John Robert Godley, Edward Gibbon Wakefield, James Edward FitzGerald - these are the names that usually come to mind as the founders of Canterbury. But there was a fourth vitally important individual, arguably equal in importance to FitzGerald, whose story remains largely unknown. William Guise Brittan led the first Canterbury Pilgrims, chaired the Society of Canterbury Colonists and controlled the Land Office in early Christchurch. The 'bell-wether man' of the Canterbury project, he was the first to pay for land land in the settlement, inspiring others to follow his example. William Guise Brittan was also known as 'the Father of Cricket' in Canterbury and established three churches in Christchurch. The city's cathedral was built with stone from his Halswell quarry. His elder brother Joseph, who joined him in 1852, had a significant influence on local politics, as a provincial secretary, and was expected to follow FitzGerald as superintendent, though he lost the 1857 election. A former newspaper owner, he also founded the "Canterbury Standard" in 1854 as a rival to the "Lyttelton Times". He too, was a cricket enthusiast. The Brittan brothers were leading figures in the Canterbury settlement, and made substantial contributions to the province, yet they were unpopular, both their careers ended in failure and disappointment and they have been mostly forgotten. This timely and fascinating account seeks to explain why, exploring their work and family lives (and their bank accounts), and along the way providing a richly detailed panorama of life and politics in early Chistchurch.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 350

Dimensions: 155 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 20-08-2015

Malachi's life is dull,dull,dull. Dad's always busy and school is dreary, especially science. Then Malachi finds a mysterious bottle on the seashore, and things start to get exciting. What he discovers inside the bottle sends Malachi on the journey of his life. But pirates, smugglers, police and a grumpy pig soon have Malachi regretting his thirst fir adventure. There are battles to be won, and the only one who can fight them is Malachi. Can he save himself and the bottle? And what about the pig?

Bind: paperback

Publication Date: 01-06-2015

A completely irresistible collection of knitting patterns for utterly cute baby clothes. These patterns will give great delight both to the knitter and to all who see the results on tiny new babies.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 217 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2015

The designs include many species of orchid, rhizomes, gingers, heliconias, bird of paradise, anthurium, bougainvillea and many more. A comprehensive introduction covering all the essential information on materials, tools, techniques and basic recipes is followed by a section taking each featured cake in turn. For each cake, easy-to-follow instructions are given on how to construct and build-up individual flowers, foliage and fruit and then how to arrange these individual elements into an arrangement that can be used either to decorate a cake or on its own as a table centrepiece, for example. Finally, instructions are given on how to make each cake and secure the arrangement, if you choose to use it in this way. If you're looking for the ultimate guide to making exotic and tropical sugar flowers, this book won't fail to impress.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 213 x 255 mm

Publication Date: 29-05-2015

The world's leading whittling expert teams up with the world's most popular pocketknife in this fun new book! Chris Lubkemann reveals his award-winning whittling secrets in dozens of simple step-by-step projects. Published in collaboration with Victorinox® AG, makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 136

Dimensions: 154 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 20-05-2015

Barking Mad, with outstanding illustrations by Nicola L Robinson, taps into the British passion for dogs by bringing together a unique collection of extraordinary, touching and sometimes bizarre but true stories covering sporting dogs (and hounds), military mascots, eccentric companions, war heroes and Royal dogs. Many of the best and most intriguing stories, some of which date back to the early 19th Century, have been discovered in long-forgotten books and magazines, but all reflect our enduring passion for man’s best friend. Stories include everything from the Labrador that saved its master from drowning to the hound that spent years travelling unaccompanied across England by train to the pooch that carried a penny to the local bakery every day to buy its own cakes.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 138 x 216 mm

Publication Date: 20-06-2015

The perfect gift for the imperfect Shot! A very humourous collection of experiences, faux pas and misdemeanours in the shooting field with anecdotes and tales of many light-hearted incidents from throughout the world. It gives some novel excuses for pickers-up who have failed to find their quarry. In similar vein, during the author’s years as a gamekeeper, it was often necessary to think on the hoof and deliver a plausible reason as to why a particular drive didn’t go exactly as it should. Sometimes the explanations were so outrageous as to be laughable – which often diffused a potentially difficult situation – and on occasion, caused a comment such as, ‘I’ve never heard that one before… how did you think that one up?’ To which the author inevitably replied; ‘The Gamekeeper’s Book of Excuses… page 58’!.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 26-06-2015

The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.' Inspired by the time-honoured traditions of the Classical World, Sylvia's desire to protect the horse is reflected in her training methods, which concentrate on a balanced seat and quiet aiding. She abhors the use of force and gadgetry in the schooling of horses and believes that Classical riding is the best way forward for all the disciplines. The Language of the Aids is not as well understood today as it should be and it seems that it is frequently forgotten or fragmented, and it will be the horse that suffers most when this happens. Incorrect aiding can have a very adverse effect. The aim of The Balanced Horse is to confirm in people's minds what they should be doing for each and every request, and what they must avoid. Every instruction is based on what the horse needs to feel – at that moment in time. Each aid is based on the psychological and physiological effect placed on that sensitive animal underneath us. Over time, applying each aid correctly can elicit a response as instant and involuntary as the knee jerk reaction in our own.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

The best teachers inspire us with their advice, wisdom and friendship. This charming collection of quotations celebrates everything that’s great about the people who teach us, and will make every teacher see how much they are appreciated and valued.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 101 x 136 mm

Publication Date: 08-06-2015

Test your puzzle-solving abilities and exercise your knowledge of the classicswith The Literary Puzzle Book, an engaging collection packed with craftyconundrums to keep you thoroughly entertained through the best of timesand the worst of times. Including: Anagrams Code Words Crosswords Cryptograms Riddles SudokuWord Searches And more!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 154 x 111 mm

Publication Date: 08-06-2015