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Britain's Railways Through the Seasons: Iconic Scenes of Trains & Architecture
by David GoodyearThe four seasons pass by like a gliding ship, each signalled by a transformation of changing colors and hues of light, thus providing a form of marker to these passages of time. Living in the temperate zone we experience four distinct seasons. The railway scene reflects such in its own special character - cold winter air enhances the bountiful steam escaping from the hissing steam locomotive impatiently awaiting its departure, while autumn enchants with trees that exude a variety of hues which embellish any image of even the most mundane suburban train. Springtime blossom and wild flowers bestow railway cuttings with a bounty of generous bright colors while coastal railways often look most inviting on warm sunny days as they pass alongside azure seas and golden beaches. The seasons each add their own dimension for the photographer to encapsulate, and railways passing through the ever-changing landscape provide their own tribute to this inspirational tapestry. As readers travel through each season, so they are invited to share this awe and constant source of inspiration from nature's kaleidoscope of color. Photographs are provided with captions and reflective commentary to enlighten the knowledgeable rail enthusiast alongside those who equally enjoy such a portrait of landscape and scenery through the seasons. The range of photographs ranges from the mid -1980's to the present with the majority from the last two decades.
Laurence Attwell's Letters from the Front
by W. A. AttwellLawrence Attwell was one of the lucky ones, surviving over four years of trench warfare on the Western Front. During that time he had two short periods of leave.In his extraordinary series of letters to his family he graphically recounts what life was like for the ordinary infantry soldier on active duty. We learn of the conditions, the discipline, the courage, the fear and the reactions of the writer and his fellows. Attwell was in the Prince of Wales Own, Civil Service Rifles.
A Leader Born: The Life of Admiral John Sidney McCain, Pacific Carrier Commander
by Alton Keith GilbertThis biography of one of World War II’s great military leaders is a “rich tribute to a staunch American naval hero” (WWII Quarterly).John S. “Slew” McCain was an old-school sailor. Wiry, profane, a cusser, and a gambler, he reminded more than one observer of Popeye. He was also a pioneer in the hard-hitting naval tactics that brought Imperial Japan to its knees.McCain graduated from Annapolis in 1906 and served aboard an armored cruiser in World War I. Perceiving the future of naval warfare, he earned his aviation wings in 1936, and by 1939, McCain was commander of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. He was thus well-placed to play a leading role in America’s cut-and-thrust war with the Japanese across the broad expanses of the Pacific. In 1942, he was made commander of all land-based aircraft during the campaign for Guadalcanal. Though he took his share of blame for the disaster at Savo Island, he counterattacked with every means at his disposal, to the point of commandeering the planes of the crippled carriers Enterprise and Saratoga to reinforce US strength on Henderson Field.By the time the US returned to the Philippines, McCain was leading a fast carrier task force under William “Bull” Halsey. When asked what he thought about his carrier commander, Halsey replied, “Not much more than my right arm.” McCain’s carrier group would destroy thousands of enemy planes and hundreds of ships with aggressive swarming tactics. Four days after Japan officially surrendered, McCain died in his bed. His name has lived on, however, through his son, who became commander of US naval forces in the Pacific, and his grandson, John S. McCain III, carrier pilot, Vietnam POW, and United States Senator.Drawing upon a wealth of primary sources, including information provided by the McCain family, as well as an expert grasp of the titanic battles waged by the US armed forces in the Pacific, Alton Keith Gilbert has provided the fullest account of the Admiral John McCain’s life yet written.
In Napoleon's Shadow: The Memoirs of Louis-Joseph Marchand, Valet and Friend of the Emperor, 1811–1821
by Louis-Joseph MarchandIn 1811, twelve young men were chosen among the families in the Emperors personal service to serve as ushers in his apartments. My mother, attached to the household of the King of Rome as first nurse to the prince, requested this favour for me from the grand chamberlain, the Count de Montesquiou, and it was granted.Louis-Joseph Marchands intimate memoir of his time as Napoleons valet is the last of the significant Napoleonic manuscripts to be translated into English and a unique and precious insight into the last days of Napoleons Imperial project.Serving alongside the Emperor from the apex of his reign and through his eventual demise, Marchand depicts, in remarkable detail, the Russian campaign, the campaigns of Germany and France, Napoleons exile to Elba and subsequent escape, his defeat at Waterloo.Friend and confidante to the leader, Marchand was beside him at the Tuileries during the Hundred Days, and he was present to hear Napoleons last words, France my son the army on the island of St Helena.This sincere and authentic testimony from a man with nothing to hide, nothing to apologise for is both a meticulous historical record and a fresh personal perspective on Napoleon.In this work, Tulard remarks in his preface, the Emperor speaks freely. Listen..Marchand presents the somewhat familiar history of the Emperor's decline as completely new territory through conversations, fond stories and personal encounters'.'Marchand's memoirs, republished in English for the first time in two decades, represent a truly irreplaceable contribution to Napoleonic scholarship. Beyond the Emperor as commander and conqueror, Marchand, from his privileged vantage point, illuminates Napoleon the man in rich and absorbing detail.' - John H Gill
Anzio: Italy 1944 (Battleground Europe)
by Ian BlackwellIn an attempt to outflank the German Gustav Line running across Italy, Operation SHINGLE was launched on January 22nd 1944. Achieving complete surprise, the Allies made a successful landing at Anzio, but paused rather than pushing quickly inland, a delay which gave the Germans time to seal off the area and to counterattack the beachhead. Heavy fighting took place until early March, during which the Americans and British were nearly driven into the sea, after which a stalemate was reached. In the following months the Allied forces were reinforced and in late May a breakout was made with the strategic intention of cutting off the Germans retreating from the Gustav line, which had now been pierced. However, General Mark Clark redirected the main effort of the Anzio forces towards the capture of Rome, permitting most of the enemy to escape and to fight another day. An operation that cost thousands of lives for disputed benefits, SHINGLE remains a controversial subject.
Kingdoms of Experience: Everest, the Unclimbed Ridge
by Andrew GreigA novice&’s tale of scaling Everest: &“Recommended for all armchair adventurers who have ever wondered what it would be like to climb in the Himalayas.&”—Geographical Magazine The last attempt to conquer Everest by the unclimbed northeast ridge had ended in failure and tragedy, with the deaths of two great climbers, Joe Tasker and Pete Boardman. Now, in March 1985, Mal Duff would lead a new expedition. Andrew Grieg and the others knew the risks as well as the excitement of the challenge—and in this extraordinary book, Greig chronicles not only the assault on the peak but also the complex relationships of nineteen very different personalities living together. &“Poet, novelist, and novice climber Greig's insightful account of the 1985 ascent of Everest's previously unclimbed northeast ridge provides an unusual perspective on the world of climbing. In comparison to many seasoned mountaineers, with their sometimes obsessive &‘diehard&’ drive, Greig possesses a refreshing sense of enthusiasm and innocence. His lack of experience allows him to describe with great intensity and detail the difficult tasks of climbing in a methodical step-by-step fashion, allowing readers to grasp the complex challenges. Greig is often able to step back and observe the goings-on, providing a detached analysis of the group and its dynamics. To complement his version of events, he also draws liberally from the diaries of the other participants. A unique addition to mountaineering literature with charming and distinct characteristics.&”—Library Journal
A Matter of Life and Death: Inside the Hidden World of the Pathologist
by Sue ArmstrongTrue tales of microscopic detective work that catches killers both human and pathogen: &“More fascinating than fiction. Forget CSI, this is the real thing&” (Val McDermid). A Matter of Life and Death profiles some of the world&’s most eminent and pioneering pathologists. This is a hidden world, yet one we will all inevitably encounter at some time in our lives, for pathology lies at the cornerstone of modern medicine. It is pathologists who are responsible for recognizing new diseases such as AIDS, SARS or bird flu, and for diagnosing which cancer a patient is suffering from. Beyond this, it is pathologists who must explain the cause of death at the autopsy table. A Matter of Life and Death tells fascinating stories of mysterious illnesses and miraculous scientific breakthroughs. But it is also crammed full of extraordinary characters - from the forensic anthropologist with his own Body Farm in Tennessee to the doctor who had a heart-and-lung transplant and ended up using her own lungs for research. &“If you&’re interested in criminal investigation, this is the must-read of the year. Probably of the decade.&” —Val McDermid, author of Insidious Intent
The Last Story: The Murder of an Investigative Journalist in Las Vegas
by Arthur KaneTHE LAST STORY: The Murder of an Investigative Journalist in Las Vegas is an exclusive deep dive into a chilling true tale of sex, ambition, retribution, and homicide. Jeff German, a veteran Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter, was no stranger to controversy or the danger of his work. For more than four decades, he wrote stories relentlessly confronting the mob, corrupt politicians, and greedy bureaucrats. As a result, he was often threatened—enough that he and his friend and fellow investigative reporter, Arthur Kane, sometimes joked about reporting on these threats if they were ever acted upon. Then, in the spring of 2022, German received a tip about abuses at a little-known county office. His subsequent investigation unearthed a scandalous, sexually incriminating video of a rising politician, Robert Telles. The resulting stories in the Review-Journal ended Telles's political aspirations. Less than six months later, on September 3, German's lifeless body was discovered outside his home with multiple stab wounds. His dedicated newsroom colleagues, including Kane, vowed to find the killer. In doing so, they exposed the true depths of corruption and malice in Sin City. Meanwhile, the police struggled to identify a suspect until they released a photo of the suspect's vehicle to the media. That tip led them to none other than Robert Telles, who was subsequently arrested. In August 2024, with the national media in attendance at his trial, Telles was convicted of first-degree murder and later sentenced to twenty years in prison. In THE LAST STORY, Kane delivers an intense narrative of courage, betrayal, and the unrelenting quest for justice.
The Women of the Cousins' War: The Real White Queen And Her Rivals
by Philippa Gregory David Baldwin Michael JonesA BRILLIANT BIOGRAPHICAL ANTHOLOGY FROM ONE OF THE WORLD'S FOREMOST HISTORICAL NOVELISTS. Beautifully illustrated with rare portraits, The Women of the Cousins' War provides an accurate account of Elizabeth Woodline, The White Queen, Margaret Beaufort, The Red Queen, and Jacquetta, Lady Rivers - the subjects of the first three novels in Philippa's beloved Cousins' War series. In this exciting addition to the Philippa Gregory ouevre, Philippa writes revealingly about the differences between history and fiction and examines the gaps in the historical record with the help of the two leading historical experts in their field who helped Philippa to research the novels. "An engrossing introduction to three courageous matriarchs who shaped English history."Publisher's Weekly
Devon Delaney Should Totally Know Better (mix)
by Lauren BarnholdtDevon Delaney cannot believe she's lying again. But the thing is, she couldn't help it. Her new boyfriend, Luke, is talking to his (gorgeous) ex-girlfriend, Bailey Barelli (!!!), every single day in mock trial. Devon couldn't just stand by and let him find out that she'd never dated anyone else before. Could she? Oopsie. Too late now. To show how totally unaffected she is by Bailey's obvious Luke hang-up, Devon invents a fake ex-boyfriend of her own: Greg. Fab! What could go wrong? But it isn't long before Devon finds herself in the middle of another supergigantic lie. Can Devon come clean in time to keep the guy? Or will she lose everything due to another lie?
The Apple: Crimson Petal Stories
by Michel FaberThese stories go deeper into the Victorian world and lives of the acclaimed international bestseller, The Crimson Petal and the White.Michel Faber&’s tale of love and lust in the Victorian Era, The Crimson Petal and the White, was hailed as &“a Dickensian novel for our times.&” Now a major BBC TV drama, the saga of a prostitute named Sugar and the man who longs to possess her captured hearts and left readers desperate for more (The Guardian, UK).In The Apple, Faber returns to Silver Street to find it still teeming with life, and conjures further tantalizing glimpses of Sugar, Clara, William, Mr. Bodley and many other favorites. For both fans of the novel and newcomers to this rich and historically vivid world, The Apple confirms that &“Michel Faber is a master of the short-story form&” (The Times Literary Supplement, UK).&“This book will be read in a sitting. unless of course you are admitted to Accident and Emergency, having come over queer, huffing with laughter, or dizzy with envy at Faber&’s talent. Or probably both.&”—The Scotsman, UK
Baker, Liar, Con Man, Thief: Escaping the Law One Identity at a Time
by DJ AdlerStep into a dangerous world of cunning and survival with BAKER, LIAR, CON MAN, THIEF: Escaping the Law One Identity at a Time by D.J. Adler Reminiscent of the hit film Catch Me If You Can, this gripping true story unveils the life of David Adler, a teenager in South Florida in the late 1970s when he embarks on an audacious journey of deception. It all starts when Adler secures a bank loan to buy a booming local bakery. With no funds to his name, Adler unlocks his talent for forgery and the art of the scam. Alongside his mother and Italian tough-guy stepfather, he navigates a perilous path of crime, crafting false identities to dupe banks, casinos, and even the World's Fair, accumulating vast sums and dodging law enforcement. Enter Dianne Symmons, a witty, sarcastic FBI agent obsessed with their capture. After she solves an unrelated airline hijacking case, she is assigned to find the trio and make a case against them. Much easier said than done since each uses hundreds of names and disposes of identities like tissue. This thrilling narrative is perfect for those who enjoy crime memoirs. It explores the thrilling and perilous life of con artists at work and delves into the complexities of familial bonds, the pursuit of freedom, and the consequences of a life lived on the run. BAKER, LIAR, CON MAN, THIEF is a masterclass in the psychology of deception that takes the reader on a roller-coaster journey through the underbelly of 1970s America.
1982, Janine (Canons)
by Alasdair GrayA postmodern novel of melancholy memory and erotic fantasy—&“a filthy tour de force&”—by the acclaimed Scottish author of Poor Things (The Washington Post). 1982, Janine is a searing portrait of male need and inadequacy, as explored via the lonely sexual fantasies of Jock McLeish, failed husband, lover, and businessman. Alone in a hotel room, Jock attempts again and again to escape the realities of his life through an elaborate sadomasochistic fantasy featuring a woman named Janine. As various memories—from childhood to marriage to his present predicament—invade his imagination, Jock reels through this endlessly inventive black comedy of a man&’s mind. An unforgettably challenging book about power and powerlessness, men and women, masters and servants, small countries and big countries, Alasdair Gray&’s exploration of the politics of pornography has lost none of its power to shock. &“1982, Janine has a verbal energy, an intensity of vision that has mostly been missing from the English novel since D.H. Lawrence.&” —New York Times &“1982, Janine revived my flagging impetus to continue writing myself.&” —Jonathan Coe, winner of the 2019 Costa Novel Award
Night Boat
by Alan Spence“One of the best Scottish writers of our time” offers “a fictional re-creation of the life and teachings of the 18th century Zen master Ekaku Hakuin” (Scotsman).On the side of a mountain in eighteenth-century Japan sits a man in perfect stillness as the summit erupts, spitting fire and molten rock onto the land around him. The man is Hakuin. He will become the world’s most famous teacher of Zen—and this is not the first time he has seen hell.In Night Boat, acclaimed author Alan Spence presents a richly imagined chronicle of Hakuin’s life. On his long and winding quest for truth, Hakuin will be called upon to defy his father, face death, find love, and lose it. He will ask, what is the sound of one hand clapping? And he will master his greatest fear.This beautifully rendered novel “presents a vivid and comprehensive picture of Japanese society, and every chapter is also full of incidental beauties, little stories and parables, short poems, snatches of lovely description, gnomic conversations, and acute observations” (Scotsman).“Spence is a visionary.” —Ali Smith, award-winning author of How to Be Both“Rich in historical detail, and the drama of the battle between a man’s inner and outer lives.” —The Times, UK
Flight 777: The Mystery of Leslie Howard
by Ian ColvinOn 1 June 1943 Flight 777, a Douglas DC-3, en route from Lisbon to Britain, was shot down over the Bay of Biscay by German aircraft. Among the dead was the actor Leslie Howard, who had returned from Hollywood to England to help the British war effort. Also on board was Howards tax adviser, Alfred Chenhalls, who smoked cigars and looked remarkably like Winston Churchill. Did the Germans believe that Churchill was on board Flight 777? Other aircraft flying that route went unmolested by the Luftwaffe in spite of the German air presence over the Bay of Biscay. These flights were operated by Dutch crews flying aircraft of KLM, which were on charter to BOAC, and it was an experience Dutch crew that was lost that day. Ian Colvin carried out an exhaustive investigation into the incident, including interviewing former Luftwaffe personnel and this book, first published in 1957, is the result of his endeavors.
Now and Then: The Poems Of Gil Scott-heron (Canons #101)
by Gil Scott-HeronA wide-ranging collection of poetry by the iconic &“poet and polemicist whose lyrics have inspired and galvanized generations&” (GQ). Musician, poet, and spoken-word artist Gil Scott-Heron influenced generations of artists with his highly original, disarmingly witty, politically provocative song-poems. Coming into prominence in the early 1970s, the self-proclaimed &“bluesologist&” has earned, among many other accolades, the title of Godfather of Rap. Now and Then presents a collection of poems from across Scott-Heron long career—including some of his most iconic recorded pieces, as well as lesser-known works that have never been recorded. With an introduction by Kate Tempest, this collection carries the reader from the global topics of political hypocrisy and the dangers posed by capitalist culture to painfully personal themes and the realities of everyday life. Through it all, Scott-Heron&’s message is both steeped in history and as urgent as ever.&“Scott-Heron is such a fine writer…the least likely pop star ever, one with a truly brilliant mind&”—Sunday Times, UK &“Some of the funniest and most literate lyrics in all music . . . From deadpan attacks on racism to withering sarcasm about the Great Society; from Chomskian rants to parodies of media shallowness—every line comes coated in a sardonically witty turn of phrase.&”—Time Out
Fast Friends
by Susan DunlapFrom the award-winning mystery author hailed by the Washington Times as &“the leading proponent of gutsy, nontraditional women who nimbly tread in he-man territory,&” comes a roller coaster of a suspense novel about two friends racing to escape a police dragnetBeautiful, blond Liza Silvestri has put her bad-girl ways behind her and is living the California dream in a Malibu beach house with her adoring venture-capitalist husband, Jay—until gunfire erupts one evening at their L.A. loft. Liza doesn&’t dare call the police—she&’s got a secret in her past—and it turns out Jay has secrets of his own. Now, running from professional killers and dirty cops, Liza begs her college friend, Ellen, to come with her. At the last moment, Liza grabs her piglet, Felton, as well. Racing through the back roads of Northern California and Oregon, she tracks the only clue she has, to end the nightmare that has enveloped her, hoping it will prove to be Ellen&’s and her salvation—and not their grave. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Susan Dunlap including rare images from the author&’s personal collection.
Growing Up in the West (Canongate Classics)
by Edwin Muir J.F. Hendry Gordon M. Williams Tom GallacherFour literary works portraying both the gritty beauty and the brutality of Glasgow and western Scotland in the mid-twentieth century. Includes:Poor Tom by Edwin MuirFernie Brae by J. F. HendryFrom Scenes Like These by Gordon M. WilliamsApprentice by Tom Gallacher Introduced by Liam McIlvanney, award-winning author of The Quaker, Growing Up in the West presents four very different and memorably vivid accounts of what it was to be young and growing up in Glasgow and the west of Scotland, from the 1930s to the 1960s. Poor Tom tells of a young man&’s struggle to come to terms with the slow death of his brother in the city slums of a culturally impoverished Scotland. Fernie Brae celebrates the growth and education of a sensitive youth in a novel reminiscent of Joyce&’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Gordon Williams&’s novel From Scenes Like These tells a grimmer story as its young protagonist eventually succumbs to a culture of drink and violence in which the harshness of life on the land sits next to industrial sprawl. Finally, set in the Clydeside shipyards, the wryly observant and humorous style of Apprentice strikes a happier note from the 1960s.
By Loyalty Bound: The Story of the Mistress of King Richard III
by Elizabeth Ashworth&“A rare treat. An exciting exploration of a piece of little-known history. A stunning new slant on the last of the Plantagenet kings . . . unmissable.&”—Lancashire Evening Post Set during the War of the Roses, this novel is the story of defiant Anne Harrington, the woman destined to become mistress to the enigmatic Richard as a consequence of his involvement in the trials of her family. With her father and grandfather killed fighting for the Yorkists at Wakefield in 1460, Hornby Castle falls to her as an inheritance at the tender age of five. When her ward-ship is handed over to Thomas Stanley by the king himself, Anne&’s uncles and the influence they might otherwise have wielded are virtually cut off. The story traces the Harringtons&’ fight to keep possession of their ancestral home, the support given to them by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and Richard&’s tumultuous and beguiling relationship with Anne as she is forced into a marriage arranged for her by her guardian, a man who has objectives beyond the determination to secure her future happiness. With a close eye for detail, Elizabeth Ashworth creates an intricately nuanced landscape, which serves as a remarkably effective and convincing backdrop. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a man often demonized in literary adaptations with his hunched back and questionable moral code, is revived to supreme effect. The romance of the era is effectively relayed, communicating a real sense of drama borne out of political tensions heightened by the emotional complexities that characterized the age. &“A wonderfully imaginative and action-packed story which puts the formative years of young Richard of Gloucester in a compelling and credible new light.&”—The Visitor
Blitzkrieg in the West: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)
by Ian Baxter"This superbly illustrated book captures the dramatic action of May and June 1940. The speed and ferocity of the German onslaught took the Allies by surprise as Hitlers land and air forces annihilated the inferior opposition. After 9 months stalemate the collapse was cataclysmic and Holland and Belgium quickly fell leaving the British and French forces outflanked and outfought. Panic set in and huge numbers of civilian refugees clogged the roads making the Allies withdrawal even more precarious. The miracle of Dunkirk saved vast numbers of British and French forces but could not prevent the surrender of France, leaving Britain to fight on virtually alone. The splendid photographs in this Images of War series book tell the story of this extraordinary period of history. They include previously unseen images of Rommels Ghost Division."
The Winter Garden: the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance
by Heidi Swain***The sparkling Christmas novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Heidi Swain!***Will love bloom this winter? Freya Fuller is living her dream, working as a live-in gardener on a beautiful Suffolk estate. But when the owner dies, Freya finds herself forced out of her job and her home with nowhere to go. However, with luck on her side, she&’s soon moving to Nightingale Square and helping to create a beautiful winter garden that will be open to the public in time for Christmas. There&’s a warm welcome from all in Nightingale Square, except from local artist Finn. No matter how hard the pair try, they just can&’t get along, and working together to bring the winter garden to life quickly becomes a struggle for them both. Will Freya and Finn be able to put their differences aside in time for Christmas? Or will the arrival of a face from Freya&’s past send them all spiralling?The Winter Garden is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Cathy Bramley and Sarah Morgan. Praise for HEIDI SWAIN:'The queen of feel-good' Woman & Home 'Full of Heidi&’s trademark gentle charm. Lock the door, pour some mulled wine and settle into this wonderful Christmas treat!' Milly Johnson 'More Christmassy than a week in Lapland - we loved it!' heat 'Sprinkled with Christmas sparkle' Trisha Ashley 'Give yourself a Christmas treat and curl up with this magical book!' Sue Moorcroft, author of The Little Village Christmas 'A real Christmas cracker of a read!' Penny Parkes, author of Practice Makes Perfect 'Cosy, Christmassy and deeply satisfying! Another wonderful read!' Mandy Baggot, author of One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill
Dork Diaries: Birthday Drama! (Dork Diaries #13)
by Rachel Renee RussellWelcome to Nikki Maxwell's aDORKable world and the mega-selling Dork Diaries series – now with over 50 million copies in print worldwide! OMG! Nikki's birthday party is going to be beyond awesome! Her BFFs are planning a SUPERcool pool party, with a cake, a DJ, and the perfect invitations. Organizing a big party for one hundred people is easy, right? UMMM wrong! When her mum says it's too expensive, soon it's looking like Nikki's dream party will be a total dorky disaster - cringe! Can Nikki and her BFFs come up with a plan to save the day, or will there be major birthday drama?! With a HUGE global fanbase, Dork Diaries is the perfect series for fans of Lottie Brooks, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Tom Gates. Don&’t miss out! I LOVE PARIS, the brand new DORK DIARIES, is out now! Have you read all the DORK DIARIES series?Dork Diaries Dork Diaries 2: Party Time Dork Diaries 3: Pop Star Dork Diaries 4: Skating Sensation Dork Diaries 5: Dear Dork Dork Diaries 6: Holiday Heartbreak Dork Diaries 7: TV Star Dork Diaries 8: Once Upon a Dork Dork Diaries 9: Drama Queen Dork Diaries 10: Puppy Love Dork Diaries 11: Frenemies Forever Dork Diaries 12: Crush Catastrophe Dork Diaries 13: Birthday Drama Dork Diaries 14: Spectacular Superstar Dork Diaries 15: I Love Paris! - Out now!
Spitfire: A Very British Love Story
by John NicholTHE SUNDAY TIMES NON FICTION BESTSELLER WHSmith NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018'The best book you will ever read about Britain's greatest warplane' Patrick Bishop, bestselling author of Fighter Boys&‘A rich and heartfelt tribute to this most iconic British machine&’ Rowland White, bestselling author of Vulcan 607 'As the RAF marks its centenary, Nichol has created a thrilling and often moving tribute to some of its greatest heroes' Mail on Sunday magazine The iconic Spitfire found fame during the darkest early days of World War II. But what happened to the redoubtable fighter and its crews beyond the Battle of Britain, and why is it still so loved today? In late spring 1940, Nazi Germany&’s domination of Europe had looked unstoppable. With the British Isles in easy reach since the fall of France, Adolf Hitler was convinced that Great Britain would be defeated in the skies over her southern coast, confident his Messerschmitts and Heinkels would outclass anything the Royal Air Force threw at them. What Hitler hadn&’t planned for was the agility and resilience of a marvel of British engineering that would quickly pass into legend – the Spitfire. Bestselling author John Nichol&’s passionate portrait of this magnificent fighter aircraft, its many innovations and updates, and the people who flew and loved them, carries the reader beyond the dogfights over Kent and Sussex. Spanning the full global reach of the Spitfire&’s deployment during WWII, from Malta to North Africa and the Far East, then over the D-Day beaches, it is always accessible, effortlessly entertaining and full of extraordinary spirit. Here are edge-of-the-seat stories and heart-stopping first-hand accounts of battling pilots forced to bail out over occupied territory; of sacrifice and wartime love; of aristocratic female flyers, and of the mechanics who braved the Nazi onslaught to keep the aircraft in battle-ready condition. Nichol takes the reader on a hair-raising, nail-biting and moving wartime history of the iconic Spitfire populated by a cast of redoubtable, heroic characters that make you want to stand up and cheer.
A Gift from Nessus
by William McIlvanneyA dark, psychologically compelling story of grift, greed, and a salesman in trouble, from “the finest Scottish novelist of our time” (Telegraph).Winner of a Scottish Arts Council Book AwardEddie Cameron is a thirty-five-year-old salesman for Rocklight Ltd., an electrical equipment firm in Glasgow, who feels like he’s lived thirty-five years with little to show for it: a job as a salesman at Rocklight, Ltd., an electrical equipment firm in Glasgow; a mortgage; a un-paid-off car that sounds like it has the combustion engine’s equivalent of asthma. Who would miss him if he died, beyond his wife, his kids, and his mistress? Only his creditors, he suspects.But thanks to Eddie’s fiddling with the firm’s expenses, he may now lose the little that he thought he had. His life is in tatters. His wife hates him. And his violent temper has left his mistress teetering on the edge of sanity…From a winner of numerous awards for both literary and crime writing, this is a novel with a noir sensibility that explores the darkness we can bring down upon ourselves.“As a stylist Mr. McIlvanney leaves most of the competition far behind.”—The New York Times Book Review
Sky's Witness: A Year in the Wind River Range
by C. L. RawlinsThoreau joked that he was a "self-appointed inspector of snowstorms and rainstorms," never dreaming that such a need might exist. But such is the author's work and that of his various helpers, from ski bums to shortstops. They travel the alpine wilderness at all seasons by touring skis , snowshoes, pack llamas, float-tubes, and a tiny but dependable rat. The remove mountain beauty, "where thoughts stretch for miles and days," would be enough, but C.L. Rawlins is after something more. He's a backcountry hydrologist, collecting rain, snow, and the water of high lakes to measure air pollution.Alongside Rawlins we discover the natural history of the central Rockies, the flowering of plants, and the ways of mountain animals. We learn how the Shoshoni lived in this harsh country before the arrival of settlers. We see also the effect of twentieth-century living on a wilderness that feels pristine but bears the chemical trace of distant smokestacks and freeways.With a style that roams between natural observation and personal essay, Rawlins's Sky's Witness gives access not only to the wilderness but to the ways in which we know ourselves.