CHRISTMAS
A Literary Christmas : An Anthology (hardback)
£14.99
This seasonal compendium collects together poems, short stories, and prose extracts by some of the greatest poets and writers in the English language. Like Charles Dickens's ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, they are representative of times old and new--from John Donne's Elizabethan hymn over the baby Jesus to Benjamin Zephaniah's "Talking Turkeys," from Thomas Tusser counting the cost of a Tudor feast to P. G.Venture out into the snow in the company of Jane Austen, Henry James, and Dickens's Mr.Pickwick. Entertain the children with the seasonal tales of Dylan Thomas, Kenneth Grahame, and Oscar Wilde.
A Poem for Every Day of the Year (hardback)
£19.99
A Poem For Every Day of the Year is a magnificent collection of 366 poems compiled by Allie Esiri, one to share on every day of the year. Reflecting the changing seasons and linking to events on key dates - funny for April Fool's Day, festive for Christmas - these poems are thoughtful, inspiring, humbling, informative, quiet, loud, small, epic, peaceful, energetic, upbeat, motivating, and empowering! Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family, it is bursting at the seams with familiar favourites and exciting new discoveries. T.S.Eliot, John Betjeman, Lewis Carroll, William Shakespeare and Christina Rossetti sit alongside Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, Carol Ann Duffy, and Kate Tempest.This soul-enhancing book is the perfect gift that will last the whole year, with a little bit of magic to read every day.
A Children's Literary Christmas : An Anthology (hardback 2019)
£14.99
One of Books Paper Scissors picks for Christmas !
Immerse yourself in some truly festive magic with this brand-new collection of the finest Christmas stories, prose, songs and poetry from some of the greatest writers in the English language. Inspired by the approach and style of the British Library's 2018 bestseller A Literary Christmas, this carefully chosen anthology moves its focus to those most deeply involved in the wonders of Christmas, the Christmas girls and Christmas boys. Twenty-four seasonal chapters allow the excitement to build as parents and grandparents can share pages of unforgettable adventures, festive traditions, tales of elves, snowmen and reindeer, fairytales, folklore and family fun.
Age-old pleasures from those essential Christmas favourites, including Dickens, Kenneth Grahame, George Mackay Brown, Robert L. May and Ezra Jack Keats, are presented alongside charming, but often more edgy, award-wining contemporary voices. This treasure trove of stories is brought to life by an equally beautiful selection of seasonal illustrations from the collections of the Library and the artwork of some of the great modern book illustrators.
The Art of the Glimpse (hardback, October 2020)
£25.00
An anthology of the very best Irish short stories, selected by Sinead Gleeson, author of Constellations. There have been many anthologies of the short story as it developed in Ireland, but never a collection like this. The Art of the Glimpse is a radical revision of the canon of the Irish story, uniting classic works with neglected writers and marginalised voices - women, LGBT writers, Traveller folk-tales, lost 19th-century voices and the first wave of 'new Irish' writers from elsewhere now making a life in Ireland.
Beautifully bound, with ribbon marker.
The collection paints a tremendous spectrum of experience: the story of a prank come good by Bram Stoker; Sally Rooney on the love languages of the new generation; Donal Ryan on the pains of ageing; Edna O'Brien on political entanglements; James Joyce on losing a loved one; and the internal monologue of a coma sufferer by Marian Keyes. List of contributing authors: Samuel Beckett, Sally Rooney, Melatu Uche Okirie, William Trevor, Marian Keyes, Kevin Barry, Edna O'Brien, Claire-Louise Bennett, Sheridan Le Fanu, Danielle McLaughlin, Mairtin O Cathain, Frances Molloy, Blindboy Boatclub, Elizabeth Bowen, Frank O'Connor, Chiamaka Emyi-Amadi, John McGahern, Anne Enright, Mike McCormack, Maeve Brennan, Oein de Bhairduin, Eimear McBride, Sean O Faolain, Cathy Sweeney.
THE LOST SPELLS by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris (October 2020, hardback)
£14.99
Dazzlingly beautiful and wonderfully inventive, discover the magical new book from the creators of bestselling, critically acclaimed literary phenomenon, The Lost Words . . .Kindred in spirit to The Lost Words but fresh in its form, The Lost Spells is a pocket-sized treasure that introduces a beautiful new set of natural spell-poems and artwork by beloved creative duo Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. Each "spell" conjures an animal, bird, tree or flower -- from Barn Owl to Red Fox, Grey Seal to Silver Birch, Jay to Jackdaw -- with which we share our lives and landscapes.
Written to be read aloud, painted in brushstrokes that call to the forest, field, riverbank and also to the heart. Gorgeous to look at and to read.
ALPENGLOW - THE FINEST CLIMBS ON THE 4000M PEAKS OF THE ALPS, by Ben Tibbetts
£50.00
The ultimate gift for the mountain lover. Stunning photography and detailed information
ALPENGLOW takes the reader through a journey of personal adventure, immersive art and breathtaking scenery, combining inspiration with detailed local knowledge. Climbing the 4000m peaks of the Alps is one of the great and enduring challenges in mountaineering. It is a project that requires endurance, courage, skill, and humility.
Whether you are a lover of mountain landscapes, an aspiring alpinist, or already a veteran of many adventures, this book will provide a wealth of original and inspiring material to help with planning future excursions or simply immersing yourself in the beauty of the high mountains..
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories ( pb 2020)
£9.99
The perfect gift this Christmas season: a generous selection of some of the greatest festive stories of all time.
This is a collection of the most magical, moving, chilling and surprising Christmas stories from around the world, taking us from frozen Nordic woods to glittering Paris, a New York speakeasy to an English country house, bustling Lagos to midnight mass in Rio, and even outer space. Here are classic tales from writers including Truman Capote, Shirley Jackson, Dylan Thomas, Saki and Chekhov, as well as little-known treasures such as Italo Calvino's wry sideways look at Christmas consumerism, Wolfdietrich Schnurre's story of festive ingenuity in Berlin, Selma Lagerlof's enchanted forest in Sweden, and Irene Nemerovsky's dark family portrait. Featuring Santas, ghosts, trolls, unexpected guests, curmudgeons and miracles, here is Christmas as imagined by some of the greatest short story writers of all time.
101 Great Science Experiments, Dorling Kindersley (paperback)
£7.99
Great value and always beautifully laid out in the DK style.
Fun mini projects for your budding scientist ... covers physics, biology and chemistry.
Forget about mad scientists and messy laboratories! This incredible, interactive guide for children showcases 101 absolutely awesome experiments you can do at home. Find out how to make a rainbow, build a buzzer, see sound, construct a circuit, bend light, play with shadows, measure the wind, weigh air, and create an underwater volcano. The astonishing variety of experiments are all very easy and entirely safe, with step-by-step text and everyday ingredients.
GIFT SUBSCRIPTION: HARDBACK
£25.00
You can order this for yourself or a friend.
Each month will cost £25 : this includes choice of hardback, plus postage ( UK only; other destinations TBC)
Your recipient will first receive a letter from us introducing the gift and service. In this pack will be a return letter and stamped addressed envelope ; the recipient can give us as much or as little information as they wish to help us 'prescribe' the best books.
Once this has been returned, we will send them a mystery book each month. Please note they will get a personalised service, not a standard 'gift book' each time. You can order the service for one month,twelve or anything in between!
The hardback service would be recommended for people who are avid readers, or who enjoy non fiction. This way they are likely to get new books which they have not read, and it allows us more flexibility to choose a range of non fiction titles.
History of the World in 100 Animals, ed Simon Barnes ( Dec 2021 hardback)
£20.00
An exquisite edition of The History of the World in 100 Animals by author and journalist Simon Barnes, adapted and abridged for younger readers, with superb illustrations by award-winning artist, Frann Preston-Gannon, illustrator of I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree.
This outstanding gift book proposes the 100 animals who have had the greatest impact on humans and the way we view the world around us. From the bees who pollinate our food to the chimpanzees who share over 98% of our DNA, this book explores the unique and thought-provoking relationship between humans and animals throughout history.
This fact-filled guide is sure to inspire and delight animal lovers young and old, and will make the perfect gift this Christmas.
Literary Jigsaws 1000 pc
£16.99
The World of Jane Austen / Shakespeare/ Dickens is a new 1000 piece puzzle, featuring a wide cast of the author's contemporaries and characters.
Jane Austen ... Hidden amongst the rolling hills of Derbyshire, Hampshire, Lyme Regis and more, you can see Mr Darcy at home in Pemberley, or find Mr Knightly enjoying a stroll around the garden, plus many more familiar characters hidden alongside Austen's peers. Shortlisted for the 2021 Gift of The Year Awards!
Your Life on Earth, Oliver Jeffers ( September 2022)
£14.99
Your Life On Earth : A Record Book for New Humans
Inspired by the exceptional, award-winning global picture book phenomenon, Here We Are, this baby record book makes the perfect gift for families to treasure forever! Well, hello. Welcome to this planet. We call it Earth.
We're glad you found us. Welcome a newborn to the world with this gorgeous baby record book, celebrating milestones and special moments from before birth to early years. Including three envelopes,a card pocket to hold keepsakes, plus spaces for baby's footprints and family photographs, this is the perfect place to cherish memories of a little one's arrival on Planet Earth!
Winter Swimming : The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier and Happier Life, by Susanna Soberg (Hardback Sept 2022)
£25.00
A beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world, and a thorough account of why winter swimming gives such a boost to body and soul. Whether in lake, lido, river or sea, we know the benefits of swimming outdoors and in nature - environmentally friendly and accessible, it can influence our happiness, our energy and our inner tranquility, and give us that winter glow. Danish scientist Dr Susanna Soberg leads us step by step into the icy water and explains the "cold-shock response", the massive endorphin rush as our body reacts and adapts to very cold temperatures through the winter season.Not only do our circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond positively, but our immune system, metabolism and mental health too. In particular she explains how our "brown fat" is activated to benefit multiple health conditions. Winter swimming is fast becoming one of our most popular pastimes.
This beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world shows how it can have a significant positive impact on our physical and mental health, confidence and well-being, providing such a boost to body and soul. Translated from the Danish by Elizabeth DeNoma
Leuchtturm Bullet Journal
£28.95
Bullet Journal Edition 2, Medium (A5),
Hardcover, 206 numbered pages, dotted
Available in Black, Green, and new Yellow 24
• Smooth surface on the paper with very low transparency
• Detachable Bullet Journal® pocket guide in English
• Grid guide in the inside cover
• Set of stickers featuring days of the week, months and much more ...
Details
• 120 g/sqm paper
• Page divider for quick grouping of pages
• Three page markers
• Index, Future Log and 206 numbered pages
• Elastic enclosure band
• Gusseted pocket for small souvenirs, notepads or cards
• Thread-bound book
• Stickers for labelling and archiving
The Bell Jar, Illustrated Edition, Sylvia Plath ( hardback Oct 2022)
£14.99
I felt very still and empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully along in the middle of the surrounding hullabaloo. Sylvia Plath's groundbreaking semi-autobiographical novel offers an intimate, honest and often wrenching glimpse into mental illness. The Bell Jar broke the boundaries between fiction and reality and helped cement Sylvia Plath's place as an enduring feminist icon.Celebrated for its darkly humorous, razor sharp portrait of 1950s society, it continues to resonate with readers today as testament to the universal human struggle to claim one's rightful place in the world. A special illustrated edition - the second book in our collection of illustrated Faber classics.
Archie’s Apple, by Hannah Shuckburgh ( hardback October 22)
£14.99
Have you ever dreamed of making a discovery? Inspired by a true story, Archie's Apple tells of how one boy discovers a new variety of apple while out walking, and hits the headlines around the world. Archie lives with his father on the edge of a wood; every day and in every season Archie plays in the wood, watching and hearing nature. But one day deep in the woods he finds an apple, quite unlike any apple he's ever seen or eaten.
His discovery takes them on an adventure that neither he nor his dad could have predicted. This enchanting and intricate picture book, illustrated with original watercolours, takes the reader on a journey from the discovery to the brink of world-wide fame and back again, and has much to tell us about the wild power of nature and the value of noticing.
Rated in 2022 as a 'future classic' children's book.
Leila And The Blue Fox, Kiran Millwood Hargrave ( paperback October 2023)
£12.99
Come with an Arctic fox on a breathtaking journey ... an enthralling story from the bestselling, award-winning creators of Julia and the Shark. With dazzling blue and black illustrations and presented as a deluxe hardback with tracing paper inserts, this is a perfect gift for 9+ fans of The Last Bear and A Wolf Called Wander. She was very tired.She lay down, her soft head on her soft paws. The sunset licked her face. The snow covered her like a blanket.
Fox wakes, and begins to walk. She crosses ice and snow, over mountains and across frozen oceans, encountering bears and birds beneath the endless daylight of an Arctic summer, navigating a world that is vast, wild and wondrous. Meanwhile, Leila embarks on a journey of her own - finding her way to the mother who left her.
On a breathtaking journey across the sea, Leila rediscovers herself and the mother she thought she'd lost, with help from a determined little fox. Based on the true story of an Arctic fox who walked from Norway to Canada in seventy-six days, a distance of two thousand miles, this compelling, emotional and beautifully illustrated story is the perfect gift for 9+ readers. Praise for Julia and the Shark:'A tale of courage, understanding and compassion' The Observer'Julia and the Shark is deep, beautiful and true.
The art shines and the writing soars. A classic from cover to cover' Eoin Colfer'
The Grumpus : And His Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan by Alex T. Smith (Author)
£14.99
From Alex T. Smith, bestselling author of the Claude series and How Winston Delivered Christmas, comes a fantastically festive Christmas adventure about a gorgeous grumpy character. Inspired by The Krampus and with a hint of The Grinch, The Grumpus is a heartwarming story that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas, accompanied by irresistible colour artwork to make it the perfect story for all the family to enjoy together.Do you know about The Grumpus?And his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan? And about the Awful Thing that happened at the North Pole on Christmas Eve?Perhaps I should tell you about it . . A beautiful hardback with a festively foiled cover and beautiful artwork from the author, it is the perfect Christmas gift, destined to become a modern Christmas classic that adults and children alike return to year after year.
The Frost Goblin, Abi Elphinstone ( hardback October 2022)
£14.99
The deepest frost has the power to rekindle hope in anyone who's lost it..." In Bertie Crash-Wallop's noisy family, it can sometimes feel like there is no room for a quiet boy like him. But when Bertie meets a family of goblins on the night of the deepest frost, is it possible he might make some magic and discover his own place in the world?Join Bertie and the Frost Goblins on an exciting adventure in this beautifully moving story by the bestselling author of Sky Song and The Unmapped Chronicles, Abi Elphinstone, and renowned illustrator Fiona Woodcock. The perfect book for frosty winter's nights and cosy Christmas mornings.Also by Abi Elphinstone & Fiona Woodcock:The Snow Dragon Praise for The Snow Dragon: 'stunning, dreamlike illustrations, whisking the reader into a sparkling, icy landscape where you'll believe almost anything is possible'
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse : The Animated Story, Charlie Mackesy( November 2022)
£20.00
The Animated Story....
A journey, in search of home. Charlie Mackesy's beloved The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has been adapted into an animated short film, coming to BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas. This beautifully made hardback celebrates the work of over 100 animators across two years of production - with Charlie's distinctive illustrations brought to life in full colour with hand-drawn traditional animation and accompanying hand-written script. "I made a film with some friends about a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse - their journey together and the boy's search for home.
I hope this book gives you courage and makes you feel loved." Love Charlie x
The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories
£20.00
A comforting story tonight for a happy day tomorrow . . .A gorgeous gift to treasure for years to come, this collection of bedtime stories is brimming with hope and positivity as an antidote to the at times challenging world we live in. Fabulously illustrated by Sarah McIntyre, the stories promote modern-day messages of inclusivity, acceptance and bravery in the face of adversity. With brand new stories from: Aisha Bushby, Ann Jungman, Ayesha Braganza, Claire Barker, Emma Carroll, Hannah Lee, Ingrid Persaud, Kate Saunders, Kieran Larwood, Lou Kuenzler, Lucy Farfort, Martyn Ford, Michael Mann, Natasha Farrant, Pip Jones, Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Reba Khatun.
Jim’s Spectacular Christmas, Emma Thompson & Axel Scheffler ( hardback Oct 22)
£14.99
A new Christmas classic from a magical pairing: Dame Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler. The story of Jim: a very lucky, very special, very grubby dog, who lives, improbably, in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Emma Thompson magically weaves the real-life tale of Jim - beloved dog of Sir Henry Cole who created the first Christmas card - with a fantastically warm and heartfelt Christmas romp, brilliantly illustrated by bestselling illustrator, Axel Scheffler.
A Christmas book to treasure, and an adventure filled with high emotion, guilt, redemption, unexpected presents and a life-changing brush with royalty.
Paperback from October 2024
The World : A Family History, Simon Sebag Montefiore ( paperback August 2023)
£14.99
From the master storyteller and internationally bestselling author - the story of humanity from prehistory to the present day, told through the one thing all humans have in common: family. We begin with the footsteps of a family walking along a beach 950,000 years ago. From here, Montefiore takes us on an exhilarating epic journey through the families that have shaped our world: the Caesars, Medicis and Incas, Ottomans and Mughals, Bonapartes, Habsburgs and Zulus, Rothschilds, Rockefellers and Krupps, Churchills, Kennedys, Castros, Nehrus, Pahlavis and Kenyattas, Saudis, Kims and Assads.A rich cast of complex characters form the beating heart of the story. Some are well-known leaders, from Alexander the Great, Attila, Ivan the Terrible and Genghis Khan to Hitler, Thatcher, Obama, Putin and Zelensky. Some are creative, from Socrates, Michelangelo and Shakespeare to Newton, Mozart, Balzac, Freud, Bowie and Tim Berners-Lee.
This is world history on the most grand and intimate scale - spanning centuries, continents and cultures, and linking grand themes of war, migration, plague, religion, medicine and technology to the people at the centre of the human drama.
As spellbinding as fiction, The World captures the story of humankind in all its joy, sorrow, romance, ingenuity and cruelty in a ground-breaking, single narrative that will forever shift the boundaries of what history can achieve.
Great Escapes Yoga. The Retreat Book
£50.00
Looking for a vacation that leaves you relaxed, restored, and uplifted? In this gorgeous updated guide, Angelika Taschen gathers the most exquisite and inspirational yoga retreats around the world, from an exotic luxury hotel in Bhutan to a spiritual ashram in India, a beach resort in Mexico to a tucked-away treasure in Brazil's tropical forests. Highlights include the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh-one of the holy cities of the Ganges and a renowned pilgrimage site where the Beatles attended the Maharishi's ashram in 1968; and Santani, a 48-acre former tea plantation in Sri Lanka where restorative bliss meets the highest sustainable and eco-standards. Italy is not just a destination for the cultural and culinary traveler but also for the dedicated yogi: Santa Maria del Sole in Puglia strike a balance between yoga and the sensual Italian lifestyle.A hidden gem in the high planes of Brazil, Alto Paraiso is nestled in lush tropical forest, home to some of the world's most diverse flora and fauna. The Esalen Institute in Big Sur is a legendary New Age destination, offering yoga and much more, with over 500 spiritual and physical workshops; Kretashala, one of Europe's most popular sites for Vinyasa Yoga, offers authentic Cretan cuisine and breathtaking views of the endless expanse of the Libyan sea; while Amansala's Bikini Boot Camp in Tulum, Mexico, combines beach life with yoga classes.
The Illustrated Good Omens, Pratchett and Gaiman ( hardback July 2023)
£35.00
There is a hint of Armageddon in the air. According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (recorded, thankfully, in 1655, before she blew up her entire village and all its inhabitants, who had gathered to watch her burn), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact.So the Armies of Good and Evil are massing, the four Bikers of the Apocalypse are revving up their mighty hogs and hitting the road, and the world's last two remaining witchfinders are getting ready to Fight the Good Fight. Atlantis is rising. Frogs are falling.
Tempers are flaring, and everything appears to be going to Divine Plan. Except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon are not particularly looking forward to the coming Rapture. They've lived amongst Humanity for millennia, and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle.
So if Crowley and Aziraphale are going to stop it from happening, they've got to find and kill the AntiChrist (which is a shame, really, as he's a nice kid). There's just one glitch: someone seems to have misplaced him. This edition features a new revised text, approved by Neil Gaiman and the Pratchett Estate, which clears up many typos and errors from previous editions.
It also features twelve full colour illustrations from Paul Kidby - Terry Pratchett's artist of choice - and further pencil drawings.
How To Spaghettify Your Dog : and other science secrets of the universe by Hiba Noor Khan (Author)
£8.99
A wonderfully illustrated, jam-packed, must-have science book for all aspiring young physicists!' The Royal Institution Have you ever wondered how to slow down time? Or what would happen if the Earth stopped spinning? Or whether you'd be OK if you fell into a black hole? Well, wonder no more. This book, by former physics teacher and UKLA longlisted author Hiba Noor Khan, is bursting with fascinating physics facts that will explain everything you want to know, and more, about the curiosities of our cosmos. Become acquainted with the phenomenal laws of physics - from the tiniest building blocks of our body to the enormous stars that burn in our skies, light years away.The book breaks down complex science topics into fun, digestible chunks. Featuring easy-to-follow experiments, eye-catching illustrations by Waterstones Book Prize winner Harry Woodgate and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this hands-on book will demystify physics and bring science to life.
The Iliad translated by Emily Wilson ( Paperback August 2024)
£14.99
Now in Limited Edition paperback with Deckled Edge binding.
When Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017-revealing the ancient poem in a contemporary idiom that "combines intellectual authority with addictive readability" (Edith Hall, The Sunday Telegraph)-critics lauded it as "a revelation" (Susan Chira, The New York Times) and "a cultural landmark" (Charlotte Higgins, The Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English.
Now Wilson has returned with an equally revelatory translation of the first great Homeric epic: The Iliad. In Wilson's hands, this exciting and often horrifying work now gallops at a pace befitting its battle scenes, roaring with the clamour of arms, the bellowing boasts of victors and the anguished cries of dying men.
Wilson's unadorned but resonant language plumbs the poem's profound pathos and reveals its characters as palpably real, even "complicated", human beings. Capping a decade of intense engagement with Homer's poetry, Wilson's Iliad now gives us a complete Homer for our generation.
Finding Bear, Hannah Gold ( hardback September 2023)
£12.99
April Wood has returned home from her adventure on Bear Island. But, over a year later, she can't stop thinking about Bear.
When April hears that a polar bear has been shot and injured in Svalbard, she's convinced it's her friend and persuades her dad to travel with her to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. So begins an unforgettable journey across frozen tundra and icy glaciers. But along the way, she discovers much more than she bargained for - a tiny polar bear cub, desperately in need of her help.
In freezing temperatures, April must navigate the dangerous Arctic terrain and face her deepest fears if she's to save him. Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold, Finding Bear is a stunning story of survival and a heartwarming tale of love that shows us how hope is born from the smallest of beginnings.
Beautifully illustrated by Levi Pinfold and perfect for readers 8+
The Wild Verses : Nature poems on love, hope and healing - Helen Mort
£16.99
In a fast-paced world, The Wild Verses invites you to slow down, reflect and to seek solace through poetry and nature. From consoling words of hope and healing to meditations on love and friendship, this beautiful collection has a poem for every feeling. Accompanied by emotive illustrations of animals in the wild, this is a poetry collection to be returned to again and again.
With original words from acclaimed poet and writer Helen Mort ( The Illustrated Woman) plus some inspirational borrowings from other poetry. This is a lovely book.
Whisky : Shake. Muddle. Stir - hardback ( September 2023)
£14.00
Whisky: Shake, Muddle, Stir is a beginner's guide to whisky and bourbon. Dan Jones teaches you how to stock your home bar, pick some of the world's best whiskies and pull together your own infusions and syrups. Try your hand at classics like an Old Fashioned or The Sazerac, or modern hits like Bourbon Smash or The Rattlesnake.With over 40 whisky recipes, Whisky: Shake, Muddle, Stir shows you just how versatile whisky is.
365 Poems for Life, Allie Esiri ( hardback Oct 2023)
£22.00
Discover 365 Poems for Life, an uplifting poem-a-day collection from award-winning curator Allie Esiri. This nourishing poem-a-day collection offers readers a brief moment of escape from daily life through some of the warmest words in the English language. Whether you're searching for wisdom or looking to boost your wellbeing, dip into this anthology to share with others or enjoy a quiet moment of calm every day of the year.Explore a wide range of poets, including Maya Angelou, Carol Ann Duffy, Kae Tempest, Dylan Thomas, Ocean Vuong and many more. The perfect gift for poetry lovers and newbies alike, this beautiful anthology brings a moment of solace every day of the year.
Lamy Alstar Series
£24.95
The Alstar series is a lightweight, quality aluminium pen range, in both fountain pen and rollerball.
Pen nibs tend to be MEDIUM as standard, but nibs can be swapped out for Fine or Broad if you have a particularly small or large handwriting script.
Please email for current availability of colours ! This is just a selection of what we keep in store. Colours from top: Lilac, Turmaline, Oceanblue, Black Purple, Petrol, Cosmic and Black.
The Poetry Pharmacy Forever, William Sieghart ( hardback Sept 2023)
£14.99
The Poetry Pharmacy Forever : New Prescriptions to Soothe, Revive and Inspire
The powerful final instalment in the hugely beloved series. After the tumult of the last years, William Sieghart is back to prescribe the perfect poem for a variety of life's ailments, offering hope and comfort to readers in need. Here, he draws on the emails he received from the public during multiple lockdowns, as well as tried-and-true classics from his in-person pharmacies, to create an essential anthology of poetry for our times. Through his expert curation and insightful commentary, he reminds us of the power of words to help us heal, to reconnect us with the world and to recover what has been lost.
From weathering sorrow and sudden loss, to dealing with environmental despair and burnout, this new selection speaks directly to a society in urgent need of comfort and compassion. Whether you're searching for guidance, hope, or simply a moment of beauty, The Poetry Pharmacy Forever is here to provide solace, joy and inspiration, one verse at a time.
The Panda's Child, Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher (hardback Oct 23)
£16.99
In a faraway forest a baby is lost and found, protected by a she-panda. Nine years later another baby, the panda's child, is in great danger, and only a boy and the spirit of the forest can save him. This magical, powerful story by Jackie Morris, co-creator of The Lost Words, and award-winning illustrator Cathy Fisher, is a book for all ages to treasure, exploring our most vital connection with wild nature.
It's emotional and enthralling, as well as a great story.
The Story Orchestra ( series)
£16.99
Discover the spellbinding magic of The Planets in this musical reimagining of one of Holst's most famous suites. Push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Holst's score. This tale is about a brother and sister who adventure deep into our solar system. Our story begins one night as Helen and Tim get ready for bed in their new space rocket bunk beds...but sleep will have to wait as they magically blast up, up, up into the glittering night sky, leaving planet Earth far below them. Helen and Tim journey here, there and everywhere through our majestic solar system. They soar past the cold rocky surface of Mars as it rises into towering peaks and plunges into deep canyons and glide through a bumpy asteroid belt made of icy rocks.
They blast deeper into our solar system, exploring the dazzling stars and astounding planets along the way. But now it really is time to head home! As the rocket speeds towards Earth, Tim and Helen watch the sun rise over their planet. As you and your little one journey through the magical scenes, you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the score.
Readers should press firmly on the pages to activate the sounds, encouraging interactive learning and introducing children to this beautiful piece of music. At the back of the book, find a short biography of the composer, Gustav Holst, with details about his composition of The Planets.
This is a gorgeous series of so many of the classical greats, making them appealing and exciting to children from 5+
Sailing Alone, A History. Richard J King ( paperback Sept 2024)
£12.99
An exceptional book. Sailing Alone belongs on the very small shelf of the true classics of the sea' Peter Nichols, author of Sea Change and A Voyage for Madmen'
Sailing on a boat by yourself out at sea and out of sight of land can be exhilarating or terrifying, compelling or tedious - sometimes it can be all of these things just in one morning. It is an adventure at odds with our normal, sociable lives, carried out floating on a medium wholly inimical to our existence.
But the deep ocean is also a remarkable place on which to think. Richard King's enormously engaging and curious new book is about the debt we owe to solo sailors: women and men, young and old, who have set out alone. Spending weeks and months alone, slowly, quietly and close to the ocean surface is to create the world's largest laboratory: an endlessly changing, capricious and startling place in which to observe oneself, the weather, the stars and myriad sea creatures, from the tiniest to the most massive and threatening.
This is a book for anyone who is fascinated by sailing, solitude and the vast seas that cover so much of our planet.
Windfall : Irish Nature Poems to Inspire and Connect by Jane Clarke
£20.99
What does Ireland's nature poetry say about us as a people? How does it speak to us of our past, our inheritance, the values to which we aspire? What clues lie within its language that connect us to our deeper selves and our place within our communities and environments?As varied as our plants, animals and habitats, Windfall: Irish Nature Poems to Inspire and Connect presents a portrait of an ever-changing vista. Jane Carkill's captivating original illustrations of Ireland's rich and diverse natural world add to the sense of enchantment and wonder. Each poem pays attention to nature while also reflecting on the loves and losses of our everyday lives.Award-winning poet Jane Clarke's selection includes some of our best-known poets, from Seamus Heaney, Eavan Boland, Michael Longley, Paula Meehan, Nuala Ni Dhomhnail, Eilean Ni Chuilleanain and Paul Muldoon. There are poems here to make us laugh and cry, to help us celebrate and grieve; poems to put words on what can seem inexpressible as we connect to the other living beings with which we share this island.
Frost Goblin, Abi Elphinstone & Fiona Woodcock ( paperback, Nov 23)
£8.99
"The deepest frost has the power to rekindle hope in anyone who's lost it..." In Bertie Crash-Wallop's noisy family, it can sometimes feel like there is no room for a quiet boy like him. But when Bertie meets a family of goblins on the night of the deepest frost, is it possible he might make some magic and discover his own place in the world?Join Bertie and the Frost Goblins on an exciting adventure in this beautifully moving story by the bestselling author of Sky Song and The Unmapped Chronicles, Abi Elphinstone, and renowned illustrator Fiona Woodcock. The perfect book for frosty winter's nights and cosy Christmas mornings.Also by Abi Elphinstone & Fiona Woodcock:The Snow Dragon Praise for The Frost Goblin: 'Atmospheric illustrations and a touching story with an ending that will melt icicles.' - Daily Mail 'A tender, witty, illustrated short story.' - The Sunday Times
High Time, Hannah Rothschild ( hardback June 2023)
£16.99
Ayesha Scott has a perfect life. Home is an art-filled Cornish castle with her stratospherically wealthy, titled husband and their beloved daughter.But behind every realised dream lurks an unexploded nightmare and in the course of one day Ayesha discovers that she will be penniless, homeless and powerless unless she can outwit the international mafia, infiltrate the world of high finance and make backstreet deals with the shadiest members of the art world. Hurt and betrayed, she's determined to fight for herself and her daughter - but can she do it without enlisting the help of her beloved, deeply eccentric but estranged family?Sharp escapist fiction, High Time is a novel about high stakes and high jinx set in the world of high art and high finance.
The Secret Life of John Le Carre, Adam Sisman ( paperback July 2024)
£10.99
Secrecy came naturally to John le Carre, and there were some secrets that he fought fiercely to keep. Nowhere was this more so than in his private life. Apparently content in his marriage, the novelist conducted a string of love affairs over four decades.
To keep these relationships secret, he made use of tradecraft that he had learned as a spy: code names and cover stories, cut outs, safe houses and dead letter boxes. Such affairs introduced both jeopardy and excitement into what was otherwise a quiet, ordered life. Le Carre seemed to require the stimulus they provided in order to write, though this meant deceiving those closest to him.
It is no coincidence that betrayal became a recurrent theme in his work. Adam Sisman's definitive biography, published in 2015, revealed much about the elusive spy-turned-novelist; yet le Carre was adamant that some subjects should remain hidden, at least during his lifetime. The Secret Life of John le Carre is the story of what was left out, and offers reflections on the difficult relationship between biographer and subject.
Not merely the conclusive homage to a compulsively fascinating character, but an insightful study into the biographical process itself' Nicholas Shakespeare'Now that he is dead, we can know him better.
