Reference Books

Explore the unique stories behind every Grand Prix track in this fully updated second edition. Written by award-winning journalist Maurice Hamilton and complete with bespoke digital maps of each course, this is the ultimate guide to the circuits of Formula One. Each venue is listed in chronological order from the first time it hosted a Grand Prix, starting with Monza, then taking in renowned locations such as Spa, Nürburgring, Monaco and Silverstone, all the way up to F1’s latest destination: Miami. Uncover little-known facts about famous circuits and discover the story behind some of the sport’s lesser-known venues. This fully updated second edition includes: all 77 Formula 1 circuits, featuring six additional venues from the previous edition, bespoke digital maps of every racetrack, statistics including circuit lengths, lap records, and names of corners and straights, alphabetical and ‘by country’ indices for ease of reference.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780008554798 • Author: Maurice Hamilton  • Publisher:  Collins • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  336 • Dimensions:  22.7 x 2.8 x 27.1 cm

The must-have companion to the greatest event in world rugby... Containing everything rugby fans will need to enjoy the World Cup, this official guide is packed with images, profiles, previews and charts, making it essential reading for any fan and the perfect companion to all of the tournament action. Contents include Team-by-team profiles, Star player profiles, a guide to every venue, a Fill-in tournament progress chart, a History of the Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup records, Qualification round-up and more!  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781802796360 • Author: Simon Collings • Publisher:  Welbeck • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  128 • Dimensions:  18.9 x 24.6 cm

If you've always wanted to know how societies function - and why sometimes they don't - this beginner's guide to sociology has got the essential theories and thinkers covered! Sociology has almost limitless scope. From the smallest everyday interaction to the impact of vast systemic change, societies are brimming with fascinating phenomena we all want to understand more clearly. There's never been a more important moment to grasp what's going on around us, and this pocket-sized guide offers an engaging introduction to the key sociological concepts and debates. It includes easy-to-follow coverage of: The origins and development of modern sociology and the influence of foundational figures such as Durkheim, Marx and Weber. The major sociological schools or perspectives, from functionalism to feminism. How sociologists strive to test their theories ethically and carefully by using scientific research methods. The key topics in sociology, including inequality, class, crime, gender and race. How sociology can help us tackle new challenges and change our societies - and the wider world - for the better. Perfect for newcomers, or anyone seeking a concise breakdown of the subject, The Little Book of Sociology takes all the big ideas and makes them crystal clear.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781800077188 • Author: Rasha Barrage • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  144 • Dimensions:  10.6 x 2 x 14 cm

Chart the history of Star Wars in this stunning guide, from the time before the High Republic to the end of the First Order. An indispensable companion for all Star Wars fans, this premium-quality book displays visual timelines that chronologically map key events, characters, and developments, and mark their significance. Track crucial conflicts across the years that affect the galaxy in profound ways. Follow the Skywalker lightsaber as it passes through the generations and witness the evolution of the iconic TIE fighter across different eras. Trace the movement of the Death Star plans over the years and uncover multiple branching timelines that break down important battles. See essential events at a glance arranged by era and drill down into details to discover major and minor events, key dates, and fascinating insights all chronologically arranged. Pore over intricate timelines on nearly every page. Soar into Star Wars Timelines to explore: Early History, The High Republic, The Fall of the Jedi, The Reign of the Empire, The Age of Rebellion, The New Republic, and The Rise of the First Order.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780241543832 • Author:  Kristin Baver, Jason Fry, Cole Horton, Amy Richau & Clayton Sandell  • Publisher:  DK • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  344 • Dimensions:  20.3 x 25.4 x 4.7 cm

Now including the top astronomical places to visit, star festivals and the latest on star parties in Britain and Ireland, the new 2024 edition is totally up-to-date for exploring the wonder of the night skies, month-by-month and day-by-day. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, Philip's Stargazing 2024 is the only book you'll need. Compiled by experts and specially designed for easy and daily use, Stargazing 2024 acts as a handily illustrated and comprehensive companion. Includes 12 updated sky charts for year-round astronomical discovery, Month-to-Month information. Daily Moon Phase Calendar, highlighting special lunar events throughout the year and planet Watch for ideal viewing days in 2024. Find the best places to experience Dark Skies, along with the latest on Star Festivals and Star Parties and the top places to visit for astronomical insights. With expert advice and insight throughout from internationally renowned Prof Nigel Henbest, a special article on the use of filters for astro-photography by expert Robin Scagell, the complete calendar of major astronomical events, including the Top 20 Sky Sights of 2024 and Jargon Buster, explaining common or confusing terms, the planets' movements explained from solar and lunar eclipses to meteor showers and comets.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781849076517 • Author: Nigel Henbest • Publisher:  Philip's • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  96 • Dimensions: 14.9 x 14.9 x 21 cm

The 2023 Private Eye Annual presents the year's best cartoons, jokes, parodies and topical sketches from the UK's most successful satirical news and current affairs magazine! The Private Eye Annual has become both a seasonal institution and a perennial Christmas bestseller with its funny illustrations throughout! The perfect gift!  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781901784732 • Author:  Ian Hislop  • Publisher:  Private Eye • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  96 • Dimensions:  21 x 1.4 x 26 cm 

Want to impress your friends and family with both useful, worthless but undeniably interesting facts? Then Interesting Facts For Curious Minds: 1572 Random But Mind Blowing Facts About History, Science, Pop Culture and Everything in Between is the book for you! Know the answers to a variety of questions such as: When did zero become a number? Who was the inventor of Bitcoin? What did the Big Bang sound like? How have sports changed around the world? What’s a malapropism? and many more! With 63 chapters, this book has a nice mix of science, history, pop culture, and all sorts of stuff in between. Each chapter contains 25 concise yet engaging factoids that are sure to make you think and at times laugh. I guarantee you’ll find it one of the best tools to pass some time, relax alone, or connect with others. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some truly interesting facts!  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9798887680026 • Author: Jordan Moore  • Publisher: Red Panda Press • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  198 • Dimensions: 17.78 x 1.14 x 25.4 cm

In this comprehensive guide, best-selling author and crystal expert Philip Permutt reveals the amazing ability of crystals to heal and energize, with details of over 400 crystals and how they can help a huge range of common ailments and enhance every part of your life. With crystal remedies for more than 250 common ailments and a directory of over 400 crystals, as well as detailed explanations of the most effective healing methods, this book is the ultimate guide to healing with crystals. By drawing on the unique qualities of crystals, you can balance the energy fields around your body and home to bring wellbeing and gain health benefits.  Crystals can help soothe emotional problems such as anxiety, mood swings, and shyness, as well as physical symptoms such as migraines and allergies. Illustrated with color photographs, and supplemented with exercises to try, The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing is the ultimate practical reference from a highly respected healer and teacher. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781800650091 • Author: Philip Permutt • Publisher: CICO Books • Format: Paperback •  Pages: 176 •  Dimensions: 19 x 2 x 23.5cm  

An exploration of the Jack the Ripper murders through the eyes of the Londoners who lived through it, including eye-witness accounts and inquest testimonies. The shocking murders carried out by an unknown serial killer in London's East End in during the autumn of 1888 dominated the news and public imagination at the time and have continued to exert a baleful influence ever since. But what was it like to live through those terrifying weeks? No matter what precautions the locals took, the killings continued. Featuring eye-witness accounts, photographs and documents of the time, this book looks at the crimes of Jack the Ripper and their impact on the people of Victorian London. It follows the way the crimes affected the local population, the rumours that swept the streets, the alarms, the riots, the persecutions, the suspicions and the sheer naked terror of the awful autumn when Jack the Ripper stalked the streets. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781398845664 • Author:  Rupert Matthews • Publisher: Arcturus Publishing • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  256 • Dimensions: 12.5 x 2.1 x 19.5 cm

Decode the secrets and uncover the origins and meanings of over 2,000 signs and symbols, from ancient hieroglyphs to modern-day logos. Why is a heart pierced by an arrow a classic symbol of love? What are the ancient roots of fertility symbols? Why are scales a symbol of justice? Delve into the meaning of each symbol and investigate how they have been interpreted in myth, religion, folklore, and art over time, with authoritative text from experts in the field and striking line drawings and photography that emphasize the visual strength and beauty of signs. Divided into six thematic sections - the cosmos, the natural world, human life, myths and religions, society and culture, and symbol systems - this guide to the secret language of signs and symbols is a must-have for those who want to understand the world around them.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780241387047 • Author: Miranda Bruce-Mitford • Publisher:  DK • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  352 • Dimensions:  19.8 x 2.8 x 23.3 cm

A classic collection the Art of War and other Chinese military texts, beautifully presented with a striking, foil-embossed cover design. Written between 500 BCE and 700 CE, these seven texts have inspired generals for millennia, both in China and the wider world. These seven texts display an understanding of strategy and warfare still relevant more than 2,000 years after they were originally written. Together, they present a uniquely eastern tradition of warfare that emphasizes speed, stealth, and cunning. This collection includes seven of the most famous military texts of ancient China: The Art of War, Wuzi, Wei Liaozi, Taigong's Six Secret Teachings, The Methods of the Sima, Three Strategies of Huang Shigong, and Questions and Replies Between Emperor Taizong of Tang and General Li Jing. These new translations bring to light several texts that display an understanding of strategy and warfare that still has relevance millennia after their original publication. From the 11th-century AD onward, these texts became required reading for Chinese military officers. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781839401596 • Author: Sun Tzu • Publisher:  Arcturus • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  384 • Dimensions: 23.7 x 3.3 x 19.2 cm

Want to sleep better, work better and feel better in yourself? Well, this guide will help create the best personal routine for you, using the science of the body clock… Nowadays, we increasingly push our daily routines into the night, carrying out work, exercise and our social lives long after dark. But we have forgotten that our bodies are governed by a 24-hour biological clock which guides us towards the best time to sleep, eat and think. Using personal studies, as well as insights from an international community of sleep scientists and biologists studying circadian rhythms, Professor Russell Foster illustrates the sur-prising effects the time of day can have on our health. Enjoy this fascinating and surprising journey through the science of our body clocks and understand how it can revolutionise your sleep and health today!  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780241529317 • Author:  Russell Foster • Publisher:  Penguin Life • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  480 • Dimensions:  12.9 x 2.8 x 19.8 cm

Unleash your inner witch, learn the secrets of modern magick, and find joy every day with The Modern Witch’s Guide to Happiness. Discover everything you need to know to unlock your inner witch with this essential guide. Learn how to use tarot cards and healing crystals, how to embrace your psychic power and dispel toxic energy, and how to harness the magick of nature to become the happiest and most grounded version of yourself. Written in layman’s terms, this book offers practical activities such as spellcraft, finding your own rituals, and how to use magickal herbs effectively. Coupled with positive affirmations and advice on spiritual self-care, The Modern Witch’s Guide to Happiness is the perfect handbook to guide you on your magickal journey. Product information: • ISBN: 9781789296419 • Author: Luna Bailey • Publisher: Michael O'Mara Books Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 128 • Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 1.3cm 

Pass your driving test with ease with this comprehensive guide that gives learner drivers the essential information they need to pass both the Theory Test and Practical Test first time.  The AA has an excellent track record with driving test titles and is one of the biggest sellers of books in the genre. The Theory Test, Practical Test & Highway Code features all the official revision theory test questions for car drivers, hundreds of practical test questions set by experts from the AA Driving School and the latest edition of the Highway Code – essential reading for all road users. Explanatory text is included to help learner drivers understand what’s required for every revision question. The Theory Test, Practical Test & Highway Code’s clear and concise layout makes it easy to revise and is a must-buy for anyone learning to drive.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780749583101 • Author: AA Publishing • Publisher:  AA Publishing • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  488 • Dimensions:  20.6 x 4.4 x 14 cm

Discover the ancient language of the universe, decipher its messages and unravel its mysteries - all you need is this book and your own intuitive powers! Has a song ever popped into your head only for you to hear it on the radio a minute later? Does the same sequence of numbers follow you wherever you go? This could be more than a coincidence. The universe is always pointing you in the right direction - all you have to do is heed its whispers. Filled with advice and inspiration, this book will be your essential guide to reading the universe. Complete with fill-in sections to chronicle your experiences, learn how to: Ask for and manifest guidance from the universe, interpret common signs, synchronicities and their meanings and unlock your unconscious and reconnect with your inner voice. It's time to discover your true path and find magic and meaning in the everyday. The cosmos is ready and waiting to guide you in your endeavours. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781837991914 • Author:  Astrid Carvel • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  160 • Dimensions:  15 x 21 x 1.6cm 

From the crime scene to the courtroom, When the Dogs Don't Bark is the remarkable story of a life spent searching for the truth... Never before has criminal justice rested so heavily on scientific evidence. With ever-more sophisticated and powerful techniques at their disposal, forensic scientists have an unprecedented ability to help solve even the most complex cases. Angela Gallop has been a forensic scientist for over 40 years. After joining the Forensic Science Service, the first crime scene she attended was for a case involving the Yorkshire Ripper. As well as working on a wide range of cases in many countries around the world, she is now the most sought-after forensic scientist in the UK, where she has helped solve numerous high-profile cases, including the investigation that finally absolved the Cardiff Three the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path murders, and the killings of Stephen Lawrence, Damilola Taylor, Rachel Nickell and Roberto Calvi. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781473678859 • Author:  Angela Gallop • Publisher:  Hodder Paperbacks • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  368 • Dimensions: 12.8 x 2.6 x 19.6 cm

Is a vegan diet healthier? Should I try going low-carb? Is it always a bad idea to skip a meal? Are superfoods all they're cracked up to be? Is fat still bad for you? Can I eat to improve my chances of conceiving? Science of Nutrition cuts through the noise of conflicting diet advice with clear answers backed up by the very latest research. Recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition, this ground-breaking book has the answers to all your food-related questions, covering every conceivable topic - from gut bacteria to weight management, to heart health and immune support, to vegan diets and intermittent fasting, and everything in between. With an accessible Q&A approach and informative graphics, this nutrition book will debunk popular food myths and diets, redefine nutrition in the modern world, and enable you to make informed decisions that are best suited to you, about what, when, and how to eat. The book's easily digestible and evidence-based advice empowers you to explore the benefits and importance of nutrition, alongside the downright misleading when it comes to the world of food and diet, and to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to assess and enhance your approach to nutrition. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241506462 • Author: Rhiannon Lambert • Publisher: DK • Format: Hardback • Pages: 224 • Dimensions: 26.3 x 22.1 x 2.4cm    

In 1945, Hitler committed suicide in his bunker as the Third Reich collapsed around him and the Red Army swamped Berlin.  This is the story of what happened to Germany between the years 1945 and 1950, a time when a new state arose from the rubble of the Fatherland and Germans were forced to deal with the psychological impact of defeat as well as the terrible guilt of what they had done under Hitler's leadership.  On a practical level, the privations were enormous as starving workers rebuilt the country brick by brick and the black market flourished in every town and city; on a political level, the country was now divided between the Russians, the Americans, the French and the British and the population which had prided itself on being the 'master race' now lived under the rule of their conquerors. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781788881845 • Author:  Paul Roland  • Publisher:  Arcturus • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  192 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 2.1 x 13.1 cm

Achieve a healthy body, mental alertness, and inner serenity through the practice of hatha yoga. Introducing Yoga Your Home Practice Companion, an all-encompassing yoga guide combining step-by-step asanas, detailed illustrations, programmes, mindfulness techniques, diet advice, and recipes together, to achieve optimum health, wellness and mindfulness! In today's fast-paced world it's easy to lose the balance in our lives and the connection with our bodies. DK believes it's time to change that! This wonderful wellness book offers nurturing remedies to the stress and hustle of everyday life within a complete practice and lifestyle guide for students of all abilities. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780241667064 • Author: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre • Publisher:  DK • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  256 • Dimensions: 24 x 2.2 x 20.2 cm

Delve into the human mind and understand the science behind how you and others think and act with this visual guide to applied psychology! Discover what makes you, you - the unique blend of nature and nurture that makes up your sense of who you are - and psychology’s role in relationships, sport, work, and education. Learn about a wide range of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Alongside treatments, from cognitive behavioural therapy and psychoanalysis to group therapy and art therapy.  A fascinating read that will quickly hone your emotional intelligence and give you perceptive insights into both your own and other people's feelings and behaviour - perfect both for students and people new or interested in psychology!  Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241417843 • Author: Jo Hemmings • Publisher: DK • Format: Hardback • Pages: 256 • Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 2.5 cm