Humour Books

Book SynopsisIt’s time to enjoy more bare-bottomed fun from Woolly Bush. Bernard and Barbara invite you to the Woolly Bush Carnival and all that entails – there’s dancing round the maypole, a baking competition, vegetable growing, archery, farm animals and a dog show to enjoy. Patterns include Jim the farmer, his dog Willie and his pig and piglets, the chickens and cockerel as well as the village Vicar and his binoculars. Packed with lots of dinky objects to create your scene – from an archery set to a Battenberg slice and even a sausage in a bap. Bursting with British eccentricity, double entendres and a lot of village fun, this craft book will appeal to knitting fans and humour-lovers alike.Trade Review‘Hilarious, if not a little naughty’ -- Simply Knitting

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Book Synopsis Professional birding amateur and national bestselling author Matt Kracht has had it with these goddamn birds. His new book is a warning, a field guide to help you identify and stay away from the absolute worst birds ever to plague planet Earth. Featuring an all-new scientific scale devised by the author that proves how awful birds really are. We can all agree—birds are terrible. They're stupid and won't shut up. Featuring fifty of the absolute worst birds to fly the earth, Kracht identifies each of their most terrible qualities, details exactly why they suck, and shows you why with furious (but actually quite lovely) full-color drawings. Including all-new, all-worst fowl, such as: The absolute waste of feathers Cruddy Turdstone (Ruddy Turnstone) The utter a-hole Blank Staring-Eyes Flycrapper (Black Paradise Flycatcher) The outright loser Dowdy Woodfucker (Downy Woodpecker) And many more   Even the author's previous bird takedown guides are no preparation for this hilariously harrowing collection of squawking, conceited, trash-eating, and even murderous idiots. The horror. The horror . . .Perfect for: Birdwatching and nature enthusiasts People who think birds are creepy or annoying (and people who love birds but also enjoy a good laugh) Anyone looking for the ultimate coffee table book or bar-top conversation starter Gift givers seeking a fun, quirky gift for their favorite bird enthusiast or animal lover

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Book Synopsis''Top Bins! A personal best, a lap record and a hole in one for when rain has stopped play.'' ALAN DAVIES''The trivia book of the season . . . magnificent.'' SPECTATORDid you know that Henry VIII owned the first pair of football boots? Or that David Attenborough is responsible for yellow tennis balls?Everything to Play For is the curious story of us and sport. It''s about our mind-blowingly determined attempts to be the fastest, the strongest, the most skilful. In this endlessly entertaining tale of play and belonging, astonishing violence and jaw-dropping cheating, we learn what led ancient Egyptian athletes to have their spleens removed and discover why Michael Palin was disqualified from a conker tournament. Crossing millennia, continents and cultures, Harkin and Ptaszynski the brainy researchers for BBC''s QI and co-hosts of No Such Thing As A Fish show us sport as we've never seen it before.**<

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Book SynopsisLottie Jackson is a writer, editor and disability activist. Featured in the Sunday Times Style's Women of the Year 2020 as 'an important emerging voice', her work offers a vital dissection of the myths that beset disability. She has written for British Vogue, Elle, Guardian, The Sunday Times and Telegraph, bringing her fresh perspective on the most urgent conversations of today that strike at the heart of identity, social progress and diversity. In 2020, she was selected for Penguin Random House's award-winning WriteNow programme. Her writing redefines what it means to be disabled with nuance and wit, inspiring us to see new ways of existence.

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Book SynopsisFastest wins. Your adventure starts now ... This is a race. It is not a race against the clock, because that would be a far easier race. Clocks can be fast, but clocks never win races. It's nearly always humans, sometimes horses, and occasionally dogs. This is a race against your fellow Taskmaster players. You are competing against everyone else who is reading this book. All you've got to do is find The Taskmaster's Head first. This is a race with many twists and turns, that requires very little running, much sideways thinking and quite a lot of patience. Thankfully, there will be a shedload of tasks along the way to distract you. There are tasks to do on your own, tasks to do with your family and friends, and tasks for bigger groups too. Some of these distractions may slow you down, but some may help you get where you need to go. As always, enjoy them, do your best, make good choices. So get going. Take on the tasks. All the information you need is in the book... Alex Horne, Taskmaster's Assistant

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Book Synopsis"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" - a fiendishly clever mash-up of Jane Austen's beloved classic with all-new scenes of zombie mayhem - is "A New York Times" bestseller and a major pop culture phenomenon. This graphic novel adaptation, featuring all-original art, will bring this sensational tale to a whole new audience. 'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains'. So begins "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" - Jane Austen's immortal classic, now brought to glorious, gory new life with original, all-new scenes of zombie mayhem. Seth Grahame-Smith's irreverent and witty reworking of this novel immediately struck a nerve: The book quickly became "A New York Times" bestseller - and one of the most buzzworthy and blogged-about pop culture sensations of the year. Now "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" is a graphic novel - the perfect format to bring this remixed masterpiece to zombie-loving pop-culture fans.

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Book SynopsisI'm Jen Brister: stand-up comedian, middle-aged adolescent, and mum. But not that mum - I'm the other one.'Hysterical, important, moving, wonderful' Sara PascoeConfused? Two years ago, my partner (a woman - we're not solicitors) gave birth to twins. (I know! Believe me, I'm still reeling myself.) Like every new parent, I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. Add 'gay' and 'non-biological' to the mix and what do you get? Not a weird box of detergent, but a panicked beige lesbian desperately googling, 'Will my babies love me?' at 3 a.m.A very funny, very honest look at parenting life, from IVF awfulness to crying over the pages of sleep training manuals. A perfect gift for any parent who feels they don't fit the mould of a traditional family.*LONGLISTED FOR THE POLARI PRIZE*'Damned funny. You'll find the pages of this book brimming with rich and wonderful proof' Hannah Gadsby'A side-splittingly honest look at the grim realities of same-sex parenting' DivaTrade ReviewI love Jen Brister. She is a like mind and damned funny. You’ll find the pages of this book brimming with rich and wonderful proof of all of this ... and more * Hannah Gadsby *Jen is one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen and her book is predictably hysterical. It’s also moving, important and wonderful * Sara Pascoe *Jen Brister is bloody funny both on stage and in this brilliant book * Sarah Millican *Fresh, heartwarming and very, very wise. The funniest and most refreshingly honest account of being a parent that I've ever read * Frankie Boyle *The Other Mother, is a side-splittingly honest look at the grim realities of same-sex parenting * Diva *

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Book SynopsisA larger-than-life, bad-boy dog teaches a young family about the meaning of love and the key to happiness. The true story and inspiration behind the 2009 film of the same name.Trade ReviewA book with intense appeal . . . tenderly follows its subject from sunrise to sunset, from the ball-of-fluff stage to the heartbreaking farewell. * New York Times *The reason Marley & Me has proved to be a bestseller is that it is not just a funny dog story . . . It's a universal story of family life and a publishing sensation * The Times *Made me laugh so much I pulled a muscle in my solar plexus * Daily Mail *This is a wonderful, moving book that even non-dog-lovers cannot fail to enjoy. * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisA collection of Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. The author won the 1986 Reuben Award as Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year and has also illustrated Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Snow Goons, Calvin and Hobbes' Yukon Ho! and Weirdos From Another Planet.

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Book SynopsisHim & Me is a hugely entertaining and irreverent account of a unique relationship between a father and son. Written in two distinctive styles, it reflects the larger-than-life personalities of its authors, Jack and Michael Whitehall. ''This book is a portrait of the pretty odd relationship I have with my elderly father. It''s given me an opportunity to share memories of him losing his temper with foreigners on holidays, being rude to my mother''s family at Christmas and failing epically during the fathers'' race at my prep school. He''s also written some stories about me, but can I just say, before you read anything, that I recall being a calm, well-behaved and learned child, not the intellectually subnormal, mal-coordinated dipshit that he paints me as. Nor am I, as he suggests inside, a sex addict, a flasher or a Scientologist.'' Jack ''How dare Jack refer to me as elderly! People always tell me how young I look for my age. In this book, I have atTrade ReviewDisgracefully funny and rather touching * R4 Midweek *The rapport between them is palpable and priceless . . . crackles with their back-and-forth dynamic . . . an embarrassment of biographical riches * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisWritten with approval of the help of her family and closest friends - including Julie Walters, Dawn French, Celia Imrie and many others - this is the definitive authorised biography of one of Britain's most talented and loved entertainers: Victoria Wood.Trade ReviewThis utterly absorbing and beautiful book, written with such insight and kindness, moved me hugely' * Julie Walters *Let's Do It is a biography that feels as unflinching and true as it is entertaining and affectionate. Rees pulls off the trick of writing a brilliant tribute while also - somehow, almost - bringing Victoria Wood back to life in all her complicated glory. -- Viv Groskop * GUARDIAN *When I met Victoria I gushed at her and she told me to stop, which was sweet and kind and saved us both! I won't gush now as per her non gushing desires, except to say that I would love people to read this beautiful book about the woman I will be forever grateful for in leading the way for me and other women in comedy and for making my life a jollier one. * Miranda Hart *There was none like her before and there's been none like her since - she was unique... I contributed to the book because I know that Jasper [Rees], who wrote it was a great friend of hers and she trusted him...and I knew that he would respect that... We weren't sitting down to be soft and fluffy about Vic, because Vic was quite spiky, quite demanding, and utterly hilarious. * Dawn French on BBC RADIO 5 LIVE *I remember first watching Victoria Wood when she was on Look North, when she would simply sing a song and play the piano, and knew then she was someone special. Decades later, I saw her show at the Albert Hall and not long after I bumped into her in our local M&S. I started to cry as I told her how amazing she was that night - I had no words for how wonderful she had been. Thankfully Jasper Rees has found the perfect words to convey Victoria's brilliance, in this meticulously researched, immersive and entertaining biography. It is a wonderful tribute to a pioneering entertainer who we all still miss so keenly. * Alison Steadman *An extraordinary, wonderful, rich biography of Victoria Wood - every bit as fascinating, challenging, and brilliant as she was. It is evident that Jasper Rees loves his subject and has been given unprecedented access to Wood's personal and professional archives. He explores Victoria's inspirations and creative processes, celebrating her genius, and never shying away from the tricky stuff. * Nina Stibbe *I love this book. I adored Victoria, and Jasper Rees has almost brought her back to life, so I highly recommend it to all her admirers who miss her desperately. Which is, of course, all of us. * Dame Esther Rantzen *The authorised biography of Victoria Wood by Jasper Rees is great - wonderfully detailed on her creative process, the graft she put in and the mechanics of how she did what she did, but losing none of the warmth and joy of what ended up on screen. Recommended. * Simon Blackwell, writer of VEEP and THE THICK OF IT *You can almost feel him riffling files, rewinding tapes, so carefully is it pieced together. Yet the reward is a 360-degree biography that transforms a beloved entertainer into a real human being, moving about a recognisable world: unhappy family home, provincial theatre, TV studio, celebrity's Highgate terrace, even, heartbreakingly, hospital room. It's a book for fans, of course, but it also documents 40 years of British entertainment, filtered through a life that stretched so much further than a few knackered bras. -- Victoria Segal * SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE *This biographer is the safest of hands, both for helpless fans like me, and to any outsiders who haven't paid attention... It does not feel intrusive because it is so richly fed with the memories of those who properly loved her, and those memories add to the store of lines to treasure... She kept us happy for years herself. I am thankful, for her and for this good biography. Might cry again now. -- Libby Purves * THE TIMES *A smashing biography. He gives a sense of what the real Victoria was like and conveys the unique qualities of her work - and provides a bridge between the two. At one point he says tactfully that the dreadful statue of Victoria in Bury shows "how hard it is to capture in bronze the bounce of her hair and the glow of her smile". At its best, this book does that in prose. -- Jake Kerridge * SUNDAY EXPRESS S MAGAZINE *Rees's biography is a must-read for her fans... This meticulously researched account of her life shows what a loss she is. -- Emma-Lee Potter * DAILY MIRROR *With meticulous thoroughness ... Let's Do It is nearly 600 pages long and copiously footnoted. Rees interviewed Wood frequently in her lifetime, spent two years on research, using Wood's own audio and written notes, and interviewed more than 200 people (from her children and perennial collaborators to occasional accompanists). It shows - this is an immersive, authoritative book... Do it, I urge you, while the mood is right. -- Emma Beddington * THE SPECTATOR *Joyous and revealing... If you're a diehard Wood fan (as I am) you'll find this account of her life wholly engrossing, and it also stands as a wonderful tribute to a pioneering entertainer and her exacting comic genius. -- Caroline Sanderson * THE BOOKSELLER, Editor's Choice *Packed with enlightening anecdotes and revealing interviews with her family and closest friends. A real treat. -- Martin Chilton * INDEPENDENT *This superb biography ensures we can't forget how revolutionary she was. -- Tanya Gold * THE OLDIE *For anyone who loves Victoria Wood, this biography - authorised by her literary estate - is a joy. It paints a rounded portrait of a genuinely nice and kind woman who could also be difficult, scathing, even ruthless. -- Christopher Stevens * DAILY MAIL *Rees is excellent on Wood's long struggle. -- Roger Lewis * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *With exclusive access to Victoria's archive, Rees has produced this fascinating portrait of a comedy genius who became a national treasure. -- Zoe West * WOMAN & HOME *A joyous read. -- Julia Llewellyn Smith * THE MAIL ON SUNDAY *Written with the approval of family and friends this is a biography more than worthy of its much-missed subject. * THE NEW EUROPEAN *Rees's research is wide-ranging and detailed... his analysis is acute and often beautifully articulated. -- Fiona Sturges * I NEWSPAPER *This profile of the astute observer of domesticity is warm-hearted and full of detail. -- Hannah Jane Parkinson * OBSERVER *Impeccable -- Iona McLaren * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, Books of the Year *A fascinating portrait of a comedy genius who became a national treasure. * WOMAN'S WEEKLY *Exemplary... Despite the memories of laughter it evoked, I was left saddened by the thought that Wood was really making strides into a brilliant second career as a screenwriter and director when illness took her away from us. * Jonathan Coe *

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Book SynopsisJohn Kenn Mortensen's pen is full of wonderfully creepy monsters which crawl onto sticky yellow note pads when darkness falls.Here we have collected some of the best monster drawings in a delectable hardback edition.Trade ReviewI’ve probably already seen more monsters than most do in their whole life, but I’m still none the wiser as to why some monsters work and others don’t. I know even less about why certain monsters push a special button at the back of my brain, evoking all kinds of half-forgotten dreams and feverish imaginings from my earliest childhood. What I do know is that John's monsters absolutely hit the spot * Geek Culture *Mortensen's drawings are quite wonderful. The yellow sticky canvas is transformed, the monsters come to life, each with their own personality. And oh, how many monsters and so many types: forest monsters, ghouls, ghost monsters, continental monsters, furry monsters, twin monsters, tentacled monsters, fish monsters, invisible monsters and a single human monster .... It is an incredibly fine concept. Each one completely individual and irrepressible. The monsters are cute at the same time as sinister, and often have a slightly Victorian vibe – tentacles and tweed * Naked Literature Magazine *

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the cult bestsellers THE BOOK OF BUNNY SUICIDES and RETURN OF THE BUNNY SUICIDES comes another unmissable collection of rabbit-related self destruction...The bunnies are back - and there''s only one thing on their minds. In this new collection, follow the continuing adventures of the fluffy little rabbits who just don''t want to live any more...Trade ReviewIt shouldn't be funny. It just shouldn't. But it really is. * Miranda Hart *Sick, sick, sick, sick, sick, sick - and hilarious. There's still so many ways for a rabbit to go. * Charlie Higson *

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Book SynopsisThe slacker's guide to parenting from the Twitter's most popular dad!Overachieving parents want you to believe the harder you work, the better your children your will turn out. That lie ends now. The truth is most kids end up remarkably unremarkable no matter what you do, so you might as well achieve mediocrity by the easiest possible route.In Bare Minimum Parenting, amateur parenting sort-of expert James Breakwell will teach you to stop worrying and embrace your child's destiny as devastatingly average. To get there, you'll have to overcome your kid, other parents, unnecessary sporting activity, broccoli, and yourself. Everyone will try to make your life more difficult than necessary. Honestly, by reading this far, you're already trying too hard. But don't stop now. You're exactly the kind of person who needs this book.Reviews for James BreakwellHilarious! - The Sun VERY funny Twitter feed - The Daily Mail The most hilarious man on Twitter - The Telegraph The funniest dad on Twitter - BuzzFeed Trade ReviewHilarious! * The Sun on James Breakwell *VERY funny Twitter feed * The Daily Mail on James Breakwell *The most hilarious man on Twitter * The Telegraph on James Breakwell *The funniest dad on Twitter * BuzzFeed on James Breakwell *

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Book SynopsisMonty was just like any other dog. A scruffy and irascible Maltese terrier, he enjoyed barking at pugs and sniffing at trees. But after yet another dramatic confrontation with the local Rottweiler, Anthony McGowan realises it’s high time he and Monty had a chat about what makes him a good or a bad dog. And they don’t stop at ethics. Taking his cue from Monty’s canine antics, McGowan leads us on an enlightening jaunt through the world of philosophy. Will Kant convince Monty to stop stealing cheesecake? How long will they put up with Socrates poking holes in every argument? Do they have free will to pursue answers to these questions? Join the dutiful duo as they set out to uncover who – if anyone – has the right end of the ethical stick and can tell us how best to live one’s life. But there is also a shadow over their conversations. Monty is not well… And so towards the end the biggest questions raise their heads: is there a God? Does life have a meaning? By the time of their last walk together, Monty – and the reader – will find that they have not just solved a few philosophical puzzles, but absorbed much of the history of Western philosophy.Trade Review‘Anthony McGowan’s How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog is a delightful, quirky book that deserves a wide readership and may well get it… A witty, enjoyable book that gently introduces some serious philosophy, with plenty of smiles along the way’ * Nigel Warburton, Five Books *'For essential reading on both the meaning of dogs and the meaning of life, I can recommend Anthony McGowan’s wonderful book How to Teach Philosophy to Your Dog, a series of conversations he had with his dog, Monty, while out walking together. The final chapter is a touching meditation on death and the existence – or not – of God, that takes in everything from Aristotle to Schopenhauer and leaves you suspecting dogs might already have had many of the answers all along. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio / Than are dreamed of in your philosophy.' -- Guardian‘Anthony McGowan’s wonderful survey of philosophy… Hugely entertaining and accessible, there can’t have been more delightful exponents of Socratic dialogue than McGowan and Monty, his scruffy and evidently delightful Maltese terrier.’ -- Tom Holland, Best Books of the Year, New Statesman'I loved loved loved this book. Genuinely profound as well as very funny.' * Alex Preston, via Twitter *‘Filled with sparkling insights, a joy from start to finish. In turns witty, brilliant and irreverent, McGowan explains nothing less than the meaning of life – to his dog. If only we were all as lucky as Monty to go for long walks with the author…’ -- Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads'McGowan playfully explores philosophy in this amusing collection of imaginary dialogues conducted with his Maltese terrier, Monty. Readers who have never roamed the paths of philosophy before, or who could use a return trip, will appreciate this enjoyable tour from a friendly guide and his loyal companion.' -- Publishers Weekly'An accessible, amusing guide to key philosophical questions...Perfect for novice philosophers.' * Idler *‘Readable, funny but enlightening…accessible and illuminating.’ * Church of England Newspaper *‘This is the most entertaining and accessible introduction to philosophy I have read. I doubt there can ever have been more delightful exponents of Socratic dialogue than McGowan and Monty, his dog.’ -- Tom Holland‘There is no sharper, funnier, cleverer writer in Britain today.’ -- Robert Twigger, author of Micromastery'A charming, informative, unique introduction to Western philosophy.' * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisWho but P.G. Wodehouse could have extraced high comedy from the most noble and ancient game of golf? And who else could have combined this comedy with a real appreciation of the game, drawn from personal experience? Wodehouse's brilliant but humane brand of humour is perfectly suited to these stories of love, rivalry, revenge and fulfilment on the links. While the oldest member sits inside the clubhouse quoting Marcus Aurelius on patience and wisdom, outside on the green the strongest human passions burn. All human life is here, from Sandy McHoots, the cocky professional, to shy Ramsden Waters, whose only consolation in life is golf. Even golf-haters will not be able to resist stories which perfectly combine physical farce and verbal wit with a gallery of unforgettable characters.

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Book SynopsisPerfect pup or mischievous mongrel? Follow nine pup personality tests to find out! Answer 81 multiple choice questions to find out who your pet really is and how their mysterious mind works.Table of ContentsIntroduction How To Use This Book The Six Canine Characteristics The nine quizzes: TOP DOG: Reflect on your dog’s confidence levels and how they interact with others. DOZING DOGGY STYLE: See what your dog’s sleeping positions, patterns and behaviours reveal. WHERE THERE’S A WOOF THERE’S A WAY: Take a look at how your dog communicates. IT’S A DOG LIFE: Every daily habit offers a meaningful clue, from their preferred routine to how they handle disruptions. POSE LIKE A POOCH: Unpick your dog’s signature style. CANINE SMARTS AND TRAINING: Penetrate the powers of your mutt’s mind, by looking at how they respond to instruction. WOOF AND TUMBLE: Find out what your dog’s favourite way to play signifies. POOCH POWER: How does your dog relate to you? DOGS ON THE MOVE: Investigate how your dog acts when they’re out and about. The Six Canine Characteristics Score Page Conclusion Dog Types and Breeds Further Reading on Canine Care, Wellbeing and Behaviour

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Book SynopsisYou don't have to own a dog and you don't have to be Jewish... A humour title about using guilt, shame and passive aggression to raise your dog that will have you barking with laughter.A 'Not Missing Yet' sign informs neighbours that dog is not missing. Some trainers call this precaution unnecessary. We say: It couldn't hurt.Finally! The dog training techniques and tips developed by the renowned Rabbis of the Boca Raton Theological Seminary are available in book form. Look out, monks. Step aside, whisperer. Rabbi Monica and Rabbi Alan show, step by step, how you can use guilt, shame, passive aggression, sarcasm and Conditional Unconditional Love to create an unbreakable bond with your dog. It's all here, including:- The five ways of commanding 'Sit!' ('What, would it kill you to sit down for one lousy second?')- A useful list of Advanced Commands ('Don't stare at Cousin Edith's hair when she comes over.')- How to use Situational Martyrdom when the dog disobeys ('Fine. Do what you want. I hope you have a nice life.')The rabbis have been training dogs - and their owners - for 20 years. Now they bring the fruits of their vast experience to dog owners everywhere. And the best part? You don't have to be Jewish to benefit from the programme. Just neurotic. Or crazy about your dog.Trade ReviewNeither you nor your dog actually have to be Jewish to enjoy this ludicrous but extremely funny spoof pooch manual filled with dire jokes that would make even Woody Allen cringe. From how to find a vet who will be sufficiently responsive to your Jewish dog's high emotional neediness to buying it muffins at the airport to disguise the tranquilisers you're going to give it for travelling, it made me shake with laughter again and again; not to mention the cover. -- Katie Law * EVENING STANDARD *How to Raise a Jewish Dog is essentially one long joke: bit it's a very funny one! at only 162 pages it doesn't outstay its welcome. The prose is well-written with a great sense of comic timing, which is why it comes recommended. Just remember: if you read it on public transport you're likely to attract attention with your chuckling. * ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS *A dog is not just for Chanucah. So those of you who have recently acquired a pooch will be happy to know that this is now a training manual. -- Simon Rocker * JEWISH CHRONICLE *Neither you nor your dog actually have to be Jewish to enjoy this ludicrous but extremely funny spoof pooch manual filled with dire jokes that would make even Woody Allen cringe. From how to find a vet who will be sufficiently responsive to your Jewish dog's high emotional neediness to buying it muffins at the airport to disguise the tranquilisers you're going to give it for travelling, it made me shake with laughter again and again; not to mention the cover. -- Katie Law * EVENING STANDARD *How to Raise a Jewish Dog is essentially one long joke: bit it's a very funny one! at only 162 pages it doesn't outstay its welcome. The prose is well-written with a great sense of comic timing, which is why it comes recommended. Just remember: if you read it on public transport you're likely to attract attention with your chuckling. * ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS *A dog is not just for Chanucah. So those of you who have recently acquired a pooch will be happy to know that this is now a training manual. -- Simon Rocker * JEWISH CHRONICLE *

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Book SynopsisIt's a zombie kitten apocalypse!Can the Bad Guys save the world from evil Dr. Marmalade's meowing monsters?!? They'll need help from foxy Agent Fox, a swampy secret zombie antidote, and the feistiest, toothiest, hungriest granny around. Get ready to watch the fur fly!

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Book SynopsisWith season 2 now released, don't miss out on getting the perfect gift for any Stranger Things fan in your life. Grab your Eggos and prepare to enter Hawkins, Indiana – just don't forget your fairy lightsIf you devoured Stranger Things and you're looking to fill the demogorgon-sized hole in your life, then look no further than Notes From the Upside Down. This fan handbook is here to tell you more about the origins of the show, including the mysterious Montauk Project conspiracy theory, get you clued up on the inspirations behind the characters, and assess the show's DNA. If you've ever wondered why Spielberg is such a huge influence, which Stephen King books you need to read (HINT: pretty much all of them) and how State Trooper David O’Bannon earned his name, then this book is for you. Guy Adams is a superfan and this is his amusing and informative guide to everything you're going to need to know to understand Stranger Things.

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Book SynopsisLaugh as you learn about America''s friendly northern neighbor with this step-by-step guide to Canadian customs, pop culture, and slang -- perfect for anyone who''s considered moving to (or just visiting) maple leaf country. Written by New York Times bestselling author (and born-and-bred Canuck) Jennifer McCartney, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about Canada, including: History and a primer on Canadian provinces Bewildering residency rules, demystified Unique laws and customs How to fit in once you''re there (notes on eh and beyond) The food (learn to love seal flipper pie, ketchup chips, and timbits) Contributions to the arts and pop culture (Celine Dion, Margaret Atwood, Justin Bieber) Colorful slang, explained This guide is peppered with creative doodles, charts, and graphs to help you on your way. Hilarious and honest, So You Want to Move to Canada, Eh will delight your politically disgruntled father, nudge your bleeding-heart neighbor to hit the road, and inspire you to plan for (or daydream about) your own Canadian getaway.

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Book SynopsisThe author of the hit parody The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadfully Teddy draws on the simple, idyllic world of Beatrix Potter to shed light on some of the most pertinent issues of our time.Beatrix, a refined and gentle lady, decides to relocate to the countryside to escape the chaotic city and exorbitant house prices of London, in search of a simpler, more holistic life. Looking forward to painting cute rural animals and writing stories about their charming ways, she desires nothing more than to surround herself with nature and to practice mindfulness and kindness. But after months spent in isolation during ?hibernation?, all the local wildlife emerge grumpy, sweary and having forgotten all their social skills ? Jemima Puddleduck has even been cancelled. Will Beatrix?s new small garden and spare room make all this aggro worth it?Trade Review“Refreshing as a quadruple gin and full fat tonic, this subversive and very funny book loosens the laughter corsets and makes you never want to fasten them again. We all need a break from the self-righteous and virtue signallers and Planet Paul Magrs is where it’s at. Love, love LOVED it.” – Milly Johnson

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Book SynopsisUnderneath that chilled exterior is a potty-mouthed mouser ready to let rip. Sweary Cats features over 60 fabulous felines itching and scratching to tell it like it is, either through withering sarcasm or deeply insulting remarks.Cats may have a reputation for being passive and chilled, but the phrase cool for cats' couldn't be further from the truth. Cats are some of the angriest animals in the pet kingdom, they're just very very good at hiding it.For the first time Sweary Cats reveals the true emotions bubbling under the surface in cats' anxious lives, whether it's the failure to receive a variety of moist pouches, getting dressed up in costumes for their owner's Christmas cards, or being taken to the vets again.Over 60 different cats reveal their frank thoughts on a variety of topics from fine dining to The Sound of Music there's no holding back when the claws are out. All kinds of domestic scenes are covered; cats in the bedroom, cats in the kitchen, cats in trees, cats in pipeli

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Book SynopsisThe follow-up to Ian Allen's uproarious Embarassing Dad Jokes, Even More Embarrassing DAD JOKES takes the dad joke book' to new dimensions!Even More Embarrassing DAD JOKES builds on the strength of Ian Allen's original Embarrassing Dad Jokes book that has enjoyed regular strong sales in the US, UK and Australia. The chicken finally takes a break from crossing the road in this attractively packaged joke book, which majors on among many other things the beaver:What do you call a German beaver with an obsession for building dams on ladders?GötterdämmerungWhat's a beaver's least favourite film?The Dam BustersPacked with graphics and bursting with ideas, it is both funny and clever with winning punchlines on every page, from the grand master of the dad joke.What do you call a bear who leans on its paws?PaulineI wrote a great book on how to build a new staircase at homeIt was a step-by-step guide.I met a woman who likes setting fire to banks. I said, that's a perfect job for you, Bernadet

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate joke book with over 3,000 side-splitting jokes for every occasion: ranging from one-liners and observations, to classic funny stories that will provide hours of fun. Mike Haskins and Stephen Arnott collate this wonderful comedy-fest full of quick-fire one-liners, timely observations and rambling yarns from the classic to the modern. This book contains quips for every occasion: from a best man's speech to a sales conference, for swapping around the dinner table and even for when you're sitting on the loo!Arranged by subject matter, you'll always be able to find just the right joke for any situation. (Unless you''re a child, because this book is strictly for adults only.)This hilarious collection will appeal to those who want to find a specific rib-tickler for an upcoming event, and to those who wants to settle down in an armchair and have a good old laugh. From the hilariously cringe-worthy dad joke, to the witty brain-teaser, 3000 Jokes, 2997 Laughs will leave you the funniest person in every room.Jokes include:Tom's eyesight is getting very bad. He's had to get a special new pair of glasses to help him find where he left his old glasses.??What do you call a magic dog? A Labracadabrador.Today is the birthday of the inventor of the boomerang. I think we should all wish him Many Happy Returns.What's the best thing about Switzerland? I don't know, but their flag is a huge plus.Settle in, and prepare to laugh your socks off!

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Book SynopsisI've lived through ten iOS upgrades on my Mac and that's just something I use to muck about on Twitter. Surely capitalism is due an upgrade or two?'When Caitlin Moran sat down to choose her favourite pieces for her new book she realised that they all seemed to join up. Turns out, it's the same old problems and the same old ass-hats.Then she thought of the word Moranifesto', and she knew what she had to doThis is Caitlin's engaging and amusing rallying call for our times. Combining the best of her recent columns with lots of new writing unique to this book, Caitlin deals with topics as pressing and diverse as 1980s swearing, benefits, boarding schools, and why the internet is like a drunken toddler.And whilst never afraid to address the big issues of the day such as Benedict Cumberbatch and duffel coats Caitlin also makes a passionate effort to understand our 21st century society and presents us with her Moranifesto' for making the world a better place.The polite revolution starts here! Please.Trade ReviewShe is one of the most astute social commentators hitting a keyboard today ... guaranteed to brighten up anyone's life * Independent *the joy of Moran’s writing lies in how she combines thoughtfulness and intelligence with proper belly laughs. * Independent on Sunday *Spiky, funny and passionate * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisTucker Max received his B.A. from the University of Chicago, where he graduated in 1998. He attended Duke Law School on an academic scholarship, where he graduated with a J.D. in 2001 (despite the fact that he neglected to buy any of his textbooks for his final two years and spent part of one semester - while still enrolled in classes - living in Cancun). He currently lives in Chicago, and when he isn't drinking or fornicating, he writes for his website, www.tuckermax.com.

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Book SynopsisSchool is ''wet and weedy'', according to Nigel Molesworth, the ''goriller of 3B'', ''curse of St Custard''s'' and superb chronicler of fifties English life. Nothing escapes his disaffected eye and he has little time for such things as botany walks and cissy poetry with an assortment of swots, snekes and oiks. Instead he is very good at missing lessons, charming masters and putting down little brothers, in fact he is exceptional at most things except spelling. Wildly funny and full of sharp observations on life, the Molesworth tetralogy' is magnificently complemented by the illustrations of Ronald Searle

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Book SynopsisHorace Rumpole - witty, eloquent, dishevelled and cynical - is one of fiction''s best-loved barristers-at-law. In these twenty classic tales, Rumpole battles through the Old Bailey, whether defending various members of an incompetent South London crime family, taking on haute-cuisine chefs and showfolk or mocking the pomposity of his own profession, all the while being held in check by his wife, Hilda: the wonderful, fearsome She Who Must Be Obeyed.These collected stories, in Penguin Modern Classics for the first time, are a definitive introduction to one of the wisest and wittiest characters in British comic writing and a reminder of what justice should really be about. With a new introduction by Sam Leith, former literary editor of the Daily Telegraph and contributor to the Evening Standard, Guardian and Spectator.Trade ReviewI thank Heaven for small mercies. The first of these is Rumpole -- Clive JamesRumpole is simply one of the great fictional characters of modern English literature -- Marcel Berlin * Sunday Times *The best mock heroic fatty since Falstaff -- Alan Coren

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Book SynopsisThe #1 New York Times Bestseller**A hilarious, thoughtful, and in-depth exploration of the pleasures and perils of modern romance from Aziz Ansari, the Emmy-award winning star of Master of None and one of this generation''s sharpest comedic voices**In the old days, most people would find a decent person who lived in their village or neighbourhood, and after deciding they weren''t a murderer, get married and have kids - all by the age of 22. Now we spend years of our lives searching for our perfect soul mate and, thanks to dating apps, mobile phones and social media, we have more romantic options than ever before in human history. Yet we also have to confront strange new dilemmas, such as what to think when someone is too busy to reply to a text but has time to post a photo of their breakfast on Instagram. And if we have so many more options, why aren''t people any less frustrated? For years, American comedian Aziz Ansari has been aiming Trade ReviewEntertaining and illuminating... It's refreshing to hear a modern male voice on the subject of love and sex' -- Barbara Ellen * Observer *'Riotously funny... A zingy and satisfying read. It will make you laugh, nod in agreement and ultimately feel better that you are not alone in trying to navigate the uncertain world of romance in the 21st century' -- Katie Harrington * Irish Examiner *'A lively look at love, marriage and the oddities of mating in the 21st century' * The Economist *So refreshing * Evening Standard *'Ansari has pulled it off: a thinky book that's funny, too' * Esquire *'A sprightly, easygoing hybrid of fact, observation, advice and comedy' * New York Times *'A hilarious, often unsettling account of what young singles go through as they search for love in the digital age' * Rolling Stone *

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Book SynopsisMilton Crawford was born somewhere north of the Zambezi and west of the Rift valley in a small town in the middle of Africa. He has travelled the world in search of good liquor and in an attempt to outrun the hangovers that seem to follow him wherever he goes. He is an author and journalist, and in keeping with the most honourable traditions of the writing profession, a drinker of distinction. His previous books have been published under a more sober alias.Trade ReviewA nice play on the standard pairing of books and drinks * New Yorker *Not only is it full of fab recipes, it'll make you laugh too - no matter how terrible you're feeling * Cosmopolitan *This collection of meals designed to help mop up the toxins and return your skin colour to its usual pinkish winter hue is well-suited to a throneside location * Time Out *

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Book SynopsisFollowing his hugely acclaimed TV come-back Comedy Vehicle, Lee finds himself in search of ideas for a new Edinburgh show. On a long walk across London, he endures a coffee shop humiliation involving a loyalty card which suggests itself as a framing device. Later that month, thanks to Jeremy Clarkson''s casual slur against Gordon Brown and the appearance of a well-meaning young comedian in an advert, a show is born. Featuring a transcript of the show fully annotated with footnotes, the If You Prefer A Milder Comedian EP confirms Stewart Lee as the most original, daring and brilliant comedian of his generation.

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Book SynopsisA liff is a familiar object or experience that English has no word for. Afterliff, its long-awaited sequel, corrects this disgraceful oversight by recycling the names found on signposts.This brilliant successor to Douglas Adams'' and John Lloyd''s 1983 classic The Meaning of Liff features over 900 essential new definitions, including:Anglesey n.Hypothetical object at which a lazy eye is looking.Badlesmeare n.One who dishonestly ticks the ''I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions'' box.Caterham n.An overwhelming desire to use the Pope''s hat as an oven glove.Clavering ptcpl v.Pretending to text when alone and feeling vulnerable in public.Eworthy adj.Of a person: worth emailing but not worth phoning or meeting.Kanumbra n.The sense that someone is standing behind you.Ljubljana interj.What people say to the dentist on the wa

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Book Synopsis''What guts. What attitude! These are the immortals I wish I'd learned about at school.''OLIVIA COLMAN Channel the feminist power of mythical goddesses in this witty, inspirational gift book. ''Wonderful.'' CERYS MATTHEWSWhether it's the Norse warrior goddess Freya breaking all the rules, the Yoruba goddess Oshun being unafraid to ask for what she's owed, or the Japanese goddess Uzume finding humour and playfulness in even the most embarrassing of situations: this fierce and fantastic tour of 25 ancient deities reclaims these feminist icons for a new generation.Why settle for mere mortal excellence when you could be living like a goddess?Divinely illustrated by Georgia Perry, You Goddess! will help you conquer today's world.

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Book SynopsisEVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR A NEW BOOK BY QI ELVES JAMES HARKIN AND ANNA PTASZYNSKI IS AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER NOW The perfect gift for all those big and little kids in your life who ask ''why...?''. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY ZOE BALLPre-order the next book in this series, 222 QI Answers to Your Quite Ingenious Questions, published in paperback on 3rd November.''QI have outdone themselves!'' ALAN DAVIES ''Fabulous . . . A cracker of a book!'' SUE PERKINSThe QI Elves are barnstormingly brilliant.'' ZOE BALL''Genuinely useful and endlessly fascinating.'' THE SPECTATOR''Hilarious.'' DAILY MAILThe QI Elves are the brains behind the enduringly popular BBC TV panel show QI.Every Wednesday the Elves appear on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show where they answer the ponderings and wonderings of BBC Radio 2's most

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Book SynopsisSerious and silly ways to kill or outwit the garden's number one enemyTrade ReviewThe most oft-asked question to gardening columns is what to do about slugs. This humorous little book offers fifty ways of dispatching these slimy devils of the night. No longer weep over munched delphiniums, no longer curse upon discovering a row of chomped seedlings or scream in anguish over the slimed hosta. From the totally impractical to tried and tested methods of slugicide, this book will have every gardener crying tears of laughter, the cartoons accompanying each tip perfectly depicting the cunning of the soon-to-be-dead. From Dutch slug-eating triffids to kitchen blenders, salt and nematodes, eau-de-yucca to weed burners.. Just show the book to your local slug colony and you won't see them for slime! A great present for all gardeners and worth its weight in gold to every slug sufferer. - Lucy WatsonTable of ContentsKnow your enemy; prepare the battleground; gather your weapons; enter into combat - 50 ways to beat your enemy, including death the natural way, chemical warfare and the element of surprise.

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Book SynopsisThis delightful literary celebration will make every bibliophile laugh out loud, even in the library.

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Book SynopsisToo little or too much company can be stressful. By discovering all about Mindfulness, you can get away from it all by hiding out in the comfort of your own head . . .''Valentine became a Buddhist because he was interested in dharma.Dharma is a word for cosmic law and order.Valentine is sad. He thought dharma was a type of curry.''__________''Alison has been staring at this beautiful tree for five hours.She was meant to be in the office. Tomorrow she will be fired.In this way, mindfulness will have solved her work-related stress.''__________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. ''Hilarious'' StylistExplore other essential life companions in the Ladybird Books of The Shed, The Meeting, The New You, and more.

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Book SynopsisStuck at home? Annoyed by your neighbours? Then let this helpful guide tell you all about The People Next Door . . .''Logan is reporting his next-door neighbour to the police again. This time, it''s for using a hairdryer before 8am. Last time, it was for trespass by blossom. ''You again,'' says the duty sergeant, and gets the forms.__________''Rachel and Robert''s neighbour Mrs Vavasour has complained to the council about their hedge, their cat and the colour of their front door.The morning after Rachel left her hair straighteners plugged in, Mrs Vavasour complains to the council that she was kept awake by a bright, flickering orange light and the sound of exploding wood.''__________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. ''Hilarious'' StylistExplore other essential life companions in the Ladybird Books of The Shed, The Zombie Apocalypse, The Meeting, and more.

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Book SynopsisThe PERFECT STOCKING FILLER for anyone who has been having the same argument since 2001 or who no longer has ANY of their own clothes left, i.e. someone who is, or has ever been a sister.''This is a sister.Wherever you go, whatever you do, a sister will always be there.Which can get really annoying.''_____________''Over the years, Gareth has bought his sister Kelly every possible birthday present he can find related to the film he remembers her enjoying in 1989.Kelly has had to come to terms with the idea that though they spent half their lives together, Gareth was not really paying attention for most of it.''This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.''Hilarious'' StylistTrade ReviewHilarious * Stylist *

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT for those obsessed with the World Cup.__________________________________''If Ben were only happy when his favourite team did well, he would not be happy very often.Instead Ben is happy whenever a team he hates does badly.There are lots and lots of those.''__________________________________''BBC Radio 5 Live has cut away from coverage of the worst mainland terrorist atrocity in decades because there is an important update from the curling.Otherwise, regular listeners will complain.''__________________________________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongsid

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Book SynopsisA brilliant and captivating insight into the bizarre nature of contemporary Japan.Trade ReviewA frantic, very funny, urban quest * Mail on Sunday *Wonderfully oddball ... Here is a cult book all right, which could do for Japan and the martial arts what Hornby did for Highbury and the football terraces * Guardian *His fine eye for eccentricities makes this an entertaining travelogue * Observer *A rattling good yarn and very funny into the bargain * Independent on Sunday *His explanation of how to come to terms with intense pain should be read to every footballer who has ever writhed about in agony after a kick on the shin... It is a clever, enthralling book * Daily Mail *Brilliant ... everyone should read it -- Tony Parsons * Late Review *This is a splendidly written adventure, something sane at last on the craziness of martial arts * Independent on Sunday *Poetry in motion -- Sue Townsend * Sunday Times *Communicates the existential purity of his elective regime with irrepressible passion ... it also has the unmistakable stamp of authentic experience * Daily Telegraph *A book of unexpected brilliance. It is subtle, funny, stimulating and original - a rites-of-passage story, an explanation of an alien culture, and an inspiring work of philosophy -- Patrick FrenchTwigger vividly captures the wince-inducing physical and emotional trials endured by those who would wear the black belt. But he also offers a rare insight in aikido's peculiarly Darwinian group dynamic and how it fits into modern Japanese society. After this marvellously insightful account I will snigger no more at Steven Segal's po-faced chop-sockey * Literary Review *The most intriguing sports book ever to win the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award * Daily Mail *A frantic, very funny, urban quest. -- Simon Garfield * Mail on Sunday *A book of unexpected brilliance. It is subtle, funny, stimulating and original - a rites-of-passage story, an explanation of an alien culture, and an inspiring work of philosophy -- Patrick FrenchHis fine eye for eccentricities makes this an entertaining travelogue * The Observer *A rattling good yarn and very funny into the bargain -- Tim Hulse * Independent on Sunday *This is a splendidly written adventure, something sane at last on the craziness of martial arts * Independent on Sunday *His explanation of how to come to terms with intense pain should be read to every footballer who has ever writhed about in agony after a kick on the shin... It is a clever, enthralling book -- Ian Wooldridge * Daily Mail *Brilliant ... everyone should read it -- Tony Parsons * Late Review *Wonderfully oddball ... Here is a cult book all right, which could do for Japan and the martial arts what Hornby did for Highbury and the football terraces -- Frank Keating * Guardian *Poetry in motion -- Sue Townsend * Sunday Times *Communicates the existential purity of his elective regime with irrepressible passion ... it also has the unmistakable stamp of authentic experience * Daily Telegraph *Twigger vividly captures the wince-inducing physical and emotional trails endured by those who would wear the black belt. But he also offers a rare insight in aikido's peculiarly Darwinian group dynamic and how it fits into modern Japanese society. After this marvellously insightful account I will snigger no more at Steven Segal's po-faced chop-sockey -- Ben Farrington * Literary Review *The most intriguing sports book ever to win the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA cumulation of Edward Goreys love for bons mots and the bizarre,The Glorious Nosebleedis his fifth abecedarium, originally published in 1974. A darkly humorous collection of black-and-white illustrations and cryptic descriptions, from She wandered among the trees Aimlessly to He wrote it all down Zealously, this laconic, alphabetic adventure will leave you both scratching your head and begging for more. Described in the original printing as An Exemplary Alphabet for Connoisseurs of Syntax, Semantics and Subtleties, The Glorious Nosebleed is the manifestation of Goreys clever mind and unique art. Dive deep into the chaos and unpredictability

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