Travel writing Books

Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature Elemental, fierce and full of wonder, the Cairngorm mountains are the high and rocky heart of Scotland. To know them would take forever, to love them demands a kind of courageous surrender. In The Hidden Fires, Merryn Glover undertakes that challenge with Nan Shepherd as companion and guiding light. Following in the footsteps and contours of The Living Mountain, she explores the same landscapes and themes as Shepherd’s seminal work. This is a journey separated by time but unified by space and purpose, a conversation between two women across nearly a century that explores how entering the life of a mountain can illuminate our own. An Australian who grew up in the Himalayas, her early experiences of the Scottish hills and weather left her cold. But gradually acclimatising and with an approach like Shepherd’s, that is more mountain wandering than mountaineering, she discovers the spark that sets the hills and herself on fire. Through Glover’s deepening encounter, the wild majesty and iridescence of the Cairngorms is revealed in this beautiful evocation of landscape, place and identity. Shortlisted for The Great Outdoors Reader Awards 2024 'Merryn Glover’s The Hidden Fires is not just brave, it is remarkable' – Sir John Lister-KayeTrade Review'Inspired by The Living Mountain, this book will sit comfortably and deservedly on the same shelf as Nan Shepherd’s masterpiece' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'A dazzling adventure into mountain, place and time. Redolent with the presence of Nan Shepherd, this book will captivate lovers of The Living Mountain' -- Esther Woolfson'The Hidden Fires is a book about homecoming and homemaking, of noticing and belonging. It is a joyous celebration of the process of finding yourself' -- Kerri Andrews, author of Wanderers: A History of Women Walking'Only rarely does one read a book whose quality of distinction is immediately apparent from the first page; Merryn Glover’s The Hidden Fires is not just brave, it is remarkable. Her writing comes at you out of the rock; it recalls some splendid cave painting, telling as much of man as of beast and leaving us in awe of each' -- Sir John Lister-Kaye, FRSGS, OBE'A meditation on both Nan Shepherd's classic book and on what the mountains mean to them both...the discoveries she makes as she follows in Shepherd' Cairngorms footsteps have a freshness about them. There's magic and mysticism in the mix too' -- David Robinson'a deeply personal account of Glover's love for the landscape' -- Alice Hinds * Sunday Post *'A truly inspiring and beautiful book about the Cairngorm mountains, our natural world, and beyond...a rare beauty, where the place and sense of self is revealed and celebrated in all its blazing glory and wonder' -- Liz Robinson * LoveReading - Star Book *'Glover crafts an evocative and immersive slice of travel writing about how the beauty and grandeur of the Cairngorms spoke to her soul' * Waterstones Online *'Glover muses on the late legendary poet's thoughts and experiences whilst on her own transformative journey in a pilgrimage that is touching, elemental, brave and deeply affecting' * Scottish Field *'An admirable and enjoyable book, well-written, good humoured and informative' * The i *'Evocative writing... brings alive the joys and hidden spirituality that a trip to the Scottish hills can bring' * Life and Work *'A very special book...on all accounts, it entertains, educates, and fascinates' -- Neil Reid * Scottish Mountaineer Magazine *'Glover’s writing is refreshing and, whiles, can sparkle like schist... The book will appeal most to those who go to the hills for the hills’ allure rather than out to prove prowess at one of the sporting activities alone' -- Hamish Brown * Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal *'Despite the influence of Shepherd’s gaze, Glover’s own voice – thoughtful, honest, funny, and utterly full of feeling – shines' * The Great Outdoors *

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Book SynopsisThis book is not just funny (or sad) stories of campervan trips in Scotland; it is not just 'Zen and the art of campervan maintenance' (with stories of sweetness and light that will entertain or make you cry); and it is not just nature writing (with observations of wildlife in the western Scottish Highlands). But if you enjoy reading about how books are written and about recovery stories from relationship breakdowns, and if you like reading about women travelling alone and all the things that can go wrong (and right), about strategies for facing fear, dealing with creepy crawlies and noises in the night, and about surviving all that life throws at you (especially when you are over a certain age), then you will probably enjoy this book. Writing on the Road is by Sue Reid Sexton, who, while writing two novels (Mavis's Shoe and Rue End Street) over the past six years, needed to escape from her hectic household to create some space to write them. As the mother of two and a step-mum of four, Sue realised her only real option was to get into her campervan and have it function as a mobile office. Whether she camped by a beach overlooking the Atlantic in the Kintyre peninsula with buzzards, golden eagles, deer, seals, surfers, other campervanners and dead fish for company, or in the hills around Glasgow, or on Skye, Morvern, the Cowal peninsula or even in southern France, her main aim was to switch off her phone, get out her laptop and write. Sue has made countless journeys in campervans in the last few years and thanks to her practice of taking notes as she travels, we, too, can enjoy her campervan experiences. In Writing on the Road Sue also writes about the many and varied practical difficulties of campervan life that she has had to overcome. They include locking herself out of the campervan at night miles from home; coping with local byelaws and negative attitudes to campervans and to women travelling solo; driving a hundred miles with a window open before she could empty a cracked toilet; and finding out the wrong (and the right) way to buy a campervan. We hope this book will inspire anyone looking for encouragement in the expressive arts to get creative and persuade any would-be campervanners to get out there and enjoy the campervan life.

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Book SynopsisThis new book of essays from the author of Wild tracks the turning light of the day and seasons, an almanac of the turning times. Beginning in night and winter, it moves to dawn and spring, then noon and summer and finally evening and autumn. Set partly at the author's home in Wales, the book journeys widely, searching for a dead father in Prague, listening to the Sky-Grandmothers of Mexican myth and staying with the people of West Papua who, when they know they will fall over laughing, lie down first. It asks: what is the real gift of the misunderstood Goddess Nemesis? Why should flowers be prescribed as medicine? What do male zebra finches dream of? Where do the sands of time run fastest, and how is that connected to the age of anxiety? It explores the dawn chorus; the tradition of sacred hospitality; dust from the time before the sun even existed; the twilight time of the trickster and the daily rituals of morning. In all of these it asks: why does light, through the hours of the day and the seasons of the year, affect us? Griffiths concludes this extraordinary collection by deciding that light is in fact how we think.Trade Review'A great stylist, lively and curious, she writes beautifully about a very wide range of topics. But in every case she brings something that nobody else could bring.' George Monbiot

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Book SynopsisOld Calabria is a travelogue written by Norman Douglas. The book is an account of the author's journey through the rugged and remote region of Calabria, located in the southern part of Italy. In the book, Douglas vividly describes the landscape, culture, and people of Calabria, which at the time was largely unknown and undiscovered by tourists. He chronicles his travels through small villages and towns, sharing his observations and encounters with the locals, their customs, and their way of life. Douglas also delves into the history and mythology of the region, recounting tales of Greek and Roman gods, as well as the legendary bandits who once roamed the area. He discusses the region's food, music, and religious festivals, providing readers with a rich and immersive experience of Calabria's unique culture. Throughout the book, Douglas's writing is infused with humor and wit, as he shares his opinions and critiques of the region and its people.

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Book Synopsis"A sharp-tongued spokesman for Japan's environment and traditions" —The New York TimesIn Alex Kerr's critically acclaimed Lost Japan and Dogs and Demons, he documented the decline of the traditional landscapes of Japan, his adopted home of many years. Here, in Hidden Japan he makes a journey of rediscovery to find the wonders that still remain.Originally published in Japanese as a call to preserve disappearing facets of Japan's rich and ancient culture, Hidden Japan records Kerr's travels to various remote and lesser-known places where pockets of traditional culture can still be found. Some are faraway—like Aogashima Island, 200 miles south of Tokyo—while others are easy to reach, such as Mii-dera temple just east of Kyoto. The ten engaging essays in this book describe surprising remnants of Japan's fragile physical and cultural environment, including: Avant-garde Butoh dancing in the remote village of Tashiro in Akita Prefecture How shochu liquor is distilled from tropical ferns on the Pacific island of Aogashima An austere but delicious kaiseki meal in rural Tottori Prefecture composed of local herbs and meats Anecdotes relating to Kerr's childhood growing up in Japan and his passion for restoring old houses The damage caused by governmental infrastructure and reforestation policies, as well as by tourism Plus many other topics! Kerr's sharp eye for detail and exquisite descriptions of Japanese, arts, architecture and foods will inspire readers who already appreciate his unique look at the "reality" of Japan beyond the romance. His personal involvement and obvious love for his subjects encourage us all to think more carefully about our own traditions and environment, and to challenge ourselves to search for better solutions to preserve what is of value all around us.Trade Review"In spare but elegant prose, Alex Kerr introduces armchair travelers to some of Japan's most precious areas. If you want great insights into contemporary Japan and its treasures, Alex Kerr is the best you can get." --Amy Chavez, author of The Widow, The Priest and The Octopus Hunter"A sharp-tongued spokesman for Japan's environment and traditions." --The New York Times"Alex Kerr is on a lifelong quest for beauty." --Issey Miyake

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Book SynopsisThe Good Life goes on at El Valero. Find yourself laughing out loud as Chris is instructed by his daughter on local teenage mores; bluffs his way in art history to millionaire Bostonians; is rescued off a snowy peak by the Guardia Civil; and joins an Almond Blossom Appreciation Society.You''ll cringe with Chris as he tries his hand at office work in an immigrants'' advice centre in Granada, spurred into action by the arrival of four destitute young Moroccans at El Valero. And you''ll never see olive oil in quite the same way again...In this sequel to ''Lemons'' and ''Parrot'', Chris Stewart''s optimism and zest for life is as infectious as ever.Trade ReviewWonderful - funny, affectionate, no hint of patronage... Tuck this book into your holiday luggage and dream. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisWilliam Dalrymple, who wrote so magically about India in City of Djinns', returns to the country in a series of remarkable essays.Featured in its pages are 15-year-old guerrilla girls and dowager Maharanis; flashy Bombay drinks parties and violent village blood feuds; a group of vegetarian terrorists intent on destroying India's first Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet; and a palace where port and cigars are still carried to guests on a miniature silver steam train.Dalrymple meets such figures as Imran Khan and Benazir Bhutto; he witnesses the macabre nightly offering to the bloodthirsty goddess Parashakti She Who Is Seated on a Throne of Five Corpses; he experiences caste massacres in the badlands of Bihar and dines with a drug baron on the North-West Frontier; he discovers such oddities as the terrorist apes of Jaipur and the shrine where Lord Krishna is said to make love every night to his 16,108 wives and 64,732 milkmaids.The Age of Kali' is the fourth fascinating volume from the authoTrade Review‘Dalrymple is probably the best travel writer of his generation’ Daily Mail ‘The future of travel writing lies in the hands of gifted authors like Dalrymple’ Sara Wheeler, Independent

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Book SynopsisCollective Winner of the 2019 Highland Book Prize Under the ravishing light of an Alaskan sky, objects are spilling from the thawing tundra linking a Yup'ik village to its hunter-gatherer past. In the shifting sand dunes of a Scottish shoreline, impressively preserved hearths and homes of Neolithic farmers are uncovered. In a grandmother's disordered mind, memories surface of a long-ago mining accident and a 'mither who was kind'. For this luminous new essay collection, acclaimed author Kathleen Jamie visits archaeological sites and mines her own memories - of her grandparents, of youthful travels - to explore what surfaces and what reconnects us to our past. As always she looks to the natural world for her markers and guides. Most movingly, she considers, as her father dies, and her children leave home, the surfacing of an older, less tethered sense of herself. Surfacing offers a profound sense of time passing and an antidote to all that is instant, ephemeral, unrooted.Trade ReviewNature in Jamie's writing is immediate, domestic and, well, natural... a book whose impact is accretive and, eventually, astonishing. -- Alex Preston * Observer *Notes detailing chance encounters, fleeting relationships and a shared pull towards a specific world, (are) deepened with autobiographical anecdote, then shaken up with a vivid and urgent present-tense noticing that electrifies her connections and surroundings. It is as if Jamie, wherever she goes, functions as a lightning rod, drawing past, present and future together * New Statesman *Surfacing by Kathleen Jamie really stood out -- Sinéad Gleeson * Irish Times, Books of the Year 2019 *"A beautifully produced essay collection that spirals back through interests and themes traced over the past 40 years of Jamie's career, as well as forwards into an unknown future... To read a Jamie essay is to be given a fresh lens through which to view the world -- Amanda Bell * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisAs a child Simon Parker had always thought of America as the golden land. A place of adventure, culture, innovation, progress and independence. Despite one botched attempt (he blames the weather) he had never explored it as fully as he wanted. Frustrated by the shallow headlines focusing only on Trump, guns and divisions, Simon Parker decided it was now or never. He wanted to see if the America of his teenage dreams existed. If he wanted to explore the roads of the remaining wildernesses, meet ordinary people behind the click-bait news posts, then this year - before the 2024 election - was the year to do it. Travelling at a cyclist''s pace, tag teamed by inquisitive birds of prey, staying with old acquaintances in towns and farmlands, visiting rodeos, churches, cook-outs and diners he found a land and a people of huge generosity, but also of both immense consumption, poverty and disenfranchisement. A land whose portrayal become vastly over-simplified and underestimated. A fascinating - and frequently funny - tale of one man cycling the breadth of America.

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Book SynopsisAfter first meeting over sixty years ago while filming a costume drama for the BBC, Prunella Scales and Timothy West have enjoyed a partnership like no other; from appearing together in hit sitcoms to bringing up two children, they have chalked up an almost endless list of professional triumphs.In this book, Tim traces their united steps through life professionally and personally, and covers the highs and lows of caring for Pru since her dementia diagnosis, twenty years ago. As with all things in life, she and Tim have tackled it together, often with a glass of wine in hand and almost always with a smile.Trade ReviewHeartening and heartfelt. Exudes West's characteristic warmth * The Times, Books of the Year *A joyous portrait of a unique partnership — uplifting, highly moving and packed with stories of the highs and lows of showbusiness, from what happened when Fawlty’s Sybil appeared nude to how he saw off his love rival Peter Sellers. A love story like few others. Riveting * Daily Mail *A beautiful, witty, moving and joyful portrait of marriage * Red *A memoir laden with laughter and love * Daily Mail *A deeply moving, poignant and enthralling memoir * Mail on Sunday *Charming. An act of loving reclamation, a gentle tribute to a woman of every importance. * Sunday Telegraph *Shows most movingly that what will survive of them is love * Oldie *

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Book Synopsis“A truly inspiring journey that celebrates the healing power of adventure. A must-read.” – Levison Wood “Wonderfully relatable on so many levels. Simon’s wanderlust, mental roller coaster and reactions to a fast-changing world had me enthralled in his journey, but very much reflecting on my own over the past few years. A brilliantly crafted book which holds a mirror up to the world we live in.” - Mark Beaumont "Simon’s cycle ride around his own country is a fine demonstration that adventure and transformation begins on your own doorstep.” - Alastair Humphreys The remarkable and inspirational true story of how one man battled grief and anxiety, one pedal stroke at a time, on a 3,500-mile adventure around Britain In March 2020, as Britain entered its first lockdown, Simon Parker’s life fell apart; his travel journalism career vanished overnight and shortly afterwards he received the tragic news that a close friend had died. With a long-suppressed anxiety disorder starting to rear its head, he turned to the only therapies he knew and trusted: travel and exercise. Setting off on his bike from the northernmost point of Shetland with only a sleeping bag and a camping stove, Simon would end up cycling 3,427 miles around Britain. En route, he would meet hundreds of resilient Britons, who were all, in their own way, riding out the storm just like he was. Even in his gloomiest moments he began to see that a chink of light was never too far away. Riding Out is a story of optimism and hope, and a ground-level portrait of Britain as it transforms from a country in crisis to a nation on the mend. From Shetland to the Scillies, Dover to Durness, Simon learns that life’s sharpest corners are best navigated at the gentle pace of a bicycle.Trade ReviewIf you've recently bought a 'lockdown bike' and realise you've not been using it enough, this inspirational, down-to-earth and touching book may give you a few ideas. * Tom Chesshyre *Simon's cycle ride around his own country is a fine demonstration that adventure and transformation begins on your own doorstep. * Alastair Humphreys *[Riding Out is] both hugely inspirational yet still relatable... Simon's vulnerability at times will show many readers - myself included - that they aren't alone in feeling lost these past 18 months. How he has managed this vulnerability with humour throughout the book drew me in, as did his ability to capture the spirit of the people he met along the way. His ability to describe challenging moments with honesty makes it feel like you're hearing an old friend regale the trip over dinner. * Alex Outhwaite *A truly inspiring journey that celebrates the healing power of adventure. A must-read. * Levison Wood *In Riding Out, Simon Parker holds a humane mirror to a fractured Britain as it adjusts to a strange, isolated new world. * Jon Dunn, author of The Glitter in the Green *Wonderfully relatable on so many levels. Simon's wanderlust, mental roller coaster and reactions to a fast-changing world had me enthralled in his journey, but very much reflecting on my own over the past few years. A brilliantly crafted book which holds a mirror up to the world we live in. * Mark Beaumont *

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Book SynopsisMax Egremont was born in 1948 and studied Modern History at Oxford University. As well as four novels, he is the author of The Cousins and Balfour: A Life of Arthur James Balfour. His acclaimed biography of Siegfried Sassoon was published in 2005.

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Book Synopsis''A book that''ll change your perspective on life. You''ll not be able to put it down.'' Fearne Cotton''Everyone should read this book. Sophie Morgan is the epitome of grit and determination. Her writing is thought provoking, honest and in parts hilarious.'' Katie Piper OBE''Wrenchingly honest...eye-opening and deeply moving. *****'' Mail on SundayAs seen on ''Living Wild; How to Change your Life'' a two-part prime-time series on Channel 4, Loose Women and The Great Celebrity Bake Off for SU2COn the precipice of starting her adult life, aged eighteen, Sophie, a rebellious and incorrigible wild child, crashed her car and was instantly paralysed from the chest down. Rushed to hospital, everything she had dreamed for her life was instantly forgotten and her journey to rediscover herself and build a different life began. But being told she would never walk again would come to be the least of her concerns.Over the next eighteen years, as she strived to come to terms with the change in her body, her relationships were put to the test; she has had to learn to cope with the many unexpected and unpredictable setbacks of living with paralysis; she has had to overcome her own and other people''s perceptions of disability and explore the limits of her abilities, all whilst searching for love, acceptance, meaning, identity, and purpose.Driving Forwards is a remarkable and powerful memoir, detailing Sophie''s life-changing injury, her recovery, and her life since. Strikingly honest, her story is unusual and yet relatable, inspiring us to see how adversity can be channelled into opportunity and how ongoing resilience can ultimately lead to empowerment.''Raw, life affirming and gorgeously written - this book is filled with extraordinary honesty, courage and warmth. Sophie''s words will make us all braver and more hopeful.'' Daisy Buchanan''A truly astonishing read about the power of never giving up.'' Sun''F***king hell!! This book is absolutely brilliant . . . One of the best memoirs I''ve ever read. Honest and so blooming human, it''s fantastic.'' Kathy BurkeTrade ReviewA book that'll change your perspective on life. You'll not be able to put it down. * Fearne Cotton *What I love about this book is it's not about "overcoming disability". Instead, it's about learning how to live a good disabled life - one full of friends, love, opportunities and fun. Disabled joy is so rarely seen, but Sophie Morgan has it in spades. * Lucy Webster, Political journalist, writer and disability advocate *Wrenchingly honest...inspirational, eye-opening and deeply moving * Mail on Sunday *A searing read * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2021 Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything – but sometimes it’s more fun than dealing with them Elise was spending a lot of time crying on buses. She had just graduated from university; she had a shiny new flat, her first proper job and a budding relationship – and they were all making her utterly miserable. Sitting at work one day, she hit upon the obvious solution: Run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain, carrying her kit on her back. Six months later Elise set off, with absolutely no ultra-running experience, unable to read a map and having never pitched a tent alone before. Over the 301 days that followed she developed a debilitating fear of farmyard animals, cried on a lot of beaches and saw Britain at its most wild and wonderful. Coasting is about putting one foot in front of the other, even when it feels impossible, and trying to enjoy it too. With heart and humour, Elise explores the thrill of taking risks and putting your trust in total strangers, and learns some home truths along the way. 'A true Great British Adventure, with humour and heart.' Sir Ranulph Fiennes 'Elise Downing has achieved the impossible – leaving you in awe at her superhuman achievements, but also convincing you that you could probably do the same.' Emily Chappell 'A hugely enjoyable jaunt around Britain, that proves that you can find adventure right on your doorstep.' Alastair Humphreys 'Elise Downing has reminded us all of the most crucial aspects of adventure: 1) You don't have to be an expert. 2) It's all about the people. 3) However hard, tough, excruciating and doubt-driven a challenge might be, at heart it's a funny, funny story.' Dave Cornthwaite 'Reading Coasting is like listening to a friend tell a tale down the pub that you can’t quite believe. Elise’s storytelling is hilarious, warm-hearted and wonderfully down-to-earth. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to lace up your trainers and start running towards that mad idea you once had. There’s no doubt that Elise’s gung-ho attitude is her superpower. Her kryptonite? Cows.' Anna McNuff, author and adventurer 'Elise's irresistibly readable adventures are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. She's an inspiration.' Damian Hall, author and ultrarunner 'Funny and engaging and inspiring... an absolute gem.' Vassos Alexander, presenter, author and runner 'A beautifully observed and blisteringly truthful account of what happens when you decide to combine adventure and endurance. Absolutely brilliant.' Jake Tyler, author of A Walk from the Wild Edge 'An honest and exciting tale of how a dream became an awesome reality. Definitely worth a read!' Ben Smith, founder of The 401 Challenge 'I was already laughing at the Dedication and this continued all the way to the very last page. Elise Downing is a comedy genius and has a heart of gold!' Danny Bent, author, runner and founder of Project Awesome 'Elise tells her story with such good-humoured light-heartedness that you could be forgiven for forgetting that what she is describing is a feat of real endurance. Running 5,000 miles is a truly remarkable achievement, and the fact that Elise emerged from it with a smile on her face and a total lack of ego speaks wonders to her character. This is an incredible tale told with total humility. Running around the coast of Great Britain was a mad thing to do, but not buying this book would be madder still.' Tim Moss, author, adventurer and founder of The Next Challenge 'Like any epic journey worth sharing, Elise encountered the same doubts, setbacks and fears that leave many dreams stuck on the drawing board. One foot after the other, Elise set out to achieve the extraordinary many miles over. Coasting shares the literal highs and lows as she finds her rite of passage to the world of ultra-running, with an endearing vulnerability and hilarious flair that brings places to life. In the same way that countless strangers felt compelled to join her around the UK, Coasting carries the reader along and inspires us all to ask 'why not?' in pursuit of our own home-grown adventures.' Alex Staniforth, adventurer and author 'A wonderfully honest tale of courage, perseverance and self-discovery.' Dr Juliet McGrattan, author and runner 'Elise brings so much fun and energy, as well as raw honesty, to the world of adventure books, and her incredible journey is an inspiration to young (and old!) adventurers.' Jenny Tough, author, adventurer and editor of Tough Women Adventure Stories 'Thoughtful, funny and beautifully written. Just goes to show that there’s a ram-spinning, swashbuckling adventure right there on your doorstep.' Huw Jack Brassington, writer, presenter and adventurerTrade ReviewA beautifully observed and blisteringly truthful account of what happens when you decide to combine adventure and endurance. Absolutely brilliant.. * Jake Tyler, author of A Walk from the Wild Edge *A hugely enjoyable jaunt around Britain, that proves that you can find adventure right on your doorstep. * Alastair Humphreys *A true Great British Adventure, with humour and heart. * Sir Ranulph Fiennes *A wonderfully honest tale of courage, perseverance and self-discovery. * Dr Juliet McGrattan, author and runner *An honest and exciting tale of how a dream became an awesome reality. Definitely worth a read! * Ben Smith, founder of The 401 Challenge *Elise brings so much fun and energy, as well as raw honesty, to the world of adventure books, and her incredible journey is an inspiration to young (and old!) adventurers. * Jenny Tough, author, adventurer and editor of Tough Women Adventure Stories *Elise Downing has achieved the impossible - leaving you in awe at her superhuman achievements, but also convincing you that you could probably do the same. * Emily Chappell *Elise Downing has reminded us all of the most crucial aspects of adventure: 1) You don't have to be an expert. 2) It's all about the people. 3) However hard, tough, excruciating and doubt-driven a challenge might be, at heart it's a funny, funny story. * Dave Cornthwaite *Elise tells her story with such good-humoured light-heartedness that you could be forgiven for forgetting that what she is describing is a feat of real endurance. Running 5,000 miles is a truly remarkable achievement, and the fact that Elise emerged from it with a smile on her face and a total lack of ego speaks wonders to her character. This is an incredible tale told with total humility. Running around the coast of Great Britain was a mad thing to do, but not buying this book would be madder still. * Tim Moss, author, adventurer and founder of The Next Challenge *Elise's irresistibly readable adventures are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. She's an inspiration. * Damian Hall, author and ultrarunner *Funny and engaging and inspiring... an absolute gem. * Vassos Alexander, presenter, author and runner *I was already laughing at the Dedication and this continued all the way to the very last page. Elise Downing is a comedy genius and has a heart of gold! * Danny Bent, author, runner and founder of Project Awesome *Like any epic journey worth sharing, Elise encountered the same doubts, setbacks and fears that leave many dreams stuck on the drawing board. One foot after the other, Elise set out to achieve the extraordinary many miles over. Coasting shares the literal highs and lows as she finds her rite of passage to the world of ultra-running, with an endearing vulnerability and hilarious flair that brings places to life. In the same way that countless strangers felt compelled to join her around the UK, Coasting carries the reader along and inspires us all to ask 'why not?' in pursuit of our own home-grown adventures. * Alex Staniforth, adventurer and author *Reading Coasting is like listening to a friend tell a tale down the pub that you can't quite believe. Elise's storytelling is hilarious, warm-hearted and wonderfully down-to-earth. It's the kind of book that makes you want to lace up your trainers and start running towards that mad idea you once had. There's no doubt that Elise's gung-ho attitude is her superpower. Her kryptonite? Cows. * Anna McNuff, author and adventurer *Thoughtful, funny and beautifully written. Just goes to show that there's a ram-spinning, swashbuckling adventure right there on your doorstep. * Huw Jack Brassington, writer, presenter and adventurer *

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Book SynopsisAt the age of 23, Ash Dykes became the first person to walk, solo and unsupported, across Mongolia.His journey took 78 days and saw him trek over the Altai Mountains, the Gobi Desert and the Mongolian Steppe. It was an expedition filled with danger and extreme conditions. He almost didn't make it. Two years later he spent more than five months traversing the length of Madagascar, another world first. In Mission Possible, Ash reveals the spirit, planning, and sheer determination that went into these two record-breaking feats. Along the way we discover how a young man from Wales transformed himself into one of the globe's most acclaimed and exciting young adventurers.

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Book SynopsisIn an Antique Land is a subversive history in the guise of a traveller's tale. When the author stumbles across a slave narrative in the margins of an ancient text, his curiosity is piqued. What follows is a ten year search, which brings author and slave together across 800 hundred years of colonial history. Bursting with anecdote and exuberant detail, it offers a magical, intimate biography of the private life of a country, Egypt, from the Crusades to Operation Desert Storm.Trade ReviewGhosh's book is extraordinary; a travel book that reaches back into the twelth century as it touches on the dilemmas of our own time. * Sunday Times *Ghosh is an engagingly humble and receptive traveller... a refreshing reversal of the usual power relationship between the observing (European) travel writer and his indigenous subjects. * Guardian *A rich and satisfying journey * The Times *This captivating, extraordinary story offers the general reader a vision of a rapidly disappearing world told with such grace, humility and insight that its appeal is universal -- Julie Fisher * Bookmunch *

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Book SynopsisTourists come to Bangkok for many reasons: a night of love, a stay in a luxury hotel, or simply to disappear for a while. Lawrence Osborne comes for the cheap dentistry, and then stays when he finds he can live off just a few dollars a day.Osborne''s Bangkok is a vibrant, instinctual city full of contradictions. He wanders the streets, dining on insects, trawling through forgotten neighbourhoods, decayed temples and sleazy bars.Far more than a travel book, Bangkok Days explores both the little-known, extraordinary city and the lives of a handful of doomed ex-patriates living there, ''as vivid a set of liars and losers as was ever invented by Graham Greene'' (New York Times).Trade ReviewThailand inspires such enthralled romanticism that it also invites great cynicism and it is a feat to acknowledge all its complexities and graces, as Osborne does, without ever quite surrendering to them -- Pico Iyer * Los Angeles Times *He is a first-rate observer and analyst... Any Westerner curious to take a decadent Oriental trip with a writer you can trust to keep you turning the pages should pick up a copy * New York Times *He vividly sketches the characters he meets: a man with a degree in air-conditioning, one with an air of "upper-class twittery"... Osborne's travelogue is, however, memorably touching -- Anita Sethi * Independent on Sunday *With a brief stint as a gigolo, insights into the Buddhist interpretation of transgender 'kathoeys', and several friendships with various wayward desolates, Osborne maintains a lively note to proceedings throughout... this book has an underlying sense of warmth and genuine fondness for its subject matter * Real Travel Magazine *He uses language with great skill, and the sounds and smells of Bangkok are wonderfully evoked. Osborne's writing conveys a geniune love for the city * Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisTakes you on a journey across the world in search of exotic, endangered creatures - animals that they may never get another chance to see. This book describes the giant Komodo dragon of Indonesia, the helpless but lovable Kakapo of New Zealand, the blind river dolphins of China, and the rare birds of Mauritius island in the Indian Ocean.Trade ReviewDescriptive writing of a high order ... this is an extremely intelligent book * The Times *In every case, the presence and personality of the endangered animals rise off the page - even when the authors don't manage to find them. The writing may be witty, but this book is a sobering reminder of what a very great deal we have to lose * Independent on Sunday *This is life or death stuff, but Adams is a writer who chooses not to shake his finger at the reader. He fails completely in the self-righteous-piety department. Instead he invites us to enter a conspiracy of laughter and caring * Los Angeles Times *It is a book one reads in a rush, always looking forward to the next perverse paragraph, wise insight or felicitous phrase * The Canberra Times *Last Chance to See brings out the best in Adams' writing ... constantly springing on the reader the kind of dizzying shift in perspective that was the stock in trade of Hitchhiker' * The Listener *

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Book SynopsisPalestine Unwrapped is an unprecedented collection of real-life stories celebrating the beauty and diversity of the Holy Land through its history, religions, politics and everyday life. Written by an outsider who lived for three years in East Jerusalem and travelled extensively across the region, these stories and lives lay bare the context and circumstances that have led to the war in Gaza and the continued oppression of the Palestinian people. In 2019, when Kirsty Le Grice arrived in Sheikh Jarrah with two young children, she was catapulted into a complex world that was both wonderful and tragic. Living as part of the international community, she travelled throughout Israel and the Palestinian West Bank to reach places that others can''t or don''t see. The stories she heard from the people who lived there and the places she visited helped her to try and make sense of the true character of Jerusalem and Palestine. Through Le Grice''s narrative, explore the Old City of Jerusalem, including famous sites like the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall. Wander through West Bank towns and cities, including Bethlehem (where artist Banksy owns a hotel ''with the world''s worst views'': the Separation Wall), Hebron and Jenin. Experience daily life in off-the-beaten-track villages. Pick olives from ancient trees to appreciate Palestinians'' deep-rooted connection to the land, which is under threat from Israeli settler violence. Savour the beauty of hiking in Palestine, including Wadi Qelt and around Jericho. Visit locations across Israel that formed historic Palestine, including Jaffa, Haifa, Akko, Nazareth and Lifta. Palestine Unwrapped is about people as well as place. Peeling back the secrets of the Holy Land, layer by layer, Le Grice gives a human face to Palestine while exposing harsh realities of the Israeli occupation on day-to-day existence. Meet Hassan, who camped out to defend his land. Let Mustafa, an entrepreneurial refugee, guide you around Bethlehem. Go tobacco-picking with Mohamad in Zabubah. Eat maqloubeh in Ali''s kitchen in Abu Dis. And take a tour around the world''s most Ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood with someone who left it. Compelling, authentic and wide-ranging, Palestine Unwrapped is a portrait of a unique region and the struggle to maintain tradition and day-to-day normality on the cusp of intense conflict.

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Book SynopsisFocussing on how the Romans made Europe work as a homogenous civilisation and looking at why we are failing to make the EU work in modern times, this is an authoritative and amusing study from bestselling author Boris Johnson.In addition to his roles as politician, editor, author and television presenter, Boris Johnson is a passionate Roman scholar. The recent Dream of Rome' TV series saw him travelling throughout the Roman Empire in order to uncover the secrets of the governance of the empire, and the reasons behind why the Romans held such power and prestige for so long.Fiercely interested in Europe and the current issues facing the European Union, Boris Johnson will look at the lessons we could learn from the Romans and how we could apply them to our modern politics.Boris Johnson was the editor of the Spectator, MP for Henley and is now the new Shadow Minister for Education. He writes a column for the Daily Telegraph and lives in London and Oxfordshire with his wife and their childrTrade Review'As an introduction to the history of the Roman empire, this book is hugely stimulating. I read it in two sittings, completely gripped. If Ruth Kelly has an ounce of sense, she will make this book compulsory reading for every 16-year old in the country.' Toby Young, New Statesman 'History comes alive only when written from the heart and Johnson's is full of swashbuckling japes, bloodthirsty yells and energetic sideswipes.' Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday 'Written with all the wit and zest that have helped to make him Britain's favourite celebrity MP.' Tom Holland, Daily Telegraph 'Johnson has not been intimidated by dry classics masters: his style is bright, breezy, populist and pacy.' The Times 'Described with his special combination of sharp-eyed intelligence and golly-gosh exclamation…the sublime and the bizarre are richly represented in this portrayal of ancient Rome…a splendid romp through the Roman world.' Sunday Telegraph 'Lovers of Latin and ancient history unite! At long last there is a warm, funny, erudite introduction to the Roman empire…The success of “The Dream of Rome” lies in the modern twang of the author. It is an art Boris Johnson has to perfection…a marvellous reader-friendly account of Rome.' Independent

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Book Synopsis''A lovely novel of female friendship and support when East meets West, of magic and things we may not understand, of hope, of comfort, and in the background the enticing salty, fishy, spicy aromas of Zanzibar.'' - Dinah Jeffries''Heart-warming and poignant. A story of female courage and friendship sprinkled with magic - what''s not to love?'' - Rosanna Ley''a compelling account of three very different women, each challenged by circumstances that reveal the inner conflict in their lives, and their refusal to conform. An endearing read.'' - Vaseem KhanA beautiful, exotic, sweeping, emotional story, perfect for fans of The Little Coffee Shop of KabulAn internationally best selling author****************Oman. The ancient land of frankincense, wind-swept deserts, craggy mountaintops and turquoise seas. Into this magical nation come three remarkable women, each facing a crossroad in her liTrade ReviewA lovely novel of female friendship and support when East meets West, of magic and things we may not understand, of hope, of comfort, and in the background the enticing salty, fishy, spicy aromas of Zanzibar. -- Dinah JeffriesHeart-warming and poignant. A story of female courage and friendship sprinkled with magic - what's not to love? -- Rosanna Leya compelling account of three very different women, each challenged by circumstances that reveal the inner conflict in their lives, and their refusal to conform. The book is also a glowing portrait of Oman, a country that for many in the west remains an enigma. The author uses her canvas to bring this unique culture to life, whilst crafting a deft and emotionally engaging tale. An endearing read. -- Vaseem Khan

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Book SynopsisThe story of the Giro d'Italia - Italy's equivalent of the Tour de France, and its superior in the eyes of many - is as dramatic and full of extraordinary characters as the story of Italy itself. Heroism, suffering, feuds and betrayals, tradition under threat from modernity all play out against a timeless landscape. The iconic riders, mythical stories and career defining exploits are conveyed in rich, vibrant prose.Trade ReviewThere is a feast of anecdote to enjoy ... a marvellous account ... and a tremendously exciting story. -- Tim Parks * Guardian *The Giro and Italy, Italy and the Giro: this book helps to explain how each has helped shape the other ... This book gives an excellent introduction to the history of the Giro and all that it means to Italy and cycling * Road.cc *

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Book SynopsisA collection of the very best recent journalism of A. A. Gill, 'by miles, the most brilliant journalist of our age' (Lynn Barber).Trade ReviewGill's broadsides, his impatience, his scathing penportraits were, it becomes particularly clear when you read his work en bloc, the byproduct of his desire that we should wriggle free of conformity, embrace pleasure, eat our fill -- Alex Clark * GUARDIAN *Lines in the Sand, a treat for his many fans, gathers the best of Gill's journalism from 2011 to 2016. Ranging from travel reportage to serio-comic appreciations of Savile Row tweed and the delights of condensed milk, the pieces are lit up by the author's trademark literary flourishes and waspish put-downs -- Ian Thomson * EVENING STANDARD *Serene, painfully wise ... glimpses of a loftier truth are the glory of Gill's essays, and they open metaphysical vistas in journalistic junkets or stunts contrived for the sake of a feature article ... His essays - so delicate in their connoisseurship of nature and culture, so tender in their sketches of family, friends and anonymous strangers in refugee camps, so brightly witty and yet so unexpectedly profound - affirm the manifold pleasures of being alive, which is why they enrich the life of anyone who reads them, and in Gill's absence will go on doing so -- Peter Conrad * OBSERVER *As Lines in the Sand, his final collection of journalism - published just a few weeks after his death from cancer, aged 62 - makes clear, Mr Gill's opinions actually held prejudice, piety and pretension to account ... Mr Gill's overriding message throughout these pieces is that experience should be gulped down, pleasure embraced, and conformity shunned ... "There's a basic human need to tell someone what we saw, where we've been," Mr Gill writes, and his dispatches - opinionated, experienced - are told with eloquence and elan, from war zones and home counties camp sites, to, finally, the cancer ward ... Elsewhere, he writes of Lord Snowdon: "His immensely sympathetic eye was often a surprise to people who knew only his waspish tongue." There could be no better epitaph for Mr Gill himself. -- Stuart Husband * MR PORTER *AA Gill was that rare writer, famously able to serve up waspishness and compassion in the same sentence. Both are on full display in Lines in the Sand ... Written with style and ubiquitous wit, this collection of essays is only further proof that Gill's voice will be sorely missed -- Laura Garmeson * FINANCIAL TIMES *I can't think of a writer whose style so exactly replicated their conversation as A. A. Gill. Reading his weekly dispatches was just like being with him in person, which is why so many readers took his death late last year very personally. People - even people who had never met him - felt they'd lost their funniest, most outrageous chum. Opening a paper without an article by him is like going to your store cupboard and finding that there's no chilli or salt: everything is blander without him. Two collections which came out this year, Lines in the Sand and The Best of A A. Gill, showcase him at his finest. Adrian showed incredible courage, wit and generosity of heart during his final weeks. Once my husband, always my friend, he is irreplaceable, on and off the page -- Cressida Connolly * THE SPECTATOR Books of the Year *Thankfully, the late A A Gill was neither diplomatic or sensitive. Collecting together the last five years of Adrian Anthony's many highlights, Lines in the Sand sees him wasp around the world with passion, honesty and glorious, wickedly funny words. He's already much missed * WANDERLUST *The late AA Gill was a journalist who you either loved or hated, but was impossible to ignore, and this is an excellent selection of his writing, spanning the wide range of his interests, from food and television to travel and family. Even when facing his own mortality, Gill was uninhibited and brutally honest This collection does him proud * CHOICE *

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Book SynopsisCorinne Hofmann describes her return to Switzerland and the difficulties that faced her there, detailing how she built a new life for herself and her daughter and overcame all obstacles, with the same courage and optimism with which she faced the demands of her life in the Kenyan outback.

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Book Synopsis''Bobby''s oyster travelogue is an ambitious, one-of-a-kind piece that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary and the everyday of the industry. It''s the stuff that oyster bucket lists are made of'' Julie Qiu, In A Half Shell blog''A masterpiece'' Sandy Ingber, Executive Chef of the Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York''An amazing tome . . . The stories behind each oyster and location are informative, in depth, but, most importantly, fun'' Michel Roux JrThe oyster. Ostrea edulis. ''Edible bones''. The Great British oyster is deeply embedded in our geographical, historical and socio-cultural landscape. Five-thousand-year-old oyster shells have been discovered in the northern reaches of Scotland, and oyster shells are littered along the extinct riverbeds deep beneath the London of today. A highly prized delicacy of the Romans, the oyster has always been a class leveller: an everyman food of the poor during the Victorian age to a food of decTrade ReviewA great read, we love the book! Written with knowledge and enthusiasm * Si King (The Hairy Bikers) *A clever mix of food history, nature writing, travelogue and restaurant guide * The i *Part travelogue, part social history * Sunday Telegraph *A masterpiece. It is so interesting to read about oyster lore on the other side of the world. Being here in America, I tend to forget how many oysters are out there in other places, especially in the UK and Ireland. Thank you, Bobby, for bringing this world of joy to me and all the rest of America * Sandy Ingber, Executive Chef of the Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York *An amazing tome. It's a joy. The stories behind each oyster and location are informative, in depth, but, most importantly, fun. I shall never eat an oyster again in the same way, the knowledge impaired from this book will definitely enhance the eating * Michel Roux Jr, Le Gavroche *Bobby's oyster travelogue is an ambitious, one-of-a-kind piece that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary and the everyday of the industry. It's the stuff that oyster bucket lists are made of * Julie Qiu, In A Half Shell blog *This book is a rolling adventure of bike, sweat, salt, sea and oysters. A book full of history and love; love for the oyster and love for the coasts of the British Isles and Ireland * Margot Henderson, Rochelle Canteen *Bobby's storytelling puts you in his wellies, and makes me want to hop on a Triumph to explore the tastes, characters, and sights of the Oyster Isles . . . An instant oyster classic * Patrick McMurray, World Oyster Shuckin' Champion *To my mind, the best food book to be published this year. Bobby Groves's fascinating and beautifully written history of the oyster in the British Isles is meticulously researched. A captivating and utterly absorbing account of a young man's odyssey. A must-have, if you possess even the remotest interest in seafood and presented in a glorious old-school style. Divine * East Coast Avocet *A super book about a super food! Bobby Groves gives the oyster lover an insight into the social history of the coastline of our wonderful country * Brian Turner *

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Book SynopsisAt twenty-five, Emily Chappell took up cycle couriering while she searched for a 'real job'. Eight years on, she is still riding. As she flies through the streets of London, dancing with the traffic, Chappell records the pains and pleasures of life on wheels: the dangerous missions; the moments of fear and freedom, and ultimately the simple joy of pedalling onward.

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Book SynopsisA journey – both historical and contemporary – among the fantastical landscapes, resourceful inhabitants and isolated tribes of the world's fourth-largest island of enduring fascination for its rich biodiversity: Madagascar. 'A beautifully written depiction of the history of this beguiling island' Literary Review 'Courageous, exploratory, humane and with a wry sense of humour' Spectator 'A feat of journalism, observation and determination' Dr Alyson Hitch 'Wonderfully witty and wry' Benedict Allen We think we know Madagascar but it's too big, too eccentric, and too impenetrable to be truly understood. As well as visiting every corner of the island, John Gimlette journeys deep into Madagascar's past. Along the way, he meets politicians, sorcerers, gem prospectors, militiamen, rioters, lepers and the descendants of seventeenth-century pirates. Insightful and wryly humorous, here's an encounter with the people, landscapes, politics and history of one of the most remarkable places on Earth.Trade ReviewFew writers have delved into [Madagascar's] history and none as thoroughly and mercilessly as Gimlette... His descriptions of the everyday sights of Madagascar are wonderful... Enjoy the book as an evocation of this extraordinary island, in all its complexity and all its contradictions' * Literary Review *A beautifully written depiction of the people and history of this beguiling and perplexing island -- Edward PaiceCourageous, exploratory, humane and with a wry sense of humour * Spectator *Destined to scoop whatever travel book awards are still in existence these days * The Bay (Swansea) *The best English-language travel writer out there * Travel Mag *A fabulous new book * Timeless Travels *John Gimlette's latest thoughtful study sees him explore the relatively recent human history of the world's fourth largest island * Wanderlust *This is classic Gimlette – an utter delight. Here is the tale of an enchanted island, one enlivened by its spirited inhabitants and mysterious past. But what makes the book so readable is the author's unfailing eye for the quirky and unexpected. It's a wonderfully witty and wry book, the author's wanderings through Madagascar lit all along the way by his telling eye for detail and accustomed panache -- Benedict AllenIn this chronicle of the fascinating strangeness of Madagascar [...] incredulity, horror and amusement coalesce in Gimlette's customarily talented narration of the weird * Irish Times *Gimlette's 'walk-through history' is a tour de force, taking in slavery, Welsh missionaries, ancestor worship, French conquest, and forts whose ramparts are rendered in millions of egg whites * Telegraph *[Gimlette] takes us to the beautiful but extremely weird tropical island where everything – especially its history and fauna – is larger than life -- Andrew Roberts, Engelsberg Ideas

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Book SynopsisA Long Way South: travel narrative about a woman's adventures in Latin America in 1974/5. Journeying through vast landscapes on local buses, boats and trains, these memoirs are as much about remarkable people - including Bruce Chatwin, notorious train robber Ronnie Biggs and female smugglers - as they are about diverse, fascinating places.

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Book Synopsis'Horizon is magnificent; a contemporary epic' Robert Macfarlane, author of UnderlandFrom the author of the classic Arctic Dreams comes a vivid recollection of his travels around the world and the encounters that shaped an extraordinary life. Taking us nearly from pole to pole - from modern megacities to some of the earth's most remote regions - Barry Lopez gives us his most far-ranging and personal work. Spanning decades of travel, Horizon describes journeys to six regions of the world: from Western Oregon to the High Arctic; from the Galápagos to the Kenyan desert; from Botany Bay in Australia to finally, unforgettably, the ice shelves of Antarctica. Lopez also probes the history of humanity's quests and explorations, from prehistoric expeditions to today's ecotourism. He takes us to some of the hottest, coldest, and most desolate places on the globe, via friendships with scientists, archaeologists, artists and local residents, in a book that makes us see the world differently. It is the crowning achievement of one of the world's best travel writers. 'The greatest nature writer in the world ... He is also the greatest travel writer ... [an] astounding new memoir' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewThe greatest nature writer in the world ... He is also the greatest travel writer ... [an] astounding new memoir -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *Magnificent; a contemporary epic -- Robert Macfarlane * Guardian, Book of the Week *Riveting, seductive, and beautifully written. I don’t know of any other writer who so mesmerizingly, so seemingly effortlessly, weaves together art, science and poetry—I found myself underlining sentences on every page. Barry Lopez is one of my literary heroes -- Andrea WulfBarry Lopez brings the world alive like no other writer. His writing evokes diverse peoples and places with great humanity and humility. Horizon deserves to become a modern classic -- Sir Ranulph FiennesA visionary masterpiece, a towering monument to a life dedicated to the whole of the world and everything in it -- Neil Ansell, author of The Last WildernessA celebration and investigation of the impulse to explore, Horizon is itself an exploration—of both the human and inhuman worlds. In his intensity, his clarity, and his capacity for wonder, Barry Lopez is unmatched -- Elizabeth KolbertBarry Lopez is a straight-up magnificent writer. To read Horizon is to be transported to wondrous landscapes far beyond the pale, and thereby obtain an astounding perspective on our increasingly uncertain future. Lopez expresses faith that our species can avert annihilation by investing ‘more deeply in the philosopher’s cardinal virtues’: courage, justice, reverence, and compassion—virtues this book possesses in abundance -- Jon KrakauerThe world is vast, and so are the heart and the curiosity of Barry Lopez. His voice is incomparable and necessary. No one else alive, to my knowledge, thinks so carefully about the moral dimensions of landscape -- David QuammenNobody journeys like Barry Lopez. He's humble, he's ethical, he's honest, he's curious, he's doubtful, he's properly sad and he's wild. He wakes us up to the worth and the mystery of the world. His great affection for humanity comes up from every patch of earth he visits. This is an epic book that goes from pole to pole, and yet manages to make a distinct 'everywhere' out of each little patch he visits. A glorious book, gloriously told -- Colum McCannA masterpiece ... huge-hearted, wise and sorrowful book by the Philosopher-King of Gaia -- Joy WilliamsNo one has worked harder to make sense of our present civilization than Barry Lopez, and in these chronicles we get to share the travels that helped shape his extraordinary mind and heart. A great gift to us all -- Bill McKibbenThe crowning achievement of Barry Lopez's illustrious career… we need adventurous, curious souls like Lopez to keep traveling and bringing back stories from beyond our particular horizon - in order to find our way forward as a species, together * Daily Mail *Reading Barry Lopez is a religious experience… most memorable and compelling * Observer *Breathtaking in its ambition… There could be no more essential guide than Lopez for navigating the time that remains * Sunday Times *Subtle, monumental, rich * Nature *Lopez… [is] renewing our sense of the entire planet…as home… He can move from the largest of canvases to the most local and seemingly familiar… [A] keen and uncompromising critic of the continuing colonialism that plagues the so-called developing world… At the same time, hope can be drawn from the fact that more of us are finally beginning to notice our predicament… a surer appreciation and reverence of the world that we inhabit -- John Burnside * Literary Review *A winning memoir ... Exemplary writing about the world and a welcome gift to readers * Kirkus Review *Horizon encompasses both the conquistadors’ lust for gold and the mining of Big Data… I don’t know whether Lopez is possessed of extrasensory perception, but he’s not short of wisdom. And he’s not merely keeping it; he’s sharing it. -- Michael Kerr * Daily Telegraph *Superb essays that reveal the author's remarkable technical mastery of very diverse subjects, and these are rewarding. More-over, the examples of Captain Cook and Charles Darwin are on hand as historical proxies and inspirations for Lopez's own quest for global inclusivity. Finally there is, as distraction almost on every page, the sonorous cadence of his prose -- Mark Cocker * Spectator *Horizon…[is] a magisterial and deeply personal survey of the world’s most remote regions… it is enthralling -- Penelope Lively * Tablet, *Summer reads of 2019* *The best parts of Horizon are like a carefully constructed mosaic… Lopez packs his pages like the hold of a cargo plane, with everything strapped down, aisles between, and labelled… Horizon…has a definite design – like that of a garden -- Benjamin Lytal * London Review of Books *Life-affirming -- Michael Kerr * Daily Telegraph, *Books of the Year* *Life-affirming in its depictions of the wonders that remain... You’ll find it a lot smarter than your phone * Daily Telegraph, *Travel books of the year* *An epic account of a life lived in love with and scrutiny of our wounded natural world -- Robert Macfarlane * Big Issue, *Books of the Year* *The horizon…serves as a metaphor for humanity’s future, one in which a definitive ending is not yet in sight. Horizon is not, therefore, without hope. There is still time for us to alter our behaviour -- Elizabeth-Jane Burnett * Times Literary Supplement *This is a book to be read slowly, savouring the descriptive language and side-tracking to research the human and natural history touched on by its long reach... If you have nature in your soul, you won't regret spending time reading this book when you're not - it will inspire, enthral and encourage your own reflections and observations. In this sense, it is both practical and escapist, and there is no greater praise for such a work of expansive non-fiction, a late enrichment to an already deep and wide life's work -- David Callahan * Birdwatch *A magnificent achievement: symphonic in structure, epic in scope, its themes and ideas develop across 500 pages, all rendered in prose of spare and sinuous clarity -- John Mitchinson * Byline Times *

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Book Synopsis'A fascinating, brilliantly written book' Times Literary SupplementTrade Review'A brilliant jigsaw' * Patrick Leigh Fermor, Spectator, Books of the Year *'This beautifully written and beguiling travel book will fascinate even those who have never read Kim' * Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisBestselling author Christopher Winn takes us on an intriguing journey through Britain''s largest county, uncovering the hidden places, legends, secrets and fascinating characters of this unique and compelling piece of England. From England''s largest vale and northern Europe''s largest gothic cathedral to Britain''s oldest city, Yorkshire is home to some of Britain''s best architecture, most ravishing scenery and is the cradle of some of our country''s most influential and individual characters. You will discover the only clog factory in the world, the first English actor to win an Oscar, the world''s oldest association football club and largest expanse of medievel stained glass. This gem of a book will act as a wonderfully surprising and highly entertaining guide to one of England''s best loved counties.

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Book SynopsisIn 1960 John Steinbeck and his dog Charley set out in their green pickup truck to rediscover the soul of America, visiting small towns and cities from New York to New Orleans.The trip became Travels With Charley, one of his best-loved books.Half a century on, Geert Mak sets off from Steinbeck’s home.Trade ReviewWhere Steinbeck generally avoided the hubbub of big cities, Mak balances descriptions of the rural plains and towns that symbolize the country's early origins with fascinating sections on urban growth and decay... An ambitious and enjoyable take on America's story * Times Literary Supplement *Rambling, thoughtful, often funny... Wonderful * Guardian *[A] smart, deep-rooted state of the nation report from Main Street, USA * The Times *Perfect for armchair travellers * Choice Magazine *The lyrical story of two journeys interwoven with a broad history and witty observations about the changes of place and people over the past 50 years -- Julia Richardson * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisIn this collection of profiles, essays and travel stories, Chatwin takes us to Benin, where he is arrested as a mercenary during a coup; to Boston to meet an LSD guru who believes he is Christ; to India with Indira Ghandi when she attempted a political comeback in 1978; and to Nepal where he reminds us that ''Man''s real home is not a house, but the Road, and that life itself is a journey to be walked on foot''Trade ReviewAs a writer he was unclassifiably interesting: lucid, ironic, cool. He seemed to owe nothing to anybody. -- Colin Thubron * Sunday Times *Chatwin is equally fascinating on places. He goes yeti-hunting in Nepal, and magnificently evokes the Himalayas' seductive harshness. He visits Afghanistan in the steps of his own favourite writer, Robert Byron, and reveals something no current news report ever succeeds in doing why anyone should want to spend time in that beautiful, tormented land...human existence at least as Chatwin sees it is gloriously open-ended, unpredictable and exotic * Sunday Times *One of its chief delights is that it contains so many of its author'sbest anecdotes, his choicest performances -- Salman Rushdie * Observer *I like the combination of its far-reaching quality and the minute precision with which his thoughts are charted -- Rose Tremain * Sunday Times *All the writing in this volume demonstrates Bruce Chatwin’s loathing of the humdrum, the dreary, the predictable. What attracted him was the unusual, the weird and wonderful… the journalist in him (strongly present) knew a good story when it heard one -- Margaret Forster * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisAs mentioned in The Times Travel Book Club 2020Award winning writer Paul Theroux embarks on a journey that, though closer to home than most of his expeditions, uncovers some surprising truths about Britain and the British people in the ''80s in The Kingdom by the Sea: A Journey Around the Coast of Great Britain. Paul Theroux''s round-Britain travelogue is funny, perceptive and ''best avoided by patriots with high blood pressure...''After eleven years living as an American in London, Paul Theroux set out to travel clockwise round the coast and find out what Britain and the British are really like. It was 1982, the summer of the Falklands War, the ideal time, he found, to surprise the British into talking about themselves. The result makes superbly vivid and engaging reading.''A sharp and funny descriptive writer. One of his golden talents, perhaps because he is American and therefore classless in British eyes, is the ability to chat up

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Book SynopsisA timeless travelogue from the leading light of the Beat Generation, Jack Kerouac''s Lonesome Traveller is a jubilant celebration of human discovery, published in Penguin Modern Classics.As he roams the US, Mexico, Morocco, Paris and London, Kerouac records, in prose of pure poetry, life on the road. Standing on the engine of a train as it rushes past fields of prickly cactus; witnessing his first bullfight in Mexico while high on opium; catching up with the beat nightlife in New York; burying himself in the snow-capped mountains of north-west America; meditating on a sunlit roof in Tangiers; or falling in love with Montmartre and the huge white basilica of Sacré-Coeur - Kerouac reveals both the endless diversity of human life and his own high-spirited philosophy of self-fulfilment.''Piquant writing, the best part of its flavour being ... the hunt for the big experience, a touch of Hemingway and Whitman''Guardian''Full of startling and beaut

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Book SynopsisV. S. Naipaul was born in Trinidad in 1932. He came to England on a scholarship in 1950. He spent four years at University College, Oxford, and began to write, in London, in 1954. He pursued no other profession.His novels include A House for Mr Biswas, The Mimic Men, Guerrillas, A Bend in the River, and The Enigma of Arrival. In 1971 he was awarded the Booker Prize for In a Free State. His works of nonfiction, equally acclaimed, include Among the Believers, Beyond Belief, The Masque of Africa, and a trio of books about India: An Area of Darkness, India: A Wounded Civilization and India: A Million Mutinies Now.In 1990, V. S. Naipaul received a knighthood for services to literature; in 1993, he was the first recipient of the David Cohen British Literature Prize. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001. He lived with his wife Nadira and cat Augustus in Wiltshire, and died in 20Trade ReviewNaipaul travels with the artist’s eye and ear and his observations are sharply discerning. -- Evelyn WaughBelongs in the same category of travel writing as Lawrence’s books on Italy, Greene’s on West Africa and Pritchett’s on Spain. * New Statesman *Where earlier travellers enthused or recoiled, Mr Naipaul explains. His tone is critical but humane, and he tempers his inevitable indignation with an admirable sense of comedy. * Observer *Dazzling reportorial skills and a sharp historical mind. * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisAn anthology of travellersâ accounts of thirty-eight of the worldâs most fascinating cities, from ancient times to the presentTrade Review'Conscientiously international, stretching across three millennia' - Times Literary Supplement'Entertaining … a book that delves into the splendours and stories that exist beyond conventional guidebooks and websites' - Timeless Travels'A perfect read both for those who like to travel and those who prefer to let others do the work for them' - All About HistoryTable of ContentsAlexandria • Amsterdam • Athens • Baghdad • Beijing • Berlin • Cairo • Chicago • Damascus • Dublin • Florence • Guangzhou • Havana • Hong Kong • Istanbul • Jerusalem • Lhasa • London • Madrid • Mecca • Mexico City • Moscow • Mumbai • Naples • New York • Paris • Prague • Rio de Janeiro • Rome • St Petersburg • Samarkand • San Francisco • Sydney • Timbuktu • Tokyo • Venice • Vienna • Washington

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Book SynopsisContinuing Frances Mayes''s account of her love affair with Italy, Bella Tuscany presents the author now truly at home there, meeting the challenges of learning a new language and touring regions outside Tuscany, including castle towns, fishing villages, and islands. With fresh adventures and updates on the characters introduced in Under the Tuscan Sun, Mayes also explores new themes in this wondrous corner of the world, delving into gardening, wine-making, and the experience of primavera - a season of renewed possibility. And Mayes reveals more simple pleasures from her Tuscan kitchen in a section devoted to recipes. In the sensuous, vivid prose that has become her hallmark, Bella Tuscany celebrates Mayes''s deepening connection to the land and her flourishing friendships in a newfound haven of idyllic living.Trade Review'There is much to enjoy in this volume, which is part guidebook, part gardening manual, part cookery book, part history, part language course, and which rolls along with sustained vigour and joyous enthusiasm' * Daily Mail *'Meanders anecdotally and thoughtfully through a sabbatical spring and long summer . . . Part travelogue and part intelligent reflection on the essential quality of Italy and Italians' * Independent *

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Book SynopsisSetting out to conquer the language he loves (but which, amusingly, does not seem to love him back), Alexander devotes himself to learning French, going beyond grammar lessons and memory techniques to delve into the history of the language, the science of linguistics, and the art of translation.Trade Review'He throws himself into learning to speak French with Gérard Depardieu-like gusto... the appeal of Flirting With French is in the author's amiable dunderheadedness as he delves into the culture, with all its confounding contradictions' New York Times Book Review'Hilarious and touching, all the way to the surprise ending. In this "travelogue" about learning French, William Alexander proves that learning a new language is an adventure of its own - with all the unexpected obstacles, surprising breakthroughs and moments of sublime pleasure traveling brings' Julie Barlow, co-author of Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong'A light-hearted and humorous read. Anyone who has struggled to get to grips with becoming fluent in French will relate to this book. A recommended buy' Complete France'His quixotic resolve to transcend his inherent competence recalls the participatory journalism of George Plimpton, the lanky patrician whose unlikely stints in football and boxing lent nobility to failure. Like Plimpton, Mr. Alexander presents himself as an apprentice, but the reader quickly discovers he is also a master teacher' Wall Street Journal 'I could so relate to William Alexander's insecurities-and ecstasies-while pursuing his major crush: France and her seductive language. Reading Flirting with French motivates me to continue courting the language, no matter how often I'm stood up mid-sentence!' Kristin Espinasse founder of French-Word-A-Day.com'Funny, informative, well-written, Flirting with French is a delightful and courageous tale and a romping good read. Voila!' Mark Greenside, author of I'll Never Be French'Beyond just being a fun way to escape to France via the author's entertaining adventures, Flirting with French gives us an incredible amount of detail about the history and origin of the French language' Belle Provence Travels

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Book SynopsisThrough Siberia by Accident is a book about a journey that didn''t happen - and what happened instead.Dervla Murphy never had any intention of spending three months in the vast territories of Siberia. Instead she had planned to go to Ussuriland, because it appealed to her as a place free from tourism. But by accident, or rather because she had an accident - a painful leg injury -, she found herself stymied in Eastern Siberia, a place she knew very little about. Although hardly able to walk, her subsequent experiences, in an unexpected place, and in an incapacitated state, provided many pleasant surprises. Above all she was struck by the extraordinary hospitality, generosity and helpfulness of the Siberians who made this strange phenomenon - a maimed Irish babushka - so welcome in their towns and homes.This book is an extraordinary story of fortitude and resourcefulness as Dervla Murphy finds friendship and culture in a seemingly monotonous, bleak and inhospitaTrade ReviewA great read, full of Dervla's usual verve and determination despite a very sore leg which stymied her onward journey. * Sunday Independent *People half her age would balk at the marathon journeys undertaken, largely by foot and bike, by the formidable Dervla Murphy. * Belfast Telegraph *Relaxed, comfortable and personal ... this is an entertaining insight into a little travelled part of the world. * Adventure Travel *Her 20th travel book, but reads as freshly as if it were her first. Told with characteristic spirit, this the is the story of the land, the people and the cheer * Wanderlust *'A magical revelation of the hidden corner of the world that is post-communist Russia' * Irish Times *Murphy's accidents give rise to a fascinating account ... her interest in everyone she meets seems to bring us into their cramped living rooms. * Sunday Times *An excellent work from the indefatigable, indomitable, incredible Irishwoman who's still traipsing around the weird and wonderful parts of the world at the age of 73. * Daily Mail *What emerges is a travelogue that questions our perception of what Siberia really is, and draws an intimate portrait of its people ... her warmth, fortitude and strength of character make for a compelling read. * Sunday Tribune *A moreish collection of postcards from a rather eccentric and supremely talented aunt. * Sunday Times *A valuable contribution to understanding the world's bleakest inhabited region * TLS *She is a bewitchingly good writer who does not need to make anything up * Mail on Sunday *Fascinating. She makes the far-off seem approachable, and the adventurous possible. * Sunday Business Post, Dublin *An accessible portrait of a land of extremes, written in a learned but chatty style * Ireland on Sunday *

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Book Synopsis''Theatre, food, refugees: in Adrian''s writing they''re all linked up ... If you haven''t read his book AA GILL IS AWAY, read it now. It was when he was away that he was at his best'' Stephen DaldryA. A. Gill was probably the most read columnist in Britain. Every weekend he entertained readers of the SUNDAY TIMES with his biting observations on television and his unsparing, deeply knowledgeable restaurant reviews. Even those who objected to his opinions agree: his writing is hopelessly, painfully funny. He was one of a tiny band of must-read journalists and it was always a disappointment when the words ''A.A. Gill is away'' appeared at the foot of his column. This book is the fruit of those absences: twenty-five long travel pieces that belie his reputation as a mere style-journalist and master of vitriol: this is travel writing of the highest quality and ambition.Trade ReviewHis reporting here is spot-on: clear-eyed, informative and compassionate ... His work is always ... surprising, original, stimulating and, for that reason, always worth reading -- Lynn Barber * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *It was when he was away that he was at his best ... His walkabouts around the world were driven by an insatiable curiosity to explore and acquaint himself with cultures he knew nothing about, to rejoice in the diversity of the extraordinary world we live in, and to use his writing as a tool for change ... If A. A. Gill is to be away for a while, we should all take up the baton he has left behind and make sure we are richer, not poorer, for his absence -- Stephen Daldry'In this collection of twenty-four accounts of trips abroad he comes across as both funny and compassionate' * DAILY EXPRESS *'Imagine Evelyn Waugh reborn as one of Nick Hornby's endearingly superficial protagonists, and you have London's Sunday Times television and restaurant critic Gill: droll, astute, irritable, irritating and always cleaver-sharp . . . it's his bald foreignness that makes him such a skilled marksman. That, and the fact that he himself is such an original' * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *'Sometimes shocking, usually smart, always entertaining' * KIRKUS REVIEWS *

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Book SynopsisAn edited collection with contributions by leading scholars and writers brought together by a prize-winning author who has edited the text and contributed chapters.The Grand Tour and touiing was a part of the education of every young lady and gentleman in the eighteenth century and also scholars, poets, writers. scientists and commentators. Visits to Greece and Italy via France and Switzerland, and taking in Turkey, were usual. Both sexes travelled extensively taking extended trips The book will examine first-hand accounts of the impact of foreign travel, and will include written sources including letters, travel diaries, journals and creative response in poems, music and paintings. The book is especially important, original and relevant in light of possible xenophobia and views of Europe and near-Europe as ''foreign''; and there have been several works expressing negative views. But travellers here saw their visits in a positive light and questions of ''otherness'' and exoticism are e

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Book SynopsisIn this inspiring collection of essays, acclaimed author David Quammen journeys to places where civilization meets raw nature and explores the challenge of balancing the needs of both.For more than two decades, award-winning science and nature writer David Quammen has traveled to Earth’s most far-flung and fragile destinations, sending back field notes from places caught in the tension between humans and the wild. This illuminating book features 20 of those assignments: elegantly written narratives, originally published in National Geographic magazine and updated for today, telling colorful and impassioned stories from some of the planet’s wildest locales. Quammen shares encounters with African elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas (and their saviors, including Jane Goodall); the salmon of northeastern Russia and the people whose livelihood depends on them; the lions of Kenya and the villagers whose homes border on parks created to preserve

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Book Synopsis''A book that stays with you and widens your perception of how people and place intertwine'' MATT COLLINSFor over five decades, Beth Lynch has been repeatedly drawn to a rocky spot on the North Cornwall coast, where her earliest memories are rooted in idyllic family holidays. Following the deaths of her parents, strange occurrences around the cove leave Lynch questioning how well she truly knows this place of slate that so irresistibly calls to her. Why has it become so unsettling? Is she safer staying away?Through encounters with quarrymen, wartime women and an enigmatic archaeologist - along with JMW Turner, Tennyson, Trollope and the Hardys - The Cove reflects lyrically on change: in ourselves, in places and in the transformative dance between the two.

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Book Synopsis''Once a traveller, always a traveller, and as long as there were maps and guide books and airline schedules I was still fatally susceptible to the lure of the open road . . .''Brazil: a growing global superpower, the size of half a continent, home to some of the world''s most astonishing natural habitats. But despite having journeyed around the world and from pole to pole, Michael Palin had never explored this extraordinary country for himself. Here, he sets out to discover this vast and diverse nation in the adventure of a lifetime. Taking in shanty towns and waterfalls, pristine beaches and bustling cities, Brazil is the record of a journey of dazzling extremes.

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Book SynopsisThrough the centre of China’s historic capital, Long Peace Street cuts a long, arrow-straight line. It divides the Forbidden City, home to generations of Chinese emperors, from Tiananmen Square, the vast granite square constructed to glorify a New China under Communist rule. To walk the street is to travel through the story of China’s recent past, wandering among its physical relics and hearing echoes of its dramas. Long Peace Street recounts a journey in modern China, a walk of twenty miles across Beijing offering a very personal encounter with the life of the capital’s streets. At the same time, it takes the reader on a journey through the city’s recent history, telling the story of how the present and future of the world’s rising superpower has been shaped by its tumultuous past, from the demise of the last imperial dynasty in 1912 through to the present day.Trade Review‘Filled with insights, observations and anecdotes, Chatwin brings to life the past – and present – of one of the world’s great cities in an account that is as thoughtful as it is informative.’Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History, Worcester College, University of Oxford'Bringing together past and present, personal and political, Jonathan Chatwin gives readers a thoughtful and deeply-informed account of modern China through the marvellous device of a stroll down Beijing's longest avenue - and all in lucid and compelling prose.'Rana Mitter, Director of the University China Centre, University of Oxford'Even the most dedicated flâneur has to work hard to find the charm in Chang’an Avenue, the main thoroughfare of, as Jonathan Chatwin rightly describes it, the "glorious mess of Beijing". Industrial relics, bankrupt theme parks, rabbit hutch housing, paranoid Communist Party elite boltholes and Tiananmen’s ghosts all loom large. But Chatwin walks the walk and, along the way dissects the street, its denizens and its enduring role in China’s history and collective modern traumas. 'Paul French, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight in Peking and City of Devils: A Shanghai Noir'Jonathan Chatwin offers a distinctive window onto Beijing's past and present by taking readers along with him on a long trek down an important thoroughfare. An appealing mix of anecdotes from a journey and digressions backward in time make Long Peace Street a novel addition to the rich literature on China's sprawling capital.' Jeffrey Wasserstrom, Chancellor's Professor of History at the University of California, Irvine, coauthor of China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know'This three-dimension, moving timeline along the heart of imperial and contemporary Beijing made me want to head out the door and follow Chatwin's flaneur footsteps. "Long Peace Street" seamlessly blends history and reporting, shining a light on both the capital's neglected bookends and its dense core. I couldn't put it down.'Michael Meyer, author of The Last Days of Old Beijing, In Manchuria, and The Road to Sleeping Dragon'Long Peace Street is a brilliant achievement. To read this book is to travel with an engaging writer as he explores the China of today and the raw pathos of its past. Long Peace Street gives its readers an insight essential for a sophisticated understanding of Chinese society today.'M. A. Aldrich, author of The Search for a Vanishing Beijing: A Guide to the Capital of China through the Centuries'As a dive into Beijing’s history and an excursion through its present, Long Peace Street is entertaining, informative, well-written and companionable.'Post Magazine -- .Table of ContentsIntroductionDay one: Shougang Iron and Steel to Tiananmen1 Capital Iron and Steel – origins – the Great Leap Forward – a bad neighbour – future plans2 New suburbia – the city in history – the hutong – Shijingshan Amusement Park3 Change – ring roads and the New Beijing – Great Olympics4 Babaoshan ghosts – the cemetery – the life of Peng Dehuai – return to Hunan5 A diversion – straightness – the road as metaphor6 Military markings – Tomb of the Princess – new regime, new capital? – the Military Museum7 Diaoyutai State Guesthouse – December 1980 – ‘To Rebel is Justified’ – Chairman Mao’s dog8 Big roofs – Capital Museum – pailou – some history9 Muxidi Bridge – petitions and protests – May Fourth – Democracy Movement – 1976 – 1978 – 1989 – the aftermath10 Rainbows – walls, walls, and yet again walls – breaches – New Year’s Day in Xi’an – demolition – socialist core values11 A hungry refrain – little grey streets – reform and opening-up – state owned enterprises12 An assassination – Middle and Southern Seas – imperial pretensions – Xinhuamen – paranoia – hidden places – Mao at ZhongnanhaiDay two: Tiananmen to Sihui Dong subway station13 The middle of the Middle Kingdom – hidden tales of Tiananmen – the Great Helmsman14 A walk to Tiananmen – into the Forbidden City – intruders15 Four days in the Forbidden City16 Out of the Forbidden City – scholar trees – dislocation – destruction – impressions of Beijing – going native – Legation Street today – fireworks over Tiananmen17 The man who died twice – Wangfujing – a literary traveller – the end of the Qing – Morrison and Yuan Shikai – a sad coda – Palm Sunday in Sidmouth18 Oriental Plaza – walking in cities – the Imperial Observatory – origins of the Chinese calendar – the Jesuits – the Republican calendar – time in modern China19 Outside the wall – the Grand Canal and the eastern suburbs – 22nd August 1967 – all palaces are temporary palaces – Forsan et haec olim – red20 One city – the east is rich – weird architecture – mall life – underground21 G103 – the story of a nation – the endEpilogueIndex

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Book Synopsis‘[A] delightful hymn of praise to the most extraordinary of all the world's bird families – hummingbirds’ STEPHEN MOSS ‘A brilliant read’ MARK AVERY 'Ever thoughtful and engaging, Jon Dunn pursues these dazzling creatures through dust and jungle' BENEDICT ALLEN 'A warm-hearted and enthusiastic triumph of nature writing' TIM DEE _____________________ For centuries hummingbirds have captured our imaginations: revered by Native Americans, coveted by European collectors and admired worldwide for their jewel-like plumage, acrobatic flight and immense character. Though their renown extends throughout the world, hummingbirds are found exclusively in the Americas. Small in stature yet fiercely tenacious, they have conquered every habitat imaginable: from boreal woodlands to deserts, mangrove swamps to volcanic slopes, and on islands both tropical and sub-polar. The Glitter in the Green takes us on an unforgettable journey in search of the most remarkable examples of this wildly variable family. There’s the Bee Hummingbird in Cuba, the smallest species of bird to have ever lived; the diminutive Rufous Hummingbird, whose annual migration exceeds 3,000 miles; and the critically endangered Juan Fernández Firecrown, marooned on the remote Pacific island that inspired Robinson Crusoe. Jon Dunn brings us closer than ever before to these magnificent creatures, exploring a heady mix of rare birds, a history redolent with mythology, and the colourful stories of the people obsessed with hummingbirds through the ages. With great passion for his subject and a taste for adventure, Dunn transports us to wondrous landscapes from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, and invites us into the kaleidoscopic world of the hummingbird – the bird that has won the hearts and minds of mankind for millennia.Trade ReviewDunn's vast love letter is as gleaming and mesmeric as its tiny subject. His travels to observe the often elusive family Trochilidae take him from the smoky air of an Alaska besieged by wildfire, to coastal Santa Marta, Colombia. The book ... is as much an ode to our world writ large as it is to one of its most captivating birds * Vanity Fair *The Glitter in the Green braids the cultural history and daunting needs and feats of these wondrous birds with vivid accounts of the author’s sometimes hazardous, far-flung mountain, forest and island expeditions ... Exceedingly well-researched and packed with fascinating lore, it should appeal to avid birders and general readers alike -- Heller McAlpin * Wall Street Journal *Ever thoughtful and engaging, Jon Dunn pursues these dazzling creatures through dust and jungle to the chillier shores at the far end of the world -- Benedict AllenEnticing ... brilliant ... a warm-hearted and enthusiastic triumph of nature writing, passionate yet expert, human and humane as well as biologically spot on, freighted with life that is troublingly exciting, and sparkling with its subject ... a memorable and essential book -- Tim DeeAn adventure-filled, continent-spanning travelogue ... By carefully peeling back layers of history to find shimmering hummingbirds hidden within, Dunn has created essential reading to understand human obsession—past and present—with these remarkable creatures -- Jonathan C. SlaghtGlittering gems of the Americas and nowhere else on Earth, hummingbirds lure Jon Dunn from Alaska to Chile in this whizzing travelogue of hummer natural history ... exquisite -- Dan FloresMore than just an observant birdwatcher, Jon Dunn is a talented traveler and writer ... The Glitter in the Green is a vivid exploration of a dazzling subject -- Thor HansonAt a time when we are confined to our home patch, Jon Dunn transports us to the Americas, in this delightful hymn of praise to the most extraordinary of all the world’s bird families – hummingbirds -- Stephen MossFull of natural history, quotes from early explorers, local history, and adventure, Dunn’s chronicle of his hummingbird quests will make readers just as obsessed with these small, quick birds dipped in rainbows * Booklist, starred review *This is more than a bird book ... It combines one person’s adventure with arguably the most spectacular group of birds in the world: hummingbirds! The immensely talented writer Jon Dunn follows these highly diverse jewels from Alaska, down the Americas to Tierra del Fuego, and weaves an environmental and cultural dialogue around these hummers and the human-dominated world they live in -- Dr. Joel CracraftThe author chronicles his travels from his home in the Shetland Islands to the Americas in search of this alluring bird… A mesmerizing, wonder-filled nature study that also serves as a cautionary tale about wildlife conservation. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *An engaging history of the species ... This inviting narrative describes the author’s search for the rare Mangrove Hummingbird in Costa Rica, as well as others threatened with habitat loss in Cuba and Mexico ... An essential book for bird watchers, especially hummingbird lovers, as well as anyone interested in natural history -- Mark Jones * Library Journal *Natural history writer Dunn takes readers on a wondrous globe-trotting pilgrimage to seek out hummingbirds... Dunn’s vivid prose, balanced with just the right amount of detail, will captivate birders and non-birders alike * Publishers Weekly, starred review *A delightful and rich adventure into hummingbird territory, recounted with a deftly literate touch. A glittering treat -- Dominic Couzens, author of 'A Bird a Day'A rich, fascinating and absorbing book, combining personal adventure with the natural history of the most magical birds on the planet -- Lev Parikian, author of 'Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear' and 'Into the Tangled Bank'Jon Dunn's wide-ranging journey underlines how hummingbirds’ famous beauty has often blinded us to the deeper wonders of their daring, passionate lives. -- Jonathan Meiburg, author of 'A Most Remarkable Creature'Jon Dunn’s searching book on these tiny, enigmatic birds takes on a tour of brilliance ... In beautiful, measured prose, Dunn shows us the hummingbirds’ worlds and, of course, the challenges they face at our hands. It is a lovesong to the hummingbird that will make you wonder and hope for their survival in equal measure. -- Melanie Challenger, author of 'How to be Animal'It’s a brilliant read, and not only if you are keen on hummingbirds but just if you are keen on nature, and places, and people and history -- Mark AveryA good place to begin to understand the birds’ dramatic pleasures is with this entertaining book. One of Jon Dunn’s real achievements is his ability to conjure the plastic form and astonishing chromatic architecture of many hummingbird species -- Mark Cocker * Spectator *The Glitter In The Green contains astonishing photographs and stories about these rare and beautiful birds * Herald *At times, just reading the book was an adrenaline burner. Epic quest followed epic quest. I was swept along, wide-eyed at the places, the friendly people and the nail-biting conclusion of wondering if, after all the effort, the hummingbird in question would materialise -- Anthony Mcgeehan * Rare Bird Alert *

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Book SynopsisINTRODUCED BY ADAM WEYMOUTH, award-winning author of The Kings of Yukon'A wonderful book -- and a highly original contribution to the literature of travel' PAUL THEROUX'The Mississippi. Mighty, muddy, dangerous, rebellious and yet a strong, fathering kind of river. The river captured my imagination when I was young and has never let go.' Mississippi Solo tells the story of one man's voyage by canoe down the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico - a longtime dream, and a journey of over 2,000 miles through the heart of America. Paddling into the Southern states - going from 'where there ain't no black folks to where they still don't like us much' - Eddy is confronted by the legacy of slavery and modern racism, including an incident with a pair of shotgun-toting bigots. There are also the dangers of passing barges, wild dogs roaming the wooded shore, and navigating a waterway that grows vaster, and more hazardous, every day. But Eddy also encounters immense human kindness, friendship and hospitality, as well as coming to know the majestic power - and the awesome dangers - of the river itself. Mississippi Solo is an unforgettable American adventure.

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