John Armstrong uses his wry wit and vivid prose to evoke a life immeasurably enriched by one best friend after another. He tells boyhood tales of romping along the railroad tracks with Spooky the mutt, touching accounts of Sluggo the Rottweiler befriending sex workers, howl-inducing memories of laying a treasured friend to rest during a rain- and beer-soaked night, and many more stories both moving and hilarious.John Armstrong is the singer and guitarist for The Mo...

At seventeen, Dot Pickett is young to be taking on the role of trail boss on a cattle drive. But Dot's life has been hard, and he has learnt to be brave, resourceful - and occasionally ruthless. Now he has successfully led a cattle drive from Texas to Kansas and is setting off for home with the bag of gold owed to the Texan ranchers. But Dot has fallen foul of a notorious outlaw family and he knows that they will try to ambush him. Then when Dot goes to the aid of a young woman, the gold d...

Break free of your destructive relationship with money, and learn how money can actually make you happy with How to Worry Less About Money.Our relationship with money is one that lasts a lifetime, yet traditionally books on the subject tend to take one of two routes: a) how to get more, or b) how to deal with less.John Armstrong turns these approaches upside down, and looks not at money itself, but at how we relate to it and the meaning we attach t...

It's 1978 and a non–stop carnival of debauchery begins as the first shock of punk hits Vancouver. Now, in 2022, revisit John Armstrong's pivotal memoir in the 21st anniversary edition of Guilty of Everything.As Buck Cherry – lead singer and guitarist of The Modernettes – Armstrong had himself a front row seat to the frenzy of the 70s and 80s alongside the likes of I Braineater, Joey Shithead, Dimwit, Chuck Biscuits, Mary Jo Kopechne, Art Bergmann and other...

Our relationship with money is one that lasts a lifetime. It can be as important as family life, as competitive as work, and as exciting and secretive as love. Yet books about money tend to take one of two routes: a) how to get more, or b) how to deal with less.This book turns these questions upside down, and looks not at money itself, but at the way we view it. How does money drive us? How does it frighten us? And how can it help us make sense of who we are?Money is too im...

John Armstrong's "The Art of Preserving Health" is a pioneering work in the realm of health literature, presented as an eloquent poem in four books. Through a masterful blend of didactic verse and vivid imagery, Armstrong explores the philosophical and practical aspects of health, drawing on classical sources and contemporary thought. The poem illuminates the essential connection between mind and body, encouraging readers to nurture their well-being through moderation, exercise, and sensib...

In this surreal and captivating narrative of "The Seduction of an English Twat Magnet," John Armstrong takes readers on an introspective journey through the fragmented psyche of Jean, a man grappling with Dissociative Identity Disorder. This disorder, characterized by depersonalization and derealization, blurs the lines between reality and the myriad personalities that dwell within him.Set against the backdrop of European night trains and the magical light of the South of France, J...

In Arthur Ransome's charming tale of childhood adventure, Secret Water, four children are pretending to be savages approaching an outpost of the civilized world.'What is civilization?' asks Bridget, the youngest.'Ices,' explains her brother, 'and all that sort of thing.'It is probably the briefest definition of the term on record in English, though it doesn't quite do justice to the grand idea of civilization. But if it isn't ices then what exactly is

First Published in 1981, The Idea of Holiness and the Humane Response is a radically innovative book, presenting a critical appraisal of the concept of holiness and its effects. It offers a view of holiness far less favourable than the traditional one, yet its conclusions are by no means purely critical or negative. For it sees certain other elements in Hebrew thought as marvelously rich and fertile, insistently reasserting themselves, but repeatedly overwhelmed by an opposed and ...

The School of Life offers radical ways to help us raid the treasure trove of human knowledge' Independent on SundayFriedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher, poet and cultural critic. He is best known for his controversial idea of 'life affirmation' that challenged traditional morality and all doctrines. Born in 1844 outside Leipzig, Germany, his teachings inspired people in all walks of life, from dancers and poets to psychologists and social revolutionaries. Here you ...

In "The Art of Preserving Health: A Poem," John Armstrong combines poetic grace with didactic purpose, exploring the essential relationship between health and well-being in the 18th century. This work melds intricate verse with Enlightenment thought, reflecting the era's burgeoning interest in medical science and preventative health. Armstrong's lyrical style is characterized by vivid imagery and a conversational tone, inviting readers into a discourse on the virtues of moderation, diet, a...

"The Life and Letters of the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A" by John Armstrong is a compelling biography that delves into the life of a dedicated clergyman and scholar. Through a collection of letters and personal reflections, the book paints a vivid portrait of Mortimer's character, his spiritual journey, and his contributions to the church and community. Armstrong's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring to life the challenges and triumphs faced by Mortimer, making it a signif...