If you're logofascinated, you are literally spellbound by language.; This surprising compendium of 1,000 facts about words, language and etymology is here to inspire your curiosity and delight in discovery. In Word Drops, you can delve into a smattering of unexpected connections and weird juxtapositions, stumble upon a new or remarkable word, or learn of many a bizarre etymological quirk or tall tale.; - Did you know that the bowl made by cupping your hands together is called a gowpen?; - And speaking of bowls, the earliest known reference to bowling in English dates from 1555, when bowling alleys were banned by an Act of Parliament.; - And that ties in nicely with the fact that the English called the Germans 'Alleymen' during the First World War.; - But in Navajo, Germany is called Beesh Bich'ahii Bikeyah-or 'metal cap-wearer land'.; Word Drops is a language fact book unlike any other, its linguistic tidbits all falling together into one long interconnected chain just like the example above with each fact neatly 'dropping' into place beside the next.; What's more, throughout, footnotes are used to give some informative and intriguing background to some of the most bizarre facts, covering everything from traditional Inuit games to the origin of the Bellini cocktail, from the precise length of one 'jiffy' to what the Romans thought hoopoe birds ate, and from what to expect on a night out with Dr Johnson to Samuel Pepys's cure for a hangover. Want to know the longest palindrome in Morse code, or who The Great Masticator was? Curious to know what Norwegian steam is, or what a jaaaar is? The answers are all here.; For all of the logofascinated among us, this is an immensely pleasurable and unpredictable collection that is guaranteed to raise eyebrows (the literal meaning, incidentally, of supercilious).

How well do you know your words?; Buxom used to mean obedient; A cloud was a rock; Raunchy originally meant dirty; Brimming with hidden histories and tantalising twists, The Accidental Dictionary tells the extraordinary stories behind ordinary words.; Our everyday language is full of surprises; its origins are stranger than you might think. Any word might be knocked and buffeted, subjected to twists and turns, expansions and contractions, happy and unhappy accidents. There are intriguing tales behind even the most familiar terms, and they can say as much about the present as they do the past.; Busking, for instance, originally meant piracy. Grin meant to snarl. A bimbo was a man, nice meant ignorant, glamour was magic and a cupboard was a table...; Focusing on 100 surprising threads in the evolution of English, The Accidental Dictionary reveals the etymological origins and quirky developments that have led to the meanings we take for granted today. It is a weird and wonderful journey into words.; So, let's revel in its randomness and delight in its diversity - our dictionary is indeed accidental.

A massive 300 codeword puzzles packaged in a stylish paperback - this is the perfect codeword gift book for adults of any age. With a mix of 100 easy, 100 medium and 100 hard puzzles, the 13 x 13 grids are each arranged on their own page and solutions are easily found in the back of the book. Printed in a highly portable format, the book can be taken on your travels or sit neatly on your bedside table.

From Eastenders to Dr Who, Desert Island Discs to Monty Pyton, The Office to Peaky Blinders, test your knowledge of the history of the BBC and all your favourite programmes with this OFFICIAL puzzle book. From casual quizzers to trivia obsessives, everyone will love this light-hearted and fun book of puzzles and quzzes, released to mark the 100th birthday of the oldest and most famous broadcasting company in the world. Learn about the organisation's history, from its beginnings right up until the present day, discovering all about its fantastic programmes, from comedy, drama and news to soaps, quiz shows and documentaries, along the way. Catch up with your favourite shows, stars and characters and learn about the history of the BBC on the way. You'll find long-standing, iconic series like Dr Who, Eastenders, The Archers or Desert Island Discs as well as cutting-edge dramas such as I May Destroy You and Peaky Blinders. There are also classic comedies like Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and Dad's Army as well as genre-changing hits like The Office or Fleabag. Each spread includes a lively, brief history together with puzzles that will suit all levels of knowledge and skill, making this title the perfect book for everyone to to enjoy. Over its hundred years the BBC has been at the heart of family entertainment and information, known throughout the world for the quality of its output. Packed with history, facts, puzzles, and images of favourite stars and programmes, this is the perfect gift for Christmas and beyond!

Taking the history of the world as its basis might seem a mammoth task but this fascinating book does just that, breaking the whole lot down into ten enthralling chapters that cover the ages and the world, from the Bronze Age up until the end of the Second World War. With over 5,500 years to choose from, and a whole world of events, you can be sure there is no shortage of intriguing history to explore. From the first empires and civilizations, through the Ancient world of the Middle East and Africa; the Parthian Empire; the Golden Age of India; the ancient dynasties of China; the founding of Rome and the Roman republic; Peruvian cultures; The Middle Ages; the Byzantine Empire; Mayan culture; the Crusades; the rise of the Ottoman Empire; the Renaissance - this far-reaching book will test the knowledge of any history lover and provide the ultimate challenge for even the most knowledgeable historian. With questions ranging through multiple choice, truth or fiction, maps and pictures, you will find there is always something new to learn about the world.

More sexy fun from "Cosmo," in the same fabulous format you loved in "Cosmo's Steamy Sex Games." This naughty spin on the classic Truth or Dare game features 120 enticing cards in a box; you and your sweetie simply take turns picking from the deck and choosing a spicy "Truth" or an edgy "Dare." Truth: What is the strangest thing that has ever turned you on?
Dare: Lick your lips in the steamiest way possible. Truth: On a scale of one to ten, rate your bedroom skills. Tell me the reason for that score.
Dare: I'm going to draw a tiny x somewhere on my body. Your job is to kiss me all over until you find it. Truth: Pretend you're a critic and give me a review of my performance the last time we were in bed.
Dare: Pick a spot on my body that isn't usually considered sexual-elbows, knees, ankle-and lavish it with kisses until I'm turned on. Whichever one you choose...the results will be sizzling HOT Do you dare to play?

Put your brain to the test with this selection of 200 puzzles designed to challenge, stimulate and entertain! With puzzles for all abilities, from novice to seasoned puzzler, there is something here for every crossword fan. Whether killing time at home or facing the daily commute, these brainteasers will provide hours of fun.

What delights you? A vibrant red? A mysterious blue? From John Derian, the artist and designer whose work with printed images from the past transports the viewer to another world, Painter's Palette features an art student's color study from the twentieth century, capturing that magical place where ground mineral meets water and light, imagination meets science, and the artist--and puzzle doer--experiences an "aha!" moment. Featuring: 1,000 interlocking pieces Mini-poster (6 3/4" x 9 3/8") for reference or framing Completed puzzle size: 18 7/8" x 26 3/8"

Silly scenarios and questions for guaranteed family fun! Have fun with family and friends with this interactive game book, bursting with 200 side-splittingly funny scenarios, silly choices and thought-provoking questions all about animals. With no right or wrong answers, it’s the game that everyone will enjoy! Would you rather have fur or scales? A mighty roar or a deadly snap? Fly high like a vulture or dive deep like a whale? Jam-packed with brain-busting animal facts and tons of colourful photos it is sure to get conversations going and bring out some hilarious answers!

The UK's bestselling puzzles! This new bumper collection of quick-fire crosswords from the Daily Mail has plenty to keep you occupied on the longest of train journeys or the rainiest of evenings. With over 400 puzzles, this is the perfect compilation for any keen crossword-lover, and will test the skills of novices and inveterate crossword-lovers alike.

Part of an exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art. This new jigsaw will satisfy your need for a challenge, featuring Hokusai's The Great Wave. This 1000 piece jigsaw is intended for adults and children over 13 years. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Finished Jigsaw size 735 x 510mm/29 x 20 ins. Now includes an A4 poster for reference. The most notable period in Hokusai's artistic life was the latter part of his career, beginning in 1830 when he was 70 years old. He began the series of landscapes he is most famous for: 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji', which included The Great Wave, off Kanagawa, probably his most iconic image.

When just having a black belt in kakuro isn't enough, step up to the next level! These tricky puzzles require the very best skills - and give top solvers the complete mental workout they want.

Part of an exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art. This new jigsaw will satisfy your need for a challenge, with Pieter van den Keere's World Map, 1607. This 1000 piece jigsaw is intended for adults and children over 13 years. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Finished Jigsaw size 735 x 510mm/29 x 20 ins. Includes an A4 poster for reference. Pieter van den Keere (1571-c. 1646) was a Flemish engraver, publisher and globe maker who came to England as a Protestant refugee. Settling in Amsterdam in 1593, he continued to work and began engraving a series of miniature county maps for the British Isles Atlas in 1599. His works also include a map of Ireland, urban panoramas of Utrecht, Cologne, Amsterdam and Paris, as well as a collection of world maps.

An irresistibly charming chicken puzzle from Chickenology illustrator Camilla Pintonato.

The "New York Times" crossword puzzle draws from the most creative puzzle constructors around the country. With encouragement from editor Will Shortz, these puzzle-making masterminds are constantly pushing the envelope, bending the rules and forcing solvers to "think outside the box." This collection features some of the most fun, out-there puzzles ever printed in the "Times." Features: *75 "Times" crossword puzzles*Portable format is perfect for travel or solving at home*Edited by the biggest name in crosswords, Will Shortz

INSPIRATION FOR THE TV SHOW If ever there were a book to make you switch off your television set, The Dangerous Book for Boys is it. How many other books will help you thrash someone at conkers, race your own go-cart, and identify the best quotations from Shakespeare? The Dangerous Book for Boys gives you facts and figures at your fingertips – swot up on the solar system, learn about famous battles and read inspiring stories of incredible courage and bravery. Teach your old dog new tricks. Make a pinhole camera. Understand the laws of cricket. There's a whole world out there: with this book, anyone can get out and explore it. The Dangerous Book for Boys is written with the verve and passion that readers of Conn Iggulden's number one bestselling novels have come to expect. This book, his first non-fiction work, has been written with his brother as a celebration of the long summers of their youth and as a compendium of information so vital to men of all ages. Lavishly designed and fully illustrated in colour and black and white throughout, it's set to be a perfect gift for Father's Day and beyond. Chapters in The Dangerous Book for Boys include: The Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, Conkers, Laws of Football, Dinosaurs, Fishing, Juggling, Timers and Tripwires, Kings and Queens, Famous Battles, Spies, Making Crystals, Insects and Spiders, Astronomy, Girls, The Golden Age of Piracy, Secret Inks, Patron Saints of Britain, Skimming Stones, Dog Tricks, Making a Periscope, Coin Tricks, Marbles, Artillery, The Origin of Words and The Solar System.

Part of an exciting series of sturdy, square-box 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles from Flame Tree, featuring powerful and popular works of art. This new jigsaw will satisfy your need for a challenge, with the charming Behind the Squires, Devon by Hilary Jones. This 1000 piece jigsaw is intended for adults and children over 13 years. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Finished Jigsaw size 735 x 510mm/29 x 20 ins. Includes an A4 poster for reference. Hilary Jones grew up in Somerset but came to London when she was young. She has always loved wildlife and flowers, having gardened with her grandfather when she was little. Although she enjoyed drawing at school, she never had any formal art training, but her love of cats inspired her first successful paintings and they feature in most of her work.

Explore Kerby Rosanes's intricate and vibrant world in this striking jigsaw puzzle. Piece together shape-shifting creatures as they morph into a magnificent tiger in the night, featured in his bestselling book, Animorphia.