Idiocy is all around us, whether it's the uncle spouting conspiracy theories, the colleagues who repeat your point but louder, or the commuters who still don't know how to use an escalator. But what is the answer to this perpetual scourge? Here, philosopher Maxime Rovere turns his attention to the murkiest of intellectual corners. With warmth, wit and wisdom, he illuminates a new understanding of idiots, one which examines our relations to others and our own ego, offers tools and strategies to dismantle the most desperate of idiotic situations, and even reveals how to stop being the idiots ourselves (because we're always someone else's idiot). Expertly translated by David Bellos, this is an erudite, enjoyable and much-needed solution to a most familiar vexation..

"The photographs of William Claxton define the essence of cool." - Jason Ankeny (AllMusic) "Claxton's innovative choices and airy style, which he called 'jazz for your eyes', worked sublimely to document and promote the rise of trumpeter and singer Chet Baker, especially." - Howard Mandel Born in Pasadena, California, photographer William Claxton (1927-2008) is best known for his dozens of splendid portraits of jazz stars (especially those of Chet Baker, of whom he made the first professional photos) and Hollywood stars (such as his friend Steve McQueen). In 1952, while shooting Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker at the Haig Club, he met Richard Bock, founder of Pacific Jazz, who quickly hired him as art director and house photographer. During his time at the label, Claxton snapped and designed album covers at a rate of roughly one per week, in the process establishing the visual identity of the West Coast jazz movement. Where previous jazz photographers captured their subjects in the dark, smoky environs of nightclubs, Claxton capitalised on the sun and surf of southern California, posing artists in unorthodox outdoor settings to represent a new era in the music's continued evolution. Claxton's images graced the covers of numerous music albums, and his work regularly appeared in such magazines as Life, Paris Match and Vogue. Claxton wrote 13 books, held dozens of exhibitions of his photographs around the world, and won numerous photography awards. This book presents a selection of more than 150 superb images by the great photographer. Among the multiple artists portrayed are Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Art Blakey, Clifford Brown, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Billie Holiday, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Wes Montgomery, Lee Morgan, Art Pepper, Sonny Rollins, Dinah Washington, and Muddy Waters. Text in English, with an introduction in English, French and Spanish.

Filled with simple ideas and inspiring quotes, this little book will help you bring kindness and gratitude into your life 365 days of the year. An act of kindness can transform the lives of those around us - and it enriches our own experiences too. You might think that choosing kindness means carrying out grand gestures or spending large amounts of money, but small actions can be just as meaningful. This book offers plenty of ideas to help you enact kindness - including simple acts of compassion, self-kindness and ways to spread positivity - along with inspirational quotes to remind you of the benefits of benevolence. Within these pages you will find: Tips on practising gratitude and appreciation Innovative advice to help you invite kindness into your day A raft of beautiful quotes to warm your heart Inspiration for random acts of kindness 365 Days of Kindness will be your guide to spreading goodwill and gratitude all year round.

"Designed to coach us to see running as a spiritually enriching activity that connects us to our breath, body and the natural world." - Healthy - Holland & Barrett magazine "In this beautifully illustrated book, author Tessa Wardley meditates on the holistic nature of running through 25 focused reflections offering meaningful insights that every runner will value and remember" - Your Healthy Living "An inspiring guide to cheer you on through the ups and downs of running." - Fit & Well Mindful Thoughts for Runners explores the ways in which running offers us an opportunity to deepen our levels of awareness, lifting our souls as well as our endorphin levels! Part of the Mindful Thoughts series, this beautifully illustrated little book meditates on all aspects of running, including: Running rituals The running community Running for charity Dealing with injury The power of breath Listening to the body . . . and much more Running can be a spiritually enriching activity, as well as a physical one-reconnecting us to our breath, our bodies, and the natural world around us with every steady step. Author and environmentalist Tessa Wardley meditates on the holistic nature of running, through 25 focused reflections offering meaningful insights that every runner from barefoot to track will value and remember. If you like this, you might also be interested in Mindful Thoughts for Walkers . . .

An accessible and fun guide to kinky practices for everyone Everything you wanted to know about kinky practices is covered in this highly entertaining and readable book. Known for her bold, witty prose on all matters related to the bedroom, Kate Sloan makes this an accessible subject for anyone curious about new ways to spice up their sex lives. Whether you are looking for ideas, clarification, or just an enjoyable read, there is plenty here to keep you intrigued. The text is accompanied by helpful tips and illustrations.

More than 200 variations of the world's favourite puzzle have been created to test your Sudoku skills. The revered intelligence organisation, Mensa, have worked with Gareth Moore to put together a supreme test of logic. These brand-new puzzles will provide hours of entertainment for anyone who enjoys mental gymnastics. As well as traditional Sudoku, many varieties such as Samurai Sudoku and 3D Sudoku have been included to provide a further stern examination.

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.

'I can't believe I bought a toaster with no bagel setting!' 'Irritating... just done a massive pre-cleaner clean, and they've just texted to say they're not coming!' Have you ever had to buy cava because the shop's out of champagne? Ever put too much wasabi on your sushi? Or maybe your latest lifestyle post on social media didn't get enough likes? Well, the struggles are real and you're not alone. Cheekily illustrated throughout, this book showcases these and other first-world problems that might find you wincing in self-recognition.

This is exactly what you need on those overwhelming days when everyone is on your case or wants a piece of you – here you can tell everyone to 'get lost' like the best of them. Taking inspiration from the Bette Davis quote 'When a man gives his opinion he's a man; when a woman gives her opinion, she's a bitch,' this is a collection of quotes by tough-talking women who say it how it is, no holds barred, no regrets. 'You are either on my side, by my side, or in my f*cking way. Choose wisely.' - Anonymous 'I'm not a humanitarian. I'm a hell-raiser.' - Mother Jones

A PORTABLE, POCKET EDITION OF THE DEFINITIVE WOOD-CUTTER'S BIBLE - PERFECT FOR FATHER'S DAY "The book has spread like wildfire" Daily Mail "A how-to book with poetry at its heart" T.L.S. "A step-by-step guide to preparing your wood store" Independent Whether you're a seasoned woodcutter, or your passion is yet to be kindled, NORWEGIAN WOOD is a highly informative and entertaining guide for year-round wood management, and the perfect gift. Chopping and stacking wood is a pastime where the world makes sense once more. Because our relationship to fire is so ancient, so universal, it seems that in learning about wood, you can also learn about life. And who better to impart this wisdom than an expert from Scandinavia, where the extreme climate has obliged generations to hone and share their skills with tools, wood and heat production. Lars Mytting has distilled the wisdom of enthusiasts, from experienced lifelong growers, stackers and burners to researchers and professionals of combustion and tree culture. Part guide to the best practice in every aspect of working with this renewable energy source, part meditation on the human instinct for survival, this definitive handbook on the art of chopping, stacking and drying wood in the Scandinavian way has resonated across the world, with more than a million copies sold worldwide. More than 200,000 copies sold in English editions. The book that defined a genre.

Walk a llama. Fly a kite. Go star gazing. Ride a steam train. Row a boat. Watch a waterfall. Wonder at life and all its beautiful moments because you only get one chance at it. Discover new ways to broaden your horizons and reach for life-affirming experiences, then record them in these pages. Collect Moments, Not Things will help you break away from a digital existence and create a fulfilled, exciting and happy life.

The Princess and the Prick is a feminist humour and gift book for adults. May I kiss you, he said. She didn't answer. She was asleep. So he kissed her anyway. SLEEPING BEAUTY Revisit childhood classics, but not as you remember them. Familiar fables are turned on their heads as your beloved heroines finally have their say. In a similar vein to the Ladybird for Grown-Ups and Enid Blyton spoof series, The Princess and the Prick flips fairy tales, nursery rhymes and children’s books on their head. Retold through a feminist lens as one liners, verses and rhyming couplets, and highlighting the sexism endemic in stories we grew up with, these classic tales will never be read in the same way again… ‘I hate this book. It makes me look like a right prick.’ Prince Charming ‘A real wake-up call.’ Sleeping Beauty Perfect for fans of Gill Sims, Caroline Hirons and Alix E. Harrow!

Featuring dozens of new activities as well as some of the most popular prompts from the original, Wreck This Journal Everywhere will have you travelling the city streets and country byways, filling the pages with man-made and natural objects, recording what you see, drawing, doodling - and destroying pages as you go. Perfect for sliding in your pocket or stuffing in your bag, Wreck This Journal Everywhere is the ideal creative companion!

A sparkling anthology celebrating sport in all its variety; from elite rugby and football to rural games on the village green, from an exclusive golf club to the sheer pleasure of a bicycle ride. 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 and introduced by sports historian, Professor Martin Polley. A treat for sports fans, dip into this wide-ranging, entertaining collection of classic writing drawn from journalism, diaries, drama, fiction and more. On Your Marks spans from Elizabethan Shakespeare to twentieth-century George Orwell and features Daniel Defoe on horse racing, Jane Austen on baseball, Lewis Carroll on croquet and many more.

Enter the world of bewitching botanicals with California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). This puzzle features the intricate lines and lush colors of illustrator Kate O'Hara art and highlights poppy's rich symbolism. As described in Maia Toll's best-selling book The Illustrated Herbiary, poppy opens her petals in daylight and closes them when night comes, resurrecting herself each morning after deep relaxation and rest. Experience the restorative powers of poppy as you place each piece and watch her come into bloom.

Laugh yourself off the fairway with this mini-collection of golfing humour - the very best quips and quotes for the golf-obsessed.

This book is a treasure trove of English oddities, crammed with the most curious stories, remarkable facts and unexpected goings-on from the country's long and convoluted history. From frogs' legs at Stonehenge to knicker elastic in the Blitz, this is England - the unauthorised biography.

Tigers is an outstanding collection of photographs showing these fearsome yet magnificent animals in action. Tigers are the largest big cats in the world and because of this, many cultures consider the tiger to be a symbol of strength, courage and dignity. They are featured in ancient mythology and folklore and continue to be depicted in modern films and literature. You’ll discover how tigers are adapted for hunting: A tiger’s paws and claws are one of its greatest weapons during the hunt. Strong, and powerful enough to kill prey with a swipe, the bones in their paws also have cord-like ligaments to buffer them from the impact of hitting prey at a full run. You’ll also learn many other fascinating facts, such as how each tiger is unique – did you know that no two tigers have the same pattern of stripes? Or that you can tell a tiger’s age by its nose? Young tigers have a pink nose which gradually darkens, turning orange, then a blackish-brown as it reaches maturity. With full captions explaining how these incredible animals hunt and feed, rear their young and survive in the wild, Tigers is a brilliant examination in 150 outstanding colour photographs of this beautiful animal.

WTF? THERE ARE WHISKERS IN THE WHISKEY! Cats love a drink! When you're not looking, your kitty is busy getting liquored up. This book gathers the best photos of cats getting buzzed off booze and looking pawfully pitiful the morning after. And to aid your appreciation, these snaps of sordid and sozzled pussycats have been paired with hilarious captions telling us what their meowing actually means. Bottoms up!

The popular and reliable New King James Version, now with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson's custom NKJV font, is the perfect gift. The NKJV Deluxe Gift Bible is a great way to celebrate graduations, baptisms, birthdays, or special achievements. This beautifully crafted Bible comes in a variety of Leathersoft (TM) covers and includes gilded page edges, a ribbon marker, a presentation page, the words of Christ in red, full-color maps, charts, and a dictionary-concordance. Features Include: Improved readability of the Thomas Nelson NKJV Font Words of Christ in red Easy-to-use dictionary-concordance Miracles and parables of Jesus Ribbon marker Gilded page edges Presentation page Full-color maps8.1-point print size

The popular and reliable New King James Version, now with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson's custom NKJV font, is the perfect gift. The NKJV Deluxe Gift Bible is a great way to celebrate graduations, baptisms, birthdays, or special achievements. This beautifully crafted Bible comes in a variety of Leathersoft (TM) covers and includes gilded page edges, a ribbon marker, a presentation page, the words of Christ in red, full-color maps, charts, and a dictionary-concordance. Features Include:Improved readability of the Thomas Nelson NKJV FontWords of Christ in redEasy-to-use dictionary-concordanceMiracles and parables of JesusRibbon markerGilded page edgesPresentation pageFull-color maps8.1-point print size

With the natural world increasingly under threat, Our Place in Nature explores one of the most topical issues of our day; our appreciation of nature and recognition of our place in it. 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 and introduced by Zachary Seager. A timely anthology of classic writing exploring our complex relationship with the natural world. Famous names such as George Orwell, Dorothy Wordsworth, John Muir and Rachel Carson are gathered here to share their wonder, concern and appreciation for our place in nature.

This wonderfully appealing and practical gift book features step-by-step instructions on how to tie over 50 knots and when and where to use them. The beautiful two colour illustrations and clear instructions quickly teach you how to tie classic knots, such as the Reef Knot and Bowline, through to more specialist knots such as the Alpine Butterfly and the Taut Line Hitch. The knots are clearly organised for safe application across a range of activities including sailing, climbing, fishing, camping or for decoration. The useful introduction and reference section tells you all you need to know about knot work; including an explanation of the key terms, recommended techniques and a complexity rating for tying each knot. So, if you want to make a rope ladder with your kids, sail the oceans, be safe climbing in the mountains or make a True Lovers knot then this book has every knot you should know how to tie, plus many more. The perfect gift for craftsmen and women alike and the adventurer in all of us. Featuring an exclusive foreword from Tim Treloar of TT Adventures, co-presenter of the BAFTA-winning Survival School with Bear Grylls.

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger!"

When a mild-mannered chemistry teacher teamed up with a small-time meth dealer - and, over five chaotic and addictive seasons, transforms into a ruthless kingpin - nobody expected the show to become a global sensation. But the gripping tale of Walt's descent into the criminal underworld has smashed records, making Breaking Bad the most critically acclaimed show of all time.

Now the legacy of this trailblazing series has been refined into the gift that keeps on giving. Say My Name: The Little Guide to Breaking Bad is contaminated with the loco misadventures of Walt, Jesse, Skyler, Saul, Gus, Mike and Hank through a wealth of wicked wit and wisdom, and classic, killer catchphrases. Just remember, tread lightly - we wouldn't want you to get hooked on the show all over again. Or would we?

Botanical artist Audrey Eagle has been painting New Zealand's flora since 1952. Her award-winning Eagle's Complete Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand is an essential reference for plant lovers and has become a New Zealand classic. This timeless journal features a selection of Audrey's superbly detailed paintings of native New Zealand trees and shrubs, interspersed with lined pages for your personal notes.