Search Results for: General Interest

How do you want to change your life?

Every day is a fresh start, just bursting with opportunities. This book will show you how to fire up each day with positivity and passion, and reinvent your downtime to make it work for you. Inject some magic into your mornings, make your days more fulfilling and more productive, and set yourself on course to achieve your dreams – and all in just five minutes! It’s everything you need to make your day – and your life – spectacular.

Though many of us are unaware of it, everyone has messages running through their head. Some of the messages are positive: ‘Well done, that was great’, or neutral, ‘What am I going to have for dinner?’ But for many people the messages are negative and self-critical: ‘Why did you go and say that?’, ‘You’ll never be successful’, ‘You’re pathetic’. These messages have a profound impact on how we feel and behave, and ultimately they affect how happy and successful we are in life.

This is the first book to provide a range of tried and tested techniques for transforming  your inner critic. By using these techniques you can transform your thoughts, feelings and behaviour to become a happier person. This book covers such topics as:

• Understanding your inner critic

• Listening to your whole self and not just your inner critic

• Being proud of yourself and your strengths

• Releasing your inner wisdom

• Handling criticisms from others

• Creating more fun in your life

Unlock your unconscious, record your dreams and reveal their hidden meanings. All you need is this journal, a pen and a good night’s sleep.

As Freud famously said, dreams are the royal road to the unconscious. But before we set foot on that path, we need to know why we dream and how we can read them.

Packed with suggestions, facts and advice on all things dream-related, this book will be your essential guide to help you:
– Improve your dream recall
– Learn the basics of dream interpretation
– Identify common dream symbols and concepts
– Understand your dreams and their meanings
– Explore themes and imagery in your dreams

It also provides plenty of space to chronicle your visions and includes a range of quotes from some of the biggest dream experts and philosophers to help you reflect on your visions and interpret them with greater confidence.

It’s time to puff up the pillows, slip into a deep slumber and have sweet dreams!

Did you know…

…that the oldest tree in Wales is a yew in Llangernyw in Conwy, thought to be around 4,000 years old?

… that London is one of only three cities worldwide to have hosted both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games?

… that Ebenezer Place in Wick, Caithness, is officially recognised as the shortest street in the world, at a mere 206 cm (81 in.) in length?

From a Scottish waterfall three times the height of Niagara Falls to the last foreign invasion of Britain and the birthplace of the first Oscar-winning Welshman, The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer brings together hundreds of remarkable facts and feats each pertaining to a different location from across Britain and Ireland. As much an accessible and informative reference book as it is an entertaining miscellany, it aims to expand our knowledge of these extraordinary islands while uncovering and celebrating some of their most remarkable people and places.

From Dark Peak on the Pennine Way in Derbyshire to the misty Malverns in Worcestershire and Milk Hill on the Mid-Wilts Way, walking the county high points provides the perfect opportunity for ramblers to experience the English countryside. An indefatigable walker, David Bathurst has unlaced his boots to produce this unique companion to the country’s most rewarding hilltop trails. His appreciation of the beauty and history of the British countryside and his light-hearted style will appeal to experienced and novice walkers alike.

If you want to know your ichthyosaur from your iguanodon, and your belemnites from your brachiopods, strap in for this whirlwind tour of the highlights of palaeontology

Life as we know it now has a long history, buried beneath the ground. Palaeontology is the science of fossilized animals and plants, using discoveries of ancient lifeforms to uncover secrets of the past. From giant dinosaurs, to ammonites, to the first ever humans, explore the greatest findings in palaeontology in this pocket-sized introduction.

The Little Book of Palaeontology includes:
– The key palaeontological discoveries over the past 400 years, including the dinosaur found complete with intricate scales, and the largest fossil ever uncovered
– Profiles of influential palaeontologists such as Jack Horner, Dong Zhiming and Mary Anning
– What we have learnt about the lives of ancient creatures and how they became extinct
– The big questions about the prehistoric world that palaeontologists are trying to answer today

This illuminating little book will introduce you to the key thinkers, themes and theories you need to know to understand how life evolved. Look through this window to the past and learn about our prehistoric ancestors and the creatures of a bygone age.

There are so many important decisions to make about how we must adapt our lifestyles to reverse climate change, but where do we start?

From your first steps toward living sustainably all the way to going zero-waste, this book is here to help you find solutions to all your climate conundrums by taking inspiration from a true eco-warrior.

If we each approach the climate emergency in the same way as Greta, we can all live a planet-friendly life and enjoy a brighter future.

The sun is out. The temperature is soaring. And you are starving. If these factors don’t give you a valid licence to grill, then what does?! (NB: a BBQ in winter is totally acceptable, too!)

Whether you are hosting a large gathering or you want to whip up something quick and easy for one, this book covers all BBQ bases, including:
– Meat, fish and veggie grills – raise your culinary game with BBQ pulled pork and creamy slaw burgers, grilled squid with a Thai dipping sauce, and mixed vegetable and seitan skewers, to name just a few!
– Sauces, marinades and rubs – heighten the flavours of your food with BBQ and whisky glaze, homemade mayonnaise, Cajun rub, and much much more!
– Side dishes – serve up some old favourites and new delights, such as chargrilled aubergine and quinoa salad, cheesy Portobello mushrooms and classic egg mayonnaise.
– Sweet treats – top off the feast with some delicious desserts, including s’mores and grilled fruit kebabs.

It’s time to don your apron, fuel the flames and get grilling!

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

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.

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

From rogan josh and rendang to bunny chow and vindaloo, dive into this celebration of one of the world’s most popular dishes: curry

There are few foods more diverse than curry. It’s a dish, an ingredient and a cooking method; it can be made hot or mild; vegetarian or vegan; and it can be served with rice, breads, chutneys or pickles. However, while curry comes in many forms, at the heart of the dish is always its flavour – the wonderful alchemy of spices that’s guaranteed to delight the taste buds.

This handy pocket guide will give you a taste of the following and much more:
– Find food for thought with the history of curry around the world
– Whet your appetite with the hottest bites of curry trivia
– Cultivate your palate by growing your own spices
– Discover delicious curry recipes which will allow you to eat your way around the world in your very own kitchen

The Little Book of Curry will help you spice up your life one dish at a time.

Filled with terrifying tales of ghosts and ghouls, poltergeists and other unexplained encounters, this bone-chilling compendium of paranormal phenomena is sure to haunt you long after you have turned the final page

Did you hear about the ghost who solved her own murder? What about the terrifying case of the Battersea poltergeist? Do you know the story of the killer ghost of Kentucky?

Prepare for your blood to run cold and for your heart to beat a little faster, because the disturbing tales lurking within are not for the faint-hearted. Delve into this collection to discover infamous accounts of the eerie and the unexplained – as well as lesser-known strange, contemporary happenings from across the globe – and connect to the rich tradition of paranormal stories that have captivated humankind throughout the ages.

But beware: after sampling these sinister histories, you might be too scared to close your eyes – no matter how much your body craves sleep.

‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.’


Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own


Prepare your senses for a feast of delicious food scenes in literature accompanied with recipes to bring them to life in your very own kitchen, including Turkish delight Edmund wouldn’t be able to resist, roast goose the Cratchits would be proud of and cucumber sandwiches Algernon would be loath to share.
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys spending their days with a book in one hand and a saucepan in the other.

This captivating collection of puzzles and trivia, exploring the world’s weirdest events and crazy conspiracies, is sure to set your mind reeling

Test your knowledge of US presidents with fiendish trivia questions
Solve clues to discover how the CIA allegedly control their subjects
Help the reptilian find the right path to its royal throne

Discover some of the most perplexing mysteries that have bewildered humankind for centuries! Dive deep into this entertaining book, where the most enduring conspiracy theories are reimagined as puzzles.

From crosswords and counting conundrums to spot the differences and sudoku, whether you’re a sceptic or a self-confessed conspiracy obsessive, there’s plenty in these pages to sharpen your mind and have you believing the impossible.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Spot the difference between two Illuminati symbols
– Find the names of the politicians who are secretly controlling us within word searches
– Shuffle the letters of anagrams to identify the names of paranormal beings
– Figure out what happened during the most mysterious unexplained events throughout history

An exhilarating and deeply moving story of one man’s attempt to sea kayak the areas of the Shipping Forecast, perfect for fans of The Salt Path and Attention All Shipping

Foreword by Charlie Connelly, author of Attention All Shipping

The Shipping Forecast has been described as the UK’s national lullaby: a source of dependability and calm in our often chaotic world, it has charmed millions of listeners and aided generations of seafarers across the decades. No stranger to weathering a storm after living with a rare life-limiting condition and facing the death of his brother, avid kayaker Toby Carr set out to explore the areas of the Forecast.

On a journey that took him to the harshest and most tranquil stretches of our sea, Toby found the real people, places and stories behind the familiar names and imagined environments of the well-loved BBC broadcast. From the wildness and peace of the sea, looking back at the land, Toby hoped to gain the strength and balance he knew nature could provide and to discover what anchors us to each other.

Written by Toby’s sister Katie from his extensive notes and recordings after his untimely death, Moderate Becoming Good Later is both an epic adventure – sometimes choppy, constantly moving – and a personal voyage of discovery that includes old friends and new, plenty of wildlife, and the ever-present sea.

Good quality sleep is vital for well-being, yet one in ten adults in the UK experience sleep problems at some point in their lives, affecting mood and general health. Are you one of them?

• Discover how your night-time routine can aid restful sleep
• Make your bedroom conducive to sleep
• Choose beneficial foods and supplements

We need bees. And they need us.

This small, informative and engaging guide to these terrific, tiny creatures will captivate and inspire readers of all ages.

Discover the fascinating story of these marvels of nature with this perfect pocket guide, here to celebrate all things bee. Learn about their beehaviours, why they are under threat and how they are essential to our existence. From tips to help identify different species to bee habitats and folklore, this is the ideal companion for any bee lover looking to protect the future of our furry little friends.

Inside you’ll find:

– Fascinating facts about all kinds of bees (did you know there are over 20,000 different species?)
– The essential place bees hold in our ecosystem and the countless benefits we gain from their existence
– Positive steps we can all take to tackle the serious decline of these incredible insects
– A variety of recipes and crafts, from easy honey cake to eco-friendly beeswax wraps

Daisy, the tiny Dachshund who put her life on the line to save her humans from a bear. Charco, the veteran sniffer dog who has saved countless human lives, and yet still keeps his tail wagging. Delta, the dog who died trying to protect her young owner from a volcano – after already having saved his life three times. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that dogs are pretty great. But when it comes to facing peril, these loyal creatures always seem willing to step up to the mark and become true doggy heroes. Whether they’re saving humans from dangerous people or situations, helping those who are ill, fighting crime or just following their animal instincts to do good, the true stories collected in this book prove that dogs aren’t only man’s best friend – they’re also inspirational, courageous and selfless companions.

Emily, the feline that survived an epic journey across the Atlantic trapped in a shipping container from America to France.
Scarlett, the brave mother that went into a burning building five times to rescue her kittens.
Oscar, the care-home cat that predicts when residents are about to pass on and comforts them in their final hours. Whether they’re testing the boundaries of their nine lives or demonstrating unusual talents, cats are always full of surprises. In Super Cats, prepare to meet the most surprising of all. Discover loyal moggies and extraordinary survivors in this heart-warming collection of true tales, and marvel at the astonishing powers of these remarkable animals.

Misty was ecstatic to see her owner but to the nurse’s surprise her owner just stood there and said, ‘What have you done with my dog’s head?’ ‘I’m sorry,’ replied the nurse, ‘what do you mean? She’s just been in for spaying.’ ‘That isn’t my dog’s head. The rest of it is my dog but you’ve put a different head on it.’ On a crisp October morning in 1996, Emma Milne started her first job as a newly qualified vet, a career captured on camera for eleven series of television’s Vets in Practice. Now she tells the full story. We discover the numerous things that can get stuck in an animal’s stomach, how to stop a cow exploding, and – the biggest truth of all – that animals are easy to deal with in comparison to their owners. They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and these Tales from the Tail End turn out to be stranger – and funnier – than you could ever have imagined…

This heart-warming and humorous collection of true furry tales follows the highs and lows of Barrie and his wife as they take on the challenge of rescuing large dogs.

After losing his beloved dog, Elsa, Barry can’t face replacing her. But when he accepts a rescue worker’s proposal to become a dog foster parent he doesn’t quite realise what he is letting himself in for.

With every four paws comes a story: the German Shepherd who lived in an abandoned car, the unwanted Christmas puppy, the twelve-year-old dog who’s never been walked or played with. From a four-week old bundle of fluff in a peg bag to the ex-guard dog with a lion’s mane, the husband and wife team welcome them all into their hearts and home.

Connect to your inner self and the world around you and enjoy a new sense of peace and happiness. This stunning book will help you along your own spiritual journey, by introducing you to traditions, philosophies and practices which have the power to open your heart and broaden your mind. Along with tips on how to practise spirituality in your everyday life, this book provides the stepping stones to a more fulfilling life.

Did you know?
Nessie is not the only monster supposedly living in a Scottish loch. Loch Morar has its own: Morag. The first Open golf Championship was played in Scotland, at Prestwick in 1860. As well as television, insulin, chloroform and the telephone, Scotland has given the world kaleidoscopes, contour lines, tinned salmon and Andy Murray. This miscellany of all things Scottish will have you quoting Burns, reeling off famous battles and fizzing with fascinating trivia in no time. As well as getting the low-down on the who, what, when and where of Scottish history – including profiles of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie – you’ll gain plenty of insight into the food, drink, landscape, culture and everything else that makes Scotland exceptional.