While researching nineteenth-century Christchurch newspapers for another book, historian Geoff Rice was struck by the diversity of crime in early Christchurch, and the amount of detail in the court reports. Fascinated by what he was reading, he became diverted from the task at hand and set about writing this book instead: about crime and punishment in the first 25 years of Canterbury settlement.
The stories are drawn from newspaper reports, with further detail added from police records and the court minute books. The events are contextualised by Professor Rice's extensive knowledge of the times. It is not an academic study; nor is it a work of fiction. Rather it is an attempt at evidence-based reconstruction of crimes and courtroom proceedings, opening a window on the lives and deeds of ordinary people who lived in this place over 140 years ago.
History is usually written by the winners, and it is rare to hear the voices of ordinary folk from the remote past. Yet such were the shorthand skills of 19th-century newspaper reporters that courtroom testimony and cross-examinations were often captured verbatim, especially in the more sensational murder trials. Reading these reports one can almost hear the voices of the past. We catch glimpses of cabbies, shopkeepers, clerks and housewives going about their daily work, with descriptions of homes or workplaces, and the occasional fight in a pub.
The stories are often dramatic and even sensational, sometimes horrifying, sometimes amusing, often rather sad. Their crimes mirror the difficult realities of colonial life.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 228

Dimensions: 152 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 15-10-2012

Written in three parts, and as a sequel to "Seven Seas, Nine Lives", Richard Pike continues the remarkable experiences of Captain AWF 'Alfie' Sutton CBE DSC and bar RN.
During events which come as close to fiction as is imaginable, the first part describes how Alfie, badly injured and close to death during the bombing of HMS Illustrious by the Luftwaffe in January 1941, wakes to find himself laid out amongst the dead, but miraculously still able to help the ship on to Malta.
After full recovery, part two starts with his involvement in the Allied campaign in Greece in the spring of 1941, leading to him eventually evacuating the Greek royal family in a flying boat. After numerous escapades he fights with the defenders during the German invasion of Crete in 1941.
Admiral Cunningham was later to describe Sutton's efforts as "an example of grand personal courage under the worst possible conditions which stands out brightly in the gloom."
It was a struggle doomed to failure, but Alfie survived to continue his war and tell his story to author Richard Pike who relates it here with passion, pace and drama.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 30-08-2012

What sort of men were the Pathfinders, the corps d'elite of Bomber Command? What did they do? What risks did they face? And what contribution did they make to the air war and the ultimate defeat of Germany?
By drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews with surviving veterans - many speaking for the first time - and combining these with official records and exclusive access to contemporary documents and exhibits at the Pathfinder Museum at RAF Wyton, Sean Feast looks to answer these questions and more, seeking to put these men's achievements in the context of the time.
The Pathfinder Companion, launched to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Pathfinder Force in 1942, highlights the raids and the losses, the successes and failures, the terror and the turmoil these men endured, as well as the inevitable humour in the face of tremendous adversity.
Profusely illustrated throughout with photos and memorabilia, the book shows how a poorly equipped, disparate group was forged over time into one of the most effective and devastatingly efficient fighting forces ever created. It includes stories and reminiscences not just from the Master Bombers and Long Stops - the elite of the elite controlling huge numbers of bombers over the target - but also the journeymen Pathfinder crews whose support was so essential to success and final victory. A must for anyone interested in Bomber Command.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 30-08-2012

"Picnics" reveals a world of simply prepared and delicious foods and stimulates the imagination with tales from far and near in Claudia Roden's elegant, discursive style. It offers the conventional and the exotic: from the street food of the Middle East and Mediterranean, the festivals of the high grassy plains of Mexico to the English traditions of picnicing in parks and shooting lunches on the moors.
This is a book for any season and any climate. It is a book to cook from and a book to read and the re-issue of this classic will be welcomed by all lovers of Claudia Roden's writings.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 384

Dimensions: 129 x 198 mm

Publication Date: 30-08-2012

Whether you are heading out on a camping trip or simply enjoying a backyard bonfire, this book will satisfy your appetite and provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. You'll find many recipes for a variety of fun cooking nethods like cooking on a stick, in a foil pan, on a skillet, with a pie iron and more. From breakfast treats, to hot dogs, to smores and more - you'll find recipes the whole family will love. You'll also find lots of ideas to keep the family entertained like "shivery" tales, tent shadow puppets, glow stick games and so much more.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 190 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 05-01-2012

Whether you are a beginner at camp cooking wondering how to create a menu and set up a kitchen in the woods, or a more experienced camper looking for some new techniques and recipe ideas, Camp Cooking can help. Wendy Grater, Mark Scriver of Black Feather Wilderness Adventures and senior guide Joanna Baker have been feeding groups of all sizes, on all kinds of outdoor trips. For well over half a century combined. In Camp Cooking, they share their extensive knowledge, favorite recipes and proven methods so that you too can make your on trip meals successful. Beautiful photographs, clear instructions, expert advice, and a lot of great recipes make this an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to eat well in the wild.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 216

Dimensions: 190 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 04-01-2012

Whittling is a fun past time for those just starting to carve, and those who have been carving for years. This book is filled with great little projects and games that are enjoyable to make and enjoyable to use

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 05-01-2012

Bird-Friendly Nest Boxes and Feeders offers ten simple and classic designs for building traditional birdhouses and feeders, plus valuable insights on creating the perfect backyard bird environment. More than just a set of plans, it covers how to attract the right kinds of birds and ensure that they will keep coming back.
This book includes complete plans for making basic, practical bird-welcoming structures, accompanied by patterns, illustrations and full colour photographs. Each project is perfect for individuals striving to create the most natural bird environment possible. Woodworkers from beginner to expert will find projects appropriate for their skill level.
This book provides pages of valuable information for keeping feathered visitors happy. From understanding the proper dimensions for a birdhouse, to choosing the right seed for attracting desired species, to learning how to keep squirrels away, the tips and tricks found here will help guide bird lovers to create a backyard oasis.
Readers will get valuable instructions on mounting techniques, types of paint to use, and cleaning tips, plus environmental insights and interesting avian trivia. This book stands out from ordinary birdhouse titles with technical detail on subjects like cavity size, proper hole size, and the ideal distance from hole to cavity floor.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 96

Dimensions: 216 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 02-04-2012

Delightful Decorations and Gifts to Make with Your Scroll Saw



Create holiday masterpieces for the home, family and friends with the tried-and-true scroll saw projects and patterns from the archives of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. This collection of holiday favourites features fretwork, compound-cuts, intarsia, and inlay projects for ornaments, wreaths, Santas, portraits, candleholders and more.



Big Book of Christmas Ornaments and Decorations also features a stunning gallery of work. Readers will gain information and inspiration from some of scrolling's leading experts including Judy Gale Roberts, Kathy Wise, Sue Mey, Paul Meisel, John Nelson, Theresa Ekdom, Tom Sevy, Volker Arnold, and more. There is a project inside Big Book of Christmas Ornaments and Decorations for everyone, from beginners to advanced craftsmen. With step-by-step instructions and colour photos, readers are guaranteed a very merry scrolling experience.



Some of the projects inside:

Vintage Fretwork Sleigh Scene

Poinsettia Wreath

Inlay Snowman Ornaments

12-Piece Intarsia Nativity Set

Christmas Card Tree

Bind: paperback

Pages: 159

Dimensions: 216 x 278 mm

Publication Date: 01-12-2011

Giving a hand-carved Christmas ornament or gift is as much fun as it is to make one. This compilation of favourite Christmas carving projects from the archives of Woodcarving Illustrated includes projects and patterns for delightful carvings made from clothespins, caricature ornaments, a Christmas stocking, whittled pencils that make great gifts, a folk art tree topper, an evergreen tree with painting instructions, lovely earrings and much more. And of course, there are many Santa projects as well.

Handcarved Christmas’s projects and patterns are from some of carving’s leading experts including Shawn Cipa, Floyd Rhadigan, Chris Pye, Don Dearolf, Rick Jensen, Robert Biermann, and Sandy Smith. There’s a project inside this Best of Woodcarving Illustrated collection for everyone, from beginners to advanced craftsmen. With step-by-step instructions and colour photos, readers are guaranteed a very merry carving experience.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 142

Dimensions: 216 x 278 mm

Publication Date: 01-12-2011