Born in Balkh (present-day Afghanistan), Jelaluddin Rumi (1207-1273) is one of the greatest Persian mystics and poets the world has known. His message of love speaks directly to the heart and transcends the limitations of language and the boundaries of time.

In the vast depths of Rumi's work the short quatrains, the Rubaiyat, are like crystals. They sparkle with the many hues of the rainbow and contain worlds inside. As we hold them iin our hands they capture us with their mystery. Transparent and clear they open doors into the wonder of inner spaces and longing. Whispers of two lovers in a crowd.

Some friendships need celebrating, some are hard to navigate, and some need a bit of tender love and care. Delve into this anthology for a tour of all aspects of friendship by your favourite classic authors.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning pocket size classics. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is edited and introduced by writer, academic and historian, Michèle Mendelssohn.

Why Friendship Matters is an inspiring collection that spans three centuries of writing and includes many favourite authors such as Michel de Montaigne, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Jane Austen. Readers will also discover lesser-known delights such as American writer Audre Lorde on her high school friendships and playwright Alice E. Ives writing about friendship between women.

Contributors from across the globe celebrate and investigate all aspects of friendship; the strength of its bonds, how it can hurt and how it runs deep.

- Table of Contents, Introduction
- Excerpts:
- Homer's Odysseus' ancient faithful dog Argos is the only one to recognize him when he returns from the Trojan War after twenty years. Now neglected and covered in fleas, Argos lay on a dung heap by the stables, but pricked up his ears at his master's approach, wagging his tail and dropping his ears. Odysseus saw Argos but is in disguise and cannot greet him, shedding a hidden tear for the loyal hound.
- When French forces took the town of Niort during the Hundred Years War' in 1373, a famous writer of the time saw an old dog lying on the grave of its master, who had died in battle with the English. The dog refused to leave the grave and the Duke de Berry, who was greatly moved by such devotion, arranged for the dog to receive a pension of ten francs for life, which was delivered to a neighbor to feed the animal until it died.
- In 1944 Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a speech in response to a Republican claim that he had sent a destroyer to pick up his dog Fala from the Aleutian Islands at great cost: "These Republican leaders have not been content with attacks on me, or my wife, or on my sons. No, not content with that, they now include my little dog, Fala. Well, of course, I don't resent attacks, and my family don't resent attacks, but Fala does resent them. You know, Fala is Scotch, and being a Scottie, as soon as he learned that the Republican fiction writers in Congress and out had concocted a story that I'd left him behind on an Aleutian island and had sent a destroyer back to find him--at a cost to the taxpayers of two or three, or eight or twenty million dollars -- his Scotch soul was furious. He has not been the same dog since."
- Chips was a German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix who served with the Third Infantry Division during World War II. When Chips and his handler (Pvt John P. Rowell) were pinned down by a machine-gun nest, Chips stormed into the pillbox, grabbed one of the Italian soldiers and forced the other four to leave the pillbox, where they surrendered to U.S. troops. Later that day, he assisted in the capture of ten soldiers. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart. But these were later taken away as awards to animals were "contrary to Army policy." Nevertheless his own unit awarded him (unofficially) with a Theater Ribbon and eight campaign Battle stars.

Our Pink Shark A5 Notebook, Allyn Howard's lushly illustrated underwater scene with a delightful surprising pink shark in a rich environment of bright plants and fish, captured in full colour on our new line of flexible cover, lined paper, A5 Notebook. This soft-covered paperback notebook has full-colour artwork on the front and back cover by the best illustrators and artists from around the world. 140 pages of navy lined paper is an excellent canvas for bullet journaling, list-making, all forms of writing and gratitude journaling - whatever you can think of. Bring it everywhere you go. Handsome exposed, section-sewn binding means the notebook lies flat when open on any page. Soft-covered paperback notebook. Full-colour artwork on front and back cover. 140, lined printed pages. Exposed, section-sewn binding. Underwater navy dip-dyed edges. Lays flat. Allyn Howard is a painter and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. Inspired by her childhood, her work reflects an interest in nature, often from the vantage point of small curious animals. Allyn uses water-based acrylics on wood, paper, and canvas, merging a decorative style with a colourful, painterly one.

Artist Kristin Llamas (her real name) has been drawing adorably odd portraits of llamas for years. Inspired by a name and her affection for these delightfully expressive animals, she creates detailed, personality-rich portraits in her realistic and humorous black-and-white style. The results are charming and funny, raising the question, which llama are you? Some mornings are Claire mornings. Allyn, we know just how you feel.... This smile of a gift book collects 60 of Llamas's most amusing and endearing portraits, pairing them with biographical quips and jewel-tone color washes to capture these llamas' quirky inner lives, and our own.

2016 was officially the "year of gin" in the UK, with sales topping GBP1 billion! The brilliantly botanical spirit is much more than tonic's sidekick, it's sophisticatedly sippable, and adds depth and flavour to any drink. This beautifully illustrated book will introduce you to a host of cocktails from the classic to the cutting edge, and showcase the versatile potential of gin. In Gin Made Me Do It, gin aficionado and cocktail maven Jassy Davis explains everything you need to know: how to choose the perfect blend, mix the ultimate martini, and deliver delicious cocktails for every occasion. From the perfect G&T and updates on classics like the Aviator and the Vesper, to a wide range of herbaceous cocktails, the recipes in this book are fresh, flavourful, and fun. 60 delicious recipes are illustrated with bright and beautiful original artwork in a book that makes a lovely gift for your friends-or yourself!

Run your own pub quiz with 500 brand new general knowledge quizzes. With 10,000 questions arranged in easy, medium and difficult categories, you can set the pace as quiz master for your friends and family, or pit yourself against the Collins Quiz Master in a battle of wits. Q: What's inside this book? A: 500 quizzes covering everything from pop stars to death stars. Each round is a mixture of themes and potluck, with the questions heading from friendly teasers to ones that will scramble even an egghead's brains. Q: Who is it for? A: You, your mum, your dad, your family and friends, the man down the road and two halves of the crowd at your local. Each quiz provides good clean fun for all. The answers are quick and easy to find so that anyone can pick this up and become the ultimate quiz master!

A beautiful gift anthology of classic poetry which captures the excitement and joy of a new arrival in the family. Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library; a series of stunning pocket-sized classics with ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is edited by Becky Brown. There are poems which celebrate the anticipation of the happy event and the outburst of joy and hope which it brings. There are gorgeous lullabies and rhymes to read aloud as well as wise words of encouragement and advice. Poems for New Parents also looks forward to a child's own discoveries and flourishing imagination. In this perfect present for new parents, you'll find poetry that's inspiring and poignant, sometimes funny and sometimes reflective, from a wealth of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Lewis Carroll and Mary Coleridge.

Hedgehog was feeling sad.

As sad as a hedgehog can feel.

So sad only one thing could help...

Tortoise was feeling sad.

As sad as a tortoise can feel.

So sad only one thing could help...

In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony.

And that's when they find each other!

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.

Happy Hour is a gorgeous gift book of classic poetry which fizzes with poetry about all kinds of drink, drinkers and drinking place. All this and more is introduced by celebrated wine critic Jancis Robinson. Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library; a series of stunning, pocket-sized classics with ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. Many of the most famous poets have weaved the delights and temptations of drink into their verse. In Happy Hour: Poems to Raise a Glass To, there are chapters on whisky and beer, celebrations, why we drink and where we go to do it. Robert Burns is here, of course, alongside Yeats, Keats, Emily Dickinson, Hilaire Belloc, Sara Teasdale, Edward Lear, G. K. Chesterton and many more.

Challenge yourself at home with word and number puzzles A jumbo crossword puzzle and general knowledge workout to test and stimulate the brain cells with 50 large grid puzzles from The Sunday Times. These puzzles use the 23 x 23 jumbo-size grid, and appeared in the pages of the Sunday Times, they offer an entertaining and stimulating challenge to all crossword lovers and anyone interested in quizzes, trivia and testing their all-round knowledge. Contains more general knowledge clues then the standard Times Jumbo crossword, for example names of famous people, titles of songs, books, films, plays, operas, musicals and TV shows; places and sights, quotations - questions with one or more words in a quote to identify as the answer.

Everything in the universe is made up of the elements - including us. Forged in the Big Bang, the elements and their resulting compounds created the solar system, planet Earth, the air we breathe, the water we rely on and the proteins that would become life. In fact, everything in the known Universe is made up of one of the 118 elements of the periodic table - so we really should know something about them! This little book is the perfect guide, listing all the elements' vital stats, and exploring their astonishing histories and usages in an accessible and easy-to-understand way.

The perfect gift book for any unicorn fanatic. Embrace your inner unicorn with this pocket-sized gift book. Featuring positive affirmations, enchanting tales, inspirational quotes and advice, this book will bring a sprinkling of unicorn magic in your life or the life of a loved one. Covering everything unicorn, this is the ultimate gift book for every unicorn fanatic. SAMPLE QUOTES: 'Always be yourself - unless you can be a unicorn. Then, always be a unicorn.' Unknown 'Be a unicorn in a field full of horses.' Unknown

Begin your healing journey with this step-by-step workbook to help you understand and deal with trauma Trauma may seem like a daunting word, but it can cover many distressing events – from negative childhood experiences to the ordeal of living through a pandemic. It is often at the source of our fears and anxieties, and it can affect the way we live our lives. The Healing Workbook contains practical advice, effective tips and guided exercises based on trusted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help you begin the process of recovery. Within these pages you will find support and encouragement as you begin to come to terms with the past and find your way back to yourself, your values and a life where you can flourish and thrive. Use the workbook either on its own or alongside therapy to help you work through your trauma and find a sense of peace and healing. Inside the book, you will find: A relaxed and supportive approach, allowing you to calmly complete the exercises at your own pace A hands-on attitude towards understanding your trauma, offering a wealth of tips and advice for working through your worries Clear and actionable advice on making lifestyle changes to support and improve your mental well-being Exercises grounded in research-supported CBT techniques

A rip-roaring Roman mystery from Historical Association Young Quills Award-winning author Ally Sherrick. PRAISE FOR BLACK POWDER - WINNER OF THE HISTORIAL ASSOCIATION YOUNG QUILLS AWARD: ' ... a wonderfully explosive adventure set in the turbulent year of the gunpowder plot in Black Powder with impossibly divided loyalties.' JULIA GOLDING, AUTHOR OF THE DIAMOND OF DRURY LANE 'With its constant reversals and twists and turns, Tom's story is almost as complex as the pliot and counter-plot of the Gunpowder Treason itself ... The writing is lively and the pace never flags.' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY Vita longs to write plays and poetry - but as a high-born girl in Roman Londinium, her fate is sealed: marriage and children. Then her father is murdered, her mother and brother disappear, and Vita flees from a shadowy enemy. Disguised as a slave at the gladiator's arena, she forges an unlikely bond with Brea, a native Briton gladiatrix - and her wolf. Together, they resolve to discover and bring the killer to justice before Vita's identity is revealed ... A rip-roaring adventure set in Roman London from the rising queen of middle-grade historical fiction, Ally Sherrick Vita, nicknamed 'Little Owl' by her father, is an unlikely hero - but when her father is murdered she has to uncover the truth, even if it means finding unlikely friends Themes of deceit, storytelling and fighting justice

A Warner Faith Title
Also Available as a Time Warner AudioBook

John C. Maxwell, the New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker, is known for his brilliant insights into the nature of leadership-and how we can tap into unfound abilities within ourselves. His new book turns to the wellspring of tradition, as he offers inspiration, learning, and the power of prayer from the lives of Old Testament heroes.

RUNNING WITH THE GIANTS In the race of life—a contest of stamina, endurance, faith, and understanding—we are never alone. Others have run it before us. In John C. Maxwell's vision of humanity, they are in the stands, urging us on, praying for us, and offering the wisdom of their experience. We need only listen for their voices and hear their stories to turn our modern-day challenges into victories.

• A man named Noah knows how great a difference a single individual can make in the world. His hope for us: "Don't be afraid to do something for the first time."

• A woman named Esther takes the ultimate risk and stands up for her people. She prays to God to help us look beyond adversity: "Empower them to fulfill the purpose for which You have called them."

• A boy named Joseph knows the race of life never goes according to plan. He urges us on: "When the dream is realized, it is sweeter than you can ever imagine."

From Rebekah to David, Abraham to Moses, RUNNING WITH THE GIANTS puts us face-to-face with the towering figures of the Bible. From these great heroes-and from the inimitable John C. Maxwell-comes the inspiration to live as they did: as leaders, as success stories, and as people close to God.

Congratulations! It's a beautiful baby girl! You're at the start of an amazing adventure together, and you're in good company - over the years, many parents have captured this experience in memorable words. Discover some of the best expressions of wisdom and love in this little book of quotations to celebrate the arrival of your darling daughter.

A longtime favourite getaway for America's most influential families, Cumberland Island, off the Atlantic coast of Georgia, offers breathtaking white-sand beaches, rolling dunes, old-growth oak forests, and salt marsh tidal estuaries. At the centre of it all is a population of horses that has thrived, untouched for generations, within this serene sanctuary. In Wild Horses of Cumberland Island, photographer Anouk Masson Krantz has captured the dramatic scenery and majestic horses as they have never been seen before. Her images show the remarkable animals in their naturally diverse ecosystems. A lone horse on a distant beach; four creatures peacefully grazing; a shy animal peering over its shoulder from a brushy thicket - Krantz's portfolio, built over the last decade, is an intimate reflection not only of Cumberland Island's exceptional beauty and spirited horses, but of the history and the safekeeping that have allowed both to flourish. This second edition includes many new images and showcases Krantz's expansive body of work that reflects the remarkable majesty of these horses as they continue to roam across this remote island landscape.

'I LOVE THE BOOK... A BRILLIANT READ' Chris Evans, Radio 2 Breakfast Show ALSO OUT NOW: THE MYSTERIUM, the must-have follow-up to The Odditorium 'This book, that I approached with caution, turns out to be magnificent. Tested it with the Moondog entry. Passed A+' Danny Baker, Radio 5Live A CELEBRATION OF CURIOSITY AND OBSESSION Step into a world of gloriously unpredictable characters such as Ivor Cutler, Quentin Crisp, Joe Orton, Reginald Bray, Ken Campbell, Screaming Lord Sutch, Sun Ra, Buckminster Fuller, Timothy Leary and Ayn Rand. The Odditorium is a playful re-telling of history, told not through the lens of its victors, but through the fascinating stories of a wealth of individuals who, while lesser-known, are no less remarkable. Throughout its pages you'll learn about the antics and adventures of tricksters, eccentrics, deviants and inventors. While their stories range from heroic failures to great hoaxes, one thing unites them - they all carved their own path through life. Each protagonist exemplifies the human spirit through their dogged determination, willingness to take risks, their unflinching obsession and, often, a good dollop of eccentricity. Learn about Reginald Bray (1879-1939), a Victorian accountant who sent over 30,000 singular objects through the mail, including himself; Muriel Howorth (1886-1971), the housewife who grew giant peanuts using atomic energy; and Elaine Morgan (1920-2013), a journalist who battled a tirade of prejudice to pursue an aquatic-based theory of human evolution, which is today being championed by David Attenborough. While many of us are content to lead a conventional life, with all of its comfort and security, The Odditorium reminds us of the characters who felt compelled to carve their own path, despite risking ostracism, failure, ridicule and madness. Outsider artists, linguists, scientists, time travellers and architects all feature in The Odditorium, each of whom risked ostracism, ridicule and even madness in pursuit of carving their own esoteric path, changing the world in wonderful ways. 'BRAMWELL CLEARLY HAS AN EYE FOR THE ODDBALL AND ARCANE' The Guardian

Quotations from the women who changed the world, or had the guts to try. "For most of history, Anonymous was a woman," wrote Virginia Woolf. Here are the inspiring words from those who made their names known, and voices heard.

The Rough Guide to the USA's National Parks is a celebration of 62 extraordinary destinations. Discover the 62 official national parks of the USA with the brand-new Rough Guide to the USA's National Parks, from the iconic favourites of California's Joshua Tree and Yosemite to the vast wildernesses of Alaska's Wrangell-St Elias, the Badlands of South Dakota and the tropical seascape of the US Virgin Islands, by way of otherworldly caves at New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns and the forests and waterfalls of Virginia's Shenandoah. Dedicated entries on what makes each Park special, including details on its highlights, wildlife and unique natural landscapes are complemented by stunning photography which brings to life the very best of the USA's protected wildernesses. Over 150 high-quality images bring the 62 Parks to life, while evocative descriptive text accompanies each entry, capturing each Park's distinct spirit and exactly what makes it so special. Organized geographically by state, with a brief overview of essential information, the book has been written by one of Rough Guides' expert US authors. Features of the Rough Guide to the USA's National Parks - Inspires with focussed coverage of every national park in the USA - Stylish coffee-table book with more than 150 inspiring photographs - Employs Rough Guides' "tell it like it is" ethos - Organised geographically by state About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy "tell it like it is" ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.

Inspirational leadership quotes from every President of the United States of America. The Little Book of United States Presidents is a fascinating collection of over 170 quotes from each person who has held the office, from George Washington to Donald Trump. Sometimes referred to as the Leader of the Free World, the President is elected to lead the United States in times of peace, struggle and in the face of war. The breadth and depth of the responsibility that comes with leading the executive branch offers each President the opportunity to let their thoughts be known and to influence the lives of the people. The Little Book of United States Presidents is a beautifully presented collection of inspirational and thought-provoking quotes from every US President, each of which offers the opportunity to learn from this remarkable collection of leaders. 'The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.' Ronald Reagan (40th) Republican, January 20, 1981 - January 20, 1989, Address to the Nation on the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, January 28, 1986. 'Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.' John F. Kennedy (35th) Democratic, January 20, 1961 - November 22, 1963, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961. 'Throughout our history the American people have always been the true source of American greatness.' Donald Trump (45th), Republican, January 20, 2017 - Incumbent, Security strategy speech, December 18, 2017.

The Little Book of Nutrients is the best small guide to nutrients on the planet.

This tiny title breaks down vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other food constituents to highlight their importance, and the way that they work to keep us healthy. It shows us the items that are essential for health and how to ensure that we are eating enough of them. And although much of the book is about plant-based foods, this isn't a book for vegans - it includes meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy foods, and even recommends a little red wine for a healthy diet.

Minerals
Magnesium
Anti-stress mineral that reduces muscle spasms and eases premenstrual syndrome.

Best sources: nuts, figs, soya beans, wholegrain cereals, meat, fish, seafood.

This red-hot box of prompts―with 50 steamy activities printed on faux matchsticks―ignites passion in and out of the bedroom. Use it for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or any time the sexual spark needs kindling.

• BEAUTIFUL BOX: Slide open the box to reveal faux prompted, decorative matchsticks. It's an eye-catching package that makes a great gift for your special someone.
• SPICE UP YOUR SEX LIFE: Bring fun, humor, and spontaneity into the bedroom! This box offers a unique approach to shaking up your sexual routine and making sparks fly.

• Share a secret or fantasy with each other.
• Set up a sexy scavenger hunt.
• Focus on foreplay rather than the main event.

The Little Book of Meditation is a simple introduction to the practice of meditation.

This fascinating and uplifting book shows how meditation benefits mental and physical health, aids the development of psychic ability and can even enhance a religious experience. Whether you want to learn about chakra healing, crystals, totem animals or colour meditation, the Little Book of Meditation is the perfect introductory guide, teaching you to avoid becoming overwhelmed by unwanted psychic experiences and outlining several simple meditations for the reader to try.

Crystal Meditation
Using crystals alongside of meditation is fast becoming popular. The vibrational frequencies of each different stone encourage the soul to experience different moods, which influence the way we think and feel.

Amethyst
If you are not feeling well, amethyst would be a good healing crystal and it can soothe a troubled mind. It is also said to be helpful after surgery or a prolonged illness as it can restore energy patterns. Many people keep a piece of amethyst by the bedside to ensure a good night's sleep.