"Chivalry is a flower no less indigenous to the soil of Japan than cherry blossom" are the opening words to Inazo Nitobe's Bushido: The Soul of Japan. It was 1900 and Inazo, a Japanese academic living in the USA, had been prompted to write the book after an American professor had wondered how the Japanese imparted moral education on their children if schools didn't offer any religious instruction. The answer, Inazo realised, was through Bushido. Bushido is the chivalric code of moral principles that the Samurai followed: rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty. Influenced by Confucianism, Shinto and Zen Buddhism, it tempers the violence of a warrior with wisdom and serenity. Alongside Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Machiavelli's The Prince, Inazo's book has become influential among military and corporate leaders looking for ways to manage their people and overcome their opponents. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding and with a timeless design, Bushido Illustrated: The Soul of Japan includes the classic Inazo Nitobe text with a new introduction and colourful illustrations throughout. It will appeal to anyone interested in leadership, the code of the Samurai and Japanese culture.

Show someone how truly amazing they are with the gift of the sparkling quotations and empowering affirmations in this pocket-sized collection of positivity It's always worth celebrating someone who never gives up, who tries their best and looks ahead to even greater goals and better days. This little book, bursting with thoughtful quotes and uplifting mantras, is the perfect way to say to that special someone, "You make me proud." From the timeless ideas of ancient sages to brilliant insights from modern superstars, these are words of appreciation, encouragement and congratulation for any occasion. As well as the hard-won wisdom of successful writers, artists and thinkers, this book includes a host of motivational affirmations and daily reminders such as: There's nothing you can't do You are the creator of your future Be proud of who you are and everything you've overcome It takes courage to be yourself What you do makes a difference

The Becket List is a not entirely serious compendium of ‘First World Problems’ – the sort of stuff that drives us round the bend on a daily basis. How is it that atonal music, bus stations, cling-film and coat-hangers can bugger us up so comprehensively? Or passport control people, modern poetry, or just about anything you’ll find in a typical hotel bedroom? Embracing both the inanimate – from allen keys to rawlplugs – and the animated (well, in some cases) – from your fellow-travellers to every third-rate waiter who ever walked the earth ¬– this book is essential for your sanity. As such, this comprehensive A to Z provides a signal service to humanity.

Everyone knows that mums are amazing - what they don't know is that you have the best one! This collection of 52 cards, which can be displayed using the handy wooden stand provided, contains a raft of heart-warming quotes and thoughtful words celebrating the miracle that is a mother. The beautifully designed cards are full of love, admiration and appreciation, expressed through quotations from grateful sons and daughters throughout the ages. Alongside these wise words, there are cards with simple, sweet and touching declarations that will show just how much you care. To finish off the package, the box also contains a 16-page booklet full of mom stuff, from ideas on how to enjoy some quality me-time to lines of heartfelt poetry. This sweet and original gift will be a lasting reminder that, though life's ups and downs, and no matter how old you are, your mum will always be the BEST MUM EVER.

With the customary wit, charm and invention, Alex Quick walks the reader through 102 autumn activities, ranging from the simple to the more challenging; the familiar to the exotic.

You know a pile of poo when you see one. But what about when the poo is carefully concealed in an everyday scene? With great artistry and mischievous glee, bestselling author Hugh Jassburn has created a selection of entrancing visual puzzles to keep you entertained whenever you need a comfort break. Whether you're scanning a busy beach or scoping out a city street, there's a dump to be discovered on every spread of this highly amusing search-and-find book.

From the monotonous lark to the rough-faced shag, these poor birds have us all asking: ARE ORNITHOLOGISTS OK? Some people will literally name all the birds instead of going to therapy, and this book exposes all the weird and wonderful monikers these poor feathered creatures have been tarred with. From the go-away-bird and the common loon to the sad flycatcher and the sombre tit, we seriously have to wonder why such disturbed ornithologists even went into this line of work. Tits, Boobies and Loons is for all fans of birds, language and rude words. Or anyone who secretly considers themselves a bit of a red-rumped bush tyrant.

This beautifully illustrated bingo game features 64 species of birds from around the world. Spot all kinds of birds-from the robin to the puffin and the kookaburra to the splendid fairywren-mark them off on your card and bingo!

Contains 64 superbly illustrated bird tokens, one board, 12 bingo cards, and brightly colored counters for you to mark up your card, as well as a leaflet containing basic information and a few quirky traits for all of the birds featured

It's time to make your home a wellness zone! Your home environment should lift you up and bring you joy. But the you live and work in one place, you're all the more aware of how surroundings can affect your well-being. No Place Like Home offers simple and effective ways to transform your home environment to be more mindfully aligned with who you are. It's packed with ideas for upcycling and decluttering, as well as comforting recipes, soothing relaxation rituals and innovative ways to bring the outside in. This restorative book will help you rediscover the delights of your four walls as a space for calm, productivity, happiness and personal growth.

Loosen up with a smile on your face... Marion Deuchars has practiced yoga for many years, and well knows the benefits it brings. Now she shares that passion with her illustrated character Bob the Bird, whose expressive poses will charm you into a reviving session of yoga breathing, stretching, posing, and mindfulness. Yoga for Stiff Birds rejects the cliches of studio photography in favour of a more immediate, inviting, look. With a few brush strokes Marion helps Bob into every position from the downward-facing dog to the tree; both useful and inspiring, her art will raise a smile, whether you're a regular practitioner or a yoga novice, and will encourage even the creakiest reader to breathe, stretch, and bend like they never have before.

Sick of striving? Giving up on grit? Had enough of hustle culture? Daunted by the 10,000-hour rule? Relax: As the French know, it's the best way to be better at everything. In the realm of love, what could be less seductive than someone who's trying to seduce you? Seduction is the art of succeeding without trying, and that's a lesson the French have mastered. We can see it in their laissez-faire parenting, chic style, haute cuisine, and enviable home cooking: they barely seem to be trying, yet the results are world-famous, thanks to a certain je ne sais quoi that is the key to a more creative, fulfilling, and productive life. For fans of both Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Alain de Botton's How Proust Can Change Your Life, philosopher Ollivier Pourriol's book draws on the examples of such French legends as Descartes, Stendhal, Rodin, Cyrano de Bergerac and Francoise Sagan to show how to be efficient a la francaise, and how to effortlessly reap the rewards.

Step into a world of gods, heroes and monsters Throughout history, mythologies have been fundamental to societies and cultures across the world. They are the collected stories of a people - the fascinating folk tales and the epic legends that shape the history and the beliefs of whole civilizations. This pocket guide offers readers an engaging and accessible introduction to the major world mythologies, exploring their origins, foundational stories and key mythological figures. Learn how the Greeks won the ten-year Trojan war, how the Norse god Thor got his mighty hammer, and why the Aztecs made a daily human sacrifice to the sun god, Huitzilopochtli. If you're looking to enrich and expand on your understanding of world history, religion and culture, then this book is an ideal starting point to fill your mind with stories of wisdom and wonder. Discover the captivating stories behind the following mythologies: Aboriginal, Aztec, Celtic, Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Hindu, Incan, Japanese, Maori, Mayan, Mesopotamian, Norse, Roman.

Once upon a time there was a huge family of children; and they were terribly, terribly naughty ... So begin the tales of the no-nonsense Nurse Matilda who uses magic to tame the mischievous children in her charge - and who changes their lives forever. The inspiration for the much-loved film Nanny McPhee, starring Emma Thompson and Colin Firth, the Nurse Matilda stories overflow with naughtiness, wit and timeless humour, making this collection the perfect gift for mischief-makers both young and old! The collection contains all three instalments in the Nurse Matilda series, accompanied by Edward Ardizzone's beautiful original illustrations: Nurse Matilda Nurse Matilda Goes to Town Nurse Matilda Goes to Hospital

What did the poo say to the fart? You blow me away! Full to the brim with obscene one-liners, gross-out gags and smutty shenanigans, this book should be your number one - and number two - choice for lav-based laughs.

Visually appealing, durable and inspiring

• A guide to assist with the daunting process of writing your life story
• The ideal Christmas and all-round gift
• Not only a beautiful book, but an artwork and an heirloom
• The book consists of eight chapters, each starting with a unique, fitting artwork, a poem that takes you on a journey through your own life as well as prompts to inspire the mother to write her own story.
• There is an envelope in the front of the book in which the mom can place memorabilia such as photos, letters, a USB (for videos, photos and voice messages) and a world map indicating her journeys throughout the years.

Behind a thin veneer of respectability, life in a small English village is not all it may seem. Through the eyes of Chumleigh the cat, the rural goings on are recorded in this funny and poignant diary, with an element of adult humour. From a cats perspective, Chumleigh tells all about life in his house and the antics of his neighbours. From domestic disharmony to a cannabis farm in next doors garden shed, he sees it all and shares it all in his diary. This is a cat who enjoys the finer elements of feline existence like tuna, sleeping in the warm and cat treats. But life doesnt always pan out the way he would like. Supported by a rich cast of locals, as odd and individualistic as still found in many small villages, Chumleigh charts a year in his life. Traumatic visits to the vet, turf wars with the local ginger tom and a desire to eliminate a neighbours yappy dog are all set down with great humour and insight. If youve ever lived in a village or owned a cat, this will make you laugh. If youve never lived in a village and never owned a cat, this will be a wonderful insight into what you have been missing. The Secret Diary of Chumleigh the Cat is a year in the life of a cat who never ceases to be amazed at just what goes on around him!

This magical scrapbook presents the incredible beings, beasts and creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films; plus bonus art prints, stickers and fun collectable inserts. From tiny Bowtruckles to enormous fire-breathing dragons, the dazzling array of magical creatures in the wizarding world play a fascinating role in the Harry Potter films. Giant spiders lurk in the shadows, pixies run riot and majestic Hippogriffs take flight. This scrapbook explores how movie-makers brought these amazing characters to life on-screen, presenting filming secrets, concept art and behind-the-scenes photography. Prepare to meet Fawkes, Professor Dumbledore's noble phoenix; Harry's beloved owl Hedwig; menacing mountain trolls; and even the terrible Basilisk that lurks within the Chamber of Secrets. There are profiles on all sorts of magical creatures - from Fluffy the three-headed dog to Newt Scamander's Nifflers and other incredible beasts from the Fantastic Beasts film series. This unique volume takes readers on a tour of over thirty creatures, including those of the Forbidden Forest, the Black Lake and beyond. Brimming with bonus items including stickers, posters and more, Magical Creatures: A Movie Scrapbook is a must-have collectable for fans of the wizarding world.

Would you like to be able to interpret the signs the universe is sending you? Do you want to know what's in store for you and your loved ones? Are you interested in the deeper meaning behind everyday events? Discover the methods for divining your future with this beginner's guide to fortune telling. Exploring the fascinating history behind divination techniques, and providing practical advice for trying them yourself, this book will teach you how to decipher the signs in the world around you. As you learn about the hidden meanings in your life, you will unlock the secrets of your destiny.

Sure to be popular in the hipper precincts of Brooklyn (to say nothing of the Pacific Northwest), this eccentric Victorian volume makes a strong case for the universal wearing of beards.
Reminding us that since ancient times the beard has been an essential symbol of manly distinction, Thomas S. Gowing (whom we trust had a spectacular beard) presents a moral case for eschewing the bitter bite of the razor. He contrasts the vigor and daring of the bearded--say, lumberjacks and Lincoln--with the undeniable effeminacy of the shaven. Manliness is found in the follicles, and the modern man should not forget that "ladies, by their very nature, like everything manly," and cannot fail to be charmed by a fine "flow of curling comeliness." Even old men can hold on to their vitality via their beards: "The Beard keeps gradually covering, varying and beautifying, and imparts new graces even to decay, by highlighting all that is still pleasing, veiling all that is repulsive."
A truly strange polemic, "The Philosophy of Beards" is as charming as it is bizarre, the perfect gift for the manly man in your life.

Four stunning pocket-sized fashion books in one box set.

Includes Little Book of Chanel, Little Book of Dior, Little Book of Gucci and Little Book of Prada – telling the stories of four iconic fashion houses. With images of the four houses' most timeless and celebrated designs, plus captivating text on the personalities and lives of the creative geniuses behind the brands, The Little Guides to Style is the quintessential collection that will delight any fashion lover.