Search Results for: Gift and Humour

‘What would you be if you weren’t Irish?’ asked the barman.


Pat replied, ‘Ashamed!’


There are two types of people in this world: the Irish, and those who wish they were. But wherever you’re from, The Little Book of Irish Jokes is packed with grand gags and Celtic wisecracks that will give you the gift of the gab and a belly full of laughs.

Hamish decided to call his father-in-law ‘The Exorcist’ because every time he came to visit he made the spirits disappear.
If you’re Scottish, you like a wee joke. Aye, and you can take one just as well. Packed with the very best one-liners and yarns from the land of the brave, The Little Book of Scottish Jokes will get you guffawing in no time.

Who would live in a country where no child is allowed to win a race on sports day and you can lose your job for forwarding an ‘Irish joke’ email? About 60 million Britons, that’s who!
This laugh-out-loud collection of ludicrous laws, political correctness gone mad, moneywasting council schemes and ridiculous red tape reveals how:
Trapeze artists were told by insurers to wear hard hats in accordance with the European Union’s Temporary Work at Heights directive. After falling in the prison shower, a career criminal was compensated £248,000, including a substantial amount ‘for lost earnings’. A phone contractor was not qualified to dig a six-inch-deep trench because he did not have ‘underground capability’. NB: This book doesn’t come with a safety warning. If you cut yourself on the paper, you can sod off.

Having a good old moan about little everyday frustrations is a quintessential part of being British, and when it comes to barmy bureaucracy we can really get our knickers in a twist! This book collects the most mind-boggling and side-splitting examples of potty political correctness, ridiculous red tape and well-intentioned (but ultimately wacky) warnings from across bonkers Britain today.
Discover the ‘infallible logic’ that inspired a toy manufacturer to point out to customers that its plastic broomstick doesn’t really fly, the ‘dutiful consideration’ that led to sex being described as ‘cooperative physical fitness’, and the ‘forward thinking’ that resulted in a sign advising against hogging the middle lane being displayed on a two-lane motorway. But be warned: this book may induce bouts of uncontrollable laughter and should only be used by those properly trained in lifting books and turning pages.

Have you ever wanted to know…




Which junction to take for Gibraltar?


How to save £35,040 a year on Dartford Crossing tolls?


How many assassins were buried within the concrete of the M25? (at least one)


Why it’s important that North Ockendon declares itself independent from Greater London at the earliest opportunity?




This indispensable biography of a road profiles the 117 miles of Britain’s most infamous motorway, from its controversial origins to its present-day status as backdrop to the lives and commutes of millions. Told with Ray Hamilton’s trademark powers of observation and off-the-wall humour, it is an eye-opening account of the stuff you didn’t know about the M25 – including the action, sightseeing or nature-loving fun you can have coming off at any junction – and a very different view of the stuff you did know.

With quips, quotes and insults from classic favourites William Shakespeare and Jane Austen to modern humorists Stephen Fry and Billy Connolly, this delightful book will ensure you’re never at a loss for the perfect witticism.

‘In politics, if you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.’
Margaret Thatcher
‘Instead of getting married again, I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and just give her a house.’
Rod Stewart
Ever been at a loss for words? Ever wished that the perfect wry remark or putdown would spring to mind?
The great, the good, the intellectual and the downright insulting can all be found in Brit Wit. With wonderful one-liners from such formidable figures as Churchill and Shakespeare to more recent luminaries of British stage, screen and society including Michael Caine, Victoria Wood and Eddie Izzard, Brit Wit celebrates all that makes Britain brilliant.

THE HISTORY OF BRITAIN AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.
Take a whistle-stop journey through time to discover the remarkable people, places, artefacts and events that make up the story of Britain through the ages. Discover the stomach-churning scope of Henry VIII’s voluminous diet, learn about the engineering excellence behind the Supermarine Spitfire and brush up on your knowledge of iconic British TV and radio programmes. These and many more fascinating facts are presented in this beautifully designed infographic guide to the best bits of Blighty!

‘Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.’  Charles Haughey
From classic favourites Oscar Wilde and W. B. Yeats to modern greats including Maeve Binchy and Spike Milligan, this delightful book of quips, quotes and insults celebrates the very essence of Ireland and ensures that the perfect Irish witticism will always be at your fingertips.

INNOVATIVE. ICONIC. BRITISH.

This fascinating, full-colour, photographic compendium invites you to discover Britain in a new way: through the objects that are part of the fabric of contemporary life in the UK, showcasing a wealth of classic British design, as well as treasured everyday items.

Did you know…

…that the oldest tree in Wales is a yew in Llangernyw in Conwy, thought to be around 4,000 years old?

… that London is one of only three cities worldwide to have hosted both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games?

… that Ebenezer Place in Wick, Caithness, is officially recognised as the shortest street in the world, at a mere 206 cm (81 in.) in length?

From a Scottish waterfall three times the height of Niagara Falls to the last foreign invasion of Britain and the birthplace of the first Oscar-winning Welshman, The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer brings together hundreds of remarkable facts and feats each pertaining to a different location from across Britain and Ireland. As much an accessible and informative reference book as it is an entertaining miscellany, it aims to expand our knowledge of these extraordinary islands while uncovering and celebrating some of their most remarkable people and places.

Take a tour through the Big Smoke via road, rail and river, and discover…
What the official difference is between a ‘taxi’ and a ‘cab’. Why the iconic Routemaster was withdrawn from regular service in 2005. How much of the Underground is actually below ground. Why London’s first tramway was threatened with closure in the same year it opened. Which was the first ferry to operate passenger trips across the Thames. Every year London opens its doors to a staggering 16 million people, all wanting to get to their destination of choice in the shortest time possible. Yet for many of us, the beauty and clockwork of the transport we use, be it taxi, Tube, bus, bike or boat, is a part of the London experience we tend to forget. From the iconic red buses to the abandoned Tube stations and the engineering achievements to the cultural highlights, this book celebrates everything you’ve ever wanted to know about getting around in London, and much, much more.

Lagom (pronounced lah-gom) is a Swedish word that means ‘not too much and not too little, but just the right amount’. It’s about achieving a happy and healthy balance in all aspects of your life, such as eating and drinking in moderation, being environmentally and socially conscious, setting realistic goals and living within your means.
The Little Book of Lagom is packed with practical ways to apply this ethos of moderation and fairness in your everyday life, from thrifty tips for being more energy efficient and creating less waste to ways of using your time more productively and allowing yourself moments to pause and think, and be happy.
Be kind to yourself and simplify your life. Think Lagom.
 
 

Hygge (pronounced ‘hue-ga’) is a Danish word that describes the feeling of being cosy, comfortable and at peace with the world. It’s almost impossible to translate into English, but this concept might explain why Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world.
The Art of Hygge is packed with delicious recipes to share with friends, craft ideas for decorating your home, and inspirational suggestions for enjoying the magic of everyday pleasures. Whether it’s a soothing mug of hot chocolate, a tasty butternut squash soup or a snuggly pair of felt slippers, you’ll find that a little hygge brings a lot of happiness!

‘We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation.’
Voltaire

Scotland is loved for its sublime mountain ranges, its breathtaking castles and for being the birthplace of legendary cultural figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Sean Connery. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to fly St Andrew’s Cross high and show the world that you are proud to be Scottish! 

Celebrate your roots and explore some of Scotland’s most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for any bonnie lad or lass.

CYMRU AM BYTH

Wales is loved for its idyllic countryside and beaches, an accent more sonorous than the song of a bird and for being the birthplace of legendary cultural figures such as Dylan Thomas and Richard Burton. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to fly The Red Dragon high and show the world that you are proud to be Welsh!

Celebrate your roots and explore some of Wales’ most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for anyone who loves the land of song.

Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and rich histories have long moved great writers and poets to capture their glory.

Ranging from timeless prose to lyrical poetry, from incisive wit to thoughtful social commentary, these stirring volumes collect the most inspiring praise for our beloved countries.

England’s beautiful landscapes and rich histories have long moved great writers and poets to capture their glory.

Ranging from timeless prose to lyrical poetry, from incisive wit to thoughtful social commentary, these stirring volumes collect the most

Inspiring praise for our beloved countries.

‘This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.’
William Shakespeare, Richard II

England is loved for its beautiful landscapes, its great sporting history and for being the birthplace of celebrated figures such as William Shakespeare and Florence Nightingale. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to show the world you’re proud to be English!

Celebrate your roots and explore some of England’s most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for any lover of this green and pleasant land.

‘Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.’     
Scandinavian proverb
Hygge – the now familiar Danish word for warmth, cosiness, peace and harmony – is something we all aspire to. This charming little book, filled with comforting quotes and simple tips, will help you kindle this cosiness in your own life. Light a candle, snuggle up and celebrate the things that make life good.

She’s the most well-known woman on the planet, but while many of us know of her love of animals, her taste in fashion and her attendances at Royal Ascot, there is a wealth of information beyond this about our Queen.
Did you know for example that she was the first monarch to circumnavigate the globe? That she was the first female member of the Royal Family to serve in the armed forces? Or that she collected clothing coupons to get the material for her wedding dress?
Here’s a book packed with fascinating facts to celebrate our wonderful Queen.

‘We may have bad weather in Ireland, but the sun shines in the hearts of the people and that keeps us all warm.’
Anonymous

Enjoy this leprechaun-sized guide to all that’s best about the Emerald Isle, from myths and legends to must-see places to visit, interspersed with hilarious one-liners, jokes and plenty of Irish charm.

Dear Erin, how sweetly thy green bosom rises!
An emerald set in the ring of the sea.
John Philpot Curran

Ireland is loved for its lush, green countryside, its historical cities and picturesque towns and for being the birthplace of celebrated figures such as Oscar Wilde and Van Morrison. Yes, without further ado, it’s time to show the world that you’re proud to be Irish! 

Celebrate your roots and explore some of Ireland’s most fascinating facts and charming quotes in this miscellany fit for anyone who loves the emerald isle.

Ireland’s beautiful landscapes and rich histories have long moved great writers and poets to capture their glory.

Ranging from timeless prose to lyrical poetry, from incisive wit to thoughtful social commentary, these stirring volumes collect the most inspiring praise for our beloved countries.