Title search results
Showing 81 - 100 of 1167 items
One of the most impressive of all Victorian scientists but also a marvellous writer, Bates' (1825-1892) account of his years…
in the upper reaches of the Amazon is almost too good to be true - a great monument to human inquisitiveness as he battles great hoards of malevolent reptiles and insects in his quest for ever more obscure specimens on ever more narrow and creeper-choked tributaries.Great Journeys allows readers to travel both around the planet and back through the centuries – but also back into ideas and worlds frightening, ruthless and cruel in different ways from our own. Few reading experiences can begin to match that of engaging with writers who saw astounding things: Great civilisations, walls of ice, violent and implacable jungles, deserts and mountains, multitudes of birds and flowers new to science. Reading these books is to see the world afresh, to rediscover a time when many cultures were quite strange to each other, where legends and stories were treated as facts and in which so much was still to be discovered.I Never Knew That About the River Thames
By Christopher Winn. 2010
Bestselling author Christopher Winn takes us on a captivating journey out of London along the banks of the River Thames…
to discover the secrets and stories of England's most famous waterway. Discover the Thames's literary heritage at Pangbourne, near Reading, famous as the home of The Wind in the Willows's Kenneth Grahame, then explore Mapledurham House, the inspiration for its famous Toad Hall. Explore Henley-on-Thames, where the first Oxford and Cambridge boat races were held, then marvel at Southend Pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world.As he follows the river from source to sea, visiting its towns, villages and places of interest, Winn unearths a fascinating array of facts, folklore, landmarks and legends that are guaranteed to have you exclaiming 'I Never Knew That!'. Illustrated with line drawings this charming gem of a book is guaranteed to inform and delight in equal measure.Into Iraq
By Michael Palin. 2022
In March 2022, Michael Palin travelled the length of the River Tigris through Iraq to get a sense of what…
life is like in a region of the world that once formed the cradle of civilisation, but that in recent times has witnessed turmoil and appalling bloodshed. In the journal he kept during his trip he describes the war-ravaged city of Mosul and the children he encounters growing up amid its ruins. He contemplates the graffiti-strewn ruins of Saddam Hussein's former palaces, and he notes the constant presence of armed guards. But there are patches of light amid the dark: boisterous New Year celebrations in Akre, the friendliness of generals and colonels at 'Checkpoint Cheerful', and public poetry readings in Baghdad. People getting on with their lives.At the same time, Michael charts the course of one of the great rivers of the world, showing how the water that gave life to such ancient settlements as Babylon and Ur is now becoming a scarce and hotly contested resource. And he considers the role that Iraq's other great natural resource - oil - plays in both providing wealth and threatening political stability.Illustrated throughout with colour photographs taken on the trip, and permeated with his warmth and humour, this is a vivid and varied portrait of a complex country.The Highlands
By Calum Maclean. 1990
In a new edition of this classic book, introduced by the world-renowned Gaelic poet Sorley Maclean, the late Calum I.…
Maclean, a Gaelic-speaking Highlander, interprets the traditional background, culture and ways of life of his native country. Calum's formal training in folk culture and the depth of his local knowledge make this book truly outstanding - it is written by a Highlander from the inside. Many books on the Highlands have been penned by outsiders with an uncritical appreciation of the scenery and only the most superficial knowledge of the Gaelic language and culture. By contrast, Maclean brought informed attitudes and sympathetic opinions. He was concerned not so much with places, beauty spots and scenery as with the Highlanders in their own self-created environment. He writes in terms of individuals and suggests reasons why Highland culture is unique in the world - it is something that, if lost, can never be recovered or recreated.The Hidden Landscape: A Journey into the Geological Past
By Richard Fortey. 2005
'A very well written book about geology and geological history' Sir David Attenborough, The Times'I travelled to Haverfordwest to get…
to the past. From Paddington Station a Great Western locomotive took me on a journey westwards from London further and further back into geological time, from the age of mammals to the age of trilobites...'So begins this enthralling exploration of time and place in which Richard Fortey peels away the top layer of the land to reveal the hidden landscape - the rocks which contain the story of distant events, which dictate not only the personality of the landscape, but the nature of the soil, the plants that grow in it and the regional characteristics of the buildings. We travel with him as our guide throughout the British Isles and as the rocks change so we learn to read the clues they contain: that Britain was once divided into two parts separated by an ocean, that Scottish malt whisky, Harris tweed, slate roofs and thatched cottages can be traced back to tumultuous events which took place many millions of years ago. The Hidden Landscape has become a classic in popular geology since its first publication in 1993. This new edition is fully updated and beautifully illustrated.God is Dead: SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2022
By Andy McGrath. 2022
•SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2022••A SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE TIMES…
AND THE GUARDIAN•The remarkable untold story of the mercurial cycling prodigy Frank Vandenbroucke, written by William Hill award-winning author Andy McGrath.They called him God. For his grace on a bicycle, for his divine talent, for his heavenly looks. Frank Vandenbroucke had it all, and in the late Nineties he raced with dazzling speed and lived even faster.The Belgian won several of cycling's most illustrious races, including Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Paris-Nice and Ghent-Wevelgem. He was a mix of poise and panache who enthralled a generation of cycling fans. Off the bike, he only had one enemy - himself. Vandenbroucke dabbled in nocturnal party sessions mixing sleeping pills and alcohol and regularly fell out with team managers. By 1999 his team had suspended him and this proved to be the start of a long, eventful fall from grace. Depression, a drug ban, addiction, car crashes, divorce and countless court appearances subsumed his life. He threatened his wife with a gun. He tried to commit suicide twice. And when police found performance-enhancing drugs at his house, Vandenbroucke said they were for his dog.It seemed he had finally learned from his mistakes. Then, on 12 October 2009, aged just 34, Vandenbroucke was found dead in a hotel room in Senegal.Guided by exclusive contributions from his family, friends and team-mates, William Hill award-winning author Andy McGrath lays bare Vandenbroucke's chaotic, complicated life and times. God is Dead is the remarkable biography of this mercurial cycling prodigy.Green Men & White Swans: The Folklore of British Pub Names
By Jacqueline Simpson. 2010
Why do British pubs have such curious names? What tales lie behind the Moonrakers, the Hooden Horse, the Derby Tup?…
And why does the Green Man come in different shapes and sizes?In Green Men & White Swans, leading folklorist Jacqueline Simpson explores the fascinating stories behind pub names, uncovering the myths and legends, euphemisms and wordplays, heroes and even ghosts that have inspired pub landlords over the centuries. Spanning beloved locals from the Three Witches to the Three Nuns, from the Ashen Faggot to the Twa Corbies, this book is both an intriguing insight into the history of the British pub and a captivating journey through the country's dramatic past.The Green Edit: Easy tips for the eco-friendly traveller
By Juliet Kinsman. 2020
Explore the world and satisfy your wanderlust in the most eco-friendly way.How can we lessen our impact on the world…
without giving up the things we love? This series of easy-to-follow guides show that positive change is possible without radical changes to your everyday life.Sustainable tourism doesn’t have to mean vowing to never take another flight or spending holidays camping in your back garden. This short expert guide from eco-travel journalist Juliet Kinsman, takes you through every step of planning your trip, from booking to boarding, and arms you with everything you need to know for a lower-impact getaway.Whether it's explaining how to know which plane to take (yes, some are greener than others) or how to avoid the mini toiletries trap; this book shows that you can save the planet and still live life to the full.The GCHQ Puzzle Book II
By Gchq. 2018
Train your brain with these fiendishly difficult puzzles, the perfect companion for anyone wanting to keep their mind busy'Fiendishly tricky'…
Daily MailWith their first bestselling book, The GCHQ Puzzle Book, the UK's intelligence and security experts tested us with puzzles, codes and real-life entrance tests from their archives.Now, they are back with a NEW collection of head-scratching, mind-boggling and brain-bending puzzles that will leave you pondering for hours.For those who often found themselves stumped with the first book, The GCHQ Puzzle Book 2 offers even more starter puzzles to get those brains warmed up. Puzzle aficionados needn't worry though, as there is also an 'Even Harder' section to test everyone to their limits . . .Not only that, but in celebration of GCHQ's centenary, the puzzles in this new book sit alongside stories, facts and photos from the organisation's first 100 years at the heart of the nation's security. From the Government Code & Cipher School, to Bletchley Park, through to protecting against cyberattacks, the security of our country is in the hands of GCHQ. With this book, you get exclusive snapshots into the organisation that keeps us all safe.Train your brain to compete with the smartest in the country with this stimulating book of puzzles. If you haven't yet tested yourself with the first instalment of The GCHQ Puzzle Book, check it out now!'This is the perfect gift to fuel his ludicrous presumption that he could have definitely been a spy - even better if he's already dog-eared the first version' Huffington PostGreat Glasgow Stories
By John Burrowes. 1998
Few cities in the world abound with so many extraordinary stories as Glasgow. The city has been the silent witness…
to some of the most significant events of the past century, from major triumphs to cataclysmic calamities, and the best of these anecdotes are compiled here to form this unique collection.Amongst the notable events revisited are the launching of the Queen Mary, which captivated the city's inhabitants in 1934, the victorious 16-month work-in campaign by the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in the early 1970s, the Ibrox disaster of 1971 and the plague that gripped the Gorbals in 1900.Some of Glasgow's most successful people are also covered, including Clydeside revolutionary John Maclean, founder of the Barras Maggie McIver and the inimitable Billy Connolly, whose humour and colourful personality are synonymous with the city.From the Battle of George Square to the bravery of the Glasgow people during the Blitz, Great Glasgow Stories provides an all-encompassing view of the city throughout the eras.The Good Pub Guide: The North of England
By Alisdair Aird, Fiona Stapley. 2011
This handy portable guide features up-to-date information, including food, drinks, facilities and opening hours, for the best pubs in the…
North of England, as chosen by the highly respected editors of the annual Good Pub Guide. Spanning Cheshire, Cleveland, County Durham, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Yorkshire here are handpicked pubs specialising in food, wine, malt whisky and own-brew beer. Whether you're planning a holiday in this part of the UK and trying to find some charming pub accommodation, looking for a place to enjoy a weekend walk with the dog, or simply in search of some warming pub food and a welcome pint of real ale, this is the guide for you.The Good Pub Guide: London and the South East
By Alisdair Aird, Fiona Stapley. 2011
This handy portable guide features up-to-date information, including food, drinks, facilities and opening hours, for the best pubs in London…
and the south east of England, as chosen by the highly respected editors of the annual Good Pub Guide. Spanning Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex, and London here are handpicked pubs specialising in food, wine, malt whisky or own-brew beer. Whether you're planning a holiday in this part of the UK and trying to find some charming pub accommodation, looking for a place to enjoy a weekend walk with the dog, or simply in search of some warming pub food and a welcome pint of real ale, this is the guide for you.Get your pub on with Britain's bestselling travel guide for over 35 years.***Featured in the Guardian, the Times and Mail…
Online and on BBC Radio 4***Now in its 39th edition, The Good Pub Guide remains Britain's best-loved guide to pubs around the country. Organised county by county, yearly updates and reader recommendations ensure that only the best pubs make the grade. Whether you're seeking a countryside haven or a bustling city inn, a family friendly eatery or somewhere with great craft beer, The Good Pub Guide will never steer you wrong. It offers comprehensive information on everything from opening hours and prices to pub dogs, with starred reviews marking truly outstanding establishments.Discover the best in each county for beer, food and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of 'Pub of the Year' and 'Landlord of the Year'. Packed with honest, entertaining and up-to-date information, this is the only pub guide you'll ever need and the perfect gift for any pub lover and opens with special contributions from James Blunt, Seedlip founder Ben Branson, Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown and best-selling author Christopher Winn.The Good Pub Guide 2020
By Fiona Stapley. 2019
Britain's bestselling travel guide for over 35 years and the only truly independent pub guide of its kind.***Featured in the…
Guardian, the Times and Mail Online and on BBC Radio 4***The 38th edition of this much-loved book is as irreplaceable as ever. Organised county by county, its yearly updates and reader recommendations ensure that only the best pubs make the grade. Here you will not only find a fantastic range of countryside havens, bustling inns and riverside retreats, but also pubs known for their excellent food, some specialising in malt whiskey and craft beers.Discover the top pubs in each county for beer, food and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide continues to provide a wealth of honest, entertaining and up-to-date information on the countries drinking establishments.The Good Pub Guide 2019
By Fiona Stapley. 2018
Britain's bestselling travel guide for over 30 years and the only truly independent guide of its kind.***Featured in the Guardian,…
the Times and Mail Online and on BBC Radio 4***The 37th edition of this much-loved book is as irreplaceable as ever. Organised county by county, its yearly updates and reader recommendations ensure that only the best pubs make the grade. Here you will not only find a fantastic range of countryside havens, bustling inns and riverside retreats, but also a growing number of gastropubs and pubs specialising in malt whiskey and craft beers.Discover the top pubs in each county for beer, food and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide continues to provide a wealth of honest, entertaining and up-to-date information on the countries drinking establishments.The Good Pub Guide 2018
By Fiona Stapley. 2017
*Get your pub on with 10% more content than other beer and pub guides, and over 80 new entries this…
year*The 36th edition of this much-loved guide is as invaluable as ever. Organized county by county, its comprehensive yearly updates and countless reader recommendations ensure that only the very best pubs make the grade.Here you will not only find classic country pubs, town centre inns, riverside retreats and historic havens, but also popular newcomers including gastro pubs and pubs specialising in malt whisky and craft beer.Discover the top pubs in each country for beer, food and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and Landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide provides a wealth of honest, entertaining, up-to-date and indispensable information.The Good Pub Guide 2017
By Fiona Stapley. 2016
*With 10% more content than other beer and pub guides, and over 100 new entries this year*The 35th edition of…
this much-loved guide is as invaluable as ever. Organized county by county, its comprehensive yearly updates and countless reader recommendations ensure that only the very best pubs make the grade.Here you will not only find classic country pubs, town centre inns, riverside retreats and historic havens, but also popular newcomers including gastro pubs and pubs specialising in malt whisky and craft beer.Discover the top pubs in each country for beer, food and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and Landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide provides a wealth of honest, entertaining, up-to-date and indispensable information.The Good Pub Guide 2016
By Fiona Stapley. 2015
The 34th edition of this much-loved guide is as invaluable as ever. Organized county by county, its comprehensive yearly updates…
and countless reader recommendations ensure that only the very best pubs make the grade.Here you will not only find classic country pubs, town centre inns, riverside retreats and historic havens, but also popular newcomers including gastropubs and pubs specialising in malt whisky and craft beer.Discover the top pubs in each country for beer, food and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and Landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide provides a wealth of honest, entertaining, up-to-date and indispensable information.The Good Pub Guide 2015
By Alisdair Aird, Fiona Stapley. 2014
The 33rd edition of this much loved guide is as invaluable as ever. Organized county by county, its comprehensive yearly…
updates and countless reader recommendations ensure that only the very best pubs make the grade.Here you will find classic country pubs, town-centre inns, riverside retreats, historic havens and exciting newcomers, plus gastropubs and pubs specialising in malt whisky or craft beer. Discover the top pubs in each country for beer, food and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and Landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide provides a wealth of honest, entertaining and indispensable information.The Good Pub Guide 2014
By Alisdair Aird, Fiona Stapley. 2013
The 32nd edition of The Good Pub Guide is as invaluable as ever. Organised county by county, its comprehensive yearly…
updates and countless reader recommendations ensure that only the very best pubs make the grade.Here you will find classic country pubs, town-centre inns, riverside retreats, historic havens and exciting newcomers, plus gastropubs and pubs specialising in malt whisky or own-brew beer. Discover the top pubs in each county for beer, dining and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and Landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide 2014 provides a wealth of honest, entertaining and indispensable information.Whether you are planning a night out, a weekend away, holidaying in the UK or simply looking for a local pub, Alisdair Aird and Fiona Stapley have it covered.