It’s Camilla’s first day back at work, her daughter’s first day at nursery. But husband Luke is nowhere to be seen. The only trace of him is an unfinished note. Camilla tries to put it out of her mind; there must be a rational explanation.Then it starts.Breaking news: there's a hostage situation developing in London. The police arrive: Luke is caught up in it.But he isn't a hostage. Luke - doting father, successful writer, enthusiastic runner and eternal optimist - is the gun...
Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone. For too long, Africa’s history has been dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, or simply ignored. Now, award-winning journalist and broadcaster Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight. In this fascinating book, Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history – from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires, to the miseries of conquest and th...
Inspector Maigret’s wife has fallen ill during their seaside holiday at Les Sables-d’Olonne. When he visits her in the hospital, he receives a strange note instructing him to see a patient in another ward. Soon he finds himself unexpectedly drawn into a quest to find justice for a young girl – and confronting an evil that is hidden in plain sight.
I love you . . . but what if I can't love your life?Ava is sick of online dating. She's always trusted her own instincts over an algorithm, anyway, and she wants a break from it all. So when she signs up to a semi-silent, anonymous writing retreat in glorious Italy, love is the last thing on her mind.Until she meets a handsome stranger. . . All she knows is that he's funny, he's kind and - she soon learns - he's great in bed. He's equally smitten, and after a whirlwind, intox...
I’ve lost it :(The only thing in the world I wasn’t supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It’s been in Magnus’s family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I’ve lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate, Poppy.Stay positive!! :)A couple of glasses of bubbly with the girls and Poppy’s life has gone into meltdown. Not only has she lost her engagement ring, but in the panic that followed, she’s lost her phone too. When she spots an ab...
NO GREATER FRIENDEvan Smoak is the guy you want on your side. A former government black ops assassin, he'll be there for you in your darkest hour - and he'll rain hell and thunder on those who caused your pain.NO WORSE ENEMYA lone wolf operator, Evan can't afford to lose any of the few people he likes and trusts. But when Tommy Stojack, Evan's loyal, long-time gunsmith and armourer, betrays him, it's war.Because a good assassin keeps his friends close, but his weapons close...
Lift the flaps and join in the fun with Rod Campbell's classic, Dear Zoo, with bright, bold artwork and a whole host of favourite animals.'I wrote to the zoo to send me a pet . . .'Young children will love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent – a monkey, a lion and even an elephant! But will they ever manage to send the perfect pet?Rod Campbell's classic lift-the-flap book has been a firm favourite with toddlers and parents alike ever since it was first ...
It is the late 1980s, the closing years of Thatcher’s Britain. For the Trainspotting crew, a new era is about to begin – a time for hope, for love, for raving.Leaving heroin behind and separated after a drug deal gone wrong, Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Begbie each want to feel alive. They fill their days with sex and romance and trying to get ahead; they follow the call of the dance floor, with its promise of joy and redemption.Sick Boy starts an intense relationship with Aman...
The Jedi are reeling from Qui-Gon Jinn’s sudden death at the hands of a Sith. Jedi Master Mace Windu’s feelings about Qui-Gon have always been complicated, and have not been made any simpler in death. While they often disagreed, Mace valued Qui-Gon's unique perspective, and their shared dedication to the Force made them allies. Without Qui-Gon and his unorthodox views, Mace feels out of balance.While considering his fallen friend’s legacy, Mace is surprised to receive a final...
When a new NASA satellite detects evidence of an astonishingly rare object buried deep in the Arctic ice, the floundering space agency proclaims a much-needed victory...a victory that has profound implications for U.S. space policy and the impending presidential election.With the Oval Office in the balance, the President dispatches White House Intelligence analyst Rachel Sexton to the Arctic to verify the authenticity of the find. Accompanied by a team of experts, including t...
ONE OF THE GREATEST AMERICAN NOVELS EVER WRITTENWINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION'No one forgets this book'Independent'One of the best first novels I remember ... uniquely unsentimental'Guardian'There is humour as well as tragedy in this book, besides its faint note of hope for human nature; and it is delightfully written'Sunday Times'A rare literary phenomenon'VogueThe iconic modern classic and coming-of-age novel exploring racism in the American South.'Shoot all the ...
It's all gone wrong with the man Lottie thought was Mr Right. Then out of the blue she gets a call from her first love. She decides it must be Fate, and rushes off to marry him and rekindle their sizzling Greek island romance.Lottie's older sister can't believe she's doing something so crazy. No more Ms Nice Sister, she's stopping this marriage. Right away! And she'll go to any lengths to do so...
From the empty pools of 1960s Los Angeles to today's Olympic skateparks, skateboarding has fostered a vibrant street culture that is visually striking yet often misunderstood.In this definitive illustrated guide, trace the evolution of skateboarding from the very first boards to a thriving industry defined by iconic brands and distinctive styles. Through never-before-seen photography, and exclusive access to designs from top artists, learn how skateboarding has become a livin...
"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham LincolnCongratulations dear, you're 60 years young! Take the plunge and realize some of those lifelong dreams. You now have the experience and wisdom to accomplish anything you set your mind to. Whether it's getting that tattoo you've always wanted, learning to line dance, or writing poetry, it's time to live life outside the comfort zone. You might surprise yourself. This book will help you th...
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert EinsteinCongratulations! You're 50. Make all the days in your life count. This is the real thing, not a trial run, so grab life by the horns! You're halfway to a century, you have the experience and wisdom to accomplish anything you set your mind to. Whether it's learning to salsa, indulging your skin in a bath of donkey's milk, or sand su...
Grumpy, small-town barber + hopelessly romantic runaway bride = great big bust ups, all the tension and lots of steamy encounters!Escaping her seemingly perfect wedding, Naomi Witt arrives in rough-around-the-edges Knockemout, Virginia, running to the rescue of her estranged twin, Tina. Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn't changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi's car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected: the 11-year-old niece she didn't know she had.N...
Unveil the enigma of one of fashion's most legendary figures with The Little Guide to Lagerfeld, a fascinating look into the world of the iconic designer, whose visionary work transformed the fashion landscape and whose persona became synonymous with innovation, style and uncompromising excellence.From his early beginnings in Hamburg to his meteoric rise in Paris, Lagerfeld's journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Discover how his unparalleled creativity and relentless w...
Prepare to be thoroughly enchanted - and perhaps, ever so slightly scandalized - by this little book, crafted to indulge your every curiosity about the ton's most illustrious family. Step beyond the glittering chandeliers and velvet-clad ballrooms to uncover whispered secrets, unforgettable quotes, and fascinating truths that bring our beloved Bridgertons - and those who dare cross their path - to life. With over 82 million households captivated by its charms, Bridgerton is t...
It can feel like there's not much joy in the world at the moment, but this charming little book is the perfect antidote. Packed with the positivity needed to brighten your day, designed to inspire, motivate and bring a smile to your face, making it the perfect companion for anyone seeking a bit of daily cheer. With pearls of wisdom and timeless advice from the world's greatest thinkers, writers and leaders, this tiny tome is full of joyous insight and uplifting affirmations t...
In a world that feels ever more hurried and disjointed, the idea of ikigai - the reason for being - shines out like a beacon of hope. Rooted in Japanese culture and closely associated with the people of Okinawa, a so-called 'Blue Zone' where residents live incredibly long and, more importantly, fulfilling lives, the true meaning of ikigai is hard to pin down, with many interpretations and wider applications depending on your definition. At its core, however, is a belief that ...
'Prime Minister Churchill, the Witches of Britain are at your service . . .'1940, and war rages across Europe. The future looks bleak. But now, emerging from the shadows, the Royal Academy of Witches offers its help. And so it is tasked with finding an ancient artefact that, were it to fall into Nazi hands, would help Hitler fulfil his twisted Aryan dream . . .Stubborn, plain-spoken and from an unimpressive family, Lydia Polk never expected to be chosen to work under Isadora ...
Felicity has moved to London for three reasons: to improve her English, do a secretarial course and meet new friends.Then Oliver steps into her life, the most fascinating man she has ever met. A man who lives on a barge, and whose hobbies include mudlarking for hidden treasures along the river Thames.Soon Felicity finds herself captivated by him, mudlarking with alongside him all while pursuing her dreams of becoming an artist - she’s rapidly falling for him.But will Felicity...
Welcome to the party of the year.You’ve been invited to an exclusive, luxury event in Norway, hosted by a billionaire. Your moment has finally arrived. But you’re not going for the canapes and champagne. You’re going for revenge.Where anything is possible.You’ve spent months preparing for this moment. Because you know that beneath the host’s polished public persona, he’s a vicious killer who has murdered several innocent people, including your sister.Even murder...Then a gues...
W pobliżu Olesna zostają znalezione zwłoki Klary Rzędzińskiej, uważanej przez okolicznych mieszkańców za wiedźmę. Prowadzący śledztwo podkomisarz Jaworek prosi o pomoc przyjaciela, policjanta z Katowic, Radosława Konora, który na miejsce zbrodni przybywa razem z profilerką Anastazją Stec. Wkrótce okazuje się, że obecność funkcjonariuszki, bliźniaczo podobnej do denatki, nie jest przypadkowa. Mimo to zmagająca się z amnezją kobieta, nie ma pojęcia, kim jest ofiara. Rozpoczęte ...
Książka jest dokumentem piśmienniczym, obszernym zazwyczaj zapisem wszelkiej ludzkiej myśli. Występuje w postaci wielostronicowej publikacji o określonej liczbie stron i trwałym charakterze.
Postać dzisiejszej książki drukowanej ma formę kodeksu będącego zbiorem kartek połączonych grzbietem. Taki sposób utrwalania zapisu w momencie upowszechnienia pergaminu zastąpił wcześniejszą formę dokumentu piśmienniczego, jakim był zwój.
Według definicji Słownika języka polskiego PWN książka jest złożonym oraz oprawionym arkuszem papieru zadrukowanym tekstem o charakterze literackim, użytkowym bądź naukowym. Jednak współcześnie definicja ta powinna zostać poszerzona o książki elektroniczne będące cyfrowym odpowiednikiem tych drukowanych. Do książek elektronicznych zaliczane są zarówno ebooki, jak i audiobooki. Treść utrwaloną w formie elektronicznej można odczytać za pomocą odpowiedniego oprogramowania na laptopach, tabletach, smartfonach, a przede wszystkim na przeznaczonych do tego celu czytnikach.
E-książki odgrywają bardzo dużą rolę. Podjęty jakiś czas temu proces digitalizacji książek umożliwia dostęp do światowych zasobów wiedzy znacznie większej liczbie osób. Zbiory ksiąg to niepodważalne światowe dziedzictwo kultury, jednak ze względu na ograniczoną możliwość szybkiego dostępu do przechowywanych w księgozbiorach publikacji, a także brak możliwości jakiegokolwiek dostępu do dzieł o znacznej wartości historycznej proces digitalizacji daje szansę na udostępnianie światowych dzieł szerokiej masie odbiorców.
Okładka to wszystko, co zostało od zewnątrz trwale złączone ze znajdującym się w środku wkładem. Składa się z przedniej i tylnej okładziny (potocznie zwanej okładką), a także z grzbietu okładki. To właśnie okładka definiuje i określa ostateczny wygląd książki, gdyż determinuje między innymi sposób, w jaki łączą się ze sobą wszystkie kartki i jaka jest wewnętrzna budowa książki. Oprawy mogą być miękkie, twarde czy też zintegrowane – różnią się przede wszystkim wielkością, wagą, wytrzymałością oraz ceną. Przykładowo książki w twardej oprawie są większe, cięższe, bardziej wytrzymałe i droższe od tych w miękkiej.