Before the Industrial Revolution, everyone lived within short walking distance of their workplace. However, all of this has now changed and many people commute large distances to work, often taking around one hour in each direction. We are now used to being stuck in traffic, crammed onto a train, rushing for connecting trains and searching for parking spaces close to the station or our workplace. Commuters explores both the history and present practice of commuting; examining how it has sh...

Judicial hanging is regarded by many as being the quintessentially British execution. However, many other methods of capital punishment have been used in this country; ranging from burning, beheading and shooting to crushing and boiling to death. Execution: A History of Capital Punishment in Britain explores these types of execution in detail. Readers may be surprised to learn that a means of mechanical decapitation, the Halifax Gibbet, was being used in England f...

One of the most influential books on chess ever published – now in digital format. The Tiger is a vicious beast. He doesn't care about the aesthetic side of chess. He doesn't even care about making the 'best' moves. All he cares about is winning.Do you want to win more games? Then become a Tiger. 'Chess for Tigers' tellsyou how to make the most of your playing strength, how to play upon youropponent's weaknesses, how to steer the game into a position which suits you...

"Simon Webb's eminently readable book may draw gasps of horror, disbelief, or disdain . . . a mind-blowing and fascinating journey through history." — On: Yorkshire MagazineAll nations and peoples have a body of legendary tales and semi-historical episodes which explain who they are and help to define their place in the world. The British are no exception, and in this book, Simon Webb explores some of the most well-known episodes from British history; stor...

A look at the surprising nineteenth-century technology that inspires this literary and cultural movement: "I was very impressed by this book." — SF CrowsnestIn recent decades, steampunk has grown from a rather obscure subgenre of science fiction into a striking and distinctive style of fashion, art, design, and even music. It is in the written word, however, that steampunk has its roots—and in this book Simon Webb explores and examines th...

A look at the leader and members of the militant Women's Social and Political Union and their contribution to the rise of fascism during the 1930s.Emmeline Pankhurst is seen today as a valiant champion of democracy, but in the 1930s certain prominent former suffragettes were comparing her to Hitler and Mussolini. It was suggested that Mrs. Pankhurst and her Women's Social and Political Union could be viewed as a proto-fascist movement; an idea likely to strike the m...

What was it like being a teenager in a world without computers, smartphones, DVD players, games consoles or the Internet? Imagine a time when sharing music meant taking a record round to your friend's house; when making a quick phone call could involve queuing outside a red telephone box! This book looks at the fads and fashions, music, hobbies and TV programmes which defined the '70s for many youngsters. If you remember riding a chopper, reading Jackie during the 'Winter ...

Jed Harker wishes for nothing more than to mind his own business while travelling north to Kansas. In the summer of 1861 though, men and women were taking sides all across the United States and Harker finds himself compelled to declare where he stands on slavery. The result is that he finds himself fleeing through the Indian Nations; helping a family of escaping slaves to freedom. With war about to break out, it will be a race against time for Harker and his wards, as they become embroiled...

When Anthony Armstrong returns to his hometown of Parson's End after completing his studies at Harvard, he expects to spend a few quiet weeks lending a hand at his family's farm. When his father is shot, however, he is drawn into a vicious range war. Armstrong longs to return to his studies, but as the body count rises, his chances of ever seeing Harvard again grow fewer by the hour. Matters reach a shattering climax when he is confronted by a ruthless and bloodthirsty band of Comancheros....

Taking you through the year day by day, The Colchester Book of Days contains quirky, eccentric, amusing and important events and facts from different periods in the history of Britain's oldest recorded town. Ideal for dipping into, this addictive little book will keep you entertained and informed. Featuring hundreds of snippets of information gleaned from the vaults of Colchester's archives, it will delight residents and visitors alike.

Discover the secrets of Roman London with this invaluable and lavishly illustrated travel companion that blends history and self-guided walks to explore all visible Roman remains throughout Greater London. Much more than a simple guidebook, Exploring Roman London is an indispensable guide for anyone interested in the early history of England's capital city. In addition to containing information on every site in London where Roman remains can be seen, the history of the foundation of the ci...

Do you remember playing in streets free of traffic? Dancing to the Beatles? Watching a man land on the Moon on TV? Waking up to ice on the inside of the windows? If the answer is yes, then the chances are that you were a child in the 1960s.This delightful compendium of memories will appeal to all who grew up in the East End during the Swinging Sixties. With chapters on games and hobbies, school and holidays, this wonderful volume is sure to jog memories for all who...