Search Results for: General Interest

Do you want to know more about the fight for women’s rights, what we’ve achieved and how we got there?

This helpful little guide will teach you the history, theory, big issues and everything you need to know to become a CARD-CARRYING FEMINIST.

“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.

Walk a llama. Fly a kite. Go star gazing. Ride a steam train. Row a boat. Watch a waterfall. Wonder at life and all its beautiful moments because you only get one chance at it.

Discover new ways to broaden your horizons and reach for life-affirming experiences, then record them in these pages. Collect Moments, Not Things will help you break away from a digital existence and create a fulfilled, exciting and happy life.

This beautifully illustrated guide contains specific month-by-month ‘to do’ lists for ornamental gardens, edible crops and general maintenance, as well as tips on things to look out for, such as pests and how to eliminate them. With diary pages for making your own notes each month, this pocket-sized calendar is a must-have whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out. Pippa Greenwood is a leading light in the world of horticulture. She was a presenter on BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World for over 13 years and the gardening consultant for Rosemary and Thyme. She is a regular panellist and bug expert on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, has written a number of award-winning books and contributes to BBC Gardeners’ World magazine.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE KIDS WHO FOUND A FERRARI BURIED IN THEIR GARDEN?
WHAT ABOUT THE MAN WHO SUED SATAN?
DO YOU KNOW THE LEGEND OF THE BUNNY MAN?
There are some stories that people will claim are true without a doubt – this collection showcases the best of these fascinating and often creepy tales. Whether you believe these urban myths or not, they have the power to unnerve and enthral us all. 

Celebrate the richness of modern queer culture and its vast history with this fascinating introduction to all the essential elements that helped sculpt the LGBTQ+ community up to the present day, including:
– the amazing stories of queer pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson, celebrities, game-changers and unsung heroes alike
– the essential LGBTQ+ timeline of queer world history
– the biggest queer culture festivals and events in the world
– classic works of queer art, literature, music, TV and film

This cheerful collection shines a light on the rich variety of elements that form The Queeriodic Table.

This book celebrates oceans, coasts and shorelines the world over. Bringing together incredible stories and legends of the sea, delicious recipes and activities inspired by the coast, and fascinating trivia on everything from marine exploration to the turning tides, it will captivate anyone who is enthralled by the wonder of the sea.

– DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE KIDS WHO FOUND A FERRARI BURIED IN THEIR GARDEN?
– WHAT ABOUT THE MAN WHO SUED SATAN?
– DO YOU KNOW THE LEGEND OF THE BUNNY MAN?
Strange happenings, unsolved mysteries and seemingly supernatural events have gripped and shocked us for centuries, passed from person to person in whispers in classrooms, tales around the campfire and idle gossip among friends. Whether they’re based on a grain of truth or a complete flight of fancy, the myths, legends and weird tales contained within this book will take you on a fascinating journey to the outer limits of plausibility, and dare you to believe the unbelievable.

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.

Trucker caps, Crazy Frog, SM:TV Live and Sunny D – growing up in the 2000s was sweet.
So why not take yourself back to a time when McFly were ruling the charts and Snake 2 was the coolest thing in mobile gaming, to discover if you really are a true child of the 2000s.

Filled with terrifying tales of gruesome murders, grand theft and kidnappings, this compendium of the worst side of humanity is guaranteed to chill the blood

Did you hear about London’s Victorian, all-female gang? What about the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist? Do you know the story of the killer nun? Prepare yourself for the urge to sleep with the light on and to double-check you’ve locked the door, because this collection of True Crime Stories is not for the faint-hearted.

Spanning criminal activity from across the world, this book will take you on a journey to the darkest reaches of human nature. Ranging from white-collar criminals and con artists to kidnappers and killers, there’s plenty to shred your nerves.

Whether you’re a true crime junkie or just morbidly curious, let these stories of charismatic criminals and their sinister deeds ensnare your interest and send a shiver down your spine.

Filled with tales of con artists and their mind-bending schemes, from the terrifying to the downright unbelievable, this thrilling compendium of the world’s most incredible scams is truly stranger than fiction

Did you hear about the scammer who posed as a wealthy socialite to fund her lavish lifestyle? What about the people who use dating apps to steal not only your heart, but your money? Do you know the story of the man who tried to sell the Eiffel Tower?

Spanning criminal activity from across the world, this collection of real-life crimes will fascinate and shock you in equal measure. From swindlers and imposters to double lives and faked personas, discover the people behind these schemes and the lengths they went to in order to commit them.

Whether you’re a true crime junkie or just can’t resist a glimpse of the darkness within the human psyche, let these stories of predator and prey ensnare your interest and dare you to believe the unbelievable.

‘Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.’
John Lubbock

Lovers of the great outdoors will be inspired by this miscellany of quotations, poems and beautiful prose celebrating the natural world. From Elizabeth von Arnim to Oscar Wilde, this charming collection explores every aspect of the countryside, from the first bluebells of spring to a hilltop walk on a crisp winter’s day.

Self-belief is the key to your greatness.

Packed with useful tips, positive affirmations and bite-sized biographies on women who rock, this book is a celebration of female strength and courage. No matter what your aims are for today, this month, this year or in life, it will encourage you to ignore the cynics, seize exciting opportunities and live a life that you love.

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.

Have you ever wondered if there is a way to stop airport staff from flinging your luggage around like a Frisbee? Do you wish there was a way to relax on the beach without getting sandy? Are you keen to discover ingenious ways to make your trip unforgettable without it costing an arm and a leg? Travel Hacks is your handy guide to making your trips that little bit easier, whether you are jetting off for a week or a year. This fully illustrated manual covers everything from maximising space in your suitcase to keeping mosquitoes at bay, and much, much more.

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.

It’s time to celebrate your inner geek with this treasure trove of lists and prime cuts of knowledge.

Time to brush up on what you’d forgotten or misremembered, and discover what you never had a clue was true. Ranging across history, science and the natural world, taking in sport, film, food and much more, Man Facts gives you a wealth of up-to-date stats and eye-opening trivia that will make you a general-knowledge genius, or at least help you nail your next pub quiz. Dig in.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.