Category Archives: Accessories
Canal Arts and Crafts
Boaters who lived and worked on the narrowboats of the canals were, like the rest of mankind, people who tried to make their homes as comforable and decorative as they could. The boat cabins were small but were bright with paint, and the and the `roses and castles` decorations of the canal boats are a
The Victorian Asylum
Dreaded and reviled by many, these nineteenth-century buildings provide a unique window on how the Victorians housed and treated the mentally ill. Despite initially good intentions, they became warehouses for society`s outcasts at a time when cures were rare. Isolated, hidden in the countryside and surrounded by high walls, most have been closed since the
Church Clocks
Since the medieval period, mechanical clocks located in churches across Britain have told the time to local communities, or displayed the phases of the moon and the heavens on an elaborate astrological face. Focusing on some of the most noteworthy church clocks in Britain, and the intriguing stories behind them, this book traces the history
The Color of Water: A Black Man`s Tribute to His White Mother
As a boy in Brooklyn`s Red Hook projects, James McBride knew his mother was different. But when he asked about it, she`d simply say `I`m light-skinned.` Later he wondered if he was different too, and asked his mother if he was black or white. `You`re a human being,` she snapped. `Educate yourself or you`ll be
Piers and Other Seaside Architecture
Originally constructed as landing stages for trippers by boat in the nineteenth century, piers later developed into attractions in themselves, with ornate pavilions, delicate ironwork and exotic lighting. Lynn F. Pearson, an architectural historian, outlines the fascinating history of pier and pavilion construction, using colour illustrations and photographs to show the development of these attractions
The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
In this empowering book, Gavin de Becker, the man Oprah Winfrey calls the US` leading expert on violent behaviour, shows you how to spot even subtle signs of danger – before it`s too late. Shattering the myth that most violent acts are unpredictable, de Becker, whose clients include top Hollywood stars and government agencies, offers
The Victorian Hospital
Lavinia Mitton follows the changes in hospital treatment that took place during the Victorian era and explores the different types of hospitals that were available, from the celebrated specialist institutions served by famous surgeons to the appalling workhouse infirmaries where the patients were looked after by untrained pauper nurses. Illustrated with black and white drawings
Heartbeat
A touching story about a young girl finding her identity and learning how it fits with the many rhythms of life. Annie loves running, drawing, and her family. She has a best friend called Max who also loves running, but things are not so great in Max`s life. As the two come to terms with
Beach Huts and Bathing Machines
Behind the enduring popularity of beach huts lies a story of classic British eccentricity. Immensely photogenic and appealing, these colourful seaside buildings are direct successors of the Georgian bathing machine, which first appeared in the 1730s as a peculiar device to protect the modesty of rich and fashionable bathers. Kathryn Ferry paints a picture postcard
Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Gravy
“You Can`t Catch Me” and “You Can`t Put Mustard in the Custard” were first published twenty-five years ago and were groundbreaking in that they were full-colour illustrated new poems for children. “You Can`t Catch Me” won the Signal Poetry Award in 1982. Both books went on to be bestsellers and both poet and artist are
The Victorian Cemetery
Planned with the same passion as a landscape garden, filled with monuments that represented the start of the art of craftsmanship in stone, and equipped with expensively constructed and fashionably designed gatehouses and chapels of rest, the Victorian cemetery was a matter of real civic pride. It was also the ultimate expression of the `cult
I Think of You
In these selected stories from her collections “Aisha” and “Sandpiper”, Ahdaf Soueif writes about love and displacement in prose that is delicately nuanced and acutely observed. These are achingly lyrical stories, resonant and richly woven. But they always retain an edginess as they explore areas of tension – where women and men are ensnared by
Preserves
Preserving is a centuries-old way to make the most out of every season, stretching the more bountiful months into the sparser ones – and what`s more, it is fun, rewarding and easy to learn. Explaining the history, science and basic processes of preserving, Pam Corbin guides us through a world of jams, jellies, butters, curds,
Ballerinas
A sticker book with a difference, this delightful book contains 13 scenes and over 400 stickers to dress the ballerinas for different occasions. Scenes include the ballerinas performing in ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker, as well as backstage, rehearsal and many more. Stickers include gorgeous tutus, headdresses and ballet pumps, as well
Princesses: Sticker Dolly Dressing
Over 400 stickers to dress the princesses for all types of royal occasions, including a masked ball, a trip in a golden carriage, a horse ride through an enchanted forest, and lots more.Stickers include trendy items of clothing and bags, shoes, hats and jewellery to get the princesses looking their best.
Planet Earth
These are two fantastic brand new additions to the “Beginners” series, each of which is designed to provide an informative introduction to non-fiction subjects for young readers. They give terrific reading practice for children who prefer fact to fiction. They are developed in conjunction with reading expert from Roehampton University to help young readers grow
Volcanoes
`Beginners` titles appeal to children who are beginning to read independently, with easy-to-read text and excellent photographs, they are perfect for use in the classroom and at home.
Farmyard Tales Wind-Up Tractor Book
This is a brand-new and exciting interactive title in the popular “Farmyard Tales” series. Three tractor stories are retold with a new twist! Each story has a sturdy track embedded in the pages which the accompanying wind-up tractor toy can then be placed upon to follow around and bring the story to life. It also
100 Things To Spot In The Night Sky
This title presents a brand new set of cards in the “Spotter`s Guide” series, which are perfect for astronomical enthusiasts young and old. Each of the cards in these packs covers a different feature of the night sky, including planets and constellations, and describes key features such as position and brightest stars. It provides clear
Escape
Locked doors, high prison walls and barbed wire are formidable enough obstacles, but many escaping prisoners also face savage dogs and armed guards who shoot to kill. From Alcatraz to Devil`s Island, this book tells the extraordinary tales of men who risked their lives for their freedom.
