Other Non Fiction

Otters by Nicola Chester is an accessible and lively account of an intriguing and much-loved animal that, surprisingly, is still (read more)

Otters by Nicola Chester is an accessible and lively account of an intriguing and much-loved animal that, surprisingly, is still endangered and rarely seen despite a recent resurgence that has seen it expand from the remote countryside into our cities. Nicola's charming, informed text brings this elusive and exciting mammal into sharper focus revealing what an otter is, and how they live, feed, play and breed. Nicola reflects on how otters exist in our imaginations culturally and how that has changed over the years. (hide)

Essential for anyone who wants to know the difference between a reef knot or complex slip knot, and how to make a simple clove hitch, (read more)

Essential for anyone who wants to know the difference between a reef knot or complex slip knot, and how to make a simple clove hitch, alpine butterfly knot and many more A simple rope can be a lifesaver in a survival situation. Knowing how to use a rope and make effective knots will help you in an amazing variety of ways, from constructing shelters and creating weapons, to fishing and hunting. Most importantly, ropes and knots act as lifelines in dangerous environments, such as when crossing a fast-flowing river or scaling a mountainside.

The SAS and Elite Forces Guide to Using Ropes and Knots draws on the skills of the world's best soldiers to teach you how to use these essential tools in the wilderness. Tried and tested techniques used by the world's special forces give you expert advice on issues such as how to take care of ropes; the most useful knots to use in a survival situation; how to make your own ropes out of animal tendons or plants; how to use your rope effectively when climbing; and how to lash together a log raft or a shelter. Including more than 300 illustrations, this guide is easy to understand, packed with expert advice and essential for anyone who wants to know the difference between a reef knot or complex slip knot, and how to make a simple clove hitch, alpine butterfly knot and many more. (hide)

A thoroughly revised and updated Second Edition of this essential and groundbreaking reference gives a comprehensive overview of (read more)

A thoroughly revised and updated Second Edition of this essential and groundbreaking reference gives a comprehensive overview of one of the most fascinating, important, and controversial trends in the world of wine: the scientific and technological innovations that are now influencing how grapes are grown and how wine is made. Jamie Goode, a widely respected authority on wine science, details the key scientific developments relating to viticulture and enology, explains the practical application of science to techniques that are used around the world, and explores how these issues are affecting the quality, flavor, and perception of wine. The only complete and accessibly written resource available on the subject, The Science of Wine: From Vine to Glass engagingly discusses a wide range of topics including terroir, biodynamics, the production of "natural" or manipulation-free wines, the potential effect of climate change on grape growing, the health benefits of wine, and much more.

Published: 23 Aug 2019 (hide)

There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting and enslaving than the life at sea,' wrote Joseph Conrad. There is certainly nothing (read more)

There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting and enslaving than the life at sea,' wrote Joseph Conrad. There is certainly nothing more integral to the development of the modern world. In The Sea: A Cultural History, John Mack considers those great expanses that both unite and divide us, and the ways in which human beings interact because of the sea, from navigation to colonization to trade.

Much of the world's population lives on or near the coast, and people inhabit and engage with the sea in a variety of ways. The Sea explores the diversity of seas themselves, maritime technologies (especially the practice of navigation), and different cultures surrounding the sea. Seafarers have characteristic social and technical practices, as well as having distinctive language and customs. (hide)

06/08/2015 - The outspoken anonymous author is back with the ultimate book to challenge conventional footballing wisdom. With his (read more)

06/08/2015 - The outspoken anonymous author is back with the ultimate book to challenge conventional footballing wisdom. With his trademark wit, intelligence and candour, the Secret Footballer will guide you through formations, tactics, mind games and everything else you need to know about what it takes to be a pro. Includes: in-depth analysis of modern tactics; insight into the psychology of players on and off the pitch; tips on nutrition and fitness; how to deal with fans (including what it's like to play in each Premier League ground in England); a guide to modern footballing language; and a remarkable expose of the finances involved in the commercial game.

If you want to know how to stop a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, or why exactly Rooney is worth GBP300,000 a week, or who the greatest player of all time is, you will find it all here. Fully illustrated with line drawings showing the technical aspects of the game, this will be the perfect Christmas gift for aspiring football stars and armchair pundits alike. (hide)

There is no wildlife closer to us than that found in our gardens - or indeed, in our houses - so it follows that many of those creatures (read more)

There is no wildlife closer to us than that found in our gardens - or indeed, in our houses - so it follows that many of those creatures we love, such as foxes and ladybirds, are literally household names. However, despite this familiarity, many of the characters reveal surprising lifestyles if you take a closer look, and there is more going on in our precious backyards that we might imagine. Did you know that slugs and snails have spine-tingly good sex; that mosquitoes can dodge raindrops and that Grey Squirrels have regular sleepovers with their neighbours? Did you realise that unemployment causes the breakdown of society in wasps, or that it takes the average spider only one hour to build a web from scratch? Perhaps it would even surprise you to know that, in this day and age, it is still possible to have three Old Ladies stuck in your lavatory? (They are moths.) Written in an engaging style and illustrated with photographs and stunning colour paintings by Peter Partington, this book reveals, month by month, the extraordinary hidden world of our most familiar garden wildlife.

You will never look at your garden neighbours in the same way again. (hide)

inclair McKay's Bletchley Park Brainteasers was the runaway quiz book bestseller of 2017, now it's time to pit your wits against (read more)

inclair McKay's Bletchley Park Brainteasers was the runaway quiz book bestseller of 2017, now it's time to pit your wits against the secret heroes of MI5 and MI6 and find out if YOU have what it takes to be a spy!If you cracked the GCHQ Puzzle Book and followed the Ordnance Survey Puzzle Book, you MUST show off your James Bond credentials with Secret Service Brainteasers ... Whether you have linguistic flair, an instinct for technology or good old common sense, pit your wits against some of the greatest minds of our time with ingenious brainteasers including secret languages, sabotage themed brain bogglers, deadly countdowns and hidden codes. (hide)

Welcome home. A place 200 million years in the making. Long ago, our planet had only one gigantic land mass. Then something monumental (read more)

Welcome home. A place 200 million years in the making. Long ago, our planet had only one gigantic land mass.

Then something monumental happened. That supercontinent ruptured and seven different worlds were born. Each of those worlds - or continents - evolved, and continues to evolve, its own way of life. (hide)

In SHARE, Santos serves up the unique communal dining he has made his signature in his Lower East Side restaurants. This cookbook (read more)

In SHARE, Santos serves up the unique communal dining he has made his signature in his Lower East Side restaurants. This cookbook offers over 100 extraordinary "big platter" recipes for his creative take on old school favorites, specifically made for family-style dining, as well as small plates that are fun to serve when entertaining. From Crab Cake Corn Dogs to Spicy Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki; from Grilled Cheese Dumplings and Tomato Soup to Korean Short Rib Tacos with Classic Kimchi, SHARE is comfort food at its highest level.

These scrumptious dishes will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds!

Pub Date:23/02/2017 (hide)

Find yourself, in your shed. Turn your she-shed or man cave into your own private escape with 101 simple, practical ideas. Take some (read more)

Find yourself, in your shed. Turn your she-shed or man cave into your own private escape with 101 simple, practical ideas. Take some well-deserved alone time and learn to preserve lemons and chillies, whittle a butter knife, tie your own fishing flies, keep chickens, plant a roof garden or make a camera obscura.

Why not transform your shed itself? This book is full of inspiration for anyone who has dreamed of having an observatory, a sauna, a pub - or just a bit of peace and quiet at the bottom of the garden. The perfect gift for anyone who would rather be in their shed. (hide)