"They flirted with men, and with death." In The Women Who Lived for Danger, acclaimed historian Marcus Binney recounts the story of ten remarkable women -- some famous, some virtually unknown -- recruited to work behind enemy lines as secret agents during WWII. Part of Winston Churchill's Special Operations Executive, formed in 1940 to "set Europe ablaze," the women of the SOE were trained to handle guns and explosives, work undercover, endure interrogation by the Gestapo, and use complex codes. Once in enemy territory, theirs was the most dangerous war of all, leading an apparently normal civilian life but in constant danger of arrest and execution. Passing themselves off as country wenches by afternoon and chic Parisiennes by night, these women put service to Britain and the Allied forces above all concerns for personal safety -- they organized dropping grounds for arms and explosives destined for the Resistance, helped operate escape lines for airmen who had been shot down over Europe, and provided Allied Command with vital intelligence.

The exploits of those chronicled in The Women Who Lived for Danger form a new chapter of heroism in the history of warfare matched only by their legacy of daring, determination, resourcefulness, and ability to stay cool in the face of extreme danger.

"The English Country House" takes a look at the architecture and interiors of sixty-two stunning houses in a range of architectural styles spanning seven centuries--from the medieval Stokesay Castle to the newly built, Lutyens-inspired Corfe Farm--brought to life through the world-renowned photography library of "Country Life." More than four hundred color and black and white illustrations provide an insight into the architecture, decoration, gardens, and landscape settings of these houses, which are set into their architectural and historical context by the accompanying text and extended captions.
The book provides an "entree "into the houses to which "Country Life "has had privileged access over the years, many of which are still private homes, often occupied by descendants of the families that built them. Punctuating the book at intervals in the form of booklets on rich, uncoated paper are six essays by leading British architectural historians that set the English country house into its social context and chart the changing tastes in decorating and collecting, the development of ancillary buildings, gardens and landscapes, and finally, its influence in the United States.

There is no other designer quite like Anouska Hempel, and this volume is both a celebration of her achievement and an intimate insight into it. Here is a designer whose vision and creative flair know no bounds, whose interiors and landscapes are truly incomparable. The book is divided into thirteen chapters, each highlighting one of her many stunning achievements. There is Beluga , Hempel's own opulent yacht, masquerading as a black-sailed pirate ship; the luxurious interiors and perfectly manicured gardens of Cole Park, the quintessential English country house; the clean lines of the Grosvenor House Apartments in Mayfair; and more. With over 400 stunning colour photographs of interiors, architecture and gardens, this beautiful volume is itself a masterwork of art, a joy for lovers of distinctive design and an essential reference for design professionals.

Menorca Sketchbook offers a remarkable new vision of the island through watercolour and pencil sketches from Graham Byfield, long-term resident of Es Migjorn, which are supported by a highly informative text from Marcus Binney, a regular visitor to the island. Menorca is full of hidden secrets and the book illustrates not only the main buildings and sites of obvious importance, but also many quirky aspects of Menorcan life and its glorious countryside and heritage, making it a surprise and delight to both visitors and residents alike. Unlike many of its neighbours Menorca has been spared much of the recent ravages of development and now supports a strong ecological ethic with safeguards in place to avoid uncontrolled exploitation. A strong volunteering spirit exists, which supports the local authorities to ensure the beaches are kept clean, and many old buildings are saved from collapse and ruin, most notably the Naval Hospital on the Isla del Rey and several old windmills. Menorca is truly a hidden gem and this book aims to reveal some of these secrets which makes the island so special.

The perfect introduction to the city's architectural heritage, Cambridge - The Watercolour Sketchbook gives visitors and residents insight into a wealth of sights, both grand and intimate in scale. Many facets of the university town and surrounds are recorded here, as Graham Byfield strolls with his sketchpad through college gateways, courts and gardens, along broad streets and narrow alleyways, into great ceremonial buildings and medieval pubs full of character. All of England's architectural styles are well represented in Cambridge, and a sunny day spent wandering around the city can be intoxicating. Indeed, as writer Marcus Binney says: "If one city had to stand for all that is fine, inventive, lovely and sensitive in English architecture, it is Cambridge." Accompanying the paintings and sketches are observations and notes handwritten by the artist, as well as an introduction to Cambridge by heritage expert Marcus Binney.

The perfect introduction to the city's architectural heritage, Barcelona Sketchbook gives visitors and residents insight into a wealth of sights, both grand and intimate in scale. Many facets of the Catalonia capital and surroundings are recorded here, as Graham Byfield strolls with his sketchpad through the Ramblas, the glories of Antoni Gaudi, the great ceremonial buildings, and cafes and parks full of character. On the way, with a few pencil strokes and splashes of watercolour, he captures scenes of daily life, as well as a plethora of architectural wonders dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the County of Barcelona in the Middle Ages. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, it continued to be an important city as an economic and administrative centre and the capital of the Principality of Catalonia. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is today a major tourist destination being one of the world's most visited cities. Particularly renowned are the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is also an important port, has hosted two International Exhibitions and is known for its successful Summer Olympics in 1992. Accompanying the paintings and sketches are observations and notes handwritten by the artist, as well as a learned and informative introduction to Barcelona and its various areas by heritage expert Marcus Binney.

Founded by Churchill, Special Operations Executive (SOE) was the forerunner of the SAS, and during WWII they sent many hundreds of specially-trained agents deep undercover in Nazi-occupied Europe. Here Marcus Binney explores the extraordinary stories and daring exploits of some of the male agents who made up these little-known war heroes, and who helped change the course of the twentieth century with their bravery and sacrifice. The author has undertaken ground-breaking research in previously classified Foreign Office files in order to write this book.