‘He thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river.’

One of the most popular children’s books of all time, the dreamy world of the riverbank and Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger is woven into the childhood of many who have been entranced by Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.

The Pitkin Guide brings these enchanting characters to life and explores their relationship with their author. The tragedy of his mother’s early death at their Scottish home and his father’s inability to come to terms with the loss of his wife propelled Kenneth Grahame and his siblings into another world – one that was to influence and inform one of the greatest children’s stories of all time. We look at Grahame’s life in London, the English countryside that inspired his writing, and the legacy he has left behind for future generations to enjoy.

Includes illustrations by E.H Shephard, and map of the River Thames.

Since the late 19th century, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous detective has kept readers entertained and still delights a fanatical following. Presented in both book and film format, this title offers details of Sherlock Holmes, the Victorian world that he inhabited and intricacies of the stories that continue to thrive. A Pitkin guide to delight both visitors and residents of London.

Women at War 1939-1945

William Burges was one of the most imaginative designers of the nineteenth century. Regarded by many as an eccentric, Burges had a passion for Gothic art-architecture. This guide looks at Burges’ early commissions and his work at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Yorkshire, Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, Knightshayes and Tower House, London. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British art, history, heritage and travel.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, specially other titles in the Pitkin History of Britain series. Suitable for Key Stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum. More titles in the History of Britain Series

The steam engine provided power for almost every aspect of life in the West for over 200 years: for industry, transport, agriculture, and generating electricity.

This is the story of a machine that began as a crude device used only for pumping water from mines, which became the main driving force behind the mills and factories of Britain. By the end of the 18th century, the steam engine had moved into the world of transport, first powering boats, and then trundling off down the highway before finding a home on railed tracks. It is one of the greatest stories of British inventiveness, and the steam engine has a host of admirers.

Anthony Burton covers the early ideas that led to the development of steam, and the breakthroughs by blacksmiths Newcomen and Watt. With full-colour photographs and illustrations, this comprehensive and fascinating guide explores the steam engine in all its many guises and its preservation even today.

Look out for more Pitkin guides on history, heritage and travel.

Traces the development of sainthood since biblical times recalling the lives of English saints. In particular looks at St George and the order of chivalry, saints in the Dark Ages, Thomas Becket and Thomas More.

The Domesday Book was the survey of his new realm ordered by William the Conqueror in 1085. Read how this remarkable document was made in this beautifully illustrated and well-researched guide. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

The Second World War was fought on land, in the air and at sea. It was indeed worldwide. This well-written short history looks at its causes and progress through to the allies’ victory in 1945. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

This book answers questions visitors usually ask about Scotland’s most famous export: how and where is it made; why in Scotland; what is the difference between malt and grain whisky; and how should one taste whisky professionally. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

London is the most visited city in England – not surprisingly as it has so much to offer visitors. This new series of entertaining, good value pocket guides will enhance everyone’s visit to our capital. The top attractions; the famous icons that celebrate London; some of London’s most famous sons and daughters; and the rich and remarkable story of this fascinating city are all covered in the first four guides in this new series. Look out for more titles to come!

An entertaining historical guide to a legendary and mysterious order of medieval warrior knights.

The templars have been associated with everything from freemasonry to the Holy Grail, and the Shroud of Turin. Their powerful military-religious status and equally dramatic fall in the 1300s have fascinated and intrigued historians and popular myth-makers alike. The historical backdrop of the Crusades gives background to this brotherhood of knights, with detailed information on their activities and base in London in the early 1160s until the French King Philip IV turned on them in 1307.

This authoritative guide includes the medieval legends of the templars in romantic and epic literature, their doomed Crusades and dominance in Christendom, their fall from grace and disbandment by the Pope, while also reporting on this surviving sect’s secretive and unusual activities today.

Look out for more Pitkin guides on the best in history, royalty, tradition and travel