Search Results for: General Interest

There’s more to being vegan than eating your greens…

A plant-based diet is the foundation of a vegan lifestyle, but you can do so much more to incorporate a cruelty-free approach into everyday life. Vegan Life highlights the simple, achievable ways you can show kindness to animals – and to the environment – not just with your choice of food but with the household products, clothing and cosmetics you buy too.

With tips on how to reliably spot vegan goods when shopping, DIY ideas for making your own organic cosmetic and cleaning products and, of course, essential recipes for delicious vegan food, this book makes it easy to live more ethically.

Dogs can be boisterous, obedient, loyal and downright lazy! This book, which brings together stories, tips, trivia, quotations and poetry celebrating all the fascinating features of the dog, is for anyone whose tail starts wagging at the thought of relaxing with a good read and a warm, cuddly canine at their feet.

A book for bike lovers.
Whether for transport, leisure or sporting endeavour, cycling supports and inspires millions across the globe. This fact-filled miscellany looks at biking from its origins through to its remarkable scope and status in the present day. Covering cycling’s great races, athletes and anecdotes, Ride also provides practical tips on how to maintain your bike and improve your riding.

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!

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.

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.

‘There are few things in life more heart-warming than to be welcomed by a cat.’
Tay Hohoff
They’re intelligent, inquisitive, regal and daft. The smallest thing can spark their curious natures, they’re always there for the times you need an extra cuddle, and with their soulful eyes and velvety paws, it’s no wonder that cats are one of our most beloved animals.
Packed with fascinating facts and trivia, heart-warming stories and inspiring quotes, For the Love of Cats is perfect for anyone who knows the incomparable joy of a purring feline companion.

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.

‘To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden.’
Milan Kundera
Far above and beyond their loyalty and devotion, we love dogs all the more for their individual quirks and personalities – the funny sideways look they give you when you talk, the face-lick when you’re sad, the way they will chase a glimmer of light and yet stubbornly refuse to fetch a ball…
Packed with fascinating facts and trivia, heart-warming stories and inspiring quotes, For the Love of Dogs is perfect for anyone who values the trusty companionship of their favourite pooch.

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.

If you’re a mum who wants to run, there’s nothing stopping you!

When busy mum Leanne Davies set up a social media group for her and a couple of friends to encourage one another to go running, she never imagined it would quickly become a nationwide network of thousands of women, all sharing a passion for the sport and a penchant for colourful compression socks.

Gathering the very best of the advice and tips from the Run Mummy Run network, Leanne and co-writer Lucy have created this comprehensive beginner’s guide to running that includes sections on:
– From starting with a Couch To 5k plan to building up the confidence to race
– Fitting in running around work and family life
– Overcoming barriers to exercise
– How to keep on running when motivation wanes, and much more!

Not just your average practical go-to, this book is filled with down-to-earth advice, training schedules and inspirational stories that’ll help you to be fit, healthy and happy.

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.

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.

‘History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.’
Winston Churchill
 
‘Britain has invented a new missile. It’s called the civil servant. It doesn’t work and it can’t be fired.’
General Sir Walter Walker
 
Order, order! After a long day at the dispatch box, when your honourable friend’s white paper has made you feel green and your poll ratings have slumped to a new low, hunker down in Speakers’ Corner with this grand coalition of political quips and quotes – you’ll be ready to take on the opposition at any time!

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.

“Dr Kaye is the mate who’s always got your back, she knows her stuff and tells you exactly how it is” SARA COX

The complete one-stop guide to the perimenopause and menopause, by Dr Philippa Kaye, with a foreword by Vanessa Feltz

Menopause is the last taboo. But it does not have to mean the end of your libido, of sex, of work, or of feeling like who you used to be.

With modern treatments and evidence-based knowledge, no woman need suffer or “just about” manage. You are still who you are – let’s celebrate that. Let’s get informed and get empowered to make our own choices about our symptoms, our treatments, our minds and our bodies.

The M Word covers everything from understanding symptoms to managing relationships to which treatments really work. Discussing HRT as well as self-help and lifestyle tips, this fully updated edition of the bestselling book will be your companion through the years before, during and after the menopause.

Topics covered include:
– Hot flushes and other physical symptoms
– Psychological symptoms
– Sex, libido and contraception
– HRT and other treatments
– Lifestyle changes
– Health after the menopause
And much more!

Written in a positive, uplifting and light-hearted style, with plenty of quotes from real women, this book shows you how to not just survive, but thrive through the menopause, letting you remain you.

Running isn’t a hobby, it’s a way of life.

Runners run to be the best they can be, to challenge who they are, to inspire others and to champion their cause.

From the woman who ran for three and a half days without sleep, to the 61-year-old man who broke records in an 875-km ultramarathon, this collection of unforgettable stories will inspire anyone who’s ever pounded the pavement to keep on running and enjoy every minute of this liberating sport.

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.

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.

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.