Dogs see only in black and white, or do they?
In Everything You Know About Animals is Wrong, Matt Brown debunks common myths from the world of ani[…]
MORE >SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Paperback ISBN: 9781841658759
Paperback publication date: 5 March 2020
Category:
Paperback price:
OUT OF STOCK
eBook ISBN: 9781841659152
eBook publication date: 1 April 2020
Category:
eBook price: £
9.99
Our price: £
For centuries the great religious buildings of Great Britain have inspired and fascinated pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The beauty and diversity of British ecclesiastical architecture is superbly captured in this guide to over 60 of Britain’s finest cathedrals.
This definitive guide contains over 130 magnificent colour photographs that capture the enduring appeal of these great monuments to the Christian tradition.
Extended entries are included on Durham Cathedral, York Minster, Lincoln Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, Glasgow Cathedral, St David’s Cathedral.
This definitive guide contains over 130 magnificent colour photographs that capture the enduring appeal of these great monuments to the Christian tradition.
Extended entries are included on Durham Cathedral, York Minster, Lincoln Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral, St Pauls Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, Glasgow Cathedral, St Davids Cathedral.
'A trustworthy guide'
The Living Church
Paperback ISBN: 9781849945639
Paperback publication date: 5 March 2020
Category: Chess
Paperback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849946643
eBook publication date: 1 April 2020
Category: Chess
eBook price: £
11.99
Our price: £
A book by stalwart chess writer on an aspect of chess that is quite common, but little is written about, swindling in chess. In chess, a swindle is a ruse by which a player in a losing position tricks his opponent, and thereby achieves a win or draw instead of the expected loss. Renown chess writers Horowitz and Reinfeld observe that swindles, "though ignored in virtually all chess books", "play an enormously important role in over-the-board chess, and decide the fate of countless games".
Andrew Soltis, American chess journalist, says swindles are not accidental or a matter of luck. Swindling is a skill. But there has been almost nothing written about how to do it, how to make yourself lucky in chess. Swindling means setting traps that exploit an opponent’s over-confidence. It means choosing the move that has the greatest chance of winning, rather than the move that has the least chance of losing.
Soltis’ new proposal will explain to players of all levels how to do just that with plenty of examples to explain along the way.
'Full of interesting positions, [How to Swindle in Chess] can be read for pure enjoyment, and there are enough diagrams provided that it can mostly be read without a board.'
ChessCafe.com
Hardback ISBN: 9781849945820
Hardback publication date: 2 April 2020
Series: Everything You Know About...
Category: Nature
Hardback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849946742
eBook publication date: 25 March 2020
Series: Everything You Know About...
Category: Nature
eBook price: £
6.99
Our price: £
A humorous and informative book, debunking a range of commonly held myths about animals.
Camels store water in their humps and magpies love to steal shiny objects. Or do they? A must-read in the Everything you Know series, this book debunks a range of old-cod stories about animals in author Matt Brown’s inimitable humorous and fascinating style.
Covering everything from the myth that lemmings throw themselves off cliffs in suicide (they don’t, but on occasion some just fall off) to the one about bats being blind (they’re not, and they can see but use the more sophisticated echolocation for certain hunting). From head in the sand ostriches to cats landing on their feet, a wealth of information on our beloved pets to creepy crawlies and wild giants, this book will set the marvel of the animal word straight. Plus, there are special features on the odd diets of animals and how wrongly they are portrayed in the movies.
All the old stories and myths about animals we’ve had since childhood are gleefully debunked in a hugely entertaining book.
'While lighthearted in tone, a lot of knowledge is nonetheless imparted, and Brown’s natural wit and obviously in-depth levels of research shine through'
How it Works
'A book bound to start conversations'
The Field
Paperback ISBN: 9781849945813
Paperback publication date: 9 July 2020
Category: Nature
Paperback price:
Hardback ISBN: 9781849944939
Hardback publication date: 4 October 2018
Category: Nature
Hardback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849945707
eBook publication date: 25 March 2020
Category: Nature
eBook price: £
6.99
Our price: £
"Pack soup, cheese and a copy of How To See Nature by the Bard of Wenlock Edge and Guardian diarist." John Vidal
With a title taken from the 1940 Batsford book, this is nature writing for the modern reader. Evans weaves historical, cultural and literary references into his writing, ranging from TS Eliot to Bridget Riley, from Hieronymus Bosch to Napoleon.
It is a book both for those that live in the country and those that don’t, but experience nature every day through brownfield edge lands, transport corridors, urban greenspace, industrialised agriculture and fragments of ancient countryside.
The essays include the The Weedling Wild, on the wildlife of the wasteland: ragwort, rosebay willowherb, giant hogweed and the cinnabar moth; Gardens of Light, about the creatures to be found under moonlight: pipistrelle bats, lacewings and orb-weaver spider; The Flow, with tales from the riverbank, estuaries and seas, including kingfisher, minnow, otter and heron. The Commons looks at meadowland with a human footprint, with the Adonis blue butterfly, horseshoe vetch, skylark, black knapweed and the six-belted clearwing moth. The author also looks at the wildlife returned to Britain, such as wild boar and polecats, and finds nature in and around landscapes as varied as a domestic garden or a wild moor.
The book ends with an alphabetical bestiary, an idiosyncratic selection of British wildlife based on the author’s personal encounters.
'It’s like going on a series of quiet, unhurried rambles in the company of an interesting and very knowledgeable teacher'
Green Spirit
'A lyrical celebration of the marvellously diverse wildlife of modern Britain.'
Eithne Farry,
The Simple Things
'The ordinary becomes extraordinary in this fascinating book'
Miriam Darlington
BBC Wildlife
‘By celebrating [the natural world] so beautifully, Evans is playing as important a role in its conservation as anybody.'
Birdwatching
Paperback ISBN: 9781849946735
Paperback publication date: 7 January 2021
Category: Colouring & Activity Books
Paperback price:
A great book for expressing your creative fashion urges, with doodling, drawing and colouring exercises to fill in.
Fashion illustrator and lecturer Frances Moffatt provides suggestions and half-filled pages of drawings and doodles for you to continue. Including sections on designing your own fashion blog, creating your own festival fashions, styling street style models from across the globe, adding bling to celebrity pets and creating your own fashion patterns and prints. This book is packed full of fun exercises to get creative and bring out the fashionista in you.
Unleash your creative potential by adding colour, patterns and glitter to these line drawings to make them unique to your style. Whether it’s a simple colouring-in piece, or a more considered drawing, the suggestions offer something for everyone and encourage you to make the book about your own style.
'A great way to stay creative and keep entertained at home’
The Pattern Pages
‘A fun one for anyone who likes fashion and accessories… The inviting illustrations and doodle prompts make it a fun way to unleash your inner creativity.’
Independent
Gavin Pretor-Pinney
Hardback ISBN: 9781849946674
Hardback publication date: 1 October 2020
Category: Stationery
Hardback price:
A cloudspotter’s interactive journal.
Our interest in clouds is more profound than we ever thought. Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society and author of A Cloud A Day has been spreading the word via social media and hugely popular TED talks, and the response has been revelatory.
Following on from his very successful A Cloud A Day book, he wants readers to take time each day to look at the shifting skies. To take a moment, as he says. Then, using the prompts and space in the journal, record the cloud, weather, and importantly their thoughts on that day. It is the perfect mindful occupation.
To help readers understand the clouds they are looking at, the book includes a hugely useful pin wheel device – a cloud selector – at the back of the journal. The device allows the reader to visually match the cloud they see in the sky with the cloud in the selector device, which has all the information about that particular cloud they need. From the cloudlets of the altocumulus clouds to the rarer Lacunosus cloud (holes surrounded by fringes of cloud).
In amongst the prompts and spaces are stunning images of clouds with bits of poetry, science and folklore. It is the ideal interactive journal for those interested in clouds and the weather but also for those looking for the perfect way to spend 10 minutes of the day to reconnect with nature and the passing of the seasons.
Praise for A Cloud A Day:
‘[This] charming little volume reminds us that self-care is as available as a glance out the window, no matter your age or infirmities’
The New York Times
‘A confident celebration of our ever-changing skies… I defy anyone who reads it not to start taking furtive peeks out the window.’
Robert Leigh-Pemberton, Daily Telegraph
Paperback ISBN: 9781841658520
Paperback publication date: 6 February 2020
Category:
Paperback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781841659145
eBook publication date: 6 February 2020
Category:
eBook price: £
3.99
Our price: £
Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), mathematician and physicist, is one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. This fully illustrated, accessible guide to the life and work of Isaac Newton is the perfect introduction to his groundbreaking work on gravity, motion, optics, light, colour and calculus. It also considers his lesser known research into chemistry, theology and alchemy while assessing his continuing legacy.
Organised chronologically, this book covers his childhood in rural Lincolnshire, school days in Grantham and undergraduate life at Trinity College, Cambridge. All of his major discoveries, breakthroughs and publications are lucidly described. Entries include: the story of the falling apple, Gravity and the Principia, Newton’s laws of motion, Optics, Alchemy and Divinity, as well as his time as Warden of the Royal Mint in London.
This is the essential guide to the life, work and legacy of one of the greatest geniuses of all time.
Organised chronologically, this book covers his childhood in rural Lincolnshire, school days in Grantham and undergraduate life at Trinity College, Cambridge. All of his major discoveries, breakthroughs and publications are lucidly described. Entries include: the story of the falling apple, Gravity and the Principia, Newtons laws of motion, Optics, Alchemy and Divinity, as well as his time as Warden of the Royal Mint in London.
This is the essential guide to the life, work and legacy of one of the greatest geniuses of all time.
Hardback ISBN: 9781849945431
Hardback publication date: 6 June 2019
Series: Batsford Fairy Tales
Category: Folklore & fairy tales
Hardback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849946209
eBook publication date: 13 December 2019
Series: Batsford Fairy Tales
Category: Folklore & fairy tales
eBook price: £
7.99
Our price: £
12 classic English fairy tales and their history, from tales of dragons to Robin Hood.
Folk tales and legends are an intrinsic part of English national culture. In his book, Rosalind Kerven has revived the best English fairy tales for a new generation. These are stories of giants, dragons, fairies and Arthurian Romance. Together, they form a perfect introduction to the different types of traditional stories and their place in English oral and written heritage.
Each tale is linked with a specific place or county in England: ‘The Dragon Castle’ from Northumberland, ‘The Girl Snatched By Fairies’ from County Durham, ‘The Princess and the Fool’ from Kent and ‘The Dark Moon’ from Lincolnshire.
The book also includes notes on each story: the history and where it came from, its development and short summaries of many related or similar stories.
Discover the importance of keeping myths, legends and folktales alive with author Rosalind Kerven an[…]
MORE >Hardback ISBN: 9781849945424
Hardback publication date: 6 June 2019
Series: Batsford Fairy Tales
Category: Folklore & fairy tales
Hardback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849946193
eBook publication date: 13 December 2019
Series: Batsford Fairy Tales
Category: Folklore & fairy tales
eBook price: £
7.99
Our price: £
A unique collection of traditional stories about faeries, elves and goblins.
Faeries, elves, goblins, leprechauns, brownies, spriggans and many other supernatural beings leap vividly off the page in this collection of haunting stories. Included are 25 stories drawing on folklore from the rich narrative heritage of Britain and Ireland.
Marvel over ancient spells to summon faeries to your house, tremble at the shapeshifting powers of dangerous faery queens, lose yourself amongst the illusions of Faeryland and learn how to protect family members from the terrors of faery abduction. Interspersed with facts on faery folklore, these tales cover faery morals, elvish misdemeanours, the spells cast by goblins and the sightings of the creatures, as well as their dealings with mortals.
With charming illustrations from favourite illustrators throughout, including Arthur Rackham, this book reminds us of the enduring appeal of folklore and mystery for all generations.
Discover the importance of keeping myths, legends and folktales alive with author Rosalind Kerven an[…]
MORE >Hardback ISBN: 9781849945417
Hardback publication date: 6 June 2019
Series: Batsford Fairy Tales
Category: Folklore & fairy tales
Hardback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849946186
eBook publication date: 13 December 2019
Series: Batsford Fairy Tales
Category: Folklore & fairy tales
eBook price: £
6.99
Our price: £
The definitive book of stories from Arthurian legend.
Delve into the enchanted world of Arthurian legends where you will meet the Knights of the Round Table, Wizard Merlin, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. With plots full of romance, adventure and enchantment, these fascinating ancient tales have been revived by the author to reflect their origins in oral history and will appeal to a whole new generation of readers.
Stories include Elaine Who Loved Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Tristan and Isolde and The Enchantment of Merlin, many of which have recently been adapted in modern cinema and remain a fascination within contemporary culture.
The book also features detailed notes on each story and mentions specific places in Britain with Arthurian links, including properties such as Tintagel.
Beautifully illustrated with images inspired by Arthurian legend by Arthur Rackham and others.
Discover the importance of keeping myths, legends and folktales alive with author Rosalind Kerven an[…]
MORE >Paperback ISBN: 9781849945370
Paperback publication date: 7 March 2019
Category: Poetry
Paperback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849945974
eBook publication date: 13 December 2019
Category: Poetry
eBook price: £
5.99
Our price: £
A beautifully illustrated anthology of poetry celebrating babies, children and childhood – from the magical times and memories of childhood, through to the unconditional love a parent has for a child.
Some of our best-loved poets are featured, such as William Blake, John Betjeman, Robert Louis Stevenson, Adrian Mitchell and WH Auden.
The poems begin in infanthood, with the joys that babies and toddlers bring as they learn to move and speak, and progresses to playtime, friendships, holidays, trips and school days.
The wonderful, endearing illustrations throughout make this the ideal book for anyone who celebrates a child in their life.
‘This is a wonderfully nostalgic anthology of poems…There is much depth to this collection.’
Juno magazine
‘Stunning retro illustrations accompany some of the best poetry… A charming treat.’
Evergreen
'This is a delightful collection of some of the best poems written celebrating children, being a parent and that magical time of childhood.’
Angels and Urchins
'[J]oyful…This one’s for keeps.’
Absolutely Mama
Richard Wyndham
Hardback ISBN: 9781849945486
Hardback publication date: 4 April 2019
Category: History
Hardback price:
eBook ISBN: 9781849946018
eBook publication date: 12 December 2019
Category: History
eBook price: £
6.99
Our price: £
A remarkable and eccentric insight into the south east of England in the pre-war period.
Richard Wyndham’s ‘last look round’ was a tour taken immediately before the Second World War in 1939 and was originally published in the following year as South-Eastern Survey.
Wyndham is a very agreeable companion as he travels in his self-confessed ‘haphazard’ way around the counties of Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Often eccentric but always good fun, he drives ‘for the most part on side roads only, and through villages and lesser towns.’ A selection of Wyndham’s own black and white photographs taken on his expedition are included.
Sussex, Kent and Surrey 1939 is a wonderful insight into south east of England before the outbreak of the Second World War, which brought so much change to the country. Wyndham is a superb travel companion who completed the writing as he was called up for active service.
‘Wyndham’s tone is that of a warm, eccentric uncle.'
Discover Britain