Art & Culture

From one of the world's great science writers and biologists: a book that reflects on the vast arc of evolutionary history and what it tells us about life on earth.How much do we really know about our past?For centuries, we have yearned to learn more about our ancestors and piece together the story of how we came to be. But language can only record so much. And fossils can be even harder to decipher. We are left groping in the dark, forced to speculate and reconstruct ways of life based on fragments of information.But what if there was a better way?In The Genetic Book of the Dead, Richard Dawkins explores the untapped potential of DNA to transform and transcend our understanding of evolution. In the future, a zoologist presented with a hitherto unknown animal will be able to read its body and its genes as detailed descriptions of the world its ancestors inhabited. This 'book of the dead' would uncover the remarkable ways in which animals have overcome obstacles, adapted to their environments and, again and again, developed remarkably similar ways of finding solutions to life's problems. What biologists call ?convergent evolution', the way in which species separated by vast stretches of time have evolved surprisingly recognisable forms and functions, is one of the most powerful and least understood forces driving life on earth.From the bestselling author of The Selfish Gene comes a revolutionary book that unlocks the door to a past more vivid, nuanced and fascinating than anything we have ever seen.

"The TikTok sensation Addicted Series continues with Kiss the Sky, now in a print edition with special bonus material! Fall in love with Rose and Connor in this edgy new adult romance set in a world of lust, fame, swoonworthy men, and friendships that run deeper than blood in this special edition with bonus materials-in print only! A virgin "ice queen" heiress & the arrogant god who wants to melt her... Rose Calloway thought she had everything under control. At twenty-three, she's a Princeton graduate, an Academic Bowl champion, a fashion designer and the daughter of a Fortune 500 mogul. But not everything comes easy. When Rose's fashion line is in peril, she plans an unconventional solution to save it. Making matters more intense, she agrees to be in a relationship with her "godly" college rival, Connor Cobalt. At twenty-four, Connor Cobalt bulldozes weak men. Confident and smart-as-hell, Connor vows to help Rose outside of the bedroom and inside. But melting this ice queen is a challenge no one has been able to succeed at. And now they're living together"--

Things We Hide From The Light is a captivating novel penned by the talented Lucy Score. Published by Hodder And Stoughton Ltd in 2023, this book is a must-read for all book lovers. The genre of this book is a well-guarded secret, much like the things we hide from the light. The story unfolds with a mesmerizing narrative that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. Lucy Score, with her unique storytelling, brings the characters to life, making the reader feel a part of their journey. This book is not just a piece of fiction; it's an experience that stays with you long after you've finished reading. If you're looking for a book that will make you think, feel, and question, Things We Hide From The Light is the one for you. Published by the renowned Hodder And Stoughton Ltd, this book is a testament to Lucy Score's brilliance as an author. Don't miss out on this literary gem.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Special Edition 'Illustrated Anniversary' is a mesmerising piece of literature penned by the acclaimed author, V. E. Schwab. Published in 2022 by Bloomsbury UK, this book transcends the barriers of genre to offer readers an immersive experience. It's a captivating blend of fantasy and historical fiction that will transport you to a world beyond your imagination. With Schwab's masterful storytelling and unique perspective, the book serves as a testament to her prowess as a writer. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is not just a book; it's an adventure that unfolds with every turn of the page. This special edition is enhanced with illustrations that bring the story to life, making it a collector's item for book lovers. Don't miss out on this literary masterpiece from Bloomsbury UK.

The complete story of the Gibson Les Paul.Produced in collaboration with Gibson, this is the ultimate history of rock's greatest guitar - with unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes stories and unseen photography.- The greatest Les Paul models - Stunning photography, including never-before-seen images - Detailed technical information - Iconic Les Paul players, songs, albums and concerts - Other treasures from the Gibson vaultsCelebrating 70 years of a music icon, this is an ode to a magical guitar and the music made with it.

From an award-winning financial historian comes the gripping, character-driven story of venture capital and the world it madeInnovations rarely come from "experts." Jeff Bezos was not a bookseller; Elon Musk was not in the auto industry. When it comes to innovation, a legendary venture capitalist told Sebastian Mallaby, the future cannot be predicted, it can only be discovered. Most attempts at discovery fail, but a few succeed at such a scale that they more than make up for everything else. That extreme ratio of success and failure is the power law that drives venture capital, Silicon Valley, the tech sector, and, by extension, the world.Drawing on unprecedented access to the most celebrated venture capitalists of all time, award-winning financial historian Sebastian Mallaby tells the story of this strange tribe of financiers who have funded the world's most successful companies, from Google to SpaceX to Alibaba. With a riveting blend of storytelling and analysis, The Power Law makes sense of the seeming randomness of success in venture capital, an industry that relies, for good and ill, on gut instinct and personality rather than spreadsheets and data. We learn the unvarnished truth about some of the most iconic triumphs and infamous disasters in the history of tech, from the comedy of errors that was the birth of Apple to the venture funding that fostered hubris at WeWork and Uber to the industry's notorious lack of women and ethnic minorities.Now the power law echoes around the world: it has transformed China's digital economy beyond recognition, and London is one of the top cities for venture capital investment. By taking us so deeply into the VCs' game, The Power Law helps us think about our own future through their eyes.

Title: The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder,Author: John Baxter,Publication Year: 2023-03-07,Publisher: Penguin LCC US,Language: eng

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Sierra Simone comes her steamy, TikTok-famous Priest series, in which sinners and saints alike test the bonds of religion, love, and lust.He's a priest, and here is his confession.There are many rules a priest can't break. A priest cannot marry. A priest cannot abandon his flock. A priest cannot forsake his God. Tyler Bell has had no problem playing by the rules for the last three years after a family tragedy set him on the path to priesthood. That all changes when the delicious, sultry voice of Poppy Danforth sinks its claws in him through the screen of his confessional booth, and he can't get her sins out of his head.It should be easy to put his impure thoughts of her to rest, considering the vows Tyler has taken. It should be nothing to overcome what the sight and sound of her does to him, when his life with the Church means everything. But once he has his first forbidden taste of those red lips, Tyler can't help but break all his rules for Poppy-no matter what it might cost them both.

Introducing 'The Unofficial Ghibli Cookbook' by Thibaud Villanova. Published in 2022 by Titan Books Ltd, this book is a delightful culinary journey into the world of Ghibli. This book is not just a cookbook, but a unique exploration of the iconic Japanese animation studio's films. The author, Thibaud Villanova, takes you on a gastronomic journey, recreating the delicious meals and treats seen in Ghibli's films. From hearty meals to sweet desserts, this book covers it all, making it a must-have for both Ghibli fans and food enthusiasts. The book, published by Titan Books Ltd, is a testament to Villanova's love for Ghibli and his culinary expertise. So, don your apron and get ready to bring the magic of Ghibli into your kitchen with 'The Unofficial Ghibli Cookbook'.

"When Skrull forces use their shape-shifting powers to infiltrate Earth's defenses, King T'Challa must delve into Wakanda's scientific archives to determine which Super Heroes and Super Villains might be most at risk. With assistance from his brilliant sister, Shuri, the Black Panther explores the unique anatomical makeup of a vast range of super-powered individuals, unlocking the secrets behind their abilities.Featuring exclusive anatomical cutaway illustrations created by concept artist Jonah Lobe (Skyrim, Fallout) and writing by Marc Sumerak (MARVEL Future Revolution) and Daniel Wallace (The Jedi Path), this deluxe book is a visually stunning journey into the powers of the Marvel Universe's greatest characters."--

"A stylish guide to artful objects, both new and vintage, and how to use them to design a remarkable home, from the founders of the trendsetting magazine Sight Unseen. With a collection of anecdotes, tours of remarkable homes, and modern and meaningful design advice, Monica Khemsurov and Jill Singer take you on a fun, educational, and highly visual journey through two questions at the core of their design philosophy: what are objects, and how do we live with them? Why should we collect them, and how can they impact our lives? Like a chat with your most stylish friend, How to Live with Objects guides collectors, art lovers, and design enthusiasts towards a more sophisticated and skilled mindset in acquiring vintage, rare, and new objects and shows you how to style them in your own home. Appealing to every type of space, this book emphasizes the importance of objects, regardless of your style preference, and illustrates exactly how to find and utilize dâecor to maximize the thoughtfulness of your space. From a deep dive into thrifting, showing readers how to find that find so it doesn't end up being the one that got away, to style tips and tricks, How to Live with Objects is an indispensable tool for home owners and art enthusiasts alike"--

"Five Nights at Freddy's fans won't want to miss this collection of three chilling stories that will haunt even the bravest player ... Have you ever experienced a gut feeling that told you something was wrong? ... Caden senses the underwater animatronics in Freddy's Fantasy Water Park have a mind of their own. Robbie knows deep down that the minds of the members of the Fazbear Fan Club have been taken over by something. And Abe can't shake the feeling that the animatronic assistants in his Fazplex Tower apartment are hiding things from him. But in the world of Five Nights at Freddy's, when something feels wrong, it's often too late to do anything about it"--

"Outsourcing their storytelling to artificial intelligence comes with unintended results for the executives of the Fazbear Entertainment board of directors. Tony's search for the player behind the impossibly high scores at the Pizzaplex Fazcade leads him down a rabbit hole with no way out. And Abe's journey to find the first generation animatronics causing problem for his Bobbiedot home assistants lead him to believe he should have never moved into his new apartment. In the world of Five Nights at Freddy's sometimes a shortcut can lead to a dead end..."--

Set against the backdrop of the Beatles splintering over both business and creative issues, The McCartney Legacy: Volume 1: 1969-73 covers a period in which Paul McCartney recreated himself, both as a man and as a musician. This is an in-depth and revealing exploration of his creative life beyond the Beatles?featuring hundreds of interviews with fellow musicians, tour managers, recording engineers, producers, filmmakers, and more.The story of the Beatles has been told many times, covering all periods and perspectives. Paul McCartney's work in the 50 years since the Fab Four's breakup has been extraordinarily successful and enduringly popular?his 26 post-Beatles albums have sold upwards of 86.5 million copies; McCartney's 2019 Freshen Up tour was the highest grossing tour ever, in the entire world; and his last solo album McCartney III debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and number two on Billboard 200. Beside his extraordinary, creative solo output, he has collaborated with the most influential artists of his generation and the next: from Elvis Costello to Stevie Wonder, from Michael Jackson to Dave Grohl, even with Johnny Cash and Kanye West. McCartney, too, has explored new poetry styles with Allen Ginsburg and teamed up with Peter Martins and the NYC Ballet to create Ocean's Kingdom. The list goes on from there. And he has done all this post-Beatles and while maintaining a mostly normal family life. Paul McCartney has lived ten lifetimes in the span of one and become increasingly more relevant, yet curiously, his creative output since the Beatles has never had the full exploration such a life and body of work demands.The McCartney Legacy gives McCartney's post-Beatles life and work the kind of in-depth treatment that Mark Lewisohn has given the Beatles, and Philip Norman has given John Lennon. It is the first truly comprehensive biography, and the most finely detailed exploration of McCartney's creative life beyond the Beatles, ever undertaken.

The first biography of rapper Mac Miller, the Pittsburgh cult favorite¿turned¿rap superstar who touched the lives of millions before tragically passing away at the age of 26¿now in paperbackMalcolm James McCormick was born on January 19, 1992. He began making music at a young age and by 15 was already releasing mixtapes. One of the first true viral superstars, his early records earned him a rabid legion of die-hard fans¿as well as a few noteworthy detractors. But despite his undeniable success, Miller was plagued by struggles with substance abuse and depression, both of which fueled his raw and genre-defying music, yet ultimately led to his demise. Through detailed reporting and interviews with dozens of Miller¿s confidants, Paul Cantor brings you to leafy Pittsburgh, seductive Los Angeles, and frenzied New York, where you will meet Miller¿s collaborators, producers, business partners, best friends, and even his roommates. Traveling deep into Miller¿s inner circle, behind the curtain, the velvet ropes, and studio doors, Most Dope tells the story of a passionate, gifted young man who achieved his life¿s ambition, only to be undone by his personal demons.Most Dope is part love letter, part cautionary tale, never shying away from the raw, visceral way Mac Miller lived his life. Praise for Most Dope"A tender, studious remembrance." ¿The New York Times"An insightful exploration of his life . . . painstakingly reported by Cantor, who interviewed more than 100 people during a three-year process." ¿USA Today "An inside look at Miller's life through the eyes of his friends and industry peers, tracking the musician's life journey as he quickly ascended the ranks." ¿Daily Beast

The definitive biography of guitar icon and Grammy Award-winning artist Bill Frisell.FEATURING EXCLUSIVE LISTENING SESSIONS WITH: Paul Simon; Justin Vernon of Bon Iver; Gus Van Sant; Rhiannon Giddens; The Bad Plus; Gavin Bryars; Van Dyke Parks; Sam Amidon; Hal Willner; Jim Woodring; Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill'A beautiful and long overdue portrait of one of America's true living cultural treasures . . . a brilliant book.'JOHN ZORN'Wonderful. It captures exactly the Bill I know.'GAVIN BRYARS'The perfect companion-piece to the music of its subject.'MOJOOver a period of forty-five years, Bill Frisell has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential musicians at work today.Growing up playing clarinet in orchestras and marching bands, Frisell has progressed through a remarkable range of musical personas - from devotee of jazz master Jim Hall to 'house guitarist' of estimable German label ECM, from edgy New York downtown experimentalist to plaintive country and bluegrass picker. He has been a pioneering bandleader and collaborator, a prolific composer and arranger and a celebrated Grammy Award winner.A quietly revolutionary guitar hero who has synthesised many disparate musical elements into one compellingly singular sound, Frisell connects to a diverse range of artists and admirers, including Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Gus Van Sant, Marianne Faithfull and Justin Vernon, many of whom feature in this book.Through unprecedented access to the guitarist and interviews with his close family, friends and associates, Philip Watson tells Frisell's story for the first time.'A revelatory, roots and branches portrait of one of America's greatest synthesisers of musical ideas.'IAN PATTERSON, ALL ABOUT JAZZ

THE TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLERAN IRISH INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR'A gripping story in which Justine Picardie brilliantly contrasts the cruel Old World of wartime France with the hopeful New World epitomised by Christian Dior's New Look.'ANTONIA FRASER'An incredible story of courage, endurance and passion.'MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI, Creative Director of Dior'An extraordinary biography.'SUNDAY TIMES'Exceptional . . . Miss Dior is so much more than a biography.'DAILY TELEGRAPHMiss Dior is a story of freedom and fascism, beauty and betrayal, roses and repression, and how the polished surface of fashion conceals hidden depths. It paints a portrait of the enigmatic woman behind the designer Christian Dior: his beloved younger sister Catherine, who inspired his most famous perfume and shaped his vision of femininity. Justine Picardie's journey takes her to Occupied Paris, where Christian honed his couture skills while Catherine dedicated herself to the French Resistance, until she was captured by the Gestapo and deported to the German concentration camp of Ravensbruck.With unparalleled access to the Dior family homes and archives, Picardie's research into Catherine's courageous life shines a new light on Christian Dior's legendary work, and reveals how his enchanting 'New Look' emerged out of the shadows of his sister's suffering.Tracing the wartime paths of the Dior siblings leads Picardie deep into other hidden histories, and different forms of resistance and sisterhood. She explores what it means to believe in beauty and hope, despite our knowledge of darkness and despair, and discovers the timeless solace of the natural world in the aftermath of devastation and destruction. The result is an exquisite and unforgettably moving book.*A beautiful, full colour illustrated book featuring exclusive images from the Dior archives*'Catherine's story is beautifully, hauntingly told in spare and elegant prose by Picardie . . . moving and evocative.'THE TIMES'The juxtaposition of the terrible shadows and dazzling light is one of the great strengths of this book . . . A very personal, very passionate book.'ARTEMIS COOPER, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT'Picardie writes: 'The vestiges of Catherine's presence remain as a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, and why it is worth fighting for.' There are few truer words.'THE SPECTATOR'Picardie's book is of the moment, celebrating an unsung hero at a time when female influences are earning new acclaim.'VOGUE'Miss Dior ensures the bravery of the women at Ravensbruck is not merely a distant echo.'i'Beautiful.' OBSERVER'Moving and beautifully illustrated.' NEW STATESMAN'Stunning.' RED'Not just beautifully written, this is also a stunningly beautiful book.' NOON