Home & Garden Books

Book SynopsisCrammed with fascinating facts, expert advice and a wealth of essential information, Shades of Grey will guide you through the minefield that is choosing exactly the right shade of grey paint. There's no doubt about it, grey is the shade of the moment. On trend restaurants, shops and homes are covered in it. There's not an interior decorating programme that doesn't feature it. However, despite its popularity, it’s not quite as simple as buying a pot of grey paint and slapping it on the wall. Make the wrong choice, and a grey room will be cold and dark, even energy-sapping. Get it right, however, and your home will look sophisticated and modern. So how to find the perfect hue? In Shades of Grey, Kate Watson-Smyth explores the current popularity of the shade and consults experts – scientists, paint companies and interior decorators – who reveal their favourite greys as well as other tricks of the trade. She looks at the wide range of greys on offer and, via a simple process of elimination, will help you track down the shade that works perfectly for you.

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Book SynopsisFor centuries a bastion of tradition and the jewel in the crown of French viticulture, Bordeaux has in recent years become dogged by controversy, particularly regarding the 2012 classification of the wines of St.-Émilion, the most prestigious appellation of Bordeaux's right bank. St.-Émilion is an area increasingly dominated by big international investors, especially from China, who are keen to speculate on the area's wines and land, some of whose value has increased tenfold in the last decade alone. In the controversial 2012 classification, certain châteaux were promoted to a more prestigious class because of insider deals that altered the scoring system for the classification of wines into premier crus and grand crus. This system now takes into account the facilities of each château's tasting room, the size of its warehouse, and even the extent of its parking lot. The quality of the wine counts for just 30% of the total score for the wines of the top ranking, those deemed premier grand cru classé A. In Vino Business, Saporta shows how back-room deals with wine distributors, multinational investors like the luxury company LVMH, and even wine critics, have fundamentally changed this ancient business. Saporta also investigates issues of wine labelling and the use of pesticides, and draws comparisons to Champagne, Burgundy and the rest of the wine world. Based on two years of research and reporting, Vino Business draws back the curtain on the secret world of Bordeaux, a land ever more in thrall to the grapes of wealth.Trade ReviewSome sharp critiques and a few shocking revelations. * Wall Street Journal *Vino Business reveals the seedy business side of the romantic world of French wine. * Washington Post *Gossip as poisonous as pesticides, anonymous informants, rampant greed. . . the latest primetime TV drama? No, it's just St.-Émilion... A new book, Vino Business, by French journalist Isabelle Saporta, has caused a firestorm for its criticism of the French wine trade... If it's causing this much uproar... "it's because she put her finger on the sore spot." * Wine Spectator *Isabelle Saporta bases the book on a true investigation, field work that cannot be contested, work that many of her detractors, the people who snipe at her from behind their keyboards, would do well to be inspired by. * Le Point *The author, investigative journalist Isabelle Saporta, doesn't hold back in questioning the French institutions and traditions that the country's wine industry prides itself on. She's also forthright in her writing on certain individuals. . . The book is a juicy read. * Wine-Searcher.com *Judging by the reaction to its publication it seems that this book, which concludes that more transparency is needed regarding the fabrication and classification of these great wines, is asking the right questions. * Le Parisien *

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Book SynopsisAdd your favorite flavors and sweeteners to vodka, brandy, whiskey, and rum to make delicious homemade liqueurs. Andrew Schloss shows you simple techniques for making liqueurs using standard kitchen equipment, providing hundreds of recipes for blending your own flavored spirits with cinnamon, chocolate, honey, peaches, or anything else that might suit your fancy. Learn how easy it is to make your own versions of Baileys, Triple Sec, and Kahlúa, or try your hand at creating new and unique flavor combinations. Cheers!

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Book SynopsisRaising a pig for meat is easy to do, even in a small space like a suburban backyard. In just five months, a 30-pound shoat will become a 250-pound hog and provide you with more than 100 pounds of pork, including tenderloin, ham, ribs, bacon, sausage, and more. Homegrown Pork covers everything you need to know to raise your own pig, from selecting a breed to feeding, housing, fencing, health care, and humane processing. Invite all your friends over for a healthy and succulent pork dinner!

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Book SynopsisEssential oils possess hard-working properties that provide effective natural solutions to help with beauty care, housework, gardening, and - of course - our health. Better still, you don't even need a whole pharmacy cabinet full of them! Just six key oils will cover all your needs. This book presents the six oils you can't do without - tea tree, lemon, lavender, peppermint, rosemary cineole and damask rose - and reveals their multi-purpose powers. Discover effective remedies to alleviate common conditions from anxiety and insomnia to high blood pressure and arthritis, plus pamper treatments including massages, baths, lotions and face masks. There are also magic formulas and miracle solutions for keeping rooms clean and fragrant, banishing dog and cat fleas, ensuring your plants stay bug-free - and a whole host more!Table of ContentsPART 1: YOUR 6 ESSENTIAL OILS Overview including profile, benefits and powers for health, home and beauty for each of the 6 essential oils: Tea Tree - the cure-all Lemon - the great purifier Lavender - the supreme essential oil Peppermint - the painkiller Rosemary cineole - the ENT expert Damask rose - the precious one PART 2: USING THE OILS Magic formulas and miracle solutions for: 1. Beauty care Including aromatherapy massage, bath oils, soaps, hydrolats, exfoliants, scrubs, moisturizers, sun protection, hand care, foot care, facial skincare for all ages, haircare 2. Looking after mind and body Including applications for various conditions such as anxiety, emotional shock, depression, insomnia, vertigo; mouth and dental problems; heart and circulation; pain, such as muscle stiffness, arthritis, headache; pregnancy and related conditions; ENT problems such as sore throat, sinusitis and bronchitis; skin conditions including abscesses, burns, scars, eczema, bites; digestive ailments such as nausea, stomach cramps, acid indigestion, gastro-enteritis, hangovers; and urogenital conditions including cystitis, thrush, fertility, menopause 3. A fresh, fragrant home Including room-by-room ideas, such as: Kitchen - miracle grease remover, fridge cleaner, air-freshening coasters, mould-killer ... Laundry room - including miracle detergent, super-softener, clothes-fragrancer ... Bathroom - miracle all-purpose cleaner, brush cleaner, drain buster ... Toilet/cloakroom - miracle toilet cleaner, odour eliminator, limescale remover ... Bedroom - miracle wardrobe freshener, shoe deodorizers, treatments for mattresses and bedding ... Children's bedroom - miracle humidifier with vaporizer, toy cleaners ... Living room - miracle carpet cleaner, vacuum fresheners, potpourri, window cleaners ... Garden - miracle bug spray, spider deterrents, furniture restorers, welcoming doormats ... Pets - miracle anti-flea treatment, first aid, toilet deterrents, grooming aids ...

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Book Synopsis"Anyone purchasing a greenhouse should read this book first." -Home Greenhouse Magazine Do you want homegrown tomatoes in the dead of winter? Or to grow succulents and cacti in the coldest parts of the world? All you need is a greenhouse. In The Greenhouse Gardener's Manual, Roger Marshall shares the secrets of successfully growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, and houseplants in a well-maintained greenhouse. You'll learn how to choose the right design, create a healthy environment, use the space for propagation, and maintain the greenhouse year-round. Marshall also includes a plant directory of the 70 best fruits and vegetables and the 88 best ornamental plants for growing in a greenhouse.

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Book SynopsisThe first in-depth guide for farmers and gardeners who have access to an established woodland and are looking for productive, innovative ways to create a natural forest ecosystems that produces a wide range of food, medicinals, and other non-timber products. "What a joy to read! Nice pictures, great case studies, and well organized. . . . Farming the Woods is the source for temperate climate agroforestry."—Jonathan Bates, Owner of Food Forest Farm While this concept of “forest farming” may seem like an obscure practice, history indicates that much of humanity lived and sustained itself from tree-based systems in the past; only recently have people traded the forest for the field. The good news is that this is not an either-or scenario; forest farms can be most productive in places where the plow is not: on steep slopes, and in shallow soils. It is an invaluable practice to integrate into any farm or homestead, especially as the need for unique value-added products and supplemental income becomes more and more important for farmers. Farming the Woods covers in detail: How to cultivate, harvest, and market high-value non-timber forest crops Comprehensive information on historical perspectives of forest farming How to mimic the forest in a changing climate Cultivation of medicinal crops How to create a forest nursery Harvesting and utilizing wood products The role of animals in the forest farm How to design and manage your forest farm once it’s set up Forest crops covered include: American ginseng Shiitake mushrooms Ramps (wild leeks) Maple syrup Fruit and nut trees Ornamental ferns And many more! This book is a must-read for farmers and gardeners interested in incorporating aspects of agroforestry, permaculture, forest gardening, and sustainable woodlot management into the concept of a whole-farm organism. Trade ReviewChoice- "This excellent book by Mudge (Cornell Univ.) and Gabriel (educator, forest farmer, and ecologist, Finger Lakes region, New York) highlights the diverse income streams that forest landowners or individuals who want to design a forested environment on their land can cultivate. The book begins with clear definitions of forest farming, agroforestry practices, and a historical perspective on cultivating crops in the forest. A foundational understanding of forest ecology is presented, including forest food webs, succession and disturbance, nature mimicry, and adaptation as the climate changes. Later chapters focus on cultivating trees for fruits, nuts, or syrups; using nontimber forest products; growing mushrooms for food and medicine; gathering high-value medicinal plants; producing forest products in nurseries; harvesting wood products; and incorporating animals in the system as possible forest farm endeavors. The discussions of crops suggested in this detailed text are supported with diverse charts and interesting case studies to help readers find the path that best suits their interests. The conclusion provides guidelines for success in the design of forest farms. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.”Permaculture- Forests, Ken Mudge and Steven Gabriel write, have long been humanity’s pantry, where our species and many others have found the food, medicines and materials needed for survival. It is only within the last few hundred years, that we have become, as the saying goes, unable to see the forest for the trees. Land populated primarily with trees often only means lumber or an uncleared building site. Farming the Woods seeks to remind readers of those days, encouraging and enticing future forest farmers with thoughts of savory mushrooms, sweet saps, hearty nuts, and the rich meat of animals raised under the leaves, presenting all a farmer needs to begin making that dream a reality. Farming the Woods is sure to become a trusted companion for all farmer types. Whether one plans to solely work the forest or to use forested ground as a working farm, Ken Mudge and Steve Gabriel have crafted a tome destined to become a classic. The calm, friendly and knowledgeable voices of experience present a well-written book that will be useful for generations.”Booklist- "It seems that the only thing farming and forestry have in common is that they both take place outdoors. Yet, according the authors of this unorthodox but exceptionally useful handbook, 'forest farming,' which involves gathering a wide variety of plants, from mushrooms to medicinals, predates agriculture. Aiming their advice at readers living in temperate climate zones, including the upper half of North America, Mudge and Gabriel draw on their expertise in the rapidly emerging field of agroforestry to provide in-depth tips on cultivating mushrooms, gathering fruits and nuts, harvesting popular herbs such as ginseng, and even managing goats for maintaining canopy sheltered grasses and ornamentals. Along with sumptuous illustrations and invaluable case studies, their work provides a wealth of information for anyone with wooded land looking for ways to better manage it as well as reap a little extra profit from its rich agricultural potential.”“What a joy to read! Nice pictures, great case studies, and well organized. I can tell the authors put their heart and soul into this book. Farming the Woods is the source for temperate climate agroforestry, particularly for Northeast permaculture designers and teachers.”--Jonathan Bates, Owner of Food Forest Farm & contributing author of Paradise Lot“My particular focus of research is in mushrooms, and Farming the Woods not only offers detailed methodology and techniques for woodland mushroom cultivation, but also adds insight on scheduling and calendars to help orchestrate yields in seasonal climates. I have always wanted to find this information on forest farming bundled together into a collaborative matrix with nut, berry, and rhizome production, and this book helps bridge sustainable agriculture and a healthy, circular systems approach. The authors urge us to take advantage of forested acreage we may have thought was unusable. Fill your forests with food!”--Tradd Cotter, author of Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation“At last, a comprehensive forest farming guide for cool temperate climates! The authors have done a superb job explaining forest ecology and describing how to integrate fruits, nuts, mushrooms, medicinals, animals, and more into forest systems. A must-read for anyone interested in agroforestry, forest gardening, or utilizing forests for specialty crops.”--Martin Crawford, author of Creating a Forest GardenPublishers Weekly- "In this latest of the publisher’s serious, readable, and eminently useful books on cutting-edge permaculture practices, Cornell University professor Mudge and Fingerlakes forest farmer and horticulturalist Gabriel take a step outside the permaculture trend toward forest gardening—gardening that emulates forest patterns—and focus on farming in the woods by maintaining a healthy forest 'while growing a wide range of food, medicinal, and other non-timber products.' Beginning with a nuanced cultural history of forest farming, Mudge and Gabriel share their expertise on an abundance of woodland products: pollination techniques for paw-paws; the comparative economics of shiitakes and ginseng; maple, birch, and walnut sugaring methods; hazelnut breeding; and the safe use of a chain saw, to name but a few. A thoughtfully speculative but practical section on the possible effects of climate change reflects the authors’ humble and hopeful perspective that 'much of the trouble in the world today is due to disconnection from ... larger cycles. Forest farming invites us to change these cycles and to offer a gift for generations to come.’”

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Book SynopsisBest practices for the eight most profitable crops: tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens, lettuce, herbs, and microgreens "Mefferd’s book fills a gaping void in the literature for market growers. I highly recommend it to anyone growing in greenhouses, or who aspires to."— Ben Hartman, author of The Lean Farm Whether growing in a heated greenhouse or unheated hoophouse, this book offers a decision-making framework for how to best manage crops Today only a few dozen large-scale producers dominate the greenhouse produce market. Why? Because they know and employ best practices for the most profitable crops. The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook levels the playing field by revealing these practices so that all growers—large and small—can maximize the potential of their protected growing space. Whether growing in a heated greenhouse or unheated hoophouse, this book offers a decision-making framework for how to best manage crops that goes beyond a list of simple do’s and don’ts. Author Andrew Mefferd spent years consulting for growers using protected agriculture in a wide variety of climates, soils, and conditions. The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook brings his experience and expertise to bear in an in-depth guide that will help readers make their investment in greenhouse space worthwhile. Every year, more growers are turning to protected culture to deal with unpredictable weather and to meet out-of-season demand for local food, but many end up spinning their wheels, wasting time and money on unprofitable crops grown in ways that don’t make the most of their precious greenhouse space. In The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook comprehensive chapters include: Protected Growing Structures and their features Heating, Cooling, Lighting, and Irrigation Plant Basics Propagation, Pruning, and Trellising Grafting And Much More! Mefferd’s book is full of techniques and strategies that can help farms stay profitable, satisfy customers, and become an integral part of re-localizing our food system. From seed to sale, The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook is the indispensable resource for protected growing. Trade Review“This comprehensive book is a must-have for organic greenhouse and hoophouse producers, whether experienced or just getting started. Andrew Mefferd’s years as both a grower and a writer shine through. He clearly explains the basics of structures and environmental management, while also covering the nuances of grafting and ‘steering’ plants to be most productive. Growers will be pleased with the attention devoted to the best practices they’ll need to succeed with eight different crops.”--Vern Grubinger, vegetable and berry specialist, University of Vermont Extension“The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook answers the questions that both new and established farmers are asking, including which staple crops will sustain a farm’s operation and how to best maximize yield. As protected agriculture continues to grow in popularity and necessity, Andrew’s book will help farmers at every level achieve higher profits as they use this reference to guide them through the seasons under film. A must-have for any grower."--Nick Burton, owner, Victory Gardens, Paris, Texas; founder, State of the Soil“From small hobby farmers to advanced greenhouse growers, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t benefit from reading The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook. Andrew does an exemplary job of highlighting basic principles of plant growth and microclimate modification to help producers design their own management systems and diagnose problems in the greenhouse or hoophouse.”--Cary Rivard, extension specialist, Kansas State University“When we started our wholesale greenhouse back in 1974, the best references were the equipment catalogs, and we pored over them each night. Now Andrew Mefferd has created the most complete greenhouse grower’s manual in the world. It contains the full spectrum of proper greenhouse growing for organic vegetable production and all its factors and, importantly, is detailed from a foundation of experience. This book is a fact-filled treasure, accessible for all. Thank you for debriefing, Andrew. You are a hero of horticulture!”--Alice Doyle, cofounder, Log House Plants“Finally! A book that makes the specialized and highly refined techniques of the big European and North American hothouse growers accessible to farmers, market gardeners, and growers at all scales, with clear explanations of the practices and why they work. It took me twenty years to figure out half of this on my own; I’m glad I don’t have to wait another twenty to figure out the rest.”--Josh Volk, author of Compact Farms; consultant, Slow Hand Farm“Hats off to Andrew Mefferd and his comprehensive guide to growing in a protected environment! While covering all the basics, this book takes growers to the next level, with in-depth discussions on the physical environment, plant biology, and their intriguing relationship. Once hard-to-find info on topics such as plant steering and grafting is presented thoroughly and clearly. Importantly, the last chapters cover the practical ins and outs of growing eight of the most significant crops for protected culture. Every grower will learn lots from this book; I sure did.”--Richard Wiswall, author of The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook“Andrew Mefferd’s book fills a gaping void in the literature for market growers. I highly recommend it to anyone growing in greenhouses, or who aspires to. With experience few others have, Mefferd explains growing techniques used in advanced greenhouses, and then shows how smaller-scale growers might put them to use. I kept a pencil by my side and plan to use lots of ideas on our own farm.”--Ben Hartman, author of The Lean Farm“This is an important book that will give growers the tools and resources to increase production and profits in protected culture environments. In one book, Andrew has packaged the detailed technical growing information that took us years and thousands of dollars to acquire for our farm. This book will be one I refer to and recommend often.”--Michael Kilpatrick, farmer; cofounder, In the Field Consultants“The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook is a must-read for beginners as well as a valuable, up-to-date resource for experienced growers. Mefferd has written a comprehensive overview of the elements of growing crops under cover. So much of the food available now is from greenhouse production, and most from faraway lands. This book will help you be the one growing crops for your local market.”--Eric Sideman, PhD, crop specialist, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association“Although greenhouse and high-tunnel food production is a well-established industry, small and beginning growers have never had easy access to information about how the professionals do it. Andrew Mefferd has bridged that gap with this important new book. He makes technical information accessible in a lively and lucid style. Everyone who owns or plans to buy a greenhouse or hoophouse should read this book.”--Lynn Byczynski, author of Market Farming Success and The Flower Farmer; founder, Growing for Market“With this book, Andrew Mefferd, a firm supporter of the local food movement, offers a knowledgeable contribution to help growers (especially in cold climates) develop skills to deal with challenges and reap the benefits of protected cropping. This is not a generalist hoophouse book but a menu where growers can select specialized professional practices to suit their situation, whether growing microgreens; grafting, pruning, and trellising vine crops; or ‘crop steering’ to select for leaf growth or fruit development.”--Pam Dawling, author of Sustainable Market Farming; contributing editor, Growing for Market “The production of organic vegetables using protected culture to modify the natural environment and optimize plant growth is one of the most highly productive systems for organic vegetables. This handbook provides a broad spectrum of knowledge on growing structures and climate control as well as propagation, pruning, trellising, crop steering for maximum production, and grafting plants for natural disease control. For aspiring market gardeners, young and old, The Greenhouse and Hoophouse Grower’s Handbook is a must-read!”--Dr. Merle H. Jensen, professor, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, The University of Arizona“Finally, a seasoned greenhouse grower has taken the time to share professional greenhouse techniques with the small-scale farming community. Such valuable work was a long time in the coming! Whether you’re currently growing in a greenhouse or hoophouse or planning to do so (and you should!), this book will teach you the best practices. It concisely and methodologically demystifies the all-encompassing skill set that you need to become successful at growing lucrative crops in protected space. Andrew Mefferd knows his stuff, and his book is absolute gold. Can’t recommend it enough.”--Jean-Martin Fortier, author of The Market Gardener

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Book SynopsisFarmers like Charles and Perrine Hervé-Gruyer are among the beacons of light. Their work allows the rest of the world to see that there is another life, there is another way. From the foreword by Eliot Coleman, author of The New Organic Grower This book, more about philosophy than a how-to, describes how two inexperienced beginners succeeded in creating a gorgeous, productive, self-sustaining farm Marion Nestle, author of Food Politics What began as a simple dream in an historic Normandy village has turned into one of the world’s most radical, innovative experiments in small-scale farming. When Charles and Perrine Hervé-Gruyer set out to create their farm in a historic Normandy village, they had no idea just how much their lives would change. Neither one had ever farmed before. Charles had been traveling the globe teaching students about ecology and indigenous cultures. Perrine had been an international lawyer in Japan. Their farm Bec Hellouin has since become an internationally celebrated model of innovation in ecological agriculture. Miraculous Abundance is the eloquent tale of the couple’s quest to build an agricultural model that can carry us into a post-carbon future. The authors dive deeper into the various farming methods across the globe that contributed towards the creation of the Bec Hellouin model, including: Permaculture and soil health principles Korean natural farming methods Managing a four-season farm Creating a productive agroecosystem that is resilient and durable Using no-dig methods for soil fertility Modelling an agrarian system that supports its community in totality; from craft, restaurants and shared work spaces to jobs, agritourism, energy and ecological biodiversity Perfect for aspiring and experienced farmers, gardeners and smallholders, Miraculous Abundance is a love letter to a future where ecological farming is at the centre of every community. Trade Review"This book, more about philosophy than a how-to, describes how two inexperienced beginners succeeded in creating a gorgeous, productive, self-sustaining farm on 1000 square meters of land in Normandy—La Ferme du Bec Hellouin….If the color photographs are any indication, the results are magnificent….The mandala garden alone made me want to get on the next plane just to see how it works in controlling weeds. The moral: you could do this at home."--Marion Nestle, author of Food PoliticsPublishers Weekly- "Charles Hervé-Gruyer tells the starry-eyed, dirty-nailed story of how he and his wife, Perrine, transformed a 'dilapidated cottage' and 'a mediocre field' into an idyllic, prolific 37-acre farm and educational center in Normandy over the course of eight years. La Ferme du Bec Hellouin, one of the few French farms employing permaculture and intensive, nonmechanized agriculture, has attracted the attention of aspiring microfarmers and mainstream agronomists. Grounded in permaculture and inspired by intuition and beauty, Charles modestly acknowledges that their techniques are not original. They draw on a multitude of sources from indigenous Asian and South American cultures to 19th-century Parisian market gardeners and modern California biointensive gardening, and their teachers include English agrarian-self-sufficiency author John Seymour, Maine year-round farming expert Elliot Coleman, Quebec market gardener Jean-Martin Fortier, and a number of French organic-farming pioneers. Charles extrapolates from his own experience and environmental concerns to propose a worldwide agricultural transformation into “agrarian solidarity systems,” quasi-land trusts managed and cultivated by multiple individual farmers and the cottage industries that develop from them.” “’Dare to imagine the new,’ Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer tell us. ‘Take the best of the many traditions of humanity, and the best of modernity, to shape a world that has never existed.’ These authors synthesize the best from multiple indigenous cultures with successful patterns of modern small-scale farming to create a soaring example and vision of a future—one in which human beings are an essential and positive force helping to preserve the biosphere, and even a quarter acre can be a full-fledged and productive farm yielding amazing agricultural bounty.”--Carol Deppe, author of The Tao of Vegetable Gardening and The Resilient Gardener“Miraculous Abundance is a true marvel! Like Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer's amazing farm, their book blends science and anthropology, but it also mixes memoir and travelogue to create a beautiful whole that will inspire the next generation of farmers.”--Novella Carpenter, author of Farm City; coauthor ofThe Essential Urban Farmer“This book will be a source of inspiration and guidance for those striving toward an agriculture that is not merely sustainable but also regenerative and rewarding. Charles and Perrine are trailblazers, courageous visionaries who have drawn inspiration from sources as varied as 19th century Parisian market gardeners and Amazonian tribes people. As their method is a fusion, so too is the book; practical, historical, and philosophical in tone, it shows us how practicing agriculture as part of the ecosystem is not only economically viable but also spiritually fulfilling. We need people like the Hervé-Gruyers to show us what is possible in reality rather than just theory, and in sharing their journey, they tell an important story for the future of humankind.”--Caroline Aitken, permaculture teacher and consultant at Patrick Whitefield Associates; coauthor of Food from Your Forest Garden“At their farm in Normandy, France, Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer have created an inspiring example of how it is possible to intensively farm a small plot of land and produce an abundance of food while at the same time enriching the fertility of the soil and the health of the people, plants, and animals that live there. Their work demonstrates how people and nature can again co-exist for mutual benefit—and their self-sufficient way of living and farming is certainly the future of agriculture.”--Larry Korn, author of One-Straw Revolutionary; editor of Masanobu Fukuoka’s The One-Straw Revolution and Sowing Seeds in the Desert“Miraculous Abundance is a dynamic combination of permaculture, biointensive, four season, natural farming, and Amazonian farming approaches with exciting practical goals to pattern after. The book is about healing ourselves and the Earth in a post-carbon era. Worth reading for inner growth and outer growing of food, compost materials, income, and soil!”--John Jeavons, author; biologically intensive farming specialist“Miraculous Abundance is absolutely the right book for right now. I don't know when I have been more encouraged about the future. The authors tell how, after some ten years of upward—not always successful—experimentation, going directly against the grain of modern industrial farming, they have advanced the renaissance of small-scale agriculture to near biological perfection. They are combining biointensive farming and permaculture to make a viable, diversified microfarm on test plots that are little more than two acres with the possibility of reducing that size down to as small as one fourth acre. They do their farming almost entirely by hand and with the utmost refinements and advances in agronomic soil enrichment. They use hardly any fossil-fuel energy at all, calling what they do the ‘agriculture of the sun.’ Along the way they provide solid evidence from sources all over the world to back up the conclusions they are drawing from their work, including achieving more healthful food, food security for the coming population increases, more jobs, effective sequestration of CO2, and indeed a whole new world order that would insure better social stability out of the chaos we presently face.”--Gene Logsdon, author of A Sanctuary of Trees and The Contrary Farmer “In this lovely, hopeful book, an unlikely couple creates an astonishingly productive edible landscape in Normandy, weaving together the insights, materials, and techniques of dozens of acknowledged predecessors. Miraculous Abundance is a modestly written song of defiance, a demonstration that the world can readily feed its projected 9 billion with an agriculture that restores the biosphere.”--Joan Gussow, author of Growing, Older and This Organic Life“Miraculous Abundance offers one of the most readable, visceral blueprints for earth-healing abundance I've ever seen. Absolutely captivating. Only true-blue practitioners, hands in the soil, can offer the kind of eclectic synthesis—combining the best of all the earth-healing traditions and technologies—discovered on this permaculture microfarm. A fantastic book with iconic potential. I couldn't put it down.”--Joel Salatin, owner , Polyface Farm; author of Fields of Farmers"Miraculous Abundance tells the story of a pioneering permaculture market garden in France. Small, highly diverse, highly productive microfarms are a critical part of climate-change mitigation; their 'agroecological intensification’ means we can grow more on less land and reduce deforestation at the same time. Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer's book covers more than the logistics of their operation—it delves into their philosophy and historical roots in French market garden history. Miraculous Abundance is a powerful case study of an intensive, commercial permaculture production system."--Eric Toensmeier, The Carbon Farming Solution“Can farming a tiny quarter-acre piece of land be sustainable, economic, and fulfilling? In Miraculous Abundance, Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer tackle that very questions and answer it positively in the affirmative. This fascinating book describes the evolution of their farm from its beginnings in 2004, when the authors knew little, over the next ten years as they discovered biointensive agriculture, permaculture, forest gardens, and more. The authors are passionate about small, human-scale farming and the role it can play in the future, and they envisage a future with numerous small farms, enabling many more people to live on the land and lessening the effects of climate change. Their farm in France now attracts farmers, chefs, and scientists and also hosts a school to teach how a diverse edible landscape can be created to both earn a living and make a beautiful space and a fulfilling life.”--Martin Crawford, author of Trees for Gardens, Orchards and Permaculture

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Book Synopsis'Brilliant... Equal parts irreverent, cheeky and vitally important... Charming... Much too valuable to tuck away until the zombies come... A gardening manual that you can put to use immediately, regardless of your situation' Zombie Research Society. Climate change? Brexit? Screaming brain-biters? Don't lose the plot, this book can help! Irreverent, straightforward and useful, it shows even complete beginners how to grow enough of their own food to survive when Armageddon arrives and imports collapse. Or even if they don't. A grow-your-own guide for the generation who'd rather eat compost than watch Gardeners' World, it tells you how to sow and grow 20 key crops, whether you have two pots, a patio or a whole allotment to play with. It takes you through what seeds, tools and other kit you'll need, teaches you how to plan and plant your site for maximum nutrition, and suggests gardening projects to get underway while civilization still stands, from growing dinner in a dustbin to a juice bar on a balcony. All while sticking a garden fork in the eye of the undead. Gardening for the Zombie Apocalypse: surviving has never been so much fun.Trade ReviewThere really is a lot more to this fabulous book than you might think... It is an accessible and comprehensive guide to all aspects of gardening... We live in uncertain times and this is one book that will definitely be found on my bookshelf, for info and entertainment' * Amateur Gardening *However the apocalypse might begin [...] this straightforward and entertaining guide will help you master the necessary horticultural skills to survive Armageddon, whether you have two pots, a patio or a huge garden... From growing dinner in a dustbin to creating a juice bar on a balcony, their light-hearted, irreverent look at post-apocalyptic gardening will help even the complete beginner to grow their own' * Countryside *Brilliant... Equal parts irreverent, cheeky and vitally important... Charming... Much too valuable to tuck away until the zombies come... A gardening manual that you can put to use immediately, regardless of your situation' * Zombie Research Society *An interesting and fun way to sell some gardening tips, and probably the ideal gift for anyone into horror movies, particularly of the zombie variety, and remember spades are not just for digging, they are pretty good at lopping off heads too! * Concatenation *

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Book SynopsisSnowdrops are one of the best loved, most popular and widely grown of all bulbous plants. This book celebrates their beauty and magical annual resurrection. This newly updated and expanded edition of this best-selling book introduces the twenty known species and has been updated to cover more than 2,400 named snowdrops. Discover the vast range of shapes, sizes and markings of these beautiful flowers. With information on cultivation and planting, detailed descriptions, informative drawings and interesting anecdotes - this will be an invaluable companion for all gardeners, and will inform and delight both the aspiring and seasoned galanthophile.

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Book SynopsisThe Care of Fine Books is a thorough, readable guide to caring for books of value. From a discussion of the various techniques and materials used in bookbinding to advice on handling and storage, Jane Greenfield has created a succinct yet complete resource for anyone who wants to preserve and protect their fine books.Whether you are a collector, a librarian, or a conservation professional, you will benefit from this expert advice. Learn about appropriate levels of light, temperature, relative humidity, and pollution; how to secure a collection against fire, insect infestation, flood, and theft; and methods for cleaning and repairing books that have already been damaged. Always practical and amply illustrated, this is a must-have reference for anyone who loves fine books.

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Book SynopsisThis is the complete practical woodworking book - a definitive reference guide for the beginner and the accomplished woodworking enthusiast alike. It is shown in 1200 photographs and diagrams, with clear and easy-to-follow instructions. It is packed with information including a guide to timber, directions on buying and using hand and power tools, and advice for setting up your workshop. It offers everything you need to know is explained, such as the principles of ergonomics, planning, design and construction. You can learn about fixings and fastenings, basic and advanced techniques, making joints and wood finishing. It features over 20 beautiful projects to develop your skills, including a storage chest, CD rack and bookcase. Wood is one of the oldest known natural resources and its universal appeal remains timeless. As every woodworker will testify, to work with this material is to understand its subtlety and to appreciate its amazing versatility. This comprehensive practical book demonstrates the basic techniques of woodworking, providing the foundation on which to build your skills and knowledge. It begins with an introduction to timber and a guide to tools. Essential advice on getting started is given, as well as in-depth guides to fixings and fastening, joints, and advanced woodworking techniques. There are also 20 step-by-step projects from basic tasks, such as a wine rack, picture frame or bookshelf, to complex ventures for experts, such as a bedside cabinet, butcher's block or dining table.

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Book SynopsisThis is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and more than 130 beautiful photographs. Everything you need to know about hostas at a glance in one handy practical gardening guide. It includes a beautiful photographic directory of over 40 types, including yellow, green, blue and variegated hostas. For each variety, full botanical information is provided on the plant's history, growth, size and flowering. It offers a step-by-step guidance on choosing, planting, propagating and caring for hostas, and dealing with pests and diseases. It features superb planting ideas for growing hostas in troughs, as ground cover, as edging plants, in mixed borders, in containers and for flower arrangements. It is the definitive handbook for one of the most popular and best-loved garden plants. The versatility and beauty of hostas makes them one of the most popular and rewarding foliage plants. Whether you use larger hostas to create a stately summer border or dwarf varieties to enliven a rocky or aquatic environment, they are reliable, attractive and relatively low-maintenance. Flourishing even in containers, hostas are truly plants for every situation. This beautiful book explains how to use hostas to their best advantage, as well as providing a fully illustrated directory of over 40 types. With expert advice on selecting varieties, planting and growing hostas, the book will help you to create a wonderful display of these popular shrubs.

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Book SynopsisThis is for the bride who wants to go all-out.. The planner has 8 dividers including: events and parties, the bridal party, guest list, budget, the details, the ceremony, the reception and the honeymoon. Each page contains original illustrations and has sections to fill out so that you don't miss a single detail.

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Book SynopsisTHE HOME EDIT was founded on the idea that practical organization can work in harmony with design, so that spaces are both functional and beautiful. In their first book, Clea and Joanna - the two friends behind The Home Edit - have created a helpful, lively guide to getting every room in your house in order - stylishly, because organisation doesn't have to mean throwing everything out.THE HOME EDIT centres on incredibly practical advice that is adaptable to all living spaces, including tips for hard-to-organize areas. It also features some of the celebrity spaces that Clea and Joanna have reorganized. While every project is rooted in functional systems that can be maintained for the long term, there is an equal emphasis placed on transforming your space visually and adding THE HOME EDIT'S signature contemporary aesthetic.Trade ReviewWhether you're a movie star with a 10,000-square foot home or someone looking to maximize space in your kitchen pantry, anyone can use tricks of the trade to organize more efficiently, according to Teplin and Shearer. * ABC News *Move over, Marie Kondo - Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin are the professional organisers the A-list now let rifle through their drawers. * Sunday Times Style *

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Book SynopsisUnsure how to sew the new knits so they’ll look great and fit better than ready-to-wear? Knits for Real People helps readers sort out the differences in fabric types and explains the fitting and sewing techniques for each. Photographs of knit fashions from McCall’s, Vogue, and Butterick pattern companies provide inspiration throughout the book and illustrate the many types of knits. The many techniques explained include: layout, cutting, and marking; seaming techniques using sewing machines and sergers, including the use of the differential feed feature; creative embellishments, including piping, flounces, “peepers,” and decorative serging; neckline and edge finishes, including bands, collars, and bindings; sleeves, hems and closures; and fitting techniques for tops, pants, and activewear. Knit fabrics are very popular in fabric stores and this book helps people take advantage by teaching how to fit patterns for this versatile material.

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Book SynopsisMost fruits and vegetables can be used for preserving, and what better and more satisfying way to use up home-grown or local produce than to puree, pickle, bottle or salt it and consume it throughout the year! There are several different methods of preserving fruits and vegetables and all give delicious results. Jams, jellies, fruit butters and curds, bottled fruits, chutneys, pickles and salted vegetables are all practical and economical ways to preserve seasonal produce. And you don't need a load of kitchen gadgets and equipment to get started: a heavy-based pan, a funnel, a sugar thermometer and a selection of glass storage jars are all you need.

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Book SynopsisThis book gives information on the origins of smoke-curing, the basic smoking processes, raw materials, equipment and storage. In addition there are 25 recipes for meat, game, fish and shellfish.These days, home smoking and curing food is all about creating the best possible flavours. Surprisingly, preserving food is quite simple and all it takes is some basic equipment and a degree of organization. This practical guide reveals the ways to retain the subtle flavours of fresh produce by smoking, from simple smoked salmon to more unusual ideas such as smoked mussels or smoked sausages. With informative text, clear instructions and charming illustrations throughout, this will be an invaluable guide for anyone looking to create their own cured and smoked products.

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative and beautifully illustrated book on wild food and foraging by one of the leading experts.'I can safely say that if I hadn't picked up this book some twenty years ago I wouldn't have eaten as well, or even lived as well, as I have. It inspired me then and it inspires me now' - Hugh Fearnley-WhittingstalWild food is all around us, growing in our hedgerows and fields, along river banks and seashores, even on inhospitable moorland. In Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix's Wild Food, hundreds of these plants are clearly identified, with colour photography and a detailed description.This definitive guide also gives us fascinating information on how our ancestors would have used the plant as well as including over 100 more modern recipes for delicious food and drinks. From berries, herbs and mushrooms to wild vegetables, salad leaves, seaweed and even bark, this book will inspire you to start cooking with nature's freTable of ContentsIntroduction - i: Introduction Unit - 1: Mushrooms Chapter - 1: Chanterelle Chapter - 2: Horn of Plenty Chapter - 3: Cep Porcini Chapter - 4: Morel Chapter - 5: Summer Truffle Chapter - 6: St George’s Mushroom Chapter - 7: Parasol Mushroom Chapter - 8: Field Mushroom Chapter - 9: Wood Blewit Chapter - 10: Hedgehog Fungus Chapter - 11: Giant Puffball Chapter - 12: Oyster Mushroom Unit - 2: Flowers for Salads Chapter - 13: Rose Petals Chapter - 14: Dandelion Unit - 3: Seaweed and Salt Marsh Plants Chapter - 15: Marsh Samphire Chapter - 16: Sea Purslane Unit - 4: Vegetables, Leaves and Herbs Chapter - 17: Sea Beet Chapter - 18: Sea Kale Chapter - 19: Stinging Nettle Chapter - 20: Sorrel Chapter - 21: Wild Cabbage Chapter - 22: Fennel Chapter - 23: Wild Thyme Chapter - 24: Mint Unit - 5: Fruit, Berries, Nuts and Roots Chapter - 25: Blackberry Chapter - 26: Elder Chapter - 27: Rowan or Mountain Ash Chapter - 28: Crab Apple Unit - 6: Teas, Beers and Wines Chapter - 29: Elder Section - ii: Further Reading Index - iii: Index

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERThe Organised Mum Method is THE housekeeping bible that will completely revolutionise your home.Say goodbye to mess, clutter and weekends spent tidying and cleaning! Gemma Bray (a.k.a The Organised Mum) is a firm believer that there is more to life than housework, and over the last decade she has perfected The Organised Mum Method (TOMM).* The Organised Mum Method is a structured, manageable and ultra-efficient cleaning routine that ensures all areas of the home are taken care of. It''s easy to follow, effective and ensures that everything gets done in just 30 minutes a day, Monday to Friday ... and you get weekends off!Perfect for existing fans of TOMM or anyone looking for ways to fit cleaning around a busy lifestyle, The Organised Mum Method includes life-changing tips, tricks, cleaning schedules, shopping lists, meal plans and quick recipes that will help you get your housework done fasTrade ReviewTOMM promotes a balanced approach to keeping on top of it all, which means it is achievable for busy people. The book is a must buy as it really will help mums, dads, caregivers, grandparents and, let's face it, everyone, to get through the homework and keep the weekends free for more fun activities! * Jo Wimble-Groves @guiltymother *The definitive guide to running a home. Gemma's fool proof 30-minutes-a-day method covers everything from how often to clean under your sofa to how to whip up a nutritious family meal in 30 seconds. If your home routine needs a kick up the backside, this is the book for you * The Secret Cleaner *

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful book takes a photographic journey through Queen Elizabeth II's ten decades of colour-blocked style. The photographs, which span the colours of the rainbow and a century of style, are gloriously accessorised with captions and commentary by journalist and broadcaster Sali Hughes.From the dusky pinks the Queen wore in girlhood all the way through to #NeonAt90, by way of that hat she wore on the announcement of Brexit, and not forgetting her trusty Launer handbag ever at her side, this must-have collection celebrates the iconic fashion statements of our beloved, longest-reigning and most vibrant monarch.Trade ReviewIt’s a riot of colour and deconstructs ten decades of impactful and, at times, political dressing. Above all it proves that HRH serves some strong looks for which she deserves our respect… [we can] all learn something about the power of statement dressing -- Sophie Elkan * Treasurer *This is the must-have of the year, and a true celebration of the iconic fashion statements of our multi-coloured monarch * Scottish Woman *A fabulous pocket-sized book... [Our Rainbow Queen] is flat out beautiful * iNews *

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Book SynopsisFrom girl-next-door to overnight TOWIE stardom this is Lydia Bright's fabulous story so far.

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Book SynopsisThis book shows how to plant, maintain, harvest and enjoy a productive backyard tea garden, with a comprehensive survey of all the crops that make delicious tea drinks, plus advice on cultivation, harvesting, drying, storing and brewing. Growing Your Own Tea Garden is packed with inspiration and practical instructions for cultivating and enjoying delicious teas. Guidance on how to choose the right crops for your soil and climate, starting with the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and going on through a comprehensive range of tisanes, or herbal teas, from flowering chamomile and lavender to chicory roots, rose hips, lemon verbena, peppermint, aromatic bergamot and more. Jodi shows you how to harvest, dry and store your tea to enjoy all year long, along with brewing tips and creative recipes.

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Book SynopsisModern apartment dwellers who want to enjoy green growing things often lack the space for a garden. But if you have any room at all you can create a beautiful terrarium! This book shows how to build and maintain unique mini-gardens full of lush, oxygen-boosting plants. Craft blogger Enid Gonzalez presents 31 cutting-edge, contemporary terrarium designs that will add a decorative organic presence to even the smallest room. Each imaginative project features inexpensive materials, common plants, and step-by-step building instructions. Creative Terrariums also includes expert advice for terrarium maintenance, making it the indispensable reference for this satisfying and sustainable hobby.Trade ReviewEnid Gonzalez's terrarium projects are so lively and joyful, you'll be looking for spots in your house to display more of them. --Marie Iannotti, Gardening Expert at Dotdash Packed with creative projects and practical plant care tips, it's everything you need to create delightful mini gardens. --Melissa J. Will, Empress of Dirt A charming how-to on terrarium gardening for novices and experts alike - a must read! --Amanda Olsen, blogger, Little House in an Old Town Terrariums are back. Ms. Gonzales with her easy to follow and insightful directions your success is assured. But the real benefit of her unique and imaginative designs rests in the in the freedom to allow you to consider the possibilities and the possibilities are endless. --Bobby Jensen, Gardening Reporter, Grow with KARE on KARE-TV

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisStart doing your own household repairs and simple renovations without the expense of calling in a professional! If you are frustrated by your own inability to handle a repair, or resentful of having to pay someone to take care of simple home maintenance--you've come to the right place. Full of expert advice, this practical handbook features easy instructions for all the home DIY basics, from painting and wallpapering to simple plumbing, changing a lock, using power tools, fixing a squeaky board and much more. Beginner's Guide to DIY will provide first-time homeowners and renters with the basic skills and guidance to get the job done. This ultimate reference guide for the DIY novice offers help for anyone who has a busy working life but still wants to make their home look good--without spending a fortune.

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Book Synopsis16 stylish outdoor projects, from trellises and planters to decking, fences, chairs, benches, tables, sheds, pergolas and more. Each project includes easy to follow step-by-step instructions, colour photographs, clear construction diagrams, and materials lists. Wood is the ideal material for creating fabulous garden features. Whatever the size or style of your garden, this book will provide a wealth of inspiring ideas for enhancing your outdoor space. Authors and renowned DIY experts Alan and Gill Bridgewater also provide comprehensive advice on cutting and preparing wood, fixing joints, finishing and maintaining outdoor wooden structures.

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Book SynopsisIn 2013 designer and illustrator Michelle Mason co-founded Mason & Painter, a vintage emporium on Columbia Road, in east London, a street famed for its Sunday flower market. Michelle’s inspiration for Flower Market: Botanical Style at Home is the wide variety of seasonal plants and flowers available right outside her shop. Buying locally and in tune with the seasons is at the heart of her philosophy Using salvage and reclaimed objects, vintage glassware and ceramics as props and backdrops, Flower Market is brimming with texture, pattern and exciting and inspiring ways to group and display flowers, plants and succulents. In Flower Market: Botanical Style at Home Michelle draws on her design experience, playing with shape, colour and composition to create stunning combinations showing how to make the most of fresh flowers and bring botanical style into the home.Trade Review"A beautiful book...full of inspiration to create your own imaginative floral displays." * Spitalfields Life *"It is to all the followers of floral designers on Instagram that this book will appeal. Every chapter has pages of impeccably styled, elegant images. For anyone after a 'look book' of what flowers are available from a local market and how to combine them, this will be a useful resource. If this encourages and entices a new generation to go out and find flowers...it gets my vote." -- Simon Lycett * The Garden *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"I consider this a truly invaluable book to anyone considering having an indoor garden…I am delighted to give Indoor Edible Garden…an A rating!" — BudgetEarth.com

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"[Firearms] is one of the best visual overviews available of the historical development of firearms, with brilliant photography and an emphasis on artistic as well as technological achievements." — Library Journal"Firearms is a coffee-table book guaranteed to provide several evenings' worth of entertaining reading to any gun or history enthusiast in search of a general overview of firearms development." — The Armchair General magazine"Beginning historical novelists who don't know much about firearms in their chosen era will find an excellent introduction in this book. It offers worldwide coverage, not just Western arms, and true to DK's tradition, provides excellent and detailed color photographs of examples of weapons over the centuries." — Historical Novel Society"[A] complete historical overview illustrated with excellent photography." — American Gunsmith

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Book SynopsisLavishly illustrated full-colour history of this iconic company, in association with British Airways and full of fascinating images from the British Airways archive.

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Book SynopsisMarkham Roberts trained with the renowned decorator Mark Hampton before opening his own firm in 1997. Since then, he has earned a reputation as one of the top decorators of his generation, his work featuring in numerous leading international publications including AD, Vogue, Town & Country and the New York Times. Alison Levasseur is the Editorial Development Manager at AD. Nelson Hancock works as a photographer, curator, and professor of photography and cultural anthropology.

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