Category Archives: Non-Fiction & Reference

Walking in Perthshire (4)

Isfahan

Once one of the largest cities in the world, Isfahan is an ancient metropolis that sits across timeless trade routes. It became the glittering capital of Iran`s greatest dynasty, the Safavids, during the 16th century. Shah Abbas I (1587-1629) in particular helped to transform it into a city rich in art, cultural wonders, and architecture

Stones of Venice

The Stones of Venice has been described as the greatest guidebook ever written. Read by all who went there and thousands who did not, it opened Victorian eyes to the glories of a city even then under threat, and transformed the study and practice of architecture forever. It took Ruskin almost half a million words

Romania

Romania is one of the most beautiful, intriguing, and little-known countries in Europe. This new book, arranged as a series of essays, is the most lucid and wide-ranging guide available to Romania`s architecture, history, and culture. From the remains left by the Romans to the unique churches of Moldavia and Maramures, and not forgetting the

Naples and Campania: The Food and Wine Guide

Naples and the Campania are home to one of the most vibrant, but under-appreciated cuisines of Italy, and in order to make it better known the Government of the Regione of Campania has commissioned this sequel to Carla Capalbo`s well-known Food Lover`s Companion to Tuscany – a task that has taken two solid years of

M25 Travelling Clockwise

In the footsteps of the phenomenally successful A272 – An Ode To A Road, comes the definitive and quirky guide to everyone`s favourite motorway. History, landscape, construction, follies and eccentrics crowd the page of this book, fully illustrated with pictures of the beautiful and the unexpected. Discover where cricket is played over the M25; where

Lille For Pleasure

Lille is City of Culture 2004 and has created a spectacularly innovative programme of events as part of the year-long celebrations. But it is also an ancient town with a fascinating history, poised as it is on the border of France and Dutch-speaking Flanders. A beautiful old city, spectacular fortifications, intriguing Art Nouveau architecture, as

Poland

More of a historical and cultural than travel guide to Poland, Pallas Athene’™s monumental tome on Poland is without doubt one of the most in-depth looks at Polish culture available. Divided by area, each chapter used black and white illustrations and the occasional full-colour photograph to accompany well-written and detailed text about the area, looking

Parisian`s Paris

Experience the sights and sounds of the City of Lights like a true native with this expanded edition Bill Gillham has been visiting Paris for decades. For him, the pleasure is not in revisiting the tourist sights, but rather in immersing himself in a particular “quartier,” discovering little shops and bistros, exploring markets, parks, and

Golfing around the M25

Walking Deeside, Donside and Angus (13)

Walking the Trossachs, Loch Lomondside and the Campsie Fells (14)

The New Turkey

Updated since the decision to begin Turkey`s admission to the European Union. Turkey is a country in a state of flux, swept along by an extraordinary process of change. In the last few years, a series of far-reaching political and economic reforms has swept away much of the old order which ruled the country for

Walks Western Isles

Rewalked and updated in 2017, Walks Western Isles features 34 walks, and includes walks on every island in the Outer Hebrides – from Lewis to Vatersay – which can be reached by public transport. Each of the islands has its own unique character and the landscapes are rich and varied – from empty moorlands and

Paris Secrets

Mixing aesthetics, architecture, arrondissements and elegance in a very Parisian way, this richly illustrated new volume on the world`s most bewitching city shows Paris in all its light, shade, glamour and grandeur. From magnificent squares to exquisite side streets, tucked-away gardens to quiet neighbourhood bistros, “Paris Secrets: Architecture, Interiors, Quartiers, Corners” shows the sophistication and

Walks The Trossachs

Last rewalked and updated 2010, Walks The Trossachs & East Loch Lomond including Killin & Tyndrum covers one of the most popular walking districts in Scotland (much of it now a National Park). Its hills, lochs, glens and woodlands provide an enormous range of routes within a small area. The 40 walks featured range from

London Secrets: Style, Design, Glamour, Gardens

`London Secrets` unlocks the city`s most fascinating secrets. Janelle McCulloch strips away bricks, mortar and tarmac to uncover parts of the capital that even born and bred Londoners may never have seen. In the shadow of the Gherkin, Cheesegrater and Walkie-Talkie skyscrapers are medieval churches, crypts and the curios of Postman`s Park – proof that

Walks Orkney

Rewalked and updated in 2016, Walks Orkney features 40 walks, and includes walks on every island in Orkney which can be reached by public transport. This is a wonderful walking area with great variety of things to do and see from extraordinary wildlife spectacles to important historic sites, along with spectacular cliffs and sandy beaches.

Southern Africa Birdfinder

Southern African Birdfinder: Guide to finding over 1 000 species from South Africa to Zambia, is the ideal companion to all local field guides to birds, and fills a gap in the market for a comprehensive guide to the region`s top birding spots and to finding southern Africa`s most desirable birds. After an introduction to

In Praise of Devon

In Praise of Devon is an evocation of the unique character of the county and its people. John Lane eloquently describes Devon`s rivers, coastline and moors; its towns, villages and buildings; its beautiful images and objects, traditions and occupations – from Dartmoor to Devonshire dialect, Church Bells to Cream Teas, Honiton Lace to Holy Wells