Search Results for: Lifestyle

Polish up on the art of becoming a true lady!
Are you…
Planning to visit a friend or family but don’t want to outstay your welcome? Going shopping on a budget but need to improve your negotiating techniques? Attending a formal event and would like to find the perfect ice-breaker? Bursting with witty, practical advice on the ins and outs of etiquette, from how one should dress for a formal occasion to what behaviour one should adopt while travelling abroad, this guide will help every modern woman to deport herself with poise and confidence. 

Polish up on the art of becoming the complete bachelor!
 Are you…
Attending a formal dinner but worried you won’t know which fork to use? Planning a trip abroad but unsure of what to pack? Joining a yachting club and need to know the correct attire?  Bursting with witty, practical advice on the ins and outs of etiquette, from how one should dress for a formal occasion to what behaviour one should adopt while travelling abroad, this guide will help every modern man to deport himself with poise and confidence.

Steve and I clutched hands – his right in my left – and then we simultaneously pushed down with our feet. Cogs clicked, wheels turned, and we were on our way. We left Nordkapp within minutes. Cape Town was only 18,000 kilometres away.
Deciding to break away from his comfortable lifestyle in London, Reza and his friend Steven set off from the most northerly point on mainland Europe to cycle the 11,000 miles to the other end of the planet, completely unsupported.
Their expedition becomes a race against the clock, as they attempt to complete the trip in a world record of just 100 days. Battling punishing terrain and primitive roads, harsh and debilitating climates, malaria, food poisoning and heat stroke, their thrilling journey brings them face to face with some of the world’s most stunning, memorable and volatile regions.
This is the intensely personal story of one man’s mission to create a more positive, purposeful life, and the compelling account of the epic journey he took to get there.

Embark on an exhilarating expedition through human history with this whirlwind tour of the essentials of archaeology

From the ancient wonders of Egypt and Pompeii to the mysteries of lost Mayan civilizations and the enigmatic Nazca Lines in Peru, this captivating guide offers a whirlwind tour of humanity’s past through the art of archaeology.

Archaeology isn’t just about dusty artifacts and buried ruins – it’s about understanding ourselves and our shared history. In this pocket-sized treasure trove, you’ll uncover the secrets of archaeological discovery and exploration and find out how it can illuminate the past, inform the present, and shape the future.

You’ll learn about the pivotal moments and discoveries that changed the way we view the past; meet the trailblazers and pioneers who have shaped the field, from Howard Carter to Kathleen Kenyon; discover the methods and techniques that archaeologists use to unearth, excavate and preserve their findings; and consider contemporary ethical issues surrounding cultural heritage and repatriation.

Packed with fascinating facts, intriguing mysteries and breathtaking discoveries, The Little Book of Archaeology is the perfect companion for anyone curious about the world beneath our feet. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or embarking on your first excavation, this accessible and engaging guide is sure to spark your imagination and ignite your passion for the ancient world.

If you want to know your Socrates from your Sartre and your Confucius from your Kant, strap in for this whirlwind tour of the highlights of philosophy.

Philosophy is a quest for wisdom and knowledge; philosophia in Ancient Greek literally means “love of wisdom”. The aim of philosophy is to ask and explore life’s big questions to help us work out what we can know and how we can live a good life. Today, in a world of fake news, embarking on a quest for truth couldn’t be more important.

This pocket-sized introduction to important philosophers and key philosophical ideas includes accessible primers on:
– The early Greek philosophers and the “big three”: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
– Key schools of philosophy from around the world – from ancient philosophy right up to the present day – and their impact on modern life
– Insights into the main questions philosophers have explored over the years: Who am I? What is the meaning of life? Do I have free will?
– Practical applications for the theories of Descartes, Kant, Wollstonecraft, Marx, Nietzsche and many more.
This illuminating little book will introduce you to the key thinkers, themes and theories you need to know to understand how human ideas have sculpted the world we live in and the way we think today. A perfect gift for anyone taking their first steps into the world of philosophy, as well as for those who want to brush up their knowledge.

Have you ever wondered…

• Who was the youngest WW2 serviceman to fight in battle?

• How low did the Dambusters fly?

• How many ships were sunk at Pearl Harbor?

From the Battle of Britain to the Siege of Leningrad, the horrors of the Holocaust to the D-Day landings, on the Home Front and abroad, the Second World War changed the political, social and economic structure of the world. Through
its battles, aircraft, weapons, soldiers, campaigns and heroes, this comprehensive miscellany is a compelling guide to one of the most destructive and all-encompassing wars the world has ever seen.

Escape to the sunlight and colour of a wild island in the south Aegean.

When Jennifer moves alone into the Honey Factory on a tiny Greek island, bringing a laptop, her hiking boots and plans for a peaceful life, she has no idea what surprises are in store.

Diving into an exciting new life with a fisherman, she learns something every day. Joining the dancing at local festivals and helping at a café on the beach, surviving winter storms and finding a canine companion, she is faced with both challenges and rewards, and discovers that to become an island woman she must live small and think big.

I came here looking for some kind of happiness. I think it might be the cleverest thing I have ever done.

One heartbroken winter, Jennifer decides to act on her dream of moving to a tiny Greek island – because life is too short not to reach out for what makes us happy.

Funny, romantic and full of surprising twists, Falling in Honey is a story about relationships, tzatziki, adventures, swimming, Greek dancing, starfish… and a bumpy but beautiful journey into Mediterranean sunshine.

Join travel writer Tom Chesshyre in this charming celebration of our favourite green spaces from around the world

People love parks – and more than that, people need parks. We crave greenery, fresh air and birdsong. Whether we’re in Colombia or Korea, America or Australia, urban parks are places where we can find calm amid the chaos. They can also (more often than we may realize) conceal intriguing hidden histories, and can tell us something about modern life in our frenzied world, too.

With fondness and humour, travel writer Tom Chesshyre recalls 50 of his favourite urban parks from across the world, in a love letter to the green escapes that bring us joy in our cities.

Fired by a long enthusiasm for all things Greek, Edward Enfield mounts his trusty Raleigh to follow in the footsteps of such notable travellers to Greece as Benjamin Disraeli, Edward Lear and the Romantic poet Lord Byron.

Fortified by delicious fish dinners and quantities of draught retsina, he tackles the formidable roads of the Peloponnese before plunging, on a later trip, into the rugged heartlands of Epirus and Acarnania. His travels are set against the great panorama of Greek history – Greeks and Romans, Turks and Albanians, Venetians, Englishmen and Germans all people his pages.

An enchanting travelogue that combines wit, charm and scholarship, Greece On My Wheels is a superb example of travel writing at its unforgettable best.

Charge into this battle of wits and emerge victorious by putting your knowledge of military history to the test

Whether you choose to while away the hours or simply try a quick-fire quiz, there is plenty within these pages to hone your mental agility. You will need to be on the attack in order to prove your knowledge of everything from warfare and weaponry to tactics and troops, from ancient times to modern combat.

As well as anagrams to annihilate, trivia to target and crosswords to crush, inside these pages you will find a variety of puzzles, including:

– Solve the clues to find some of history’s most notorious missiles
– Conquer the crossword to reveal six classic drill instructions
– Decipher the anagrams to discover the battles that shaped the course of history
– Seek out the Allied fighter aircraft in the grid

What are you waiting for? Arm yourself with a pencil and answer the call of duty!

Did you know?
Ireland has won the Eurovision Song Contest more times (seven!) than any other country. Ireland has had its own version of the Olympics – the Tailteann Games – since the Bronze Age. From the castles, battles and mythology of yore to the landmarks and geography that still impress today, Ireland has the power to captivate us all. This miscellany is fizzing with fascinating trivia about all things Irish, so as well as getting the low-down on their sparkling music scene, rich literary pedigree and sporting greats, you’ll also gain unique insights into all the incomparable things that make Ireland grand. 

Religion flourishes around the globe in diverse forms, each uniquely fascinating and multifaceted, playing a central role in the lives of billions. From the five biggest faiths to the lesser-known creeds, this pocket guide offers an engaging introduction to world religions, exploring their history, beliefs, practices and personalities. It’s a starting point for anyone seeking deeper understanding of humanity’s spiritual side.

At 2,922 miles, the Congo is the eighth longest river and the deepest in the world, with a flow rate second only to the Amazon. Ex-Marine Phil Harwood embarked on an epic solo journey from the river’s true source in the highlands of Zambia through war-torn Central Africa. With no outside help whatsoever he faced swamps, waterfalls, man-eating crocodiles, hippos, aggressive snakes and spiders’ webs the size of houses. He collapsed from malaria, and was arrested, intimidated and chased. On one stretch, known as ‘The Abattoir’ for its history of cannibalism and reputation for criminal activity, the four brothers he hired as bodyguards were asked by locals, ‘Why haven’t you cut his throat yet?’ But he also received tremendous hospitality from proud and brave people long forgotten by the Western world, especially friendly riverside fishermen who helped wherever they could on Phil’s exhilarating and terrifying five-month journey.

Author’s documentary film of the journey, available on his website ww.canoeingthecongo.com, won several awards and went on tour in North America with the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival.

If you want to know your consequentialism from your deontology and your Aristotle from your Kant, strap in for this whirlwind tour of the essentials of ethics

Embark on a journey of introspection and critical thinking with The Little Book of Ethics. In its most basic form, ethics is about deciding what is right and what is wrong. This accessible and thought-provoking guide will take you on a captivating exploration of the fundamental questions that form our decisions and actions, asking, what is the right thing to do in a certain set of circumstances? What can we base our decision on? Is there always a correct decision, or is it always a bit unclear?

This pocket-sized introduction offers a comprehensive overview of major ethical theories and philosophical ideas, including:
– The key concepts of ethics, from moral reasoning and consequentialism to moral responsibility, deontology and virtue ethics
– Real-world ethical dilemmas, such as bioethics and environmental ethics, and how to apply these principles to your own life
– The significance of ethical reasoning in everyday life, as well as its impact on broader societal issues

This illuminating little book will introduce you to the key thinkers, themes and theories you need to know to navigate the intricate tapestry of human morality. A perfect gift for anyone taking their first steps into the world of ethics, as well as for those who want to brush up their knowledge.

Whether you’re already mad for mythology or just curious about these timeless tales of marvel and mystery, step into the enchanting world of gods, monsters and mortals with this treasure trove of puzzles

Filled with warring deities, tricksters, heroes and extraordinary creatures, this collection of puzzles encompasses a variety of legendary figures from across the globe. From creation myths and tales of the underworld to Greek mythology and the legends of Oceania, this book includes all the infamous epics as well as stories you may not have heard before.

Featuring classic conundrums, quizzes, crosswords, sudokus and more, there is plenty within these pages to fill your mind with wisdom and wonder.

Inside this book you will be challenged to:

– Find the names of creatures from Celtic myth hiding within word searches
– Spot the difference between the two Chinese dragons
– Solve the maze to help Theseus escape the Labyrinth

And much more!

If you want to know your ichthyosaur from your iguanodon, and your belemnites from your brachiopods, strap in for this whirlwind tour of the highlights of palaeontology

Life as we know it now has a long history, buried beneath the ground. Palaeontology is the science of fossilized animals and plants, using discoveries of ancient lifeforms to uncover secrets of the past. From giant dinosaurs, to ammonites, to the first ever humans, explore the greatest findings in palaeontology in this pocket-sized introduction.

The Little Book of Palaeontology includes:
– The key palaeontological discoveries over the past 400 years, including the dinosaur found complete with intricate scales, and the largest fossil ever uncovered
– Profiles of influential palaeontologists such as Jack Horner, Dong Zhiming and Mary Anning
– What we have learnt about the lives of ancient creatures and how they became extinct
– The big questions about the prehistoric world that palaeontologists are trying to answer today

This illuminating little book will introduce you to the key thinkers, themes and theories you need to know to understand how life evolved. Look through this window to the past and learn about our prehistoric ancestors and the creatures of a bygone age.

Did you know…
William IV was wont to speak his mind and could sometimes lack tact, which is said to have inspired the nickname ‘Silly Billy’? Edward III banned all sports, including football, on Sundays, so that his subjects could be free to concentrate solely on their archery? Coronation chicken was invented for foreign guests to enjoy at Elizabeth II’s coronation? This rich miscellany celebrates the fascinating history of the British Royal Family, from the reign of Egbert, King of Wessex, to the monarchy of the present day. Full of titillating trivia, little-known facts, bite-size biographies and memorable quotations, it paints a colourful picture of how the kings and queens of this noble land have shaped the way we live today.

Let’s get it on!

Make your love life sizzle with this collection of mind-blowing sex positions inspired by the classic Eastern book of erotica. With positions ranging from slow and sensual to frisky and fun, this book features all the classics as well as adventurous new positions to try. You’ll never want to go back to missionary again.

The original Kama Sutra was an ancient text that provided insights into finding happiness and fulfilment with your partner – but it also depicted varied sexual positions and techniques, for a satisfying sex life. Saving you from spending your vital energy on wading through any non-raunchy teachings, this little book contains a hand-picked selection of the best and most exhilarating positions for any kind of mood. Find out all about such delights as:
– The Lap of Luxury
– The Glowing Triangle
– The Splitting Bamboo
– The Crouching Tiger
– The Ascent to Desire
May this book help you to open your mind (as well as your legs). Remember – make love, not war!

Filled with quotes, sayings and teachings from the Qur’an and a curated selection of prominent figures, this little book will uplift and inspire you for a peaceful, purposeful Ramadan

Immerse yourself in this beautiful selection of powerful words to help you feel inspired and encouraged throughout the holy month of Ramadan – a time of hope and renewal. Drawing on the wisdom of the Qur’an, the pages in this book share insightful words and guidance from a wide range of Muslim figures, offering a place for spiritual growth as you deepen your connection to Allah and enhance your worship and devotion.

With thoughts and advice on staying positive throughout this sacred time, this little book will be a source of strength, offering spiritual support and guidance as you venture on a journey of reflection and purification. Let Ramadan Mubarak serve as your companion, bringing comfort to your soul and peace to your heart.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Fill your love life with good vibes with this collection of mind-blowing sex positions inspired by the classic Indian book of erotica. With positions ranging from slow and sensual to frisky and fun, this book features all the classics as well as far-out new techniques to try. LET’S GET IT ON!

Have you ever wondered who fired the first British shot of World War One? Or who claimed the glory of downing the Red Baron? And what has Winnie the Pooh got to do with it all?

Telling the stories of the battles, the aircraft, the weapons, the soldiers, the poets, the campaigns and the many heroes, Norman Ferguson delves deep into the history of the ‘Great War’. Through anecdotes and statistics, and drawing on letters, speeches and official reports, this comprehensive miscellany is a compelling guide to a war that transformed and marked forever the course of twentieth-century history.

Step into a world of gods, heroes and monsters

Throughout history, mythologies have been fundamental to societies and cultures across the world. They are the collected stories of a people – the fascinating folk tales and the epic legends that shape the history and the beliefs of whole civilizations.

This pocket guide offers readers an engaging and accessible introduction to the major world mythologies, exploring their origins, foundational stories and key mythological figures.

Learn how the Greeks won the ten-year Trojan war, how the Norse god Thor got his mighty hammer, and why the Aztecs made a daily human sacrifice to the sun god, Huitzilopochtli.

If you’re looking to enrich and expand on your understanding of world history, religion and culture, then this book is an ideal starting point to fill your mind with stories of wisdom and wonder.

Discover the captivating stories behind the following mythologies: Aboriginal, Aztec, Celtic, Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Hindu, Incan, Japanese, Maori, Mayan, Mesopotamian, Norse, Roman.