Search Results for: General Interest

Show nature the kindness it deserves

Whether you long to see butterflies flit across your flowerbeds or hear birdsong all year round, there’s something endlessly rewarding about playing host to wildlife. With practical projects and helpful tips for gardens big and small, this guide will help boost local biodiversity and benefit countless native species. Learn how to:

– Choose the best type of bird feeder and seed for your feathered friends
– Build natural habitats and provide shelter for all manner of insects
– Make sugaring recipes to attract butterflies and moths
– Select the right pollinator plants for bees in every season
Wherever you do it – on a balcony, in a garden or across acres of land – you too can create the perfect sanctuary for an abundance of creatures.

Is there a cure for farmer’s lung – and would Joe Grundy take it if he could? Who are Meriel, Jean Paul, Baggy and Mercedes? Which Ambridge couple fell in love to the tune of a Mr Whippy ice cream van? It’s been sixty years since the familiar dum-di-dum-di-dum-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. This new compendium, which brings together facts and trivia about characters, controversies and country customs in one handy volume, is sure to delight avid addicts and nervous newbies alike.

Did you know?
Salvador Dali sometimes wore a perfume of fish glue and cow dung to attract his then girlfriend, Gala.

Have you heard, seen or read about something so bizarre and incredible that it leaves you bamboozled for the rest of the day? No? Then you haven’t read Weird Sh!t. 

This eclectic and eccentric mix of news stories, events, concepts and conceits reveals a world removed from reality as you know it. Prepare to depart from this seemingly conventional life and arrive at a destination full of downright weird and wonderful shit.

Did you hear about…
The Tennessee student who jumped into a laundry chute that was actually a trash compactor?
The Swiss statesman butchered by an axe-wielding bear?
The ancient Greek playwright struck by a tortoise falling from the sky?
Over the ages, death has come in some very unpredictable forms. This irreverent little book gathers together some of the most peculiar and outrageous ways that people across the globe have met their untimely ends. Whether shocking or silly, these true stories are proof at least that the grim reaper has a strange sense of humour.

What makes a man?


Forget the tired old rules about what a man should or shouldn’t be. Life’s just too short. Being a man is meant to be fun, thrilling and fulfilling. But there’s no harm in a few handy ideas to help you up your game – a style tip here, a life hack there, some adventures to boost your bucket list, even a recipe or two (for the barbecue and beyond). Man Stuff contains all this priceless wisdom and more, including a look at classic male hobbies like sport and technology as well as sound advice on health and fitness. Dive in and decide for yourself what kind of man you might be.

Prepare to step over to the dark side with this sinister selection of occult stories

Have you heard the tale of the black-eyed children?

What about the monster that eats your dreams?

Do you know about the witches that summon the dead?

This spine-chilling compendium of strange and supernatural happenings from across the globe is essential reading, whether you’re an occult enthusiast or simply curious.

Filled with mind-bending stories of dark magic, terrifying hauntings and unexplained phenomena, the world of the occult has left us fascinated and fearful since ancient times. Spellbinding, mysterious and hidden from view, occult practices offer a way to uncover the secret knowledge of the universe, but beware: some say this knowledge comes at a price…

Explore this rich history of magic and intrigue, as well as occult rituals and esoteric philosophies that continue today. Stories of the Occult looks at:
– Hauntings
– Unexplained deaths
– Witchcraft
– Mythical creatures and much more.

Delve into this book and see what you can discover. By the end, you may not know what to believe!

Teenage life doesn’t come with a rule book, so here is the next best thing.

Let’s face it: growing up is confusing. You’re expected to get good grades at school, maintain an insta-worthy social life and somehow also hone a range of life skills which you definitely don’t want to ask your parents about…

This book is here to act as your go-to guide on everything from social media to sexting and from body image to self-esteem. Acting as your personal cheerleader, this book will teach you everything you need to navigate your teens with sass and style.

Remember, there is nothing more awesome than being you.

Where did the Coronavirus outbreak originate and was the pandemic predicted?

Did aliens help to build the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza, and what were they trying to tell us?

Is the food industry colluding to make us addicted to sugar?

Prepare yourself for some startling revelations on these topics and many more in this updated and expanded compendium of the world’s scariest and strangest conspiracy theories. Leaving no stone unturned, it delves into such conundrums as:

– the growing number of people who believe the Earth is flat
– the unsolved disappearance of Flight MH370
– the uncertainties surrounding the assassination of Osama Bin Laden
– the mysterious circumstances of Bruce Lee’s death
Whether you’re a doubter or a self-confessed conspiracy junkie, you’ll find a cover-up for every occasion. And remember, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you…

If you think you’re safe, then you’d better think again…

Explore some of the world’s most inexplicable occurrences, mind-bending conspiracy theories, spine-chilling urban legends and totally unbelievable truths in this weird and wonderful collection.

Whether you’re a sceptic, a self-confessed conspiracy junkie or just curious about what the world might be hiding from you, the stories in this book will push the boundaries of your belief and set your imagination alight – but only if you’re brave enough to read it.

Did Michael Jackson fake his own death in a bid to escape financial ruin or was he murdered?

Was it aliens that helped to build the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids and what were they trying to cover up?

Is the food industry colluding to make us addicted to sugar?

You’ll discover startling evidence on these topics and many more in this compelling compendium of the world’s scariest and wackiest conspiracy theories. It leaves no stone unturned as it delves into such conundrums as:
– the mysterious circumstances of Bruce Lee’s death
– the alleged withheld evidence pertaining to the 7 July bombings
– the controversy surrounding Barack Obama’s rise to power
– the unsolved disappearance of Flight MH 370

Whether you’re a sceptic or a self-confessed conspiracy junkie, you’ll find a cover-up for every occasion. And remember, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you…

Rally the troops – let’s head outdoors

Ex-Commando, proud dad-of-three and bestselling author of Commando Dad: Basic Training, Neil Sinclair is back with this briefing on how to inspire and entertain your kids in the great outdoors.

Suitable for children aged 3 and up, this illustrated field guide is loaded with dozens of activities, games and crafts for you and your troops to enjoy, including:
– Build a shelter in the woods
– Learn to tie knots
– Make a hotel for creepy crawlies
– Get creative with leaf printing
– Share campfire stories

These Forest School mission briefs will make sure your squad learns valuable skills, stays safe and has a lot of fun. Embrace the tried-and-tested Commando Dad approach to parenting and embark on some unforgettable outdoor adventures.

If you want to know your Freud from your Jung and your Milgram from your Maslow, strap in for this whirlwind tour of the highlights of psychology. Including accessible primers on:

– The early thinkers who contributed to psychological ideas and the birth of modern psychology
– Famous (and often controversial) experiments and their repercussions
– What psychology can teach us about memory, language, conformity, reasoning and emotions
– The ethics of psychological studies
– Recent developments in the modern fields of evolutionary and cyber psychology.

This illuminating little book will introduce you to the key thinkers, themes and theories you need to know to understand how the study of mind and behaviour has sculpted the world we live in and the way we think today.

Unlock the secrets of human behaviour and explore the thoughts, motivations and perspectives of the people around you in this beginner’s guide to personality psychology

If you have ever wondered what makes us who we are, then you are not alone. The reasons behind why we think the way we do have captured the minds of philosophers and scientists for hundreds of years, leading to the development of one of the largest branches of psychology: personality psychology.

Personality psychology examines our personalities and considers how they develop and vary from person to person. In this pocket-sized guide, you will discover the forces that influence our personalities, and in turn how our personality influences our actions.

In this accessible introduction, you will learn about:

· Theories and key thinkers who have pioneered the study of personality
· The different personality tests and what they tell us about people’s minds
· Personality disorders and how they can impact our daily lives

From Maslow to Jung, and Freud to Darwin, this fascinating little book is a perfect guide to personality psychology, for both novices and experts alike. Delve in and uncover the secrets of our minds and innermost selves.

Can you recall the year that the Dracula fish was discovered?


Do you know the height and location of the world’s tallest building?


Remember the company that discovered a way to convert water and CO2 into fuel?




This unique trivia compendium presents an illustrated snapshot of the world twenty years after the new millennium.


Taking stock of the most impressive achievements, terrific disasters and marvellous innovations that have changed our world, 2020 brings together top twenties of fascinating facts and figures on subjects ranging from life-saving technological advancements to freak weather phenomena, outstanding sporting achievements to unexpected political shake-ups.  


Whatever your interests, you’ll be amazed, amused, surprised and enlightened by this testament to the catastrophic lows and unbelievable highs of human endeavour.

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.

Marathons make you miserable, but they also give you the most unlikely and the most indescribable pleasures. It’s a world that I love – a world unlocked when you dress up in lycra, put plasters on your nipples and run 26.2 miles in the company of upwards of 30,000 complete strangers. Phil Hewitt, who has completed over 25 marathons in conditions ranging from blistering heat to snow and ice, distils his personal experiences into a light-hearted account of his adventures along the way from Berlin to New York, and explores our growing fascination with marathon running. This story of an ordinary guy’s addiction to running marathons – an addiction hundreds of thousands share – looks at the highs and lows, the motivation that keeps you going when your body is crying out to stop, and tries to answer the ultimate question, ‘Why do you do it?’

A bike can be so many different things – a simple way of navigating busy city streets or enjoying quiet lanes, a cross-country steed to take a rider up hill and down dale or even a world-beating racing machine. What unites everyone who rides is that they each have their own cycling story to tell.
This book collects inspirational stories from riders around the world, both ordinary and extraordinary, from the cyclist who conquered Mont Ventoux on a Boris bike, to the trials rider who hops from building to building, to classic tales of Grand Tour rivalries and legendary cycling records of days gone by. Essential reading for anyone who loves life on two wheels.

Supercharge your confidence, enhance your well-being and live life as your best self with the help of this modern guide to the ancient art of Stoicism

Whether you seek greatness or joy, self-knowledge or self-control, the Stoic philosophy can teach you how to exercise the mental muscles you need to rise above everyday stresses and manage whatever life throws at you.

The Stoic’s Guide to Life features philosophical insights and simple, actionable tips that will uplift and inspire you, as well as a treasure trove of wise words from giants of philosophy, from Marcus Aurelius and Zeno to Epictetus and Seneca.

Discover how to:

– Build mental strength and emotional resilience

– Distinguish between what is within your power to influence and what isn’t

– Find peace, even on the busiest of days

– Cultivate the four Stoic virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance and justice

Life’s journey isn’t always a stroll in the park, but there are ways you can forge your own path. With the wisdom inside this little book, you will be empowered to find happiness and meaning in our modern world.

Put your knowledge of real-life kidnappers, killers, con artists and thieves to the test with this gripping compendium of puzzles and trivia

Journey to the darkest corners of human nature and discover the events that have ensnared the interest of humankind across the globe and throughout time. Dive deep into this entertaining book, where the most notorious heists, cons and crimes are reimagined as puzzles.

From crosswords and counting conundrums to spot the differences and sudoku, whether you’re a true crime junkie or just morbidly curious, there’s plenty in these pages to sharpen your mind and shred your nerves.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:

– Spot the differences between the two detective boards
– Shuffle the letters to reveal three types of murderer
– Guide the stolen goods through the maze to the getaway vehicle
– Solve the trivia questions to uncover gruesome facts about notorious serial killers

You’re not alone in feeling lonely

In a world more connected than ever before, it can be hard to unravel why it is that you feel alone. The truth is, whether you’re sociable or solitary, extroverted or introverted, loneliness can affect us all at some point in our lives.

This pocket-sized guide will help you recognize and understand the way you feel, and offers practical advice for looking after your mental and physical well-being. From improving self-care to cultivating relationships, this book is here to help you break up with loneliness for good.

‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ Mark Twain


Organise your stuff and organise your life – you’ll soon see the results.


This book tells you exactly how to get your sh*t together, so you can be the best version of yourself.
Use its winning blend of super-achievable life hacks, motivating quotations and lots of good sh*t to kick-start your transformation.

Seek the truth at the heart of the world’s most bizarre cases in this chilling collection of unsolved mysteries

Did you hear about the woman who died inside a tree?

What about the legend of the Beast of Bodmin Moor?

Do you know that UFOs flew over Belgium?

Intriguing, captivating and downright bizarre, this heart-pounding collection of unexplained events is guaranteed to keep you up at night. Throughout history, unsolved mysteries have left us searching for answers.

Baffling stories of strange happenings and seemingly supernatural events mean we are terrified of what we can’t understand. Theories and folklore surround these events, but as we look for a rational explanation, perhaps the truth might be even more sinister.

Learn about the world’s most elusive secrets, and how people have attempted to explain them. Unsolved Mysteries includes:
– Strange disappearances
– Suspicious deaths
– Ghosts and hauntings
– Mystifying landmarks
– UFO sightings
– Mythical beasts

Dive into this peculiar collection of cold cases and paranormal events and see if you can uncover the “truth”.

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.

You might run for fitness. You might run for speed. But ultimately, running is about much more than the physical act itself. It is about the challenges we face in life, and how we measure up to them. It is about companionship, endurance, ambition, hope, conviction, determination, self-respect and inspiration. It is about how we choose to live our lives, and what it means to share our values with other people.

In this year-long memoir, which might be described as a historian’s take on Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, the celebrated historian Ian Mortimer considers the meaning of running as he approaches his fiftieth birthday. From injuries and frustrated ambitions to exhilaration and empathy, it is a personal and yet universal account of what running means to people, and how it helps everyone focus on what really matters.