Search Results for: General Interest

Join travel writer and self-confessed “train nut” Tom Chesshyre as he celebrates 200 years of passenger railways on a zigzagging tour around the UK – the home of the railways – from the Isle of Wight to Snowdonia, Inverness and Penzance

In a small market town in the northeast of England in 1825, something momentous happened: ticket-bearing human beings began moving along wrought-iron tracks on a contraption with wheels powered by engines. The contraption was called a “train”. What happened in Darlington, along a 26-mile line to Stockton, would kickstart the railway revolution. Today, 1.3 million miles of tracks crisscross the planet.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of this groundbreaking event, Tom Chesshyre embarks on a journey around the country that invented trains, taking in many heritage lines maintained by armies of enthusiasts. On a series of rides beginning and ending in Darlington on a train-inspired circle, Tom enjoys the scenery, seeks out the history, dodges delays (best he can), and lets the rhythm of the clattering rails help him understand what it is about trains – especially wonderful old trains – that we love so much.

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.

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.

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. 

From rogan josh and rendang to bunny chow and vindaloo, dive into this celebration of one of the world’s most popular dishes: curry

There are few foods more diverse than curry. It’s a dish, an ingredient and a cooking method; it can be made hot or mild; vegetarian or vegan; and it can be served with rice, breads, chutneys or pickles. However, while curry comes in many forms, at the heart of the dish is always its flavour – the wonderful alchemy of spices that’s guaranteed to delight the taste buds.

This handy pocket guide will give you a taste of the following and much more:
– Find food for thought with the history of curry around the world
– Whet your appetite with the hottest bites of curry trivia
– Cultivate your palate by growing your own spices
– Discover delicious curry recipes which will allow you to eat your way around the world in your very own kitchen

The Little Book of Curry will help you spice up your life one dish at a time.

Did you know?
Nessie is not the only monster supposedly living in a Scottish loch. Loch Morar has its own: Morag. The first Open golf Championship was played in Scotland, at Prestwick in 1860. As well as television, insulin, chloroform and the telephone, Scotland has given the world kaleidoscopes, contour lines, tinned salmon and Andy Murray. This miscellany of all things Scottish will have you quoting Burns, reeling off famous battles and fizzing with fascinating trivia in no time. As well as getting the low-down on the who, what, when and where of Scottish history – including profiles of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie – you’ll gain plenty of insight into the food, drink, landscape, culture and everything else that makes Scotland exceptional.

From seaweed-wrapped maki rolls to tuna-topped nigiri, dive into this celebration of one of the world’s favourite delicacies

There are few foods more recognizable than sushi. Originating in Japan, the iconic fluffy white rice that’s topped, wrapped or rolled with beautifully prepared fish and vegetables is an art form as much as it is a meal.

This handy pocket guide will give you a taste of the following and much more:
– Find food for thought with the history of sushi
– Learn about different kinds of sushi, from the traditional to the modern, and how to eat it
– Whet your appetite with delicate bites of trivia Discover mouth-watering recipes, allowing you to bring Japan to your very own kitchen

Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, The Little Book of Sushi will be your handy guide to the bite-sized delicacy which has found favour all over the world.

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.

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.

What is sewn into a pilot’s uniform when they receive their wings? In what year did the first female jet pilot join the RAF? Why were former Lightning pilots called WIWOLS? For the answers to all these questions and more, take off into this fascinating miscellany and become a true RAF aficionado.
With its famous Supermarine Spitfire and the legendary Red Arrows, the RAF has been a pillar of British military operations since its beginnings in 1918. This new miscellany brings together the origins of the RAF, the people who make it tick and the technology that lets it take to the skies, as well as the aviation lingo and time-honoured traditions that characterise the force we know today. Whether you have first-hand RAF experience or you’re an enthusiastic supporter from the ground, this remarkable volume will be your guide to the oldest independent air force in the world. Chocks away! 

Have you ever wondered…


• How fast a Spitfire could travel?
• Which pilot won Fighter Command’s only Victoria Cross?
• What a ‘Stuka Party’ was?



Telling the stories of the commanders, the air raids, the pilots, the aircraft and the vital use of the world’s first radar air defence system, this comprehensive miscellany is a compelling guide to this most crucial of Second World War battles – the first to be fought solely in the air.

Have you ever wondered…
How the Navy and the Marines came to be ‘royal’? How Samuel Pepys helped professionalise the Navy while at the same time penning his famous diary. What the origins of everyday expressions like ‘toeing the line’, ‘showing
your true colours’ and ‘piping-hot food’ are? Marvel at the magnificent vessels that have always been the backbone of the force, from the Tudor warship Mary Rose to the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy. Pay homage to the acclaimed naval heroes and the impressive battles that make up its illustrious history, from the Battle of Gravelines which saw off the Spanish Armada to the two world wars of the twentieth century and beyond, via the sea battles of the Napoleonic Wars. And learn about the remarkable people who serve in the Navy’s ranks today as its beating heart, in roles as widespread as conflict-prevention, counternarcotics, counter-piracy and humanitarian and disaster relief, ensuring that the Senior Service will retain its reputation for excellence for generations to come.

Celebrate the wit and wisdom of Winston Churchill with this collection of inspiring quotes

Sir Winston Churchill had a wonderful way with words, motivating the masses with his quips, statements and speeches, and he is regarded as a British hero. His inspirational leadership led the nation to victory in the Second World War, and he continues to be a voice of strength, courage and perseverance, with his powerful quotes inspiring millions today.

This collection features over 140 of Winston Churchill’s wittiest remarks and sagest sayings. With quotes on life, education, philosophy and more, this book is a celebration of the former prime minister’s famous oratorical skills. It’s the perfect gift for history lovers, British patriots and literary fans alike.

Discover legendary Churchillian quotes such as:

– “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
– “Never give in. Never, never, never, never.”
– “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
– “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

And many more!

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.

For fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Librarian of Auschwitz and The Choice, this is the incredible true story of a British soldier POW.

In 1942, young British soldier Arthur Dodd was taken prisoner by the German Army and transported to Oswiecim in Polish Upper Silesia. The Germans gave it another name, now synonymous with mankind’s darkest hours. They called it Auschwitz.

Forced to do hard labour, starved and savagely beaten, Arthur thought his life would end in Auschwitz. Determined to go down fighting, he sabotaged Nazi industrial work, risked his life to alleviate the suffering of the Jewish prisoners and aided a partisan group planning a mass break-out.

This shocking true story sheds new light on the operations at the camp, exposes a hierarchy of prisoner treatment by the SS and presents the largely unknown story of the military POWs held there.