Gift and novelty books / items

Book SynopsisThe perfect Valentine''s Day gift!AS FEATURED IN THE SUN Everything you need to know to have the best sex according to your star sign. Next time you have sex, you''ll be seeing stars... Harness the power of the zodiac to guide you to pleasure that''s out of this world. From what sex positions will have you ascending, to the turn-ons that''ll make more than just the moon rise, as well sex toys, masturbation tips and more - this little book has big astrology energy. A cheeky hardback with foil on the cover corresponding to your sign''s element (earth, water, air or fire) and illustrations throughout - this is the perfect guide for out-of-this-world fun. It''s time to let your ruling planet show you how to rule the bedroom.

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Book SynopsisWith over 400 million Bibles in print, the New International Version is the world''s most popular modern English Bible. It is renowned for its combination of reliability and readability. Fully revised and updated in 2011 the NIV is ideal for personal reading, public teaching and group study. This edition features a geometric design on the cover and includes a presentation page, making it a perfect gift for Bible readers. Smaller than a regular pew bible but with large text, this Bible is portable and easy to read.This Bible features- clear, readable 8.5pt text- blue ribbon to mark your place- shortcuts to key stories, events and people of the Bible- reading plan- quick links to find inspiration and help from the Bible in different life situations- British spelling, punctuation and grammar to allow the Bible to be read more naturally. Royalties from all sales of the NIV Bible help Biblica, formerly the International Bible Society, in their work

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Book SynopsisThese guinea pigs really know how to act' The Times Born into the litters of two rival families, star-cross'd lovers Romeo and Juliet fall tuft-over-paw for each other before learning that they are sworn enemies. O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?' squeaks Juliet from her balcony, before declarations of undying affection are made and a secret wedding is planned. But the path of true love does not run smooth, and Romeo soon finds himself banished from the city of Verona after playing his part in a fatal brawl with Juliet's family. In a desperate attempt to scurry away together, they devise a plan fraught with danger that eventually leads to heart-break Discover Shakespeare's classic tale of romance and tragedy, retold in an entirely new way.Trade ReviewThese guinea pigs really know how to act * The Times *An unexpected hit * Guardian *Really fun * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisIt's not easy being a dino-mummy especially when you have two roaring little dinos to take care of. But somehow Dino-Mummy makes everything look so easy ...Do you know a secret? I'm sure you dino-do!It's something rather special about a certain you know who'!From the moment that you wake up, she's a sing-song superstar,Singing out Good morning!' with a dino Tra la la!'Dino-Mummy is AMAZING, and whether it's morning, noon or night, she's always on hand. After all, life in the dino family is just as fun (and chaotic) as ever. Tell your dino-mummy just how much you love her with his special gift edition, perfect for Mother's Day!Trade ReviewBrightly coloured and full of the love and fun that makes families, it’s a super book * Parents in Touch *Bright, bubbly illustrations complement this warm, charming story of a cheerful, loving, totally awesome Dino-Mummy * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisThe last twelve months seen through the eyes of the brilliantly funny cartoonist Matt - the perfect Christmas gift.'Matt is an Adorable Genius' Jilly CooperTrade ReviewA magical mix of school boy giggles and satirical schadenfraude. * SOUTH WALES ARGUS *His distinctive chuckle friendly, slightly rushed style makes this collection a must * BELFAST TELEGRAPH *

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Book SynopsisTHE HILARIOUS DIARY BY MRS STEPHEN FRY - THE WIFE YOU NEVER KNEW HE HAD''Hilarious'' - Daily Express''Buy the wife''s book or I''ll never hear the end of it'' Stephen FryStephen Fry''s secret wife speaks out at last...Enjoyed a nice cuppa this morning with a HobNob and Jeremy Kyle. There was a woman on there who''d been married 16 years without realising her husband was gay. Extraordinary! Which reminds me, it''s our 16th anniversary in a few weeks. What a coincidence.Stephen Fry - actor, writer, raconteur and wit. Cerebral and sophisticated, a true Renaissance man. Or is he?Finally, his secret double life - the womanizing, the window-cleaning, the kebabs, the karaoke - is exclusively revealed by Edna, his devoted wife and mother of his five, six or possibly seven children. These diaries take us through a year in the life of an unwitting celebrity wife, and are rumoured to include: Trade ReviewHilarious * Daily Express *Buy the wife's book or I'll never hear the end of it. -- Stephen FryThe clever wordplay and gags keep coming... it's consistently funny and will keep all types of readers entertained. * Irish Times *'Hilarious' * Daily Express *Buy the wife's book or I'll never hear the end of it. * Stephen Fry *The clever wordplay and gags keep coming... it's consistently funny and will keep all types of readers entertained. * Irish News *'There's a guaranteed laugh every page.' * Star *A great idea * Heat *Easy reading, slightly naughty, lots of laughs. * The Sunday Times *Guaranteed to make you smile. * Red *Bonkers- but brilliant. * The Scottish Sun *This laugh-a-minute spoof wonderfully showcases Fry's wicked sense of humour and dry wit. * Cath Kidson *Both witty and clever, peppered with more sublte literary jokes than you can shake a can of Spam at. * We Love This Book *

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Book SynopsisThere are times in life when all you need to find solace is a small gesture of consolation. 100 Hugs, a collection of everyday comforts, offers such solace. Each hug is a reminder to slow down and take comfort in the little things, from indulging in warm cookies and milk to watching fireflies on a summer evening. Sandy Gingras''s hugs are the beacons of light that shine through the fog of everyday life. Sandy Gingras''s uplifting words illustrated with her original watercolour art form pretty little hugs. These hugs are perfect to give as a gift or to keep for your own personal growth. They are nourishment for the body, mind, and soul, reminding you to take a step back and become that flourishing version of you again.

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Book SynopsisBreathe in.Clear your desk.Breathe out.Clear your mind.Breathe in.Prepare.Breathe out.And enjoy the most mindful (and hilarious) 15 minutes of your day . . . F*ck That is a meditation guide which will teach you to breathe in strength and breathe out the bullsh*t.

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Book SynopsisCats enjoying catip! Professional animal photographer Andrew Marttila has captured wonderful split-second images of a variety of cats enjoying catnip (Nepeta cataria), which contains the oil nepetalactone. This non-addictive, harmless stimulant produces a mild euphoric effect - and wonderful images of cats enjoying themselves.

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'Brilliant! Will make a perfect Xmas stocking filler' Bronya Ralley'Delightful. This dip-in-anywhere book put a smile on my face from the first page . . . for everyone who likes a good chuckle' Ruth MilliganAs we all know, the oxymoron is one of the great beauties of the English language. It has been defined as 'a figure of speech that juxtaposes elements that appear to be contradictory'. Famous examples would include 'bitter-sweet', 'open secret' and 'compassionate Conservatism'.Seriously Funny, and Other Oxymorons brings together a great many examples of the oxymoron genre, amusingly illustrated by Paul Thomas. The book is arranged according to various categories ranging from Popular Culture to Political Principles and Business Ethics, all covered in Simon Brett's inimitably witty style.Anyone with an 'unbiased opinion' will quickly grasp that Seriously Funny makes a 'devilishly nice' book.

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Book Synopsis ''A must-have'' - The Telegraph''Book of the Week'' - The Independent''Hilarious'' - Sport Magazine In what other context do football fans use the words ''aplomb'' or ''derisory''? Why don''t we use ''rifle'' as a verb on the other six days of the week? Why do aggrieved midfielders feel the instinctive need to make a giant ball-shaped gesture with both hands after a mistimed tackle is punished? The more football Adam Hurrey watched, the more he began to spot the recurring mannerisms, behaviours, opinions and iconography that were mindlessly repeated in the football media. Some cliches are ridiculous, some are quaintly outdated, some have survived through their sheer indisputability. Here, featuring gloriously pseudo-scientific diagrams and the inimitable writing style that made footballcliches.com a smash hit, they are covered in all their glory.Trade ReviewAn entertaining, hilarious dissection of the language of football, complete with diagrams and illustrations. Open your chequebook for a last-ditch transfer swoop. - Sport MagazineHurrey's observations are worryingly accurate and will make you laugh out loud. If you want to know when we're officially in the 'business end of the season' or whether a goal was by a shot being fired, drilled, rifled, thundered, hammered, powered, slammed, rammed, or blasted into the back of the net then Adam is the man to tell us. - outsideoftheboot.comFootball Cliches is a crusade to analyse and dissect the art of the football cliche. The saturation of football coverage has ensured the emergence of a code, to which everyone in football unwittingly adheres. Literally over the moon to be up there with your Jonathan Wilsons and David Conns of the world on the FSF awards shortlist. - Football Supporters' Federation

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Book SynopsisFor fans of WHAT IF? and NEW SCIENTIST comes this brilliantly funny and informative look at the stranger side of evolution.Featuring:The Zombie ants mind-controlled by a fungusBeautiful salamanders that can regenerate any part of their bodies, including their brainsThe mantis shrimp, which fires its club-like appendage so fast that the surrounding water becomes as hot as the surface of the sunThe Antechinus, whose runaway testosterone levels cause them to have so much sex during their three-week mating season that they bleed internally, go blind, and drop dead...Featuring quirky illustrations and the signature blend of science smarts and humour that make Matt Simon''s Wired column so entertaining, this is an ideal stocking-filler for every popular science aficionado...

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Book SynopsisBe brave, be bold, be inspired and write about your BIG ideas. The Fantastically Great Women Big Ideas Notebook, inspired by Kate Pankhurst’s extraordinary picture book series, invites you to use your imagination to shape the future! There are pages that include Fantastically Great Women quotes and decorated pages inviting you to write your own strong messages, thoughts and memories. Meet Mary Anning, who discovered amazing fossils, Josephine Baker, one of the world’s most iconic dancers, Valentina Tereshkova, who travelled all the way to space and so many more women who will inspire you! With lots of inspirational quotes, like ‘Shine like the star you are’ and ‘You are capable of things you never thought possible’, this fun notebook should always be on hand. Inspiration can strike at any moment!

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Book Synopsis For real mums at their wits’ end, this grown-up activity book is perfect for all mothers in a bad mood. Let's face it: motherhood gives you SO many reasons for bad moods. From stretch marks to toddler rage and teenage sulking – it's as if your little (or not so little) darlings seem to have been put on this earth just to drive you up the wall. With The Little Book of Bad Moods for Mothers, you can finally drop the pretence of holding it together and simply explode. Without hurting anyone. Here are just some of the cathartic activities: What UNWANTED advice have you been given about being a parent? Fill out the answers! Draw yourself BEFORE AND AFTER pregnancy. Be very realistic. What are the MOST IRRITATING characteristics that your child has inherited from your partner? A chance to secretly moan about your partner too! What would you REALLY like to say to your child? Resist the urge! Write it down instead. What is the most IDIOTIC TEEN TREND you have witnessed? Be honest... So, if you have to stop yourself screaming louder than your crying infant or throwing food back at your terrible toddler, remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This book is for you.Trade ReviewPerfect for any mother prone to grumpiness, this grown-up activity book for bad-mooded mums will raise a smile and should pull her, at least temporarily, out of the doldrums * Scotsman *Definitely the dark side of motherhood * Bristol Post *

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Book SynopsisMake your home your happy place with house plants. Bring the outside in.This gorgeous guide features over 80 indoor plants that will turn your house into a happy, healthy, healing home.Discover plants that will clean the air you breathe, help you get a good night’s sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, help you get well soon, boost your brain power and bring greater joy and wellbeing into your life. From cacti and succulents to ferns and palms; flowering plants and foliage – find the perfect house plants for your living room, bathroom, bedroom and even your workspace. Bring the joy of the outdoors in and harness the natural healing power of plants.Features:Over 80 plants and their wellbeing benefits,A guide to choosing your plants and pots,Essential care instructions (indoor plants are so easy to look after!), andSimple propagation techniques to share your plants with friends

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Book SynopsisWorried about a big meeting? Can't sleep? Low on energy? Discover the powerful herbs and flowers that can help you to live your best life. Learn which herbs and flowers will aid calm, happiness, boost energy and how you can work simple natural remedies into your daily routine. This is a down-to-earth, expert introduction to the life-changing powers of nature's potent remedies from forager, herbalist and wild plant medicine teacher Brigit Anna McNeill.

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Book SynopsisFire up your everyday life with simple, powerful Ayurvedic thinking.The ancient wellbeing philosophy of Ayurveda can seem complicated, but at its heart are three simple wisdoms that can bring life-changing results to how you think, feel and live: Agni, Ojas, and Doshas.Discover the meaning of the three simple wisdoms and what they represent. Learn the quick daily eating and living practices that can reinvigorate your life by improving your gut health and sleep, de-stressing and energising your body and mind.

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Book SynopsisThere's a story in every cupWhether you're wondering about your career, finances, love, or health, Reading The Leaves draws on the ancient art of tea leaf divination to channel your intuitive skills and transform your life. Discover how to choose the right cup for you, how to brew for divination, how to interpret more than 200 time-tested symbols, what to do if you get a bad sign, and how a regular tea ritual can benefit you.

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Book SynopsisWarm up this winter with the toastiest of tipples 'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to celebrate than to welcome your guests in from the cold with a tasty tipple? With easy-to-follow recipes for Pumpkin Spiced Russians, Buttered Bonfire Rum, Sleighbell Slings, Happy New Years, the trusty classics, and plenty of non-alcoholic options too, you'll be feeling festive AF all winter. Carve the pumpkins, stack the bonfire, deck the halls, and let's get merry!

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Book SynopsisEmbrace your power. The philosophy of manifestation can sometimes feel out of reach, but at its core are ten simple principles that will bring life-changing results to how you live, work, and thrive. With this short expert guide from Becki Rabin - empowerment coach, business mentor and founder of GETLIT inc - you will learn the basic principles of manifestation, how to banish 'self-sabotaging Susan', and the everyday exercises that will help you rise to your full potential. Discover the secret to self-empowerment and make your dreams reality.

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Book SynopsisQuotes are instant sympathy. A good quote says, "I've been there, too," in just a few words. And the perfect quote in the perfect moment can be just the reminder you need that you're not alone, and you're going to get through this.That is why Christina Scotch started @QuotesByChristie, her popular Instagram page - to reach out across the Internet void and embrace all of the people going through it, too. In this colourful collection, Scotch shares fan favourites and all new material to hit all of your highs and lows.Perfect for birthdays, graduations, and any other giftable occasion, I Feel That is sure to be an inspiration for readers everywhere.

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Book Synopsis'Do you need a human in the first place? If you do, do not adopt a human on impulse. You may not get the right one for your lifestyle.'George the Cat is the feline world's favourite agony aunt. Now he brings us his irresistible, hilarious A-Z guide for fellow felines to help them navigate the human world, understand their sometimes weird and idiotic behaviour, and help turn human failings to feline advantages. Includes advice on how to move a sleeping human to the very edge of their bed, enjoy the use of their empty boxes before they're thrown out, and to get doors opened for you whether or not you have a private catflap.George also has a word of advice for humans: 'Don't let your cat get his paws on this book!'For fans of Secret Thoughts Cats Have About Humans and 100 Ways for A Cat to Train Its Human by Celia Haddon.

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Book Synopsis'My all-time favourite cat book' Jacqueline WilsonIndependent Septi is very much his own cat, established as lord of his domain within Moon Cottage. When Otto, a tiny delicate tortoiseshell kitten, joins the household, she must set out to win Septi over - in her own unique way. Written with unending humour and warmth, Marilyn Edwards' Moon Cottage cat memoirs perfectly capture the highs and lows of living with cats, and pay a touching tribute to the joyous and loving relationship we share with our feline companions. The books are also beautifully illustrated throughout by Peter Warner, the designer of the world-famous Whiskas cat.**Fully illustrated throughout**'At once engaging and uplifting - a colourful series that celebrates the many ways animals enrich our relationships and our lives' Karin Slaughter'Cat lovers will adore this book . . . A tender story of love between the author and her cats' Celia Haddon'All the many delights and a few of the heartaches of a life with cats are told with charm and wit. A vivid, honest, observant and involving book' Desmond MorrisTrade ReviewMy all-time favourite cat book -- Jacqueline WilsonAt once engaging an uplifting - a colourful chronicle that celebrates the many ways animals enrich our relationships and our lives -- Karin SlaughterCat lovers will adore this book . . . A tender story of love between the author and her cats -- Celia HaddonAll the many delights and a few of the heartaches of a life with cats are told with charm and wit. A vivid, honest, observant and involving book -- Desmond Morris

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Book Synopsis'A colourful series that celebrates the many ways animals enrich our relationships and our lives' Karin SlaughterIt's become obvious that the time has come to have Pushkin, the Russian Blue tom, and Titus, the ginger moggy queen, neutered. This was indeed the plan for Fannie, the tortoiseshell, but with her longed-for pregnancy well under way it must now be postponed. Fannie's due date for her kittens arrives and, in the time-honoured tradition of cats and the best laid plans, unexpected problems arise.Following this drama, the household finds itself in turmoil again with the arrival of a black Bengal kitten, called Gilly, who disrupts the peace of both cats and people resident in The Coach House. . . With a fine eye and ear for the world of natural history, Marilyn Edwards writes about rural living with charm and passion - but it is her observation of cats and their ways that make her books so utterly magical.**Fully illustrated throughout**Praise for the Moon Cottage books:'My all-time favourite cat book' Jacqueline Wilson'Cat lovers will adore this book . . . A tender story of love between the author and her cats' Celia Haddon'All the many delights and a few of the heartaches of a life with cats are told with charm and wit. A vivid, honest, observant and involving book' Desmond MorrisTrade ReviewPraise for The Cats of Moon Cottage:My all-time favourite cat book -- Jacqueline WilsonAt once engaging an uplifting - a colourful chronicle that celebrates the many ways animals enrich our relationships and our lives -- Karin SlaughterCat lovers will adore this book . . . A tender story of love between the author and her cats -- Celia HaddonAll the many delights and a few of the heartaches of a life with cats are told with charm and wit. A vivid, honest, observant and involving book -- Desmond Morris

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Book SynopsisLegendary cricket broadcaster Henry Blofeld takes the reader on a journey from A-Z through the world of cricket. In his trademark charming style, Blowers goes through the alphabet, explaining some of the puzzling cricket terminology and regaling his favourite anecdotes from his fifty years in the sport. This gift book is perfect for fans of cricket who want to understand the sport from Henry's unique point of view - this is a humorous and entertaining jaunt through the cricket landscape.

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Book SynopsisPop Press is the home of Ebury's gift publishing, offering fun, beautiful and affordable books for everyone and all occasions.

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Book SynopsisPick a side and wear your hat with pride Whether your favourite is Elphaba or Glinda, both of these iconic witches have plenty of life lessons to share. This is a book of two halves - just as there are two sides to every story - that invites you to pick a side and let your true self shine.Learn how to charm every area of your life with quotes, illustrations, self-care spells and practical tips that impart the simple philosophy of The Wicked Witch of The West or flip the book up side down to embrace the wisdom of Glinda the Good.

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Book Synopsis"Reading this playful portrait of Leo Messi reminded me how extraordinary every minute was that I spent by his side." PEP GUARDIOLA SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR In 22 short chapters, acclaimed Catalan writer Jordi Punti explores the beauty, the genius and the obsession of Lionel Messi. He takes us from the near-mythical scenery of a South American footballing youth to the glory and the struggle of a life on the international stage, capturing along the way our enduring desire to relive our experience of the beautiful game. "Jordi Punti's stunning tribute to Lionel Messi will captivate football aficionados as well as fans of fine writing." Ian Sansom, Spectator "This is brilliant - I've been telling everyone about this book." Simon Critchley, author of What We Think About When We Think About Football "There's nobody better to write this book - which doesn't aim to explain Messi but to enjoy him... A joyous read." Simon Kuper, co-author of Soccernomics "An eloquent celebration that can remind us of the thrill of a close encounter with a player whose skills have often led him to be described as 'alien'." David Horspool, Times Literary SupplementTrade Review"Jordi Punti's stunning tribute to Lionel Messi will captivate football aficionados as well as fans of fine writing." Ian Sansom, Spectator "This is brilliant - I've been telling everyone about this book." Simon Critchley, author of What We Think About When We Think About Football "There's nobody better to write this book - which doesn't aim to explain Messi but to enjoy him... A joyous read." Simon Kuper, co-author of Soccernomics "An eloquent celebration that can remind us of the thrill of a close encounter with a player whose skills have often led him to be described as 'alien'." David Horspool, Times Literary Supplement "Punti is one of the greatest Catalan writers and with this book he is at the height of his talents." El Pais "A portrait of Messi that captures his greatness." Revista Detour "A spellbinding, joyous, intoxicating ode to Lionel Messi." Ray Hudson, La Liga commentator

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Book SynopsisTin Tin's Snowy, Odysseus's Argos, Darwin's Polly, Mary Queen of Scots's 22 lap-dogs, Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Flush... Behind every great man or woman is a dog. A Dictionary of Interesting and Important Dogs is a rich compendium of the world's most significant and beloved dogs. Embracing the intriguing and the provocative, the essential and the trivial, Peter J. Conradi forays into history, literature and personal anecdotes to unearth a treasure trove of canine characters. Discover the stories behind Karl Marx's and his daughter's Dogberry Club; the lapdogs who were secreted in first-class cabins on the Titanic and how they survived; Edinburgh's Greyfriars Bobby who stayed by his master's grave for 14 years; and the one undisputed fact about Shakespeare - his singular dislike for dogs. A Dictionary of Interesting and Important Dogs is a wonderful and witty homage to man's most faithful friend.

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Book Synopsis'A delightful book, full of jokes and confessions' Guardian A hilarious quest to understand life's ultimate guilty pleasure In Schadenfreude, historian of emotions Tiffany Watt Smith offers expert insight and advice. Ranging across thinkers from Nietzsche to Homer Simpson, investigating the latest scientific research, and collecting some outrageous confessions on the way - she reveals how everyone, babies, nuns, your most trusted friends, are enjoying your misfortunes. But rather than an emotional glitch, she argues, Schadenfreude can reveal profound truths about our relationships with others and our sense of who we are. Frank, warm and laugh-out-loud funny, Schadenfreude makes the case for thinking afresh about this much-maligned emotion - and perhaps, even, embracing it.Trade Review[This] treatise on one of the most shame-inducing but widespread of all emotions is funny and insightful * Sunday Times *[a] delightful book, full of jokes and confessions -- Stuart Jeffries * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThis invaluable guide will solve the perennial 'What to wear?' problem for women everywhere. A woman who is immaculately dressed and impeccably groomed will appear confident, sophisticated and chic. Witty and informative, Tracy Martin offers practical advice on how to appraise every situation and dress accordingly – from classic to extravagant. Learn how to adapt your style according to your inspirations and personality and avoid fashion faux pas. Starting with the classic Little Black Dress, with tips on how to wear and accessorise it, each part of your wardrobe is explored, from dresses and skirts, suits, and shirts to those all-important bags, shoes, scarves, and jewellery that finish a look perfectly. Plus, don’t forget what’s underneath – your lingerie is just as important as your outfit, and every element of underwear is covered here, including how to obtain a seam-free silhouette. So whether your style icon is Audrey Hepburn, Grace Coddington, or Kate Moss, you’ll learn how to put together an outfit with confidence and ease, knowing you have just the right Instagram-perfect look.

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Book SynopsisIf you’re born in the Chinese year of the Rat, what are your characteristics? With whom is someone born in the year of the Ox most compatible? And what are the worst flaws associated with your Chinese star sign? Chinese Astrology is a beautifully illustrated guide with easy-to-use instructions to help you understand the fundamental ideas and determine the more advanced aspects: how does the year of your birth affect your personality? What elements are associated with your horoscope? What celebrities are the same Zodiac animal as you? Each page includes a newly commissioned artwork of a Chinese character, from the 12 animals of the Zodiac and the 12 Earthly Branches to the five phases and 10 Heavenly Stems. This is accompanied by an explanation of each character and its significance within Chinese astrology. Illustrated with more than 85 specially commissioned artworks, Chinese Astrology is the perfect guide to your inner and outer life.Table of ContentsIntroduction Zodiac Animals 12 Earthly Branches Five Phases Wood Fire Earth Metal Water 10 Heavenly Stems Associated Vocabulary Chinese Zodiac Chart The 24 Cardinal Directions Index

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Book SynopsisFor Who the Bell Tolls is a book that explains the grammar that people really need to know, such as the fact that an apostrophe is the difference between a company that knows its s*** and a company that knows it's s***, or the importance of capital letters to avoid ambiguity in such sentences as 'I helped my Uncle Jack off his horse.'David Marsh's lifelong mission has been to create order out of chaos. For four decades, he has worked for newspapers, from the Sun to the Financial Times, from local weeklies that sold a few thousand copies to the Guardian, with its global readership of nine million, turning the sow's ear of rough-and-ready reportage into a passable imitation of a silk purse.The chaos might be sloppy syntax, a disregard for grammar or a fundamental misunderstanding of what grammar is. It could be an adherence to 'rules' that have no real basis and get in the way of fluent, unambiguous communication at the expense of ones that are actually useful. Clear, honest use of English has many enemies: politicians, business and marketing people, local authority and civil service jargonauts, rail companies, estate agents, academics . . . and some journalists. This is the book to help defeat them. 'A splendid and, more importantly, sane book on English grammar.' Mark Forsyth, author of The Etymologicon

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Book Synopsis‘A rich achievement full of glorious anecdotes’ Hugo Vickers A Royal Christmas is a Christmas pudding of a book, enticingly full of silver threepenny pieces. Organised thematically, it covers such topics as Christmas and conflict in the 20th century, Christmas pastimes, festive feasts, Christmas and the Commonwealth, and many more, to reveal the many ways in which the Royal Family have celebrated the festive season through the ages. Jeremy Archer has delved into the Royal Archives to uncover the personal thoughts of many members of the Royal Family during the Christmas period. What comes over most strongly from Queen Victoria’s journals is the importance of family: the joys they shared, the trials they endured, and the carefully-selected gifts they exchanged. Although there is much happiness, tragedy is a common bed-fellow, particularly in earlier times. And conflict is seldom very far away. But this is a celebration – both of an enduring festive season and an extraordinary family. ‘An easy to read treat for royal enthusiasts, skilfully assembled to highlight significant episodes in our history from the comic to the tragic informative and enjoyable’ Sarah Bradford ‘Jeremy Archer has an eye for an anecdote and a clever way of arranging his material. The result is like an enormous bran tub: dip in, and you're sure to find something to keep you entertained’ Kathryn Hughes, The Mail on SundayTrade Review‘A rich achievement full of glorious anecdotes’ Hugo Vickers An easy to read treat for royal enthusiasts, skilfully assembled to highlight significant episodes in our history from the comic to the tragic informative and enjoyable’ Sarah Bradford ‘Jeremy Archer has an eye for an anecdote and a clever way of arranging his material. The result is like an enormous bran tub: dip in, and you're sure to find something to keep you entertained’ Kathryn Hughes, The Mail on Sunday 'Twelve foot snowmen, embarrassing relatives and festive propaganda: A Royal Christmas explores the Yuletide traditions of the monarchy.' Harry Mount, The Telegraph 'This is a book for Christmas-loving Royalists … a veritable hotchpotch of vignettes: many of them charming and some of them moving.' Ysenda Maxtone Graham, The Spectator

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Book SynopsisWhat can Alice in Wonderland teach us about childhood? Could reading Conversations with Friends guide us through first love? Does Esther Greenwood’s glittering success and subsequent collapse in The Bell Jar help us understand ambition? And, finally, what can we learn about death from Virginia Woolf?Literature matters. Not only does it provide escapism and entertainment, but it also holds a mirror up to our lives to show us aspects of ourselves we may not have seen or understood. From jealousy to grief, fierce love to deep hatred, our inner lives become both stranger and more familiar when we explore them through fiction. Josh Cohen, a psychoanalyst and Professor of Modern Literary Theory, delves deep into the inner lives of the most memorable and vivid characters in literature. His analysis of figures such as Jay Gatsby and Mrs Dalloway offers insights into the greatest questions about the human experience, ones that we can all learn from. He walks us through the different stages of existence, from childhood to old age, showing that literature is much more than a refuge from the banality and rigour of everyday life – through the experiences of its characters, it can show us ways to be wiser, more open and more self-aware.

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Book SynopsisCan't get to the sea? Escape with this sunny adventure book suitable for kids and adults in search of fun.Follow Meria, her mer-friends and Mer-Pug, and a host of colourful characters, on an global adventure to 16 detailed locations. From the Mer-King's birthday parade to an under-water rock concert via the circus, a sushi bar and a paradise beach, there are loads of fun scenes to explore.This great book for all ages from 5 years+ includes a special Arctic spread and extra challenge to find 10 pieces of dangerous plastic. You might even spot David Attenborough.

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Book SynopsisHow to live Japanese delivered through 100 familiar modern icons - humble emojis. These Japanese inventions, used around the world by billions, are simple, playful gateways into the essential elements of Japanese living. Cherry blossom, autumn leaves, love hotel, manner mode, kimono, lantern, the star festival, moon viewing, mount fuji, bullet train, the tokyo tower, noh theater, anime, hanafuda, panda, snow monkey, chopsticks, ramen, sushi, bento, sake and green tea - they are all on your phone and explained inside this book...Covers: weather and seasons, getting around, attire, relationships, etiquette, traditions, festivities, national icons, sports, leisure, fauna, eating and drinking.

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Book SynopsisNever forget a moment of your exciting journey into motherhood.It may not feel like it now, but those 40-odd weeks of being pregnant and the early months with your precious newborn will go past so quickly. With this keepsake journal from bestselling author and midwife Clemmie Hooper, you can capture the highs, lows and everything in-between so you'll never forget a moment.Whether it’s recording where and when you first found out, how you and your partner felt seeing your baby at the first hospital scan, what happened the first night you spent with your newborn or noting down the many amazing firsts with your new baby, this beautifully illustrated journal will give you the space you need to record all the special memories.With Clemmie's reassuring advice and prompts to help you delve into your feelings and experiences, let this be your most treasured souvenir to look back on in years to come.Trade ReviewThis beautifully illustrated luxurious hardback is ideal for anyone pregnant. * YOGA magazine *This is a really smart, lovely thing – I wouldn’t expect any less from the ultra-stylish Hooper – ideal as a present for an expectant friend, or for yourself! * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisOften imitated but never equalled, John Breslin and Sarah-Anne Buckley are back with the third instalment of their bestselling Old Ireland in Colour series. Beloved by Irish readers at home and abroad, for this new volume the authors have uncovered yet more photographic gems and breathed new life into them in glorious colour. All of Irish life is here ? from an eviction in Clare in 1888 to devastating floods in Strabane and a snapshot of working life in Dublin. Famous faces from politics and the arts appear alongside hard-working labourers and farmers, and mischievous children from all corners of the island light up this book?s glorious pages. With endless surprising details to pore over in every picture, along with illuminating captions, Old Ireland in Colour 3 is a stunning addition to this wonderful series of unique books.

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Book Synopsis________________________*'NEW MUM, YOU'RE DOING BRILLIANTLY'* Reassuring, funny and down-to-earth, THE NEW MUM'S NOTEBOOK is everything you need for the first year of life with a baby.‘It is hands down THE best book I was given as a new mum. I feel it should be issued to all mums on leaving hospital.’ (Louise, Amazon review)_________________________What do new mums want most of all (apart from sleep)? They want someone to tell them what they’re feeling is ‘normal’. That they’re doing ok. That they will be ok. The New Mum’s Notebook, written by Amy Ransom – mum of three and creator of the Surviving Motherhood blog – does all this and more. From night feeds, napping and weaning, to which films to cue up on Netflix, finding some headspace and getting all the support, coffee and cake you need, Amy has been there – and this is the book she wishes she’d had by her side. Divided into the first 12 months of motherhood, with 304 pages of reassurance, love and humour, as well as spaces to scribble thoughts, feelings and memories from those crazy early days, The New Mum’s Notebook will nurture a new mum in however she chooses to raise her baby. Whether it’s her first or her fifth. Word on the street is it’s almost worth having another baby for... 'You've created the book that we all wish we'd had.' – Clemmie, mum of two ‘My go-to present for my new mummy friends’ – Kate, mum of two ‘I've had loads of baby record books and never ever filled one in. This book feels so different. I love it.’ – Annabel, mum of five * Perfect for expectant mothers and new mums * Gorgeous colour pages including lots of reassurance, self-care advice, journal pages, affirmations and simple recipes * Divided into 12 months to take you through every stage of a new mum and baby’s first year * Eight journal pages per month with space to write notes, thoughts, memories and all those ‘to-dos’ * 12 months of milestone charts for mum and babyTrade ReviewI manage[d] to scrawl some notes in this lovely book... A gorgeous item to pick up... when even three weeks felt like forever ago. -- Alexandra Heminsley * The Pool *

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Book SynopsisImmerse yourself in the words of the world’s best writers, leaders and thinkers with this beautiful book of motivational words and quotes. Inspire your heart, free your mind, and bask in the glow of positive thinking.

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