International bestseller Bill Bryson brings us this brilliantly readable biography of the world’s greatest playwright, William Shakespeare.Join Bill as he takes you on a journey through Elizabethan England, tackling the myths, half-truths and downright lies to make sense of the man behind the masterpieces.Revel in this glorious celebration of the life of Shakespeare from the much-loved author of ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ and ‘Notes from a Small Island’. Read more

'A brilliant, scholarly, sharp and witty account of our weird eternal obsession with the end times... So enjoyable, that I didn't want it to end - the world, or the book.’ – Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived'Everything Must Go will make you happy to be alive and reading – until the lights go out . . . Brilliant' – The SpectatorA riveting and brilliantly original exploration of our fantasies of the end of the world, from Mary Shelley's The Last Man to Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron, by the Baillie Gifford and Orwell prize-shortlisted writer and co-host of the podcast 'Origin Story'.For two millennia, Christians have looked forward to the end, haunted by the apocalyptic visions of the Biblical books of Daniel and Revelation. But for two centuries or more, these dark fantasies have given way to secular stories of how the world, our planet, or our species (or all of the above) might come to an end.Dorian Lynskey's fascinating book explores the endings that we have read, listened to or watched over the last two dozen decades, whether they be by the death and destruction of a nuclear holocaust or collision with a meteor or comet, devastating epidemic or takeover by robots or computers.The result is nothing less than a cultural history of the modern world, weaving together politics, history, science, high and popular culture in a book that is uniquely original, grippingly readable and deeply illuminating about both us and our times.'I was blown away by this book... Lynskey is one of the best non-fiction writers around.' – Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland'Impossibly epic, brain-expanding, life-affirming and profound. You’ll never see humanity the same way again.' – Ian Dunt, author of How Westminster Works . . . and Why It Doesn't Read more

With half a million copies in print, How to Read a Book is the best and most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader, completely rewritten and updated with new material. A CNN Book of the Week: “Explains not just why we should read books, but how we should read them. It's masterfully done.” –Farheed ZakariaOriginally published in 1940, this book is a rare phenomenon, a living classic that introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them—from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. Readers will learn when and how to “judge a book by its cover,” and also how to X-ray it, read critically, and extract the author’s message from the text. Also included is instruction in the different techniques that work best for reading particular genres, such as practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy and social science works. Finally, the authors offer a recommended reading list and supply reading tests you can use measure your own progress in reading skills, comprehension, and speed. Read more

From bestselling author Bill Bryson comes this compelling short biography of William Shakespeare, our greatest dramatist and poet.Examining centuries of myths, half-truths and downright lies, Bill Bryson makes sense of the man behind the masterpieces. As he leads us through the crowded streets of Elizabethan England, he brings to life the places and characters that inspired Shakespeare’s work. Along the way he delights in the inventiveness of Shakespeare’s language, which has given us so many of the indispensable words and phrases we use today, and celebrates the Bard’s legacy to our literature, culture and history.Drawing together information from a vast array of sources, this is a masterful account of the life and works of William Shakespeare, one of the most famous and most enigmatic people ever to have lived – not to mention a classic piece of Bill Bryson. Read more

Character Development Journal A useful journal for both beginner and experienced writiers to create realistic characters in novels, short stories and plays. Detailed prompts allow authors to record infomation on all their characters including:Personal Details (Name, Age, Education Levels)Appearance and Physical CharacteristicsDetails on the characters relationships, friends and familyPersonalityTraits and InterestsMiscellaneous SectionAlso contains top tips on creating characters for both beginners and experienced authors alike!Large 8.5'' by 11'' Book Space for 50 Characters (2 Pages per Character)See my Author Page for Other Designs and Books Read more

Book lovers! Here is the reading journal youve always wanted. At last, a place to record the books you've read!This sleek journal provides plenty of room to record details of your reading experiences.It also provides space to jot down titles you'd like to read next.Includes pages to list books borrowed, lent, or given (even a place to list books you'd like to give), your book sources, and book group contact information.Also includes lists of acclaimed authors and titles to inspire future reading choices and a section devoted to your reading life.Contents include: IntroductionMy Book Log: Pages TurnedBooks I'd Like to Read: My Reading Wish ListMy Books: Books Bought, Borrowed, Lent, and GivenBook Group Info: Friends and Fellow ReadersAcclaimed Authors and Books: Inspiration for Future ReadingMy Reading LifePortable size: 11.4 cm wide x 19.1 cm high. Take it with you to the bookstore or library!Removable cover bandBinding lies flat for ease of use.216 pages Read more

Invigorate your reading life with 25 unique challenges and reward yourself with 25 bookish surprises!This delightful collection of 25 challenges and rewards inspires bookworms to engage with their reading life in a fresh new way. Each pocket inside this portfolio challenges readers to a bookish challenge. Once the reader completes a challenge, they can open the pocket to claim their prize. This one-size-fits-all gift is appropriate for readers of all ages, genres, and abilities. Bibliophiles are encouraged to: Read personally Re-read a book you loved as a child. Ask a family member what book has made a lasting impression on them. Find and read that book. Read compassionately Read a book that features an indigenous person. Read a book about a person with a disability. Read broadly Visit your local bookstore and ask a bookseller to recommend a book based on your recent favorites. Read in a place you've never read before. Engage creatively Make (or order) a snack or meal described in a book you've read. Write a letter to someone who has influenced your reading life. Prizes are all thoughtfully curated to supplement the reading life and include: A laser-engraved wooden bookmark Bookish greeting cards Coffee cup sleeve Book darts A mini notebook And much more! Read more

Keep track of your reading journey with our reading book log tracker! This tracker is the perfect tool for anyone who loves to read, and wants to keep track of their progress and the books they've read.With space to record important information such as book title, author, date started, and date finished, you'll have a complete record of your reading journey. The tracker also includes a section for rating the books you've read.So why wait? Order your reading book log tracker today and start keeping track of your reading journey. With its durable cover, high-quality paper, and convenient size, you'll be able to keep your tracker with you wherever you go, so you're always prepared to record your reading experiences.Features:• 8.5 inches x 11 inches• 120 pages• Printed on Quality Paper• Soft Matte Cover Read more

***A Waterstones Best Books of 2022 pick***'A unique, funny picture of Britain... A love letter to bookshops and the vagaries of public transport.' Richard Osman'Ince's love of books is infectious.' 'Books of the Year', IndependentWhy play to 12,000 people when you can play to 12? In Autumn 2021, Robin Ince's stadium tour with Professor Brian Cox was postponed due to the pandemic. Rather than do nothing, he decided instead to go on a tour of over a hundred bookshops in the UK, from Wigtown to Penzance; from Swansea to Margate.Packed with witty anecdotes and tall tales, Bibliomaniac takes the reader on a journey across Britain as Robin explores his lifelong love of bookshops and books - and also tries to find out just why he can never have enough of them. It is the story of an addiction and a romance, and also of an occasional points failure just outside Oxenholme. Read more

*Longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize*In late eighteenth-century London, a group of extraordinary people gathered around a dining table once a week.The host was Joseph Johnson, publisher and bookseller and he was joined at dinner by a shifting constellation of great minds including William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, Henry Fuseli, Anna Barbauld and Mary Wollstonecraft.Johnson's years as a maker of books saw profound change in Britain and abroad. In this remarkable portrait of a revolutionary age, Daisy Hay captures a changing nation through the stories of the men and women who wrote it into being, and whose ideas still influence us today.'Rich in period and personal detail' Guardian'Hugely engrossing' Sunday Times Read more

The perfectly uplifting romantic read from TOP 50 bestselling author Freya KennedyThe world is waiting...but just outside of your comfort zone.Jo Campbell is perfectly content in a perfectly structured life.Nothing ever changes in Jo’s life, and she likes it that way.Or at least, she tells herself she does.Most of the time, she manages to push down the tiny voice that tells her to chase her dream and maybe, just maybe, open her battered and bruised heart up to love.But to chase her dreams she needs to take chances that are way out of her comfort zone and learn to not put other people’s happiness above her own.Most of all she has to learn to trust her heart, which may just be the biggest challenge of all.A sweepingly gorgeous tale of finding one's self and having hope. If you enjoy Holly Martin, Christie Barlow, and Mhairi McFarlane you'll love Freya Kennedy.Praise for Freya Kennedy:'A lovely escape that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Just what’s needed at the moment' #1 bestseller, Jane Fallon'What a lovely story! I can't wait to return to Ivy Lane' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'Love this Author, she hasn't disappointed me yet' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'Absolutely fantastic, I couldn't put it down!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'Absolutely beautiful series of Ivy Lane stories. I cried and laughed!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'Great characters, empowering women. With love stories woven in across generations. An easy uplifting read, would happily recommend to all' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review Read more

With half a million copies in print, How to Read a Book is the best and most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader, completely rewritten and updated with new material. A CNN Book of the Week: “Explains not just why we should read books, but how we should read them. It's masterfully done.” –Farheed ZakariaOriginally published in 1940, this book is a rare phenomenon, a living classic that introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them—from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. Readers will learn when and how to “judge a book by its cover,” and also how to X-ray it, read critically, and extract the author’s message from the text. Also included is instruction in the different techniques that work best for reading particular genres, such as practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy and social science works. Finally, the authors offer a recommended reading list and supply reading tests you can use measure your own progress in reading skills, comprehension, and speed. Read more

Anxious about the apostrophe? Confused by the comma? Stumped by the semicolon? Join Lynne Truss on a hilarious tour through the rules of punctuation that is sure to sort the dashes from the hyphens.We all had the basic rules of punctuation drilled into us at school, but punctuation pedants have good reason to suspect they never sank in. ‘Its Summer!’ screams a sign that sets our teeth on edge. ‘Pansy’s ready’, we learn to our considerable interest (‘Is she?’) as we browse among the bedding plants.It is not only the rules of punctuation that have come under attack but also a sense of why they matter. In this runaway bestseller, Lynne Truss takes the fight to emoticons and greengrocers’ apostrophes with a war cry of ‘Sticklers unite!’ Read more

From Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby to Shelley's Frankenstein, The Literature Book documents the greatest literature ever written. Featuring over 100 best-selling books, plays and poetry from all over the world, including Latin American and African fiction, The Literature Book encompasses celebrated masterpieces from the most renowned authors to have ever lived. Stunning images and inspirational quotes jump out from the pages, as detailed plot summaries and helpful context bring the timeless works of literature to life. The book also offers a deeper look into the famed fiction of Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and more, as in-depth literary criticism and interesting authorial biographies give each work of literature a new meaning. In The Literature Book, the world's most iconic literature and greatest writers come together for a fascinating journey through time that is a must-have for any literature student or fan of fiction. Read more

Published posthumously in 1964, A Moveable Feast remains one of Ernest Hemingway's most beloved works. Since Hemingway's personal papers were released in 1979, scholars have examined and debated the changes made to the text before publication. Now this new special restored edition presents the original manuscript as the author prepared it to be published. Featuring a personal foreword by Patrick Hemingway, Ernest's sole surviving son, and an introduction by the editor and grandson of the author, Seán Hemingway, this new edition also includes a number of unfinished, never-before-published Paris sketches revealing experiences that Hemingway had with his son Jack and his first wife, Hadley. Also included are irreverent portraits of other luminaries, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ford Madox Ford, and insightful recollections of his own early experiments with his craft. Sure to excite critics and readers alike, the restored edition of A Moveable Feast brilliantly evokes the exuberant mood of Paris after World War I and the unbridled creativity and enthusiasm that Hemingway himself experienced. In the world of letters it is a unique insight into a great literary generation, by one of the best American writers of the twentieth century. Read more

A darkly comic and moving memoir on what it means to be human in a world where nothing is certain, from the award-winning Oxford professor.‘A book that will stay with you for life’NATALIE HAYNES‘The best book about multiple sclerosis’THE TIMESWe all have trapdoors in our lives. Sometimes we jump off just in time... But sometimes we are unlucky. My own trapdoor was hidden in the consulting room of an Oxford neurologist.When the trapdoor opened for Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, he plummeted into a world of MRI scans, a disobedient body and the crushing unpredictability of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. But, as he explores in Metamorphosis, his fall also did something else. It took him deep into his own mind: his hopes, his fears, his loves and losses, and the books that would sustain, inform and nourish him as his life began to transform in ways he could never have imagined.‘A pitch-perfect memoir… touchingly honest and darkly funny’JACQUELINE WILSON‘An outstanding feat… Riveting’SUNDAY TIMES Read more

The Complete Polysyllabic Spree is Nick Hornby's wickedly funny journey through readingThis is not a book of reviews. This is not a book that sneers at other books. This is a book about reading - about enjoying books wherever and however you find them.Nick Hornby, author of the bestsellers About a Boy and Fever Pitch - takes us on a hilarious and perceptive tour through the books he bought, the books he read and his thoughts on literature. He is first and foremost a reader and he approaches books like the rest of us: hoping to pick up one he can't put down. The Complete Polysyllabic Spree is a diary of sorts, charting his reading life over two years. It is a celebration of why we read - its pleasures, its disappointments and its surprises. And above all, it is for you - the ever hopeful reader.For fans of Bill Bryson and Stephen Fry, and for bookworms everywhere, this witty, passionate book will make you cherish the world of letters anew. 'An engaged and engaging ramble around one reader's mind' The Times'Not only does it make you want to read more but, like all great books, it's also terrific company' Metro'For anyone whose idea of a good time is arguing with friends about their favourite books...amusing and contagiously enthusiastic' Big Issue Read more

An enchanting, standalone, modern rom-com inspired by Jane Austen’s EMMA, about a matchmaking young woman whose heart may be in the right place… some of the time.Emmeline – Em to her friends – has very little to vex her, except that she hasn’t left her beloved home, Midwynter Hall, in over two years.But her isolation doesn’t stop her interfering in the lives of others, particularly when it comes to love. As a romance writer, Emmeline obviously knows what she’s doing, increasingly plotting real-life matches rather than fictional ones.When best friend Polly gets mixed up with the wrong sort of man, Emmeline has no choice but to swoop to the rescue. And when old family friend Jordi seeks solace after women and work troubles, Emmeline has the perfect solution. You see, everything she’s written lately – pairing up lovelorn locals – has somehow (maybe magically) come true. So, if she pens a tale about Polly and Jordi despite their many protests, they’ll thank her eventually, once they’re blissfully happy together.But no one is more surprised than Emmeline when she finds she wants to write herself into the story. Because as it turns out, believing you’ve never been in love, doesn’t mean you’ve never (unknowingly) given your heart away…Praise for Lottie Cardew:‘Absolutely beautiful. The whole story has immense warmth and heart’ Being Anne‘I adored it! Romantic, charming and touching, a warm hug of a book’ Portobello Book Blog‘Completely lived up to my expectations and beyond’ Herding Cats‘Truly magical’ This Hannah Reads A charming and delightful read, gripped me from start to finish’ Ginger Book Geek ‘Intriguing, enchanting and whimsical, I loved it’ Novel Kicks‘Oh my goodness! This book. It was absolutely perfect’ @Curlygrannylovestoread ‘Completely stole my heart’ Curled up with a Good Book Read more

Available now in paperback from the world's bestselling author - A collection of passionate, true stories about the power of reading.'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD_________________________________To be a bookseller or librarian . . .You have to play detective.Be a treasure hunter. A matchmaker. A brilliant listener.A person who creates a kind of magic by pulling a book from a shelf, handing it to someone and saying, 'You've got to read this. You're going to love it'.In this love letter to the heroes of literacy, James Patterson uncovers true stories from booksellers and librarians. Prepare to enter a world where you can feed your curiosities, discover new voices, and find whatever you need.Meet the smart and talented people who live between the shelves - and who can't wait to help you find your next great read._________________________________MORE PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL'Patterson is in a class by himself' GUARDIAN Read more