Search Results for: General Interest

Have you ever wondered…




how the orchestra got its name?


who wrote the longest-ever symphony?


just how do we know when to clap – and when not to?




From Bach to Beethoven, Vivaldi to Vaughan Williams, the world of classical music has something to enchant every listener. Whether you’re an armchair connoisseur, a regular concert-goer or an ardent musician, For the Love of Classical Music will take you on a tour encompassing landmark pieces and performances, key artists and composers, and surprising facts about the world’s most beautiful music.

This collection of heart-warming stories shares true accounts of some extra-special pups and celebrates the many ways dogs uplift and enrich our lives every day

Dive into these pages to meet some of the most incredible dogs and puppies who have touched the lives of their owners in unforgettable ways. From loyal service dogs who have helped their owners through some of life’s toughest challenges, to playful puppies who bring joy to every moment, the furry friends featured in this heart-warming collection of stories will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Whether you’re a dog lover or simply need a dose of positivity, the stories inside are sure to raise your spirits. Filled with tales of courage, love and loyalty, this book is here to remind you of the unbreakable bond between dogs and humans. So settle in with your furry friend and get ready to be inspired by the stories of these amazing pups!

This collection of uplifting stories shares true accounts of some extra-special cats and reminds us that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest impact on our lives

Cats are more than just pets – they are family. This heart-warming book is filled with tales of the incredible bonds we form with cats, and inspiring examples of how these furry friends have brought joy and love into so many lives.

From rescuing their owners from loneliness to being a source of comfort during tough times, the cats featured in these stories have proven that they are so much more than just cute and cuddly companions. Each tale serves as a reminder of the powerful connection we share with these fluffy animals and the lessons they teach us about healing, hope and happiness.

Whether you’re a cat owner or you simply appreciate the magic of these adorable creatures, this book is sure to warm your heart and remind you of the power of their love and companionship.

This essential dictionary and phrase book provides every term you need to know when buying, maintaining, renovating or building a home in France.

Accessible and comprehensive, it includes the technical words you won’t find in an ordinary dictionary for tools and equipment and every aspect of painting, carpentry, roofing, plumbing and drainage. It also equips you with terminology for planning structural changes such as extensions and determining boundaries. An appendix of emergency phrases will make this a book you’ll want to keep by the phone at all times.

Whether you own a home or work in France, this book will help you talk to French tradesmen with authority and avoid costly misunderstandings as you pull down the language barrier brick by brick.

Featuring simple tips, practical advice and inspiring ideas, this book will help you discover how to reap the mental, physical and spiritual benefits found in nature

We all know that our environment is critical to our well-being, so when seeking a boost to our happiness, where better to look than the garden? Whether you’re hoping to cultivate a calmer mindset, nurture your physical strength or connect with your community, the restorative powers of gardening can help you flourish.

With valuable information, actionable tips, creative project ideas and feel-good gardening facts, this book will help you discover the all-round health benefits that can come while honing your green fingers.

Inside you will discover:
– How the aromas, colours and sounds of plants and nature can both relax and invigorate you
– Why gardening and its therapeutic actions are beneficial for your mental health
– How to energize your body, tone muscles and improve flexibility for overall fitness
– The plentiful spiritual aspects to be found through breathwork and grounding exercises
– How and why gardening can plant you within your community and encourage teamwork and cooperation

Discover the fascinating world of mushrooms with this beautiful pocket guide, featuring trivia, history, identification tips, delicious recipes and more

One of nature’s most extraordinary organisms can be found right under your feet: the mushroom. For thousands of years these fungi have intrigued humankind, providing food, inspiring folklore and proving to be both poison and cure.

The Little Book of Mushrooms will allow you to uncover this mysterious kingdom for yourself. Learn the difference between a giant puffball and a scarlet elf cup and discover how mushrooms and the fungal network help plant life to communicate. You will also find:

– Fascinating facts about the fungi kingdom
– Mushroom folklore from around the world
– A beginner’s guide to identifying common wild mushrooms
– A collection of delicious mushroom-based recipes
Mushrooms are vital to life on earth, and this book will be your guide to these spectacular organisms that have influenced our past and could shape our future.

Relax. Refresh. Restart.

Amid the commotion of everyday life, finding a few precious moments of “me time” can be challenging. With so many demands on our attention, knowing how to get the most out of our limited downtime is more important than ever.

Discover new ways to take some time out with this invaluable guide to finding and creating sanctuary. Whether you’re searching for serenity at home or seeking solace in the great outdoors, this book is packed with self-care tips, calming crafts and delicious recipes to help you relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

From the best-selling author of The Hedgerow Apothecary

Learn how to make the most of your common garden plants like the herbalists of the past

Unlock the sustainable and ethical art of the apothecarist, and explore its rich folklore and history. Discover the hidden delights in your own garden and how to use them to make delicious edible treats, herbal cures and restorative beauty products. With photographs to help you safely identify edible plants and tips on how best to prepare and preserve your finds, this is the essential guide to enjoying the home-grown riches of your garden.

Enjoy the therapeutic delights of the plants to be found in your own garden with easy-to-follow recipes.

– Heal dry hands with calendula balm
– Encourage restful sleep with cherry moon milk
– Get creative with a vivid blue ink made from cornflowers
– Try a borage infusion for tired eyes
– Soothe itchy skin with herbal bath tea
– Bake a delicious nettle and lemon sponge cake
– Freshen up with a rosemary mouthwash
– Enjoy a cool glass of red clover lemonade
And much more!

Home is where your dog is

When you’re a dog parent you know that life just isn’t complete without your canine companion by your side. Packed with trivia and puzzles, quotes and crafts, care tips and even tricks to teach your dog, this trusty little book is a celebration of all things canine – perfect for anyone whose best friend has four legs, a wet nose and a wagging tail.

… I can tell you anything.
… You make me laugh until I cry.
… We make the perfect team.

This sweet book of love tokens is the perfect way to tell your special someone why they’re so wonderful.

Whether you’ve already established yourself as an elite pup parent or you simply love canines and their quirks, you’re certain to have a ball with this collection of dog-themed puzzles

When your hands need a break from giving nose-boops, head-scritches and tummy rubs, or if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, why not press “paws” and enjoy a puzzle or two?

From classic conundrums and quizzes to cryptic crosswords and sudokus, whether you choose to while away the hours or simply dip a paw in, there is plenty within these pages to keep your mind as strong as a dog’s devotion.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Find the names of famous dogs hiding within word searches
– Spot the differences between snapshots of common dog habits
– Solve the maze to reunite the puppy with its bone
– Answer tail-wagging trivia to learn about rare dog breeds

Whether you’ve established yourself as an elite cat parent or you simply love kitties and their quirks, this collection of cat-themed puzzles is certain to set your mind purring

More than just ruling the world, cats rule our hearts and homes. When you deserve a rest from giving head-scritches, or if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, why not press “paws” and enjoy a puzzle or two?

From classic conundrums and quizzes to cryptic crosswords and sudokus, whether you choose to while away the hours or simply dip a paw in, there is plenty within these pages to keep your mind as agile as your favourite feline.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Find the names of famous cats hiding within word searches
– Spot the differences between snapshots of common cat habits
– Solve the maze to reunite the kitten with its ball of wool
– Answer trivia to learn about rare cat breeds

All you need is love… and a cat

They’re furry, they’re purry, and they’re the ultimate cuddly companion. This cat-pendium of epic purr-portions celebrates your feline to the fullest with trivia and puzzles, quotes and crafts, care tips and nifty ways to make your kitty happy. Dedicated to our favourite pawed pals, this little book is a must-have for any cat parent.

A pocket-sized guide to all things vegan grub, this little book is the perfect gift for students who hunger for easy, affordable and feel-good food

The student lifestyle doesn’t always lend itself to extravagant cooking – most of the time you might get by with toast – but this book is for those that crave a little creativity, sustainability and flavour in the kitchen.

Vegan student food always packs a plant-based punch, promising tasty ingredients, high nutritional value and ethical peace of mind. Featuring an array of budget-friendly, flavourful and easy-to-make meals, this guide gives you the vegan recipes you need to spice up your student suppers.

From comfort food to gourmet dishes, study snacks to batch bakes and delicious drinks, the recipes, tips and trivia inside this book will put the variety in your vegan diet.

Whether you’re already a meat-free chef, a vegan cooking newcomer or an omnivore looking to explore plant-based food in your student kitchen, this book will provide you with the tools to ensure great taste every mealtime.

From seaweed-wrapped maki rolls to tuna-topped nigiri, dive into this celebration of one of the world’s favourite delicacies

There are few foods more recognizble than sushi. Originating in Japan, the iconic fluffy white rice that’s topped, wrapped or rolled with beautifully prepared fish and vegetables is an art form as much as it is a meal.

This handy pocket guide will give you a taste of the following and much more:
– Find food for thought with the history of sushi
– Learn about different kinds of sushi, from the traditional to the modern, and how to eat it
– Whet your appetite with delicate bites of trivia Discover mouth-watering recipes, allowing you to bring Japan to your very own kitchen

Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, The Little Book of Sushi will be your handy guide to the bite-sized delicacy which has found favour all over the world.

Be the change you want to see in the world

Want to take an active role in stamping out racism but don’t know how best to channel your energy? Looking to make the step from being “not racist” to being truly “anti-racist”? Then this book is for you. With a raft of practical tips, this pocket-sized guide will help you to recognize racism in all its forms, address unconscious bias, be a true ally and embrace anti-racism.

Welcome to Cottagecore – a world full of wildflower meadows and picnics, homemade jam and floaty dresses, traditional crafts and cosy country retreats. Embrace a more peaceful way of life where there’s always a delicious pie baking in the oven and birdsong drifting on the breeze. Rekindle your love for nature and find solace in the soothing art of cottagecore with the help of this beautiful book of recipes, crafts, activities and design ideas. Wherever you live, bring the beauty, nostalgia and simplicity of country living into your home and heart, all year round.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the thought of the climate emergency?

Do you want an eco-friendly lifestyle but don’t know where to start?

Then dive into this little book, full of simple, achievable ways to help you reduce your carbon footprint. From tips on creating a more eco-friendly home and ways to reduce your plastic use, to advice on shopping sustainably, within these pages you will discover everything you need to know to help you make planet-friendly choices and live a more sustainable life.

The Little Book of Going Green aims to shed light on the ways humans are harming the environment, from pollution and deforestation to industrial production and farming methods. Filled with facts, theories and tips on how we can do our bit for the planet, this is your one-stop guide to making every aspect of your life earth-friendly.

Losing weight has become the modern woman’s holy grail… everything will be better when we’re thin.

We’re obsessed with weight, we dislike our bodies, we worry about the food we eat, we feel guilty, we diet… Too many of us are locked into a war with our own bodies which we’ll never win, and which will never make us happy.

The Ministry of Thin takes a controversial, unflinching look at how the modern obsession with weight loss, youth, beauty and perfection got out of control. Emma Woolf, author of An Apple a Day, explores how we might all be able to stop hating and start liking our own bodies again. And she dares to ask: if losing weight is the answer, what is the question?

This collection of simple, budget-friendly recipes is the ultimate pocket guide to one-pot, fuss-free cooking

To enjoy flavourful, satisfying meals every night, embrace the joys of one-pot cooking!

Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a menu plan that won’t break the bank or you want to cook to impress, this little book has you covered. All made in one vessel – whether it’s a pot, pan or tin – these recipes allow you to cook delicious, fuss-free food with maximum taste and minimal hassle.

Within these pages you will find:
– Recipes for air-fryers, slow cookers, hobs and ovens
– Meals for every occasion – from quick weeknight favourites to delicious date-night treats
– Budget-friendly recipes to help keep costs down
– A variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options

There’s nothing that hits the spot quite like a home-cooked meal, so whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, dive into this book to take the stress out of dinnertime.

Do you sometimes mix up your ‘affects’ and ‘effects’? Do you know when to use ‘less’ or ‘fewer’? And what about punctuation – would you like to feel sure about semicolons?

Grammar can be tricky, but this book will stop you from making embarrassing slip-ups, and the bite-sized tips are sure to make your writing instantly more impressive.

Empowered women empower women

Find your inner pizzazz with these kick-ass quotes, statements and motivational tips that’ll make you want to go out and grab life with both hands.

When Mimi first started jogging on a treadmill as an unfit 36-year-old mother-of-three, she never imagined she would go on to become a World-Record-breaking ultrarunner.

After coming to terms with the anorexia that had impacted her life from a young age, Mimi begins to reassess her relationship with food and finds a new resolve in running. With a renewed sense of purpose, she decides to take the sport that saved her life to the next level, training hard and throwing herself in at the deep end by entering the epic Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, despite still being a novice runner. One startling success leads to another, as she finds herself taking on ever-more-challenging races – from the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, USA, to the 6633 Arctic Ultra – all building up to her biggest challenge yet: attempting to gain the Guinness World Record time for a female running 840 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End.

This incredible story of how an ordinary mum ran her way into the record books will inspire beginner runners and die-hard marathon devotees alike, proving that, no matter where life takes you, it’s never too late to achieve your dreams and do the impossible.