Books published by Mereo Books

Set in the 50s and 60s, Jacobs' novel is an affectionate tribute to the South London of his youth, in the Jewish community in Brixton. The story of 'Benny the Fixer' Pomeranski and friends is full of period detail, colour, gangsters, boxing, jazz and the rag trade. The writing is almost biographical in parts, but springs to life in the dialogue.

Having moved from zoology to psychology to anthropology on both sides of the Atlantic, Bill McGrew developed a fascination for chimpanzees which led to him spending four decades studying our nearest living relations in their African homelands. He held a series of academic posts in the USA and UK, culminating in a professorship at the University of Cambridge and ending in retirement to Scotland. As he puts it: "I was lucky enough to be paid by various academic institutions to do what I would have paid them to let me do".This memoir consists of a series of stories and vignettes from a varied and colourful life, mainly involving animals, and naturally focusing on chimpanzees. All proceeds will go to organisations that rescue and care for chimpanzees."One of the world''s foremost primatologists, who sought adventures in Africa to follow chimpanzees in the wild, offers glimpses of his life. Funny, warm, unexpected."Frans de Waal, author of Mama''s Last Hug"Chasing after chimpanzees can be hilarious... McGrew came to be the world''s expert on the richness and diversity of chimpanzee cultures as well as a commentator on the comedic aspects of the lives of those who study them."Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, author of Mothers and Others"Renowned primatologist William McGrew has written a lovely memoir, a series of vignettes about key moments in his life and career. A heartfelt glimpse into one scientist''s fascinating life, and a thoroughly enjoyable read."Craig Stanford, author of The New ChimpanzeeCover Picture: Observational learning: chimpanzee mother performs hygienic operation on her foot, removing a sub-dermal sand flea, watched closely by her daughter, Mahale, 2007. (Photo by Agumi Inaba)

Smart, savvy and original, Sally Emerson's story about a young woman growing up with an amoral mother deftly portrays youth and its careful obsessions. When her mother brings home the young, attractive architect Paul, Jennifer becomes aware of new and unusual feelings, and before long mother and daughter are competing for Paul's attention.

The 'Swinging Sixties' are commonly depicted as hedonistic days. A point in history remembered for the generation of young people who shed the trappings of their parents and grandparents and, fuelled by sex, drugs, rock 'n roll, set out to put the world to rights. A time when individuality was heralded and convention widely challenged.

Rose Luce has had an unusually varied and interesting life. Her early family life and jobs in parliament and America, later including a leading role in the English-Speaking Union and much charitable work in the UK and Gibraltar, were buttressed by her love of music and singing in choirs. Above all, as the wife of Richard Luce, she supported his long and varied career over 60 years as an MP, Minister, Vice-Chancellor, Governor and Lord Chamberlain to The Queen's Household.Richard writes in his memoirs Ringing the Changes: "I cannot describe adequately in words what her support, love and companionship throughout our marriage have meant to me. I could not have managed my work in Africa, the struggle to get into Parliament, politics, being a Minister, a Vice-Chancellor, a Governor or Lord Chamberlain without her."In this book, Rose describes in the most vivid, entertaining and human way her life supporting Richard in all his many and challenging tasks.