Non Fiction Books

Book Synopsis**AS SEEN ON CHANNEL 4**Is it possible to eat well, most of the time, and get slimmer and healthier as you do it? With The Fast Diet it is.Dr Mosley's Fast Diet has become the health phenomenon of our times. And for good reason. This radical approach to weight loss really is as simple as it sounds. You eat normally for five days a week, then for just two days you cut your calorie intake (600 for men, 500 for women). In this fully revised edition, Michael Mosley introduces the science behind the diet, with exciting new research into the wider health benefits of intermittent fasting including studies on asthma, eczema and diabetes. Mimi Spencer, award-winning food and fashion writer, then explains how to incorporate fasting into your daily life, with a wealth of new detail on the psychology of successful dieting. She presents a range of enticing new recipes, along with an easy Fast Diet shopping list and a user-friendly calorie counter to help you sail through your Fast Days.Whether you're a committed faster or a new recruit to the Fast Diet, this revised edition is a must.Trade ReviewThe most popular diet this century. * Daily Telegraph *The diet that has made even the sceptics sit up and listen. * Sainsbury's Magazine *The biggest diet revolution since the Atkins. * Daily Mail *The only diet you'll ever need. * Mail on Sunday *The diet that works. * Radio Times *The year's most talked about weight-loss trend. * Daily Express *Intermittent fasting is ideal for those of us who can just about manage to be good, but lack the long-distance rigour of saints.The scientific evidence that Intermittent Fasting can have numerous health benefits is strong.A modern phenomenon... it sometimes seems as if every other person you meet is following the Fast Diet. * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisIt's the nineteenth century. As America prepares for civil war, five men living within ninety miles of one another will change the course of history. The invention and refinement of the repeating firearm-the precursor to today's automatic weapons-means life in America and beyond will never be the same again. In this riveting work of narrative history, veteran reporter John Bainbridge, Jr. vividly brings to life the five charismatic and idiosyncratic men at the heart of the story: the huckster and hard-living Samuel Colt; the cunning former shirt-maker Oliver Winchester; the constant tinkerer Horace Smith; the resilient and innovative businessman Daniel Wesson; and the skinny abolitionist Christopher Spencer. As the men competed ferociously, each trying to corner the market for repeating weapons, invention and necessity collided in a perfect storm: America was crashing violently towards furious sectarianism, irrevocable tensions, and, of course, bloodthirsty war. Though capable of firing many times without reloading, astonishingly, the new guns faced a government backlash for using too much ammunition. Sold directly to soldiers, sometimes just as they were walking into battle, they quickly became coveted possessions, both during the Civil War and in the conquering of the West-and thus America's romance with personal firearms was born. Wide-ranging and vividly told, this is a gripping story of tenacity, conviction, innovation, and pure heartless greed.

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Book SynopsisAn exhilarating real-life Cold War thriller about the Americans who fought for Fidel Castro in the Cuban Revolution - then switched sides to try to bring him down Back in 1957, Castro was a hero to many in the USA for taking up arms against Cuba's dictatorial regime. Two dozen American adventurers joined his rebel band in the mountains, including fervent idealists, a trio of teens from the Guantanamo Bay naval base, a sleazy ex-con who liked underage girls, and at least two future murderers. Castro's eventual victory delighted the world - but then he ran up the red flag and some started wondering if they'd supported the wrong side. A gang of disillusioned American volunteers - including future Watergate burglar Frank Fiorini and journalist Alex Rorke, whose 1963 disappearance remains unsolved - changed allegiances and joined the Cuban exiles, CIA agents and soldiers of fortune who had washed up in Miami ready to fight Castro's regime by any means necessary. These larger-than-life characters wreaked havoc across the Caribbean and went on to be implicated in President Kennedy's assassination, a failed invasion of 'Papa Doc' Duvalier's Haiti and the downfall of Richard Nixon. The Cold War had arrived in Miami, and things would never be the same again.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the ancient power of Japanese wisdom. A beautiful collection of timeless lessons to live by.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the definitive visual journey of the Mediterranean in this stunning photographic hardback that explores exciting cities, beautiful beaches and idyllic landscapes in southern Spain, the Adriatic and beyond. Roam secret paradises in Ibiza, gaze at overlooked ancient ruins in Greece, explore souks and medinas in the Middle East. With over 30 must-visit Mediterranean cities and islands to discover, plus 15 weekend-long road trip itineraries and beautiful photography throughout: this magnificent book presents the ultimate visual exploration of the world''s most breathtaking regions. Inside The Mediterranean: Introduces over 30 significant cities and islands in the Mediterranean Includes 15 weekend-long road trip itineraries On-the-ground travel writers share recommendations and tips on where to eat and what to see Local voices offer insights into customs and traditions with stories from chefs, architects, curators and craftspeople Features stunning photography throughout with hand-drawn illustrated maps and original artwork by Anna Tzortzi Contents cover: Spain; France; Italy; the Adriatic (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania); Greece; Turkey; Eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Palestinian Territories); Southeast Mediterranean (Malta, Egypt, Libya); North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) For the ultimate love letter to the Mediterranean, look no further than this visually inspiring guide to one of the world''s most mesmerising regions the perfect gift or self-purchase for anyone looking to explore the Mediterranean way of life.

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Book SynopsisTom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli team up to present 50 essential teaching techniques, each with five clear and concise illustrations and explanations. It forms a truly unique repository of key teaching methods, valuable to any classroom practitioner in any setting.The book covers important practical techniques in behaviour and relationships; curriculum planning; explaining and modelling; questioning and feedback; practice and retrieval; and Mode B teaching. Each technique is simply explained and beautifully illustrated in five short steps, to make sense of complex ideas and support student learning.

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Book SynopsisSend mysterious messages, or decorate your journal in a unique vintage style! Organised by letter, with plenty of accents, punctuation marks, numbers and wingdings to pep up your text, this collection of over 1000 letters makes an excellent companion to The Ransom Note Sticker Book, but stands on its own equally well. Peel and spell today!

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Book SynopsisLearn how to end the self-destructive behaviours that stop you from living your best life with this breakthrough programme. Do you … Put the needs of others above your own? Start to panic when someone you love leaves — or threatens to? Often feel anxious about natural disasters, losing all your money, or getting seriously ill? Find that no matter how successful you are, you still feel unhappy, unfulfilled, or undeserving? Unsatisfactory relationships, an irrational lack of self-esteem, feelings of being unfulfilled — these are all problems that can be solved by changing the types of messages that people internalise. These self-defeating behaviour patterns are called ‘lifetraps’, and Reinventing Your Life shows you how to stop the cycle that keeps you from attaining happiness. Two of America’s leading psychologists, Jeffrey E. Young, PhD, and Janet S. Klosko, PhD, draw on the breakthrough principles of cognitive therapy to help you recognise and change negative thought patterns, without the aid of drugs or long-term traditional therapy. They describe eleven of the most common lifetraps, provide a diagnostic test for each, and offer step-by-step suggestions to help you break free of the traps. Thousands of men and women have seen the immediate and long-term results of the extraordinary programme outlined in this clear, compassionate, liberating book. Its innovative approach to solving ongoing emotional problems will help you create a more fulfilling, productive life.Trade Review‘Several of the most painful petards upon which people become hoisted during an unhappy childhood are neatly dispatched here by two cognitive therapists, who attack 11 common ‘lifetraps’ — destructive patterns that underlie a variety of emotional problems. Young and Klosko ably demonstrate how to deal with issues of abandonment, dependence, trust, social rejection, emotional deprivation, failure and vulnerability. They provide meaningful case histories, perceptive descriptions, diagnostic tests and a variety of nugget-sized, easily understood lists detailing the causes, danger signs and effects of negative impulses and actions, as well as ways to short-circuit them.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘Using illustrations from case studies, the authors describe each lifetrap, discuss its origins in childhood experience, and provide a questionnaire for self-assessment. They then offer a program for change using techniques ranging from experiential (getting in touch with your inner child) to cognitive (writing a ‘case’ against your lifetrap) and behavioural (identifying specific behaviours to be changed).’ * Library Journal *

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Book Synopsis''There''s never been a more honest or raw memoir . . . and it may just save lives'' Daily Mail''Funny, fascinating, compelling . . . also a wonderful read for fans of Friends'' The Times''HI, MY NAME IS MATTHEW, although you may know me by my full name. My friends call me Matty.''So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who travelled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us . . . and so much more.In an extraordinary story that only

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Book Synopsis'This book may help those who are susceptible to illnesses that can be prevented with proper nutrition' – His Holiness the Dalai LamaThe international bestseller, Dr Michael Greger's How Not To Die gives effective, scientifically-proven nutritional advice to prevent our biggest killers – including heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes – and reveals the astounding health benefits that simple dietary choices can provide.Why rely on drugs and surgery to cure you of life-threatening disease when the right decisions can prevent you from falling ill to begin with?Based on the latest scientific research, How Not To Die examines each of the most common diseases to reveal what, how and why different foods affect us, and how increasing our consumption of certain foods and avoiding others can dramatically reduce our risk of falling sick and even reverse the effects of disease. It also shares Dr Greger's 'Daily Dozen' – the twelve foods we should all eat every day to stay in the best of health.With emphasis on individual family health history and acknowledging that everyone needs something different, Dr Michael Greger offers practical dietary advice to help you live longer, healthier lives.'Dr Michael Greger reveals the foods that will help you live longer' – Daily MailTrade ReviewDr Michael Greger reveals the foods that will help you live longer * Daily Mail *This book brims with valuable insights ... Vegetarian or not, this book is a great way to improve your diet * Financial Times *Dr Michael Greger presents the groundbreaking science on how simple plant-based food choices help us live healthier and happier lives -- Brian Wendel, Founder and President of Forks Over KnivesA new way of looking at nutrition and health. Michael Greger shows people how to save their own lives -- Rip Esselstyn, author of The Engine 2 DietHow Not To Die shows how the right nutrition prevents disease and transforms our genes so we can live healthier, longer. Empowering, groundbreaking, transformative work -- Kathy Freston, author of Quantum Wellness and The LeanThe most interesting, groundbreaking and practical new research ... His work at NutritionFacts and in How Not To Die features the latest science on nutrition and health to show how to treat and prevent disease -- Joel Furhman, author of Eat to LiveNot only does Dr Michael Greger drop a metric f*ckton of evidence that a plant-based diet will save your damn life, he lays out the blueprint to make it happen * Thug Kitchen *The primary determinant of our health and wellbeing is what we eat and how we live. Dr Michael Greger explains why -- Dean Ornish, MD, author of The Spectrum and Dr Dean Ornish's Program For Reversing Heart DiseaseTable of ContentsSection - i: Preface Introduction - ii: Introduction Unit - 1: Part 1 Chapter - 1: How Not to Die From Heart Disease Chapter - 2: How Not to Die From Lung Diseases Chapter - 3: How Not to Die From Brain Diseases Chapter - 4: How Not to Die From Digestive Cancers Chapter - 5: How Not to Die From Infections Chapter - 6: How Not to Die From Diabetes Chapter - 7: How Not to Die From High Blood Pressure Chapter - 8: How Not to Die From Liver Diseases Chapter - 9: How Not to Die From Blood Cancers Chapter - 10: How Not to Die From Kidney Disease Chapter - 11: How Not to Die From Breast Cancer Chapter - 12: How Not to Die From Suicidal Depression Chapter - 13: How Not to Die From Prostate Cancer Chapter - 14: How Not to Die From Parkinson's Disease Chapter - 15: How Not to Die From Iatrogenic Causes Unit - 2: Part 2 Introduction - iii: Introduction Section - iv: Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen Chapter - 1: Beans Chapter - 2: Berries Chapter - 3: Other Fruits Chapter - 4: Cruciferous Vegetables Chapter - 5: Greens Chapter - 6: Other Vegetables Chapter - 7: Flaxseeds Chapter - 8: Nuts and Seeds Chapter - 9: Herbs and Spices Chapter - 10: Whole Grains Chapter - 11: Beverages Chapter - 12: Exercise Section - v: Conclusion Acknowledgements - vi: Acknowledgements Section - vii: Appendix: Supplements Section - viii: Notes Index - ix: Index

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Book SynopsisThe heroic Greek dramas that have moved theatergoers and readers since the fifth century B.C.Towering over the rest of Greek tragedy, the three plays that tell the story of the fated Theban royal family—Antigone, Oedipus the King and Oedipus at Colonus—are among the most enduring and timeless dramas ever written. Robert Fagles's authoritative and acclaimed translation conveys all of Sophocles's lucidity and power: the cut and thrust of his dialogue, his ironic edge, the surge and majesty of his choruses and, above all, the agonies and triumphs of his characters. This Penguin Classics edition features an introduction and notes by the renowned classicist Bernard Knox.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and dTrade Review“I know of no better modern English version.”—Sir Hugh Lloyd-Jones, Oxford University “A marvel of craftsmanship and intelligence.”—Emily Vermeule, Harvard University “The most impressive verse translations of Sophocles that have been made.”—Stephen SpenderTable of ContentsThe Three Theban Plays - Sophocles Translated by Robert Fagles with Introductions and Notes by Bernard KnoxAcknowledgmentsTranslator's PrefaceGreece and the TheaterSOPHOCLES: THE THREE THEBAN PLAYSIntroduction to AntigoneAntigoneIntroduction to Oedipus the KingOedipus the KingIntroduction to Oedipus at ColonusOedipus at ColonusA Note on the Text of SophoclesTextual VariantsNotes on the Translation: Antigone, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at ColonusSelect BibliographyThe Genealogy of OedipusGlossary

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Book SynopsisVáclav Havel’s remarkable and rousing essay on the tyranny of apathy, with a new introduction by Timothy Snyder Cowed by life under Communist Party rule, a greengrocer hangs a placard in their shop window: Workers of the world, unite! Is it a sign of the grocer’s unerring ideology? Or a symbol of the lies we perform to protect ourselves? Written in 1978, Václav Havel’s meditation on political dissent – the rituals of its suppression, and the sparks that re-ignite it – would prove the guiding manifesto for uniting Solidarity movements across the Soviet Union. A portrait of activism in the face of falsehood and intimidation, The Power of the Powerless remains a rousing call against the allure of apathy.'Havel’s diagnosis of political pathologies has a special resonance in the age of Trump' Pankaj MishraTrade ReviewHavel’s diagnosis of political pathologies has a special resonance in the age of Trump -- Pankaj MishraFew voices did more to undermine the foundations of the Berlin Wall and the entire edifice of Soviet-imposed totalitarianism than this shy bourgeois, this sly, reticent, playwright and essayist -- David Remnick * New Yorker *In gentle, ironic but scathing prose, Havel's The Power of the Powerless exposed the lies and cowardice that made possible the communist grip on power * The Economist *In his now iconic 1978 essay, which circulated in underground editions in Czechoslovakia and was smuggled to other Warsaw Pact countries and to the West, Havel foresaw that the opposition could eventually prevail against the totalitarian state * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisEric Hobsbawm traces with brilliant anlytical clarity the transformation brought about in evry sphere of European life by the Dual revolution - the 1789 French revolution and the Industrial Revolution that originated in Britain. This enthralling and original account highlights the significant sixty years when industrial capitalism established itself in Western Europe and when Europe established the domination over the rest of the world it was to hold for half a century.Trade ReviewThe work is challenging, learned, brilliant in its analytical power, wide-ranging in its lucid exposition of literary, aesthetic and scientific achievments and packed with novel insight. * ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW *Brilliant. * TLS *

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Book SynopsisExplore the world with a Collins wall mapFully updated world map to include the latest political changes. The map contains politically coloured mapping which shows each country and their capital city, major roads, and cities and towns clearly. Also included are national flags, key statistics for every country and inset maps of the polar regions.The map is printed on high quality paper and comes rolled in a fully recyclable cardboard box ideal as a poster for any classroom, bedroom or office wall.Area of coverage:All of the world, centred on the Greenwich Meridian, and including maps of the North and South Pole regions.Scale:1:30 000 000; 1 cm to 300 km; 1 inch to 480 milesSize:700 x 915 mm (27.5 x 36 inches)Other versions available:Paper flat map (ISBN 978-0-00-849255-7)

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Book SynopsisA beautifully told, sensitive, often funny and very moving storythat shines a light on families in tough circumstances. For fansof Jacqueline Wilson, Helen Rutter and The Boy at the Back of theClass.

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Book SynopsisFor the first time, director Rob Reiner and co-creators Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer provide the full behind-the-scenes story of the making of the groundbreaking mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap and its upcoming sequel. Since its original release in 1984, This Is Spinal Tap has evolved from a beloved cult film into a cinematic landmark: an all-time comedy classic that pioneered an entire genre: the mockumentary. Now, director Rob Reiner and his co-writers and co-stars, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, tell the complete story of the movie and its fictitious band – how they met, how Spinal Tap came to be, and how their low-budget indie film took on a life of its own. Years after the movie first came out, the Library of Congress selected This Is Spinal Tap for inclusion in the National Film Registry and Tap went on to play the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, and to over 100,000 fans at Glastonbury.  Reiner, Guest, McKean and Shearer provide the backstories to the movie’s famous lines – among them 'Hello, Cleveland!,' 'None more black,' 'You can’t dust for vomit' and 'These go to eleven' – and to such Tap anthems as 'Big Bottom' and 'Stonehenge'. Featuring never-before-seen photographs, band memorabilia and personal reminiscences of their enduring creative partnership, A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever will delight Tap-heads of all ages – just as the long-awaited Spinal Tap sequel is hitting theatres.  BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever also comes with a bonus memoir by Reiner’s directorial alter ego, Marty DiBergi, in which he interviews Tap band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls about their musical journey and their drummers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to the rock gods.

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession, or rather created it, for I am the only one in the world'In London, 1888, the razor-sharp detective skills of Sherlock Holmes are to be put to the test. Mary Morstan reports two seemingly unconnected and inexplicable events: the disappearance of her father, a British Indian Army Captain, and the arrival of pearls by post from an unknown sender. Driven on by its complexity, Holmes and Watson slowly begin to unravel an intricate web of exotic treasure, secret pacts and mysterious deaths.One of only four novels featuring Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Watson, The Sign of the Four' will delight those who have been captivated by Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories.Trade Review‘Of all the Holmes stories it is ‘The Sign of Four’ which remains persistently in my memory.’ Graham Greene

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Book SynopsisMatt Johnson – founder, songwriter and visionary lynchpin of iconic band The The – created some of the most vital music of his era, be it the intense visual feast of Infected or the prescient politics of Mind Bomb. Then he walked away from it all. In this authorised biography, with free access to the The The archives, Neil Fraser draws on hundreds of hours of interviews with Johnson and his contemporaries and colleagues, including Johnny Marr, Johanna St Michaels, JG Thirlwell and Tim Pope. From the early days in the East End to glory days on a global stage, through Johnson’s retreat from public life and return with The The in 2017, this updated edition addresses the 2018 Comeback Special Tour and beyond. Long Shadows, High Hopes examines the enigma that is Matt Johnson – outspoken political lyricist but intensely private man – and what prompted him to step out of the shadows after so long.

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Book SynopsisYou don't need to travel to experience the joy of bird-watching: just take a look at the pigeons in your nearby park! With this fun, quirky, and scientifically correct field guide to the most common bird in most cities, you'll learn to see pigeons and doves (they're the same thing) with a bird-watcher's expertise, understanding their fascinating behaviour and appreciating nature right outside your window.Part field guide, part history, part ornithology primer, and altogether fun. Fact: Pigeons are amazing, and until recently, humans adored them. We've kept them as pets, held pigeon beauty contests, raced them, used them to carry messages over battlefields, harvested their poop to fertilize our crops-and cooked them in gourmet dishes. Now, with The Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, readers can rediscover the wonder. Equal parts illustrated field guide and quirky history, it covers behaviour: Why they coo; how they flock; how they preen, kiss, and mate (monogamously); and how they raise their young (on chunky pigeon milk). Anatomy and identification, from Birmingham Roller to the American Giant Runt to the Scandaroon. Birder issues, like what to do if you find a baby pigeon stranded in the park. And our lively shared story together, including all the things we've taught them-Ping-Pong, for example. "Rats with wings?" Think again. Pigeons coo, peck and nest all over the world, yet most of us treat them with indifference or disdain. So Rosemary Mosco, a bird-lover, science communicator, writer, and cartoonist (and co-author of The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid) is here to give the pigeon's image a makeover, and to help every town- and city-dweller get closer to nature by discovering the joys of birding through pigeon-watching.Trade Review"This book will change what you think about pigeons! With loads of eye-opening pigeon science, delivered in playful and engaging style by Rosemary Mosco's text and illustrations, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching you will help you gain a whole new appreciation of these smart, savvy, and adaptable birds whose lives are so intertwined with ours." --David Allen Sibley, author of The Sibley Guide to Birds "We scorn pigeons for their commonness, but their ubiquity speaks to their talents. Past civilizations domesticated them and brought them wherever they went, for pigeons were loved and prized--as messengers, as producers of fertilizer, as meat on the plate. With her trademark wit and artistic charms, Mosco gives us a hundred reasons to rekindle the love affair. A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching is part field guide, part history, part ornithology primer, and altogether fun!" --Mary Roach, New York Times bestselling author of Stiff and Grunt "So joyful that it's almost effervescent, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching will convert even the grumpiest pigeon skeptics into being, at the very least, pigeon-curious. Readers will never hear the cooing in a city park or watch a preening flock of pigeons the same way again." --Foreward Reviews "A gifted communicator, Rosemary Mosco makes every science subject both fascinating and fun--as they should be. This delightful look at the world of pigeons is a treasure." --Kenn Kaufman, editor of Kaufman Field Guides "A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching is my favorite kind of book: one that teaches you everything you could want to know about a single fascinating topic in a way that is accessible, charming, and hilarious." --Ryan North, New York Times bestselling author of How to Invent Everything "Sparkling, witty prose, loaded with relatable pop-culture references and enhanced with charming cartoons, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching is a seductive draw into the multilayered world of pigeons. This little book will sneak up and drop a load of solid ornithology on the unsuspecting reader." --Julie Zickefoose, author of Saving Jemima: Life and Love with a Hard-luck Jay

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE ONDAATJE PRIZE''The best book I read last year by a mile. . . so beautifully written that anyone would be hooked'' Laura Hackett, Sunday Times, Best Summer Books''Wonderfully funny and poignant. . . a tale of family secrets and political awakening amid a crumbling regime'' Luke Harding, Observer''We never lose our inner freedom; the freedom to do what is right''Lea Ypi grew up in one of the most isolated countries on earth, a place where communist ideals had officially replaced religion. Albania, the last Stalinist outpost in Europe, was almost impossible to visit, almost impossible to leave. It was a place of queuing and scarcity, of political executions and secret police. To Lea, it was home. People were equal, neighbours helped each other, and children were expected to build a better world. There was community and hope.Then, in December 1990, everything changed. The statues of Stalin and Hoxha were toppled. Almost overnight, people could vote freely, wear what they liked and worship as they wished. There was no longer anything to fear from prying ears. But factories shut, jobs disappeared and thousands fled to Italy on crowded ships, only to be sent back. Predatory pyramid schemes eventually bankrupted the country, leading to violent conflict. As one generation''s aspirations became another''s disillusionment, and as her own family''s secrets were revealed, Lea found herself questioning what freedom really meant.Free is an engrossing memoir of coming of age amid political upheaval. With acute insight and wit, Lea Ypi traces the limits of progress and the burden of the past, illuminating the spaces between ideals and reality, and the hopes and fears of people pulled up by the sweep of history.THE SUNDAY TIMES MEMOIR OF THE YEARWINNER OF THE SLIGHTLY FOXED BEST FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA BIOGRAPHY AWARDSHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTIONSHORTLISTED FOR THE GORDON BURN PRIZECHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE GUARDIAN, FINANCIAL TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES, TLS, DAILY MAIL, NEW STATESMAN AND SPECTATORTrade ReviewIf you read one memoir this year, let it be this * Sunday Times, Books of the Year *A magical, timeless and important account of what life was really like under communism. Free brims with diamond-studded details, it lays bare the compromises, fear and betrayals of a secret police state, but is also an uplifting and humorous reminder of how much the human spirit can endure -- Alec Russell * Financial Times *Lea Ypi's Free is the first book since Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend that I have pressed on family, friends and colleagues, insisting they read it. . . a truly riveting memoir and a profound meditation on what it means to be free -- Ruth Scurr * Spectator, Books of the Year *Enthralling. . . a classic in the making -- David Abulafia * TLS, Books of the Year *Ypi's deliciously smart memoir of her Albanian girlhood at the end of the Cold War is a brilliant disquisition on the meanings of freedom - its lures, false hopes, disappointments and possibilities - in our time -- Lyndsey Stonebridge * New Statesman, Books of the Year *A tart and tender childhood memoir. But also a work of social criticism, and a meditation on how to live with purpose. . . A quick read, but like Marx's spectre haunting Europe, it stays with you * The New Yorker, Best Books of 2021 *An absorbing memoir of Ypi's Albanian childhood and its ideological delusions. The freedom she discovers is far more complex than we might expect -- Terri Apter * TLS, Books of the Year *A strange world and its legacy is now stunningly brought to life. Lea Ypi offers a moving and compelling memoir of growing up in turbulent times, as well as a frank questioning of what it really means to be "free" -- Frederick Studemann * Financial Times, Books of the Year *Lea Ypi's Free: Coming of Age at the End of History is a beautifully written account of life under a crumbling Stalinist system in Albania and the shock and chaos of what came next. In telling her story and examining the political systems in which she was raised, the author and LSE professor asks tough questions about the nature of freedom * Guardian, Books of the Year *An astonishing and deeply resonant memoir about growing up in the last days of the last Stalinist outpost of the 20th century. . . What makes it so unforgettable is that we see this world, one about which we know so little, through the eyes of a child.. . It is more fundamentally about humanity, and about the confusions and wonders of childhood. Ypi weaves magic in this book: I was entranced from beginning to end -- Laura Hackett * Sunday Times *Utterly engrossing . . . Ypi's memoir is brilliantly observed, politically nuanced and - best of all - funny. An essential book, just as much for Britons as Albanians -- Stuart Jeffries * Guardian *Riveting. . . A wonderfully funny and poignant portrait of a small nation in a state of collapse. . . gloriously readable. . . One of the nonfiction titles of the year, it is destined for literary accolades and popular success -- Luke Harding * Observer *Gripping. A book of political reality as lived from day to day by a young girl coming of age. It shows what can arrive all too easily in the void left by a suddenly discarded political system. Unforgettable * Daily Mail *A wonderful memoir. . . a uniquely engaging and illuminating account of a young life during a period of intense turmoil. So readable, yet Ypi does not sacrifice profound observations about politics and culture. Detailing the absurdities of the regime from a child's perspective, she pulls off the remarkable feat of emphasizing their cruelty with a light and often humorous touch -- Misha Glenny * TLS *Fantastically engaging. . . A breakout book. . . Such an engrossing story that it is (almost) unsurprising that it is already being translated into eleven languages. If a film follows, don't be surprised -- Tim Judah * Financial Times *Five stars. . . deserves to be added to the history curriculum * Daily Telegraph *Lea Ypi's experiences inspire a moving and profound reflection on the nature of freedom that avoids either liberal triumphalism or Stalinist nostalgia. She is most concerned with the futures that were lost in between -- George Eaton, * The New Statesman *With its delicious sour-sweet comedy and pages of precise observation, Free opens a window on to one of the most bleakly isolationist regimes in human history -- Ian Thomson, * Spectator *Free is a rare and nuanced glimpse into the history of Albania, offering the personal perspective of a childhood spent in the shadow of an oppressive regime, and the long and turbulent transition that came after * Geographical, Books of the Year *A really fascinating and wonderful book, and beautifully written too. Not many writers could have pulled this off with such grace and elegance. You won't regret buying this one, for sure -- Nigel Warburton * Five Books, Best Philosophy Books of 2021 *Ypi excels at describing the fall and aftermath of Albanian communism from the perspective of her childhood . . . rich and remarkable * Literary Review *Essential reading. Lea Ypi's gorgeously written text - part memoir, part bildungsroman - tells a very personal story of socialism and postsocialism. Poignant and timely -- Kristen Ghodsee * Jacobin *Vital . . . an extraordinary memoir of social upheaval and historical change in 1990s Albania * Huck *A powerful and thought provoking memoir . . . wonderfully human, it is a story of missed opportunities, disillusionment and hope that ultimately invites readers to ask themselves what it means to be free -- Katja Hoyer * History Today *This vivid rendering of life amid cultural collapse is nothing short of a masterpiece * Publishers Weekly *Remarkable and highly original . . . Both an affecting coming-of-age story and a first-hand meditation on the politics of freedom -- Caroline Sanderson * Editor’s Choice, Bookseller *A probing personal history, poignant and moving. A young life unfolding amidst great historical change - ideology, war, loss, uncertainty. This is history brought memorably and powerfully to life -- Tara Westover, author of EducatedUnique, insightful, and often hilarious. . . Albania on the cusp of change, chaos and civil war is the setting for the best memoir to emerge from the Balkans in decades -- Craig Turp-Balazs * Emerging Europe *A lyrical memoir, of deep and affecting power, of the sweet smell of humanity mingled with flesh, blood and hope -- Philippe Sands, author of East West StreetFree is astonishing. Lea Ypi has a natural gift for storytelling. It brims with life, warmth, and texture, as well as her keen intelligence. A gripping, often hilarious, poignant, psychologically acute masterpiece and the best book I've read so far this year -- Olivia Sudjic, author of Asylum RoadLea Ypi's teenage journey through the endtimes of Albanian communism tells a universal story: ours is an age of collapsed illusions for many generations. Written by one of Europe's foremost left-wing thinkers, this is an unmissable book for anyone engaged in the politics of resistance -- Paul Mason, author of PostcapitalismThis extraordinary coming-of-age story is like an Albanian Educated but it is so much more than that. It beautifully brings together the personal and the political to create an unforgettable account of oppression, freedom and what it means to acquire knowledge about the world. Funny, moving but also deadly serious, this book will be read for years to come -- David Runciman, author of How Democracy EndsA new classic that bursts out of the global silence of Albania to tell us human truths about the politics of the past hundred years. . . It unfolds with revelation after revelation - both familial and national - as if written by a master novelist. As if it were, say, a novella by Tolstoy. That this very serious book is so much fun to read is a compliment to its graceful, witty, honest writer. A literary triumph -- Amy Wilentz, author of Farewell, Fred VoodooIlluminating and subversive, Free asks us to consider what happens to our ideals when they come into contact with imperfect places and people and what can be salvaged from the wreckage of the past -- Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in TehranA young girl grows up in a repressive Communist state, where public certainties are happily accepted and private truths are hidden; as that world falls away, she has to make her own sense of life, based on conflicting advice, fragments of information and, above all, her own stubborn curiosity. Thought-provoking, deliciously funny, poignant, sharply observed and beautifully written, this is a childhood memoir like very few others -- a really marvellous book -- Noel Malcolm, author of Agents of EmpireFree is one of those very rare books that shows how history shapes people's lives and their politics. Lea Ypi is such a brilliant, powerful writer that her story becomes your story -- Ivan Krastev, author of The Light that FailedLea Ypi is a pathbreaking philosopher who is also becoming one of the most important public thinkers of our time. Here she draws on her unique historical experience to shed new light on the questions of freedom that matter to all of us. This extraordinary book is both personally moving and politically revolutionary. If we take its lessons to heart, it can help to set us free -- Martin Hägglund, author of This LifeI haven't in many years read a memoir from this part of the world as warmly inviting as this one. Written by an intellectual with story-telling gifts, Free makes life on the ground in Albania vivid and immediate -- Vivian Gornick, author of Unfinished BusinessLea Ypi has a wonderful gift for showing and not telling. In Free she demonstrates with humour, humanity and a sometimes painful honesty, how political communities without human rights will always end in cruelty. True freedom must be from both oppression and neglect -- Shami Chakrabarti, author of On LibertyA funny and fascinating memoir * White Review, Books of the Year *A rightly acclaimed account of loss of innocence in Albania from a master of subtext . . . Precise, acute, often funny and always accessible * The Irish Times *A remarkable story, stunningly told -- Emma Duncan * The Times *A vivid portrayal of how it felt to live through the transition from socialism to capitalism, Ypi's book will interest readers wishing to learn more about Albania during this tumultuous historical period, but also anyone interested in questioning the taken-for-granted ideological assumptions that underpin all societies and shape quotidian experiences in often imperceptible ways -- Hannah Proctor * Red Pepper *A classic, moving coming-of-age story. . . Ypi is a beautiful writer and a serious political thinker, and in just a couple hundred readable pages, she takes turns between being bitingly, if darkly, funny (she skewers Stalinism and the World Bank with equal deadpan) and truly profound * New York Times *Beguiling. . . the most probing memoir yet produced of the undefined 'transition' period after European communism. More profoundly a primer on how to live when old verities turn to dust. Ypi has written a brilliant personal history of disorientation, of what happens when the guardrails of everyday life suddenly fall away. . . Reading Free today is not so much a flashback to the Cold War as a glimpse of every society's possible pathway, a postcard from the future -- Charles King * Washington Post *

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Book SynopsisPiano Time 3 builds on the techniques acquired in Piano Time 1 and 2. With attractive pieces in all styles, a gradual pace to suit all players, and appealing full-colour illustrations, this is a superb tutor book for all young pianists. Play-along audio tracks are also available.

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Book SynopsisPenguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers'' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.Elle has one more year of high school left and she has never been kissed. When she decides to make a kissing booth for the school carnival, she kisses Noah, her best friend Lee''s brother, and her life changes. But Noah is older than Elle, and Lee will not be happy. Will Elle listen to her head or her heart?

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Book Synopsis''Women so empowered are dangerous''Written with a ''black woman''s anger'' and the precision of a poet, these searing pieces by the groundbreaking writer Audre Lorde are a celebration of female strength and solidarity, and a cry to speak out against those who seek to silence anyone they see as ''other''.One of twenty new books in the bestselling Penguin Great Ideas series. This new selection showcases a diverse list of thinkers who have helped shape our world today, from anarchists to stoics, feminists to prophets, satirists to Zen Buddhists.

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Book SynopsisIron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson, founder Steve Harris, and band members past and present come together to tell the story of their legendary band. Founded on 25 December 1975, Iron Maiden has so far released 41 albums, 47 singles, 20 video albums and two video games. Their third album, 1982's The Number of the Beast, is one of the most popular heavy metal albums of all time, having sold 20 million copies worldwide.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis''No one knows why or how standing stones were set upright thousands of years ago and yet, amazingly, here they still are, in our modern world, waiting for us to go out and find them. They are totems of longevity, endurance and mystery; they are symbols of survival set in contrast to our ephemeral human lives.''A few months after discovering that her beloved husband, Stephen, had incurable stage 4 gallbladder cancer, Fiona Robertson began to write this book. As a megalith enthusiast, something resonated profoundly from the ancient monuments as she faced the prospect of losing him. Ideas of death, the deep past, survival and memory lie within the stones, and they offer a way to understand our collective history alongside our individual fates.Journeying across twelve ''stone lands'', from West Penwith and Avebury to the Lake District and Orkney, this book uncovers the magic and rich history of Britain''s most incredible megaliths - and what they mean in the shadow of p

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUTYOU ARE A BADASS IS THE SELF-HELP BOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO DESPERATELY WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES BUT DON''T WANT TO GET BUSTED DOING ITIn this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: - Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviours that stop you from getting what you want- Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW- Make some damn money already. The kind you''ve never made before. By the end of You Are a Badass, you''ll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can''t change, how to change what you don''t love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.ALSO OUT NOW: YOU ARE A BADASS AT MAKING MONEY

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Book SynopsisWhere do design principles come from? Are they abstract rules established by professionals or do they have roots in human experience? And if we encounter these visual phenomena in our everyday lives, how do designers use them to attract our attention, orient our behavior, and create compelling and memorable communication that stands out among the thousands of messages we confront each day? Today's work in visual communication design shifts emphasis from simply designing objects to designing experiences; to crafting form that acknowledges cognitive and cultural influences on interpretation. In response, Meredith Davis and Jamer Hunt provide a new slant on design basics from the perspective of audiences and users. Chapters break down our interactions with communication as a sequence of meaningful episodes, each with related visual concepts that shape the interpretive experience. Explanatory illustrations and professional design examples support definitions of visual concepts and discusTrade ReviewA great reference text for all graphic design students. Effectively places many of the main theoretical principles that lie behind successful design outcomes. Clearly links theory to practice in a single accessible volume and a great reference source for either a practical or theoretical module. * Anthony Roocroft, University of Bolton, UK *Table of ContentsForeword CHAPTER 1 – The importance of form The relationship between form and context: Goodness of fit Form and meaning A little bit of history: Twentieth-century attitudes toward “good form” New practices: The changing context for contemporary design The shift in attention from artifact to experience How this book is organized CHAPTER 2 – Getting attention Introduction Contrast Figure-Ground Camouflage Color Size constancy Scale Proportion Proximity Focus Layering Symmetry/Asymmetry Closure Continuity Series and Sequences Pattern Rhythm and Pacing Motion Summary CHAPTER 3 – Orienting for use and interpretive behavior Introduction Affordances Channel Medium and Format Feedback Wayfinding Mapping Hierarchy Reading Pattern Grouping Edge Relationships Direction Point of View Summary CHAPTER 4 – Interpreting, interacting, and experiencing Introduction Legibility and Readability Denotation and Connotation Framing Abstraction Icon, Index, and Symbol Materiality Substitution Metaphor Parallel Form Appropriation Ambiguity Cognitive Dissonance Summary CHAPTER 5 – Extending and retaining meaning Introduction Schemas and Stereotypes Narrative Archetypes Mnemonics Chunking Redundancy Graphic Identity Branding Summary CONCLUSION Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisBlack Business Woman, Claim Your Power!“Learn from one of the most powerful women in the USA, who has been blazing trails and creating sustainable million-dollar wealth from Washington DC to the sands of Abu Dhabi.” ―Natascha Faye Saunders, associate director at Harvard UniversityWinner NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Instructional Literary WorkIf you’re a Black business woman and feeling stuck or trapped by other people’s expectations of what you can achieve, it’s time to stop playing small and start redefining what success means for you. It’s time to get that upgrade.Channel your black girl magic. Karen Arrington―author of Your Next Level Life, founder of the Miss Black USA Pageant, creator of the Next Level Women’s Summit, and mentor to thousands of confident, successful young black women―is your guide to getting to your next level life.Build a legacy of black excellence. How big do you want to live? With the seven simple rules in Your Next Level Life, you’ll learn how to bring your career, income, and lifestyle to that next level. Don’t settle for a life of invisibility and mediocrity. Set ambitious goals, reach for bigger opportunities, and know that you are brave enough to get what you deserve.Give the gift of confidence. Looking for inspirational black gifts for aspiring black women in business? Your Next Level Life is unlike other self-help books for women. It’s a guide to opportunity that recognizes and celebrates the true magic of ambitious black women.Adopt the 7 rules of power, confidence, and opportunity and you can find success: Create all the money you need Position yourself like a star Connect with other powerful women Give a gift of confidence. If you have read books such as Pussy Prayers, Be Unapologetically You, Lead from the Outside, or The Little Black Book of Success, you’ll love Your Next Level Life.Trade Review"This book is a must read for every woman out there, regardless of age. The ins and outs of self care, handling your money, and living your best life is what Karen covers and this book is so inspiring." - Ask Away

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Book SynopsisFairy forts are an iconic feature of the Irish landscape and an integral part of the country's folklore. Accompanied by master photographer Richard Mills'atmospheric photographs,Jo Kerrigan delves into the history and beliefs behind these striking landmarks.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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