Search results for ""Batsford Ltd""

Immerse yourself in the sublime language of Shakespeare every night of the year with this whimsical and accessible anthology.

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An extended volume of favourite illustrations from the No.1 bestselling colouring book illustrator Millie Marotta. This ultimate Millie Marotta colouring book brings together her favourite illustrations from Secrets of the Sea, Woodland Wild and Island Escape, plus five exclusive new images. This bumper edition features 120 glorious illustrations, inviting colourists to indulge their creativity and bring these adventurous animals to life. Whether it's the homely hedgehog or the other-worldly Chinese water dragon, award-winning illustrator Millie Marotta covers quirky and exciting creatures from all over the world. Millie Marotta is one of the planet’s most popular colouring book illustrators. This is an essential edition for all Millie Marotta fans, as well as for those looking to discover her much-loved illustrations for the first time with 120 of her favourite distinctive pieces. The book is printed on high-quality paper with minimal showthrough, suitable for colouring with all forms of media. Grab your pens or pencils and lose yourself in the most satisfyingly mindful activity you will ever find: come on a colouring adventure.

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An ode to sea swimming – looking at the architecture, history and social significance of sea pools. The sea can be challenging and changeable. Protected from the dangers of currents, crashing waves and extreme cold, sea pools (also known as tidal or ocean pools) are manmade pools that provide a safe space for swimmers to enjoy the benefits of the sea at all states of the tide and weather. Sea Pools begins with an introduction to sea pools within the history of outdoor swimming, their unique designs and architectural significance and commentary on the resurgent appreciation for sea swimming in the 21st century. Chris Romer-Lee selects 70 of the most beautiful and culturally significant sea pools from around the world, including the 25-metre cliffside Avalon Rock Pool in new South Wales, Australia, the sublime Pozo de las Calcosas in Spain that is shrouded in volcanic rock, and Ireland's historic Vico Baths to name but a few. Sea Pools also includes four insightful essays: Nicola Larkin looks to the next generation of ocean pools in her exploration of how we can conserve, protect and regenerate the coastline; Therese Spruhan testifies to the healing and transformative benefits of ocean swimming; Freya Bromley discusses her odyssey to swim in every sea pool in Britain; and Kevin Fellingham on the importance of sea pools in South Africa. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful colour photography, as well as fascinating archive material to give an insight into the provenance of these vital sanctuaries.

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Enchanting tales of the gods, kings, and monsters that populated the Anglo-Saxon world. An atmospheric collection of 30 folk tales exploring stories of cosmology, monsters, conflicts and courtship from the Seven Kingdoms to Middle Earth. This is an entertaining portal into a world overflowing with mythology, magic and all manner of beguiling creatures, which has inspired everything from the Lord of the Rings to Game of Thrones. The book is divided into 3 parts: • Scop is a set of stories told by the Anglo-Saxon storyteller Scop, from the creation to the destruction of the world. It explores what remains of the gods and monsters of the Anglo-Saxon cosmology. • Wreccan is pagan stories exploring self-discovery and development through exile. Variations of these tales would have told by the Anglo-Saxons themselves, including Sigemund's rebellion and the trials of Beowulf. • Bretwalda stories revolve around Bretwalda the chief Anglo-Saxon king who ruled over the majority of the Seven Kingdoms. These stories reflect a period when both the old gods and Christianity existed simultaneously. Remarkable illustrations by Jesús Sotés breathe new life into these tales of the past.

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Explore the mystery of what makes us love gardening, via history, science, art and philosophy. Whether you seek sanctuary in your potting shed, find paradise amongst your patio plants or enjoy the simple solace of your hands in the soil, there is beauty, peace and happiness to be found for every gardener in this thoughtful and entertaining collection. Both a hymn to gardening and a call to action, this down-to-earth guide is worth a hundred 'how-tos'. Wander the gardens of Giverny with Monet to create your own 'beautiful masterpiece' or, like George Orwell, reap the joy to be found in the work of a vegetable plot. Discover the soothing symmetry in the spiral of sunflower seeds, or, like William Morris, provide a wild abundance for the natural visitors to your garden. Drawing inspiration from gardening greats – from the ancient Greek and French philosophers Epicurus and Voltaire, via the wisdom of Margery Fish and Gertrude Jekyll, to Monty Don and modern-day guerrilla gardeners – this beautifully illustrated compilation is a thoughtful gift for any gardener.

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The classic text on coppicing and woodland crafts, redesigned for a new generation of woodspeople. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a patch of woodland, this book contains everything you need to set up, manage and profit from a thriving coppice. But even if you don’t, there’s plenty of information on traditional woodland crafts here for you: learn how to work with bought coppiced wood to make all manner of products, from the archetypal besom broom and humble tent pegs to sturdy gate hurdles. Woodland crafts expert Ray Tabor guides you through a range of heritage woodland conservation methods. He introduces the best tools for each job – the time-honoured woodsman’s billhook being the most important of all – and the devices you’ll need. He shows how to select wood for each purpose, from ash, traditionally used for tool handles, to chestnut for making perfect fences. There’s also an in-depth exploration of the essential art of riving (splitting wooden poles by hand). Full of invaluable advice, historical information, useful diagrams and evocative photography, this book will help you reconnect to nature and the environment, and gain immense pleasure from creating beautiful crafted products using heritage methods.

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‘I can't think of a single person who wouldn't enjoy having this beautiful collection of poetry to dip into when they need a boost' – Good Housekeeping ‘This is supreme bedtime reading.’ – The Lady ‘Go to sleep with the lightest of hearts, with verses from Thomas Hardy, Emily Brontë, Simon Armitage, Wendy Cope and more’ – Townswoman These days we're all in need of a little nugget of happiness to help soothe our weary souls at the end of the day. A Happy Poem to End Every Day provides just that: one sublimely happy poem for every day of the year, from cosy fireside idylls in winter to outdoor adventures in summer, encounters with the beauty of nature in spring and moments of quiet reflection in autumn. It features some of the greatest poets ever to put pen to paper, from William Wordsworth on the joy of skating and Emily Brontë enjoying life on the moors to Simon Armitage catching a cricket ball and Wendy Cope sharing an orange, with a good smattering of classic jolly verse such as Edward Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat. Beautifully illustrated with contemplative scenes of pure happiness, this wonderful book is the perfect way to give yourself a little lift every evening. Keep it by your bedside and it's sure to bring restful sleep and sweet dreams.

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An entertaining and enthralling collection of myths, tales and traditions surrounding our trees, woodlands and forests from around the world. From the dark, gnarled woodlands of the north, to the humid jungles of the southern lands, trees have captured humanity’s imagination for millennia. Filled with primal gods and goddesses, dryads and the fairy tales of old, the forests still beckon to us, offering sanctuary, mystery and more than a little mischievous trickery. From insatiable cannibalistic children hewn from logs, to lumberjack lore, and the spine-chilling legend of Bloody Mary, there is much to be found between the branches. Come into the trees; witches, seductive spirits and big, bad wolves await you. With this book, Folklore Thursday aim to encourage a sense of belonging across all cultures by showing how much we all have in common.

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‘I cannot help that my pictures do not sell. Nevertheless, the time will come when people will see that they are worth more than the price of the paint …’ Vincent van Gogh Discover the moving story of Vincent van Gogh, with his artistic genius and emotional torment told through personal letters, sketches and paintings in this beautiful reissue of a previous bestseller. Vincent van Gogh’s letters are a written testimony to the artist’s struggle to survive and work. This fascinating book’s combination of deeply personal letters alongside rough sketches and finished paintings gives an intimate insight into the painter’s domestic life in Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, his spiritual torment and the creative process. The Illustrated Provence Letters of Van Gogh engages with the mind of the artist, reflecting his close bond with his brother and closest companion Theo, his relationship with fellow artists and friends, his ongoing struggle with mental illness, and his passion for art. Martin Bailey's introduction provides essential background information about Vincent's early life, setting the period in Provence in perspective. Biographical notes about the recipients of Vincent's letters are provided as well as a guide for visitors to those places painted by Van Gogh.

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Leading expert and passionate advocate of modern British architecture Elain Harwood gives the best overview of British architecture from 1938 to 1963 – mid-century buildings. Growing in popularity and with an increasing understanding of their importance as a background to our lives, the buildings range from the Royal Festival Hall, Newcastle City Hall and to Deal Pier and Douglas ferry terminal, from prefabs and ice cream parlours to Coventry Cathedral and the Golden Lane Estate. The author writes in non-technical, layman's language about the design, architecture and also the influence of these buildings on the lives of our towns and cities. The author has arranged the huge variety of buildings into: Houses and Flats: Churches and Public Buildings; Offices; Shops; Showrooms and Cafes; Hotels and Public Houses; Cinemas, Theatres and Concert Halls; Industrial Buildings and Transport. There is an insightful introduction that places these buildings in the context of 20th-century architecture generally and globally. All fantastically photographed to make this a must have for anyone interested in our built heritage. Postwar Britain architects often saw architecture as a powerful means to improve the quality of our lives after the shadow of war. This is the fascinating story of what they built to meet that challenge. Cover illustration by Paul Catherall

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A celebration of outdoor swimming – looking at the history, design and social aspect of pools. The 1930s architecture of the pools is often sleek and elegant, evoking speed and efficiency. And the pools themselves are great social levellers – a public space where everyone is stripped down to a bathing suit. The book begins with a history of the pools – their grand beginnings after the buttoned-up Victorian era, their falling popularity in the 20th century, and the newfound appreciation for the outdoor pool, or lido, and outdoor swimming in the 21st century. Journalist and architectural historian Christopher Beanland picks the very best of the outdoor pools around the world, including the Icebergs Pool on Bondi Beach, Australia; the 137m seawater pool in Vancouver, Canada; Siza's concrete sea pools in Porto, Portugal; the restored art deco pool in Saltdean, UK, and the pool at the Zollverein Coal Mines in Essen, Germany. The book will also feature the lost lidos and the fascinating history behind the architecture of the pools, and essays on swimming pools in art, and the importance of pools in Australia. In addition there are interviews with pool users around the globe about why it is they swim. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful colour photography, as well as archive photography and advertising and a map with the pool locations.

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Following on from the long success of one of the most important chess books ever written, Bobby Fischer: My 60 Memorable Games, renowned chess writer Andrew Soltis delivers a book on today's blockbuster chess player Magnus Carlsen. Magnus Carlsen has been the world’s number one player for more than a decade, has won more super-tournaments than anyone ever and is still in his prime. He is the only player to repeatedly win the world championships in classical, speed and blitz chess formats. This book details his remarkable rise and how he acquired the crucial skills of 21st-century grandmaster chess He will defend his world championship title this autumn and if he wins, it will set a record of five championship match victories. This book take you through how he wins by analysing 60 of the games that made him who he is, describing the intricacies behind his and his opponent's strategies, the tactical justification of moves and the psychological battle in each one.

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The story of the building of an iconic mid-century housing estate, that is often seen as the model for housing architecture. Fully illustrated with commissioned photography of the interiors and exteriors, archive images and newly commissioned writing by leading architectural historians, plus interviews with people on the estate to capture their story. Following World War II, the population in the City of London plummeted, and with a duty to provide housing for those working in the area – such as nurses, policemen and doctors – the City Corporation commissioned architect Geoffry Powell in 1952 to design the Golden Lane Estate. Powell invited Christoph Bon and Jo Chamberlin to join him in developing a detailed design for the Estate. They would later become Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, working on world-renowned projects such as the Barbican Estate and the University of Leeds. Golden Lane Estate, now Grade II and Grade II* listed is often cited as being a model estate. With its high level of detailing, use of materials, colour, its humane scale, thoughtfulness of space, light, communal spaces, leisure facilities and integrated shops, it is exemplary, particularly for social housing. It was deemed as a success from the off and remains popular today, with many original tenants and/or their families still choosing to live there. What sets the estate apart is the sense of community and neighbourliness which is promoted by the architecture and design.

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Award-winning and hugely popular artist Rosie Sanders showcases the beauty of the rose in her follow up to Rosie Sanders Flowers. Over 80 stunning paintings and sketches are shown for the first time. The artist writes a personal letter on each of her rose paintings (to be given unopened to the final recipient or buyer of the painting). Many of these personal letters sit alongside the paintings, as they explain the creative and emotional process she went through to create it. The book is a revealing insight into the artist's muse and the author's sketches and drawings are also included to show the full artistic process. The book is introduced by an extended essay on the resonance of the rose – all across the world – in our art, literature, poetry, folklore and gardens. The rose emblem is timeless and this book not only celebrates its beauty in art but tells the story of the rose as one of nature's most powerful motifs.

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A menagerie of exotic beasts from the No.1 bestselling colouring book illustrator Millie Marotta. The ultimate Millie Marotta colouring book brings together her favourite illustrations from all her books: Animal Kingdom, Tropical Wonderland, Wild Savannah, Curious Creatures and Beautiful Birds and Treetop Treasures. Featuring 120 illustrations, the book invites colourists to lend their palette to wondrous wildlife from habitats across the world. Among the wildlife waiting to be brought to life with colour are tropical parrots, African lions, sea anemones and a Tibetan fox. With 8.5 million books sold, Millie Marotta is one of the most popular colouring book illustrators in the world. This is an essential edition for all Millie Marotta fans, and for those looking to discover her much-loved illustrations for the first time.

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This charming volume reminds us that self-care is as available as a glance out the window' – The New York Times ‘A confident celebration of our ever-changing skies... I defy anyone who reads it not to start taking furtive peeks out the window.’ – Robert Leigh-Pemberton, The Daily Telegraph 'A gorgeous celebration of the wonder of clouds’ – The People’s Friend It's more important than ever to engage with the natural world. The sky is the most dramatic and evocative aspect of nature and looking up at the clouds is always good for the soul. Ever-changing and ephemeral, clouds reflect the shifting moods of the atmosphere in limitless compositions and combinations. Gavin Pretor-Pinney started the Cloud Appreciation Society in 2005. Since then, he's been encouraging people to 'look up, marvel at the ephemeral beauty, and always remember to live life with your head in the clouds.' Membership to the Society now includes over 50k cloudspotters. Together, they capture and share the most remarkable skies, from sublime thunderstorms and perfect sunsets to hilarious object shaped clouds. A Cloud A Day is a beautifully illustrated book containing 365 skies selected by the Cloud Appreciation Society. There are photographs by sky enthusiasts around the world, satellite images and photographs of clouds in space, as well as skies depicted by great artists over the centuries. The clouds are accompanied by enlightening explanations, fascinating snippets of cloud science, poetry and uplifting quotations. The perfect dip-in-and-out book for anyone who wants to de-stress and reconnect with nature, A Cloud A Day will inspire you to open your eyes to the everyday beauty above and to spend a moment each day with your head in the clouds.

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An inspiring guide to creating successful landscapes and seascapes in mixed media, including watercolour, pastels, wax crayons, ink and acrylics. Mixed media is ever growing in popularity. In this useful and insightful book, artist and teacher Chris Forsey shows how to use this technique to create stunning landscapes and seascapes. The book concentrates on combining water-based media – watercolour, pastels, wax crayons, ink and acrylics – to create an exciting and often unpredictable way to paint. It allows the artist to create textures and effects that can exhilarate the painting surface with unusual serendipitous washes, smears and drifts of colour and tone. The book encourages readers to experiment with media, wile providing advice, instruction and step-by-step demonstrations to show how to get the best from two, three or four different media working together. The introduction helps the reader determine what they wish to achieve in a painting. The following chapters then goes on to focus on one of the media combinations: wax crayon and watercolour; oil pastel, watercolour and acrylic; oil pastel and acrylics; oil pastel, watercolour, ink and acrylics. Featuring plenty of step-by-step demonstrations on how to combine the materials, with finished examples of finished paintings. The book offers the reader an array of ways to improve their landscape and seascape painting, taking it to a new level.

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A visual history of tea towel design, from the 1950s to today. Both practical and beautiful, the tea towel has over the last century established itself firmly as an essential piece of domestic design. This lavishly illustrated book explores 100 of the best tea towel designs from the 1950s to today. Featured are tea towels from well-known textile designers such as Lucienne Day, Emma Bridgewater, Pat Albeck, Cath Kidston, Orla Kiely and Angela Harding, as well as collectable tea towels from key retail stores such as Heal's and Selfridges. Together they showcase a rich visual history of textiles and homeware design of the last century. With full-page images and close-up details, The Art of The Tea Towel will appeal to those interested in both textile design and homeware.

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An inspirational and practical book on how to interpret and collaborate on different themes in textile art. With foreword by Marie-Therese Wisniowski, who runs Art Quill Studio. This stunning collection showcases the work produced by renowned textile artists Els van Baarle and Cherilyn Martin, and explores how – even when working from the same starting point – textile art can produce a myriad interpretations of shape, form, colour and technique. Els and Cherilyn have chosen six themes for their own starting point, each full of inspiration and artistic potential: Memory (both personal experiences and historical events); Graven (cemetery) images and idols; Books as objects; Pompeii and archaeological excavations; Walls; and Everyday items. For each of the themes the authors have provided a personal interpretation of the work and a description of the techniques they used, along with step-by-step instructions. In the chapter on memory, for example, Cherilyn demonstrates how old fabrics and textiles (which themselves have a unique history all of their own) can be recycled to incorporate your own stitched drawings. Alternatively, Els explores Procion Dye techniques to create colourful and striking fabrics that bear no resemblance to Els work on the same theme. The trend for collaborative textile art is increasing in popularity. This fascinating guide provides a rich seam of inspiration from two renowned artists, exploring how to get the most from your collaborations and produce beautiful and unique work.

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A compact book containing 30 postcards of illustrations that feature in Millie Marotta's Wild Savannah. Explore the savannah and you will find the crocodile and kangaroo, oryx and ostrich, dazzling zebras and leaping gazelles, all beautifully presented and ready to personalise with a touch of colour. These postcards – that can easily be removed from the book – can be sent just as they are to friends and family, coloured in or even framed and hung on walls. These bite-sized cards of beauty can be used for a range of things but will delight anyone who receives one.

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The Big Letter Hunt: London is an alphabet picture book that takes its readers – young and old – on a tour of England's capital to find giant letters hidden amongst the buildings and city streets. The architectural treasure hunt winds its way past London's landmark buildings such as the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum, as well as architectural gems such as the Barbican and the modernist Brunswick Centre. The letters also appear in the skyscrapers of the City of London, on tube stations and in the detailing of windows and facades. Printed in a colourful and bold graphic style and accompanied by quirky facts about the buildings and their design, this book is perfect for all architecture and design fans. There is a map to follow the hunt around the city, and the jacket folds out into a A–Z poster to hang on the wall. Some letters are easy to spot; others need a closer look. The Big Letter Hunt: London is a book for both children and adults who like architecture, typography and London.

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An inspirational guide to using nature in textile art, with step-by-step projects Plants, flowers, gardens, insects and birds are a rich source of inspiration for artists and designers of all kinds. This beautiful guide demonstrates how to get the most out of your surroundings to create original and unique pieces in textiles. Beginning with a chapter on drawing from nature, the book demonstrates how to use sketchbooks and create mood boards to explore your local environment and landscape. The author demonstrates how to make small pieces such as folding books based on observational drawing and stitch. Moving on to a section on floral inspiration, the author shows how to use plants and flowers in your work, from using stencilled flower motifs as embellishment to printing with plants onto fabric and making simple relief prints. Finally, the taking flight chapter demonstrates how to move into three-dimensions and sculptural work with birds and insects made from cloth. Featuring step-by-step projects as well as work from contemporary artists, makers and collaborative groups throughout, this practical and beautiful guide shows how practitioners of all kinds can draw from the natural world for making and inspiration.

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The new book by author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom. In her latest colouring book, Millie brings you her own selection of the most remarkable animals on earth to colour in. A huge wildlife fan since she was a child, Millie has researched curious creatures which are fascinating to look at, have amazing survival skills, intriguing behaviour and courting rituals and are wildlife wonders. Meet the adorable Macaroni Penguins with their yellow crests, the showy King of Saxony Bird of Paradise, the enduring camel, the majestic flying fish to the long-lived walrus and mighty moose. Millie Marotta's Curious Creatures features animals from all over the world, from all kinds of habitat, from the sea to the mountain tops and from Arctic cold to hot deserts. Remarkable birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates are all brought to life by Millie's beautiful illustrations. Millie's work has fuelled the rediscovered art of colouring in and her latest book will satisfy her biggest fans, and gain her some more. A wonderful book for the many devotees of colouring in.

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Shirley Trevena is a successful and popular watercolourist with a huge international fan base. Throughout her career Shirley has pushed the boundaries of watercolour and is regarded as one of Britain’s most innovative artists in that medium. Shirley’s watercolours are vibrant in colour, visually inspiring and strong in composition. In this book, Shirley shares her thoughts, ideas, stories and sketches of more than 100 paintings to give a valuable insight into the evolving work of a much-loved artist. Shirley breaks the conventional rules of watercolour in many different ways: through her exciting compositions, strange perspectives and above all, the strength and vibrancy of her colour combinations. In this exciting and inspiring book, Shirley gives her personal view of painting and shares her creative process with us.

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A rich collection of poetry that celebrates the beauty and symbolism of flowers. Beautifully illustrated with nostalgic illustrations of a range of beautiful blooms, this book includes a diverse range of poems. From verses celebrating the beginning of spring with the emergence of the snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells to poems that honour the summer colour of asters, the heady scent of jasmine, and the brazen sunflower. The classic poets are included, including Shakespeare, Tennyson, Thomas Hardy, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Seamus Heaney. There's also range of rich poetry from less-famous names which have stood the test of time and evoke nature’s beauty.

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Artist Ann Blockley is renowned for her innovative approach to traditional subjects. Following the huge success of her previous book, Experimental Flowers in Watercolour, she now explores ways to interpret landscape. Packed with stunning examples of her colourful, expressive work, this book encourages you to experiment with the same techniques in your own watercolour painting to develop a personal style. Techniques covered include combining water-based paint and ink with other media such as gesso and collage to create dramatic effects; manipulating paint with materials such as plastic wrap (clingfilm); tearing, layering and reassembling paintings into watercolour collages; and developing textures and marks made using fabrics and other found objects. Throughout the book Ann offers her personal commentary on how her paintings were created, giving us a unique insight into the mind of the artist. Both practical and inspirational, this glorious book is the ideal companion for watercolour painters who want to take their work a step further.

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Anne Boleyn is one of the most divisive figures in British history. Her love-match with Henry VIII and her subsequent execution at the Tower of London after only three years of marriage have made her the subject of heated debate and speculation. Everyone wants to know how she really felt and how and why she became queen: was she a ruthless schemer or was her death simply a tragic consequence of court politics? Unbiased descriptions of Anne are difficult to find: most were written after her death. Anne was effectively written out of history for the rest of Henry VIII’s reign, and that of his son, Edward VI. Her name was literally chiselled out of the fabric of Hampton Court, her badges and heraldry replaced by those of Jane Seymour. Historians continue to battle over her reputation today and the fascination with the life and death of Anne Boleyn lives on. This objective and informative book brings clarity to our view of Anne Boleyn, perhaps the most influential and important queen consort England ever had.

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Few cities present as dramatic a profile as Lincoln. From many miles away the cathedral on its ridge makes a thrilling silhouette over the surrounding landscape. Closer to, its mighty Gothic towers dominate the city’s rooftops. Nearer still, Lincoln’s ancient powerful castle shares the heights. Lincoln is truly a city of two halves: the historic citadel above and, below, the commercial hub, with an earlier history of its own. Linking the two is the High Street, one of Britain’s best-preserved streets. What better way for today’s visitor to explore, experience and enjoy this beautiful city?

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6 June 1944 marked the beginning of the Allied liberation of France – and Europe. But what does the ‘D’ in D-Day stand for? Why were the code names Omaha, Utah, Gold chosen? How many casualties were there on D-Day? How did they keep the operation secret? Why land at Omaha, the ‘Bloody’ beach? What happened to Rommel? The latest addition to the Pitkin Collectable series, D-Day Decoded answers these questions and many more as it uncovers the facts and secrets behind the greatest landing-force ever assembled.

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For more than 1,000 years the English have been making gardens - ten centuries successfully combating the forces of nature, amidst an erratic, unpredictable climate, and in the wake of four successive ice-ages which destroyed all but the hardiest native plants. The unfolding story of our gardens closely follows the development of the nation, most particularly its magnificent architecture, providing dazzling contribution to England's cultural heritage and fascinating insight into profound social changes over the centuries. Some English gardens remain in an historic time warp, whilst a number of the larger ones demonstrate a complete history of gardens within their own boundaries. This book selects just some of the country's numerous outstanding gardens, and key areas within them, to portray the colourful progress of the English garden from its origins to the present day.

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A fascinating and nostalgic collection of over 40 wholesome recipes from the Second World War At a time of shortages and rationing, the British were challenged with providing nutritious meals daily for the family. This pocket-sized compendium of recipes is illustrated with contemporary propaganda notices, photographs and advertisements. Dishes such as Scotch Broth, Dumplings, Savoury Onions, Corned Beef Rissoles and Coconut Orange Pudding recall the ingenuity and camaraderie of those wartime days. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

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Having learnt the basic moves, how exactly should a player improve? In this much loved classic, Irving Chernev explains 33 complete games in detail, telling the reader the reason for every single move. Playing through these games and explanations gives a real insight into the power of the pieces and how to post them most effectively. Chernev thoughtfully explains the decision-making process and contextual meaning behind each move as it’s made. This makes it easy to follow along and reap the rewards of his wisdom, assimilating what makes a bad move, a good move, or a winning move. Learn how to strengthen your abilities through the power of positional play, and how to appreciate the consquences of actions made or not made on the board, with this enduring bestseller from one of the most highly regarded chess writers of all time.

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One of the most exhilarating cities in the world, London is steeped in history whilst embracing innovation. Its skyline is a mix of old and new, with the beautiful architectural splendour of St Paul’s Cathedral sitting comfortably alongside the staggering modernity of new high rises. The pomp and ceremony of quintessential British culture remains very much on show, from Changing the Guard to the Lord Mayor’s Show and tea at The Ritz. With world-famous museums, art galleries, theatres, eight royal parks, shops, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife, London has something on offer for everyone. The latest Pitkin guide to London is a fresh, updated edition of our best-seller In and Around London. This guidebook celebrates the most famous icons in our English heritage, as well as introducing the newest architectural additions to the city’s skyline – from museums to The Shard. The book showcases all these top attractions in a fun and accessible manner, offering exciting facts and anecdotes as well as significant historical information. At 44 pages, London is compact enough to fit into a bag or a small piece of hand luggage, but it is still an insightful read. Whether it is an expedition through the museums - back in time to ancient London, following the footsteps of one of the most famous royal families in the world or indulging in the countless eateries, theatres and shopping hubs, this text is the perfect companion to any tourist visiting London.

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One of the most exhilarating cities in the world, London is steeped in history whilst embracing innovation. Its skyline is a mix of old and new, with the beautiful architectural splendour of St Paul’s Cathedral sitting comfortably alongside the staggering modernity of new high rises. The pomp and ceremony of quintessential British culture remains very much on show, from Changing the Guard to the Lord Mayor’s Show and tea at The Ritz. With world-famous museums, art galleries, theatres, eight royal parks, shops, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife, London has something on offer for everyone. The latest Pitkin guide to London is a fresh, updated edition of our best-seller In and Around London. This guidebook celebrates the most famous icons in our English heritage, as well as introducing the newest architectural additions to the city’s skyline – from museums to The Shard. The book showcases all these top attractions in a fun and accessible manner, offering exciting facts and anecdotes as well as significant historical information. At 44 pages, London is compact enough to fit into a bag or a small piece of hand luggage, but it is still an insightful read. Whether it is an expedition through the museums - back in time to ancient London, following the footsteps of one of the most famous royal families in the world or indulging in the countless eateries, theatres and shopping hubs, this text is the perfect companion to any tourist visiting London.

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What constituted a secret or a scandal in times gone by? This entertaining title in this new series gives an overview of the times and attitudes to ‘secrets’, and what was meant by a ‘scandal’. This book uncovers revelations of royal bedchambers, courts, spies and plots, financial scandals, dynastic tangles, and the exploits of both regal villains and so-called saints. From the rule of absolutist kings to the more prudish Victorians, scandals can be linked to many a royal personage with often dramatic impacts on reigns and history. Exposing the secrets of both the private and public lives of these past rulers, Royal Secrets and Scandals guarantees to amuse and surprise.

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One of Shakespeare’s relatives was executed for plotting against Elizabeth I. There are more than 80 records of Shakespeare’s name. Not one of them says ‘William Shakespeare’. Shakespeare once played the ghost in Hamlet. Shakespeare wore a gold earring in his left ear. This fun little book, containing 400 fantastic facts about the Bard and his work and more than 100 illustrations, will delight fans everywhere!

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Our understanding of disease and the powers of medicine today are unparalleled, and their documentation has increased signficantly. Science is Beautiful collects the most fascinating microscopic photographs of our diseases along with the medicines we use to treat them. These photographs are profoundly fascinating – and also beautiful. Featured are some of the most illuminating microscopic images of bacteria, viruses and cancers ever captured, now made possible by electron micrograph technology. Potentially fatal diseases such as cancer and Ebola are included, and minor complaints such as Staphylococcus bacteria and dental plaque are shown for their surprising beauty. Other photographs reveal what human cells look like when suffering from Alzheimer's, from osteoporosis, or from HIV. It also uncovers some diseases specific to animals. But there are also dazzling images of the crystals, powders and potions that we take to cure ourselves, including magnified versions of aspirin, insulin, morphine and caffeine. This collection of images, as beautiful as any artwork, can be enjoyed purely as a visual voyage but also as a way to understand more of the science behind the image, whether it's the work of a meningitis virus, our chromosomes in a cancer cell or the breakdown of painkillers. Each image includes the scale of the photography as well as the scientific details in layman's terms.

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A beautifully lyrical collection of essays on the natural world in Britain by the Guardian's country diary writer Paul Evans. With a title taken from the 1940 Batsford book, this is nature writing for the modern reader. It is a book both for those that live in the country and those that don't, but experience nature every day through brownfield edge lands, transport corridors, urban greenspace, industrialised agriculture and fragments of ancient countryside. Evans weaves historical, cultural and literary references into his writing, ranging from TS Eliot to Bridget Riley, from Hieronymus Bosch to Napoleon. The essays include the The Weedling Wild, on the wildlife of the wasteland: ragwort, rosebay willowherb, giant hogweed and the cinnabar moth; Gardens of Light, about the creatures to be found under moonlight: pipistrelle bats, lacewings and orb-weaver spider; The Flow, with tales from the riverbank, estuaries and seas, including kingfisher, minnow, otter and heron. The Commons looks at meadowland with a human footprint, with the Adonis blue butterfly, horseshoe vetch, skylark, black knapweed and the six-belted clearwing moth. Other chapters look at the wildlife returned to Britain, such as wild boar and polecats, and finds nature in and around landscapes as varied as a domestic garden or a wild moor. The book ends with an alphabetical bestiary, an idiosyncratic selection of British wildlife based on the author's personal encounters.

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A celebration of outdoor swimming – looking at the history, design and social aspect of pools. Few experiences can beat diving into a pool in the fresh air, swimming with blue skies above you. Whether it's a dip into a busy and bustling city pool on a sweltering summer day, or taking the plunge in icy waters, the lido provides a place of peace in a frenetic world. The book begins with a history of outdoor pools – their grand beginnings after the buttoned-up Victorian era, their falling popularity in the 20th century, and the newfound appreciation for the outdoor pool, or lido, and outdoor swimming in the 21st century. Journalist and architectural historian Christopher Beanland picks the very best of the outdoor pools around the world, including the Icebergs Pool on Bondi Beach, Australia; the 137m seawater pool in Vancouver, Canada; Siza's concrete sea pools in Porto, Portugal; the restored art deco pool in Saltdean, UK, and the pool at the Zollverein Coal Mines in Essen, Germany. The book also features lost lidos and the fascinating history behind the architecture of the pools, along with essays on swimming pools in art, and the importance of pools in Australia. In addition there are interviews with pool users around the globe about why they swim. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful colour photography, as well as archive photography and advertising.

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A classic guide from beekeeping expert Ron Brown OBE. A charming and practical guide for anyone wishing to keep bees, accompanying the would-be beekeeper through every season of the bee-keeping year. From spring awakening and summer swarms to the autumn honey harvest and providing winter protection, this essential resource guides you each step of the way. There is extensive advice for beekeeping beginners, from siting and smoking your hives to rearing a queen and controlling your swarm. There is also in-depth information for improvers and more experienced apiarists who wish to experiment with different hive-management and queen-rearing techniques. Troubleshooting tips on protecting your hives and keeping your bees healthy are also covered. The book is also packed with practical advice on using beeswax, and of course, extracting and making the tastiest honey.

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Discover the professional way to colour in with this masterclass from leading artists and art teachers. The colouring-in craze has left many people looking for more interesting creative work that simple colouring in does not satisfy. Masterclass in Colour offers readers ways to take their colouring to a new level and even start on the road to watercolour work. Award-winning artists and tutors, Meriel Thurstan and Rosie Martin, explain simple colour theory in an easy-to-understand language. They will talk you through which colours look good together; demonstrate how colours can vibrate together or make each other more muted. They explain the materials of coloured pencils, water-soluble coloured pencils and fibre pens (felt tips) and how to mix colours together in all three media. The book is arranged by colour, with sections on red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple, pink and finally greys and browns, including a brief description of each and examples of what you can add to it to make secondary colours. There are demonstrations to show how to master shadows, texture and pattern, highlights and even water droplets. Each page of techniques and demonstration is followed by a companion page for you to practice the technique and do your own experimenting. There are also full-page drawings throughout the book to colour in, as well as advice on what to do if you want to turn one of the drawings into a beautiful watercolour painting.

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A paperback reissue of a beautiful anthology. A diverse collection of poetry which celebrates both England and all that it means to be English – from the rolling hills, to those lost in battle over the centuries, to London’s bustling streets and a nation obsessed with the weather. Ode to England encompasses a breadth of poetry from our most renowned writers – such as William Wordsworth, D. H. Lawrence and William Blake – alongside verses from less prestigious names which equally capture many inspiring visions of our ‘sceptered isle’. The poems are accompanied by stunning illustrations which pay further tribute to the beauty of this green and pleasant land. The perfect gift for any Englishman or Anglophile, this wonderful collection captures all the beauty and eccentricities of England and Englishness.

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Colour it in psychedelic colours, in tasteful tones, in all shades of orange! But just colour it! Recapture the purest sense of creativity by colouring in the most beautiful figurative designs – flowers, birds, butterflies – provided by a leading textile designer. By adding the key ingredient of colour you add your own spark of creativity to great designs. The design team, who work closely with Tate Modern in London, provide 24 postcards with six different designs to choose from. You can experiment with the colour combinations, using crayons, pencils, felt/fibre tip pens, and even paint on these uncoated postcards. A brief introduction gives some tips on using colours and suggests colour combinations to use on the specific designs, but you are encouraged to let your own creativity get to work! Great fun for all those looking for a burst of creative expression and useful for designers of all types who want to experiment with colour. The cards can be kept together in the book or detached, framed or posted to a friend.

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Author Ruth Issett is one of the world's leading colourist in textile art today. Her stunning colour combinations defy colour rules and she shows you how to experiment with techniques to get the very best out of any textile work. The book is aimed at all those involved in textiles – embroiderers, patchworkers and textile decorators, as well as students and teachers of design. Lavishly illustrated with colour photographs of finished fabrics, this simple colour ‘recipe’ book gives guidance and reassurance on the technical aspects of colour and dyeing. It includes: How to dye different natural fabrics, including heavy cotton, silk, satin, linen, and cotton velvet as well as threads Colour mixing and inspiration: colour combinations; tones, tints, shades; complementary schemes Detailed guidance on the dyeing processes, including equipment, shades, colour families, over-dyeing, pre-treatment of fabric, and fabric types Ways of applying dye from the very, very simple onwards Techniques, including the various types of resists as well as discharge and bleached effects Advanced techniques and combinations, including the use of thickeners and over-dyeing

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WINNER OF THE BEST BRITISH BOOK AND BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE BRITISH BOOK DESIGN AND PRODUCTION AWARDS 2010 Join Clare Balding on some terrific cycle rides around Britain, whether it's a week-long cycling holiday or an afternoon ride with the family, the book has a cycle ride for everyone. Free-wheeling on and off road – along obscure lanes, bridleways and disused railway lines – Britain by Bike reveals a fresh perspective on our country. Revel in beautiful breathtaking and exhilarating cycle routes and scenery in the six regions of Britain and find out the unusual ways to enjoy these islands, whether it's going to green man festivals, learning local customs or resting up at remote campsites or posh yurts! Share in Clare Balding's practical and cycle-related challenge and learn how to make the most of pedal power with guidance on reading a map, puncture repair, bad weather and tricky terrain. Discover Britain by Bike.

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A leading embroiderer with a lifelong love and understanding of African culture and landscape translates the many striking images of Africa into textile art, using embroidery, dyeing and quilting. From the dusky colours of the savannah to the traditional beadwork and pottery of African tribes, the author has used a variety of sources and techniques to produce stunning textiles. The book covers the original source material, the design process and the various techniques necessary to produce stunning final pieces, including dyeing with flour paste resist, seminole patchwork, piecing, patching, stitching, applique, roulleaux, drawn thread surface embellishment and mixed media. Beautifully illustrated with over 90 colour images, the book covers: • The design process • Colour, from natural earth colours to the bright colours of African jewellery and body paint • Pattern, from stripes and zigzags to circles and triangles • Texture and surface, including ridges, raised surface, edges and surface additions • An exercise project to get you started

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A delightful gift book filled with the adorable animal paintings of Hannah Dale, creator of the immensely popular Wrendale Designs. This charming book, first published in 2014 but now reissued in a larger size to give the author’s beautiful images even more chance to shine, features 50 quintessentially British birds and animals painted by Hannah Dale in her uniquely quirky, characterful style. From the red deer to the harvest mouse, from the sparrow to the barn owl, the nation’s favourite creatures are brought to life by this award-winning artist, really bringing out the character in each creature. Additional smaller pictures include their tracks and feathers, to help you identify where they've been near even when you can’t see them. The author has also provided insightful and entertaining text to accompany each animal portrait, and it all adds up to an irresistible gift package for any nature lover.

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Lessons, motivation and coaching to make you a better chess player. In an ideal world, any aspiring chess player, at almost any level, would get better with a coach. If that's not possible, having chess champion coach Thomas Engqvist's book at your side is the next best thing. In his series of lessons, Engqvist guides you through not only the most important elements of chess to master but also the psychology, how to marry knowledge with imagination, and how to stay motivated. Suitable for older children through to adults, the lessons are drawn from chess games through history, from the 16th century to Magnus Carlsen and latest Alpha Zero computer chess. It features a range of key players, including Steinitz, Lasker, Nimzowistch, Botvinnik (Soviet chess school), and Fischer. With clear and accessible annotations to give clarity, the games highlight the most important lessons to learn and, just as importantly, how to 'practise' chess. International Master Thomas Engqvist has travelled the world teaching and coaching chess to a very high level for decades – and with this book, he can be your coach too.

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