"Cups and Their Customs" by M. D. Henry Porter and George Edwin Roberts explores the rich history and cultural significance of cups throughout various societies. The authors delve into the evolution of cup designs, materials, and uses, highlighting how these vessels have played a crucial role in rituals, celebrations, and daily life. Through detailed illustrations and engaging narratives, the book invites readers to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind these seemingly simple ob...

In "The Two Angry Women of Abingdon," Henry Porter explores the intricate dynamics of power, gender, and social injustice in a richly detailed Elizabethan setting. Written in a style that echoes the vibrant dialogue and satirical edge of Shakespearean drama, the play encapsulates the essence of human emotion while illuminating the absurdities of societal norms. Porter's narrative skillfully intertwines humor with tragedy, playing on the tensions between authority and rebellion as the titul...

A masterclass in espionage thriller fiction from the heir to John le Carre for fans of Mick Herron, Charles Cumming and David McCloskey. Meet 'a female agent for our times', disgraced MI5 operative Slim Parsons.'SURPRISING, ENGROSSING, WITH A BLAZING MORAL ENERGY' Rory Stewart'READS LIKE IT WAS DRAWN FROM TODAY'S HEADLINES' Paul Vidich'ONE OF BRITAIN'S FINEST SPY WRITERS' Daily Mail**Slim Parsons is all but ...

'A timeless ripping espionage yarn' Sunday Times Thriller of the MonthEx-MI6 officer Paul Samson has been tasked with secretly guarding a gifted young woman, Zoe Freemantle. He is just beginning to tire of the job when he is attacked in the street by a knifeman. It's clear the target is on his back not hers. What he doesn't know is who put it there.At that moment, his mentor, the MI6 legend Robert Harland lies dead on a remote st...

Cups and Their Customs is a fascinating exploration into the rich history, traditions, and social significance of drinking vessels and the beverages they contain. First published in the 19th century, this book delves into the customs surrounding cups, goblets, and other drinking vessels across various cultures and eras. The authors, George Edwin Roberts and Henry Porter, take readers on a journey from ancient times to their contemporary Victorian society, examining how cups have played a c...

From internationally bestselling author who is “filling the gap left by Len Deighton and John le Carre” (Evening Standard) comes a propulsive espionage thriller for fans of Mick Herron, Daniel Silva, and Olen Steinhauer. Meet disgraced MI5 agent Slim Parsons, a character who - like Lisbeth Salander - will sear your soulSlim Parsons is all but burned. When her last deep-cover job for MI5 ended with a life-and-death struggle on a private jet, she went on the...

As East Germany collapses, a former Stasi agent is caught in the crossfire of international espionage in this "tour de force on par with John le Carré" ( Library Journal, starred review).Winner of the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger AwardSeptember 1989. In the tense final days before the fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germany's Communist government is on the brink of collapse. Even the Stasi, once a notoriously fearsome intel...

A corrupt prime minister uses current anti-terror laws to Orwellian extremes in this “sophisticated, engrossing, and important political thriller” (The Washington Post).In a near-future England, there are still concerns about terrorism, the press is still feisty, and the prime minister is about to call a general election. But unknown even to most government officials, new technology and anti-terror laws have been used to establish unprecedented control ove...

'An espionage master' Charles CummingA terrifying plot to unleash destruction in London. A very unlikely spy. The countdown has begun...Constantine Lindow is waiting for his brother Eamonn outside a central London tube station when a bus turns into the street and explodes. The next day Con is arrested as the prime suspect for the bombing.Con is determined to prove his innocence, but the only way he can do that is to find the real bo...

"Cups and Their Customs" by M. D. Henry Porter and George Edwin Roberts is an engrossing look at the diverse and interesting world of cups across countries and times. In this collaborative book, the writers investigate the historical, cultural, and metaphorical value of cups, revealing the conventions that surround these ordinary objects. The book takes readers on a tour across several civilizations, looking at how cups have played an important role in rituals, rites, and everyday life. Fr...

**“A spy yarn full of suspense, action, unexpected plot twists, and the fascinating detail of covert spy operations where everyone is a liar, even the good guys. Porter has the deft touch of a spy handler, manipulating the plot with skill and never letting up on the risk, tension and uncertainty.”—**Publishers WeeklyRobert Harland ended his career as a British spy in an Austrian hospital, after being tortured and beaten by Czech security agents in the last...

The ex-MI6 agent is on the run as he uncovers a deadly conspiracy reaching back to the days of Cold War espionage in this acclaimed thriller series.Former MI6 agent Paul Samson is shadowing a young woman around London for a private security company. Though the brilliant Zoe Freemantle is intriguing, the work is a bit dull—until Samson is almost killed by a thuggish assassin. When other people connected to Paul come under attack, including legendary spy Robert Harla...