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Extensively updated with practical first-hand advice, this fifth edition is the perfect guide for anyone cruising the Mediterranean. Extensively updated with practical first-hand advice, this fifth edition is the perfect guide for anyone cruising the Mediterranean.The Mediterranean is the dream destination for many chartering a yacht as well as long-distance cruisers. Its myriad delights – the beautiful coastlines, the remote islands, the sleepy villages and exciting cities – draw boaters from all over the world.Rod Heikell is the undisputed expert on Mediterranean sailing and the Adlard Coles Book of Mediterranean Cruising is the perfect guide for anyone cruising in the area. Thoroughly updated for this fifth edition, the book conveys the magic of Mediterranean cruising, as well as giving practical, first-hand advice on sailing these enticing waters.Although the Mediterranean provides wonderfully diverse cruising opportunities, it can also deliver a few surprises to the unwary. This invaluable handbook provides sound advice on everything you need to know: anchoring and berthing; what weather to expect; facilities and the costs of keeping a boat there; as well as advice on navigation, popular routes, formalities and what to expect ashore. Each country around the Mediterranean is covered, and there is even a handy section on how to cruise the area on a tight budget.

Since the first edition was published, Pass Your Day Skipper has helped thousands of students through their shore-based Day Skipper course. Concise and comprehensive, this crammer covers all the essentials of the RYA syllabus, arranged in bite-size chunks to make revision easier and brought fully up to date in this seventh edition. Throughout, the theory is set in a practical seagoing perspective, and helpful hints on exam tactics are provided too. And to relieve the tension of all that studying, each section is enlivened with Mike Peyton's best-loved cartoons. The new edition has been updated throughout to reflect changes to the syllabus and the latest developments around electronic navigation, including updated sections on chart plotters, satellite positions, weather information and safety equipment. The revision guide covers:-Electronic navigation and chartwork-Tides and tidal streams-Pilotage-Weather - the weather system, local weather and coping with bad weather-Anchoring, mooring and ropework-Passage planning -Safety - SOLAS, radio distress, man overboard and first aid

The essential guide to creating a successful organization by making things easier, better and more straightforward for your customers.Across all sectors, organizations' fixation with functionality have meant that the 'human' elements of the customer's experience have become neglected. Strict processes and automated procedures have created organizations full of people who aren't allowed to act in a 'human' way.As a result, and despite these new technologies, customers are no more satisfied than they were a decade ago (according to the Institute of Customer Service) and, according to Edelmen, they now trust big organizations even less than they did in the past. In The Human Experience, John Sills draws upon extensive research and illustrative case studies to explain that the emotional experience is just as important as the functional one, and, if done right, will create a more efficient business. He also demonstrates that the customer experience is not just the responsibility of front-line employees, but shared across the company, from the CEO operating as the spokesperson of the business to the programmers developing a seamless and welcoming user interface.Whether you're a well-established incumbent or an early-stage start-up, on either end of your product or service is a human. Packed full of practical advice and engaging case studies, The Human Experience is the ultimate guide to creating a culture and an experience with humanity at its heart, helping to develop a customer base that will stay with an organization, and a company that will grow in an increasingly efficient way. The essential guide to creating a successful organization by making things easier, better and more straightforward for your customers.

The Modern Maverick will help you figure out your own definition of success and gives you the courage and tools to pursue it effectively. Imagine designing a race that only you could win. Now imagine that race was your life. You're done with living by other people's rules. It's time to define your own version of success and set free your inner maverick.Success is something that many of us are encouraged to pursue from a young age - but what defines 'success'? Many people are taught to set goals in pursuit of a generic definition of success that is dictated by society: chase money, pass exams, build profile, attract followers, or generate likes. Even if we do reach the top of the mountain, we often find it to be less than we expected. Living someone else's life is draining; individuals are tired and society is poorer as a consequence.The Modern Maverick sets out a roadmap for a different way forward. A way that combines purpose and profit. A way that helps you figure out your own definition of success and gives you the courage and tools to pursue it. It moves beyond a general question around purpose, and instead focuses on identifying what you are truly passionate about, what you are uniquely good at, what you can get paid enough for - and how all of that dovetails with what the world needs.Using a distilled set of 'Maverick' principles, the books presents a clear 4D process to help you create the life you want:1. Discover - what are you uniquely able to do2. Dream - about what is possible for your life3. Do - create and put into action your Maverick plan4. Develop - ensure the plan evolves and deepens By helping you find the best version of yourself, your work and your relationships, the book shows you how to build your inner Maverick. By becoming clearer and more intentional about how and where you spend your energy and focus, you can create a life where you have positive impact, autonomy, choice and time. A win for you, but – crucially – a win for those close to you, and, over time, a win for society at large.

Filled with help on making working from home work for you, including setting up your workspace, working as part of a virtual team, managing professional relationships, and dealing with feelings of isolation.The pandemic and the resulting lockdowns have reshaped the way that many people work. From commuting to an office on a daily basis, many companies are now adopting more hybrid ways of working - with the result that many more of us are working from home on a much more regular basis. Work Well From Home can help you to target problem areas and build the most effective work patterns that will boost your productivity while also protecting your mental health.Filled with help on making working from home work for you, this book covers a range of essential issues, including setting up an efficient workspace, being an effective member of a virtual team, managing professional relationships, dealing with feelings of isolation, and monitoring your physical and mental well-being. It contains: a quiz to assess strengths and weaknesses, step-by-step guidance and action points, top tips to bear in mind for the future, common mistakes and advice on how to avoid them, and summaries of key points.

From the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, The Boy on the Shed, comes a powerful tale of grit and resilience, told with great humour, openness and profound bravery. 'Unmissable: please read this extraordinary book.' - Daily Mail'Genius... A difficult, deeply personal story beautifully told.' – The Athletic'All men should read this book - important and brilliantly written.' - Alan Shearer'A fantastic read educational and thought-provoking. - ITV News'A triumph... A worth follow-up to The Boy on the Shed.' - Jeff Stelling Former Newcastle United winger Paul Ferris was 51. He had successfully forged a post-football career as a physio, barrister and then a CEO, and his award-winning memoir, The Boy on the Shed, was just about to be published. But then he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This honest, sometimes brutal and frequently funny book tells the story of what happened next.Prostate cancer. It's a phrase that strikes fear into the heart of every man. It's the most common male cancer, but treatable if it's caught early enough. Paul doesn't shy away from describing that treatment. And neither does he hold back on its life-changing consequences – from harrowing surgery, humiliating procedures and excruciating consultations – as he strives to become the man he once was again.The mental challenges and psychological impact of living with this acute condition are explored in Paul's revealing and riveting narrative that represents rare male honesty, but this is never a 'poor me' book or not in any way self-pitying. Courageous, inspirational and beautifully written, The Magic in the Tin is a rare thing: deeply moving yet rich in humour, written by a true sportsman in every sense of the word.A brutal and poignant account of one man's journey through prostate cancer.

RSPB ID Spotlight Birds of Farmland and Open Countryside is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 57 of the UK's most familiar birds of farmland and open countryside by renowned artist Stephen Message. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification - Artworks are shown side-by-side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field, or the chart can be fixed to the wall as a beautiful poster - The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our birds commonly found on farmland and in open countryside, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

An original history of Russia's thousand-year past, tracing the forces and the myths that have shaped Putin's politics and rekindled the Cold War. Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine has reshaped history. In the decades after the collapse of Soviet communism, the West convinced itself that liberal democracy would henceforth be the dominant, ultimately unique, system of governance - a hubris that shaped how the West would treat Russia for the next two decades. But history wasnt over. Putin is a paradox. In the early years of his presidency, he appeared to commit himself to friendship with the West, suggesting that Russia could join the European Union or even NATO. He said he supported free-market democracy and civil rights. But the Putin of those years is unrecognisable today. The Putin of the 2020s is an autocratic nationalist, dedicated to repression at home and anti-Western militarism abroad. So, what happened? Was he lying when he proclaimed his support for freedom, democracy and friendship with the West? Or, was he sincere? Did he change his views at some stage between then and now? And if that is the case, what happened to change him? Putin and the Return of History examines these questions in the context of Russias thousand-year past, tracing the forces and the myths that have shaped Putins politics of aggression: the enduring terror of encirclement by outsiders, the subjugation of the individual to the cause of the state, the collectivist values that allow the sacrifice of human lives in battle, the willingness to lie and deceive, the co-opting of religion and the belief in Great Russias mission to change the world.

A cultural and social history of the rat, examining how one creature achieved total world domination and has inspired such love and loathing.Rats are creatures which inspire fear and fascination in equal measure. Their lives are more closely entwined with humans than any other animal, but they remain the most misunderstood of all species.Yet, arguably no animal has sacrificed more in the pursuit of human health but also been so resolutely blamed for spreading plague and pestilence. No animal has been so determinedly targeted by humans, and still managed to survive and thrive in our midst. No animal is so often derided as being vicious and cunning, but possesses such a rich and complex inner life.In Stowaway, Joe Shute, explores our complex and often contradictory relationship with the rat. He travels the world from sub-Saharan Africa to the Rocky Mountains and visits some of the most rodent-infested cities on earth to unpick the myths we tell ourselves about rats and investigate the unexplored secrets of their own extraordinary lives.He examines the way in which rats have shaped human history and meets cutting-edge researchers harnessing the power of rat intelligence to achieve incredible results. He explores the hidden world they inhabit beneath our feet as well as their role in natural ecosystems. And through his own pet rats, he discovers the close emotional bonds they form with humans when given the chance.Ultimately, this is a book which questions what the lives of rats reveal to us about our own, and whether there might be a better way to live alongside our ancient enemies in the modern age? A cultural and social history of the rat, examining how one creature achieved total world domination and has inspired such love and loathing.

This handy guide offers practical solutions and step-by-step advice on combating and managing stress so that you can achieve the best work-life balance.While it's sometimes said that a little stress is good for you, too much can damage your health, jeopardise your performance at work, and affect your relationships. With the rise of remote and hybrid working, such issues are only becoming more common, and it's too easy to feel worn down and exhausted by stress and worry.With a self-assessment quiz, step-by-step action points, top tips, common mistakes and advice on how to avoid them, and summaries of key points, Deal With Stress will help you to identify and understand the causes, recognise the symptoms, and find the right answers to put you back in control. You will find actionable solutions and practical advice on combating stress and ensuring you can have the best possible work-life balance. This handy guide offers practical solutions and step-by-step advice on combating and managing stress so that you can achieve the best work-life balance.

A practical guidebook for anyone looking to build a more positive relationship with their manager or supervisor. Professional advice to help you manage one of your most important relationships at work, showing you how to communicate more effectively and openly, and allowing you to build a rewarding and healthy relationship with your manager.Of all the working relationships you have with colleagues, the one with your boss is probably the most important. How it functions can make the all difference between looking forward to going to work in the morning, or actively dreading it. Moving part of the relationship online, and having to communicate via emails or video calls, has the potential to make things even more challenging.Whether you already have a good relationship that you want to build on, or a fraught one that you feel can be improved, this book can help. Manage Your Boss offers practical and effective advice on surviving personality clashes, delegating upwards, developing your influencing and diplomacy skills, and boosting your chances of promotion.

An inspiring guide to activities and adventures to re-energise and boost your mood, by our rivers, lakes and canals. While Britain's rivers, lakes and canals have long been co-opted by fitness enthusiasts for the physical benefits they can bring, it's only relatively recently that we've given much thought to their impact on our mental state too. 'Blue health' – the idea that having access to an area of water can benefit a person's whole wellbeing – is gaining traction. These waterside places are fundamental to the kind of stuff people now realise they need in their lives – exercise, solace, natural beauty and new places to socialise – with so many of them on our doorstep. Just Add Water is your guide to the many mood-boosting and wellbeing activities, adventures and escapes that our inland waterways have to offer. Nearly 200 destinations are featured, organised into 15 core activities, covering the length and breadth of the UK, making this the ideal companion for anyone planning a day trip or boating holiday.Expert journalist Sarah Henshaw explains how the activities can re-energise, inspire and relax, weaving their wellbeing benefits with practical information to help you get the most out of each experience. Accompanied by stunning images, the handbook includes everything from mudlarking to wild swimming, fishing to foraging towpath hedgerows, paddleboarding to learning how to paint canal folk art. There are also inspirational first-hand accounts of the many ways our waterways have made a difference to people's day-to-day lives – including a high-flying exec who finds commuting by water a great way to manage stress.This guide showcases the multiple ways to be on, in, under or next to water, and how it can enhance the whole spectrum of lived experience.

'Humble and very funny' - Ned Boulting 'Essential reading for any Étape rider' - Daniel Friebe, co-host of The Cyclist Podcast An Everyman dropped into the world of Supermen... Can this amateur cyclist complete L'Étape du Tour? Tadej Pogacar has 7% body fat, Chris Froomes resting heart rate is 30bpm, Mark Cavendish reaches sprint speeds of over 50mph. Theyre super-human cyclists who ride 3,500km over 21 stages across the Alps and Pyrenees as a matter of course. James Witts is 45 years old, fatty deposits have begun to nestle on his back and he has a penchant for craft ale. He also rides a little. But not a lot. In his job as cycling journalist, however, he does have unparalleled access to the worlds best riders and their expert support staff. Which got him thinking: could spending time with the pros, discovering the training, gear and nutritional tricks of the trade, transform this back-of-the-pack sportive straggler into a fit-and-fast frontrunner? In this entertaining and warm-hearted tale, Witts gains access to the worlds greatest teams and riders to reveal the tricks of the trade. Follow along as he trains, rides and eats using the regimes of the planet's toughest athletes, to conquer a stage of the Tour de France. Will he sacrifice the pub for stamina-boosting beetroot juice? Can an altitude mask really send his performance soaring? And will his ego cope with a drag-cutting, little-left-to-the-imagination skinsuit?

An essential companion for anyone visiting or hiking in the Alpine regions of France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Alps remain one of Europe's foremost tourist destinations – not just for its world-famous scenery, but also its remarkable and diverse wildlife. This wild diversity is covered in this new field guide to the region. Field Guide to Alpine Wildlife covers all of the animals and plants you are likely to see on a trip to this extraordinary place including mammals such as Mouflon and Ibex, birds like Bearded Vulture, White-winged Snowfinch and Wallcreeper, and a diversity of insects and wild flowers that will stop even seasoned wildlife-watchers in their tracks. It is packed with photography of each species, with photos carefully chosen to help pinpoint key identification criteria. Portable and pocket-friendly – crucial for all travellers in this mountainous region – this book is an essential companion for anyone visiting or walking through this spectacular part of central Europe. An essential companion for anyone visiting or hiking in the Alpine regions of France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The definitive site guide to a surprisingly bird-rich corner of England – Kent, Essex and the Greater London area.From the deep forests of Kent to the low-lying mudflats, beaches and saltmarshes of the Greater Thames Estuary, this ecologically rich area of England attracts vast numbers of wildfowl and waders. The region boasts many internationally and nationally important reserves including Rainham Marshes and Cliffe Pools, while Dungeness in Kent is one of Britain's best known birding hotspots for vagrant species such as Penduline Tit and Kentish Plover. London itself contains numerous birdwatching sites including Barnes and Woodberry Wetlands, along with some of the best spots in Britain for scarcities such as Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Black Redstart. From Marsh Harrier and Firecrest to Curlew and Lapwing, there is plenty for birdwatchers to enjoy while exploring the parks, wetlands, woodlands and coast of southeast England.Written by life-long birdwatcher David Callahan, this is the definitive guide to the birding highlights of the region. It contains a comprehensive review of all the major sites and many lesser-known ones, with maps, notes on access, and information on target species and when to visit. Where to Watch Birds in Southeast England is indispensable for any birder exploring the region, or anyone in London wanting to head out to the countryside and enjoy a slice of our rich avian heritage. The definitive site guide to a surprisingly bird-rich corner of England – Kent, Essex and the Greater London area.

'Intensely readable, poetic, truthful, wise and wonderful.' STEPHEN FRY'An extraordinary book.' SUNDAY TIMESStruggling to comprehend the shocking death of his teenage daughter, Ben Goldsmith finds solace in nature by immersing himself in plans to rewild his farm.In July 2019, Ben Goldsmith lost his fifteen-year-old daughter, Iris, in an accident on their family farm in Somerset. Iris's death left her family reeling.Grasping for answers, Ben threw himself into searching for some ongoing trace of his beloved child, exploring ideas that until then had seemed too abstract to mean much to him. Missing his daughter terribly and struggling to imagine how he would face the rest of his life in the shadow of this loss, Ben found solace in nature, the object of a lifelong fascination. As Ben set about rewilding his farm, nature became a vital source of meaning and hope.This book is the story of a year of soul-searching that followed a terrible loss. In an instant, Ben's world had turned dark. Yet, unbelievably to him, the seasons kept on turning, and as he immersed himself in the dramatic restoration of nature in the place where it happened, he found healing. In God is an Octopus, Ben tells a powerful, immersive and inspiring story of finding comfort and strength in nature after suffering loss and despair.

A vivid biography in cinematic snapshots of David Lloyd George, one of the world's greatest statesmen.Brought up in rural North Wales, David Lloyd George attended neither a grand school nor ancient university. He was very much an outsider. And yet he rose through the ranks with charisma, fierce intelligence and fighting spirit to become, as Churchill put it in his tribute, a man who 'stood, when at his zenith, without a rival'.But his rise was not without its hardships, and in Rivals in the Storm, experienced MP and author Damian Collins focuses on the impact of Lloyd George's personality on other leading politicians, in driving progressive reforms through government, changing the course of the First World War to lead the Allies to victory, and cementing Britain's alliance with America.Covering Lloyd George's emergence as the dominating political personality in Great Britain to the aftermath of his resignation, this fascinating biography takes you inside the rooms where the important decisions happened, and shows the bitter struggles as well as the triumphs of this great man of his or any other age, who nonetheless fell short of his own high expectations. A vivid biography in cinematic snapshots of David Lloyd George, one of the world’s greatest statesmen.

An entertaining guide to history's most influential and inspiring poets – from Homer and Sappho to Shakespeare and Frank O'Hara – and how they can teach us to better understand the world around us.How did the greatest poets in history make the world anew? And what can we learn from the magic, wisdom and humour of their poetry? From the genius of the Greeks and Romans through the love and metaphysics of the Middle Ages, through to the Beat Poets of San Francisco, this is the ultimate guide to the greatest writers of the human age.Through short, biographical portraits, poet and teacher Dai George provides an entertaining introduction to how to think like a poet, and how we can weave that thinking into our everyday lives. He addresses questions poets have grappled with: What is it to describe the world? How can we express love, grief, or friendship? How can we rise above the misery of the world and see the beauty in the everyday?This book paints vivid pictures of a global assortment of renowned poets throughout history: from Sappho, Juvenal and LiXu, to William Shakespeare and John Donne, to Frank O Hara, Pablo Neruda and Sylvia Plath. George also seeks to re-examine the canon, in which overwhelmingly Western, white and male poets have been held up as pillars of the art, and bring to light major figures from other important cultures and communities, including China, pre-colonial America and Japan.

A guide to exploring 325 of the most scenic, wildlife-rich and historically significant woodlands in Wales.From precious remnants of temperate rainforests to lesser-known wildwoods and urban copses, Welsh woodlands offer places of sanctuary for both wildlife and people.In this practical guide, Gabriel Hemery brings together the beauty, purpose, history and wildlife of some of the most extraordinary woodland sites in Wales, from the largest (like Tywi Forest, covering more than 6,000 hectares) to the smallest (measuring one hectare). Some woods are havens for rare wildlife such as the threatened red squirrel, spectacular lichens and the elusive goshawk. Others offer opportunities to explore archaeological features and discover some of Wales' magical and hidden histories. Many are ideal for simply enjoying the spectacular Welsh scenery.The book is divided into seven regions, each beginning with a summary of its woodland heritage. The 325 site entries contain details of ownership, designation, area, forest type, precise access details (including grid reference, post code and what3words reference) and a description of key features of interest. With clear maps and hundreds of remarkable photographs showcasing Wales' plants, animals and landscapes, this is an essential book for adventurers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts. Wherever you may be in Wales, with this guide you will never be far from a fascinating forest site. A guide to exploring 325 of the most scenic, wildlife-rich and historically significant woodlands in Wales.

The ultimate guide to marketing yourself in a CV or resume, and ensuring you make a professional impression in any job search. The ultimate guide to marketing yourself in a CV or resume, and ensuring you make a professional impression in any job search.The job market has never been more competitive, and marketing yourself can be tricky. And nothing raises a red flag for an employer than a poorly-written or badly-presented CV or resume. This handy guide offers practical, step-by-step advice on preparing, writing, and presenting an impressive document - either on paper or online - that will help you to 'get your foot in the door' with prospective employers. Covering essential issues such as identifying your goals, creating different types of CV, or coming up with a fantastic and persuasive letter to go with them, this is a must-read for job hunters at any stage of their career.

The first practical, accessible self-help guide to managing symptoms of Long CovidMore than 1 million people suffer from Long Covid in the UK (with 400,000 people suffering symptoms for over a year), and many more globally. Yet there is no clear guidance available to the general public, and lots of misinformation out there. This handbook cuts through the confusing advice. Written by the medical experts working with Long Covid patients at one of the first specialist clinics set up, it is filled with helpful case studies and was written with the involvement of real Long Covid sufferers. The focus is on self-management with a simple, consistent message about improving symptoms.Each chapter takes a different issue in turn and offers clear, friendly guidance on key areas such as breathlessness, psychological aspects, brain fog, fatigue, returning to exercise and returning to work. The first practical, accessible self-help guide to managing symptoms of Long Covid

An examination of the future of our workspaces and how the pandemic will continue to shape how and where we work.In the modern age of remote working and flexible work hours, why have most office spaces remained relatively unchanged for decades? And how will our offices and workspaces look in the aftermath of the 2020-22 Covid pandemic? In this follow-up edition of Where is My Office?, first published in 2020, Chris Kane draws upon his extensive knowledge and experience in commercial property to investigate the new-found significance of innovative corporate real estate thinking in the modern workplace. With the rise of agile and hybrid working, hot-desking and new technological innovations, the traditional office space no longer serves the needs of the modern workforce. And with increasing numbers of staff now comfortable with a degree of 'Working from Home', how can companies assess their longer-term workspace needs? This new edition, fully revised and updated to reflect the true impact of Covid-19 on the workplace, highlights the bold new solutions to workplace practices which have the potential to invigorate employee productivity while simultaneously trimming excess costs.Chris poses his ground-breaking 'Smart Value' formula which underpinned the success of his redevelopment of the property portfolio of the BBC, and which can be adapted to enact meaningful and lasting organizational change in any business. This formula is supported through in-depth case studies from Chris's prestigious career, while interviews with prolific industry insiders such as Ronen Journo, SVP of WeWork and Mark Dixon, founder of Regus, provide fascinating insights into the ground-breaking strategies that are transforming the commercial property sector. Where is My Office? is a must-read for any business leader looking to revitalise their workplace in a post-pandemic environment and develop a greater understanding of the beneficial impacts that innovative workplace strategies can have upon their organization's success. An examination of the future of our workspaces and how the pandemic will continue to shape how and where we work.

"Harry Mount and John Davie unlock the wisdom of the past, revealing how ancient Latin can help us to live better in the present"-- Harry Mount and John Davie unlock the wisdom of the past, revealing how ancient Latin can help us to live better in the present. Harry Mount and John Davie unlock the wisdom of the past in this light-hearted and fascinating book, revealing how ancient Latin can help us to live better in the present.There are so many Latin phrases in everyday use that often we use them without understanding the background and context within which they were actually used. 'Carpe diem'; 'Stet'; 'Memento mori'; 'Et tu Brute' – examples would fill a book. And often these phrases are also used in English translation: 'The die is cast'; 'crossing the Rubicon'; 'Rome was not built in a day'. Many of these phrases are humorous, but they are also a rich source of wisdom: the wisdom of the ancients. The chapters of this book include: Latin for Gardeners, the Great Latin Love Poets, Cicero on How to Grow Old Gracefully and Seneca's Stoic Guide to Life. Each chapter starts with a quotation and is lightly sprinkled with many more, with accompanying English translations and entertaining cartoons and illustrations dotted throughout.The background to each quotation is explained so that the context is fully understood. Who crossed the Rubicon and why, for example? At a time of great political and social turbulence, more and more people are turning back to ancient wisdom as a guide to life. Here they are in touch with two classical scholars of distinction who have the common touch and can help make Latin accessible to all, not to mention fun!

Well known for his appearances on TV and radio, as well as for his books Finding Sanctuary and Finding Happiness, Christopher Jamison once again shows his ability to communicate spiritual insights in an accessible way. Finding the Language of Grace: Rediscovering Transcendence focuses on the transcendent experiences of grace that we struggle to talk about in today's very business-like culture. Abbot Christopher shows how the ways we listen and speak, read and write can all be channels of grace. This is illustrated through books as diverse as the medieval legend of the Holy Grail, Silence by Japanese writer Shusaku Endo, the writings of Spanish mystics and the novels of Pulitzer Prize winner Marilynne Robinson. The power and the pain of grace resonate throughout the book, offering a new perspective on healing the loneliness and mistrust experienced by many, as well as on the turbulence and political extremes of today's world. How do we restore trust? How can we listen well? What is the right way to read the signs of the times? And how can we revitalise the language of grace in our day? Finding Transcendence considers the force of grace in our lives, in our souls and in our minds.

The West feels lost. Brexit, Trump, the coronavirus: we hurtle from one crisis to another, lacking definition, terrified that our best days are behind us. The central argument of this book is that we can only face the future with hope if we have a proper sense of tradition – political, social and religious. We ignore our past at our peril. The problem, argues Tim Stanley, is that the Western tradition is anti-tradition, that we have a habit of discarding old ways and old knowledge, leaving us uncertain how to act or, even, of who we really are.In this wide-ranging book, we see how tradition can be both beautiful and useful, from the deserts of Australia to the court of nineteenth-century Japan. Some of the concepts defended here are highly controversial in the modern West: authority, nostalgia, rejection of self and the hunt for spiritual transcendence. We'll even meet a tribe who dress up their dead relatives and invite them to tea. Stanley illustrates how apparently eccentric yet universal principles can nurture the individual from birth to death, plugging them into the wider community, and creating a bond between generations. He also demonstrates that tradition, far from being pretentious or rigid, survives through clever adaptation, that it can be surprisingly egalitarian. The good news, he argues, is that it can also be rebuilt. It's been done before. The process is fraught with danger, but the ultimate prize of rediscovering tradition is self-knowledge and freedom.

An essential reference for anyone contemplating sailing the Pacific. An essential reference for anyone contemplating sailing the Pacific.'The definitive work on Pacific crossings'CruisingThe Pacific Crossing Guide is a complete reference for anyone contemplating sailing the Pacific. From ideal timing, suitable boats, routes, methods of communication, health and provisioning to seasonal weather, departure and arrival ports, facilities, likely costs and dangers, this comprehensive new edition will both inspire dreamers and instil confidence in those about to depart.Completely updated, expanded and refreshed for the new generation of Pacific cruisers, this is the definitive reference, relied upon by many thousands of cruisers. Part 1 covers thorough preparation for both East-to-West and West-to-East crossings and Part 2 covers Pacific weather patterns, major routes and landfall ports, with useful website links throughout. There are sections on rallies, coral atolls and atoll navigation, the cyclone season and laying up, use of electronic charts, satellite phones versus HF radio, ongoing maintenance, and Pacific festivals. Updated with new charts and photographs, the new 4th edition focuses on ports of entry rather than secondary anchorages, and expands the North Pacific coverage, making it a valuable resource for sailors doing a North Pacific circuit, particularly US and Canadian sailors from the Pacific North.

Discover the beauty and delights of London's waterways, on foot or by boat, with Derek Pratt and Richard Mayon-White's fascinating and thorough guide. To really explore Londons canals is to see the city in a way youve never seen it before. A different world, away from the hustle-bustle of overladen streets and towering skyscrapers, the waterways offer a unique paradise, full of wildlife, brightly coloured narrowboats, lush greenery and an environment steeped in history. Discovering Londons Canals will open your eyes to this world and show you all it has to offer, walking with you along the vast stretches of each canal, pointing out the many sights to see and enjoy, pubs to quench your thirst in and history to marvel at. Enjoy whole days out with family and friends, or just an hour or two, choosing a stretch of canal and discovering so many sights and attractions either on or within a short walk from the waters edge. With information boxes, travel directions, clear maps and beautiful photography, along with insightful travel writing from the kings of the waterways, Derek Pratt and Richard Mayon-White, Discovering Londons Canals is the perfect guide for anyone who loves walking, wildlife and the waterways of the great city of London. The book covers more than 60 miles of waterways in London, easy to get to and walkable for just an hour, an afternoon or a whole day, and each route is great for walking, running or cycling, with many traversable at any time of year. Go out there and see for yourself there is a wonderful network of waterways just waiting to be explored in parts of London you hardly knew existed.

The spellbinding story of the secret life of a spy in modern China, drawn from an extraordinary archive of personal diaries and letters. The story of a family in modern China with a history of deceit, betrayal and political intrigue, and the communist party's long shadow over them, from the Cultural Revolution to today.Following the lives of military intelligence officer Jie and his wife Moon, The Book of Secrets weaves recently found material into a narrative that not only illuminates the shadowy world of intelligence in China, but also the emotional tragedies that political extremism inflicted on those working within. Drawing on Jie's own vivid biography of his youth, Xinran pieces together his trajectory as he joins the great hope of the Chinese young – the Communist Party – and becomes a loyal cadre until the late 1970s when, as a chief in the security forces, he makes a decision that will poison his family against him. This is a totally unique behind-the-scenes account of a family torn apart by the Tiananmen Square massacre and the attempts of Jie to finally open up the Chinese system to the people, pieced together from an extraordinary archive of personal diaries and letters.

The thrilling story of the Jews in Venice – and the truth behind one of Shakespeare's most famous characters. The thrilling story of the Jews in Venice – and the truth behind one of Shakespeare's most famous characters.Millions of visitors flood to Venice every year. Yet many are unaware of its history – one of dramatic expansion but also of rapid decline. And essential to any history of Venice during its glory days is the story of its Jewish population. Venice gave the world the word ghetto. Astonishingly, the ghetto prison turned out to be as remarkable a place as the city of Venice itself.With sound scholarship and a narrator's skill, Harry Freedman tells the story of Venice's Jews. From the founding of the ghetto in 1516, to the capture of Venice by Napoleon in 1797, he describes the remarkable cultural renaissance that took place in the Venice ghetto. Gates and walls notwithstanding, for the first time in European history Jews and Christians mingled intellectually, learned from each other, shared ideas and entered modernity together. When it came to culture, the ghetto walls were porous.Any history of Venice and its Jews also can't avoid the story of Shakespeare's Shylock. The cultural and political revival in the Venice ghetto is often obscured from history by this fictional character. Who, we wonder, was Shylock? Would the people of Venice have recognized him and what did Shakespeare really think of him? Shakespeare's ambivalent anti-Semitism reflects attitudes to Jews in Elizabethan England – but as Freedman demonstrates, Shakespeare's myth is wholly ignorant of the literary, cultural and interfaith revival that Shylock would have experienced.

Stephen Cherry, Dean of King’s College Cambridge, considers the place and importance of forgiveness in a troubled world. Forgiveness is, a lovely idea, wrote C. S. Lewis, and in recent decades it has been seen and admired in situations ranging from therapy to politics, and proposed as a constructive pathway in the aftermath of abuse and atrocity. Not everyone is impressed, however, and in parallel with praise and promotion of forgiveness, cries of 'unforgivable' are uttered with increased shrillness and frequency.In this hugely compelling, wide-ranging, and thought-provoking book, Stephen Cherry argues that while forgiveness can be transformative in the aftermath of harm, it can also, if not handled with care, become an additional pressure and anxiety for those who have been harmed. He teases out the way in which Christian understandings often lie behind pressure to forgive, identifying a number of typical mistakes with the Christian approach to forgiveness.Reflecting on many examples from real life as well as literature, and on the insights of psychologists and philosophers, Cherry uses the tension between the desire to forgive and the protest that a person is unforgivable to push towards understandings of forgiveness that avoid the harshness of binary models. Forgiveness is not, he insists, the only good way forward after harm. A positive understanding of non-vengeful unforgiveness is vital if the harmed are to be given the care and support they need and deserve, and if forgiveness itself is to be authentic and liberating.Cherry's challenging book brims with energy and blends human insight with intellectual vision. It argues that if forgiveness is to play a part in in the aftermath of harm without inflicting further harm it must be presented in a non-idealized way and only following acknowledgement of the depth of the human impact of the harm done.

A book about racism and resilience in sport. Track cyclist Maurice Burton rose above the racism in British society and sport to triumph. He is a national sporting legend and role model, waiting to be discovered.On a still summer's evening at Leicester's Saffron Lane Velodrome in June 1974, Maurice Burton defeated an elite field to become Britain's first ever Black cycling champion. For his father, it was a moment of intense pride; Rennal arrived in 1948 from Jamaica and made his home in South London. As his 18-year-old son climbed onto the podium, boos rang out around the stadium.The crowd's response that day was typical of the racism and exclusion experienced by Burton. After being overlooked for Olympic selection despite beating those selected, he moved to Belgium to race professionally on the 'six-day' circuit across the continent, becoming the first Black six-day rider for over 75 years.This authorised biography places Maurice Burton at the forefront of the British sporting narrative as a pioneer in our collective cultural history. It traces his experiences as the child of a Windrush-generation father and an English mother growing up in London, before moving across to the European six-day circuit, and his eventual return to South London in 1984, where he became a successful business owner and community leader.The Maurice Burton Way is a compelling story of life lived to the fullest and of triumph over adversity. A book about racism and resilience in sport. Track cyclist Maurice Burton rose above the racism in British society and sport to triumph. He is a national sporting treasure and role model, waiting to be discovered.

Madeleine Orr pulls back the curtain on climate change’s devastating impacts on sport, and offers a bold and optimistic way forward through an era of emergency. The world of sport has a new opponent: climate change.In recent years, a world championship marathon was held at midnight to avoid the blistering sun. Professional athletes needed oxygen tanks to play during wildfire season in California. Players collapsed and play was suspended amid the heat and bushfire smoke at the Australian Tennis open. Ski resorts in the Alps have turned into ghost towns. Golf courses are sinking into the sea. And then there's the Qatar World Cup, among the greatest follies in sporting history, one that saw hundreds (perhaps thousands) of heat-induced deaths before a ball was even kicked.The threat climate change poses to sport is clear, but with billions of participants and fans around the world who rely on the sector for entertainment, jobs, fitness and health, this is one industry we can't afford to lose. In this book, Madeleine Orr shows it doesn't have to be this way. There are ways to mitigate, and perhaps counter, even the worst elements of climate change.A world-leading sport ecologist, Madeleine interviews athletes, coaches, politicians and thought-leaders to learn more about the inevitable consequences for this trillion-dollar industry. From the frontlines of climate change, Warming Up takes readers through a play-by-play of how global warming is already impacting sport, and how the sports world can fight back.

'Cycling as never told before' - Nicholas Dlamini, South African cycling champion 'Revolutionary' - Bradley Wiggins, British Tour de France champion This is a call for a revolution by the global Black cycling community to reform the sport and for changing the way cycling is seen. Despite the rise of anti-racism in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, professional cycling is still predominately a white and European-centred sport. Former international racing cyclist Marlon Lee Moncrieffe and author of the award-winning Desire, Discrimination, Determination Black Champions in Cycling examines how the industry is tackling racism within the sport today. Sharing his experiences and learnings from his journeys across the UK, the USA and the African continent, Moncrieffe brings together the voices of Black cycling cultures. He speaks to Black elite and professional riders, members of national cycling bodies, commentators, grassroots riders, community leaders, teachers and activists, discovering how they are disrupting the sports white-led norms of power. In response to his commentary and evidence, Moncrieffe invites us to critically consider the past, present and future of the sport. What transformations, if any, towards equality in Black representation and empowerment are happening in the world of cycling and particularly in the highest realms of the sport? What could be the potential force of Black cycling movements across the world converging as New Black Cyclones in reforming how the sport is seen and known?

A fascinating exploration of the rare plants of Britain and Ireland: their biology, ecology and place in our culture, and how we can protect and conserve them. A beautifully written and illustrated account of the threatened plant species that inhabit the British Isles.Britain and Ireland are home to around 300 species of rare flowering plants, and many more rare ferns, mosses, liverworts and freshwater algae. These are species at the cutting edge of biodiversity: fascinating, often beautiful, and in decline. Yet as some teeter on the brink, more rare species are still being discovered.In Rare Plants, prize-winning author Peter Marren describes the allure of Britain and Ireland's vanishing wild flora, from the simple joy of plant hunting to the wonder and (sometimes) weirdness of the plants themselves, as well as their important place in our landscape and culture. He also explores the condition of rarity in the context of our changing world and climate: why do plants become rare, what threats do they face, and what opportunities do we have to protect them before it is too late? The book concludes with an overview of different conservation techniques, using test cases such as Lady's Slipper Orchid and Starved Wood-sedge, and asks at what point careful management becomes gardening, and how far we are justified in intervening in the life of a wild species.Illustrated with around 300 colour images by some of our best plant photographers, as well as boxed texts telling the fascinating stories of several key species, this is above all a celebration of rare plants and why they matter.

The definitive guide to seeing all the wonders of Scotland under paddle power.Scotland is one of the most appealing destinations for kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders from all over the world. That's because if there is one country best seen from the water, it is Scotland. Loch Ness contains more water than all of the rivers and lakes in England and Wales combined – and there are 27,000 other lochs to explore as well. What's more, with 125,000km of rivers and 800 islands, there's always somewhere new to paddle. And the spectacular Scottish scenery only adds to the appeal.This book is the complete guide to paddling the wonderfully varied waterways, lochs, rivers and coasts of Scotland, compiled by Ally Findlay, a paddleboard instructor and tour guide based in Glasgow. He covers all regions of Scotland:- South Scotland, including the coast at Kirkcudbright and Fleet Bay, and inland to Loch Ken, and the Galloway Canoe Trail- Central Scotland, including Loch Lomond and the beautiful Trossachs National Park- East Coast Scotland, including the Forth Bridges- West Coast Scotland, from the coast at Arasaig to lochs and rivers including the amazing Rannoch Moor- Scottish Highlands, which become a magical playground in the northwest following the Inverpoly routesFrom short paddles to day trips into the stunning wilderness, this book covers excursions for all occasions and all levels of ability, explaining where to begin and what to look out for. Most are well suited to canoe and kayak, but going further, some are even better explored standing up on a paddleboard, including cross-Scotland routes such as the Shin System.With beautiful and evocative photography, and clear maps, this is the essential guide to seeing Scotland under paddle power, exploring where to go, how to get there and what to see en route.

A celebration of British saltmarshes – their character, diversity, wildlife and relationship with people. “Saltmarshes are often remote, inhospitable places, neither land nor sea, as hard to pin down as they are to navigate. In this saline odyssey, Clive Chatters has explored his favourite creeks, pools and mudflats to bring us an absorbing celebration of the ecology, biology, geology and history of this scarce and mysterious habitat. There are Tadpole Shrimps, and rare sedges, waders and Wild Celery – even inland saltmarshes – in this tour de force by a superb naturalist and writer.“ BRETT WESTWOOD, naturalist, author and radio presenter Saltmarshes are among Britain's most diverse and dynamic landscapes. They abound around our shores but may also be found inland and at altitude – wherever water, salt and vegetation combine. The species they support range from extreme rarities of specialised habitats to the less demanding denizens of coastal wetlands. Here is a landscape of international importance for migratory birds, endemic plants and an exceptional variety of invertebrates. Clive Chatters has a lifetime's affinity with saltmarshes. In this fifth volume of the British Wildlife Collection, he celebrates their natural history and diversity, from the highly distinctive marshes in the Scottish Highlands to the urban remnants of the Thames estuary now engulfed within the capital. By examining the past of these complex habitats, we can gain an insight into how they have developed, and an understanding of their relationship with people. In addition to their exceptionally diverse natural history, saltmarshes are sources of food and medicine, they play a pivotal role in flood defence and carbon sequestration, and have inspired artistic endeavour.

WINNER OF THE 2024 LIVING NOW AWARD IN GREEN LIVING AND FINALIST IN THE GARDEN MEDIA GUILD AWARD FOR THE PETER SEABROOK PRACTICAL BOOK OF THE YEAR. A comprehensive gardeners guide to sustainable beekeeping. Beekeeping has changed. While once it was a hobby that pursued the rich rewards of honey and wax, many new beekeepers now instead seek the gratification of knowing that they are aiding the survival of one of the world's most important creatures. Keeping bees today is as much about providing the right habitats and resources to help pollinators thrive as it is about chasing every drop of golden honey. This beautifully illustrated guide to the ancient hobby of beekeeping shows todays gardeners how to create beautiful gardens that are richly rewarding for people and bees alike. Flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetable plots can provide colourful beauty and delicious produce as well as vital pollen and nectar when bees need it the most. There are lists of the top-performing plants and how and where to grow them, including window boxes, lawns, borders, wild gardens and even ponds. Beekeeping for Gardeners looks at the pleasures and benefits of keeping honey bees in gardens of all types and sizes, both rural and urban. It explains the practicalities involved in keeping bees in the domestic garden setting, as well as on rooftops, allotments, parks, farmland and other locations. Importantly, and unlike any book before, this guide sets the delightful hobby of beekeeping within the context of the wider environment, asking how it can best serve the needs of all types of pollinator and the local ecology in general. Whether you're looking to attract more bumblebees and solitary bees or want to install a beehive, this wonderful book contains all the guidance you'll need to have a garden buzzing with bees.

Comprehensive yet portable, this concise field-guide edition of The Australian Bird Guide is an essential companion for every birdwatcher visiting Australia This concise edition of the award-winning Australian Bird Guide brings the authority and clarity of ABG into a portable format ideal for field use. Its compact format features more than 700 bird species that are residents of or regular visitors to the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and surrounding seas. Easy to use and beautifully illustrated, the book's content has been carefully designed to provide the reader with all the key information needed to enable rapid identification of any bird, with distribution maps, and comparison pages for major groups. Portable and pocket-friendly yet comprehensive and authoritative, ABG Concise is an essential companion for any birdwatcher visiting Australia.

This accessible, practical guide includes everything you need to know to capture fantastic photographs of birds on your doorstep.In RSPB How to Photograph Garden Birds, celebrated photographer and wildlife writer Mark Carwardine shares his expert advice and insider tips and tricks for capturing the perfect photo. Whether you have a professional camera and a garden filled with birds, or a smartphone and access to a bird table, his guidance will improve your photography in leaps and bounds.Packed with beautiful photographs, this book is a step-by-step masterclass on garden bird photography – from attracting different species to using artificial rain and capturing spectacular images of birds in flight.Once you've mastered the basics, you can make garden bird photography as simple or as challenging as you like. A robin perched on a garden spade? Easy. A blackbird feeding among fallen leaves? No problem. A blue tit in flight? Might take some planning but still very achievable.And there's more. Garden bird photography isn't only rewarding in its own right – it's also a sensational way to hone wildlife photography and field skills that you can then adapt to suit any subject anywhere in the world. This accessible, practical guide includes everything you need to know to capture fantastic images of birds on your doorstep

RSPB ID Spotlight Garden Bugs is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of more than 50 of our most widespread and familiar garden bugs by renowned artist Richard Lewington. Gardens are often crawling with all kinds of garden bugs, and even the smallest plot can be an important haven for wildlife. But can you distinguish between a Garden Snail and a Strawberry Snail? Or can you tell a False Widow Spider from a Harvestman? These are just some of the more than 2,000 different species of garden bugs that are found in the British Isles, many of which we depend on for our own survival. The species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while artworks are shown side-by-side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our garden bugs, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them. Practical tips on bug houses and implementing wildlife-friendly garden practices are also included. The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

A lighthearted and informative narrative about the history of herring and our love affair with the silver darlings. Scots like to smoke or salt them. The Dutch love them raw. Swedes look on with relish as they open bulging, foul-smelling cans to find them curdling within. Jamaicans prefer them with a dash of chilli pepper. Germans and the English enjoy their taste best when accompanied by pickle's bite and brine. Throughout the long centuries men have fished around their coastlines and beyond, the herring has done much to shape both human taste and history. Men have co-operated and come into conflict over its shoals, setting out in boats to catch them, straying, too, from their home ports to bring full nets to shore. Women have also often been at the centre of the industry, gutting and salting the catch when the annual harvest had taken place, knitting, too, the garments fishermen wore to protect them from the ocean's chill. Following a journey from the western edge of Norway to the east of England, from Shetland and the Outer Hebrides to the fishing ports of the Baltic coast of Germany and the Netherlands, culminating in a visit to Iceland's Herring Era Museum, Donald S. Murray has stitched together tales of the fish that was of central importance to the lives of our ancestors, noting how both it - and those involved in their capture - were celebrated in the art, literature, craft, music and folklore of life in northern Europe. Blending together politics, science, history, religious and commercial life, Donald contemplates, too, the possibility of restoring the silver darlings of legend to these shores.

Planting for Pollinators is an easy-to-use gardening guide to help you encourage different types of insect pollinators into your garden. Insect pollinators not only bring joy to our gardens, they also provide an essential service for our planet. Without bees, flies, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and beetles, some of our favourite foods, flowers and plants would cease to exist. Whether you have a large garden, an urban balcony or just a window box, planting to encourage pollinators is a fantastic and surprisingly easy first step in creating a wildlife-friendly space. Planting for Pollinators features a wide range of plants, with guidance on the best ways to nurture lawns and verges, pollinator predation and tips on watching and photographing wildlife. Beautifully illustrated throughout with images from award-winning wildlife photographer Heather Angel, this essential guide will show you how plants communicate with insects, and why it's so important to protect our pollinators. Organised by season and featuring more than 100 plant species including bulbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers this practical guide will help you to discover the short- and long-term benefits of having a variety of pollinators visit your garden.