Michelangelo’s nude drawings are celebrated for their depiction of the heroic figure. Emanating exceptional strength, monumentality, and vigorous emotions, his nudes became the standard bearers for centuries of figure drawing. This book examines the legacy of that ideal, through highly engaging texts and luminous reproductions of drawings, prints, and sculptures. In addition to key works by Michelangelo—including drawings for the Sistine Chapel, the unfinished fresco of the Battle of Cascina, and the tomb of Pope Julius II—readers will discover works by Raphael, Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Klimt, and Schiele. Each chapter highlights a significant aspect of Michelangelo’s ideal of the human body and investigates its influence and adaptation by his contemporaries and subsequent artists. Topics such as depictions of Adam and Eve, the Crucifixion and the Pietà, and motifs from mythology such as the Labors of Hercules; how Michelangelo’s methods were taught in art schools from the 17th to the 19th century; the emergence of woman as subject; and the decline of the idealized human figure during modernism. These side-by-side comparisons provide generous insights into how artists portrayed the human body—as a model of virtue and heroism, and as a conveyor of vice and fragility. Together these texts and examples provide the perfect resource for students of the human form and of the history of western art.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 264

Dimensions: 245 x 285 mm

Publication Date: 30-11-2023

This radical new examination of one of the most important Flemish Masters presents Bouts as a maker of images—and considers his oeuvre alongside the work of current-day filmmakers, game creators, and sports photographers. One of the foremost painters of the 15th century, Dieric Bouts was a master of composition, technical precision, and spiritual messaging. But, as this innovative exhibition catalog suggests, he was also a shrewd commercial artist, successfully procuring important commissions, and expertly conveying religious devotion. Filled with new perspectives informed by the latest research, this volume explores how Bouts’ career was influenced by the cultural and political environment of his hometown of Leuven. Filled with luminous reproductions and photographs of Bouts’ most important paintings and altarpieces, it focuses on several in depth, including The Last Supper, The Triptych of the Descent from the Cross, The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus with Saints Jerome and Bernard, and Christ Crowned with Thorns. Refreshing and authoritative, this unconventional perspective on a painter who lived half a millennium ago is certain to surprise and satisfy scholars and fans of Bouts and of Renaissance artists in general.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 245 x 292 mm

Publication Date: 01-12-2023

This mini anthology is a celebration of the rich variety of ways in which we get ourselves from A to B. A long distance walk, a bike ride, a boat trip – all are here in language that captures the thrill of being en route. We meet cyclists pedalling with panniers around eastern France. Then there’s a rowdy train journey from Barrow to Sheffield; the passengers may be raucous but what is relished is the train’s “relentless pressing on”. Sheenagh Pugh’s poem wonders what might happen if a road had a mind of its own. Then again: “Who wants to know a story’s end, or where a road will go?” from ‘What if this road’ by Sheenagh Pugh Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or an armchair traveller, these poems offer the delight and excitement of being on the way to somewhere else. Poems by Jean Atkin, Jo Bell, Geoffrey Chaucer, David Constantine, John Foggin, Norman MacCaig, Michael McCarthy, Kim Moore, Sheenagh Pugh and Rabindranath Tagore.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 24

Dimensions: 163 x 217 mm

Publication Date: 01-08-2022

Perfect for coffee breaks, commutes or relaxing at home, this bumper collection of 300 brand new Quick Crossword puzzles is guaranteed to provide you with hours of entertainment. Each puzzle is presented in a 13 x 13 grid on its own page. Printed in a portable paperback format meaning it can be taken with you on your travels or sit neatly on your bedside.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 352

Dimensions: 129 x 198 mm

Publication Date: 05-10-2023

Perfect for coffee breaks, commutes or relaxing at home, this bumper collection of 300 brand new Codeword puzzles is guaranteed to provide you with hours of entertainment. Each puzzle is presented in a 13 x 13 grid on its own page. Printed in a portable paperback format meaning it can be taken with you on your travels or sit neatly on your bedside.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 352

Dimensions: 129 x 198 mm

Publication Date: 05-10-2023

Although Africa is now one single continent, there is a rift running through it that will one day tear it apart into two separate landmasses. Find out when this will happen, and then delve into all the other fascinating facts about Africa that you always wanted to know.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 223 x 277 mm

Publication Date: 01-10-2023

The continent of Australia is not the same as the nation of Australia, which is only a part of the whole continent. The other parts of the continent include the island of New Guinea, as well as a number of smaller islands and the island state of Tasmania. In this book, travel across all these places, and on the way find out about ancient rocks, erupting volcanoes and unique animals.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 223 x 277 mm

Publication Date: 01-10-2023

South America is home to the Amazon rainforest, a place with legendary status and one of the world’s most treasured locations. With their Spanish, Portuguese, African and South American indigenous heritage, the people of South America manage to combine their cultural heritages to produce populations that are vibrant and unique. What is a continent, and are there seven or five? Some continents are surrounded by water, but others have borders with each other that are often difficult to define. Did you know that the continents can move? How does this happen and what does it mean for the future of the continent you live on? Find out all about Earth’s continents, how they are similar and how they differ, as well as the effect people have had on the landscapes where they live.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 223 x 277 mm

Publication Date: 01-10-2023

The north American continent spans a huge area, including Greenland, Canada, the USA and Mexico, as well as the countries in Central America and the Caribbean. The largest cities in North America are New York, Los Angeles and Mexico City. The Caribbean is even home to the world’s second largest coral reef. In this book, you will find out about places in North America that you never know existed! What is a continent, and are there seven or five? Some continents are surrounded by water, but others have borders with each other that are often difficult to define. Did you know that the continents can move? How does this happen and what does it mean for the future of the continent you live on? Find out all about Earth’s continents, how they are similar and how they differ, as well as the effect people have had on the landscapes where they live.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 223 x 277 mm

Publication Date: 01-10-2023

There are 51 countries and independent states in Europe, although politics in some areas cause people to believe this number should be different. The countries in Europe with the most people are Russia, Germany, Great Britain and France. People from Europe migrated to Australia in large numbers from the 1800s onwards, resulting in millions of Australians now having ancestors who lived somewhere in Europe. What is a continent, and are there seven or five? Some continents are surrounded by water, but others have borders with each other that are often difficult to define. Did you know that the continents can move? How does this happen and what does it mean for the future of the continent you live on? Find out all about Earth’s continents, how they are similar and how they differ, as well as the effect people have had on the landscapes where they live.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 223 x 277 mm

Publication Date: 01-10-2023