Miscellanies and compendia Books
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of the Cotswolds
Book SynopsisThe little book of the Cotswolds
£11.78
The History Press Ltd Jane Austen Inspiring Lives
Book SynopsisThis book will reveal the real Jane: bitchy, gossipy, badly behaved at times as well as show the side we all love: the writer, sister, true romantic.
£9.49
Boydell & Brewer Ltd The Lore of Ireland: An Encyclopaedia of Myth,
Book SynopsisThe definitive reference book on Ireland's cultural and religious heritage. Ireland has one of the finest cultural heritages and a standard reference book combining the related subjects of folklore, myth, legend and romance is long overdue. There are 350 substantial entries, in alphabetical order from Abán, a 6th-century saint, to Weather, all with full references to sources, a synopsis of relevant stories, and discussion of their origin, nature and development. These are complimented by a genre-list of material under various headings, such as Mythical Lore, Fianna Cycle, Ulster Cycle, King Cycles, Peoples and Traditions, Religious Lore, and Folk Custom and Belief. There is also a wealth of genealogical detail, indicating how historical and social circumstances have influenced the growth and spread of Irish lore. DAITHI O HOGAIN, Associate Professor of Irish Folklore at University College Dublin, was an international authority on folklore and traditional literature.Trade ReviewAn exhaustive collection of folktales and history from the Emerald Isle. An essential resource about Ireland's legends. * RENAISSANCE MAGAZINE *Superb from beginning to end. [...] Essential for all scholars of Ireland's mythology. * FORTEAN TIMES *With its profusion of atmospheric allusions and spirited retellings, grounded in a scholarly acuity, [it] adds up to a complex delineation of an ancient, reimagined and still functioning cultural terrain. * TLS *An invaluable resource for Hibernophiles. This is a refreshing and reasonably priced new treatment of Ireland's lore. * CHOICE *
£26.99
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Wicklow
Book SynopsisA compendium of fascinating Wicklow facts and stories, new in paperback
£13.49
The History Press Ltd 100 Cars Britain Can Be Proud of
Book SynopsisFrom Ace to Zodiac - via the world-beating Land Rover, the thrilling Morgan Aeromax, the eternally young Mini Cooper and the unique London taxi - this is a celebration of the best British cars, old and new, in all their glorious diversity. Don''t you believe it when people say there''s no such thing as a ''British'' car any more. As a nation, the calamity of British Leyland and MG Rover lingers in our collective conscience, but car factories in Britain today build some of the world''s most advanced and desirable cars. Some of them have Japanese names, for sure, but then Ford was always more hamburger than roast beef, wasn''t it? Britain''s engineers, designers and entrepreneurs have for decades been the creators of motor cars with unique style and charm, from the Bentley 3-litre and Morris Minor Traveller of ''then'' to the Aston Martin Vantage and Lotus Evora of ''now''. Inside, you''ll find out about the country''s 100 most significant models, boasting style, speed, ingenuity and The Right Stuff. They''ll make you glad they''re British!
£12.34
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Lancashire
Book SynopsisDid You Know? In Stacksteads, a village near Bacup, there is an annual event which has to rank among the wackiest in the country’s sporting calendar: the Gravy Wrestling competition. According to legend King Arthur’s mighty sword Excalibur is lying at the bottom of Lancashire’s deepest lake, Martin Mere. In Wigan, Eccles cakes used to be called ‘slow walking cakes’ because they were offered to mourners at funerals. St Walburge’s Church in Preston was named after the patron saint of people suffering from rabies. The Little Book of Lancashire is fun and informative guide to the things you did not know about this amazing part of England.Whether you want to sit down and read it cover to cover or dip into it for hilarious facts and anecdotes, this book will delight both visitors to this beautiful county and the residents who call it home.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd War in 100 Events
Book SynopsisHere renowned military historian Martin van Creveld has compiled a concise guide to the history of war in 100 key events. With intriguing facts and a worldwide range, War in 100 Events is an immensely entertaining volume for military buffs and laymen alike.
£12.34
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Stillorgan
Book SynopsisThe Little Book of Stillorgan is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about this vibrant suburb of Dublin.
£13.49
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Leicestershire
Book SynopsisContained within is a plethora of entertaining facts about Leicestershire’s famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its literary, artistic and sporting achievements, customs ancient and modern, transport, battles and ghostly appearances.
£12.34
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Herefordshire
Book SynopsisFull of information which will make you say, ‘I never knew that!’
£12.34
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Edinburgh
Book SynopsisA vibrant collection of trivia from all around this great city, new in paperback
£12.34
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Cambridgeshire
Book SynopsisFull of information which will make you say, ‘I never knew that!’
£11.78
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Rathmines
Book SynopsisA compendium of historical facts and figures, perfect for dipping into. Full of information that will make you say, ‘I never knew that’
£13.49
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Cardiff
Book SynopsisUpdated edition full of Cardiff facts, new in paperback
£11.78
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Youghal
Book SynopsisFascinating facts about Youghal , new in paperback
£13.49
The History Press Ltd 101 Things to do with a Stone Circle
Book SynopsisThis is not a book about the prehistoric peoples who built the stone circles. Rather it is light-hearted look at the weird and wonderful uses that these circles have been put to through the ages. This strange and fascinating list of uses ranges from murder to the site of a rock concert . Discover how some circles were used for sex and promoting fertility, another for preventing pregnancy, and how these sites have been associated with fairies, witches, the Devil, UFOs, space aliens and visionary experiences amongst other things. In this unique guide by Geoff Holder, major sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury rub shoulders with comparatively little-known circles. As well as stone circles the book includes single standing stones, burial cairns, prehistoric rock art, and carved Pictish stones.
£9.49
The History Press Ltd The Sheffield United Miscellany
Book SynopsisThe Sheffield United a book on the Blades like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legends. Sheffield United FC enjoy a notable history. Names such as Ernest Needham, Jimmy Hagan and Alan Woodward have worn the famous red and white stripes hundreds of times. As has the mercurial Tony Currie plus the infamous William Fatty' Foulke - a huge keeper who walked off the field at a whim and once dumped a forward on his head in a muddy penalty area. The Sheffield United Miscellany charts these events and many more in an intriguing format. Well known events are covered as are some priceless trivia gems - who can claim to have known the club was founded on the site of one of snooker's most hallowed venues and hosted the obscure winter sport of bandy? Also featured are a wide range of statistics, quotes and biographies from the club's 110-year history, making it a must for any Blade. Can you really afford not to own a copy?
£9.49
The History Press Ltd The Sheffield Wednesday Miscellany
Book SynopsisThe Sheffield Wednesday Miscellany a book on the Owls like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legends. Sheffield Wednesday enjoy a notable history. Names such as David Hirst, Ernest Blenkinsop, Jack Brown and Tommy Crawshaw have worn the famous blue and white stripes hundreds of times and the mercurial Paolo di Canio delighted Hillsborough until an infamous encounter with a referee In an intriguing format, this book delves the club's history and brings to the fore countless events and some priceless trivia gems - who can claim to have known that one Football League game the club played in was scheduled to last just 11 minutes, a game with Everton was once turned round despite trailing 5-0 at half time and that Wednesday were once known as the Blades'? Also featured are a wide range of statistics, quotes and biographies from the club's 140-oddyear history, making it a must for any fan. Can you really afford not to own a copy?
£9.49
Running Press,U.S. The Book of Fun
Book SynopsisDive into this vibrantly illustrated history of everything humans have invented to entertain ourselves, from Chess and Nintendo to Drag Queen Story Hour and Burning Man.In The Book of Fun, Polygon co-founder Russ Frushtick divulges the hidden backstories and fascinating facts about your favorite video games, theme parks, festivals, sports, and more. With 80+ digestible, entertaining entries, it''s not justfodder for your next dinner party -- you might also discover your next great pastime, be it jousting, stunt acting, cheese rolling, or Swedish Bunny Hopping.For fans of pop-history, pop-science, and the many things mankind has invented to waste time, The Book of Fun explores: Board Games: The world''s oldest tabletop games(Senet, Go,Chess) and its most enduringly popular (Monopoly, Dungeons & Dragons, Settlers of Catan) Toys: The history of yourfavorite playthings, like Barbie,Beanie Babies, Slinky,Furby, and LEGO Video Games: The console wars of the ''90s, the birth of game streaming, and unexpected Pokémon Go consequences Theme Parks: Stories behind Coney Island''s Cyclone, Disneyland''s opening-day woes, and the bizarre parks built in a nuclear power plant and a Soviet bunker Sports: The most fascinating athletic endeavorsacross the globe, from gladiatorial battles to Lucha Libre, pumpkin boat racing, and sumo wrestling Stunts: Harry Houdini, Evel Knievel, Jackie Chan, and the incredible stunt artists you may not know Festivals: From Carnival celebrationsaround the world to the stories of Woodstock, Burning Man, and a Spanish baby-jumping festival Dressing Up: The originsof jesters, Halloween, cosplay, drag queen style, and more Roadside Attractions: Wacky spectacleslike the 65-foot-tall Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, the Mystery Hole in West Virginia, and the Cabazon Dinosaurs in California
£19.00
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC A Miscellany for GardenLovers Facts and Folklore
Book SynopsisA charming and beautifully illustrated book, exploring the facts and folklore of gardening, its history and curiosities.Gardening is an age-old craft, steeped in mystique and peppered with handed-down wisdom, often derived from ''sons of the soil'' who grew cabbages larger than their neighbours. If you think gardening has become too scientific and wonder where all the hands-on experience and wonder has gone, this book mines a rich seam of folkloric advice. A Miscellany for Garden-Lovers takes a stroll through gardening curiosities from ancient Egyptian wisdom and the world of garden gnomes to rhymes and healing gardens. It is packed with information on the history of gardening and the development of tools and practices, as well as garden curiosities and folklore. Illustrated with stunning historical woodcuts and drawings throughout, this makes a perfect gift for anyone with an interest in gardens. This fact-drenched insight into gardening history will enthral you with itTrade ReviewA Miscellany for Garden Lovers is a fact-drenched and beautifully illustrated book of insights into garden history that will leave you enthralled with its diversity... 6 out of 5 (if it would just be possible). * Michael Smith, Green (Living) Review *This would make an ideal gift that any gardener would love to receive. * The Potting Shed UK *Table of ContentsForeword Early Garden Tools Inverting the Sod Draining Soil Conserving Moisture in Soil Sowing Seeds Early Plant Hunters Plant Folklore Weather Folklore Pest and Disease Folklore The World of Garden Gnomes Down on the Farm Early Lawn Healing Gardens Index About the author Other titles in the series
£11.94
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Sandymount
Book SynopsisThe Little Book of Sandymount is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about one of Dublin’s most important suburbs. Here you will find out about Sandymount’s streets and buildings, its schools and industries, its proud sporting heritage, and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through main thoroughfares and twisting back streets, this book takes the reader on a journey through Sandymount and its vibrant past. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this south Dublin suburb.
£13.49
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of London
Book SynopsisThe Little Book of London is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium full of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. London's looniest laws, its most eccentric inhabitants, the realities of being royal and literally hundreds of wacky facts about the world's greatest city combine to make it required reading for visitors and locals alike.
£11.69
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of England
Book SynopsisDid you know?• The first African community to arrive in England was stationed at Aballava on Hadrian's Wall to keep out the Picts.• Admiral Robert FitzRoy, creator of the Met Office, was so upset by criticism of his weather forecasts that he shot himself.• While studying at Cambridge, Charles Darwin formed the 'Glutton Club' for the purpose of eating unusual animals.• Ada Lovelace wrote a computer code in the nineteenth century, before a working computer had even been invented.• Maids of Honour at Henry VIII’s court were given eight pints of ale per day and his army mutinied in Spain when the ale ran out.A little book about a BIG subject. England's not huge in land mass, but there is a lot to say about this little country. Yes, we'll be touching on the obvious bits – Shakespeare, 1966, disappointing weather, etc., but we'll also be going in search of what's under the surface of English history, society and culture.What is it that makes England England? People all over the world think they know the answer to that: the King or Queen, awkward politeness, Beefeaters and losing in penalties in international football. But we English know that we're a bit more complicated than such stereotypes. Or are we? Let's find out.
£13.49
The History Press Ltd Miss Ambler's Household Book of Georgian Cures
Book SynopsisElizabeth Ambler started compiling her household book of cures in the early eighteenth century, including historic treatments passed down over the decades. These intriguing remedies include Sir Walter Raleigh’s Receipt against Plague, Viper Broth and Snail Milk Water, as well as Ginger Bread and Apricot Ratafia. In addition to traditional flowers and herbs, ingredients consist of precious stones, exotic and expensive spices, and large amounts of brandy and wine.Set against the backdrop of the family’s country houses, silverware and lavish portraits, this book is much more than just a collection of curiosities: it offers a fascinating insight into the sickness and health of our Georgian ancestors, and into what really went on in their kitchens.
£10.39
The History Press Ltd An A-Z of Animals in the Garden
Book SynopsisFrom alpacas to zebus, crocodiles to wombats, journey through the individual histories of bizarre garden pets and their often bizarre owners. Who would dream of keeping a bear in the summerhouse, or a peccary in the park? Find out why the artist Rossetti favoured a wombat over a zebu, and if hares make good pets for depressed poets.Dr Twigs Way uncovers a secret world where crocodiles lurk in the fernery and flamingos stalk the shrubberies. From the Roman period to the modern day, discover the story of armadillos kept by merchants in London and Queen Charlotte’s filthy-tempered zebra. These are quirky tales of animals in the garden.
£12.34
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of the Black Country
Book SynopsisDid You Know? Butcher Keith Boxley of Wombourne made the longest continuous sausage in 1988. It was 21.12km in length! The first general strike in the Black Country took place in 1842. The widespread public unrest was regarded nationally as the first ever general strike. Hell Lane in Sedgley was described as the ‘most unruly place’ in the Black Country. A woman who lived in the lane was said to have been a witch and could turn herself into a white rabbit to spy on her neighbours. The Little Book of the Black Country is a funny, fact-packed compendium of frivolous, fantastic, and simply strange information. Here we find out about the region’s most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, quirky history, famous figures and literally hundreds of wacky facts.From royal visits and local celebrities, to the riotous Wednesbury protests and a particularly notorious reverend, this is a myriad of data on the Black Country, gathered together by author and local historian Michael Pearson. A handy reference and quirky guide, this engaging little book can be dipped into time and again to reveal something you never knew, making it essential reading for visitors and locals alike.
£12.34
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Horse Racing
Book SynopsisDo you know what the oldest horse race in Britain is, where the term ‘gee-gee’ comes from, or who is credited with bringing racing to Ascot? Fact-packed but light-hearted in style, this reliable reference book and quirky guide reveals little-known facts, details of classic races, famous riders, racing records, amusing anecdotes and criminal goings-on. A compendium of the fascinating, strange and entertaining, The Little Book of Horse Racing can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about this ancient sport.
£13.49
HarperCollins Publishers Inc Discovers 20 Things You Didnt Know About
Book SynopsisThe column, 20 Things You Didn't Know About is a feature of the "Discover Magazine". This book is based on this column. It is drawn from a wide variety of scientific fields, including: space disasters, garbage, sleep, meteors, death, ancient weapons, rats, aliens, bees, sperm banks, internet, birth, sex in space, weather, duct tape and germs.
£13.66
The History Press Ltd The Little Book of Irish Landmarks
Book SynopsisThe Little Book of Irish Landmarks is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks and popular tourist attractions. Here you will find out about the Giant’s Causeway, Bunratty Castle, Blarney Castle, Newgrange, Cliffs of Moher, GPO Dublin, Tory Island, Skellig Michael, Hill of Tara and much more. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of the Emerald Isle.
£20.38
