Old soldiers never tell their war stories? This one did: "General Johnstone tried to compliment us on our 'work' but was cut up too much when he heard of our losses. He was visibly affected. We marched to Mametz Wood and there Col. Plugge also tried to address us but he could not control his feelings either. We went into the trenches with 804 men. Came out with 201. Our casualties for the two stints were 603. Plugge was far too cut up to say a word about it. We camped in the woods for the night..." Onesimus William Howe served in the Auckland Infantry Regiment. His unit was the first to hit the beach at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli. In fact, Howe's experiences at Gallipoli are quoted by historian Chris Pugsley in his book Gallipoli - The New Zealand Story. But it is what happened next that defined WWI for the ANZACS, when they came face to face with heavily armed Germans at the Somme. In this important new work, taken directly from his battlefield diary, see the events of 1916 as if you are there: "That left me in charge of the gun. Percy and I are the only ones left on this gun now..." Compelling, honest, surprising, uncensored.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 180

Publication Date: 30-04-2015

Mary Cresswell is at her imaginative best in this new collection, built from her experiments with the ghazal, a traditional form, which she first met via the work of Agha Shahid Ali and Mimi Khalvati. The poems in ‘Fish Stories’ are presented as an intellectual challenge to students of the ghazal and glosa forms, encouraging them to develop their own craft. At the same time, Cresswell’s poetry is widely accessible and appealing: using rhyme and varying poetic structures, inspired by a range of topics, but especially by nature and ecology, she combines humour with serious comment to engage and connect with her reader.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 132

Dimensions: 140 x 200 mm

Publication Date: 20-05-2015

All Arto der Haroutunian’s twelve cookbooks written in the 1980s became classics; it was his belief that the rich culinary tradition of the Middle East is the main source of many of our Western cuisines and his books were intended as an introduction to that tradition. A Turkish Cookbook is regarded as the seminal work on the subject but has been out of print for over twenty five years. It is a lovingly written recipe book packed with traditional stories, poems and sayings. Turkey is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations, and while famous for its scenic beauty and ancient sites, it undoubtedly owes much of its new found popularity to the quality and character of its food. With his inimitable talent for combining fascinating anecdotes with mouth-watering recipes, Arto der Haroutunian brings to life the ancient culinary traditions of this huge and varied country. You can recreate the wonderful fish and seafood dishes, the exotic oriental pastries, experiment with different types of kebabs or prepare a selection of meze. At once a practical cookbook and a fascinating read, A Turkish Cookbook is a splendid introduction to one of the world’s great cuisines.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 20-05-2015

Published to coincide with the anniversary of 25 years since her untimely death and having been out of print for more than a decade, Grub Street is republishing the ultimate compendium of Jane Grigson’s recipes. Following the success of her first book, Charcuterie and French Pork Cooking, Grigson’s research and flair for cooking speak for themselves within this tome. With a delightful introduction by her friend, and the equally remarkable Elizabeth David, this book is a staple for every cook. The book is organised into regional cuisines from across the globe including: the Americas, the Mediterranean, the Europeans, India and the Far East and contains sections entitled ‘At Home in England’ and ‘At Home in France’; both places close to Jane’s heart. There is also, of course, a detailed chapter on charcuterie. The recipes are introduced in English, with brief descriptions by Grigson, but are also simultaneously designated in the native language of their origin. There are graphs and pictorials for the accurate cooking of meat joints by weight and detailed instructions for picking the best ingredients and making the most of them when they are in season. The book concludes with a chapter on the enjoyment of food which encapsulates Grigson’s approach to cooking along with the experience of reading this book. The recipes are diverse and diligent to detail. There are recipes for the simple weekday dinner to the elaborate celebratory feast. This collection of her best and most-loved recipes, with her introductions, anecdotes, quotations and poems, is a fitting tribute, not only to her culinary and literary skills, but also to the warmth, wit and intelligence that shines through all her books.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 360

Dimensions: 135 x 210 mm

Publication Date: 20-05-2015

The bee is probably the most written about species after the human race. As so many commentators through the ages have discovered, here is far more to the insect than its biology and life cycle. In Praise of Bees explores bees' place in human lives and imaginations, from cave paintings and inscribed clay tablets through to our contemporary world. This beautiful book's pages are filled with nuggets of bee science and practical beekeeping with carefully researched references to the role of these fascinating creatures in myth, religion, politics, philosophy and folklore. A rich variety of illustrations, ranging from Old Masters and scientific etchings to modern photographs appear throughout accompanied by a selection of verse, much of it the author's. The text is leavened with a dry wit, resulting in a scholarly but eminently readable exploration of bees, their complex society and their place in the world. This is especially relevant in view of concerns about their present plight and the ecological consequences.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 180 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 30-09-2014

Possessing the right mind-set and relevant mental skills has long been considered vital in achieving top performances in all sports. And yet, to many riders mental fitness still remains something of an afterthought. In Perfect Mind: Perfect Ride, the author demonstrates how to develop and achieve the right kind of attitude, motivation and mental skills to make the most of the rider’s abilities whether it be riding as a recreation or as a competitive sport. Horses are highly sensitive flight animals – they’ll react first and ask questions, well, never...! In essence, this means that every time riders get on their horse, they need to be fully committed, aware and in control of their body, their thoughts and their emotions, in order to communicate with their horse in precisely the right kind of manner. The combination of research in the field of sport and performance psychology and real-life examples contained in this book will help readers identify with and understand different topics. Current scientific theories surrounding sport and performance psychology are translated into practice, allowing readers to fully understand why they think, feel and act the way they do – and what they need to do change it. Hands-on advice on how to develop relevant attitudes and mental skills will make Perfect Mind: Perfect Ride an essential companion for the rider wanting to get more out of the sport.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 30-04-2015

Following on from the highly acclaimed Kottas on Dressage, this new book by one of the foremost exponents of Classical dressage offers advice on the correct way to introduce work on the paces, exercises and movements, together with in-depth analysis of common problems and ways to correct them. The author makes the point that many errors are rooted in faulty posture or aiding on the rider’s part, and emphasises throughout the importance of focusing on these issues at all stages of training. Constant emphasis is also placed on the need to be mindful of the horse’s mental and physical ability to cope with what is being asked of him – there are reminders throughout that, often, the best way to achieve progress is to take a step back and ensure that the building blocks are in place that will facilitate the next step forward. The need to consider various aspects of conformation is also stressed – not all horses are perfect specimens, and the overall training of any horse will be enhanced if due consideration is given to individual characteristics. Dressage Solutions takes the reader through many stages of training, from ensuring that the basic paces are correct, through introducing the lateral exercises, developing the canter, rein-back, piaffe and passage, to a final chapter that explains some of the long-established movements of the High School. This is a journey that will provide much food for thought, and a great deal of invaluable advice, for all riders who have progress and their horse’s well-being at heart.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2014

If you've never quilted before, this is the place to start! Creating your own unique handmade quilt is one of the most satisfying and rewarding sewing activities you will ever experience. This ultimate beginner's guide shows you everything you need to know, with eight simple projects that let you quilt as you learn. Both "quilt-as-you-go" and traditional methods are covered, with easy-to-follow lessons in basic techniques. Cutting instructions are provided for all size quilts-baby, twin, full, and queen/king-to provide progressive challenges as your confidence increases. Sewing expert Choly Knight makes the quilting process as foolproof as possible, with straightforward directions and step-by-step illustrations. She reveals clever tricks and shortcuts that will shave hours off your working time. Before you know it, you'll be sewing beautiful modern bed quilts to cherish for years to come.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 136

Dimensions: 217 x 280 mm

Publication Date: 30-04-2015

Are you tearing your hair out from the constant background noise of televisions and headphones? Do you wish your kids would unglue their eyes from their smartphones and computers? Would you like a little bit of downtime from the technological torrent that eats into our kids’ everyday lives? This sanity-saving collection of ideas and inspiration will help your children swap the screen for the sunshine and start getting more out of life. Split into bite-sized chapters, from activities on the beach or in the park, in the woods or in the house, you and your kids will never be at a loss of things to do after school, at the weekend or during those long holidays.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 105 x 148 mm

Publication Date: 07-05-2015

Whether you are celebrating the good times, commiserating the bad or simply relaxing with a pint of perfection, there is a drink to see you through every occasion. Raise a glass to this collection of quips and quotes from the world’s wisest and wittiest drinkers

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 101 x 136 mm

Publication Date: 04-05-2015