of the contents page, I had an opinion on what chapters I thought I would enjoy the most. How wrong I was; do not judge a chapter by its title. A highlight of the book included an exploration into how Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth could be made from aramid rope - a type of material made from Kevlar - with an absorbent layer that allows a truth serum drug, such as sodium pentothal, to permeate the skin of the captive. What I enjoyed most about this book was how well it made difficult concepts understandable. For example, one chapter focuses on the Hulk and his transformation from Bruce Banner as a model to explain the biological processes of cancer. These types of discussions - based on our present understanding of disciplines such as genetics, materials science and physics, among others - could inspire those interested in comic books and films to take up the study of science. Superheroes such as Batman and Iron Man were my exposure and gateway into science; these characters made science cool, and this is exactly what this book does. It is hard to read this book and not wonder what ability I would want. I often overlook the adverse effects and the dark side of power. This book explores these trade-offs and made me rethink what power I would want - remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Those with a keener hawkeye will notice a few mistakes, but these can be forgiven. After all, the authors embraced the power of The Flash and wrote this book in just 36 hours. This book does what it sets out to do: it introduces a wide range of scientific concepts in a fun, light-hearted and understandable tone. Occasionally, we have to accept that, sometimes, superpowers are just magic. However, the world as we know it may be working towards `super', with advancements in technology and the development of military supersuits, memory materials and programmable polymers. As one of the authors states, "The science behind superheroes is not entirely outside the realms of the physical possibilities that operate within our world." Science is a marvellous field that might just make the impossible possible. -- Cam Meze * NATURE REVIEWS | CHEMISTRY *Table of ContentsThe Breakfast of Superheroes; The Evolution of Superpowers; The Hallmarks of Hulk; Supervillainy 101; How to Build a Super Soldier; The Real World Super Metal; Is it a Ceramic? Is it Graphene? No it's Vibranium; The Science of Super Suits; Why Doesn't the Invisible Woman Bump Into Things?; The Flash: The Fastest Man on Fire; You've Got to Learn to be More...Flexible: The Mechanics of Marvellous; Big Data, Big Heroes and Bad Computers; The Wonder-ous Truth: The Workings of Wonder Woman's Lasso; Super Frequently Asked Questions
£19.99
Icon Books Who Is Dracula’s Father?: And Other Puzzles in
Book SynopsisWhen it was first published in 1897 - 120 years ago - Irish author Bram Stoker's Dracula was ranked by the Daily Mail above work by Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe, as well as Wuthering Heights. Yet it never madeStoker any money.Since 1931's film Nosferatu the Vampire, however, it has never been out of print and is legendary among fans of the dark, macabre and mysterious .Critic John Sutherland, a Dracula fan since childhood - and author of the literary puzzle classics Is Heathcliff a Murderer? and Can Jane Eyre be Happy? explores the enigmas and puzzles of this towering giant of gothicnovels, such as:Who was Dracula's father? Why does the Count come to England? Does the Count actually give Jonathan a 'love bite'? Why does every country we know of have a vampire legend? And finally - how long is it before we're all vampires?The book also includes 'Dracula Digested' by John Crace, author of the Guardian's Digested Reads column.
£8.54
