Category Archives: Travel Guides

Arcadian Nights

The vibrant retelling of the central Greek myths by acclaimed novelist John Spurling, author of The Ten Thousand Things, winner of the 2015 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. The classical Greek intellectual tradition pervades nearly every aspect of our modern Western civilization. Our logic and science, our philosophy, politics, literature, architecture, and art are

Powers of Darkness: The Lost Version of Dracula

Powers of Darkness is an incredible literary discovery: In 1900, Icelandic publisher and writer Valdimar Asmundsson set out to translate Bram Stoker`s world famous 1897 novel Dracula. Called Makt Myrkranna (literally, “Powers of Darkness”), this Icelandic edition included an original preface written by Stoker himself. Makt Myrkranna was published in Iceland in 1901 but remained

Cooling Cups and Dainty Drinks: Classic Cocktail and Punch Recipes for the Discerning Drinker

From Amontillado to Apple-Water, Claret Cup to Cobblers, Pale Ale to Parfait Amour – welcome to the world of delightful drinks, with Britain`s first ever cocktail book. In William Terrington`s timeless classic, published for the first time nearly 150 years ago, you will encounter a collection of nineteenth-century libations perfect for the modern-day mixologist. The

The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life

From childcare to healthcare, provision for the elderly and tackling issues of homelessness, the Nordic countries are world leaders in organising society – no wonder Finland has been ranked among the happiest places in the world.But when Finnish journalist Anu Partanen moved to America, she quickly realised that navigating the basics of everyday life was

The Bonjour Effect

Why do the French enjoy starting a conversation with an argument? Why do they love talking about the decline of their country? Why do they claim to hate their jobs even when they don`t, and fall silent if anyone so much as mentions money?Conversation is an art form in France, guided by a complex set

Canary Islands: A Cultural History

Over 13 million visitors travel to the Canary Islands every year – more than 4.5m of them from Britain – to see their famous black and white sand beaches and enjoy attractions like the Carnival. Traditional tour guides give straightforward advice on what to do and where to go, but in this remarkable cultural history,

Nine Lives of John Ogilby: Britain`s Master Map Maker and His Secrets

Four hundred years ago, every barrister had to dance because dancing put them in harmony with the universe. John Ogilby`s first job, in 1612, was to teach them. By the 1670s, he was Charles II`s Royal Cosmographer, creating beautiful measured drawings that placed roads on maps for the first time. During the intervening years, Ogilby

Asian Waters: The Struggle Over the Asia Pacific and the Strategy of Chinese Expansion

Few territories are as hotly contested as the western Pacific Ocean. Across the 1.5 million square mile expanse of the East and South China Sea, six countries lay overlapping claims that date back centuries. China, Vietnam, Korea and Indonesia assert their right to trade routes, deploying military garrisons to defend disputed territories while Japan, Vietnam

Floating

This is one man`s journey, swimming across Britain`s countryside and immersing in the sometimes icy waters while coming to terms with something more challenging than the choppy waters of the English Channel. As Joe Minihane comes up for air, he discovers that swimming is both a joyous activity and a voyage into oneself. Minihane became

The Greek Vegetarian Cookbook

A delicious collection of accessible and tasty Greek recipes – perfectly matched to the current trend for meat-free eatingFresh vegetables are an integral part of Greek cuisine, and The Greek Vegetarian Cookbook showcases an array of delicious meatless breakfasts, soups, salads, vegetables, grains, and desserts. Drawing inspiration from all over Greece, the book simplifies this

City of Ravens:True History of the Legendary Birds in the Tower of London

The tales tell that Charles the Second feared `Britain will fall` if the ravens ever left the “Tower of London”. Yet the truth is that they arrived in Victorian times as props in gory tales for tourists. The legend began in 1944 when a raven spotted bombers over London. But the ravens` past has far

Ezra Stoller: A Photographic History of Modern American Architecture

A captivating history of 20th-century Modern American architecture, as seen through the eyes of a legendary photographer It is impossible to overstate the importance of photography`s role in shaping the world`s perception of architecture. And towering above the ever-growing crowd of image-makers is Ezra Stoller, an architectural photographer of immeasurable consequence in documenting the history

Cleopatra`s Wedding Present

Cleopatra`s Wedding Present is the rare book that captivates its reader from the very first page. Tewdwr Moss, a brilliant young writer who was murdered in London the day he finished the book, left this lyrical gem as his legacy. He adeptly captures an essence of the Middle East that is foreign to most of

Black Axe Mangal

The much-anticipated first cookbook from one of London`s most-loved cult restaurants Chef Lee Tiernan`s Black Axe Mangal is a sensual riot, combining innovative open-fire cooking and underused ingredients with a bold aesthetic, influenced by his love of music and skate culture. This, the London restaurant`s first cookbook, brings together Tiernan`s signature recipes – including Pig`s

The Jewish Cookbook

A rich trove of contemporary global Jewish cuisine, featuring hundreds of stories and recipes for home cooks everywhere`The Jewish Cookbook` is an inspiring celebration of the diversity and breadth of this venerable culinary tradition. A true fusion cuisine, Jewish food evolves constantly to reflect the changing geographies and ingredients of its cooks. Featuring more than

Complete Guide to Climbing and Mountaineering

This is a comprehensive, full-colour manual providing a complete reference for climbers of every level and discipline. It covers all the skills, safety issues and equipment necessary for the key climbing disciplines: mountains, bouldering and climbing walls, summer climbing, winter climbing, big wall and expedition climbing. This exciting book is extensively illustrated throughout, with practical

Inside Dickens` London

This title is a fascinating, evocative account of 19th-century London, so well known from Charles Dickens` much-loved novels. It draws on descriptions of life in the capital from original letters, diaries and newspapers, as well as Dickens` own social commentary, to paint a vivid portrait of a city undergoing massive social changes. A unique gazetteer

Inside Pepys` London

“Inside Pepys` London” reveals a vivid picture of London at a critical point in history – poised to become a major centre of international commerce and culture. It provides accounts of all aspects of contemporary life, from the arts and entertainment, to politics and religion. Though no king or great general, thanks to his diary

War,Evil and the End of History

From the celebrated author of the international bestseller Who Killed Daniel Pearl? comes another startlingly original work of literature. In WAR, EVIL AND THE END OF HISTORY, Bernard-Henri Levy continues his daring investigation into the breeding grounds of terrorism with a series of riveting first-person reports from five of the world`s most horrific `forgotten` war

Hitler`s Piano Player

Ernst Hanfstaengl was court jester, pianist, and foreign press chief for Hitler, he even claimed to have devised the chant of Sieg Heil, but when the two men fell out he fled to Britain, where he was interned and transferred to America. There he worked as the star of Roosevelt`s `S-Project,` informing on 400 leading