Reference Books

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

Ripley's Believe It or Not! is guaranteed to amaze and entertain children and adults alike with its unique blend of weird but true stories and jaw-dropping facts gathered from all over the world. This year... Marvel at the ice caves of Alaska. Find out what very unusual food Icelanders eat at their traditional mid-winter feast. Discover why Lucas the penguin has to wear rubber boots. Hear about the woman who sailed down the Missouri River in a giant hollowed-out pumpkin. And take the 'Funny Bones' test to see whether you can match photographs of skeletons to their animal owners. No Christmas is complete without Ripley's! Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529941203 • Author: Ripley • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Hardback • Pages: 256 • Dimensions: 30.5 x 23.6 x 2.2cm

This book will score a major-league success with sport obsessives and casual fans alike... Any true fan knows that the porcelain umpire’s chair is an ideal place to put your sporting knowledge to the test. This compendium of fun activities and quiz questions will have you spotting the difference at Wembley, finding a lost helmet at Lord’s, and going for gold in Olympic omniscience. From bestselling author and professional brain-teaser Hugh Jassburn, this illustrated puzzle book includes a range of challenges relating to football, rugby, tennis, cricket, athletics, golf, boxing, basketball, rowing, snooker and more. Pit your wits against such quiz questions as these: What is the lowest darts score you can’t achieve with a single dart? In 1981 Muhammad Ali retired from boxing – what was his career record? What is Tiger Woods’ real first name? Who was the first cricket player to score a century and take ten wickets in a test match? What sport has four letters, is played all around the world, and begins with a “t”? Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781786852687 • Author: Hugh Jassburn • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  112 • Dimensions: 14.8 x 1.7 x 14.6 cm

Another year on the Diddly Squat Farm and Jeremy is still knee-deep in mud and endless challenges. Welcome back to Clarkson's Farm. Since taking the wheel three years ago Jeremy's had his work cut out. And it's now clear from hard-won experience that, when it comes to farming, there's only one golden rule: Whatever you hope will happen, won't. Enthusiastic schemes to diversify have met with stubborn opposition from the red trouser brigade, defeat at the hands of Council Planning department, and predictable derision from Kaleb - although, to be fair, even Lisa had doubts about Jeremy's brilliant plan to build a business empire founded on rewilding and nettle soup. And only Cheerful Charlie is still smiling about the stifling amount of red tape that's incoming... But he charges by the hour. Then there are the animals: the sheep are gone; the cows have been joined by a rented bull called Break-Heart Maestro;. the pigs are making piglets; and the goats have turned out to be psychopaths. But despite the naysayers and (sometimes self-inflicted) setbacks, Jeremy remains irrepressibly optimistic about life at Diddly Squat. Because It's hard not to be when you get to harvest blackberries with a vacuum cleaner. And, after all, it shouldn't just be Break-heart Maestro who gets to enjoy a happy ending...  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780241674895 • Author:  Jeremy Clarkson • Publisher:  Michael Joseph • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  192 • Dimensions: 15.2 x 2.6 x 23.6 cm

Dogs communicate with so much more than barks and tail wags. Misreading doggie body language makes life challenging for dogs and their humans. This small but mighty book is your perfect illustrated guide to seeing and understanding the subtle visual cues and interpreting the behaviours used by your beloved pup to express how they’re feeling. The more we notice and listen to what our dogs are trying to tell us, the more we can improve our relationship with our best friends, helping them to feel safe and happy. • Original illustrations help you compare similar facial expressions, body language and gestures • Interpret your dog's cues and learn how your dog uses his ears, eyes, mouth, tail and posture to communicate with you • Spot the signals your dog is trying to give you to tell you they're stressed or conflicted A Dog Lover's Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend Product Information: • ISBN: 9781787837010 • Author: Lili Chin  • Publisher: Summersdale • Format: Hardback • Pages: 128 • Dimensions: 17.53 x 12.19 x 1.65 cm

There's whiskers in the whiskey! Cats love a drink! When you're not looking, your kitty is busy getting liquored up. This book gathers the best photos of cats getting buzzed off booze and looking pawfully pitiful the morning after. And to aid your appreciation, these snaps of sordid and sozzled pussycats have been paired with hilarious captions telling us what their meowing actually means. Bottoms up! Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781800070202 • Author:  Charlie Ellis • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  96 • Dimensions:  14.73 x 1.65 x 14.61 cm

Overall Winner and Winner of Non-Fiction Lifestyle Book of the Year at The British Book Awards 2023! Menopausing is more than just a book, it’s a movement. An uprising. Menopause affects every woman, and yet so many approach it with shame, fear, misinformation or silence. Why is no one talking about this? Who has the correct information? And how can we get it? That’s how this book has come about. We are going to tell you the truth, so you can make an informed decision about your life and your body … mic drop. For too long, women have had to keep quiet about menopause – its onset, its symptoms, its treatments – and what it means for us. Menopausing will build an empowered, supportive community to break this terrible silence once and for all. By exploring and explaining the science, debunking damaging myths, and smashing the taboos around perimenopause and menopause, this book will equip women to make the most informed decisions about their health… and their lives. Menopausing will also celebrate the sharing of stories, enabling women to feel less alone and more understood and talk openly and positively about menopause. No more scaremongering: just evidence-based info, no shame: real women, real menopause stories, real empathy, real community, honest, no-holds-barred advice: Dry vagina? Zero sex drive? Hair loss? We’ve got it covered. The start of a movement: to get everyone talking about menopause in every home, GP surgery and workspace Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008517786 • Author: Davina McCall • Publisher: HQ  • Format: Hardback • Pages: 304 • Dimensions: 24 x 17.6 x 3 cm

Dogs love a drink! When you're not looking, your four-legged friend is busy knocking them back. This book gathers the best photos of dogs getting buzzed off booze and looking pawfully pitiful the morning after. And to add to your amusement, these snaps of hedonistic and hazy hounds have been paired with hilarious captions telling us what their barking is all about. Raise a glass to these howl-raisers! Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781800070219 • Author:  Charlie Ellis • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  96 • Dimensions:  14.73 x 1.65 x 14.61 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

Discover the elemental properties and explosive reactions of iconic DC characters... From Superman, whose powers are enhanced by Earth's yellow sun to The Flash, imbued with the Speed Force, and from Batman's superior human abilities to the mystically empowered Wonder Woman, not to mention the criminal genius of Lex Luthor and The Joker, the DC universe comprises a vast and varied array of heroes and villains.  Whether Atlantean or Amazonian, magical or elemental, technologically augmented or genetically evolved, key and lesser known DC characters are expertly classified in The Periodic Table of DC to illuminate the properties that bind them, the catalysts that created them, the active agents that energize them, and the fundamental forces that underpin the DC Multiverse. With more than 130 character profiles written by a DC expert, beautiful comic book art, and DC's seal of approval, The Periodic Table of DC reveals the fascinating and astonishing connections between the most extraordinary heroes and villains ever created. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780241610619 • Author: DK • Publisher:  DK • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  192 • Dimensions: 15.5 x 1.9 x 21.6 cm

 In this visually glorious chronological history, prolific railroad historian and photographer Brian Solomon curates a selection of the world’s most significant trains and locomotives over the last two centuries. Hop aboard to see trains and locomotives at work in scenic locations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.  Two centuries after iron behemoths first began appearing in Europe and North America, locomotives and trains continue to fascinate folks of all ages. From North American steam and electric-diesel machines designed and built by the likes of Baldwin and General Electric to state-of-the-art electric freight and commuter trains in Europe and Asia, Solomon provides a thorough look at the development of the most famous, most influential, and most technologically advanced trendsetters across more than two centuries, with photography depicting heavy hardware at work in North America, Europe, and Asia. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780760389331 • Author:  Brian Solomon  • Publisher: Motorbooks • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  192 • Dimensions:  22.86 x 2.22 x 28.58 cm

Fully illustrated profiles of Britain's top twelve most legendary racing drivers. The Immortals of British Motor Racing celebrates the UK's greatest ever racing drivers. It profiles the best of the best from over 50 years of Formula 1, the BTCC and the world's classic motorsport events such as Le Mans. Renowned motorsport commentator and writer David Addison selects his top twelve drivers then delves into the careers of the true greats. Legendary racers selected and profiled include pioneers Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart, 1970s and 1980s heroes James Hunt and Nigel Mansell, plus current hero Lewis Hamilton. The book tells the remarkable stories behind each Immortal's rise to the top and the adversity faced through their careers. Product Information:  • ISBN: 9781922662019 • Author: David Addison • Publisher: Gelding Street Press • Format:  Hardcover • Pages: 192 • Dimensions: 25 x 18.4 x 1.8cm

Drawing on the latest neuroscience research, this visual guide makes the hidden workings of the human brain simple to understand.  How the Brain Works begins with an introduction to the brain's anatomy, showing you how to tell your motor cortex from your mirror neurons. Moving on to function, it explains how the brain works constantly and unnoticed to regulate heartbeat and breathing, and how it collects information to produce the experiences of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The chapters that follow cover memory and learning, consciousness and personality, and emotions and communication. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241472224 • Author: DK • Publisher: DK • Format: Hardback • Pages: 224 • Dimensions: 24 x 20.2 x 2.3cm

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 

Answering all your burning scientific questions, from what it means to be alive to why things explode, How Science Works explains science facts throughout amazing diagrams and infographics. Unlock the secrets of the universe, such as whether a robot takeover is possible, and marvel at the surprising simplicity of gravity. Dazzle your friends and family with answers to their everyday science questions such as; why do sirens change pitch as they pass by? How do planes stay in the air? Plus many more! Learn how to explain the mind-boggling concepts that eluded you at school, all the way through to more recent fascinating topics such as the discovery of the Higgs Boson- this really is science made simple. Product Information:• ISBN: 9780241417836• Author: DK• Publisher: DK• Format: Hardback• Pages: 256• Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 2.5cm

Discover everything you need to know about political history and thought, and the inner workings of governments all around the globe! Combining clear, jargon-free language and bold, eye-catching graphics, this book is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to all aspects of politics. Covering everything from political theory to methods of government, the book presents the ideas and theories of key political philosophers, leaders, movements, and activists in a uniquely visual and easy-to-understand way.  A must-have volume for readers seeking a simple and accessible guide to both politics and international relations, as well as students of politics or history, this book covers a wide range of topics, from populism to propaganda, moral leadership to manipulating elections and so much more. In today’s climate, politics is engaging more people than ever before due to access to information via social media, with young influencers such as Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai having incremental followings on platforms such a Instagram and Twitter.  Product Information:  • ISBN: 9780241721209 • Author: DK  • Publisher: DK • Format: Paperback • Pages: 224 • Dimensions: 7.9 x 0.9 x 9.4cm

Welcome to the world of the forensic psychologist, where the people you meet are wildly unpredictable and often frightening. The job: to delve into the psyche of convicted men and women to try to understand what lies behind their often brutal actions. Follow in the footsteps of Kerry Daynes, one of the most sought-after forensic psychologists in the business and consultant on major police investigations. Kerry's job has taken her to the cells of maximum-security prisons, police interview rooms, the wards of secure hospitals and the witness box of the court room. Her work has helped solve a cold case, convict the guilty and prevent a vicious attack. Kerry's frank memoir gives an unforgettable insight into the personal and professional dangers in store for a female psychologist working with some of the most disturbing men and women. Product Information: ISBN: 9781788402170 Author: Kerry Daynes Publisher: Endeavour Format: Paperback Pages: 304 Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.6 x 3 cm

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

The remarkable inside story of how two Hollywood A-listers, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, stunned the football world by buying a non-league club in North Wales. It was one of the most extraordinary takeovers British football has known. In February 2021, Ryan Reynolds joined with Rob McElhenney to buy Wrexham FC, a non-league team in North Wales. Wrexham, a former coal and steel town dealing with its post-industrial legacy, suddenly found itself at the centre of global attention, with broadcast networks around the world descending to discover what was going on. The club became the subject of a smash hit Disney+ docu-series, Welcome to Wrexham. Tinseltown tells the story of this extraordinary, unpredictable and often surreal football takeover and the remarkable events that followed. Written with the full cooperation of Wrexham FC, it is the inside story of what happened when Hollywood met a dot on a map. How a town was transformed when its football club, aspiring only to survive on the fifth rung of the British football ladder, was sprinkled with gold dust and found ambition again. With unique access to key figures, the book charts the club's attempts to climb up the pyramid, providing a vivid sense of what it is like to play for this 'Hollywood' team and the pressure and spotlight that comes with it. Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781035407705 • Author:  Ian Herbert • Publisher:  Headline • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  400 • Dimensions:   16.4 x 3.8 x 23.8 cm

Conspiracy theories are nothing new: history is littered with stories that offer the flipside to the accepted truth, and the cases gathered here cover a wide array of subjects including aliens, secret societies, government, cover-ups and celebrity deaths. Explore intriguing tales that suggest pictures of the moon landing were faked, the world is run my lizards from outer space and much more. Each compelling case covers the facts we think we know, and the theories that have been presented since. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781802420371 • Author: Leo Moynihan • Publisher: Quarto Publishing • Format: Paperback