Search Results for: Memoir and Biography

Immerse yourself in a landslide of facts, quotes and trivia with this little book of killer Queen knowledge!

From their 1970 West-London roots to rocking the world at Live Aid in 1985, Queen are undeniably one of the greatest rock bands in history. Step into a world of chart-topping singles, genre-defining music videos, and decade-spanning glam and glory, and follow the groundbreaking group that changed the course of music forever.

In this fat-bottomed book, you will find:

– Fascinating facts guaranteed to blow your mind
– Rousing quotes to bring out the stadium rockstar in you
– Challenging trivia that will weed out the losers from the champions

Put on your most flamboyant threads, smarten up that moustache and prove that you are the no.1 Queen fan as you delve into everything you need to know about this global phenomenon. The show will always go on with this one-way ticket to destination Queen!

Take a magical mystery tour through the kaleidoscopic world of The Beatles with this little book on the biggest band in music history

Do you dream of diamond skies and strawberry fields? Dive into this celebration of the band responsible for creating rock and pop music as we know it today, uniting all the world with heartfelt, uplifting lyrics, and confusing them just as much with whimsical wordplay and coded messages. Test and build your knowledge of the Fab Four, following them from 1960s Liverpool to global superstardom, where they would define popular music for generations to come.

Embrace your Beatlemania with:

– Fascinating facts and insights into the band’s helter-skelter history
– Whispered words of wisdom that you can repeat eight days of the week
– Quiz questions and trivia you can answer, with or without a little help from your friends

So cross the Abbey Road, get into your Yellow Submarine and enter the world of The Beatles with this fun and fond homage to the most influential band in music history.

One of BBC Wildlife‘s books of the year

“A book of great courage, curiosity, discovery and connection.” – Amy-Jane Beer, author of The Flow

A moving, honest and revealing memoir of living with chronic illness, and an examination of the ways a relationship with the natural world can affect us, from debut author and Guardian country diarist Nic Wilson

When Nic Wilson begins researching the history of her local landscape and its wildlife, the last thing she wants to do is consider her own past. But as she unearths tales of giant sequoias, puss moths, nightingales and chalk streams, Nic realises her affinity with the nearby wild began as a way to handle growing up with a mother who lived with a debilitating chronic illness.

Now in her forties, and struggling with mental and physical health herself, Nic revisits her childhood to trace the influence of the natural world on her life. As she grapples with revelations from the past, the boundaries between self and land become increasingly porous, and the lure of the wetlands around her home threatens to engulf her. Can she find the strength to face the waves of chronic illness – past and present – and learn to reach for steady ground?


With the natural world facing more threats than ever before, Land Beneath the Waves inspires us to develop a meaningful bond with our local natural spaces and landscapes, illuminating a hopeful path towards a better future for human and non-human life.

“An inspiring tale, brimming with can-do and positivity.” – Tristan Gooley, author of The Natural Navigator

“A tender, human adventure that reveals what can unfold when you honour a promise and keep paddling forwards.” – Alastair Humphreys, author of Microadventures

From the bestselling author of Moderate Becoming Good Later comes the hopeful, honest and humorous story of one woman’s attempt to finish the challenge left to her by her brother: to sea kayak in every area of the Shipping Forecast

Katie had never been in a sea kayak, but when her brother Toby died in the middle of his challenge to paddle in every area of the Shipping Forecast, she decided to honour his memory by completing his adventure. On a journey that takes her from the monotonies of motherhood in urban Barcelona to the far reaches of the Shipping Forecast through the wilds of the British Isles, Katie is forced to face her past and question her present, exploring the loss of her family members as well as her own identity. After two years of inelegant paddling and potentially worse parenting, can she complete the challenge?

Thundery at Times is not a story of battling high seas or completing daring tasks, but one of making your own rules and living life to the full. It is about finding joy and hope in nature, motherhood and middle age, in nurturing your own adventures and embracing connection and peace. It is a story of female resilience in the face of adversity; of staring down grief and asking, what’s possible from here?

As seen on the BBC Travel Show.

Welcome to the vibrant, super graphic, glittery world of the global femininomenon, Chappell Roan

Serving hyper-femme looks, superstar stage presence and viral hit after viral hit, Chappell Roan is officially your favourite artist’s favourite artist. No one’s guilty pleasure, this Midwest princess continues to amass a loyal following as she injects a kaleidoscope of colour and queer culture into the music industry.

This bold book is a tribute to the singer and her supernova career. Featuring iconic quotes, fun facts and trivia to test true Popstars, these pages will ensure you’re hot to go on all things relating to Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, who goes by the stage name Chappell Roan.

Inside you will discover:
– Powerful quotes from the pop princess herself
– Insights into her life, dreams and career
– Trivia to earn a pass to the pink pony club

Prove you’re more than just a casual fan as you uncover everything you need to know about this super graphic ultra modern girl’s rise to stardom. Are you ready? Good luck, babe!

The 10th anniversary of the classic, best-selling running book, Your Pace or Mine?, from the co-author of Running Made Easy, with forewords by running legend Kathrine Switzer and Vassos Alexander

Lisa Jackson is a surprising cheerleader for the joys of running. Formerly a committed fitness-phobe, she became a marathon runner at 31, and ran her first 56-mile ultramarathon aged 41. And unlike many runners, Lisa’s not afraid to finish last – in fact, she’s done so in 20 of the 90-plus marathons she’s completed so far.

But this isn’t just Lisa’s story, it’s also that of the extraordinary people she’s met along the way – tutu-clad fun-runners, octogenarians, 250-mile ultrarunners – whose tales of loss and laughter are sure to inspire you just as much as they’ve inspired her.

This book is for anyone who longs to experience the sense of connection and achievement that running has to offer, whether you’re a nervous novice or a seasoned marathoner dreaming of doing an ultra. An account of the triumph of tenacity over a lack of talent, Your Pace or Mine? is proof that running really isn’t about the time you do, but the time you have!

Calling all Carpenters! This pocket-sized companion is a tribute to the viral pop star Sabrina Carpenter.

With her catchy tunes, bedazzled lingerie looks and iconic bouncy blowout, this busy woman has amassed millions of fans around the world. It’s no coincidence that her relatable lyrics, fun, flirty outfits and no-nonsense attitude have captivated so many people’s hearts; Sabrina’s popularity only continues to grow as she tops the charts.

From her Disney days to the Coachella stage, and now with smash hits that’ve been streamed billions of times, Sabrina’s journey to musical stardom is decoded in this book. If you have a taste for more, inside you’ll also find inspiring quotes, fun-sized facts and a treasure trove of trivia.

A Little Bit of Sabrina Carpenter contains:
– Short n’ sweet words of encouragement from Sabrina
– Insights into her personal life and rise to fame
– Trivia to test who among you is the sharpest tool

This homage to Sabrina, her music and her lipstick print on pop history will make the perfect gift for any Carpenter.

“A joyous rallying cry for middle-aged couch potatoes everywhere“ – Mike Parker, author of All the Wide Border

“Steve’s adventure reminds us all that wildness and countryside is never more than a bike ride away” – Alastair Humphreys, author of The Boy Who Biked the World

What would happen if you got on a bike in central London and didn’t stop riding until you hit the Welsh coast? Steve Silk, the best-selling author of The Great North Road, provides the answer over eight days, 300 miles and rather a lot of hills

Admittedly, he doesn’t take the direct route. Country lanes replace dual carriageways, castles and museums are preferred to service stations and there’s even a day-long diversion down the River Wye by canoe.

But seen from the saddle, he gets a much more intimate view of historic towns and cities like Oxford, Gloucester, Monmouth and Carmarthen, as well as the spectacular scenery in between. After all, which other direction out of London can offer three areas of outstanding natural beauty and two national parks in such short order?

Join Steve as he rides solo across England before being joined by three of his cycling buddies for the tougher terrain of Wales. Enriched with legends, humour and tales of friendship, Go West is a must for anyone who has dreamt of a cycling adventure.

A moving, honest and revealing memoir of living with chronic illness, and an examination of the ways a relationship with the natural world can affect us, from debut author and nature writer Nic Wilson

When Nic Wilson begins researching the history of her local landscape and its wildlife, the last thing she wants to do is consider her own past. But as she unearths tales of giant sequoias, puss moths, nightingales and chalk streams, Nic realizes her affinity with the nearby wild began as a way to handle growing up with a mother who lived with a debilitating chronic illness.

Now in her forties, and struggling with mental and physical health herself, Nic revisits her childhood to trace the influence of the natural world on her life. As she grapples with revelations from the past, the boundaries between self and land become increasingly porous, and the lure of the wetlands around her home threatens to engulf her. Can she find the strength to face the waves of chronic illness – past and present – and learn to reach for steady ground?


With the natural world facing more threats than ever before, Land Beneath the Waves inspires us to develop a meaningful bond with our local natural spaces and landscapes, illuminating a hopeful path towards a better future for human and non-human life.

“A magical and hugely captivating journey – filled with such beauty, wonder and surprise. A simply marvellous read, hugely recommended” – Stephen Fry

A real-life journey through the fantastical world of The Odyssey

It started with a boy, of course. Seeking solace from the pain of heartbreak and her father’s illness, Laura Coffey embarks on what was meant to be a simple holiday. But her newfound fascination with ancient Greek myths transforms her trip into a six-month odyssey, around tiny archipelagos and mystical Mediterranean islands thought to be the setting of Odysseus’s epic journey. As she chases one of the most conflicted, flawed and yet beloved heroes through his fantastical sea-kingdoms, looking for the places where geography and mythology collide, she discovers the wild beauty of the islands, and the redemptive powers of travel and nature, cold-water swimming, long hikes up mountains, and luminous star-lit skies.

But her quest to find happiness, safety and the true meaning of home is overshadowed by the deepening illness of her father. Returning as he’s dying, forced to confront the very things she was running from, Laura reflects on what she has lost, how to live between story and reality, and the way we craft our own mythologies. Slipping between the mythical realm and the real world, she finds enchantment and healing in the magic of both.

“If you love memoir and Greek mythology, this is a delight. A spellbinding book about growing up, grieving and the gods.” – Clare Pollard, author of Delphi

“Funny and messy” – The Mail on Sunday

Step into the fascinating world of Bristol Zoo with Alan Toyne, a dedicated zookeeper and primate expert whose extraordinary story of hand-rearing two baby gorillas will warm your heart

When Afia, a newborn Western Lowland Gorilla, is rejected by her mother Kera after a difficult birth, her human keepers must start the challenging – but rewarding – experience of hand-rearing her themselves. Teaching her the ropes of life in the Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo is tricky enough. But providing 24/7 care for a baby gorilla means Alan must hand-rear Afia in his own home too, an experience that forges a remarkable emotional bond between the two of them over the course of many sleepless nights.

Soon a second baby gorilla, Hasani, is facing rejection from his mother, and Alan and his colleagues must embark on a daring mission to train Kera – now recovered but socially isolated – to become Hasani’s surrogate mother. Can she learn to protect and love Hasani as her own, in a way she couldn’t for Afia? Can she find her maternal instincts and claim a place within the troop at last?

With a vibrant cast of characters – from the volatile Silverback Jock to the mysterious Sal and the stately Romi – Gorillas in Our Midst offers a unique glimpse into the intricate world of primate social dynamics, in all their complicated, human-like glory. More than just a behind-the-scenes look at zoo life, this thought-provoking and heart-warming memoir is a testament to the enduring bonds between humans and animals, and to the power of resilience and compassion.

Follow the misadventures of Ian Moore as he chronicles the charming and chaotic escapades of his family and their eccentric assembly of animals, on their continued search for serenity in rural France

After six years in the idyllic Loire Valley, comedian Ian Moore, his family and his ever-expanding menagerie are beginning to feel like they’re on the cusp of the peace and tranquillity they hoped for when they moved from dreary Crawley to la belle France. Their grand project, a writing school called Les Champs Créatifs, is finally complete – only, nobody’s signed up.

Natalie and the boys must contend with the ever-colourful locals, including a Sicilian faith healer, threatening hunters and the “Christmas Pudding Man”, and Ian must test his mod mettle against two new additions to the animal family – a pair of disappearing goats. With stresses, strains and animal poo mounting up, la famille Moore have their work cut out – but they’re determined to give it their best shot!

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!

“A joy to read. ” – Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon and The Gathering Place

“Tender, warm-hearted and honest…It’s Detectorists, but for nature, and without your own kit.” – Nicola Chester, author of On Gallows Down and Ghosts of the Farm

“The Volunteers gripped me from the first page.” – Vicki Hird MSc FRES, author of Rebugging the Planet

A Country and Town House book of the year 2024

A heart-warming true story of the woods and wildlife, conservation and community, perfect for fans of Detectorists and The Outlaws

When Carol’s world suddenly unravels, leaving her single and jobless, she stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: leading a ragtag team of countryside conservation volunteers. At first glance, the prospect of nurturing Britain’s diverse wildlife in the great outdoors seems like a dream come true. However, reality paints a different picture: her office is a ramshackle porta-cabin overrun with mice and plagued by leaky ceilings, and the volunteers are far from impressed with her lack of practical skills.

Despite this rocky beginning, Carol gradually earns the respect of her eclectic group of volunteers, forging a tight-knit community that will grow to become essential to each member. This diverse group spans generations, from twenty-somethings to septuagenarians, with each of them looking to get something different out of volunteering, whether it’s a sense of purpose, a fresh start in life or a tick on their community service form. They also bring their unique quirks and life experiences to the mix.

Volunteer days soon evolve into the highlight of Carol’s week, as they bond over their love of nature, mental health battles, and the desire for companionship. As they work together outdoors, the team discover a simple yet powerful recipe for self-confidence, improved well-being and a newfound perspective on life’s challenges. This journey not only brings solace and new joys to Carol’s weeks, but eventually it helps her move on with her life, too.

The Volunteers is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the redemptive force of the woods and wildlife. It underscores the universal need for belonging and illustrates how, even in the most unexpected places, we can find a community to call our own.

“A gentle, warm, vulnerable book that buzzes and sings and blossoms… Donaldson shows that it is not just nature that benefits from working with the earth – the human soul heals and grows too. With lives as tangled and bright as the wildflowers in the verges, this book is a joy to read. ” – Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon and The Gathering Place


A heart-warming true story of the woods and wildlife, conservation and community, perfect for fans of Detectorists and The Outlaws

When Carol’s world suddenly unravels, leaving her single and jobless, she stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: leading a ragtag team of countryside conservation volunteers. At first glance, the prospect of nurturing Britain’s diverse wildlife in the great outdoors seems like a dream come true. However, reality paints a different picture: her office is a ramshackle porta-cabin overrun with mice and plagued by leaky ceilings, and the volunteers are far from impressed with her lack of practical skills.

Despite this rocky beginning, Carol gradually earns the respect of her eclectic group of volunteers, forging a tight-knit community that will grow to become essential to each member. This diverse group spans generations, from twenty-somethings to septuagenarians, with each of them looking to get something different out of volunteering, whether it’s a sense of purpose, a fresh start in life or a tick on their community service form. They also bring their unique quirks and life experiences to the mix.

Volunteer days soon evolve into the highlight of Carol’s week, as they bond over their love of nature, mental health battles, and the desire for companionship. As they work together outdoors, the team discover a simple yet powerful recipe for self-confidence, improved well-being and a newfound perspective on life’s challenges. This journey not only brings solace and new joys to Carol’s weeks, but eventually it helps her move on with her life, too.

The Volunteers is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the redemptive force of the woods and wildlife. It underscores the universal need for belonging and illustrates how, even in the most unexpected places, we can find a community to call our own.

Follow the hilarious misadventures of Ian Moore and his family as their search for serenity in rural France leads them on a journey of chaos, commotion and comedy

Comedian, mod and professional grump Ian Moore has had enough. Tired of being unable to park anywhere near his cramped house in a noisy town he doesn’t like, he hatches a plan to move his wife and young son to a remote corner of the Loire Valley in search of serenity and space.

Several years later, Ian finds himself up to his neck in bilingual offspring, feral cats, promiscuous horses, dysfunctional spaniels and needy hens; he’s wrestling with electric fences, a foreign language, a mountain of animal waste and a wife who collects livestock like there’s a biblical flood on the horizon, all while trying not to dirty his pristine loafers.

But despite the ups, downs and increasing demands of Ian’s showbiz career, the Moore family persevere in true Brit style to create a unique, colourful and ultimately rewarding life in their new home – à la campagne!

Follow the hilarious misadventures of Ian Moore and his family as their search for serenity in rural France leads them on a journey of chaos, commotion and comedy

Comedian, mod and professional grump Ian Moore has had enough. Tired of being unable to park anywhere near his cramped house in a noisy town he doesn’t like, he hatches a plan to move his wife and young son to a remote corner of the Loire Valley in search of serenity and space.

Several years later, Ian finds himself up to his neck in bilingual offspring, feral cats, promiscuous horses, dysfunctional spaniels and needy hens; he’s wrestling with electric fences, a foreign language, a mountain of animal waste and a wife who collects livestock like there’s a biblical flood on the horizon, all while trying not to dirty his pristine loafers.

But despite the ups, downs and increasing demands of Ian’s showbiz career, the Moore family persevere in true Brit style to create a unique, colourful and ultimately rewarding life in their new home – à la campagne!

Having spontaneously bought a houseboat after a break-up, Hannah is plunged into life on the water, learning quickly how to deal with exploding toilets and disappearing hulls. When life threatens to sink her, Hannah embarks on an odyssey along Britain’s canals. An uplifting and hilarious story of a woman trying to keep her boat and life afloat.

All Boats Are Sinking is a memoir of love, life and chaos on a narrowboat, perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Helen Fielding and Phoebe Waller-Bridge

After a break-up, some hit the gym; some cut their hair; others have a one-night stand. In the aftermath of her break-up, Hannah bought a narrowboat.

Newly single and plunged into life on the water, Hannah had to learn quickly how to grapple with exploding toilets, disappearing hulls, and the curious glances and questions from pedestrians on the towpath. But when career burn-out, a global pandemic and an ill-advised rebound relationship threatened to sink her, Hannah felt the need to escape. In a bid to let go of the past and restore her sense of self-worth, she embarked on a narrowboat odyssey which took her from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil yet dramatic waterways of West Yorkshire.

Suffering from an apparent magnetism to drama but buoyed by her brilliant friends, Hannah tells of the challenges of off-grid life as a single 30-something on the water. All this as she tries to balance the tension between owning her singledom and giving in to a deep desire to find love.

Peppered with lists, recipes, maps, footnotes and diagrams, and spanning hundreds of miles of the British waterways, it’s an uplifting and often hilarious story of adventure and personal growth, and of a woman trying to keep her boat and life afloat. And to answer that perennial question: yes, it’s cold on the boat in winter.

“A vibrant, often hilarious emotional and physical journey. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t wanted to drift away on a narrowboat?” – Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants

“A vibrant, often hilarious emotional and physical journey. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t wanted to drift away on a narrowboat?” – Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants

All Boats Are Sinking is a memoir of love, life and chaos on a narrowboat, perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Helen Fielding and Phoebe Waller-Bridge

“All boats are sinking, Hannah, just at different rates.”

After a break-up, some hit the gym; some cut their hair; others have a one-night stand. In the aftermath of her break-up, Hannah bought a narrowboat.

Newly single and plunged into life on the water, Hannah had to learn quickly how to grapple with exploding toilets, disappearing hulls, and the curious glances and questions from pedestrians on the towpath. But when career burn-out, a global pandemic and an ill-advised rebound relationship threatened to sink her, Hannah felt the need to escape. In a bid to let go of the past and restore her sense of self-worth, she embarked on a narrowboat odyssey which took her from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil yet dramatic waterways of West Yorkshire.

Suffering from an apparent magnetism to drama but buoyed by her brilliant friends, Hannah tells of the challenges of off-grid life as a single 30-something on the water. All this as she tries to balance the tension between owning her singledom and giving in to a deep desire to find love.

Peppered with lists, recipes, maps, footnotes and diagrams, and spanning hundreds of miles of the British waterways, it’s an uplifting and often hilarious story of adventure and personal growth, and of a woman trying to keep her boat and life afloat. And to answer that perennial question: yes, it’s cold on the boat in winter.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2024 – CYCLING BOOK OF THE YEAR

Being the fastest cyclist in the world at the start line means nothing if your mind isn’t strong enough to get you to the finish line

In 2018, Leigh Timmis became the fastest person to cycle across Europe – in just 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes – breaking the previous world record by an astonishing 8 days and 17 hours. But when he set out to break the record, Leigh wasn’t just trying to conquer the road.

As he prepared his body for this ultra-endurance world record attempt, Leigh realized that he would have to confront deeper problems to make it to the finish line. Although test results showed that he already had the physical ability of an elite athlete, something was holding him back: his troubled mind.

With the support of psychologists and sports science experts, Leigh confronted the past that had left him with vulnerabilities he would need to understand and overcome in the pursuit of performance. Then, cycling for 14 hours a day, from the west coast of Portugal to the edge of Siberia, he embarked on far more than just a physical journey.

The Race of Truth is the remarkable true story of personal transformation against the clock, and the astonishing feats we can accomplish when we face up to our deepest fears.

“A truly inspiring journey that celebrates the healing power of adventure. A must-read.” – Levison Wood

“Wonderfully relatable on so many levels. Simon’s wanderlust, mental roller coaster and reactions to a fast-changing world had me enthralled in his journey, but very much reflecting on my own over the past few years. A brilliantly crafted book which holds a mirror up to the world we live in.” – Mark Beaumont

“Simon’s cycle ride around his own country is a fine demonstration that adventure and transformation begins on your own doorstep.” – Alastair Humphreys


The remarkable and inspirational true story of how one man battled grief and anxiety, one pedal stroke at a time, on a 3,500-mile adventure around Britain

In March 2020, as Britain entered its first lockdown, Simon Parker’s life fell apart; his travel journalism career vanished overnight and shortly afterwards he received the tragic news that a close friend had died. With a long-suppressed anxiety disorder starting to rear its head, he turned to the only therapies he knew and trusted: travel and exercise.

Setting off on his bike from the northernmost point of Shetland with only a sleeping bag and a camping stove, Simon would end up cycling 3,427 miles around Britain. En route, he would meet hundreds of resilient Britons, who were all, in their own way, riding out the storm just like he was. Even in his gloomiest moments he began to see that a chink of light was never too far away.

Riding Out is a story of optimism and hope, and a ground-level portrait of Britain as it transforms from a country in crisis to a nation on the mend. From Shetland to the Scillies, Dover to Durness, Simon learns that life’s sharpest corners are best navigated at the gentle pace of a bicycle.

Book of the Month, Countryside magazine

‘[this] fascinating new book… provides a detailed insight into the snow-white species’ Waterways World


A wildlife writer and photographer’s celebration of the mute swan, Britain’s most iconic breed, exploring the bird’s significance across myth and history alongside vivid observations on its habits and habitats.

The swan is both a lover and a fighter. A graceful angel and a clumsy oaf. Immortalized by artists over the ages yet misunderstood and threatened in the present day. The mute swan – with its orange beak and aura of stately silence – is the breed we know best in Britain.

Dan Keel has been captivated by these birds since boyhood, studying their contrasting qualities over more than three decades. He’s spent countless hours documenting their power, beauty and vulnerability as a writer of nature journalism, as a wildlife photographer looking for the perfect shot, and as a pilot sharing the skies.

In this labour of love, Dan speaks up for the mute, answering the essential questions about its nature and its future. Along the way, weaving his first-hand observations into the narrative, he shows us how swans have been portrayed in myth, art and culture for millennia, and how they have been venerated and imitated as well as harmed by humans.

Does anybody still eat swan? Can a swan really break your arm? Does the Queen own them all? With an eye for the humour as well as the tragedy of the swan’s story, Dan lays out the facts, guides us to our lakes and riverbanks, and urges us to see these familiar creatures in a fresh light.

Meet the inspirational animals who went from being rescued to becoming rescuer in these incredible true stories

You’ll read all about…
– Constantine and Crystal, the guinea pigs who gave a bullied girl with autism a reason to smile
– Alex, the tiger who inspired a homeless drug addict to get her life back on track
– Angel, the horse who helped her owner to lose weight and regain her confidence
– Daniel, the duck who was rescued from a food market and succeeded in soothing his owner’s PTSD

… as well as many other animal heroes who came to their owner’s aid – whether it was helping them to recover from mental illness, relationship breakdown or bereavement.

These remarkable creatures all repaid the love and appreciation that their human companions displayed in caring for them. Let these uplifting stories warm your heart, and show you that adopted animals can heal our pain and transform our lives.

Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2021

Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything – but sometimes it’s more fun than dealing with them

Elise was spending a lot of time crying on buses. She had just graduated from university; she had a shiny new flat, her first proper job and a budding relationship – and they were all making her utterly miserable. Sitting at work one day, she hit upon the obvious solution:

Run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain, carrying her kit on her back.

Six months later Elise set off, with absolutely no ultra-running experience, unable to read a map and having never pitched a tent alone before. Over the 301 days that followed she developed a debilitating fear of farmyard animals, cried on a lot of beaches and saw Britain at its most wild and wonderful.

Coasting is about putting one foot in front of the other, even when it feels impossible, and trying to enjoy it too. With heart and humour, Elise explores the thrill of taking risks and putting your trust in total strangers, and learns some home truths along the way.


‘A true Great British Adventure, with humour and heart.’

Sir Ranulph Fiennes


‘Elise Downing has achieved the impossible – leaving you in awe at her superhuman achievements, but also convincing you that you could probably do the same.’

Emily Chappell


‘A hugely enjoyable jaunt around Britain, that proves that you can find adventure right on your doorstep.’

Alastair Humphreys


‘Elise Downing has reminded us all of the most crucial aspects of adventure: 1) You don’t have to be an expert. 2) It’s all about the people. 3) However hard, tough, excruciating and doubt-driven a challenge might be, at heart it’s a funny, funny story.’

Dave Cornthwaite


‘Reading Coasting is like listening to a friend tell a tale down the pub that you can’t quite believe. Elise’s storytelling is hilarious, warm-hearted and wonderfully down-to-earth. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to lace up your trainers and start running towards that mad idea you once had. There’s no doubt that Elise’s gung-ho attitude is her superpower. Her kryptonite? Cows.’

Anna McNuff, author and adventurer


‘Elise’s irresistibly readable adventures are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. She’s an inspiration.’

Damian Hall, author and ultrarunner


‘Funny and engaging and inspiring… an absolute gem.’


Vassos Alexander, presenter, author and runner


‘A beautifully observed and blisteringly truthful account of what happens when you decide to combine adventure and endurance. Absolutely brilliant.’

Jake Tyler, author of A Walk from the Wild Edge


‘An honest and exciting tale of how a dream became an awesome reality. Definitely worth a read!’

Ben Smith, founder of The 401 Challenge


‘I was already laughing at the Dedication and this continued all the way to the very last page. Elise Downing is a comedy genius and has a heart of gold!’

Danny Bent, author, runner and founder of Project Awesome


‘Elise tells her story with such good-humoured light-heartedness that you could be forgiven for forgetting that what she is describing is a feat of real endurance. Running 5,000 miles is a truly remarkable achievement, and the fact that Elise emerged from it with a smile on her face and a total lack of ego speaks wonders to her character. This is an incredible tale told with total humility. Running around the coast of Great Britain was a mad thing to do, but not buying this book would be madder still.’

Tim Moss, author, adventurer and founder of The Next Challenge


‘Like any epic journey worth sharing, Elise encountered the same doubts, setbacks and fears that leave many dreams stuck on the drawing board. One foot after the other, Elise set out to achieve the extraordinary many miles over. Coasting shares the literal highs and lows as she finds her rite of passage to the world of ultra-running, with an endearing vulnerability and hilarious flair that brings places to life. In the same way that countless strangers felt compelled to join her around the UK, Coasting carries the reader along and inspires us all to ask ‘why not?’ in pursuit of our own home-grown adventures.’

Alex Staniforth, adventurer and author


‘A wonderfully honest tale of courage, perseverance and self-discovery.’


Dr Juliet McGrattan, author and runner


‘Elise brings so much fun and energy, as well as raw honesty, to the world of adventure books, and her incredible journey is an inspiration to young (and old!) adventurers.’

Jenny Tough, author, adventurer and editor of Tough Women Adventure Stories


‘Thoughtful, funny and beautifully written. Just goes to show that there’s a ram-spinning, swashbuckling adventure right there on your doorstep.’

Huw Jack Brassington, writer, presenter and adventurer