Search results for ""author martin williams""

Hong Kong surely has few rivals worldwide for being a major city in an outstanding natural setting, surrounded by hills, islands, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife and South China village traditions. Enchanting Hong Kong reveals this multi-faceted destination for a broad spectrum of visitors ranging from those making a short business trip but with some spare time to those who have a bit longer to explore outside the city itself. It provides full information on all the shopping possibilities from the malls to the daytime and night-time markets of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Central, Wanchai and Stanley, as well as the many delicious dining possibilities – seafood, especially, is a “must” in Hong Kong. It also takes the visitors a bit further afield to explore the outstanding and extensive network of country trails, the islands, the New Territories and some less well-known beaches. A holiday in Hong Kong can combine a stay in a comfortable hotel with hiking or birding during the day, some shopping, then dinner and a night on the town. It is a many-splendored place just waiting to be explored

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The little-known history of how the Sahara was transformed from a green and fertile land into the largest hot desert in the worldThe Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, equal in size to China or the United States. Yet, this arid expanse was once a verdant, pleasant land, fed by rivers and lakes. The Sahara sustained abundant plant and animal life, such as Nile perch, turtles, crocodiles, and hippos, and attracted prehistoric hunters and herders. What transformed this land of lakes into a sea of sands? When the Sahara Was Green describes the remarkable history of Earth’s greatest desert—including why its climate changed, the impact this had on human populations, and how scientists uncovered the evidence for these extraordinary events.From the Sahara’s origins as savanna woodland and grassland to its current arid incarnation, Martin Williams takes us on a vivid journey through time. He describes how the desert’s ancient rocks were first fashioned, how dinosaurs roamed freely across the land, and how it was later covered in tall trees. Along the way, Williams addresses many questions: Why was the Sahara previously much wetter, and will it be so again? Did humans contribute to its desertification? What was the impact of extreme climatic episodes—such as prolonged droughts—upon the Sahara’s geology, ecology, and inhabitants? Williams also shows how plants, animals, and humans have adapted to the Sahara and what lessons we might learn for living in harmony with the harshest, driest conditions in an ever-changing global environment.A valuable look at how an iconic region has changed over millions of years, When the Sahara Was Green reveals the desert’s surprising past to reflect on its present, as well as its possible future.

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A new series of pocket-sized travel guides aimed at first-time travellers featuring an extended introduction to the natural history of the destination. In three parts, the first section describes the major highlights. The second section looks at the significant locations with information for each on plants and animals, cultural sites, interesting architecture, local food and customs, activities, entertainment and shopping opportunities. The final section contains all of the practical information needed both before and during a stay. Discovering Hong Kong's greener side, these 25 walks guide you through rugged hills, forested valleys, reservoirs and waterfalls, temples and ageing villages, long abandoned forts and lonely islands. Route maps illustrate the walks and the author's commentary brings each one vividly to life.

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The little-known history of how the Sahara was transformed from a green and fertile land into the largest hot desert in the worldThe Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, equal in size to China or the United States. Yet, this arid expanse was once a verdant, pleasant land, fed by rivers and lakes. The Sahara sustained abundant plant and animal life, such as Nile perch, turtles, crocodiles, and hippos, and attracted prehistoric hunters and herders. What transformed this land of lakes into a sea of sands? When the Sahara Was Green describes the remarkable history of Earth’s greatest desert—including why its climate changed, the impact this had on human populations, and how scientists uncovered the evidence for these extraordinary events.From the Sahara’s origins as savanna woodland and grassland to its current arid incarnation, Martin Williams takes us on a vivid journey through time. He describes how the desert’s ancient rocks were first fashioned, how dinosaurs roamed freely across the land, and how it was later covered in tall trees. Along the way, Williams addresses many questions: Why was the Sahara previously much wetter, and will it be so again? Did humans contribute to its desertification? What was the impact of extreme climatic episodes—such as prolonged droughts—upon the Sahara’s geology, ecology, and inhabitants? Williams also shows how plants, animals, and humans have adapted to the Sahara and what lessons we might learn for living in harmony with the harshest, driest conditions in an ever-changing global environment.A valuable look at how an iconic region has changed over millions of years, When the Sahara Was Green reveals the desert’s surprising past to reflect on its present, as well as its possible future.

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In May 1944, 40,000 Polish soldiers attacked and captured the hilltops of Monte Cassino, bringing to a close the largest, bloodiest battle fought by the western Allies in the Second World War. Days later the Allied armies marched into Rome seizing the first Axis capital. No-one in 1939 could have foreseen an entire Polish Corps engaged on the Italian Front. Most had been held prisoner in the USSR following Polands defeat and their release by Stalin was only achieved through the intense negotiations of British and Polish politicians generals, notably Sikorski and Anders,. The Polish Army was evacuated to Iran in 1942 and subsequently incorporated into the British Army as the Polish II Corps. Their ultimate post-war fate was shamefully ignored until too late. This book, which charts the extraordinary wartime story of the exiled Polish Army in the east, makes extensive use of undiscovered archive material. It reveals in depth the relations between the British and Polish General Staffs and the never ending hardships of the Polish soldiers.

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'Eye-popping analysis of politicians' finances... a ground-breaking study... a fascinating and important work.' Sunday Times'Immaculately researched... A powerful reminder that reporters can serve the public good... Should make journalists proud - and may even help to make the world a better place' Peter Oborne, New StatesmanWho do our politicians work for? The public, or big business? If you want to understand why British politics isn't working, the first place to start is here. Parliament Ltd reveals the financial interests that British politicians would rather you didn't hear about. From banks and private corporations, to lobbying and the arms trade, there are MPs making millions by moonlighting in second jobs. Where does their loyalty belong - to us or to their paymasters? Meanwhile - years after the expenses scandal - they are now claiming more than ever before. In his enthralling journey to the dark heart of British politics, Martin Williams exposes a hidden, shocking culture of greed and corruption.

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A Country Life 'Best Book of the Year' 2023The Times Book of the Week * * * 'I could read Martin Williams all day. He is a staggeringly communicative historian; this book throws shafts of light on recent history almost repeating itself, giving vivid glimpses into monarchy and the way things were, and are. Compulsory reading.' --- Dame Joanna Lumley'A social historian and gifted storyteller, Williams is by turns moved and amused as he reflects on the poignancy and rituals of a nation united (pretty much) in grief...' --- The Times'adroitly-written...[told by Williams] so skilfully, and with such silken prose, that it's a pleasure to spend the time inside his head' --- The Oldie'delightful details...to rekindle this vanished epoch' --- Country Life'Vivid, panoramic, skilfully written, this gripping book is an insight into a time and an age'. --- Kate Williams'Martin Williams has written a fascinating and absorbing account of the Edwardian era, the demise and funeral of the King, and the iconic Black Ascot that followed it. He has brought a lost age grippingly to light'. --- Hugo Vickers'witty, informative and immensely readable... captures the spirit of the times'. --- Miranda Seymour'A tour de force'. --- Dr Kate Strasdin'We tend to think that Cecil Beaton single-handedly invented the Edwardian Age. Martin Williams shows us succinctly and elegantly that perhaps it was the King himself.' --- Nicky Haslam'... moves with unflagging wit and style. A fresh perspective on a brilliant life and a lost era beautifully evoked, it is impossible not to be swept away by this gem of a book. Pure pleasure.' --- Robin Muir'a must-have... a wonderful and thought-provoking read.' --- The Historian'...a book about a changed and changing world trying to cope with even more change...beautifully written [and] timely' --- The Catholic Herald'...resonates powerfully with our own recent experience of collective mourning...Williams describes the king's gradual demise in evocative detail.' --- Air MailUnforgettable as it was, the public response to the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 was not without precedent. When her great-grandfather King Edward VII - glamorous, cosmopolitan and extraordinarily popular - died in May 1910, the political, social and cultural anxieties of a nation in turmoil were temporarily set aside during a summer of intense and ritualised mourning.In The King is Dead, Long Live the King! Martin Williams charts a period of tension and transition as one era slipped away and another took shape. Witnessed by a diverse but interconnected cast of characters - crowned heads and Cabinet ministers, debutantes and suffragettes, artists and murderers - here is the swansong of Edwardian Britain. Set against a backdrop of bereavement and parliamentary crisis overshadowed by the gathering clouds of war, we see a people caught between past and future, tradition and modernity, as they unite to bid farewell to a much-loved monarch who had personified his age. From Buckingham Palace to Bloomsbury, and from the lying-in-state in Westminster Hall to a now legendary Royal Ascot enveloped in black, this is a vivid evocation of a world on the brink of seismic upheaval.

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MyMaths for Key Stage 3 is the brand new course that works with MyMaths to fully deliver the new curriculum, allowing you to finally replace your tired old Framework materials. With a truly differentiated structure so that all abilities can access the new curriculum, the course is underpinned by a 'learn it once and learn it well' philosophy that enables coherent teaching and learning. All resources are written by teachers for teachers, so you can be confident that it will work practically in the classroom. This student book is for lower ability students nearing the end of Key Stage 3, and allows them to prepare for GCSE or other Key Stage 4 qualifications. Its emphasis on gradual but visible progression and visual engagement, combined with a focus on fluency, reasoning and problem-solving, makes this book an essential resource in your Key Stage 3 maths delivery. The innovative features My Summary, My Review, My Practice and My Assessment all provide a clear emphasis on students' appreciation of their own attainment, and engaging case studies show how maths is relevant to the students' world. With the unique direct links throughout to the MyMaths site, this book will help to bring maths alive for your lower-level students.

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MyMaths for Key Stage 3 is a brand new course that works with MyMaths to deliver the new KS3 curriculum, so you can replace your outdated Framework materials. With a truly differentiated structure so that all abilities can access the new curriculum, the scheme is underpinned by a 'learn it once and learn it well' philosophy that enables coherent teaching and learning. All resources are written by teachers for teachers, so you can be confident it will work practically in the classroom. The emphasis on visible progression and visual engagement, along with direct links to MyMaths, will bring maths alive. This student book is for lower ability students embarking on Key Stage 3, and allows them to build secure foundations based on Upper Key Stage 2 principles. Its emphasis on gradual but visible progression and visual engagement, combined with a focus on fluency, reasoning and problem-solving, makes this book an essential resource in your Key Stage 3 maths delivery. The innovative features My Summary, My Review, My Practice and My Assessment all provide a clear emphasis on students' appreciation of their own attainment, and engaging case studies show how maths is relevant to the students' world. With the unique direct links throughout to the MyMaths site, this book will help to bring maths alive for your lower-level students.

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Stretch yourself to achieve the highest grades, with structured syllabus coverage, varied exam-style questions and annotated sample answers, to help you to build the essential skill set for exam success.- Benefit from expert advice and tips on skills and knowledge from experienced subject authors- Effectively manage your revision with a brand-new introduction that clearly outlines what is expected from you in the exam- Keep track of your own progress with a handy revision planner- Use the new glossary-index section to identify and address gaps in knowledge- Consolidate and apply your understanding of key content and skills with short 'Test yourself' and exam-style questions

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MyMaths for Key Stage 3 is the brand new course that works with MyMaths t to fully deliver the new curriculum, allowing you to finally replace your tired old Framework materials. With a truly differentiated structure so that all abilities can access the new curriculum, the course is underpinned by a 'learn it once and learn it well' philosophy that enables coherent teaching and learning. All resources are written by teachers for teachers, so you can be confident that it will work practically in the classroom. This student book is for lower ability students moving through Key Stage 3, and allows them to build on knowledge acquired earlier in the key stage. Its emphasis on gradual but visible progression and visual engagement, combined with a focus on fluency, reasoning and problem-solving, makes this book an essential resource in your Key Stage 3 maths delivery. The innovative features My Summary, My Review, My Practice and My Assessment all provide a clear emphasis on students' appreciation of their own attainment, and engaging case studies show how maths is relevant to the students' world. With the unique direct links throughout to the MyMaths site, this book will help to bring maths alive for your lower-level students.

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