Crafts & Hobbies

Entangled Life is a mind-altering journey into a spectacular and neglected world, and shows that fungi provide a key to understanding both the planet on which we live, and life itself. 'Reads like an adventure story ...

An exquisitely illustrated, one-of-a-kind celebration of the hidden beauty of nature and the ingenuity of birds Susan Ogilvy started painting bird nests almost by accident. One day, while tidying up her garden after a storm, she found a chaffinch nest - a strange, sodden lump on the grass under a fir tree. She carried it inside and placed it on a newspaper; over the next few hours, as the water drained out of it, the sodden lump blossomed into a mossy jewel. She was amazed, and dropped everything to make a painting of the nest at exact life size.This was the start of an obsession; Ogilvy has since painted more than fifty bird nests from life, each time marvelling at its ingenious construction. Every species of bird has its own vernacular, but sources its materials - most commonly twigs, roots, grasses, reeds, leaves, moss, lichen, hair, feathers and cobwebs, less usually, mattress stuffing and string - according to local availability. Ogilvy would, of course, never disturb nesting birds; instead she relies upon serendipity, which is why all her nests have either been abandoned after fulfilling their purpose, or displaced by strong winds.Although Nests showcases the specimens she has found near her homes in Somerset and on the Isle of Arran, its subject matter is by no means only British, since these same birds can be found all over Europe, Scandinavia and as far afield as Russia, Turkey and North Africa. This wondrous book is all the more special for its rarity. Few modern books exist specifically on the subject of bird nests; the most recent among the author's reference works was published in 1932. Exquisitely designed and packaged, Nests will be an essential addition to the libraries of all nature lovers.

This book describes how to make two vertical and two horizontal copper boilers with a capacity of less than three-bar litres. All four boilers are heated with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) contained in small refillable or disposable tanks. With over 285 colour photographs and diagrams, it includes the tools and equipment required, together with important safety considerations; how to work the various materials to make the necessary parts; step-by-step instructions on the technique of silver solder; the testing regime; a review of various sizes and shapes of gas burners and how to connect them; instructions for building replacements for the well-known Verto boiler, a vertical boat boiler, a portable-engine boiler and a Cornish boiler with Galloway tubes. Finally, there is guidance on the efficient operation and essential maintenance of steam boilers and safety calculations and a list of useful contacts.

The authorised biography of Britain's most successful horse trainer.

First published in 2013 to critical acclaim, Railway Breakdown Cranes Volume 2 details the larger breakdown cranes of 36 tons capacity and above that were used by various railway companies as well as British Railways. Also included are cranes operated by the Ministry of Supply.As with the other two volumes in this series, Peter Tatlow, a now retired professional engineer, describes the types of cranes covered in great detail supplemented by his expert scale drawings.Information contained within includes the make up the cranes, their technical details, weights, sizes and other relevant information and just as importantly, many illustrations of cranes at work in a variety of situations. This is a reissue of a book which has genuinely been sought after by many and will enable those who did not get a chance to buy it first time out, to complete the three book series which has become the definitive reference source on British railway cranes.

Plan your year alongside dates of revolutionary and radical events

Brimming with engaging exercise tips and colorful illustrations, this fun-to-read guide makes it easy to get fit at home.

Viz shines a light on yet another uneventful year, using the Copper's Torch

Private Eye: The 60 Yearbook is a history of the last 60 years, as seen by Britain's first, most successful and indeed only fortnightly satirical magazine.

A hilarious and moving poetry collection from bestselling poet, Costa Prize shortlisted novelist and Twitter laureate, Brian Bilston.

A compelling collection of anonymous postcards sent during lockdown, revealing hilarious, salacious, relatable and sometimes heartbreaking secret confessions.

A unique celebration of Britain's artisan and farmhouse cheeses and producers, with recipes

A beginner-friendly approach to a new divination system based on the Norse gods instead of the Futhark

Mrs Hinch: Life in Lists is a captivating book by the renowned author, Mrs Hinch. Published by Penguin Books Ltd in 2021, this book offers a unique perspective on life, presented in the form of lists. The author, known for her engaging and profound style of writing, takes the readers on a journey through various aspects of life, touching upon joy, sorrow, triumphs, and struggles, all encapsulated in her lists. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys insightful and thought-provoking literature. Published by the esteemed Penguin Books Ltd, this work is a testament to the author's talent and her ability to touch upon the human experience in a unique and impactful way. The book is written in English.

This maddening period of transformation and personal crisis is recognisable by the myriad of decisions we make - about partners, holidays, jobs, homes, savings, friendships - all of which are impacted by the urgency of the single decision that comes with a biological deadline, the one decision that is impossible to take back;

Introducing 'Hedgerow', a captivating masterpiece written by the talented Simone Gooding and published in 2022 by Tuva Publishing. This book plunges the reader into a world that is as enchanting as it is mysterious. This English-language book is not just another addition to your library; it's a journey into the heart of literature itself. The genre of this book is as diverse as the hedgerows themselves, offering a unique blend of intrigue and charm. Gooding's writing style is both engaging and insightful, making 'Hedgerow' a must-read book for this year. Tuva Publishing, known for its selection of thought-provoking books, has once again delivered a gem that is sure to leave readers pondering long after they've turned the last page.

The abc Rail Guide has established itself as the comprehensive, detailed, accurate and reliable guide to the railway networks of the United Kingdom. The new 2022 edition of this best-selling annual publication has been thoroughly revised and updated and reverts to its usual release date in March.The book provides the full fleet lists of the Train Operating Companies, open access and freight operators as well a round-up of new trains, charter operators, rolling stock providers, spot hire and maintenance providers. Stock used by Network Rail and the channel tunnel operators is also listed as are ex-UK locos abroad. Main line preservation groups, depots and maintenance works, heritage lines, preserved locos, main line steam, charter promoters and scrapyards are also all included.abc Rail Guide 2022 is simply the most comprehensive and accurate single volume reference source on the contemporary railway scene. Portable, up to date, concise, easy to use, with Train Operating Company route maps and colour photographs throughout, this is the essential guide for all railway enthusiasts seeking to keep up to speed with the dynamic and rapidly changing railway landscape throughout Britain and Ireland.This year''s edition includes:- Franchised Passenger Train Operating Companies- Open Access Operators- Private Train Operating Companies - Channel Tunnel Operators- Railfreight Operators- Preserved locos - Spot hire providers- Network Rail- Rolling stock providers- Industrial locos - Exported locos - Northern Ireland Railways- Republic of Ireland Railways- Trams, Metros and Light Rail, including London Underground, London Tramlink, London Docklands Light Railway; Edinburgh Trams, Glasgow Underground, Manchester Metrolink, Nottingham Express Transit, South Yorkshire Supertram, Tyne & Wear Metro, West Midlands Metro, Dublin Trams; Blackpool & Fleetwood Railway etc.- Scrapyards- Depot Codes, abbreviations and other supplemental information- Comprehensive vehicle check list

Arnold Schwarzenegger shares his secrets to dedication, training, and commitment and shows you how to realise your own potential for greatness.

Adventure, shipwreck, storms and survival on the high seas. 'Superb ... the greatest survival story of all time' Sir Chris Bonington

Wars have been fought over salt and, while salt taxes secured empires across Europe and Asia, they have also inspired revolution - Gandhi's salt march in 1930 began the overthrow of British rule in India.

This lively introduction to Japanese joinery not only delves lovingly into the unique history and development of Japanese carpentry, but also reveals many secrets of Japanese joinery. Presenting 48 joints, selected from among the several hundred known and used today, this visually exciting book will please anyone who has ever been moved by the sheer beauty of wood. With the clear isometric projections complementing the 64 pages of stunning photographs, even the weekend carpenter can duplicate these bequests from the traditional Japanese carpenter, which can be applied to projects as large as the buildings for which most of them were originally devised or to projects as small as a sewing box.