Travel

As much shaped by storytelling as it is by tectonic activity, Iceland's literary heritage is one of Europe's richest - and most ancient. (read more)

As much shaped by storytelling as it is by tectonic activity, Iceland's literary heritage is one of Europe's richest - and most ancient. Its stories have been passed down through the generations. From the captivating Norse myths, which continue to inspire contemporary authors such as A.S.

Byatt, to gripping Scandinavian crime fiction and Game of Thrones, via Jules Verne and J.R.R Tolkien, W.H. Auden and Seamus Heaney, Iceland's influence has spread far beyond its frozen shores. Taking the reader and traveller from Reykjavik and the Bay of Smokes to the remote Westfjords and desolate highlands, this is an enthralling portrait of the Land of Ice and Fire. (hide)

India is poised to become one of the world's three largest economies in the next generation and to overtake China as the world's (read more)

India is poised to become one of the world's three largest economies in the next generation and to overtake China as the world's most populous country by 2032. Well before then India's incipient nuclear deterrent will have acquired intercontinental range and air, sea and land capabilities. India's volatile relationship with its nuclear-armed neighbour, Pakistan, may prove to be the source of the world's next major conflict.

And if you call anyone- from your bank to rail enquiries- your query may well be dealt with by a graduate in Gujarat. Any way one looks at it, India's fate matters. Edward Luce, one of the most incisive and talented journalists of his generation, assesses the forces that are forging the new nation.
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Explore the hidden histories of San Francisco, New Orleans, and New York with this brilliant reinvention of the traditional atlas. (read more)

Explore the hidden histories of San Francisco, New Orleans, and New York with this brilliant reinvention of the traditional atlas. From Rebecca Solnit, Rebecca Snedeker, and Joshua Jelly-Schapiro. In the past decade, Rebecca Solnit-aided by local writers, artists, historians, urbanists, ethnographers, and cartographers-has compiled three stunning atlases that have radically changed the way we think about place.

Each atlas provides a vivid, complex look at the multi-faceted nature of a city as experienced by its different inhabitants, replete with the celebrations and contradictions that make up urban life. This three-volume paperback set contains: The original, gorgeously designed atlases-Infinite City: A San Francisco Atlas; Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas; and Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas (hide)

With its unique mix of jaw-dropping landscapes, lively cities, friendly people and buzzing nightlife, it's hard to beat a trip to (read more)

With its unique mix of jaw-dropping landscapes, lively cities, friendly people and buzzing nightlife, it's hard to beat a trip to Ireland. Explore Ireland is part of a brand-new series and is the ideal pocket companion for your trip: a full-colour guide containing 16 easy-to-follow routes around the country, from historic Dublin and the Celtic romance of the Rock of Cashel to the stunning landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. Insight's trademark cultural coverage sets the routes in context, with introductions to Ireland's exciting cuisine, fantastic shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities and key historical dates.

Hand-picked places to eat and drink are highlighted in each tour and in the directory section, which contains a wealth of useful practical information, including a range of carefully selected hotels to suit all budgets. All routes are plotted on the useful pull-out map, and evocative photography captures the essence of this alluring gem of a country. (hide)

With their mild climate, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation, the Italian Lakes are blessed with natural beauty. Add sports, culture, (read more)

With their mild climate, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation, the Italian Lakes are blessed with natural beauty. Add sports, culture, fashion, gastronomy and Hollywood celebrities, and you have the perfect holiday destination. Explore Italian Lakes, part of a brand-new series, is your perfect companion to the region with 18 self-guided walking routes - from Lake Como, the most romantic of the Lakes, and small but charming Lake Iseo, to the cities of Bergamo and Milan for a taste of urban chic.

Insight's trademark cultural coverage sets the routes in context, with introductions to the local cuisine, as well as shopping, entertainment and key historical dates. Hand-picked places to eat and drink are highlighted in each route and in the directory section, which contains useful practical information, including carefully selected hotels to suit all budgets and useful phrases in Italian. All routes are plotted on the pull-out map, and evocative photography captures the breathtaking beauty of the lakes. (hide)

From making sure you don't miss out on must-see attractions like St Mark's Square and the Rialto bridge, to discovering hidden gems, (read more)

From making sure you don't miss out on must-see attractions like St Mark's Square and the Rialto bridge, to discovering hidden gems, including the less-travelled and more authentic backwaters of Dorsoduro, the easy-to-follow, ready-made walking routes will help you plan your trip, save you time, and enhance your exploration of this unique city. * Practical, pocket-sized and packed with inspirational insider information, this will make the ideal on-the-move companion to your trip to Venice

All routes are plotted on the useful pull-out map, and the stunning photography captures the essence of Venice. (hide)

From deciding when to go, to choosing what to see when you arrive, this is all you need to plan your trip and experience the best (read more)

From deciding when to go, to choosing what to see when you arrive, this is all you need to plan your trip and experience the best of Hawaii, with in-depth insider information on must-see, top attractions like sun-drenched Waikiki Beach and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the more remote Na Pali Coast.

* Insight Guide Hawaii is ideal for travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, from exploring the sinuous Hana Highway and its myriad waterfalls, to discovering ancient Hawaiian rituals at the Pu'uhonua 'O Honaunau National Historical Park. (hide)

Spanning the Islamic world, from ninth-century Baghdad to nineteenth-century Iran, this book tells the story of the key Muslim map-makers (read more)

Spanning the Islamic world, from ninth-century Baghdad to nineteenth-century Iran, this book tells the story of the key Muslim map-makers and the art of Islamic cartography. Muslims were uniquely placed to explore the edges of the inhabited world and their maps stretched from Isfahan to Palermo, from Istanbul to Cairo and Aden. Over a similar period, Muslim artists developed distinctive styles, often based on geometrical patterns and calligraphy.
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This guidebook to walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal covers the 94 mile (152km) route from Reading to Bristol. The canal walk (read more)

This guidebook to walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal covers the 94 mile (152km) route from Reading to Bristol. The canal walk is split into 7 stages of fairly easy, level walking, of between 93/4 and 181/2 miles, with advice on splitting on shortening the stages if needed. The book also includes 20 easy circular walks, ranging from 4 to 9 miles, taking in the best sections of the canal and visiting sites nearby, making this two guidebooks in one.

Alongside OS map extracts and detailed route descriptions, there are plenty of details on the history, heritage and wildlife encountered along the way. An itinerary planner is included for walkers who want to create longer or shorter stages, and there is useful practical information including details on accessing the walks by public transport and a list of accommodation available along the route. The result is a highly useful and fascinating companion to exploring the canal and its surroundings.
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**Winner of the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award 2018 and the Lonely Planet Adventure Travel Book of the Year 2019**'Weymouth (read more)

**Winner of the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award 2018 and the Lonely Planet Adventure Travel Book of the Year 2019**'Weymouth combines acute political, personal and ecological understanding, with the most beautiful writing reminiscent of a young Robert Macfarlane. He is, I have no doubt, a significant voice for the future' Andrew Holgate, Sunday Times literary editor 'Adam Weymouth takes his place beside the great travel writers' Susan HillA captivating, lyrical account of an epic voyage by canoe down the Yukon River. The Yukon River is almost 2,000 miles long, flowing through Canada and Alaska to the Bering Sea.
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