Everything you need to know about opera in one handy guide. Part of our best-selling Pocket Guide series, The Pocket Guide to Opera contains A-Z synopses of operas and biographies of the characters, lyricists and composers. The book features the history of opera, setting it in the context of its day and discussing the influence of world events and influences such as the Freemasons and the composers patrons. With factboxes highlighting surprising, little known and often quirky operatic fact...

The author of Food Through the Ages presents a festive overview of Dickens-era Christmas traditions—from decorations and songs to games and recipes.Anna Selby discusses how the Victorians invented many of the Christmas traditions we enjoy today from Christmas trees and cards to carols and Father Christmas himself. Dickens and Prince Albert shaped how many people view the British Christmas, an idea explored in the opening chapter.There is an emphasi...

The author of Victorian Christmas "recounts some of the most fascinating—and disgusting—dishes our ancestors used to eat. . . . A must-buy book for foodies" (Fiona Shoop, author of How to Deal in Antiques).With people's fascination for food increasing, there are more cooking shows and magazines than ever. Medieval banquets are sold-out events and classic recipes and ingredients are back in fashion, which is what this book sets out to explore....

The Victorian Dr. Thomas Allinson founded the famous Allinson bread firm in 1892 and wrote five volumes of medical essays outlining his beliefs that food was an important factor in health. His sage advice was an anathema to his Victorian peers and he was struck off in an age where medicines were made of mercury and arsenic. His outrageous beliefs included exercise being good for health, the need for a work-life balance for better efficiency and health, avoiding tea and coffee in the evenin...

Just 15 minutes a day will work wonders to give you the flat stomach you’ve always wanted!Pilates is well known as one of the best forms of exercise for people who want a longer, leaner physique. In Pilates for a Flat Stomach, expert Anna Selby has selected the specific exercises you need to do to achieve the toned stomach you’ve always dreamed of.Just 15 minutes a day of the low-impact, high energy Pilates exercises that work on your abdominal muscles will not only improve...

This pocket-sized guide to identifying and interpreting metal and ceramic marks has been improved with the addition of the most recent hallmarks, along with details of the new hallmarking system.Do you attend car boot sales or browse in antique shops in search of bargains? Have you ever wished you knew more about grandma’s silver spoon? Do you envy the experts’ ability to identify and date old hand-me-downs? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, Collins Gem Antique Marks ...

America's No. 1 Selling Price GuideFor nearly 30 years, Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles has been the leading source for information on antiques and collectibles. Filled with expert advice, vetted values and 4,500 color photographs, Antique Trader provides the clearest and most dependable picture of this amazingly diverse and magnificent market.Inside you will enjoy a variety of new collecting areas, as well as old favorites. Includi...

“This is a fun and painless way to give yourself a firm grounding in the wide wonderful world of antiques and collectibles.”Kyle Husfloen, Managing Editor, Antique Trader Weekly and Antique Trader’s Antiques & Collectibles Price GuideDo you love to poke around estate sales and antique shops, but can’t tell the difference between Queen Anne and Queen Victoria furniture? Do you dream of owning that old Oriental rug or Meissen figurine — but worry that the dea...

Dennis Prince teams up with antique and collectible expert Lynn Dralle to provide all the information necessary to reap the huge benefits of selling antiques and collectibles on eBay. Written by an eBay Power Seller whose earnings topped $20,000 a month, this book helps you:Research types--and eras--of antiques and collectiblesFind the best merchandiseUse language that gets buyers to pay the most for the seller's itemsPrice strategically. . . and...

Do you dream of a flat stomach, a longer, leaner body and superb posture? Do you wish to improve your overall appearance? Pilates will help you achieve all this – and more.20 Minutes to Master Pilates is a clear introduction to the practice and its background, guiding you through key exercises that benefit both body and mind.Pilates is a disciplined, focused form of exercise, designed to strengthen ligaments and joints, increase flexibility and lengthen the muscles. In this...

The #1 bestseller‘A terrific story, originally told. All hail the new Queen of Crime!’ Heat‘A web of a plot that twists and turns and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. A page-turner, but don’t read it before bed if you’re easily spooked!’ SunYou think you know who to trust? You think you know the difference between good and evil? You’re wrong …The body of the head teacher of an exclusive ...

The girl stared unseeing up to the blue sky. Her mouth was open, as if she was about to speak, to cry for help… but her voice had been silenced forever. When Detective Kim Stone and her team are sent to Westerley, a forensic research facility, they discover the body of a young woman, her mouth filled with soil. But she doesn’t belong there. It seems a killer has discovered the perfect cover for their crime.Kim breaks the devastating news of Jemima’s ...