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Technology and Interpreting: Navigating the Digital Age
by Kanglong Liu Riccardo Moratto Dechao Li Cheung, Andrew K.F.Offering a thorough exploration of the rapid advancements in technology development for interpreting, this book explores the effects of technology on the practice of interpreting, providing theoretical insights and practical applications.The chapters underscore the interdisciplinary nature of interpreting in the digital age and cover a wide range of topics from online learning environments for trainee interpreters and ethical considerations to the application of specific digital tools in language interpretation. It covers the application of advanced language models in interpreting, the pedagogical implications of technology in interpreter training as well as the cognitive aspects of interpreting in a technologically advanced environment. The authors integrate insights from technology, linguistics, education and cognitive science to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technology influences interpreting. This interdisciplinary approach allows the book to provide a holistic view of the field, making it a valuable resource for readers from various disciplines interested in the interplay between technology and interpreting. This book serves as a platform for discussing and debating new thoughts on the teaching and training of interpreting and the delivery of interpreting services.Delving into the new paradigms of interpreting studies that have emerged in the wake of technological advancements, this book will be invaluable to students studying interpreting or related fields, researchers investigating the impact of technology on interpreting and practitioners in the field who are keen to understand and leverage the latest technological advancements.
Practical Guide for the Reliable Packaging of Electronics: Thermal and Mechanical Design and Analysis
by Ali JamniaA definitive guide for both newcomers to the field and those in need of a refresher, the fourth edition of Practical Guide to the Reliable Packaging of Electronics provides a comprehensive understanding of the thermal and mechanical aspects of electromechanical system design, along with insights into potential failures. This edition equips design engineers with the tools to assess their work in the early stages of development, helping them identify and address weak points before they lead to system failures.As the demand for integrating more electronic capabilities into smaller packages continues to rise, product developers and manufacturers must carefully consider how module placement and component selection impact performance. This updated edition features expanded content, including advancements in cooling technologies and materials, guidance on vibration isolation and design challenges, deeper insights into system and subsystem reliability, robust test method development, and a newly added section on applying Six Sigma DMAIC methodology for thermal and mechanical failure analysis.By consulting this essential resource, engineers, program managers, and quality assurance professionals involved in electromechanical systems will gain a solid foundation in electronics packaging. Readers will learn to establish design guidelines, recognize potential reliability issues, and perform more thorough analyses, ultimately leading to more reliable and efficient system designs.
MenoWars: Why menopause’s moment has gone horribly wrong, and how you can navigate your way through it
by Fiona ClarkFirst, we were told we all needed to have HRT to remain interesting for our husbands. Then, we were told it was going to give us cancer and put us in an early grave. Next, we were told HRT was safe and we had to take it, or we'd all end up with crippling brain fog, quitting our jobs and descending into dementia as the economy collapsed around us.On the other side of the fence are those who argue that menopause is natural, it doesn't need treating, and a cold-water swim could fix everything. No wonder we're more confused than ever. Why has this happened? What does the evidence say? MenoWars explains why menopause is such a political hot potato, taking into account the history of gender bias in health and health research, the void and how it's filled, and what the evidence actually says. It answers questions like:- will HRT prevent dementia?- what you can do help your brain?- will HRT prevent heart disease?- what you can do to help your heart? ...and much more. MenoWars explains the silent changes you can't see, and which need to be sorted, and why. Importantly, it not only shows why we're arguing, it outlines where the science is heading so we can live longer, better, healthier lives in perimenopause and throughout the decades we spend in post-menopause.
Old Songs: Stories of Love and Death from Traditional Ballads
by Amy Jeffs Gwen BurnsOld Songs fuses short stories, histories, lyrics and music in an enthralling reimagining of traditional folk ballads. Sunday Times Bestselling historian Amy Jeffs and her creative collaborators combine forces to create a rich compendium, singing of travel, mystery, magic and the essential urges of humanity. Featuring iterations of fairy tales and sinister descendants of Greek myths and bible stories, as well as a cast of lesser-known characters with names like Tam Lim, Child Wynd and Maisery, Old Songs threads a tapestry of Britain's landscape, history and cultures. At the base of hills we can visit to this day, elf queens kidnap hapless poets and carry them through rivers of blood; and at the foot of a tree whose offspring still stand in the forests of Northumberland, a girl mimes combing the hairless head of a dragon who was once her brother.In spellbinding tales of brown-skinned girls who danced on their lovers' graves, of golden-masted ships captained by the Devil, of fiddles that cried "Murder!", of men kidnapped by fairies and boys married at fourteen, we find narrative motifs as ancient as humanity itself.In the histories interconnecting the stories, we find the fantastical rooted in the everyday, bringing to light the real experiences of great swathes of people to whom such story-songs were not only familiar, but a way of escaping into the extraordinary and returning gratefully home. Bringing enchantment to familiar landscapes, ballads were created anew by each singer and passed down from fireside to fireside, at the knees of childhood nurses, in manuscripts and in early printed pamphlets. Now, ten stories are gathered here, beautifully recreated for modern readers.Praise for Amy Jeffs'This gorgeous book should live on the bookshelves in every house that cares about the idea of Britain, what is was and where it came from' The Times'A beautiful retelling of British myths and exquisitely illustrated too' Daily Express'I have fallen so completely in love with this book... just one of the finest, most covetable things around' Katherine Rundell'A thing of beauty' The Herald
Femonomics: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and How to Get the Most Out of Yours
by Corinne Low*This book is published in the USA with the title HAVING IT ALL*'Life-changing... I feel like I've entered a whole new, streamlined era. Looking at life through a Femonomics lens is that rare thing - a genuinely empowering endeavour.' LUCY MANGAN'This is a book for evey woman. Optimistic and hopeful.' PHILIPPA GREGORY'A passionate, provocative case for change.' ADAM GRANTIT'S NOT IN YOUR HEAD. IT'S IN THE DATA.To be a woman today is to be overwhelmed from every angle. The data proves that the odds are still stacked against us - biologically, culturally, economically. But that same data can empower us to make choices that will reclaim our time, energy and help us find joy.In Femonomics, economist Corinne Low explodes the myths about what makes women successful and happy such as:- What if flexible working isn't the answer, and we actually need more boundaries?- What if the gender happiness gap was as important as the gender pay gap? - What if you had the power to prioritise things you actually value, rather than the things that other people value?- What if being more 'successful' actually meant putting family before work?Femonomics gives you the tools to design the life you want. It will teach you how to turn your time into money, how to work out what you value, how to invest in the right partner, how to plan your career at every stage, how to organise your family life - and ultimately how to make the world work for you.
If Only You Knew: The unmissable new memoir from the British pop icon
by LuluPop legend Lulu looks back over her astonishing life with fresh eyes, reflecting on all she has learnt. From the tenements of Glasgow to the Royal Albert Hall and the glittering lights of Hollywood: Lulu's journey to fame and fortune is like no other British pop star. When she was 14 years old, she was invited down to London to sing, and the rest is history. She stepped into a part she played for the next 60 years. A part she played so well that she gradually lost who she was, becoming the version of herself she thought others wanted to see.The book charts the highs and the lows of one of the longest running shows in British rock and roll history. It is the story of one woman's determination to stay real, relevant and happy, and one which ultimately reveals a woman who is far stronger and far braver than anyone knew.This is a pop memoir like no other.
Granny Takes a Trip: High Fashion and High Times at the Wildest Rock 'n' Roll Boutique
by Paul GormanGranny Takes A Trip was more than just a shop and a fashion brand; it was the original rock and roll clothes boutique, the template for all that followed. What started as an odd retail venture/art installation in a depressed part of London known as World's End became an international byword for glam decadence in Manhattan and Hollywood, combining flamboyant style and all manner of countercultural activity to attract everyone from Pattie Boyd, Marianne Faithfull and Anita Pallenberg to Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, the Beatles, and Lou Reed.Unfolding over a decade-and-a-half, this tumultuous story invokes a cast of often unique, sometimes entitled, unusually talented and troubled individuals on a collective mission to shake up austere, repressed, class-ridden Britain and white bread America. Some achieved this at great personal cost as darkness, addiction and tragedy stalked those behind the extraordinary shop facades.Much mythologised but never told, this cautionary tale has now found its definitive chronicler in celebrated cultural historian Paul Gorman who has had access to first-hand accounts from all the principal figures, as well as notes for a memoir and a much-treasured scrapbook by Freddie Hornik, the tailoring entrepreneur who survived the death marches of central Europe after WW2 to acquire Granny Takes A Trip in the late 60s and transform into an unparalleled pop cultural force.Listeners can find a selection of key photos and images from the history of Granny Takes a Trip in the accompanying PDF.
Young Once: A Life Less Heavy
by Nigel PlanerAged twenty-five, dressed as Che Guevara, Nigel Planer answers an ad for a room and his life changes for ever.Both a memoir and a love story, Young Once follows his journey, from bell-ringer to gravedigger, from university dropout to long-term patient of the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and all the other bizarre events that shape him, until the day he meets Alexei Sayle, Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson in a former strip club and the 1980s Comedy Revolution is born . . . Often mistaken (even by his mother) for Neil, the hippy character he creates, by 1986 Nigel has become so well-known he often has to leave the house via the kitchen window. It's lucky that he has always had a talent for seeing the funny side of things: whether it's dealing with 20-foot-éclair-related injuries or being cajoled into Band Aid by Bob Geldof; gatecrashing a rave with Robin Williams or crashing into the set on Top of the Pops; becoming a grandfather at twenty-nine or being rescued from disaster by musical theatre.Against a backdrop of squats, Glastonbury and roller discos, with a supporting cast that includes Lemmy, a stony-faced Robert de Niro and French and Saunders, Young Once is a wildly entertaining and gloriously sideways glimpse into a remarkable life and career. It's also an object lesson in why you should never give up looking for your Happy Ever After. It might well turn out to be right in front of you.
Secret of the Pickled Dream: Shanti and Amani
by Yesha Gambhir MirzaAmani is all about haul videos and sparkly gadgets—until she lives through something magical.How did she become a pickling expert overnight?Will she succeed in her secret mission?Can a jar of achaar really bring a family—even a neighbourhood—closer together?And do values of past and future have to compete… or can they come together to create something even better?Funny, flavourful and full of heart, Shanti and Amani: Secret of the Pickled Dream is a story of curiosity, connection and the quiet magic passed down through generations.
The Stolen: Australian crime fiction at its unputdownable best
by Vikki PetraitisStep into the dark heart of small-town Australia in this gripping follow-up to the award-winning The Unbelieved – perfect for fans of Chris Hammer&’s Scrublands and Jane Harper&’s The Dry. After a calm start to the summer holiday season, the small coastal town of Deception Bay is rocked by a report of a missing baby. Detective Antigone Pollard steps up to lead the team searching for the kidnapper, but the case is complicated by the return of her old boss, Bill Wheeler, who seems determined to thwart her progress. To make matters worse, the frantic investigation is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Antigone&’s mother in need of her help. As family secrets threaten to spill over, and with time running out to find the missing baby, Antigone finds herself fighting on two fronts and facing the same two questions. Who&’s protecting the women? And what happens when we don&’t believe them? &‘Delivers on absolutely every page. Vikki Petraitis is the real deal!&’ HAYLEY SCRIVENOR, award-winning author of Dirt Town &‘Crackles with tension&’ CHRISTIAN WHITE, author of The Ledge &‘A must-read&’ JACQUELINE BUBLITZ, author of Before You Knew My Name
Diary of a Wicked Witch: Discover your favourite fairytales from a WICKED point of view (Fairytale Woods)
by Ben MillerOnce upon a time was only the start . . . welcome to the Fairytale Woods. The wicked witch is on trial in a hilarious secret diary from million-copy bestselling author, comedian and actor Ben Miller. The wicked witch has gone one cackle too far and is faced with a choice: a four week wickedness management class, or a lifetime in jail. Spending all her time with stuck-up witches and her ex-best friend, now a total goody two-shoes, leading the course isn&’t Wendoline&’s idea of a good time, but she&’ll do anything it takes to get her powers back. Even with a pompous king and queen to impress, a smarmy Prince Charming to prove wrong, and her own daughter, Rapunzel, to win over, Wendoline is not buying into the whole using magic for good thing, not when being WICKED is just so much FUN. There's potions, curses, and a whole heap of trouble to miss out on . . . with 100% wickedness guaranteed, what could possibly go wrong?Come down to the Fairytale Woods and discover what your favourite characters are really thinking in the bestselling series from Ben Miller, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. Diary of a Big Bad Wolf and Diary of a Puss in Boots available now.
Denied Access: The New York Times bestselling Mitch Rapp series is back - don't miss this high-octane follow-up to the riveting AMERICAN ASSASSIN
by Vince Flynn Don BentleyThis latest pulse-pounding installment in Vince Flynn's #1 New York Times bestselling series takes Mitch Rapp back to his fledgling assassin days, completing the trilogy begun with American Assassin and Kill Shot.The Central Intelligence Agency is in crisis. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Congress is questioning the organization&’s necessity. Interim CIA director Thomas Stansfield is already on the back foot when things somehow get worse: a brilliantly run sting operation in Moscow has resulted in the arrest of America&’s most prized Russian asset and the expulsion of his CIA handler. With the Moscow Station now paralyzed, Stansfield seeks help from Mitch Rapp, a newly minted assassin in the secretive Orion program. But Rapp has problems of his own: when his Swiss girlfriend's grandfather receives a box containing the head of a former Cold War comrade along with a note promising that hers will be next, Rapp finds himself on the frontlines in a war between the American and Russian intelligence services.To protect the woman he loves and save the CIA from destruction, Mitch Rapp must be willing to risk everything.Praise for the Mitch Rapp series: &‘Sizzles with inside information and CIA secrets&’ DAN BROWN &‘Literally takes no prisoners&’ THE TIMES &‘Mitch Rapp is a great character who always leaves the bad guys either very sorry for themselves or very dead&’ GUARDIAN
The Unbelieved: 'A brilliant crime debut' CHRIS HAMMER
by Vikki PetraitisA chilling and timely crime fiction debut, winner of the inaugural Allen & Unwin Crime Prize and perfect for fans of Chris Hammer&’s Scrublands and Jane Harper&’s The Dry. Moving back to her quiet coastal hometown in the wake of a catastrophically failed case in Melbourne, Senior Detective Antigone Pollard finds there are some things you can&’t run from. A month into her new life, she is targeted by a would-be rapist at a local pub. When the male witnesses and even her own colleagues close ranks in defence of her attacker, it becomes clear this is only the tip of the iceberg. As Antigone searches for answers, she encounters a wall of silence built on secrets, denial and fear. The women of the town are scared, and they know the law is not on their side. In the face of a society that would rather she lie down and keep quiet, Antigone decides to take a stand. To do whatever it takes to get justice for all the survivors in Deception Bay, no matter the cost to herself.Gripping from the first page to the last, The Unbelieved offers a raw and uncompromising look at a small-town world that is all too real, and introduces a stunning new voice in Australian crime fiction. &‘A brilliant crime debut&’ CHRIS HAMMER, bestselling author of Scrublands &‘Tight, tense and unrelenting&’ CANDICE FOX, author of The Crimson Lake &‘Compelling, clever and utterly convincing&’ JACQUELINE BUBLITZ, author of Before You Knew My Name
A Heart for Christmas: An Advent Novel
by Sophie JomainFall in love this Christmas and open a chapter a day in a swoony festive romance that will open your heart. A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance in the snow, in a groundbreaking bestselling advent calendar format that delivers a sealed chapter each day. With stunning gilt edges, full colour artwork and ribbon marker, this is the perfect pre-Christmas gift for readers of Lynn Painter, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.When eighteen-year-old April heads to the foothills of Mont Blanc in the Alps to spend her first Christmas at her father&’s chalet, she&’s hoping for a change. Ever since a heart operation two years ago, she&’s lived as carefully as possible. But she knows there's a world out there that she&’s missing and she's determined to experience it all. When April&’s ski instructor turns out to be her best friend&’s older brother, Augustin. He's no longer annoying: he's daring and caring and . . . HOT. As he encourages her to take risks, April starts to feel her heart really heal - but is it ready for a Christmas miracle?Experience the ultimate slow-burn this winter with a unique advent calendar format. A sell-out bestseller in Europe, each of of the twenty-four chapters is sealed in a perforated envelope to tear open gently every day.
The Christmas Contest
by Maxime GillioWin the chance to be Santa's helper and open a chapter a day in the ultimate countdown to Christmas! A full colour illustrated story full of Christmas magic in a unique and internationally bestselling format: feel the excitement of the big day as you tear open a new chapter each night with the family. Santa Claus has a problem. There are too many children on the nice list this year, and he&’s worried he won&’t be able to deliver all the presents by himself! The only solution is to recruit an apprentice for the first time in his long career and he needs a competition to do it! Soon, the North Pole is buzzing with excitement as contestants come forward to show they&’ve got the Christmas spirit and know-how to help jolly old Santa himself. As Christmas Eve draws closer and Santa Claus tasks the hopefuls with more and more creative tests, who will come out on top?A fun, magical story with twenty-four chapters enclosed in a perforated envelope, this is the perfect gift to give as the family counts down to Christmas.
The Field Girls: a heartwarming WWII saga
by Rosie ArcherGosport, 1943.Eadie, Joy and Maureen are all doing their bit to help Britain win the war. Their work at Priddy's munitions factory is dangerous and gruelling, but undoubtedly necessary. However, when an explosion at the factory almost kills several of the workers, the girls decide it's time to find another way to contribute.Joy sees an advertisement in the newsagents, seeking Hop Pickers in Hampshire, accommodation provided. They leave Gosport, ready for a new adventure. But what they discover about each other and the people they meet over the summer, will change their lives forever. A heart-warming saga about friendship, love and the hardest days of war. Perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Pam Howes.
The Snail is Slow but Never Late: Meditations on Finding Joy in the Present Moment
by Jung-mokTHE KOREAN BESTSELLER'On a human scale, the snail's speed is ridiculously slow, but on a world scale, it's just perfect.'In this comforting and calming book, Korean Buddhist nun Jung-mok teaches us how to slow down and free ourselves from the stress of our busy modern lives.Through stories rooted in the natural world and Buddhist philosophy, Jung-mok shares her kind wisdom and simple practices to help us live a happy life. This book will open your eyes to the beauty that surrounds you and allow you to find peace and stillness from within.Illustrated with charming pen and ink drawings throughout, this beautiful little book is a soothing balm for the soul.
Clay: Easy air-dry clay projects to make at home
by Sarah ReevesCreate beautiful clay pieces for your home using minimal materials.Have you always wanted to try your hand at pottery? With air-dry clay, you can learn how to create gorgeous items without the need for a kiln or expensive equipment. All you need is clay, a few tools and your imagination.Author and artist Sarah Reeves will guide you through everything you need to know to learn this fun and therapeutic craft. Discover 20 step-by-step projects suitable for all levels, along with an introduction to the core techniques and materials, and tips and tricks to finesse your projects.Projects include:- Photo holder- Textured coasters- Hanging plant pot- Incense stick holder- Bud vase- Fluted trinket bowl- Bookends- Moon phases buntingAnd many more...
Aled’s Book of Blessings for 2026
by Aled JonesDrawing on spiritual wisdom across the ages, from ancient times to the modern day, as well as across diverse cultures, Aled has compiled this Book of Blessings to ground and inspire you each day in 2026 - celebrating special events, anniversaries and fun facts that this year brings.With Aled's friendly stories, anecdotes and unique insight into classical music, he introduces a composer and classical work to inspire us for each month of the year.Charming line drawing illustrations decorate the page and journaling space allows the reader to respond to what they are reading by either making notes or with a drawing of their own.A book that's perfect as a gift for mum or dad, it is perfect to dip in and out of during the year and will be a favourite treasure trove of wisdom for all who love watching Aled on BBC TV or listen to his inspiring show on Classic FM.
Love in a Time of Politics: A Memoir of Facing Loss and Finding Hope
by Katherine Zappone'Wise, moving, deeply honest.' MARY McALEESE'Tender, funny, humane - a memoir of the courage it takes to lead change.' EMILIE PINE'This is a love story that changed our country forever.' ALI HEWSONDuring her second year as an Irish government minister, Katherine Zappone's world was upended when her beloved wife, Ann Louise Gilligan, suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrhage. Their partnership had guided landmark Irish battles for marriage equality and reform of Ireland's constitutional ban on abortion. But their greatest challenge now lay before them.As Ann Louise fought for survival, Katherine was embroiled in the cut and thrust of modern Irish politics - including seeking justice for the forgotten children of Tuam, putting her at the heart of Ireland's reckoning with its past. All the while, she faced the quiet devastation of impending loss and, later, the grief that followed. Then, in 2021, came political controversy that would shake her to the core.Love in a Time of Politics is a story of enduring love between two trailblazing women, as well as a rare insider's account of political life in Ireland during a time of seismic social change. With honesty, warmth and wisdom, it reveals how compassion can shape policy, and how conviction can sustain even the most broken heart.
Lush!: My Story - From Swansea to Stacey and Everything in Between
by Joanna PageTHE HEARTFELT AND HILARIOUSLY FUNNY AUTOBIOGRAPHY FROM STAR OF STAGE AND SCREEN, JOANNE PAGE, INCLUDING HER LIFE BEHIND THE SCENES OF GAVIN & STACEY.From the small village of Treboeth on the outskirts of Swansea to the sets of some of the all-time greatest movies and TV shows - like Love Actually and Gavin & Stacey - Joanna Page's journey to stardom has been extraordinary.In this funny, candid and endlessly surprising memoir, Joanna shares her story in full for the first time. Inside, Joanna looks back at her early life growing up on the glorious Welsh coastline - a life (not unlike Stacey's) filled with family and friendly neighbours - to the sudden shock of moving to London at 18 (totally alone) to take her place at RADA, one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the world. Before taking readers behind the scenes of her most iconic roles and introducing them to a colourful cast including Ruth Jones, James Corden, Richard E. Grant, Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson.Whether she's navigating early awkward auditions, chasing her big break, getting used to life on set with comedic consequences, falling in love, or discovering the magic and madness of motherhood, Joanna speaks openly about what it really takes to make it in the acting world while staying true to yourself.An unforgettable read that makes you laugh and cry, Lush! is a celebration of finding your voice, holding your ground and learning to laugh at the messiest, most beautiful moments life has to offer.
My Parent the Peacock: Discovery and Recovery from Narcissistic Parenting
by Kathleen SaxtonThe scars inflicted on childhood by a parent with narcissistic tendencies are lasting - but they don't have to define your future. My Parent the Peacock is a compassionate, insightful and clear-eyed guide to recovery that validates your lived experience while offering practical steps towards healing and freedom. Demythologising some of the ideas around narcissistic behaviours, acclaimed therapist Kathleen Saxton starts by explaining what narcissism is, and isn't, and why it seems to be on the increase. She offers you support to understand how having a narcissistic parent can impact your early development, and how family constellations are shaped in such households (were you the Golden Child, or the Scapegoated Child?). Pulling everything together into practical and healing strategies for moving forward, the book also covers:* validation and self-care* setting boundaries and expectations* Listening to your own voice* Breaking the generational patternsYou can escape generational trauma and find freedom; take the first steps today for a healthier, happier future.
Rise of the Villans: Inside Unai Emery's Aston Villa Revolution
by Guillem BalagueFeaturing exclusive interviews with Unai Emery, Monchi, Morgan Rogers and more, this is the behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning bestseller Guillem Balagué. In October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come; in his first full season in charge, Emery would lead the club to a top four finish - qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades.Guillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches today, Rise of the Villans reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Guillem takes readers inside Bodymoor Heath to show how Unai has transformed Villa into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. At the core of the book are Villa's passionate fans, who outline why they believe club and manager are the perfect match. With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football's most prestigious club competition, it was clear for all to see: Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.
An Inconvenience of Penguins: Epic voyages in pursuit of the world's most beloved bird
by Jamie Lafferty'Jamie Lafferty embarks on an epic quest - in which the journey is at least as entertaining as the end result' - Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World'Highly entertaining and gloriously obsessional' - Philip Hoare, author of Leviathan'A wise, rude, hilarious and oddly moving account' - Ed Caesar, author of The Moth and the Mountain~ ~ ~The problem started, as problems often do, with a penguin.From Kings and Emperors to Macaronis and Rockhoppers, penguins are one of the most immediately recognisable animals on Earth. Yet for all that familiarity, what do we really know about them? An Inconvenience of Penguins follows award-winning travel writer Jamie Lafferty as he visits all 18 species in a bid to understand the birds and their extraordinarily varied habitats a little better. On voyages to some of the world's most inaccessible and challenging landscapes, he recounts the history of our unique relationship with the world's most popular bird, telling stories of the penguins, but also the people and places around them.From getting stranded in the Galapagos to marching through African guano fields, and leading photography groups in the Antarctic to taking psychedelics on the Falklands, this is a birding quest like no other. Along the way Lafferty relives the experiences of early polar explorers, for who penguins were perplexing mysteries, welcome companions and even occasional meals, and meets the modern penguin lovers trying to save their fragile environments.Featuring cameos from a wide cast of characters including Ernest Shackleton, Charles Darwin, and Sir Francis Drake, as well as beautiful photographs of each penguin species, An Inconvenience of Penguins is part-love letter to and part-biography of these remarkable creatures.
Aled’s Book of Blessings for 2026
by Aled JonesDrawing on spiritual wisdom across the ages, from ancient times to the modern day, as well as across diverse cultures, Aled has compiled this Book of Blessings to ground and inspire you each day in 2026 - celebrating special events, anniversaries and fun facts that this year brings.With Aled's friendly stories, anecdotes and unique insight into classical music, he introduces a composer and classical work to inspire us for each month of the year.Charming line drawing illustrations decorate the page and journaling space allows the reader to respond to what they are reading by either making notes or with a drawing of their own.A book that's perfect as a gift for mum or dad, it is perfect to dip in and out of during the year and will be a favourite treasure trove of wisdom for all who love watching Aled on BBC TV or listen to his inspiring show on Classic FM.