Distillation is an art. And even an ancient one. It is strange to find that the history of this oldest and still most important method of producing chemically pure substances has ever been written. The reader looking at the bibliography appended to this book might object that many data existed. This may be true but the proper history of the art from the origin up to the present time was lacking.

Decorate with Feng Shui to balance and support good energy in the home or office by using this step-by step, easy-to-follow 26-card deck for effective life change. Each card is crafted to reveal a deeper understanding of how even the slightest changes, combined with the right intention, can greatly enrich the harmony in your space. Use the map of energy (a Bagua) by focusing on 9 areas of your life (Gua cards) representing prosperity, fame, relationships, family, health, creativity, self improvement, career, and travel. 13 Yin/Yang Room cards (representing varied rooms of the home) and 5 question cards offer you ideas containing optimal furniture pieces to consider, colors to use, and placement directions that will enhance and balance energy flow. Just focus on the changes you need to make in your life and place the room cards and decorating suggestions on the map to discover room solutions. Intended for beginners to advanced practitioners and designers.Includes cards and book.

Good homes are places where lives can unfold, families grow up, dogs jump on sofas, friends share your hospitality. They should also be places where you can find some solitude – a quiet corner to read a book, have a Saturday afternoon nap. In short, they need to be able to sustain you, inspire you and tell your story thanks to their architecture, use of materials and contents.

These are the attributes that Monocle has always celebrated when covering residences in its design and architecture pages – whether featuring a city bolthole, a modernist seaside residence or a summer outpost in a forest. Now Monocle is bringing this all together in one book that explores individual homes, housing projects old and new, communities of self-builders, even whole neighbourhoods where a simple philosophy of building well has created quality of life for many. Monocle has also recruited key thinkers, writers and designers to share their perspectives in a series of fascinating essays.

The Monocle Book of Homes is packed with great photography that delivers the bigger picture and also offers a focus on the smallest details. This is a book that could change how you live.

Private houses, museums, restaurants, pubs, a former cinema and numerous little-known treasures jostle for attention in this beautifully photographed collection of weird and wonderful interiors in England.

Often featuring deliberate references to the tastes and styles of bygone eras, all the interiors in this book are united by a wonderful blend of vivacity and individuality, as well as displaying a great deal of passion and dedication in the creation of a unique space. At the same time, the 'Englishness' that characterises these interiors is often a diverse assemblage of traditions and tastes from every corner of the world, not only reflecting the historical make-up of British society but also the far-reaching knowledge-base upon which the creators of these glorious interiors have been able to draw.

From a bizarre magician's house in London to a wildly entertaining hotel in rural North Yorkshire, there is ample evidence across England of the creative output resulting from this heady mix of enthusiasm and expertise. Historical fantasies sit alongside glorious 21st-century expressions of maximalism, from Walpole's stunning 'little play-thing house' at Strawberry Hill in Twickenham to the newly opened Great John Street Hotel in Manchester where the style is joyfully described as 'New York meets vintage chic'. Quirky, intellectual, stylish or humorous, all the interiors in this book serve as a glorious testimony to the richly creative tradition of English eccentricity, past and present.

'A truly transformative read' Sunday Times STYLE 'More than ever, we need books like this' Jessica Seaton, Co-Founder of Toast and author of Gather, Cook, Feast A whole new way of looking at the world - and your life - inspired by centuries-old Japanese wisdom. Wabi sabi ("wah-bi sah-bi") is a captivating concept from Japanese aesthetics, which helps us to see beauty in imperfection, appreciate simplicity and accept the transient nature of all things. With roots in zen and the way of tea, the timeless wisdom of wabi sabi is more relevant than ever for modern life, as we search for new ways to approach life's challenges and seek meaning beyond materialism. Wabi sabi is a refreshing antidote to our fast-paced, consumption-driven world, which will encourage you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and be gentler on yourself. It will help you simplify everything, and concentrate on what really matters. From honouring the rhythm of the seasons to creating a welcoming home, from reframing failure to ageing with grace, wabi sabi will teach you to find more joy and inspiration throughout your perfectly imperfect life. This book is the definitive guide to applying the principles of wabi sabi to transform every area of your life, and finding happiness right where you are.

Crafting from pregnancy to your baby's first birthday! The arrival of a new baby is not only a cause for celebration, but also the perfect opportunity to get creative. After all, what could be better to give to that special little person in your life than a handmade gift? Whether you are making a gift for your own baby, or for a friend or relative's new arrival, this book features a wide range of craft projects to suit all skill levels and covers numerous craft types, including stenciling, sewing, knitting, and crochet. There are projects for all the early stages of welcoming a baby, from pregnancy through to the first birthday, each one created exclusively for the book by a specially selected group of crafters from around the world. Beautiful watercolor illustrations accompany the projects ensuring each one is easily achievable and suitable for crafters of all levels.