Search results for ""elliott thompson limited""

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING 'Funny, accessible and full of wonders' Melissa Harrison, author of The Stubborn Light of Things Lev Parikian is on a joyful journey to discover the quirks, habits and wonders of how we experience nature. ___ It’s often said that we're a nation of nature lovers, but what does that really mean? Lev Parikian sets out to explore the many ways that he, and we, experience the natural world - from pavement to garden and from wildlife reserve to far-flung island. He visits the haunts of famous nature lovers to examine their insatiable curiosity; meets ramblers, birders and den-builders; and gets up close and personal with the nature he finds everywhere - including the kitchen sink. Open a window, hear the birds calling and join this warm and generous journey into the tangled bank. ___ ‘If, like me, you've got more *into nature* in the last few months, but sometimes feel a bit excluded by nature writing, then this book will make you feel included and welcomed.’ Tracey Thorn ‘A witty, touching and profound book about one man's burgeoning relationship with the natural world - and it's also a joy to read.’ Stephen Moss ‘Lev's endearing child-like joy at even the smallest of encounters is infectious.’ BBC Wildlife Magazine

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An illuminating account of the importance of public investment in arts and culture.

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In the future, how many identities will you have? How many do you want? Digital technology is causing us to think differently about who we are and who we could become, but with the right knowledge we can turn this incredible capacity to our advantage. 'Who am I?' is one of the most fundamental questions of all. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to answer as technology enables us to negotiate and create many different versions of ourselves. In our digital, data-driven world, Facebook gets a say in verifying who we are, science can alter our biology, and advances in AI are revolutionizing not only how we interact online but with the physical world around us. Understanding and defining ourselves is becoming confusing but, as this fascinating book argues, it is possible to embrace this new era of transformation while preserving our autonomy. In The Future of You, Professional futurist Tracey Follows shows how our personal freedoms and potential will be transformed over the coming decades. From health passports, bio-hacking and relationships with machines to mind clones, digital voting and virtual legacies beyond the grave, we need to understand these vital issues today so that we might design the future of our identity tomorrow. 'This fascinating book explores the way that emerging technologies such as AI might affect the nature of personal identity and personhood. It paints an intriguing, thought-provoking, and occasionally disturbing picture.' Michael Wooldridge, author of The Road to Conscious

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Tales of escape and adventure on Britain's waterways; In The Pull of the River two foolhardy explorers do what we would all love to do: they turn their world upside down and seek adventure on their very own doorstep.; In a handsome, homemade canoe, painted a joyous nautical red the colour of Mae West's lips, Matt and his friend James delve into a watery landscape that invites us to see the world through new eyes.; Over chalk, gravel, clay and mud; through fields, woodland, villages, towns and cities, they reveal many places that otherwise go unnoticed and perhaps unloved, finding delight in the Waveney, Stour, Alde/Ore, upper and lower Thames, Lark, Great Ouse, Granta and Cam, Wye, Otter, Colne, Severn and the Great Glen Trail.; Showing that it is still possible to get lost while knowing exactly where you are, The Pull of the River is a beautifully written exploration of nature, place and friendship, and an ode to the great art - and joy - of adventure.

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Have you ever wondered why we can afford to buy far more clothes than our grandparents ever could . . . but may be less likely to own a home in which to keep them all? Why your petrol bill can double in a matter of months, but it never falls as fast?; Behind all of this lies economics.; It's not always easy to grasp the complex forces that are shaping our lives. But by following a dollar on its journey around the globe, we can start to piece it all together.; The dollar is the lifeblood of globalisation. Greenbacks, singles, bucks or dead presidents: call them what you will, they are keeping the global economy going. Half of the notes in circulation are actually outside of the USA - and many of the world's dollars are owned by China.; But what is really happening as our cash moves around the world every day, and how does it affect our lives? By following $1 from a shopping trip in suburban Texas, via China's central bank, Nigerian railroads, the oilfields of Iraq and beyond, The Almighty Dollar reveals the economic truths behind what we see on the news every day. Why is China the world's biggest manufacturer - and the USA its biggest customer? Is free trade really a good thing? Why would a nation build a bridge on the other side of the planet?; In this illuminating read, economist Dharshini David lays bare these complex relationships to get to the heart of how our new globalised world works, showing who really holds the power, and what that means for us all.

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As seen on ITV in the Zoe Ball Book Club; An assassin's bullet. A deadly conspiracy. But who is calling the shots?; `A twisty, action-packed conspiracy thriller. Kent knows how to bring the thrills' -- MASON CROSS, author of the Carter Blake series; When an attempted assassination sparks a chain reaction of explosive events across London, Britain's elite security forces seem powerless to stop the chaos threatening to overwhelm the government.; As the dark and deadly conspiracy unfolds, three strangers find their fates entwined: Joe Dempsey, a deadly military intelligence officer; Sarah Truman, a CNN reporter determined to get her headline; and Michael Devlin, a Belfast-born criminal barrister with a secret past.; As the circle of those they can trust grows ever smaller, Dempsey, Devlin and Truman are forced to work in the shadows, caught in a life-or-death race against the clock, before the terrible plot can consume them all.

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As seen on ITV in the Zoe Ball Book Club; An assassin's bullet. A deadly conspiracy. But who is calling the shots?; `A twisty, action-packed conspiracy thriller. Kent knows how to bring the thrills' -- MASON CROSS, author of the Carter Blake series; When an attempted assassination sparks a chain reaction of explosive events across London, Britain's elite security forces seem powerless to stop the chaos threatening to overwhelm the government.; As the dark and deadly conspiracy unfolds, three strangers find their fates entwined: Joe Dempsey, a deadly military intelligence officer; Sarah Truman, a CNN reporter determined to get her headline; and Michael Devlin, a Belfast-born criminal barrister with a secret past.; As the circle of those they can trust grows ever smaller, Dempsey, Devlin and Truman are forced to work in the shadows, caught in a life-or-death race against the clock, before the terrible plot can consume them all.

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A new conversation is starting on this most universal of topics. But to know where we are heading, we need to know where we have come from...Death is the one subject we will all confront; it touches our families, our homes, our hearts. And yet we have grown used to denying its existence, treating it as an enemy to be beaten back with medical advances. What led us to this point - what drove us to sanitize death and make it foreign and unfamiliar? In Death's Summer Coat Brandy Schillace explores our past to examine what it might mean for our future. From Victorian Britain to contemporary Cambodia, forgotten customs and modern-day rituals, we learn about the incredibly diverse - and sometimes just incredible - ways in which humans have dealt with mortality in different times and places. Today, as we begin to talk about mortality, there are difficult questions to face. What does it mean to have a 'good death'? What should a funeral do? As Schillace shows, talking about death and the rituals associated with it can help to provide answers. It also brings us closer together. And conversation and community are just as important for living as for dying.Some of the stories are strikingly unfamiliar; others are far more familiar than you might suppose. But all reveal a lot about the present - and about ourselves. It's time to meet the new (old) death. As seen reviewed in The Guardian in the article Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty review - startling stories from the crematorium. If you are keen to learn more, you can listen to the interview with Brandy Schillace on Radio Gorgeous or the interview on BBC Radio 4 Thinking Allowed, both to be aired in May 2015.

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How do you apologise when you're not sorry? Where can you make a fortune out of pretending to know the future? What's the best way to steal credit and avoid blame? These are the vital life skills that people need if they're going to make their way in the world. And they all involve one ingredient: flannel, the art of not saying what you mean. It's not exactly lying, but it's definitely not telling the truth. In Romps, Tots and Boffins, Robert Hutton brilliantly 'laid bare' the true meanings of the words we read in the papers. Following popular demand, he now turns his razor-sharp eye to the best, worst and most outlandish examples of waffle, fudging, obscurity, blame-shifting and point-scoring. In areas from politics to sports, academia, religion and self-help, it seems that glory, money and power flow far more freely to those who sidestep bald, ugly realities. You can steer a truck through the gap between a lie and the simple truth. This book tells you how to load the truck.

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GRIPPING - IAN RANKIN; A thrilling follow-up to one of 2018’s hottest debuts, Killer Intent; When London’s legal establishment is shaken to its foundation by the grisly crucifixion of a retired Lord Chief Justice, Detective Chief Inspector Joelle Levy is tasked with finding his killer. With fifty years of potential enemies to choose from, only the identical murder of former solicitor Adam Blunt offers a ray of hope: what is it that connects these victims who met such a gruesome end?; Assigned to the story from the start, news reporter Sarah Truman sets out to investigate on her own, not suspecting that the trail will lead straight back to her own front door and her fiancé Michael Devlin. A criminal barrister determined to prove the innocence of his own client, Michael is at first oblivious to the return of the murderous figure from his past – until tragedy strikes closer to home.; Struggling with his grief and guilt, and now caught up in a madman’s terrible quest for revenge, Michael must race to bring the killer to justice – before it’s too late.

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-----; 'Hope is the alchemy that turns a life around, and Bernadette’s Russell’s delightful and informative book gives us the toolkit to ignite hope in each of us.' - Julia Samuel, author of Grief Works and This Too Shall Pass; Whether we're grieving or afraid, worn down by everyday troubles or relentless bad news, there is always hope. As an expert on the multiple benefits of hope and kindness, Bernadette Russell reveals how hope can be nurtured by all of us, even in uncertain times.; Filled with cutting-edge research, timeless philosophy and tales of triumph over adversity, this uplifting and essential toolkit will give you all you need to cultivate hope in yourself, your community and in our future.; With plenty of 'try this' tips and case studies of everyday 'hope heroes', How to Be Hopeful will inspire you to live and to act with renewed hope for a more compassionate world.; Hope is the fuel that transforms our lives.; -----; 'The perfect book for troubling times. The ideas and exercises in How To Be Hopeful will soothe your soul.' - Katherine May, author of Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times; 'Everyone needs to read this book.' - Dr Mark Williamson, director of ACTION FOR HAPPINESS; 'Bernadette reminds us of our values and ideals and that each of us has power to affect change.' - Vera Chok, co-author of The Good Immigrant; 'Exactly what is needed right now. Hope AND action.' - Stella Duffy O.B.E, author and co-founder of Fun Palaces campaign for cultural democracy

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In 2013 it is possible that Israel, backed by the United States, will launch an attack on Iran. This would be a catastrophic event, risking war, bloodshed and global economic collapse. In this passionate, but rationally argued essay, the authors attempt to avert a potential global catastrophe by showing that the grounds for war do not exist, that there are no Iranian nuclear weapons, and that Iran would happily come to a table and strike a deal. They argue that the military threats aimed by the West against Iran contravene international law, and argue that Iran is a civilised country and legitimate power across the Middle East. For years Peter Oborne and David Morrison have, in their respective fields, examined the actions of our political classes and found them wanting. Now they have joined forces to make a powerful case against military action. In the wake of the Iraq war, will the politicians listen?

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Jewels in the Crown provides an analysis of Tata's acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008, and subsequent transformation of their fortunes, written by an award-winning motoring writer. Ray Hutton goes behind the scenes to examine how Tata have not only returned the business to profit, but also transformed the public image of these long-established British brands. At the time of the takeover, both brands (once the crown jewels of the British motor industry) had been tarnished by a patchy reputation for quality and reliability. Tata bought a new approach to the business, with fast decision-making and a solid, sustainable, long-term strategy. Factory efficiency was improved and a major export drive accompanied by a succession of carefully-positioned new models, from the Jaguar XJ Saloon and F-Type sports car to the Evoque and the new, lighter but more luxurious Range Rover flagship. The result was a remarkable change of fortunes. This book shows how it was done.

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‘Urgent, compulsively readable and powerfully resonant’ Sinclair McKay You know Oppenheimer, the man who created the atomic bomb… Now meet the men who detonated it, and the extraordinary weight of their decisions… Road to Surrender by New York Times bestselling author Evan Thomas is a riveting, immersive account of the agonizing decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan – a crucial turning point in World War II and geopolitical history. At 9:20 a.m. on the morning of May 30, General Groves receives a message to report to the office of the secretary of war “at once.” Stimson is waiting for him. He wants to know: has Groves selected the targets yet? So begins this suspenseful, impeccably researched history that draws on new access to diaries to tell the story of three men who were intimately involved with America’s decision to drop the atomic bomb—and Japan’s decision to surrender. They are Henry Stimson, the American Secretary of War, who had overall responsibility for decisions about the atom bomb; Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz, head of strategic bombing in the Pacific, who supervised the planes that dropped the bombs; and Japanese Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo, the only one in Emperor Hirohito’s Supreme War Council who believed even before the bombs were dropped that Japan should surrender. Henry Stimson had served in the administrations of five presidents, but as the U.S. nuclear program progressed, he found himself tasked with the unimaginable decision of determining whether to deploy the bomb. The new president, Harry S. Truman, thus far a peripheral figure in the momentous decision, accepted Stimson’s recommendation to drop the bomb. Army Air Force Commander Gen. Spaatz ordered the planes to take off. Like Stimson, Spaatz agonized over the command even as he recognized it would end the war. After the bombs were dropped, Foreign Minister Togo was finally able to convince the emperor to surrender. To bring these critical events to vivid life, bestselling author Evan Thomas draws on the diaries of Stimson, Togo and Spaatz, contemplating the immense weight of their historic decision. In Road to Surrender, an immersive, surprising, moving account, Thomas lays out the behind-the-scenes thoughts, feelings, motivations, and decision-making of three people who changed history. ‘This dramatic, you-are-there masterpiece provides a convincing explanation of one of the great moral questions of 20th century history: was America right to drop the atom bomb on Japan at the end of World War II? … This is an indispensable book for those who want to understand the moral issues surrounding the use of great power.’ Walter Isaacson ‘In this meticulously crafted and vivid account, Evan Thomas tells the gripping and terrifying story of the last days of the Second World War in the Pacific. Writing with insight and understanding, he recreates for us those critical moments when, for better or worse, the decisions, from the dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the Japanese surrender, were made.’ Margaret MacMillan

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‘It is a love letter not just to the river, but to the rhythms of family life by its banks. Warm, witty, and in parts, deeply moving’ SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL An evocative account of one man’s life spent fishing on arguably the world’s best salmon river: a story of family, tradition and the Scottish countryside. Against the shifting moods and seasons of Scotland’s River Tweed, A River Runs Through Me tells the story of a lifelong relationship with one of its most iconic denizens: the Atlantic salmon. Through vivid vignettes and family memories, Andrew Douglas-Home spins a homely yet dryly witty narrative, placing this unique fish and river at its heart. Woven into the decades, amid youthful adventure and memorable catches, are stories too of one of Scotland’s oldest families – tales of politics, friendship and stewardship of the natural world. This poignant and thoughtful book looks back at age-old practices and traditions but also forward to what we must do to secure the future of the Atlantic salmon and their rivers. It is the perfect companion for any angling enthusiast. ‘The perfect fishing companion … his book is a delight.’ JEREMY PAXMAN ‘Andrew Douglas-Home and his family are inseparably identified with Tweed, perhaps the most glorious river in Britain, in which its salmon contribute mightily to its beauty. No one is better qualified than the author to write about fishing, wildlife and the wondrous flow of sparkling water across the Borders.’ SIR MAX HASTINGS ‘An absolute delight… [Andrew Douglas-Home] is a born writer… A River Runs Through Me is unlike any other fishing book I know.’ TOM FORT ‘Delivered in more than 50 short, shard-like chapters, [A River Runs Through Me] is considerably more than the sum of its parts… The joie de vivre that this nicely idiosyncratic book exudes makes it memorable.’ David Profumo, Country Life

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The incredible story of Heinrich Himmler’s physician who saved thousands of lives. With a new introduction by bestselling author Norman Ohler, which addresses Kersten’s flawed legacy. In 1938, before the outbreak of the Second World War, Dr Felix Kersten an avuncular Finnish physician was introduced to Heinrich Himmler, the chief architect of the Holocaust. Seemingly the only person who could cure Himmler of his crippling stomach cramps, Kersten worked on Himmler’s vanity and gratitude Kersten to save the lives of thousands of people, and was celebrated across Europe, culminating in Joseph Kessel’s 1961 bestseller, The Man with Miraculous Hands. And yet, Kersten’s historical legacy is not flawless, and a new introduction by bestselling author Norman Ohler, deals with the historical legacy of Kersten’s more exaggerated claims, and asks directly why a man who had done so much good would risk damaging that reputation. Soon to be a major motion picture starring Woody Harrelson, The Man with Miraculous Hands is an extraordinarily revealing portrayal of the deranged atmosphere in Himmler’s court where paranoia and vicious rivalries reigned. Shedding a new light on the darkest days of the twentieth century, the story of Kersten’s life gives us a new way of viewing the history of the Second World War, one that goes beyond the simple idea of heroes and villains.

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___________ A Waterstones Paperback of the Year 2022 A New Statesman Book of the Year 2022 ‘Fascinating… You’ll learn more about the psychological workings of Nazism by reading this superbly researched chronicle… than you will by reading a shelf of wider-canvas volumes on the rise of Nazism.’Daily Mail ‘An utterly absorbing insight into the full spectrum of responses from ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.’The Times ‘Boyd is an outstanding micro-historian.’iNews ___________ Hidden deep in the Bavarian mountains lies the picturesque village of Oberstdorf – a place where for hundreds of years people lived simple lives while history was made elsewhere. Yet even this remote idyll could not escape the brutal iron grip of the Nazi regime. From the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Travellers in the Third Reich comes A Village in the Third Reich: an extraordinarily intimate portrait of Germany under Hitler, shining a light on the lives of ordinary people. Drawing on personal archives, letters, interviews and memoirs, it lays bare their brutality and love; courage and weakness; action, apathy and grief; hope, pain, joy and despair. Within its pages we encounter people from all walks of life – foresters, priests, farmers and nuns; innkeepers, Nazi officials, veterans and party members; village councillors, mountaineers, socialists, slave labourers, schoolchildren, tourists and aristocrats. We meet the Jews who survived – and those who didn’t; the Nazi mayor who tried to shield those persecuted by the regime; and a blind boy whose life was judged ‘not worth living’. This is a tale of conflicting loyalties and desires, of shattered dreams – but one in which, ultimately, human resilience triumphs. These are the stories of ordinary lives at the crossroads of history. ___ ‘Exceptional... Boyd's book reminds us that even the most brutal regimes cannot extinguish all semblance of human feeling'Mail on Sunday ‘Masterly… [an] important and gripping book… [Boyd is] a leading historian of human responses in political extremis.’The Oldie ‘Gripping… vividly depicted… [a] humane and richly detailed book’ Spectator ‘Vivid, moving stories leave us asking "What would I have done?"’ Professor David Reynolds, author of Island Stories “An absorbing, thoroughly recommended read”Family Tree magazine ‘Laying bare the tragedies, the compromises, the suffering and the disillusionment. Exemplary microhistory.’ Roger Moorehouse, author of First to Fight ‘Compelling and evocative’All About History ’The rise of Nazi Germany through the prism of one small village in Bavaria. […] Astonishing’ Jane Garvey on Fortunately… with Fi and Jane ‘incredibly engaging’History of War magazine 'Intensely detailed, exhaustively researched and rendered in almost cinematographic detail, Julia Boyd's A Village In The Third Reich is deeply evocative, redolent of those times and truly revelatory. I learned so much. This is a book I will need to return to again and again, to relearn, refresh and remember. A triumph.' Damien Lewis, author of The Flame of Resistance

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*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER* 'I can't imagine reading a better book this year’ Daily Mirror Tim Marshall's global bestseller Prisoners of Geography showed how every nation’s choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas and concrete. Since then, the geography hasn’t changed. But the world has. In this revelatory new book, Marshall explores ten regions that are set to shape global politics in a new age of great-power rivalry: Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain and Space. Find out why Europe’s next refugee crisis is closer than it thinks as trouble brews in the Sahel; why the Middle East must look beyond oil and sand to secure its future; why the eastern Mediterranean is one of the most volatile flashpoints of the twenty-first century; and why the Earth’s atmosphere is set to become the world’s next battleground. Delivered with Marshall’s trademark wit and insight, this is a lucid and gripping exploration of the power of geography to shape humanity’s past, present – and future. ‘Another outstanding guide to the modern world. Marshall is a master at explaining what you need to know and why.’ Peter Frankopan

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'It's fantastic ... Exactly the book that everybody needs...' Simon Mayo_____Sometimes we all need a little reminder that it's going to be okay... Open The Cabinet of Calm to discover a comforting word that's equal to your troubles.The Cabinet of Calm has been designed to be picked up whenever you need a moment of serenity. Just select the emotion listed that reflects whatever you're feeling and you'll be offered a matching linguistic remedy: fifty-one soothing words for troubled times.These kind words - alongside their definitions and their stories - will bring peace, comfort and delight, and provide fresh hope.Written with a lightness of touch, The Cabinet of Calm shows us that we're not alone. Like language, our emotions are universal: someone else has felt like this before and so there's a word to help, whatever the challenge.So much more than a book of words, The Cabinet of Calm will soothe your soul and ease your mind. It's the perfect gift._____From inside The Cabinet Of Calm...'RESPAIR': a word for a renewed or reinvigorated hope, or a recovery from anguish or hopelessness.'WORLDCRAFT': a collective term for the unique skills, wisdom and experience that an older person has amassed in their lifetime.'MELIORISM': the belief that all things, no matter how bad, can always be improved - given enough determination from people willing to improve them.'SYMMACHY': the act of joining or working together to produce a stronger force than could ever be managed individually - especially in order to overcome something that affects us all.

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When you see your nation's flag fluttering in the breeze, what do you feel?; For thousands of years flags have represented our hopes and dreams. We wave them. Burn them. March under their colours. And still, in the 21st century, we die for them. Flags fly at the UN, on the Arab street, from front porches in Texas. They represent the politics of high power as well as the politics of the mob.; From the renewed sense of nationalism in China, to troubled identities in Europe and the USA, to the terrifying rise of Islamic State, the world is a confusing place right now and we need to understand the symbols, old and new, that people are rallying round.; In nine chapters (covering the USA, UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, international flags and flags of terror), Tim Marshall draws on more than twenty-five years of global reporting experience to reveal the histories, the power and the politics of the symbols that unite us - and divide us.

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From its early inception at the French court to modern-day developments and interpretations, ballet has long had a popular following. Packed full of essential information, this pocket-sized handbook explores the history, performers, composers and music, highlighting the very best ballets and the stand-out tracks that should feature in the collection of any aficionado. Classic FM's Handy Guides are a fun and informative set of introductions to standout subjects within classical music, each of which can be read and digested in one sitting: a perfect collectible series whether you're new to the world of classical music or an aficionado.

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A Guardian Science Book of the Year 2022 ‘When science hits the headlines, Fiona Fox ... is at the heart of the action’ Financial Times ‘This is how to talk about science’ Justin Webb Do you remember the ‘Climategate’ email leak? Or the ‘Frankenfood’-style headlines about the perils of GM foods? What about the time the government sacked its own science advisor for challenging drug laws? Beyond the Hype takes us behind the scenes of some of the most contentious stories in science over the past two decades. From animal research and genetically modified foods to hybrid embryos and a global pandemic, it demonstrates the vital importance of scientists talking to the media – and warns of the damage to public understanding when scientists are silenced on the defining issues of our times. PRAISE FOR BEYOND THE HYPE ‘The way the media covers science stories and breakthroughs has never been more important or relevant . . . This book should be recommended reading’ Jim Al-Khalili, presenter of The Life Scientific ‘The pandemic has repeatedly shown the vital necessity for accurate reporting of science . . . Fox provides some riveting stories about the ups and downs of this continuing struggle.’ David Spiegelhalter, author of The Art of Statistics ‘Engaging, illuminating, important’ Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, Director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism ‘A vivid account of how journalists and scientists interact’ David Willetts, former Minister for Universities and Science ‘A lively insider’s account’ Times Literary Supplement ‘A candid inside account . . . [Fox] reveals how frontline science can be just as messy, complex and feudal as any political drama.’ Anjana Ahuja, co-author of Spike: The Virus Versus the People

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____________ ‘A beautiful memoir of one small plot of land and one complex human mind.’ Amy Liptrot, author of The Outrun ‘So many readers will find themselves in these pages.’ Katherine May, author of Wintering ‘A timely reflection on what it means to be human, and the redemptive power of nature.’ Charlotte Philby ___________ When we find ourselves lost, we all need something to hold on to – to hope for… After moving to a countryside smallholding, Rebecca Schiller finds her family's new life is far from simple. Overwhelmed by what she has taken on and reeling from the turmoil in the wider world, her mind begins to unravel. And so she turns to her two acres, and to the women of this land's past, searching for answers and hope. Here, she stumbles on a wild space where she begins to uncover the hidden layers of her plot's history – and of herself. As a new year arrives, offering a life-changing diagnosis of ADHD and neurodivergence and then a global crisis, the smallholding has become her anchor and her family's shelter – a way to keep herself earthed. *** 'When you think about ADHD . . . do you picture a woman in the bucolic English countryside, raising her children along with an assortment of animals and vegetables? Why not?' Salon.com  ‘So good – tender and penetrating and beautiful – that I just want to tell everyone.’ Lucy Mangan ‘A stunner. Full of wisdom about the world we are all looking at with new eyes.’ Emma Freud ‘A powerfully confessional memoir that excavates important truths about our lives, our selves and our dreams – and what happens when we have to let go.’ Clover Stroud, author of My Wild and Sleepless Nights ‘Incredibly bold, brave, poetic and absolutely beautiful. The "how I moved to a field and had a breakdown book" that desperately needed to be written.’ Sophie Heawood, author of The Hungover Games ‘A book that will reshape how you view the world.’ Kerri ni Dochartaigh, author of Thin Places ‘A much-needed story of resilience drawing on the histories of the people who have gone before and to whom this land once belonged.’ Dr Pragya Agarwal, author of Sway ‘A deeply moving, gritty memoir of hope, disenchantment and unravelling that reads like a song.’ Laetitia Maklouf, author of The Five-Minute Garden ‘Earthed speaks to the struggles of holding on during dark days and the power of hope in hard times.’ Rob Cowen, author of Common Ground

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Where would classical music be without the orchestra? Whether they are of the symphony or chamber variety, every orchestra is made up of a group of musicians playing together as one body to bring the music of the great composers to life. This handy reference guide from Classic FM takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the greatest orchestras at home and abroad, stopping off to explore the world of orchestral instruments, as well as making plenty of musical recommendations along the way. The orchestra is one of the cornerstones of classical music, beloved of music lovers around the world. Packed full of essential information, this pocket-sized handbook explores the make-up and functions of the different sections, from strings to percussion, as well as some of the greatest orchestras around the world and the incredible music that they perform. Classic FM's Handy Guides are a fun and informative set of introductions to standout subjects within classical music, each of which can be read and digested in one sitting: a perfect collectible series whether you're new to the world of classical music or an aficionado.

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For more than 35 years, John 'Hoppy' Hopkins covered the biggest stories in golf, from Major Championships to Ryder Cups and Amateur competitions. During these four decades, he wrote about all the golfing greats and covered the biggest stories of the times. Collected together here for the first time are the very best of his articles, covering a diverse range of golfing stories, from the most memorable of the 120 major championships he covered to his writing on amateur tournaments including the Walker Cup and the Presidents' Putter, as well as profiles and interviews of the finest players to grace the sport. The articles are arranged month by month - giving a unique perspective on the golfing calendar, the changing seasons and stories throughout the golfing year. Perfect reading for John's many fans, and a fascinating portrait of the game's recent history, Hoppy on Golf is the ideal gift for any golf fanatic.

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When did you last climb a tree? Pick some blackberries? Spot a bird of prey? Collect shells on a beach? Plant flowers to help bumble bees? 162 Wild Things To Do is exactly what you need to reconnect with nature. Whether at home, in your local area or at Wildlife Trust nature reserves, this book is packed with inspirational ideas to get active, get outside and see the best of Britain's wildlife. From planting wildlife-friendly plants to taking a nature trail through ancient forests, from saving an endangered species in your garden to spotting whales and dolphins, this family-friendly guide is accessible, practical and perfect for nature-lovers everywhere, young or old.

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From the founder of Simple Politics comes a manifesto for rediscovering the heart of our democracy, reshaping our political system and making the UK a better place for all.

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Just how good is your world knowledge? Challenge friends and family with this interactive quiz book and discover who is the ultimate armchair explorer.

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Compelling and meticulously researched,the riveting life of a maverick Scottish spy.' Charles CummingTHE THRILLING BIOGRAPHY OF ROBERT BRUCE LOCKHART, BRITAIN'S AGENT' IN MOSCOWSir Robert Bruce Lockhart (18871970) was an impressive figure: a diplomat, intelligence agent, conspirator, journalist and propagandist who played a key role in both world wars. He was a man who charmed his way into the confidences of everyone from Leon Trotsky to Anthony Eden. A man whom the influential press baron Lord Beaverbook claimed could well have been prime minister'. And yet Lockhart died almost forgotten and near destitute, a Scottish footnote in the pages of history. Rogue Agentis the first biography of this gifted yet habitually flawed maverick. It chronicles his many exploits, from his time as Britain's Agent' in Moscow, and his role in a plot to bring down the communist regime, to leading the Political Warfare Executive, a secret body responsible for disinformation and propaganda in the Second W

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‘Tony’s books are always absolute belters’ IAN RANKIN ‘The British Jack Reacher’ The Sunday Times ‘Packed with deception and espionage … Kent has become the British Baldacci, and there can be no higher praise.’ Daily Mail Don’t miss Book 5 from criminal barrister and crime author Tony Kent: THE SHADOW NETWORK How do you take down an enemy when no one believes they exist? When the lawyers of alleged war criminal Hannibal Strauss are caught up in a terror attack in The Hague, barrister Michael Devlin immediately suspects all is not what it seems. Teaming up once more with Agent Joe Dempsey, they must find who’s behind it all before any more innocent lives are lost. With their key witness on the run and assassins on their tail, their only lead is a codename: the Monk, a legendary and mysterious foreign agent with a fearsome reputation. But what is his stake in this dangerous game? And just who is part of his shadowy network of spies? Caught in a complicated web of lies, secrets and double agents, there’s no one Dempsey and Devlin can trust but themselves. PRAISE FOR THE SHADOW NETWORK ‘What a ride! The very definition of a fast-paced thriller … Tony Kent’s best yet.’ IMRAN MAHMOOD, AUTHOR OF ALL I SAID WAS TRUE ‘I couldn't put it down!’ STEPH BROADRIBB, AUTHOR OF DEATH ON THE BEACH ‘A blistering, bruising and utterly addictive thriller that never misses.’ NEIL BROADFOOT, AUTHOR OF UNMARKED GRAVES ‘Unrelenting tension, nerve-shredding action, and lightening pace. Joe Dempsey is this decade's Jack Bauer.’ NEIL LANCASTER, AUTHOR OF BLOOD RUNS COLD

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A fascinating exploration of how losing our sense of smell can shape our world, and how the global pandemic transformed our understanding of this mysterious sense.

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___ 'The perfect book for troubling times. The ideas and exercises in How to Be Hopeful will soothe your soul.' Katherine May, author of Wintering 'A gentle, kind reminder that I am not alone in a world.' Vera Chok, co-author of The Good Immigrant ___ A PRACTICAL TOOLKIT FOR A LIFE FULL OF HOPE AND HAPPINESS Bernadette Russell has made it her mission to teach the practice of hope: a lifelong habit that allows us to focus on the positives and the possibilities, no matter what challenges come our way. Even on difficult days, a little hope can go a very long way. This uplifting and essential toolkit is filled with practical exercises, revealing research, timeless philosophy and tales of triumph over adversity. Hope is the fuel that transforms our lives and Bernadette reveals how it can be nurtured by us all step-by-step. How to be Hopeful offers all we need to live and to act with renewed hope for ourselves and for a more compassionate world. Perfect for yourself or as a gift for family and friends. ___ 'Shines a light in the darkest of corners, showing us how to find and nurture hope everywhere.' Janice McGuiness, CEO, People United 'Delightful and informative... the toolkit to ignite hope in each of us.' Julia Samuel, author of This Too Shall Pass ' The perfect antidote to our challenging times. Everyone needs to read this book.' Dr Mark Williamson, director of Action for Happiness

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Nina Anisimova was born in 1909 in imperial St Petersburg. One of the most renowned character dancers of the Stalinist period, she won her way into the hearts of her audience over many decades. Yet few knew that her exemplary career was a fragile construct built atop a dark secret. In 1938, at the height of the Great Terror, Nina vanished. Only a handful of people knew that this famous dancer had not only been arrested by Secret Police as a Nazi Spy, but sentenced to forced labour in a camp in Kazakhstan. There, her art would become a salvation, giving her a reason to fight for her life when she found herself without winter clothes in temperatures of minus 40 degrees. Over the coming weeks, Nina's husband, Kostia Derzhavin, began to piece together what had happened to his wife. What he decided to do next was almost without precedent - to take on the ruthless Soviet state to prove her innocence. He would put himself in danger to save the woman he loved. Dancing for Stalin is a remarkable true story of suffering and injustice of courage, resilience and love.

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‘Like sitting down in front of the best action movie you’ve seen this year. A brilliant, gripping thrill ride.’ Cass Green, author of The Killer Inside A deadly threat. A ghost from the past. And time is running out... When traces of a radioactive material are found alongside a body in Key West, multiple federal agencies suddenly descend on the crime scene. This is not just an isolated murder: a domestic terrorist group is ready to bring the US government to its knees. The threat hits close to home for Agent Joe Dempsey when he discovers a personal connection to the group. With his new team member, former Secret Service agent Eden Grace, Dempsey joins the race to track down the terrorists’ bomb before it’s too late. But when their mission falls apart, he is forced to turn to the most unlikely of allies: an old enemy he thought he had buried in his past. Now, with time running out, they must find a way to work together to stop a madman from unleashing horrifying destruction across the country. ‘A thrilling journey across America that channels Baldacci and Crais, all leading up to the classic ticking clock climax. Terrific.’ Mason Cross, author of What She Saw Last Night ‘What an absolute belter of a book. Dempsey reminds me of an amalgam of 007 and Orphan X. A blistering, two-fisted thriller you won’t want to put down until you’re done.’ Neil Lancaster, author of Dead Man’s Grave ‘A pulsating action thriller’ Sunday Times

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Sometimes we all need a little reminder that it's going to be okay... Open The Cabinet of Calm to discover a comforting word that's equal to your troubles.; The Cabinet of Calm has been designed to be picked up whenever you need a moment of serenity. Just select the emotion listed that reflects whatever you're feeling and you'll be offered a matching linguistic remedy: fifty-one soothing words for troubled times.; From 'melorism' to 'stound', 'carpe noctem' to 'opsimathy', these kind words - alongside their definitions and their stories - will bring peace, comfort and delight, and provide fresh hope.; Written with a lightness of touch, The Cabinet of Calm shows us that we're not alone. Like language, our emotions are universal: someone else has felt like this before and so there's a word to help, whatever the challenge.; So much more than a book of words, The Cabinet of Calm will soothe your soul and ease your mind. It's the perfect gift.

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We're living through The Breakdown. A time of enormous political upheaval and polarised opinion. Many of us feel ill-equipped to understand and debate the issues currently rocking our world. At last, here is a sane voice of reason that cuts through the noise. : Brexit: a chance to take back control or taking us to the brink of disaster? : Immigration: a strain on our country or a crucial part of our economy? : Austerity: essential reduction of national debt or devastating cuts to public spending? : Tax cuts: control over your money or a threat to the welfare system? : Privatisation: Crucial efficiency-boosting competition or the ruthless destruction of our public services? : Ban on plastics: saving the planet or excessive government interference? : The Breakdown will give you all the tools to work out what's happening and why - and then empower you to do something about it.

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It is easy to take for granted the things that are always around us, the people who are always there. And yet they often hold the keys to who we really are.; Nick Duerden's grandparents were always just . . . there. A mysterious yet unchanging presence, a source of dutiful visits, birthday cards and carefully preserved rituals: lunches, dinners and endless card games. ; But, as he enters midlife, and his 98-year-old grandmother enters a care home, he realises that, like so many of us, he should perhaps have paid more attention to her true worth years before.; As Nick goes in search of the secrets his late mother took to the grave, he finds it can be the smallest things that keep us together when so much is left unspoken. This is a memoir of the tiny dramas that fill all our lives, and a celebration of the special ties that can bind two intimately connected strangers. Tender and poignant, it captures the richness, and also the complexity, of family life.

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Have you ever wondered why we can afford to buy far more clothes than our grandparents ever could . . . but may be less likely to own a home in which to keep them all? Why your petrol bill can double in a matter of months, but it never falls as fast?; Behind all of this lies economics.; It's not always easy to grasp the complex forces that are shaping our lives. But by following a dollar on its journey around the globe, we can start to piece it all together.; The dollar is the lifeblood of globalisation. Greenbacks, singles, bucks or dead presidents: call them what you will, they are keeping the global economy going. Half of the notes in circulation are actually outside of the USA - and many of the world's dollars are owned by China.; But what is really happening as our cash moves around the world every day, and how does it affect our lives? By following $1 from a shopping trip in suburban Texas, via China's central bank, Nigerian railroads, the oilfields of Iraq and beyond, The Almighty Dollar reveals the economic truths behind what we see on the news every day. Why is China the world's biggest manufacturer - and the USA its biggest customer? Is free trade really a good thing? Why would a nation build a bridge on the other side of the planet?; In this illuminating read, economist Dharshini David lays bare these complex relationships to get to the heart of how our new globalised world works, showing who really holds the power, and what that means for us all.

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The relationship between England and its gardens might be described as a love affair; gardening is one of our national passions, rooted in history. The eighteenth century is often called the Golden Age of English gardening; as the fashion for formal pleasure grounds for the wealthy faded, a new era began, filled with picturesque vistas inspired by nature.; Charting the transformation in our landscapes through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, The Golden Age of the Garden brings the voices of the past alive in newspaper reports, letters, diaries, books, essays and travelogues, offering contemporary gardening advice, principles of design, reflections on nature, landscape and plants, and a unique perspective on the origins of our fascination with gardens.; Exploring the different styles, techniques and innovations, and the creation of many of the stunning spaces that visitors still flock to see today, this is an evocative and rewarding collection for all gardeners and garden-lovers seeking insight, ideas and surprises.

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Nearly all of us will, at some point, know someone who was born with a heart defect. But, as the surgical scars so often remain hidden, we just might not realise it.; Powerfully telling of the patients and their experiences, Open Hearts is a remarkable medical story: we are often so focused on 'extraordinary' people and their achievements, we forget just how incredible the 'ordinary' achievements of living can be.; Until the 1960s 'blue babies' were a striking sight in our streets. Suffering from congenital heart disease offered a bleak outlook to young patients and a heartbreaking experience for parents. Very few would make it to adulthood; now, in the West at least, most have a much higher chance of survival.; In Open Hearts Kate Bull, formerly a cardiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, tells not just of the development of heart surgery in children, but of the patients, past and present, whose lives have been transformed. Besides the technology, the sociology of medicine has changed substantially since the 1950s - think of the atmosphere of children's wards.Other things have barely changed - consider the dread of kissing your child goodbye at the door of an operating theatre in any era. ; Children's heart surgery is often seen as a medical triumph; but, for all the successful operations completed, thousands of pioneering patients have gone before, perhaps facing their own uncertain futures. Today, we place great hope in the power of science. Many lives have been saved; but, sometimes, we ask medicine to do more than it can.; By turns frightening, heart-wrenching and inspiring, Open Hearts is a powerful story of medical progress, hope and survival.

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Do you feel stuck or stifled, but struggle to know what to do next? It s time to repot your life. In a world in which we re living longer and change is a necessary yet often uncomfortable process Repotting Your Life is your simple three-step companion to revitalizing your relationships, your priorities or your career, whatever your age: Step 1, Potbound: How to identify that you re stuck and need to make a change. Step 2, Repotting: Offers you the key stages to making a smooth transition Step 3, New Bloom: The process of putting down roots, re-energizing you for your next adventure With verve, wit and wisdom, Repotting Your Life offers the insights and motivation needed to set aside what is no longer working and gives you the tools you need to design a life full of possibility and new bloom.

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At a time when the world is searching for answers to extremism and polarization, The Centre Must Hold shows a more effective brand of politics.

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An immersive travelogue exploring the pervasive mythology and emotional resonance of flooded places, at a time when the waters are rising once more

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'Engaging and hopeful' New Scientist A fascinating exploration of how losing our sense of smell can shape our world, and how the global pandemic transformed our understanding of this mysterious sense. When award-winning reporter Paola Totaro lost her sense of smell to Covid in March 2020, her world changed and dulled in an instant. Trapped in a sensory vacuum without fragrance or flavour, she embarked on a journey of discovery to unravel the mysteries – and eccentricities – of the fifth sense. Our sense of smell shapes our everyday experiences in ways we often don’t even notice. Its loss can affect our emotional wellbeing, our relationships, our ability to interpret the world around us – and yet it has long been regarded as the least important of our senses. But almost overnight, Covid changed everything. As it became clear that loss of smell was a key symptom and the number of sufferers exploded, olfactory researchers suddenly found themselves thrust into the spotlight, with more attention, subjects and funding than ever before. On the Scent is the story of a quest for answers, from the theories of ancient philosophers to the cutting-edge laboratories of 21st century neuroscience. It looks at the extraordinary experiences of patients and scientists alike, offering a unique glimpse into the world of those born without smell as well as those who lose it; exploring how smell can be a key indicator of declining physical health; and showing how new research may offer hope to the millions of people worldwide who have suffered sensory loss. "An enthralling, elegantly written, and poignant exploration of our most neglected sense, one whose role in human life – in memory, emotion, attachment – has suddenly been made vivid by loss.” Peter Godfrey-Smith, author of the bestselling OTHER MINDS "Such an engaging and pleasurable read which should do a lot to lift smell out of the shadows ... packed with insights and observations that bring this topic to life for everyone" Professor Barry Smith, Centre for the Study of the Senses, University of London "Destined to be a bible for anyone who has lost their sense of smell, whether from Covid or not" Chrissi Kelly, AbScent

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'As entertaining as it is engrossing' John Banville 'Enlightening, delightful' Arthur der Weduwen, author of The Library Why don’t eleven and twelve end in –teen? The rest of our counting system sits in neatly arithmetical sets of ten, so why do these two rulebreakers seem so at odds with the numbers that follow them? Admittedly, that’s probably a question that might never have occurred to you. But if you’re even remotely interested in the origins and oddities of language, it’s likely also a question you’re now intrigued to know the answer to. Nor is it the only question: take a moment to think about how our language operates and even more spring mind. Why do these letters look the way they do? Why are some uppercase and others lowercase? Why are these words in this order? How are you understanding what these seemingly arbitrary shapes and symbols mean, while doubtless hearing them read to you in a voice inside your head? And what is this question mark really doing at this end of this sentence? Books explaining the origins of our most intriguing words and phrases have long proved popular, but they often overlook the true nuts and bolts of language: the origins of our alphabet and writing system; grammatical rules and conventions; the sound structure of language; and even how our brains and bodies interpret and communicate language itself. Why Is This a Question? is a fascinating and enlightening exploration of linguistic questions you’ve likely never thought to ask. ‘Every page will make you stop, think and wonder.’ James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England ‘Enthralling, with a riveting “who knew?” moment on nearly every page.’ Caroline Taggart, author of Humble Pie and Cold Turkey

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___ Live a life in step with the seasons. In this enchanting book, Rebecca Beattie – a Wiccan priestess who has practised witchcraft for over twenty years – takes us on a magical journey around the Wheel of the Year. Every six weeks, from the Spring Equinox to the Summer Solstice, from the Autumn Equinox to Imbolc, these restorative moments in nature’s cycle offer a moment to pause and reflect, to reconnect with the seasons and ourselves. The Wheel of the Year is alive with the ebb and flow of the natural world, full of nurturing rituals, rejuvenating wisdom and journal prompts to help you sow seeds of change and thrive. ‘Warm, friendly… Encourages us to pause, rather than rush headlong through life. It's a way to make time and space to really experience the world around us.’ Resurgence & Ecologist ‘An enchanting celebration of eight restorative moments in nature’s cycle’ Caught by the River

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*WINNER OF THE ACKERLEY PRIZE 2023* ‘The most thoughtful and soothing book I’ve read this year.’ Daily Mail ‘There is just one object I want to carry inside the van... It was believed lightning would not strike a house that held a thunderstone. I place this fossil on the windowsill, its surface gleaming like cat’s eyes ahead of me on a dark road.’ In the wake of a traumatic lockdown, Nancy Campbell buys an old caravan and drives it into a strip of neglected woodland between a canal and railway. There is no plumbed water, no electricity point and the walls are as thin as a Kinder egg. But it is the first home she has ever owned. As summer begins, Nancy embraces the challenge of how to live well in a place in which possessions and emotions often threaten to tumble, clearing industrial junk from the soil, forging unconventional friendships off-grid and helping the wild beauty surrounding her to flourish. But when illness and uncertainty loom once more, she has to find a way to hold on to beauty and wonder, to anchor herself in this van, this safe space, this shelter from the storm. An intimate journal across the space of a defining summer, Nancy Campbell’s memoir is celebration of the people and places that hold us when the storms gather; a soul-shaking journey that reminds us what it is to be alive. ___ ‘A beautiful and often very funny account of hope and healing in the face of illness and uncertainty.’ TLS ‘How to find beauty and wonder even in the most trying of circumstances’ The Scotsman ‘An uplifting, heart-filled read full of hope and love.’ Lulah Ellender, author of Grounding

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WINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING 2022 ‘A beautiful inspirational tale set in an extraordinary time.’ Ray Mears ‘Wonderful … they don’t come much more expert than James Aldred’ Lauren Laverne What happens to nature when we are no longer there? In early 2020, wildlife cameraman James Aldred was commissioned to film the lives of a family of goshawks in the New Forest. Then lockdown. No more cars, no more aeroplanes, no one in the woods – except James – in a place empty of people but filled with birdsong and new life. In these silver nights and golden days, there were tumbling fox cubs, calling curlew and, of course, the soaring goshawks – shining like fire through one of our darkest times. A goshawk summer unlike any other; an extraordinary season in the forest. ‘Magical and transporting… a beautiful and deeply evocative hymn to love, hope and connection.’ HELEN MACDONALD, author of H is for Hawk ‘[An] entrancing, acutely observed, beautifully paced diary of the secretive raptor’s breeding season… Fascinating.’ BBC Wildlife

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