Humour Books

Book SynopsisKeep Calm and Carry On was a World War 2 government poster discovered in a dusty box nine years ago. Though it never saw the light of day in 1939 (it was only supposed to go up if Britain was invaded), it has suddenly struck a chord in our current difficult times, now we are in need of a stiff upper lip and optimistic energy once again. Gordon Brown had one up in 10 Downing Street and James May wears a Keep Calm T-shirt on the telly - it is suddenly everywhere. The book is packed full of similarly motivational and inspirational quotes, proverbs, mantras and wry truths to help us through the recession, from such wits as Churchill, Disraeli and George Bernard Shaw. Funny, wise and stirring - it is a perfect source of strength to get us all through the coming months.''A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain'' Mark Twain ''It''s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; itTrade ReviewThe best title on offer this year is Keep Calm and Carry On ... There isn't a single uninteresting entry and the range - Cicero, Shakespeare, George W. Bush. Impressive. * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisMurphy''s Law - popularly known as Sod''s Law - with acknowledgements to Parkinson''s Law and the Peter Principle - explains the truth of man''s existence: that if anything can go wrong, it will. In three volumes of murphology, Arthur Bloch has provided the only comfort possible - laughter - for all those who have ever been exasperated by things going wrong, with a set of rules offering a wise and witty view of the human predicament in the cosmos.Trade ReviewArthur Bloch holds up a rickety umbrella to defend himself against slates dislodged by tornadoes ... and is ... very funny * Punch *

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Book SynopsisP. G. Wodehouse (1881-1975) is widely regarded as the greatest comic writer of the 20th century. Wodehouse wrote more than 70 novels and 200 short stories, creating numerous much-loved characters - the inimitable Jeeves and Wooster, Lord Emsworth and his beloved Empress of Blandings, Mr Mulliner, Ukridge, and Psmith. His humorous articles were published in more than 80 magazines, including Punch, over six decades. He was also a highly successful music lyricist, once with over five musicals running on Broadway simultaneously. P.G. Wodehouse was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for 'an outstanding and lasting contribution to the happiness of the world'.Trade ReviewIt's dangerous to use the word genius to describe a writer, but I'll risk it with him -- John HumphrysFor as long as I'm immersed in a P.G. Wodehouse book, it's possible to keep the real world at bay and live in a far, far nicer, funnier one where happy endings are the order of the day -- Marian KeyesWodehouse always lifts your spirits, no matter how high they happen to be already -- Lynne TrussThe incomparable and timeless genius - perfect for readers of all ages, shapes and sizes! -- Kate MosseNot only the funniest English novelist who ever wrote but one of our finest stylists -- Susan Hill

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Book SynopsisAs the newly appointed County Inspector of Schools in North Yorkshire, the author reveals in this warm and humorous account, the experiences of his first year in the job - and what an education it was! He quickly learns that he must slow his pace and appreciate the beautiful countryside.

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Book SynopsisIn Pop Goes the Weasel, Albert Jack explores the strange and fascinating histories behind the nursery rhymes we thought we knew, showing that their real meanings are far from innocent.Who were Mary Quite Contrary and Georgie Porgie? How could Hey Diddle Diddle offer an essential astronomy lesson? And if Ring a Ring a Roses isn''t about catching the plague, then what is it really about? This ingenious book delves into the hidden meanings of the nursery rhymes and songs we all know so well and discovers all kinds of strange tales ranging from Viking raids to firewalking and from political rebellion to slaves being smuggled to freedom.From the grim true story behind ''Oranges and Lemons'' to the deadly secrets of Mary Quite Contrary''s garden, and from how Lucy Locket lost more than her pocket to why Humpty Dumpty wasn''t egg-shaped at all, Pop Goes the Weasel is a compendium of surprising stories you won''t be able to resist passing on to everyone Trade ReviewAn irresistible treasure-trove ... The way these gossipy little rhymes give us a snapshot of everyday life in centuries gone by is enchanting. You'll never look at nursery rhymes again in the same way * Daily Mirror *The history behind nursery rhymes is not only highly specific but often splendidly grim. This book is a reminder of the riches below the surface: characters, jokes, events and stories * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThis is a book for everyone who has ever wondered why pubs should be called The Cross Keys, The Dew Drop Inn or The Hope and Anchor. You''ll be glad to know that there are very good - strange and memorable - reasons behind them all.After much research about (and in) pubs, Albert Jack brings together the stories behind pub names to reveal how they offer fascinating and subversive insights on our history, customs, attitudes and jokes in just the same way that nursery rhymes do. The Royal Oak, for instance, commemorates the tree that hid Charles II from Cromwell''s forces after his defeat at Worcester; The Bag of Nails is a corruption of the Bacchanals, the crazed followers of Bacchus, the god of wine and drunkenness; The Cat and the Fiddle a mangling of Catherine La Fidele and a guarded gesture of support for Henry VIII''s first, Catholic, wife Catherine of Aragon; plus many, many more. Here too are even more facts about everything from ghosts to drinking songs to the rules of cribbage and shove ha''penny, showing that, ultimately, the story of pub history is really the story of our own popular history.

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Book SynopsisNo, Groucho is not my real name, I''m just breaking it in for a friend.'' Presenting the greatest and most hilarious examples of Groucho, one of the most influential and well-loved figures in the long and glittering history of comedy. From early scripts to complete screenplays, from magazine funnies to fascinating personal correspondence, via books, greedy banks, even greedier lawyers and the coming of television, Kanfer''s collection captures the essence of Groucho''s inimitable comic genius. ''I never forget a face, but in your case I''ll make an exception...

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Book SynopsisIn his witty, high-concept, high-colored flibook, Mr. Muratyan's thesis emerges playfully on every page: Vive la différence! -- The New York TimesA beautiful gift book of a popular travel journal as told by a lover of Paris wandering through New YorkWhen Vahram Muratyan began his online travel journal, Paris versus New York, he had no idea how quickly it would become one of the most buzzed-about sites on the Internet—it garnered more than a million and a half page views in just a few months, and the attention of savvy online critics. Now Muratyan presents his unique observations in this delightful book, featuring visually striking graphics paired with witty, thought-provoking taglines that celebrate the special details of each city. Paris versus New York is a heartfelt gift to denizens of both cities and to those who dream of big-city romance.Trade Review"In his witty, high-concept, high-colored flipbook “Paris Versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities” ...Mr. Muratyan uses splashy collagist art to showcase the visual beauty marks of the two metropolises." — The New York Times"In its entirety Paris vs. New York is a book that encourages playfulness...Paris vs. New York is a stunningly inventive piece of work. Original, engaging, and intelligently conceived, yet executed with a simplistic beauty..." -- New York Journal of Books"Playfully pitting Paris and New York against each other, graphic designer Vahram Muratyan has created a visual homage to two evocative cities." -- The Guardian

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Book SynopsisA celebration of the brave, drunken pioneers who built our civilization one seemingly bad decision at a time, A Brief History of Vice explores a side of the past that mainstream history books prefer to hide. History has never been more fun—or more intoxicating. Guns, germs, and steel might have transformed us from hunter-gatherers into modern man, but booze, sex, trash talk, and tripping built our civilization. Cracked editor Robert Evans brings his signature dogged research and lively insight to uncover the many and magnificent ways vice has influenced history, from the prostitute-turned-empress who scored a major victory for women’s rights to the beer that helped create—and destroy—South America''s first empire. And Evans goes deeper than simply writing about ancient debauchery; he recreates some of history''s most enjoyable (and most painful) vices and includes guides so you can follow along at home. You’ll learn how to: • Trip like a Greek philosopher. • Rave like your Stone Age ancestors. • Get drunk like a Sumerian. • Smoke a nose pipe like a pre–Columbian Native American.“Mixing science, humor, and grossly irresponsible self-experimentation, Evans paints a vivid picture of how bad habits built the world we know and love.”—David Wong, author of John Dies at the End

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Book SynopsisA title, in which, the author deals once and for all with questions like whether it is ever okay to covet thy neighbour's oxen (it is), eating with your hands (very important indeed) and if you should cut off the fat (no). Combining reportage and anecdotes with recipes worthy of adoration, it brings us the new foodie rules to live by.

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Book SynopsisAt last, the handbook all you cool cats have been waiting for! One hundred easy ways to discover the joys of a purrfectly obedient human.

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about men and war. Not real conflict but war as it has filtered down to generations of boys and men through toys, comics, games and movies. Harry Pearson belongs to the great battalion of British men who grew up playing with toy soldiers - refighting World War II - and then stopped growing up. Inspired by the photos of the gallant pilot uncles that decorated the wall above his father''s model-making table, by Sergeant Hurricane, Action Man and Escape from Colditz, dressed in Clarks'' commando shoes and with the Airfix Army in support, he battled in the fields and on the beaches, in his head and on the sitting-room floor and across his bedroom ceiling. And thirty years later he still is.ACHTUNG SCHWEINEHUND! is a celebration of those glory days, a boy''s own story of the urge to play, to conquer - and to adopt very bad German accents, shouting ''Donner und Blitzen'' at every opportunity. This is a tale of obsession, glue and plastic kits. It is the story of oneTrade ReviewHis war-obsessed childhood is so warm and funny and true you might be tempted to hug yourself with delight * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *Funny, perceptive ... Pearson has you laughing throughout with guilty recognition. You learn a lot of quirky facts and a fair bit of military history from this endearing memoir * SUNDAY TIMES *He has a very good line in comedy * DAILY MAIL *

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Book SynopsisIs The Sound of Music insensitive to deaf people, or The Barber of Seville cruel to the follicly challenged? In this age of gender fluidity, is the title Guys and Dolls acceptable when the more tasteful People of Unspecified Gender would do?Protecting delicate sensibilities from the harmful values of yesteryear, You Can''t Say That Any More reveals the shocking danger around us in the books, films and TV shows we used to cherish. From Bambi to Bleak House, from the lack of balcony safeguarding in Romeo and Juliet to the troubling depiction of body dysmorphia in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, we are surrounded on all sides by danger, depravity and profoundly harmful messaging. Titles taken to task and put on the naughty step (at long last!) include: Postman Pat, Middlemarch, Happy Days, My Fair Lady, the Bible, Pride and Prejudice, Peanuts, Dante''s Divine Comedy, The Wombles, Star Wars, the weather forecast, Bagpuss, Casablanca, Homer''s Iliad and many, many more!Each entry includes trigger warnings, suggested edits, alternative plots and helpful rewritings of deeply problematic books, films, plays, television series and musicals.Over 100 all-time favourites disapproved of at length and in detail.

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Book SynopsisAS HEARD ON RADIO 4''S ''ABILITY''''A truly eye-opening book from a fantastic comedian.'' ADAM KAY''Comedy genius... The funniest book I''ve read in years.'' DAVID WALLIAMS_______________Lee Ridley won the hearts and minds of the nation on Britain''s Got Talent. Now the much-loved comedian opens up about what it''s like to be him.I''m Only In It for the Parking is a wonderful romp through Lee''s extraordinary life, by way of the people who like to pray for him, the comparisons with Stephen Hawking, some perilous falls, some epic fails and more information about Lee''s private life than you probably need.This is the wickedly funny story of the stand-up who struggles to stand up, but who learns to finds his feet. The Geordie without the accent. The entertainer who really can''t speak at all, but who has something important to say._______________What readers are saying:Trade ReviewA unique and brilliant comic voice. * ROSS NOBLE *Comedy genius... The funniest book I've read in years. * DAVID WALLIAMS *A truly eye-opening book from a fantastic comedian. * ADAM KAY *The reader gets to know him as a good-natured, sometimes mischievous bloke - a real person and not just the comic with the electronic voice. * Chortle *Funny, charming and full of unique insights. * FRANCESCA MARTINEZ, author of What the **** is Normal? *

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Book SynopsisHaving survived their voyage to Carcassonne, you might expect pensioners Terry and Monica Darlington and their whippet, Jim, to retire to a comfortable corner of their favourite pub. But no, they looked to the New World for an extraordinary new adventure...No-one had ever sailed an English narrowboat in the US before, for reasons that became abundantly clear during the 9-month voyage of the Phyllis May - including 30-mile sea crossings, blasting heat, tornadoes, hurricanes and all manner of intimidating wildlife. But the real danger came from the locals: the Good Ole Boys and Girls of the Deep South. Colonels, bums, captains, planters, heroes, drunks, gongoozlers, dancing dicks and beautiful spies - they all want to meet the Brits on the narrow painted boat and their thin dog and take them home and party them to death. Beautifully written, lovingly observed, and very funny, Narrow Dog to Indian River takes you on a dangerous, surprising and alwTrade ReviewA classic of the genre * INDEPENDENT *Highly entertaining... combines the pioneering spirit of the Wild West with the best in armchair travel * THE LADY *As good as if not better than Narrow Dog to Carcassonne -- BRIAN PATTENRollicking adventure... engaging, romantic and literary * BIRMINGHAM POST *Jim easily steals the laurels from Jerome's Montmorency * YOUR DOG magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate compendium of crisp one-liners, knockout jokes, droll asides and universal truths collected over the years by the creators of QI. ''You know ''that look'' women get when they want sex? Me neither.'' Steve Martin ''You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from nesting in your hair.'' Chinese proverb ''The Beatles are dying in the wrong order.'' Victor Lewis-Smith ''Cauliflower is nothing but a cabbage with a college education.'' Mark Twain ''Depend on the rabbit''s foot if you will, but remember: it didn''t work for the rabbit.'' R.E. Shay''If it were not for quotations, conversation between gentlemen would be an endless series of ''what-ho''s!'''' P.G.Wodehouse

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Book SynopsisJoin QI''s expedition into the animal kingdom to encounter 100 of its most remarkable subjects. Marvel at the elephants that walk on tiptoe, pigs that shine in the dark, and the woodlouse that drinks through its bottom.Albatrosses can fly non-stop for ten years without touching the ground Box jellyfish have twenty-four eyes Geese mourn their dead Koalas don''t drinkMonkeys pay to look at porn Lobsters live for a century Mice sing while having sex Spiders can fly

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Book Synopsis'Order her book. That's an order.' Miranda Hart'Brimming with wit and honesty' Nina Stibbe'Fantastically entertaining' Marina Hyde'I absolutely bloody loved this book. Funny, relatable, easy to read, deep, shallow and everything in between.' Philippa PerryOne of Stylist's Best Memoirs for Summer 2021Multi-award-winning television writer and producer Georgia Pritchett knows a thing or two about anxiety.From worrying about the monsters under her bed as a child (Were they comfy enough?), to embracing womanhood, (One way of knowing you have crossed from girlhood to womanhood is that men stop furtively masturbating at you from bushes and start shouting things at you from cars. It's a beautiful moment) worry has accompanied her at every turn.This memoir is a joyful reflection on just how to live - and sometimes even thrive (sometimes not) - with anxiety.

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Book SynopsisQ: Why is that baby still in diapers? A: I’ll give you two reasons: number one and number two.Calling new dads! Cackle and eye-roll your way through baby’s first year with 365 hilariously horrible dad jokes for parents who have no idea what they’re in for. Classically corny plus new cringe, these jokes help first-time dads take a load off, tickle their loved ones, and give baby their first giggly groan. New Dad, Same Bad Jokes won’t make it easier to be a new parent, but it will soften the blow with some hearty LOLs, new-dad tips, and prompts to document the messy, endearing, and hilarious moments of first-time fatherhood. While baby might still be little, this dad joke book is full-groan!Inside, Dad will find: A joke a day for baby’s first year! Baby jokes and a whole lot more. 365 classic puns, one-liners, and Q&As to give you a zing when that coffee won’t quite cut it. Hilariously useful

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate way for kids 9 to 12 to test their logic, unlock their creativity, and improve their lateral thinking skills!Full of mind-bending riddles, challenging brainteasers, math-based questions, and tricky wordplay, The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids is designed to stimulate your child’s imagination and improve their problem-solving skills. Irresistibly fun and stealthily educational, this book provides hours of brain-stimulating fun for 9-to-12-year-old kids who love a challenge.   An exciting game for competitive kids. Whether your child is playing solo or with a friend, they’ll head-scratch and laugh their way through these tricky riddles, while competing to get as many correct answers as possible.   Quality family time away from screens. Age-appropriate riddles to stump each other around the dinner table, in the car, or any place you share quality time.    Build

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Book SynopsisHugh Murphy is a 28 year old student at the University of Southern California, Ostrow School of Dentistry. Hugh began his career as an artist selling watercolor paintings of fish in order to pay for his applications to dental school, but has always enjoyed drawing and painting in his free time as an outlet. He loves science, nature films, his wife, Sarah, and shark week. T-Rex Trying began as a joke between Hugh and his brother, and is his first book.Hugh and Sarah moved to Los Angeles from Boston in August, 2010.

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT for those who value elegance, affection, cold hearted killing and expensive, clawed to death furniture. __________________________________''A pet can be great fun.Cats are warm and fluffy, like cuddly toys, and their owners give them lots of time and affection. And, just like cuddly toys, they do very little in return.''__________________________________''Over thousands of years, we have developed a special relationship with the animals that share our homes.Dogs have evolved to serve many sorts of human needs.And humans have evolved to serve many sorts of cat food.''__________________________________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

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Book SynopsisDiscover what the end of the world really looks like . . .''Lara has constructed her own home-made flame-thrower.The flame-thrower has turned the walking corpses into burning walking corpses. Now everything they touch catches fire.''This did not happen with the cricket bat,'' thinks Lara'' __________''Some people say civilisation after a zombie apocalypse will go back to The Stone Age.Nobody tidies up or collects the bins. The electricity keeps going off. There are dead bodies piled up in the streets.It is actually more like the 1970s.''__________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 o

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Book SynopsisCalvin, cheeky, hyperactive and mischievous, and Hobbes, his cuddly toy tiger who, as far as Calvin is concerned is very much alive and kicking, are two of the most loveable and hilarious characters to grace the comic strip in years.Trade ReviewIt makes me wish I'd read it when I was six so I'd have had all the right answers for Mum and Dad's often illogical wrath. * ABERDEEN EVENING EXPRESS *You can't go wrong with THE CALVIN & HOBBES LAZY SUNDAY BOOK. * DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH *

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Book SynopsisIn the world that Calvin and Hobbes share, treasures can be found in the most unlikely places - from the outer regions where Spaceman Spiff travels to the rocks in the backyard.

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Book Synopsis In the years since we first published All I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat , with over 2 million copies in print and the fastest-selling book in Workman’s history, one thing hasn’t changed—people are still starved for wisdom. Few oracles have dispensed as much common-sense truth as Binky, Suzy Becker''s cat. 'It''s O.K. to wear the same thing every day.' 'Know all the sunny places.' 'Flaunt your hair loss.' 'Get mad when you''re stepped on.' Life lessons such as these and dozens of others propelled the book like a champagne cork to the top of The New York Times bestseller list. Now, to celebrate the book''s double-platinum milestone, there''s a new edition: the original book, in a fresh cover, plus 48 new pages, including the Are You a Cat Person? quiz. The cat, Binky, is perspicacious and profound; the artist, Suzy, is utterly delightful; and the combined effect is one of immense and irresistible charm. Every cat fancier will recognize

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Book SynopsisNews for dogs and dog lovers to smile about: The irresistible bestseller is now even more irresistible with a 4-by-6-inch “chunky” format. As quirky, colorful, and giftable as ever, 97 Ways to Make a Dog Smile is now fresher and more appealing. Developed by Jenny Langbehn, a veterinary nurse who has a gift for making dogs happy, here are 97 foolproof methods and tricks for putting any dog into a state of pure pleasure. Enhancing each entry is an adorable, full-color photograph of the guaranteed result—a smiling dog. Give these a try: Lower-Ear Noogies. The Thumper. Lazy Man’s Tetherball. The Hansel and Gretel—“For an afternoon of fun, scamper about the house leaving a trail of plain popped popcorn in your wake.” Or “Subliminal Game,” which works by sneaking a favorite word like “cookie” into otherwise boring jabber.* The tricks require no fancy props or special talents—jus

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Book SynopsisA curse word generator that creates x-rated, humorous, and socially unacceptable curse words for any and every situation. Face it, sometimes a standard curse word or expletive just won''t do. Whether you''re annoyed with your neighbor, agitated with your boss, or tired of your lazy roommate, this unique two-flap flipbook of totally uncensored and socially unacceptable phrases will provide endless possibilities for creative and colorful vocabulary. Unleash the immaturity and skewed sense of humor within and never be left searching for a clever comeback again.

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Book SynopsisMaster this one-of-a-kind, miniature basketball game! Kit includes:* Easy-to-assemble basketball hoop with backboard and suction cup base that attaches to a desk or tabletop surface. Measures approximately 5 high when assembled.* Mini rubber basketball* 32-page rule book on Desktop Basketball

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Book SynopsisA darkly humorous look at etiquette

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Book SynopsisThe hilarious story of one bag of cash, two best friends and a whole lot of trouble.Trade Review‘A million bucks. A million laughs. Okay, maybe not that many, but enough to get me told to quiet down on a flight. Tess is a narrator you won’t soon forget – both over the top and deeply real at the same time.’ -- Gordon Korman, author of Restart‘Top tier fun. Fast-paced, clever, and completely hilarious with the BEST cast of characters, including two incredible young entrepreneurs. Packed with life lessons too. LOVE IT TO BITS.’ -- Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Dosh‘A thoroughly entertaining read that children will storm through. Wise advice, lots of laughs and an important message about the things money can’t buy... Laughs, family, friendships and a thrilling adventure - Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire has it all.’ -- Jen Carney, author of The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.'Any fan of the Treehouse series will have spent hours inventing the storeys, contraptions and rooms that would be present in their own treehouses, and Nat Amoore’s debut novel posits an equally enticing prospect: what would you do if you found a million dollars in your backyard?' * Guardian *‘Amoore writes with the confidence a good plot can bring – there is no need for drawn out ‘fillers’ because the action zips along with exuberance and energy... Despite its peppy tone and galloping plotline, this book has a strong moral core… Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire is a book with bounce, combining action with integrity and an open door to explore some of life’s bigger questions. Perfect for budding entrepreneurs, amateur detectives, would-be Greta Thunbergs and pretty much everyone in-between.’ -- Armadillo Magazine'Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire is pure fun and will appeal to both reluctant and keen readers alike . . . Amoore’s take is contemporary, super quirky and a rollicking adventure.' * Children's Books Daily *'I love this book because I could perfectly relate to most of the wacky things Tess did, and because it wasn’t too easy or too hard.' -- Kayla Ludeman, age 11'This is a lively but thoughtful middle-grade fiction that kids aged 8–12 will race through with great pleasure.' * Books + Publishing *'Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire is a lively, precocious book for readers with big ideas and big hearts.' * Readings *'This is a fresh, exciting and thrilling read for kids.' * Kids Book Review *‘Fresh, fast and truly laugh-out-loud funny… Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire is fun, easy to read and full of the good stuff that ten year olds need to know, not least the last lesson: we all make mistakes, learn from them and change.’ -- BookTrust‘An original and fun read from first page to last, of special note is the inclusion of real-life bonus tips on how to become a schoolyard millionaire inside!’ -- Midwest Book Review‘Sparkling with humour, this is a refreshingly thrilling story with a clear moral message. It is easy to read, fun and full of credible quirky characters… The chapter titles and the tips that can be found throughout the book are brilliant.’ -- The School Librarian

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Book SynopsisIn her addictive, bold voice, bestselling author Mary Roach delves into the unpredictable world where wildlife and humans meet.Trade Review‘A provocative and engaging exploration of our evolving relationship with the rest of nature.’ -- Guardian‘Combining diligently researched scientific reporting with the sniggering wit of a stand-up comic… Animal Vegetable Criminal loves an eyebrow-raising anecdote.’ -- The Times‘Bestseller Roach sheds light on nature’s malefactors in this often funny, always provocative survey…Roach’s writing is wry, full of heart, and loaded with intriguing facts… This eminently entertaining outing is another winner.’ -- Publishers Weekly, starred review‘Reading a Mary Roach book is like spending a luxurious and joyful evening with the perfect dinner guest. Delightful facts become indelibly etched in your brain, and only later do you realise that hours have passed and your face slightly hurts from smiling too hard. In Animal Vegetable Criminal, Roach’s peerless storytelling skills are paired with a sense of moral urgency, as she recounts stories of humans and other animals, uneasily and clumsily learning to co-exist in a world that they must now share.’ -- Ed Yong, science journalist and author of I Contain Multitudes‘Hilarious! With Animal Vegetable Criminal, Mary Roach again takes us into an unfamiliar scientific realm, in this case the science of managing the conflicts between humans and the natural world – lethal leopards, rampaging elephants, jet-downing birds, even killer trees. It’s an ever-widening conflict zone, but one that Ms. Roach gleefully mines for a multitude of bizarre facts that’ll make you snort coffee through your nose.’ -- Erik Larson, author of The Splendid and the Vile‘An idiosyncratic tour with Roach as the wisecracking, ever-probing guide… My favorite moments, ultimately, weren’t the funny ones, but those that reveal a bit of scientific poetry.’ * New York Times Book Review *‘With her characteristic dry wit, [Roach] brings an intense fascination to the seldom discussed details and the at times absurd miscellany in the unexplored corners of unappreciated research… It is impossible not to smirk, chortle and sometimes outright belly laugh as you read her many wry asides and funny but fascinating footnotes… But the real trick Roach pulls off is to keep you laughing while at the same time making sure the earnest points come across.’ * New Scientist *‘A hugely enjoyable exploration of what happens when the nature we’ve decided to love doesn’t love us back. By turns hilarious and horrifying – and often profound – Roach’s entertaining journeys are full of delightful curios and I was swept up in her joyful writing.’ -- Gaia Vince, author of Transcendence‘Each chapter is packed with the results of [Roach’s] detailed investigations. Roach uses footnotes to add both depth and lightness to the topic at hand by capturing misfit studies, asides, and hilarious tangents… Refreshing.’ -- Science‘Full of kernels of fascinating information… Her approach is informative and unpretentious, and she’s always armed with a dry sense of humor. Roach will change the way you think about the great outdoors. What more could you ask for?’ * BuzzFeed *‘The book brims with Roach’s irreverent humor, which particularly shines when she experiences human-animal conflict firsthand… A blend of modern science and history, with Roach’s flair for spotting hidden absurdities… As another entry in Roach’s canon of books, Animal Vegetable Criminal stands tall (and hairy), educating as much as it entertains.’ * Science News *‘[Animal Vegetable Criminal is] powerfully propelled by the force of Roach’s unflinching fascination with the weird, the gross and the downright improbable… There’s a wacky genius to [her] interjections… [Her] curious and generous engagement with her subjects makes for world-expanding reading.’ -- Washington Post‘Traveling from a bear seminar in Reno to a bird-infested island in the Pacific that plagued the American military during World War II, among many other venues, Roach joyfully explores how human culture and wildlife, including plant life, have either found ways to coexist or are constantly at odds. Throughout, Roach highlights people who are genuinely passionate about the work, and she also includes suggestions for readers on how to deal ethically (and effectively) with their own wildlife issues, wherever they live. From the terrifying to the frustrating, a great starting point for understanding the animal world.’ -- Kirkus, starred review‘A witty and thought-provoking look at the darker side of animal behaviour through the ages. Highly entertaining and informative – excellent popular science writing.’ -- Stephen Moss, naturalist and author‘As hilarious as it is thought-provoking, Animal Vegetable Criminal is a brilliant read. Only Mary Roach can make such an obscure subject so intriguing. From battles with birds to marauding macaques, Roach reveals what happens when nature breaks human laws, with fascinating results.’ -- Monty Lyman, author of The Remarkable Life of the Skin‘Mary Roach has been writing brilliant, funny and illuminating popular science books for years. Unfortunately – at least for those of us with ambitions to step into her shoes – she has gone and done it again! Animal Vegetable Criminal is as good as anything this wonderful author has ever written, and that is saying something.’ -- Graham Lawton, author of Mustn’t Grumble: The surprising science of everyday ailments‘I sometimes wonder what animals have done wrong to deserve humans and what we do to them. But I know that humanity has done something right to deserve Mary Roach, the best guide possible to the fascinating but sometimes fraught interactions between human, animal and nature. She prowls through this intersection of worlds with the sleek grace of a leopard, diving into garbage cans, Indian elephant politics and mass murders of murders of crows, with her usual wit and wisdom. There’s only one downside to this delightful and brilliant book, and that’s that the animals can’t read it too.’ -- Rose George, journalist and author of Nine Pints‘Animal Vegetable Criminal is as funny as it is immersive. It is littered with colourful details of characters… The book is sympathetic to the complex problem of our coexistence with nature, and maintains that the dilemma of animals disturbing the peacefulness of our existence is only increasing in urgency.’ -- New Statesman‘This book is such a rich stew of anecdotes and lore that it’s best savored slowly, bit by bit… No matter the situation, Roach approaches it with contagious enthusiasm.’ -- BookPage, starred review‘[A] splendid study of all things alimentary…’ -- Bill Bryson on Gulp‘The most entertaining writer in science.’ * The Times *'Mary Roach has a knack for finding quirky corners of science to explore and does so with unfailingly good nature and charm.' -- Fortean Times

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Book Synopsis''[E]ffervescent... Sophie is a refreshingly candid protagonist, whose ability to stand up to the duke is evenly matched with the care and concern she has for her sisters. Waters''s fans will be sad to see this series end but deeply satisfied by this fetching finale'' Publishers WeeklyThe final instalment in the hilarious and steamy (PopSugar) Regency Vows series follows the heir to a dukedom and a young widow, once very much in love, as they reunite years later to fake an engagement for the benefit of her sister.They have the best of intentions...and the worst luck in love.West, the Marquess of Weston, and Sophie, Lady Fitzwilliam Bridewell, have lately been spending a considerable amount of time together. But West and Sophie are not new acquaintances.In fact, years ago, they were almost engaged, until West''s almost fatal curricle accident and his meddling father threw them off course.

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Book SynopsisA slow-burn fantasy romance perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J Maas with mischief, dragons and a bit of spice.

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Book SynopsisSometimes friendship is the treasure!When a swashbuckling pirate and his faithful parrot, Louise, find themselves marooned on an island, they make the most of it. Paul takes up sunset yoga, learns to knit, and bakes like a pro. But who will appreciate his handmade sweaters and his perfect scones? When loneliness sets in, Paul starts to wonder if booty is the answer. Imagine his surprise when a clipper full of friendly pirates washes ashore looking for the very same thing! It's not long before Paul is on the hunt. Pirate Paul Makes a Booty Call is the surprisingly wholesome adventure of a pirate who learns to put aside his pride and call out for the treasure of companionship.

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller from Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the voices behind the #1 hit podcast My Favorite Murder!Trade ReviewA brutally honest and funny handbook for women looking to trust their own instincts. You'll read it in hours. * STYLIST *A brutally honest and funny handbook for women looking to trust their own instincts. You'll read it in hours. * Stylist *

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Book SynopsisTHE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE HIT NETFLIX SERIES, LUPIN.The year is 1905. Meet Arsène Lupin: a gentleman and a thief. An enemy to the rich and powerful; a friend to the poor - Arsène Lupin will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.When Arsène Lupin is arrested, the police think it''s all over. But the most dangerous place for Lupin is to be behind bars...

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023SHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2023 - FOOTBALL BOOK OF THE YEARPowerful and poignant' Henry Winter Empathetic and poignant the game's answer to A Journal of the Plague Year' Harry Pearson The Durham City midfielder wore the resigned look of a man trying to find a jar of harissa in Farmfoods. Up front for Jarrow, a centre-forward darted around frenetically, as if chasing a kite during a hurricane...' When football disappeared in March 2020, writer and broadcaster Daniel Gray used its absence to reflect on everything the game meant to him. That bred a pledge: whenever and wherever fans were allowed to return, he would be there. The Silence of the Stands is the result of that pledge: a joyous travelogue documenting a precarious season, in which behind-closed-doors matches and travel restrictions combined to make trips to Kendal and Workington seem impossibly exotic.OfferinTrade ReviewWhen society locked down, football played on without fans. A powerful and poignant look at life behind closed doors. * Henry Winter *Joy is at the heart of Gray's writing; his delight in the little things, humble settings and small human dramas involved in the game. From the dark of Covid, this breezy and bright love letter to football was produced. Smile. Enjoy. -- Jonathan Northcroft * Sunday Times *A vivid, funny reminder of what was the weirdest time ever to be a football fan. Empathetic and poignant, it's the game's answer to A Journal of the Plague Year. -- Harry PearsonGray is a master of observing and amplifying the things we love about football but wonder if anyone else even notices * The Times *Gray writes like Lowry paints. Superb * BBC Radio *Gray is an endearing and authentic football observer, and this book reaffirms the meaning and importance of football in so many ways. -- Ian Aspinall * Late Tackle magazine *A joyous travelogue documenting a rocky season…offering a poignant peak at a surreal age and a slab of social history…moving, heartfelt and surprising uplifting. * Four Four Two *His peerless eye for the game’s endless little oddities and charms is used to chronicle his own return to the terraces after the forced exile of lockdown. No-one else writes with such obvious appreciation and warmth for the game. * The Scottish Times *We’re spoiled that the writer engaged with this task is Daniel Gray, who navigated complicated lockdown rules to produce this poetic account of football while the fans were locked out. * Scotland on Sunday *Covid could not stop football but it could stop fans from attending a game. It is a time that deserves to be recorded. It has found its peerless chronicler in Daniel Gray. * The Daily Mail *A joyous travelogue documenting a precarious season…moving, heartfelt and surprisingly uplifting * When Saturday Comes *Table of ContentsIntroduction – Jarrow 3 v 1 Durham City 1 Middlesbrough 1 v 1 Bournemouth 2 Lancaster City 1 v 2 Basford United 3 Workington 2 v 0 Mossley 4 Kendal Town 0 v 3 Tadcaster Albion 5 Southport 1 v 1 Alfreton Town 6 Cowdenbeath 2 v 0 Brechin City 7 Raith Rovers 3 v 1 Dundee 8 Rothbury 5 v 1 Forest Hall 9 Billingham Synthonia 0 v 2 West Auckland Town Epilogue Selected bibliography Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisDive into Mrs Brown''s A to Y of Everything by writer and star of NTA winning show Mrs Browns Boys, Brendan O''Carroll.The hilarious follow-up to the bestselling Mrs Brown''s Family Handbook.If there''s one Mammy in the world who knows what''s what, it''s Mrs Brown. Star of the incredibly popular TV show Mrs Brown''s Boys, and the hit movie, here Agnes Brown follows up her bestselling Mrs Brown''s Family Handbook with an A to Y (who really needs fecking ''Z''s anyway?) of modern life.In this comical encyclopaedia, Agnes explores everything from pandas to piles, from biscuits to The Big Bang and from happiness to hairdryers. Peppered with her inimitable humour and full of hilarious photos, Mrs Brown''s A to Y of Everything is your definitive guide to all things Mrs Brown.Brendan O''Carroll is an Irish writer, producer, comedian, actor, director and author. He is best known for p

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Book Synopsis As seen on This Time with Alan Partridge on BBC One.THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERPraise for Nomad: ''Funniest book of the year'' Sunday Telegraph''Alan Partridge''s Nomad is almost certainly the funniest book ever written'' Caitlin Moran''Sensationally funny. What brilliant writing'' Richard Osman''Sensational'' Jenny Colgan''Hilarious'' Jon Ronson''Brilliantly funny'' Marcus BrigstockIn ALAN PARTRIDGE: NOMAD, Alan dons his boots, windcheater and scarf and embarks on an odyssey through a place he once knew - it''s called Britain - intent on completing a journey of immense personal significance.Diarising his ramble in the form of a ''journey journal'', Alan details the people and places he encounters, ruminates on matters large and small and, on a final leg fraught with danger, becomes - not a man (because he was one to start off with) - but a better, more inspirTrade ReviewOverwrought, fanatically detailed, unhinged - and utterly hilarious. A must. -- Alice Jones * i News *Funniest book of the year * Sunday Telegraph *Bathos is everywhere. It's glorious. -- Sam Leith * The Guardian *An uproariously funny read, with genius jokes on every page * Heat *Partridge fans will love it * Financial Times, Books of the Year *[Nomad] is, if you need me to tell you, hilarious * Choice *Alan Partridge's NOMAD is almost certainly the funniest book ever written * Caitlin Moran *Sensationally funny. What brilliant writing. * Richard Osman *Hilarious * Jon Ronson *Brilliantly funny * Marcus Brigstock *Sensational * Jenny Colgan *

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