Search Results for: General Interest

Learn to forage in the hedgerows like the herbalists of the past with this best-selling beginner’s guide.

For centuries our ancestors looked to nature not just for food, but also for healing. To this day, our ancient hedgerows, woodlands and forests are still full of remedies – and they’re waiting to be discovered.

This is the essential guide to enjoying the bountiful delights of the natural world. Learn how to make delicious preserves, healing balms, soothing toddies and cures for colds with nature’s jewels such as rose hips, elderberries and mugwort.

You will also find:

– Photographs to help you safely identify edible plants
– Advice on what is available in each season
– Guidance on how best to prepare and preserve your finds
– The fascinating folklore and history of foraging
Every walk is an opportunity to learn, identify a new plant, gather something to eat and reconnect with nature – so dive in to begin your foraging adventure.

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.

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.

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!

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?

‘Here again, Mr Cossey?’ asked the young Spanish embryologist, shooting me a welcoming smile as I followed him down the corridor. He had recognised me by sight and that wasn’t good. I was now the one thing you don’t want to be in a fertility clinic.

A regular.

Martha wanted a baby. Mark wanted a baby. What’s the worst that could happen?

In four years of baby-making boot camp, Mark and Martha face The Calendar, the joy of sober, scheduled sex, hostile cervical mucus, IUI and IVF. Through a combination of ignorance and outrage, Mark survives ejaculating into a small jar, stabbing his wife, having his sperm turned pink and group sex with whales.

Written with genuine laugh-out-loud humour and complete honesty, Trying is a noholds-barred welcome to the world of the infertile written by a man who has lived through it all and come through with his ultimate dream realised – his own family.

It says a lot when you can call two years of sleepless nights a happy ending.

Do you have a deep-rooted fear of flying, or would you simply like to be more relaxed when you get on a plane? In this informative and accessible guide, veteran airline pilot Captain Keith Godfrey and psychologist Dr Alison Smith welcome you aboard and take you through everything from take-off to touchdown, helping you to feel more confident and at ease when journeying by air. Many of the questions that trouble nervous flyers are addressed; for example:

• What is turbulence?
• Why are there so many unusual noises during a flight, and what are they?
• How does an aircraft stay in the air?
• What happens if an engine fails?
• How effective are air traffic controllers?

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

Tips and ideas for travelling the world
So you’re off to explore the big, wide world: head filled with possibilities and hiking boots laced.
But a big trip raises big questions, like ‘How do I go about choosing and packing a bag?’, ‘How should I handle money abroad?’ and ‘What the hell do I do when my hostel dorm is filled with snorers?’ Luckily this handy guide is filled with essential tips, advice and hacks to make your adventures on the road truly unforgettable. 

Dive into this deck of 52 cards containing delicious cocktail recipes, both classic and modern. The box also includes a pocket-sized booklet and stand for displaying the recipe cards.

Bottoms up! Whether you’re a mixologist in the making or looking for new ideas to refresh your repertoire, let The Cocktail Deck help to make any occasion one to remember.

From the crowd-pleasing classics such as the Margarita and Piña Colada to modern must-know recipes like the Paper Plane and White Negroni, this beautifully illustrated deck includes over 50 recipes to spark your imagination, as well as a handy booklet full of expert tips and techniques on blending the perfect drink.

This is an ideal gift for all those who appreciate the unique alchemy of cocktail making.

– Box includes 52 individual cards and a 16-page booklet with extra cocktail tips, tricks and presentation ideas
– Display your cocktail recipe in the high-quality wooden stand as you create the perfect sip
– Each card features a bespoke illustration

Do you have frequent feelings of worry, nervousness or unease?

Do you wish you could be more confident and self-assured?

In this book you will learn tips and techniques for positive thinking, the benefits of mindfulness and how to build your confidence, from the way you speak and breathe to the way you stand. With advice on healthy lifestyle habits and behaviour patterns, and how to manage your anxiety, How to Feel Less Anxious is your starting point for a happier, healthier you.

Fill your love life with good vibes with this collection of mind-blowing sex positions inspired by the classic Indian book of erotica. With positions ranging from slow and sensual to frisky and fun, this book features all the classics as well as far-out new techniques to try. LET’S GET IT ON!

A practical, supportive and easy-to-read guide to help you understand and overcome stress, filled with helpful tips and actionable advice

Feeling overwhelmed? This little book is here to help.

How to Understand and Deal with Stress is a friendly, accessible guide with all the information and advice you need to identify the source of your struggles, and to take practical steps to reduce or manage the burden. By learning the science behind stress and understanding how it affects your mind and body, you’ll start to dismantle its hold on you. And with practical ways to manage the condition – including physical, medical and therapeutic perspectives – this book will help you work out the best ways you can support your mental health and improve your overall well-being.

By the end of this book, you will:
– Understand the science behind stress, how it manifests, what causes it, and how to identify symptoms and triggers
– Be armed with physical and practical steps you can take to alleviate stress, from breathing exercises and healthy lifestyle choices to problem-solving techniques and coping mechanisms
– Have a host of holistic remedies up your sleeve for when stress strikes, such as mindfulness, visualization and breathwork
– Know about the medical treatments and therapies available, and know how and when to seek professional help or support

With the right knowledge and guidance, you can learn to understand and manage stress so that you can get back to feeling like you again.

Learn to forage in the hedgerows like the herbalists of the past

As many of us look for ways to live a more planet-friendly lifestyle, the sustainable and ethical art of foraging offers us a way to connect with the world around us. It is a practice rich in tradition and steeped in history, and one that links us to our past and our future.

This foraging companion is designed to be taken with you on your adventures into the hedgerows, forests and woodland all year round. Helpfully arranged by season, this book includes clear photographs to aid plant identification, ideas on how best to prepare and preserve your finds, fascinating foraging and plant folklore, and handy pages to make your own notes and drawings.

Additional features:

– Paperback and lightweight (approx. 330g) design, to allow you to take the book with you while foraging
– A month-by-month foraging calendar
– Advice on foraging etiquette and tips for creating a forager’s toolkit
This is the essential guide to enjoying the bountiful delights of the hedgerows.

Namaste: a respectful greeting frequently used at the end of a yoga session; “I bow to the divine in you”

Nom-aste: a respectful prayer of thanks for delicious, nutritious and just plain yummy food

Looking after our well-being and eating tasty, nourishing food go hand in hand. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates mindful cooking and eating, teaching you how to bring the principles of yoga and mindfulness into your kitchen. From ahimsa (non-violence) and Ayurveda (food as medicine) to the art of making your own bread, you’ll learn how to give your body what it really needs in order to flourish, and how to nurture a healthy, positive attitude toward food. The 60 wholesome, plant-based recipes inside will add vitality to your daily life and leave you filled with good food and gratitude.

Political idealism? Financial reward? The thrill of the chase? What drives a person to risk their life by entering the deadly world of high-level espionage? 

A unique investigation of the most important cases of the twentieth century, this exploration of the world’s most glamorous and dangerous job – including information newly released under the Freedom of Information Act – will keep you enthralled until the last page. Find out the dark secrets of:

• Sidney Reilly, considered by many to be the greatest spy of the century and an inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond

• The ‘Atom Bomb’ spy Klaus Fuchs, who gave the Russians atomic capability

• George Blake, who betrayed over forty British agents, and is still alive in Moscow

• The Cambridge Spies, the double agents who did more damage to British intelligence in the twentieth century than any other group

Neil Root’s insightful book focuses on the personalities of these enigmatic figures, discusses their motivations and influences, and asks whether they were heroes, traitors or just scapegoats.

This upbeat, easy-to-use guide will show you how to organise your work, revise effectively and prepare for exam day to give you the best chance of getting top grades. Most importantly, this book will help you find the best approach for YOU.
Includes:
Preparing your revision environment Organising your notes Using the right revision methods Choosing reliable online resources Best practice for exam day

Discover the fascinating stories behind 38 queer icons, all of them ground-breakers, risk-takers and game-changers. Whether they are activists, sportspeople, scientists or superstars, every one of these people has been a trailblazer in their field, and deserves to have their achievements celebrated the world over. Be empowered and inspired by their extraordinary life stories, their awesome achievements and their wonder-words of wisdom with this pocketbook of remarkable people, and prepare to be introduced to your new superheroes.

Don’t let anxiety define who you are

In a world where we are constantly comparing our looks, our lifestyles, our jobs and our relationships with others, it can be easy to let worries get the better of us. The truth is, whether you’re sociable or solitary, extroverted or introverted, anxiety will 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 challenging the way you think to making positive lifestyle changes, this book is your starting point for a more carefree, content and confident you.

Sport can bring out the best in us… and the worst.
The high-pressure world of competitive sport has been shaken over the years by a series of major scandals. Involving drugs, sex, violence, money or pure and simple cheating, these incidents have ruined reputations, fuelled suspicions and shocked loyal supporters. Highlighting some of the most memorable cases from around the world, Norman Ferguson explores both recent and historic instances of dishonesty, betrayal and outrageous unsporting behaviour.
Over 35 scandals, including:
How cancer-survivor Lance Armstrong deceived his fans and cheated his way to seven Tour de France victories The World Cup bidding processes that brought the FBI to FIFA’s door Figure skater Tonya Harding’s sinister plot to break the leg of her rival, Nancy Kerrigan

We all have busy lives but want to be the best parent to our child, without compromise.
Many of us turn to the internet when we want a snap answer to a parenting dilemma, but how do we determine what is reliable information? This book is the antidote to those overwhelming search engine results. It’s a one-stop source for time-poor parents who need reliable, tried and tested advice on all the parenting conundrums from classic to topical, such as:
What’s the best way to encourage good behaviour? How can I ensure my child has a healthy body image. How can I ensure they do their homework with minimal fuss? How can I get my children to play nicely together instead of fight? With no-nonsense solutions, each designed to be read in less than 5 minutes, this book will help to boost your confidence when making important parenting decisions.

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

You’ll read all about…
– Toby, the golden retriever who performed the Heimlich manoeuvre to save his owner’s life
– Liam, the Lhaso Apso-Poodle mix who helped his owner battle an eating disorder
– Hercules, the St Bernard who saved his owners from burglars on the first day he moved in
– Alfie, the terrier who gave a bullied girl a new lease of life

… as well as many other canine heroes who came to their owner’s aid – whether it was saving them from physical threats, or helping them to recover from mental illness, PTSD and bereavement.

These remarkable dogs all repaid the love and appreciation that their owners displayed in rescuing them. Let these uplifting stories warm your heart, and show you that adopted dogs truly are man’s best friend.

Embrace the power of the divine in this beginner’s guide to some of mythology’s fiercest females and most legendary ladies

Across thousands of years and countless civilizations, goddesses have been a powerful presence. Whether as leaders, mothers, warriors or lovers, these indomitable divinities have always been able to fascinate and seduce us.

This pocket guide offers readers an engaging and accessible introduction to a selection of the most powerful and influential goddesses throughout ancient and modern history, retelling their stories and celebrating their awesome abilities. Each profile includes a concise history of the goddess and her origins, a summary of her main powers, a look at the goddess in myth and popular culture and an exploration of her best attributes.
Learn about the Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war; Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of pleasure and protection; the beautiful Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, and many others.

Let yourself be inspired and empowered by tales of feminine power, strength and wisdom in this pocketbook of dazzling deities.