Celebrating a "golden age" of travel, this new book retraces the steps of a Grand Tour of South East Asia from the turn of the 20th century to the present day. The Romance of the Grand Tour explores the living heritage of 12 exotic port cities: from Rangoon (Yangon), through the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore and the old Dutch East Indies cities of Batavia (Jakarta) and Surabaya, via Bangkok to former Indochina at Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Phnom Penh and Hanoi, through Manila to Hong Kong. Drawing on archival images and accounts as well as present-day photographs and illustrations, the book captures the romance and excitement of these early Grand Tourists, while presenting contemporary scenes and experiences for 21st-century travellers determined to seek out the legacy of a bygone era.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the record-breaking British Library exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and a team of brilliant curators. As the spectacular show takes up residence at the New York Historical Society from October 2018, this gorgeous book - available in paperback for the first time - takes readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from Astronomy and Potions through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. Each chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter archive. There's also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition - absorbing, insightful and unexpected contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a personal perspective on their magical theme. Readers will be able to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that reveal the secret of the Elixir of Life, vials of dragon's blood, mandrake roots, painted centaurs and a genuine witch's broomstick, in a book that shows J.K. Rowling's magical inventions alongside their cultural and historical forebears. This is the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations, bibliophiles and readers around the world who missed out on the chance to see the exhibition in person.

A small and nifty guide to the best free activities across London - covering everything from architectural gems and panoramic views, to green spaces, galleries and unique events. In a bustling and often expensive metropolis, being able to make the most out of what this city has to offer can sometimes be challenging. Free London takes in the full breadth of experiences on offer, including centuries-old traditions, the world's best art, hidden green spaces and unexpected views of the city. See London from a new perspective and start planning your next day out - for free. Perfect for tourists, visitors and Londoners alike.

At the end of the 20th century, the traditional forms of tourism transformed; they expanded by the introduction of new postmodern tourist forms, bringing innovative offers to the marketplace. Two of these new fast-growing forms are literary tourism and film-induced tourism, both of which fall under the umbrella of cultural tourism. Both niches of cultural tourism share the need to create products and experiences that meet the tourists' expectations. Handbook of Research on Global Perspectives on Literary Tourism and Film-Induced Tourism discusses literary tourism and film-induced tourism and documents the advances in research on the intersections of literature, film, and the act of traveling. Covering a wide range of topics from film tourism destinations to digital literary tourism, this book is ideal for travel agents, tourism agencies, tour operators, government officials, postgraduate students, researchers, academicians, cultural development councils and associations, and policymakers.

A tour of some of the UK's most beguiling gardens in the counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, the counties that exemplify 'the garden of England'. In these three counties a wealth of history and horticulture has combined with geography in the shape of rolling landscapes, wooded valleys and meandering waterways, to provide an attractive and fascinating collection. They are in villages and towns, as well as in deep countryside, and all are privately owned. Some have been in the possession of the same family for many generations, while others have recently been transformed by new owners. Some open for the National Garden Scheme, while others are open privately and in some cases for just the occasional day for charity. The stunning gardens explored in this visually rich guide include: Arundel Castle, Denmans, Gravetye Manor, Munstead Wood and Sussex Prairie Garden. The book also includes a gazetteer of other important gardens in the area with location advice, to enable readers to plan a more elaborate tour of this fertile garden area. Filled with stunning, specially commissioned photographs by Clive Boursnell, Secret Gardens of the South East is a unique guide that opens the gates to the most intriguing gardens in this part of England.

Great Camp Sagamore, located in the Adirondacks in Raquette Lake, was completed in 1897 by William West Durant and bought in 1901 by Alfred G. Vanderbilt. It remained in the Vanderbilt family as a retreat for themselves and their illustrious friends until 1954, when, Aldfred's wife left it to Syracuse University. Join Beverly Bridger as she tracks the history of this historical New York Institute, from privileged family retreat to national landmark.

Explore Scotland's most famous castle -- home to kings and queens, the site of historic battles, and probably the best-known place in Scotland. Published in partnership with history experts at Edinburgh Castle and Historic Environment Scotland, this fun, fact-packed book includes everything you need to know about the castle's 1000-year history: -- Its most famous residents and treasures -- Who attacked the castle, and who tried to defend it -- Its dank dungeons and the prisoners who tried to escape -- The terrible battles and incredible sieges -- The secrets and the mysteries Conveying fascinating facts through simple words and loads of historically accurate illustrations, Edinburgh Castle for Kids will appeal to a wide age range of young visitors from all over the world. Each section includes a fun activity -- mazes, doodling and colouring, spot the difference, untangle, search and find and join the dots. With a mix of brilliant facts and enjoyable activities, Edinburgh Castle for Kids is the ultimate guide for kids to Scotland's most famous landmark -- whether you've visited or not!

Built between 1855 and 1860, Oxford University Museum of Natural History is the extraordinary result of close collaboration between artists and scientists. Inspired by John Ruskin, the architect Benjamin Woodward and the Oxford scientists worked with leading Pre-Raphaelite artists on the design and decoration of the building. The decorative art was modelled on the Pre-Raphaelite principle of meticulous observation of nature, itself indebted to science, while individual artists designed architectural details and carved portrait statues of influential scientists. The entire structure was an experiment in using architecture and art to communicate natural history, modern science and natural theology. 'Temple of Science' sets out the history of the campaign to build the museum before taking the reader on a tour of art in the museum itself. It looks at the facade and the central court, with their beautiful natural history carvings and marble columns illustrating different geological strata, and at the pantheon of scientists. Together they form the world's finest collection of Pre-Raphaelite sculpture. The story of one of the most remarkable collaborations between scientists and artists in European art is told here with lavish illustrations.

A series of meditations and prayers focusing on the spiritual history of 22 cathedrals around the UK.