Search Results for: General Interest

The world is yours to explore

The great outdoors is the beating heart of our world, but modern life is pulling us ever further away from it. Spending our time shut away indoors and hunched over screens, we’ve lost touch with nature, and it’s harming our health and our happiness. But it’s never too late to find our way back.

This book will help you find a way of reconnecting with the great outdoors. Whether you like to walk, run or swim, admire the wildlife or forage for wild foods, within these pages there will be something to inspire you to get out into the fresh air and reignite your sense of wonder at the world around you. Nature is a balm for the body and soul, so escape the pace of the everyday and set yourself free: get out there, find adventure, and go wild!

A wittily illustrated collection of incredible facts, perfect for lovers of strange-but-true trivia

What a weird and wonderful world we live in. Countries banning letters of the alphabet, the accidental teabag, and have you ever wondered how much horsepower a horse actually has? Well, you’ll be amazed and amused by the revelations and illustrations inside this book of fascinating facts – I shit you not.

From bestselling author and professional brain-teaser Hugh Jassburn, this quick-fire collection of unbelievable truths includes such insights as:

– A strawberry is not technically a berry, but a banana is
– There are twice as many kangaroos in Australia as people
– Baby tiger sharks eat each other in the womb until only one or two sharks are born
– 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
A superb addition to anyone’s bedside table or bathroom library, this book could help you win at your next quiz or at least give you a bunch of fun facts to spout when you’re out and about.

A revised and updated edition of the bestselling guide to all things Ambridge, For the Love of the Archers contains extensive all-new content that will keep any fan of the show enlightened and entertained.
It’s been over 70 years since the familiar dum-di-dum-didum-di-dum of “Barwick Green” first brought The Archers to our airwaves, and in that time millions of listeners have followed the everyday lives of country folk in Ambridge.
Bringing together a wealth of fascinating facts, amusing insights and expert trivia about characters, controversies and country customs in one handy volume – now fully revised and updated to include recent developments – this companion is the perfect gift for avid addicts and keen newcomers alike.
Long-time Archers super-fan Beth Miller will be your highly engaging guide to every aspect of radio’s most enduring drama, including the following recurring features:
Welcome to Ambridge takes you on a tour of all the key locations Meet the Characters profiles all your favourite personalities Memorable Moments celebrates some of the most entertaining and emotional episodes Gone But Not Forgotten remembers the dearly departed Quiz Night at the Bull tests your knowledge of the programme at regular intervals For all this and much more, dive into this incredible miscellany and become a true Ambridge expert.

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. 

Vajayjay. Lady bits. Notorious V.A.G.

It’s time we talked about vaginas. This pocket-sized book is here to debunk the myths and help you gain a better understanding of everything you were never taught, including:
– The amazing things the vagina does from puberty to menopause
– Advice on the most common complaints and how best to alleviate them
– The vagina in pop culture – from the page to the stage

This succinct and celebratory guide separates fact from fiction and will change the way you think and talk about your wonder down under.

Have you always wanted to know what makes an ordinary person commit a crime? Explore the dark side of human nature with this illuminating beginner’s guide to criminology.

There are few subjects more compelling or divisive than criminology. Whether crime dominates the headlines or just the subject of your latest boxset, our animal instincts have always drawn us to darkness and danger.

This pocket-sized introduction includes accessible primers on the key criminological thinkers, themes and theories, including:

· How disciplines such as economics, psychology and sociology have informed criminological study and our understanding of crime
· Why some individuals are more or less likely to engage in criminal behaviour
· The biggest issues facing contemporary society, such as cybercrime, gendered crime and hate crime

From understanding criminal motivation to how crime is policed and prevented, there has never been a more important moment to grasp how crime affects our lives today and how it might tomorrow.

Magic, the miniature pony who helped a woman speak again after three years of silence  Stubby, the stray dog who braved the front line with soldiers in World War One  Moko, the bottlenose dolphin who guided a mother whale and her calf back out to sea  No matter how cute and cuddly our animal companions are, there are always occasions when they remind us that they’re still in touch with their natural instincts. Sometimes this comes as little gestures of loyalty, and other times they do something that is truly amazing – even saving human lives. 
Animal Heroes contains some of the most extraordinary true tales of bravery across the natural world, from domestic pets to wild animals, proving that when it comes to facing danger there’s more to them than meets the eye.

• Magic, the miniature pony who helped a woman speak again after three years of silence
• Stubby, the stray dog who braved the front line with soldiers in World War One
• Moko, the bottlenose dolphin who guided a mother whale and her calf back out to sea
Have you ever been astonished by an instance of animal agility, intelligence or bravery?
No matter how cute and cuddly our animal companions are, there are always occasions when they remind us that they’re still in touch with their natural instincts. Sometimes this comes through in little ways, and other times they do something that is truly amazing – even to the point of saving human lives.
Animal Heroes contains some of the most extraordinary true tales of bravery across the natural world, from domestic pets to wild animals, proving that when it comes to facing danger there’s more to them than meets the eye.

From farfalle and fusilli to fettucine and beyond, this pocket guide serves up a celebration of one of the world’s most popular culinary creations

Whether fresh, dried, baked into lasagna or swirled as spaghetti around your fork, pasta is fantastic. It’s so universal and versatile that we might even take it for granted sometimes.

But this humble and hearty food, with all its history and variety, deserves to be more fully understood and appreciated. Lifting the lid on all things pasta, this handy pocket guide will give you a taste of the following topics and much more:

Tuck in to the history of pasta, tracing its journey from Italian origins to global domination

Learn about the most popular (and the most unusual) pasta shapes, sauces and dishes

Whet your appetite with delicious bites of trivia

Hone your culinary skills and discover how to make your own pasta from scratch

Experiment with delicious recipes, allowing you to perfect classic dishes or expand your repertoire

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned connoisseur, The Little Book of Pasta has all the mouth-watering information and inspiration you could hunger for.

A fascinating compendium of reported alien sightings, encounters and abductions, such as the mysterious Belgian UFO wave, the unusual Lubbock lights, and the infamous Roswell incident

What did Kenneth Arnold see flying above Mount Rainier?
What were the Phoenix Lights?
What really happened at the Battle of Los Angeles?

Humans have always looked to the skies and pondered what was up there. Throughout the centuries, science has provided us with many answers, but there are some mysteries that remain unexplained. In our modern world, many of us find ourselves asking the eternal conundrum, “Are we alone in this universe?”

This intriguing anthology examines incidents that were so puzzling they led witnesses to draw one inevitable conclusion: that aliens really do exist. Inside you will discover some of the most mysterious reports of UFO sightings, close encounters and alien abductions from across the globe. The real-life accounts within are compelling, bizarre and at times spine-chilling, each leaving you with a sense of wonder and a thirst to uncover the truth about life beyond our world.

A leisurely ramble through the woods, a meandering city stroll, a blustery seaside promenade or a vigorous mountain hike – all have their delights and incomparable joys. Whatever your walking style, you’ll be captivated and enthralled by the stories and excerpts of classic writing, trivia and practical tips in this book – perfect for anyone who loves the freedom of lacing up their hiking boots and heading for the hills.    

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.

The Great North Road is Britain’s Route 66 – we’ve just forgotten how to sing its praises

In 1921, Britain’s most illustrious highway, the Great North Road, ceased to exist – on paper at least. Stretching from London to Edinburgh, the old road was largely replaced by the A1 as the era of the motor car took hold.

A hundred years later, journalist and cyclist Steve Silk embraces the anniversary as the perfect excuse to set off on an adventure across 11 days and 400 miles. Travelling by bike at a stately 14 miles per hour, he heads north, searching out milestones and memories, coaching inns and coffee shops.

Seen from a saddle rather than a car seat, the towns and the countryside of England and Scotland reveal traces of Britain’s remarkable past and glimpses of its future. Instead of the familiar service stations and tourist hotspots, Steve tracks down the forgotten treasures of this ancient highway between the two capitals.

The Great North Road is a journey as satisfying for the armchair traveller as the long-distance cyclist. Enriched with history, humour and insight, it’s a tribute to Britain and the endless appeal of the open road.

When can you spot the Hunter’s Moon, a Smiling Moon or a Pink Moon?

How can the phases of the moon help your garden grow?

What influence does the moon have on hamsters, coral and skylarks?

Navigate the rhythms of the night sky with this evocative collection of poetry, prose and precious wisdom. Illuminating the moon’s influence on the natural world and its depiction in folklore and the arts, this guide will open your eyes to the wonders of our brightest celestial neighbour.

Endless work deadlines, family and social responsibilities, runaway to-do lists, FOMO… do you ever wish you could press the pause button to catch a breath?

Discover ways to slow down time with this invaluable guide to slow living. It will not only boost your physical and mental well-being but enrich your relationships and help you to reconnect with what’s really important.

With practical advice on self-care, breathing techniques, mindfulness, ethical living and eating, and how best to cultivate quiet moments every day, Slow is your companion to a happier, calmer you.

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.

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.

A fully illustrated book of tongue-in-cheek advice for cat parents who struggle to tame their cat’s inner beast

Having a cat can be such a joy. Little compares to the delight of cuddles on the couch, the sound of gentle purring, or the fun of playtime. But what do you do when your furry friend starts scratching all the furniture, ruining the flower beds, stealing your food and generally wreaking havoc?

Luckily, this entertaining guide is here with top tips and tricks to tame your cat when the wild beast comes out, so you can spend more time giving head scritches and less time worrying about the state of your curtains.

Become an elite cat parent with these nuggets of wisdom:
– If you’re worried about items crashing to the floor, attach ornaments with string and they won’t make such a satisfying “THUNK” noise
– City cats love the daily discipline of being taken for a walk; give it a try and observe the calming effect it has on them
– Install a security-grade toilet-paper guard to avoid unsolicited homemade confetti

When it comes to alcohol, less really is more. Drinking less means having more energy, more focus and more money. It’s a huge step to better health, better moods and a better life. Whether you’re keen to just cut down or wish to stop completely, this pocket-sized handbook has all the facts, advice and ideas you need to reshape your life in exactly the way you want.

It’s more than just a radio station – Radio 4 is a celebration of curiosity, knowledge and entertainment, and it’s a beloved soundtrack to life for millions of Britons. But for the moments when you’re not tuning in, how about a puzzle or two to pass the time? From quizzes and riddles to crosswords and sudoku, whether you’re an expert on all things Radio 4 or merely a casual listener, there’s plenty in these pages to tickle your fancy and tease your brain.

Space is spectacular

This short, informative and engaging guide to the wonders of the universe will fascinate and inspire readers of all ages

There’s never been a more exciting time to learn about space. As new rockets are launched and fresh discoveries are made, humanity’s urge to explore and understand what’s going on out there keeps evolving and expanding.

But you don’t need to have Einstein-level training to grasp the science and ponder the big questions. This little book covers everything from the Big Bang and the formation of the planets in our solar system, and how to spot them in the night sky, to a timeline of firsts and major events, including the Apollo missions, Elon Musk’s SpaceX programme and Tim Peake’s Principia mission.

Packed with awe-inspiring facts and profiles of key figures, it will take you on an out-of-this-world adventure to the stars and back.

Among the many fascinating questions the book will answer are these:

– How big is the universe and how was it formed?
– How many meteorites crash into Earth every day?
– Could humans one day live on Mars?
– Are we alone in the universe?

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.

We all know that baked treats can warm our hearts as well as our stomachs, and that everything tastes better when you’ve made it yourself. This collection of delicious recipes is peppered with thoughtful quotes and bursting with fail-safe pick-me-ups, from piping-hot pies to sinful double-chocolate muffins. Bake these recipes and be down in the dumplings no more!

Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2018

If you had told Helen two years ago that she would be getting up at 6 a.m. on Sundays to swim in a freezing reservoir and spending her Saturday nights unshowered and covered in mud in a pub, she would have spat out her champagne. But when everyone around you starts settling down, what else is a glamorous party girl to do but to launch herself into the world of endurance sport?

For someone who didn’t even own a pair of flat shoes (and definitely no waterproofs), Helen would soon find she had a lot to learn.

Join Helen on her hilarious and soul-searching journey as she swaps a life of cocktail bars and dating for the challenges and exhilaration of triathlons, trail runs, obstacle races, long-distance cycles and ocean swims… and sets herself the seemingly impossible goal of qualifying as a Team GB triathlete.