The peoples of the British Isles gave to the world the foundations on which modern manufacturing economies are built. This is quite an assertion, but history shows that, in the late eighteenth century, a remarkable combination of factors and circumstances combined to give birth to Britain as the first manufacturing nation. Further factors allowed it to remain top manufacturing dog well into the twentieth century while other countries were busy playing catch up. Through two world wars and t...

At Dunkirk, the withdrawing army left behind most of its equipment, yet only four years later, on D-Day, troops would wonder at the efficiency of supply. This book looks at the lives of some of the men who led the monumental effort which led to this result. The story begins in Victorian south London. It goes out to Portuguese East Africa and then to Malaya, before being caught in the maelstrom of the Great War. Between the wars, its leading characters work at Pilkington, Dunlop and English...

In August 1914, Kitchener's 'Contemptible Little Army' was highly professional but small, equipped with only what they could carry – and they were facing a force of continental proportions, heavily armed and well supplied. The task of equipping the British Army was truly Herculean. Many able men had volunteered to fight in the trenches, and others would soon be called up, so this vital work was to be undertaken by the ordinary men and women left behind. In time, the govern...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated and inspiring winter recipes that you will turn to time and time again.When the winter months come rolling in, we reach for food that is warming and hearty, yet still nourishing and packed full of flavour. Winter cooking is about getting the balance of warm spices, rich flavours, colours and textures just right, whatever the occasion. It is the perfect season to impress your family and friends with hearty, easy to mak...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated Mediterranean recipes that you will turn to time and time again.The Mediterranean region is famous for its deeply delicious food - with dishes full of passion, colour and flavour. Any visit to Italy, Greece, Spain or anywhere the azure-blue sea touches the sun-soaked shore should include long, lazy afternoons indulging in an abundance of seasonal vegetables, nuts, fruits, and aromatic herbs, along with the bittersweet...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated brunch recipes that you will turn to time and time again.Brunch can range from a simple al fresco picnic with friends to a multicourse, all-day affair with paired drinks and elegant table decorations. The way you brunch is entirely up to you and your mood. Unlike a hurried breakfast grabbed on the go or a traditional family lunch, there are no time constraints, rules or expectations - brunch is the easy social meal yo...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated pasta recipes that you will turn to time and time again.Pasta is one of the world's best-loved foods. A traditionally Italian dish, the word pasta, meaning 'paste', refers to a dough made by combining durum wheat flour and semolina with a liquid, usually water, milk or eggs - but variants on pasta are found all around the world. One of the reasons we love pasta is because of the endless meal possibilities that you can...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated recipes to celebrate Christmas that you will turn to time and time again.It's time to light the candles, deck the halls and begin mulling the wine - Christmas is coming. Hosting parties, entertaining guests and sharing food with friends and family is at the heart of the festive season. Whether you are looking for tasty meat, fish and vegetable meals, or fruity salads and decadent desserts, bring the spirit of Christma...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated recipes that you will turn to time and time again.Rice and noodles are the star ingredients of our favourite cuisines from around the world, bringing us the distinctive, nourishing flavours of paella in Spain, biryani in India and pho in Vietnam. Rice and noodles can comfort and soothe, they can pick you up with a burst of fiery energy, and they can elevate the simplest store-cupboard ingredients into something mind-b...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated sweet treat recipes that you will turn to time and time again.Skip ahead to the sweet course with this collection of tempting treats and indulgent sweets. There's a reason why cupcake bars and crumble cafes are popping up on every street corner - because desserts really are the best part of a meal, and few people can resist them. Whether it's a chocolate confection, a perfect fruit pie or a comforting creamy pudding -...

Discover 70 mouthwatering and carefully curated and inspiring teatime recipes that you will turn to time and time again.What better way to celebrate than with a 'proper' afternoon tea - taking time to plan an occasion or to treat friends and family by presenting your loved ones with a delicious selection of flavours, a beautifully laid table and a joyful sense of occasion. From cucumber sandwiches to jam and scones, afternoon tea is the perfect treat, to be enjoyed...

You're going to be a dad!Suddenly, after all the waiting - juggling excitement, fear, pride and trepidation - the big word arrives. It is possibly the biggest news you'll ever receive. Most of us drop our chins to our chests and think, What do I do now?The truth is that there are so many things you can do now that you are a dad! This little book is packed with fun, creative and practical Things to do now that you're a Dad, whether you're a...