Books published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Technologically sophisticated and powerful, the crossbow has long enjoyed a popular reputation for villainous superiority because it could be used with little training as a weapon of assassination. The study of bow designs, trigger mechanisms and spanning devices reveals a tale of considerable mechanical ingenuity; advances that produced a battlefield weapon requiring comparatively little training to use. It was an extremely useful weapon, and especially effective in siege warfare for both attack and defence.Known to the Ancient Greeks and the Chinese as early as the 5th century BC, the crossbow developed both in Western Europe and in the Far East. Advances in trigger mechanisms, spanning and bow design allowed the development of ever more powerful bows. In this study acknowledged weaponry expert Mike Loades traces the origins, development, combat record and lasting legacy of the crossbow, the formidable projectile weapon that played a key role in a host of battles and sieges across Europe and Asia.

The remarkable story of the Knights Templar - the wealthiest, most powerful and most secretive of the military orders that flourished in the crusading era.

From the 1940s to the 1960s, the microcar posed a challenge to the large companies that mass-produced cars to uniform designs. The microcar was the opposite, produced by small entrepreneurial start-ups using quirkydesign concepts that offered motorists cheaper and more economical vehicles. This book is a beautifully illustrated history of the British microcar, from the early days of Bond and Reliant to the proliferation of micro marques during the 1950s and their demise during the 1960s. It explores many eccentric British concepts, comparing the cars to their influential European competitors, examining the social and economic reasons for the decline and disappearance of the microcar, but also saluting the signs of a microcar renaissance in the twenty-first century, this time from mainstream manufacturers.

How is a movie made and what exactly does a director do? This book attempts to illuminate every circumstance, internal and external, emotional and technical, involved in the arduous process that culminates in what we see on the big screen.

The Barefoot Navigator introduces the navigation skills of the ancients--methods using the sun, sea, wind, and stars, and even the flight patterns of ocean birds. The Barefoot Navigator also shows today's sailors how to apply these methods to augment--and in the case of emergency, replace-their modern navigation systems. And it not just for emergencies--sometimes it is just plain fun to create a simple astrolabe or polar stick and confirm what your GPS tells you. Polynesians managed to populate an area of ocean larger than North America simply by analyzing clouds, currents, and wind direction--how did they do it? In the first portion of The Barefoot Navigator Lagan introduces these ancient seafarers and their powerful, accurate--and seemingly simple--navigation techniques. We also learn that the Vikings routinely traveled on the notorious stretches of water between Iceland, Greenland, and Scandinavia--no charts, no GPS; it seems mind-boggling but Lagan shows us how. The second section of The Barefoot Navigator teaches how to combine these ancient techniques--and even construct the simple devices if we desire-with today's modern navigational devices, especially in emergency situations (loss of power, loss of signal), to ensure a constant grasp on your vessel's location--no matter what. Interlacing fascinating history with useful advice and enjoyable writing, The Barefoot Navigator is unlike every other navigation reference out there.

Presents key writings in the history, culture and identity of men's fashion. This book contains thematic sections that cover topics such as history, theory, subculture, iconic items of clothing, consumption and the media.

A group of middle-aged friends go canoeing one weekend. Then, the following day, after mooring their canoes by the woods, they are approached by two sinister men. One is carrying a shotgun and the other a knife.

Essential reading on sustainability governance in the twenty-first century

A cleverly constructed epic crime novel, told through six different murder cases set over fifty years in a Hong Kong Police Force.

Ordinsport was a backwater on the vast Ordin River before the Council of Wizards chose it as the site of their grand experiment. After a near-catastrophic war that saw orcs, elves, dwarves, and many other traditional enemies fighting alongside each other as uneasy allies, the Council intended Ordinsport to symbolize the new peace as a shining example of old enemies living and thriving together in a new era of hope and prosperity. While the treaty has held, Odinsport itself has fallen some way short of these lofty aims. With so many races living side-by-side, and the potential for smuggling presented by the great river itself, Ordinsport has become home to an immense black market, with an underworld dominated by a vast array of criminal syndicates, all vying for territory and influence. Crime bosses have their pick of mercenaries, and hire ruthless gangs of goblin grunts, human thugs, dwarf barbarians, and lumbering trolls. Orcs and dwarves still may not get along, but it''s amazing what a cunning crime boss can achieve by greasing a few palms with a few gold coins.Kobolds & Cobblestones is a skirmish wargame for rumbles between gangs in Ordinsport''s seedy underbelly. Players hire gangs of criminals, thugs, and enforcers from a number of classic Fantasy races, and attempt to take control of the underworld and establish themselves as the city''s kingpins. Playing card-based mechanics and a cunning bribery element keep players on their toes, as a one-sided battle can turn around in a flash.

Soaring high above the fields and cities of Europe and Asia as well as the vast expanse of the Pacific, Allied and Axis pilots engaged in a deadly battle for control of the skies in World War II. Whoever won the skies would win the war.Published in association with The National Museum of World War II Aviation, Storm of Eagles is a fully illustrated coffee-table book that brings together classic as well as never-before-seen wartime images. Compiled by one of the world''s premier aviation photographers and historians, this remarkable volume is a must-have for anyone interested in World War II aviation.

First published in 1982, this text is widely regarded as a leading general history of the country.

Let's Talk About the Birds and the Bees, a fascinating book penned by the talented Molly Potter, takes us on a journey to explore the wonders of nature. Published in 2017 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, this book has managed to capture the hearts of many readers. The genre of the book is hard to pin down, as it effortlessly blends elements of education, fun, and exploration. Molly Potter's unique narrative style brings to life the intricate relationships between the birds and the bees, making it a must-read for anybody interested in understanding the magic of nature. The book is a testament to Bloomsbury Publishing PLC's commitment to bringing high-quality and engaging content to readers. If you're looking for a book that is as enlightening as it is enjoyable, Let's Talk About the Birds and the Bees is a perfect choice.

The Roman Empire rules the civilised world with an iron fist, seemingly all-powerful. And yet, the power of Rome is secured not by its mighty legions, but by small bands of warriors fighting a secret war. They seek out artefacts hidden by the gods themselves, hunt creatures of myth and face enemies that would use dark magic against the empire.

Rogue Stars is a character-based science fiction skirmish wargame, where players command crews of bounty hunters, space pirates, merchants, prospectors, smugglers, mercenary outfits, planetary police and other such shady factions from the fringes of galactic civilisation. Crews can vary in size, typically from four to six, and the character and crew creation systems allow for practically any concept to be built. Detailed environmental rules that include options for flora, fauna, gravity, dangerous terrain and atmosphere, and scenario design rules that ensure that missions are varied and demand adaptation and cunning on the parts of the combatants, make practically any encounter possible. Run contraband tech to rebel fighters on an ocean world while hunted by an alien kill-team or hunt down a research vessel and fight zero-gravity boarding actions in the cold depths of space - whatever you can imagine, you can do.

70,000 copies sold in this series of cult word books devoted exclusively to the service of Superior People.

After an unexplained moment of surveillance by an alien intelligence no further contact has been made for twenty-five years. But all this is about to change. For a man hiding in the Oregon desert is about to play a key role in the next stage of human evolution.

_______________The first book in a laugh-out-loud funny adventure series for readers aged 8+, from radio stars Greg James and Chris Smith_______________'So funny, it's almost criminal' - Independent'Outrageous capers' - GuardianSHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZEA TOM FLETCHER BOOK CLUB PICK _______________Murph Cooper has a problem. His new school is top secret, and super weird. His classmates can all fly or control the weather or conjure tiny horses from thin air. And what's Murph's extraordinary skill? Um, oh yeah - he hasn't got one. Just as well there are no revolting supervillains lurking nearby, their minds abuzz with evil plans. There are!? Right. Ok, then... It's time for Kid Normal to become a hero!

This textbook provides an accessible introduction to accounting, giving a clear and concise overview of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management.

Following Argentina''s military operation to take possession of the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher''s government launched a major naval operation to return them to British rule. Defending the Royal Navy task force were two small squadrons totalling 20 Sea Harriers (SHARs). Initial clashes between SHARs and Argentine Mirages and Daggers on 1 May 1982 failed to eliminate the Sea Harrier defenders. FAA fighter-bomber pilots relied on daring and courageous ultra-low level attacks, frequently escaping the Sea Harrier''s limited capabilities, against Royal Navy warships and auxiliaries, causing considerable damage during Operation Corporate, the large-scale amphibious operation to repossess the islands.Publishing 35 years after the end of the conflict, this fully illustrated volume offers a balanced and objective examination of the SHAR and the Argentine Mirage and Dagger aircraft, highlighting the attributes of both and the skills and courage of the pilots flying them.

How to Write Poems is packed with exciting activities to get your pen flowing! Make poems out of leaves, carve out a mud poem, go on an outdoors simile hunt, and play poetry games in the playground. Whether you already write poems, you've never written before, or you're not even sure what a poem is - this is the book for you. Full of useful tips and starting points, How to Write Poems will make you chuckle, make you think, and inspire you to write your own poetry. Join the Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, as he explores a mind-boggling selection of poetry: from laughable limericks to poetic puns, and from ridiculous rhymes to silly sibilance. Pick up this book, grab a pen, and get going!

Disruptive technology is one of the defining economic trends of our age, transforming one major industry after another. But what is the true impact of such disruption on the world''s economies, and does it really have the potential to solve global problems such as low growth, inequality and environmental degradation? The provocative answer is that such disruption could indeed solve many of these issues, but that it won''t... at least, not on its current trajectory.A Good Disruption highlights some of the huge costs that are at stake, and argues that managing such disruption will be the defining business challenge of the next decade. In order for us to meet that challenge, the book sets out a bold and inspirational vision for a more robust and sustainable economic model. Rich in relevant case studies, and incorporating industry examples from around the world, A Good Disruption accomplishes the remarkable feat of synthesizing key contemporary trends into a coherent world view of how to seize the potential of our collective futures. This is essential reading for policy makers, politicians, business executives and social scientists, as well as anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the impact of disruptive technology and how it can be transformed into a major force for the global good.

How do you fall back in love? This was the underlying problem of one in four couples seeking help from relationship therapist Andrew G. Marshall. They described their problem as: 'I love you but I'm not in love with you'. Noticing how widespread the phenomenon had become, he decided to look more closely. Why were these relationships becoming defined more by companionship than by passion, and why was companionship no longer enough? From his research Andrew has devised his own unique programme. By looking at how a couple communicate, argue, share love, take responsibility, give and learn he offers in seven steps a reassuring and empowering map for how two individuals can better understand themselves, strengthen their bond and recover that lost magic.

For the first time, fans of Sarah J. Maas's sweeping New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass saga can experience the vivid imagery of her expansive world. Celaena battling the ridderak in the catacombs, Chaol in the gardens of the glass castle, Manon riding her wyvern through the Crossing, and many other favourite moments, characters and objects come to life as readers explore the vibrantly detailed realm of Throne of Glass. Stunning original black and white drawings will bring fans deeper into the series than ever before - making this a must-have companion to Sarah J. Maas's beloved books.

Features a complete campaign for Frostgrave that will challenge both new and veteran players. In this volume, players discover the existence of a power in the Frozen City, one who was old when the great city was still young, and who saw both its rise and its disastrous fall.

Afraid of training with weights? Worried of putting on muscles? Think again. Strength training is for women.This book is the ultimate guide to toning up, burning fat and getting the body you want. It shows you why women should train with weights and why you should not be afraid of them. Dispelling the myth that weight training makes a woman 'bulky and unfeminine', the book shows that weights and resistance training methods could be the single most important element in your fitness regime. Packed with full-colour photos and descriptions of over 30 exercises, the book gives you advice on how to put together a resistance training programme as well as how to interchange exercises. Motivational, it also gives three 6-week workout programmes to achieve a stronger, fitter and firmer body.This is the ideal companion to get the best toned body you've always wanted. Strength training is for women.

"Fifty years into my life journey I realise that; while I love remote wild places and the peoples I meet there, it is in forests that I find the greatest joy. Of all the forests that I have explored, it is the great circumpolar Boreal forest of the North that calls to me most. Here is a landscape where bush knowledge really counts and where experience counts even more. . . This book has been thirty years in the making."Out on the Land is an absorbing exploration of, and tribute to, the Boreal forest of the North: its landscape, its people, their cultures and skills, the wilderness that embodies it, and its immense beauty. The book is vast in scope and covers every aspect of being in the wilderness in both winter and summer (clothing, kit, skills, cooking, survival), revealing the age-old traditions and techniques, and how to carry them out yourself. It also includes case studies of early explorers, as well as modern-day adventurers who found themselves stranded in the forest and forced to work out a way to survive.So much more than a bushcraft manual, this book goes deeper, to the traditions and cultures that gave us these skills, as well as focusing on the detail itself. Ray and Lars''s practical advice is wound around a deep love for the forest, respect and admiration for the people who live there and sheer enjoyment of the stunning scenery.

Essential reading for Latin learners the world over! The second book in J.K. Rowling's classic Harry Potter series is available in Latin. Lovers of the language and students alike will delight in Peter Needham's cleverly witty translation. Reissued with stunning new Jonny Duddle cover art, Harrius Potter et Camera Secretorum is sure to captivate a new generation.

Geneticist Kate Warner and counter-terrorism agent David Vale have prevented a fierce plague from wiping out humanity - but the struggle to survive is far from over.