Books in the The 50 series

The fifty most incredible, awe-inspiring, spectacular journeys by train.

A gastronomic journey around the world from the English breakfast to Peking Duck

The stories behind the places that have inspired great music

The most incredible places to relive humankind's deep past.

The most awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals from around the world

Explore the legends, history and secrets of great castles and palaces around the world.

Peter Pugh presents his selection of - not the best, fastest, most successful or richest - but the 50 most influential British men and women of the modern world - for good or ill. Pugh discusses and ranks the influence of scientists and inventors such as Francis Crick, John Logie Baird and Alan Turing; lawmakers and leaders like prime ministers Attlee, Churchill and Thatcher; entrepreneurs including James Dyson, Mary Quant and Terence Conran; and cultural icons like J.K. Rowling, who, in the words of Lisa Simpson no less, 'turned a generation of kids onto reading'. One of the most influential Britons in Pugh's book achieved influence by saying nothing for over 60 years, and the top three places are held by an economist, a scientist and a civil servant In what amounts to a whistle-stop tour through recent British history, this undoubtedly contentious and wholly enjoyable book will spark countless debates across our sceptred isle.

On just about every continent, from Boston's strong ale to Norwegian stout, there are people brewing great beer. From English ales to Czech lager, Belgian sour to American pale ale, German Berliner Weisse to Australian Adelaide sparkling ale, the number of brewed beers is big and increasing daily. Award-winning author Tim Hampson explores beers from four continents, marvelling at how from such simple notes - malt, hops, water and yeast - a symphony of tastes and colours can be created. He discovers dark beers, light beers, sour beers, imperial stouts, beers flavoured with honey, herbs and spices, and beers that have been matured in wooden barrels that once stored some of the world's best whiskies.The world of beer is undergoing a revolution. This wide-ranging selection will give any beer fan a tour of the world through their favourite drink.