Books published by John Murray Press

A comprehensive guide which helps pin down what works as comedy, how to be funny, and how to write it down, for writers of all and any comic motivation - whether as a potential stand-up or a cutting-edge speechwriter. Featuring practical tips, exercises, and expert advice.

Unlock your learning potential with this topic-based vocabulary reference book.

Words can poison or heal, start wars or make peace. In CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE, Joyce Meyer sets out a guide to 'smart talk' that will change your life.

Jonah entered Helen Brown's life not long after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had begun recovery from a mastectomy. His arrival coincided with the finalisation of her previous book, Cleo, as well as preparations for the wedding of her son and struggles with her daughter's determination to embark on a spiritual journey. Jonah, as it happened, was just as headstrong as Helen's daughter. So while Helen attempted to deal with her own mortality and help arrange a wedding, her daughter took off to war-torn Sri Lanka and Jonah fled down the street.In Cats and Daughters, Helen Brown writes with honesty and humour about family life, its serious setbacks and life-changing events. She also learns that sometimes the best thing a strong mother and cat slave can do is step back, have faith in those she loves and be grateful nothing's perfect. As Helen writes in her dedication, this book is 'to cats and daughters who don't always come when called'.

Bestselling author of RUN BABY RUN delves deep into his own past, as well as exploring places and people he's met through his ministry, to show just how bad the devil can be - and just how much greater is our God.

In the course of his work as a vicar, Dave Tomlinson meets lots of people who describe themselves as 'not good enough' to be a Christian, thinking that faith involves going to church a lot, or believing in a list of strange things, or following certain rules. But being a Christian isn't about any of that - and actually, following Jesus is a lot easier, and more fun, than most people think...In this handbook to Christianity for people who describe themselves as spiritual but not necessarily religious, Dave sketches out some key practices for how to be a 'bad' Christian, including how to talk to God without worrying about prayer, how to read the Bible without turning off your brain, and how to think with your soul rather than trying to follow rules. With beautiful illustrations from artist Rob Pepper, this is an accessible, light-hearted book, but one with a powerful invitation: to be the person you've always wanted to be, following a God you've always hoped is on your side.

For every man and every woman in every marriage

Part of a vital series for today's manager, produced in conjunction with the Chartered Management Institute, this book delivers clear, expert advice on the most frequently asked questions about time management from a manager's perspective in a format designed to fit easily into a busy working life.

Jane Logan is a stranger to Berlin and she finds the city alive and echoing with the ghosts of its turbulent past. At six months pregnant, she's instructed by her partner Petra to rest and enjoy her new life in Germany. But while Petra is out at work, Jane begins to feel uneasy in their chic apartment. Screams reverberate through the walls, lights flicker in the derelict building that looms over the yard, a shadow passes on the stairs . . . Jane meets a neighbour's daughter, a girl whose life she tries to mend, but her involvement only further isolates her. Alone and haunted, Jane fears the worst . . . but the worst is yet to come.Louise Welsh, the acclaimed author of The Cutting Room, delivers another masterful suspense novel. The Girl on the Stairs is a powerful psychological thriller packed with twists and turns to keep you reading well into the night. Read it, or be left in the dark.

A lonely boy living on his uncle's farm in the Lincolnshire Fens, Richard Mardick's solitary existence is interrupted by a chance meeting, and idyllic love affair, with Lucy. A disused brickfield is the scene of their clandestine meetings, and it is there that Richard finds her drowned in a muddy pool. Forced by circumstances to look back on these days, Richard finds himself recounting this episode to his secretary. Its shattering significance throughout the rest of his life is put into remarkable perspective by the unusual framework with which Hartley has enclosed his story. Weaving skilfully through past events while staying awake to the present, The Brickfield is a masterly evocation of childhood and its influences on the adult mind.

Alice Herz-Sommer, 1903-2014The pianist Alice Herz-Sommer survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp, attended Eichmann's trial in Jerusalem, and along the way befriended some of the most fascinating historical figures of our time, from Franz Kafka to Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein and Golda Meir. A Century of Wisdom is her story: a testament to the bonds of friendship, the power of music and the importance of leading a life of maternal simplicity, intellectual curiosity, and never-ending optimism.

'A wonderful book about wonderful books and mothers and sons and the enduring braid between them.' - Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays With Morrie'a true meditation on what books can do.' - Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber EyesMary Anne Schwalbe is waiting for her chemotherapy treatments when Will casually asks her what she's reading. The conversation they have grows into tradition: soon they are reading the same books so they can have something to talk about in the hospital waiting room. Their choices range from classic (Howards End) to popular (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), from fantastic (The Hobbit) to spiritual (Jon Kabat-Zinn), with many more in between. We hear their passion for reading and their love for each other in their intimate and searching discussions. The End of Your Life Book Club is a profoundly moving testament to the unconditional love between a child and parent, and the power of reading in our lives.

The numbers of those with hay fever have risen by around 25% in recent years. This dramatic rise is thought to be due to lifestyle factors and environmental pollution, and is in line with the rising prevalence of allergies in general. This book looks at remedies both orthodox and less orthodox.

If you are an absolute beginner or simply looking for a solid foundation to your Korean language studies for school, work or travel, this engaging course will help get you on your way to speaking, writing, reading and understanding Korean in no time. Get Started in Beginner's Korean maps from A1 to A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.Through culture notes, clear language presentations, and extensive practice and review, you will pick up the Korean you need to communicate naturally in everyday situations - from shopping and travelling to food and daily life.Engaging with our interactive Discovery Method, you'll absorb language rules faster, remember what you learn easily, and put your Korean into use with confidence.Get Started in Beginner's Korean has a learner-centered approach that incorporates the following features:-Outcomes-based approach - focus your learning with clear goals-Learn to learn - tips and skills on how to be a better language learner-Discovery method - figure out rules and patterns for yourself to make the language stick-Self-check and test yourself - see and assess your own progress -Personalization - use the language in real situationsRely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.

Get started reading, speaking and listening in Mandarin Chinese. Ideal for complete beginners, this course comprises a book and free online audio support.

Get started reading, speaking and listening in Hindi. Ideal for complete beginners, this course comprises a book and audio support which is easy to download to your computer or MP3 player.