In this lavishly illustrated book, Canterbury gardener, Margaret Long, tells the fascinating story of Frensham, considered one of New Zealand’s finest gardens. As though we are right there with her, the reader is taken on a tour through the seasons, listening as we go to Margaret’s thoughts and insights about why this plant was placed here or that tree there, what is behind her choices not just of plantings but also structures, materials, colours. This very personal and yet informative perspective on thirty years of gardening with passion makes for a delightful book to be treasured and shared. Highly acclaimed garden photographer, Juliet Nicholas, has “lived” with Frensham for an entire year, photographing its changes through the months and the seasons and providing a unique insight into the growth and development of these beautiful gardens, as well as capturing one of the most frequently written comments in Frensham’s visitors’ book: ‘The garden is so peaceful’.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 200 x 238 mm

Publication Date: 24-03-2019

The inspirational memoir of an extraordinary All Black, with a forward by Keith Quinn New Zealand rugby union player Neven MacEwan played 52 matches for the All Blacks from 1956 to 1962, including 20 internationals and two South African provincial matches as captain. In this frank and inspiring memoir, Neven talks about his early life, and his extraordinary success as a rugby player. A lock and number eight, Neven represented Wellington at a provincial level, before achieving the ultimate in New Zealand rugby—wearing the revered All Black jersey. His contemporaries included Tiny White, Don Clarke, Wilson Whineray, Kelvin Tremain, Colin Meads and Ian Clarke. But this is not just a memoir of rugby achievements; Neven talks frankly about the difficulties in his life ‘when the crowd stops roaring’ and the reality away from the rugby field. There are immense challenges, including being charged by New Zealand Police for theft, a suicide attempt, and his battle with alcoholism. But there is also hope, triumph and new beginnings in this candid memoir, with Neven going on to give back and help numerous others who have lost their way. All Black, school teacher, shipping travel agent, public relations officer, prison chaplain, husband, father and grandfather, When the Crowd Stops Roaring is an insightful biography of an extraordinary New Zealander, both on and off the rugby playing field.

Bind: paperback

Publication Date: 05-04-2019

The Braided River explores contemporary migration to New Zealand through an examination of 200 personal essays written by 37 migrants from 20 different countries, spanning all ages and life stages. The first book to examine migration through the lens of the personal essay, The Braided River presents migration as a lifelong experience that affects everything from language, home, work, family and friendship to finances, citizenship and social benefits. Like migrants themselves, The Braided River crosses boundaries, working at the intersections of literature, history, philosophy and sociology to discuss questions of identity and belonging. Throughout, Diane Comer, both migrant and essayist herself, demonstrates the versatility of the personal essay as a means to analyse and understand migration, an issue with increasing relevance worldwide.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 304

Dimensions: 150 x 230 x 20 mm

Publication Date: 01-04-2019

Born on the 2nd of June 1960 to Jamaican parents, Shaun is a Londoner born and bred, and has been a devoted Chelsea fan since 1967. From the age of 12, Shaun knew he wanted to be a barrister and was determined to make it. Despite one or two setbacks along the way, he finally managed to fulfil his childhood ambition when he was called to the bar in November 1984. He has been a Criminal Defence Advocate now for nearly 34 years, and has worked tirelessly on cases ranging from murder to money laundering to firearms to drug trafficking. Shaun has also regularly appeared on British television quiz shows such as Fifteen-To-One, The Weakest Link, Greed, and Are You an Egghead?. Shaun catapulted to national prominence and recognition when, on the 5th December 2004, he became the first black person to win the BBC's renowned Mastermind. Since 2009, he has become a household name, regularly appearing as The Dark Destroyer on the smash ITV hit teatime quiz show, The Chase. Read how Shaun's passions have helped turn him into the man he is today: staunchly just and fair, ruthless when he needs to be, kind, fun, and a fiercely loyal friend.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 595

Dimensions: 156 x 234 x 30 mm

Publication Date: 01-03-2019

The Watch Book I and II in one volume: Expansive knowledge from renowned watch expert and historian Gisbert L. Brunner alongside almost 1,000 high-quality color photographs brings together the latest innovations and most important names in top-end timekeeping under one roof. Few objects combine function, elegance, and status as well as a wristwatch. A blend of precise mechanics, craftsmanship, fine materials, and innovation distinguishes the truly superlative examples. With so-called smart watches playing a larger role, the world of watches is in transition. However, classic timepieces with mechanical movement will not disappear from people’s wrists, because the ticking of a mechanical watch has been and will continue to be the heartbeat of human culture. After their individual success, the bestsellers The Watch Book I and The Watch Book II are finally available together in one comprehensive volume. Readers can feast their eyes and minds on a magnificently-illustrated and well-documented chronicle of the world's best timepieces. Portraits of more than 40 watch brands, from premium manufacturers Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Cartier to watches from the “affordable luxury” segment, right up to timepieces from the chronometric crème de la crème. We explore their unique features and quirks and learn about the remarkable breakthroughs and exclusive technical developments that have contributed to the history of the watch. This volume also includes a helpful glossary of important terms, making it an absolute must for both timepiece experts and collectors and those new to the world of watch artistry.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 504

Dimensions: 223 x 287 mm

Publication Date: 25-01-2019

How to Look Cool Whilst Learning Polo takes a very modern approach to the traditional game of polo. The author, Steve Thompson, is a veteran polo instructor and professional player with over twenty years of teaching experience across the globe. This book is a culmination of his teaching and playing experience over two decades in the sport. More than just a technical ‘how-to’ guide, it provides everything you need to go from zero to hero on the polo field, and more importantly — make sure you look cool whilst doing it! Followed correctly, this book can save a lot of pain, frustration and a significant amount of cash by teaching an aspiring player how to function correctly from the very start. Becoming a polo player is just like building a house: only when there is a true and solid foundation can you begin to layer the storeys on top. Definitive guide to learning polo Highly entertaining and immensely informative Strips away the intimidation of polo and replaces with light-hearted fun, and all in a factual, technical approach Designed to take the complete beginner to polo through all the stages necessary to become an effective team player Written by Steve Thompson, veteran polo instructor and professional player THE AUTHOR Steve Thompson passion for horses began before polo, in the eventing world and many of his teaching theories stem from that. Horses and polo are his vocation and his career began training polo ponies. The author is now a veteran polo instructor and professional player with over twenty years of teaching experience worldwide.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 300

Dimensions: 228 x 300 x 12 mm

In early 1928, during a time of pioneering, long-distance flights, two New Zealand pilots set off from Australia on the first attempted aerial crossing of the wild Tasman Sea. Amid fervent hope, government interference, a spirit of patriotism, wide newspaper coverage and family pride, John ‘Scotty’ Moncrieff and George Hood, along with their non-flying partner Ivan Kight, dreamed of closer British Empire ties, a safer New Zealand and a shot at aviation glory. The disappearance of their aircraft Aotearoa remains one of Australasia’s great flying mysteries. Bill Conroy has researched this fascinating and tragic story for more than three decades. In the first full-length examination of Moncrieff and Hood’s flight, he recounts the conception, planning, execution and aftermath of the project which enthralled both sides of the Tasman.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 22-02-2019

In uncovering the remarkable, largely unseen work of early New Zealand photographers, Hidden Light: Early Canterbury and West Coast Photography is an exploration of an often overlooked aspect of our artistic past. This publication highlights the sometimes unsettling stories of photographers at work in nineteenth-century Te Waipounamu. Spectacular landscapes by skilled amateurs and professionals join powerful images of tangata whenua, settlers and mining scenes. The stories and work of several little-known pioneering women photographers are also given new attention. Published with the assistance of the Friends of Christchurch Art Gallery

Bind: paperback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 245 x 245 mm

Publication Date: 01-02-2019

Previously announced. Format & Price change When I grow up, will I be the King of the Jungle…?Curious, playful, and clumsy: Michael Poliza’s irre-sistible photographs of baby animals are so adorable that it is hard to imagine these same creatures grow-ing up into fierce hunters or nimble prey, battling it out for survival. This gift book is the first title of Poliza’s baby animal photographs, many of them published for the first time. From lion cubs in Botswana to baby chimpanzees and gorillas in Tanzania, penguin chicks on the Antarctic peninsula to polar bear cubs in Canada, Poliza travels the world in search of the most endearing wildlife babies. Whether in the African savannah or polar extremes, few photographers have come so close to their wildlife subjects. To achieve such proximity, Poliza shows masterful sensitivity and patience, not only towards the baby animals them-selves, but also with their fiercely protective mothers. From a frolicking baby elephant to a sleeping little lion cub, Baby Animals brings page after page of heart-warming images and tiny triumphs in nature photography.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 146 x 187 mm

Publication Date: 27-07-2018

A Community of Excellence: Ultimate Lifestyle Collection for Women is an opulently-illustrated coffee table book showcasing the world’s most exclusive and luxurious products and services for a discerning female audience. What woman is not enthusiastic about all things beautiful and exclusive? From beauty and wellness, fashion, jewelry, and accessories, to cars, technology, leisure, and travel, Ultimate Lifestyle Collection for Women – A Curated Selection of the Best Brands for Women on the Planet features more than 200 of the best products and services from the world’s leading brands. With careful attention to detail, Chloe Fox takes us into an inspiring world full of splendor and glamour, from custom made to indispensable vintage. With brilliant photography, detailed product descriptions, and insightful interviews, step inside a realm filled with sparkling treasures and take a coveted look behind the scenes of the best international brands.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 304

Dimensions: 275 x 340 mm

Publication Date: 12-10-2018