Books published by The Crowood Press Ltd

Stone setting can often appear mysterious and impossible: an ancient craft used to hold beautiful gems secure in the most elegant of designs. This practical book explains the techniques of the master stone setter in an accessible and encouraging style. Written by Scott McIntyre, it explains the complex world of setting with step-by-step instructions, supported by informative illustrations and excellent examples of finished pieces. It is a manual that shines with inspiration and practical advice. Topics covered include: setting techniques, from bezel, claw and flush, through to single row and multiple pave, then to skilled methods such as channel and microclaw. Advice is given on the options and attributes of each type of setting , as well as ideas for mixing styles and experimenting with setting methods. It is written informally throughout with an emphasis on patience and precision.

Illustrated with more than 300 stunning colour photographs, Modelling British Aircraft of World War Two, provides essential guidance on how to get started, from choosing the best kit to preparing your workspace with the right tools, paints and equipment.  It gives tips on the use of reference material, construction techniques and painting recipes. Step-by-step building and painting of the following models is covered: 1/48 Hurricane Mk IIc1/32 Spitfire Mk IIa1/48 Mosquito Mk VI1/48 Swordfish Mk II1/72 Lancaster B III Instructional use of after-market detailing kits and accessories is given along with advice on fitting a base or creating a diorama. There is a chapter on Royal Air Force camouflage and markings.

In Advanced Retriever Training, experienced trainer, competitor and judge, Laura Hill, takes a holistic approach to training and living with working retriever breeds. Whether your aim is to reach competition level or simply to troubleshoot your training practices, this book is the ideal follow-on to the basic commands and handling skills already established. Insightful and in-depth coverage includes reanalysing the basic pillars of breeding, feeding and training; examining your own behaviour and the effect it has on your dog and identifying your dog''s psychological needs and tailoring your training accordingly. Key approaches to successful retriever work with positive, reward-based methods are covered along with training planning and management. An advanced approach to training essentials, including heelwork, marking, blind retrieves and navigating barriers are discussed as well as establishing and maintaining an enjoyable partnership with your dog. This book will improve your handling as well as your overall approach to living and working with retrievers.

BSA was once the world's most successful motorcycle company, manufacturing more machines than any other in the world by the mid-1950s. And yet, after winning the Queens Award to Industry for exports in 1967 and 1968, it collapsed into bankruptcy in 1973.  This is an epic story of rise and fall, even by the precarious standards of the British motorcycle industry. With more than 170 illustrations, this book recalls the founding of the company and its foray into bicycle and then motorcycle production and describes the evolution of the various models of motorcycles including specification tables. It discusses the diversification into cars, commercial vehicles and guns for Spitfires and recounts the successes - two Maudes Trophies and numerous racing victories. Finally, it documents the fall from grace to bankruptcy and beyond.

Drones offer the photographer new creative horizons, but how do you get started? This practical book shows you the way. The first section deals with drone flying, while the second guides you through the complexities of aerial photography. Together with practical insights, case studies and professional shots, it illustrates how to take stunning photos from incredible - and hitherto unreachable - angles and heights. Topics covered include: getting airborne and how to choose a drone and fly it safely and legally and developing your skills to capture stunning aerial shots - focusing on composition and lighting. A step-by-step case study of capturing the iconic Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth harbour is featured.

Japanese woodblock printing is a beautiful art that traces its roots back to the eighth century. It uses a unique system of registration, cutting and printing. This practical book explains the process from design drawing to finished print, and then introduces more advanced printing and carving techniques, plus advice on editioning your prints and their aftercare, tool care and sharpening. Supported by nearly 200 colour photographs, this new book advises on how to develop your ideas, turning them into sketches and a finished design drawing, then how to break an image into the various blocks needed to make a print. It also explains how to use a tracing paper transfer method to take your design from drawing to woodblock and, finally, explains the traditional systems of registration, cutting and printing that define an authentic Japanese woodblock.

Ideas for and finished examples of printing in colour and creating more complex platesGuide to proofing and editioning prints

Polishing and finishing is a highly skilled specialist craft; a professional finish will transform a piece of jewellery or silver into a work of art. Written by a leading polisher, this practical book explains the traditional techniques and shares the secrets of this often under-rated craft. Topics covered include: setting up a workshop, tools and compounds; finishing methods including satin finish and oxidizing; polishing bangles, rings and cutlery and there are finished photographs showcasing a range of exquisite work.

Marionettes are loved by puppeteers and audiences for what they can do on stage, but they can be challenging to design, make and perform. This beautiful book clearly explains the process from making the puppets to putting them on strings and bringing them alive. Detailed step-by-step instructions are given to make three marionettes - a walking bird, a dancer and a wooden man - each using different tools and materials, with progressively more tricky techniques. Written by a leading puppeteer, it celebrates the art of the marionette.

The art of wig making and wig dressing has been practised for centuries, and continues to be an exciting and essential part of costume production for theatre and film.

Enables you to avoid the most common pitfalls and faults that otherwise can ruin the ownership of a 'Sonderklasse'.

As a breed, Dobermanns have acquired an unjustified reputation as ''devil dogs'' due to their courage, loyalty, intelligence and physical strength. This book aims to dispel the myths surrounding this magnificent dog, and shows how Dobermanns can be loving and gentle family pets, as well as their more traditional role as guard dogs. Dobermanns - a practical guide for owners and breeders traces the development of the breed from its early beginnings in the nineteenth century through to the present day, and offers the reader advice on every aspect of rearing and caring for these beautiful dogs.

147 Snooker Drills and Exercises will help players of all standards to improve their game. It presents a range of practice routines that covers all aspects of a player''s game. Some are more advanced than others, allowing the player working on a particular area of their game to pick out the exercises they feel will help them most. The routines become more difficult as the pages go on, so the beginner can work through them and use them to set targets to make their practice competitive. For coaches, the routines will assist in giving variety in lessons and helping to set targets in lessons.

Provides a step-by-step account of the construction, from scratch, of a model railway called Dovedale. This book covers layout planning and construction, controllers, point motors, power supply, cables and connectors, ways of operating traffic flows, signalling, track droppers, control panels and wiring, control and interlocking, and more.

This invaluable, practical book is written by a watch repairer with over twenty years' experience. It is aimed principally at the novice mechanical watch repairer, although those with more experience will also find it most useful.

Charting the development of the M5 across five generations, this volume is packed with the facts and details that make the M5 legend come alive.

Suitable for anyone wanting to improve their performance, from beginners learning the basic skills to more experienced participants working on advanced techniques, this book covers a history of darts; rules of the game; choosing the right equipment; basic skills; how to improve your throwing technique and more.

Written for the dedicated knitter, this volume offers fine detail of how knitting works, questioning and examining how stitches can influence and shape the fabric by pulling in, pulling up, and making it stretchy or firm, thick or thin.

Topics covered include:Tools and equipmentCapturing facial expressionsCreating a sense of movementChoosing a subjectUsing computers

Now in its sixth edition, this book is the definitive work on the small precision lathe, past and present. The bulk of de Carle's original text has been retained and covers basic construction, selection, care of and accessories for the lathe, as well as its uses.

Follows "Fuchsias - A Colour Guide", profiling 1500 cultivars with over 500 colour photographs. This work offers a practical advice from an expert on how to care for this beautiful plant.