"The world is a finite body, and therefore has finite power." John Philoponus is remembered for using this Aristotelian premise to break ranks with Aristotle and argue that the world is not everlasting. This investigation reconsiders Philoponus’s arguments from finite power, and then explores the aftermath of this line of thinking in the works of three lesser-known Arabic intellectuals active in the generation before Avicenna (d. 1037): Abū l-Ḫayr Ibn Suw�r (d. after 1017), Abū al-Ḥasan al-ʿĀmirī (d. 992), and Abū Sahl al-Masīḥī (d. after 1025). Each engaged with this dictum in unique and novel ways, and in so doing anticipated a number of central features of Avicenna’s writings. The history of this argument is of crucial importance for understanding the evolution of natural philosophy and metaphysics in this formative period, away from tedious and simplistic arguments about creation and towards a more robust modal ontology based on intrinsic and extrinsic necessity.

When Dreams Collide is Nicholas Allan's intimate pilgrimage across the former states of Yugoslavia. Shedding the received knowledge of headlines, he explores the splintered co-evolution of these lands over the last ten centuries, guided by the inimitable Rebecca West's masterpiece, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon. Written 80 years in the past, West's account serves as a fascinating reference for the optimistic interwar years of the 20th century between the Ottoman decline and the Nazi onset. The evolving balancing act of Tito's Yugoslav experiment and the atrocities following its break-up were still to come. Collapsing empires and proud young nations, monasteries and mosques, brotherhood, hatred, war, music, frescoes, food, costume, people, mountains, rivers and seas, the distant rumbles of the centuries take many forms. At a turning point in his own life, Allan is drawn to explore this complex area, through the lens of his part Eastern European heritage. He records personal encounters and richly drawn characters interwoven with history and art, politics and religion (too often one and the same). Enhanced with delightful hand-drawn maps of the Balkans including Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. 73 informative photograph's showing some the areas key historical figures including Ibrahim Rugova, Hitler, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, Tito, Draza Mihailovic, Slobodan Milosevic, Alecksandar Vucic, Alija Izetbegovic, Radovan Karadzic, Ante Pavelic, Franjo Tudjman, and Fitzroy Maclean.

Celebrate King Charles III's coronation with this hilarious story jam-packed with royal pants from the author of the award-winning, bestselling, funny family favourite The Queen's Knickers! The King cannot rule without his Royal Pants. He has a pair for every occasion: coronation pants (he can't be crowned without them), organic pants (edible in royal emergencies) and even inflatable space-pants (because one never knows when they might come in handy). But in a boxer-shorts blunder at the Royal Mail, the King's undies have been posted to his subjects nationwide! With his Y-fronts gone wandering, how will the King possibly cope? The Queen's Knickers has been a bestselling family favourite for 30 years, and won The Sheffield Children’s Book Award and The Coventry Inspirational Award. Praise for The Queen's Knickers: 'Made my four-year-old son hoot with laughter' Daily Telegraph 'Cheerily irreverent' Guardian 'Pure fun' The Mail on Sunday 'Naughty and charming' Evening Standard

"Father Christmas needs a wee. He's been drinking drinks since half past three . . ." At each different house that he visits Father Christmas drinks and eats all the goodies left out for him. Before long he really, really, really needs a wee. So much so that he even forgets to leave the presents behind. But he dashes back, delivers all the pressies and flies home at high speed to avoid an embarassing accident . . . there's just one tiny problem . . . he's lost his house key! Find out what happens and whether Father Christmas ever gets to relieve himself in this brilliant and fabulously funny counting book from the talented author/illustrator Nicholas Allan!

Every kid's dream to make their parents do exactly what they want is realized in this anarchic novel with kidnapping, car chases, and plenty of humor

When Billy and Alfie are sent to live with mean Aunt Edna, they discover she has created an android lookalike of herself to order them around and make sure they don't have any fun. But when Alfie discovers how to override Auntie Anne-Droid's programming, nothing can stop them eating all the Cheeki Choko Cherry Cakes they like--until the real aunt Edna is kidnapped

Babette and Bill are joined by a ribbon of hearts. They are always together through thick and thin. But when Babette falls ill, the two friends are parted and they are both broken hearted. Until they discover that even when they can't see the ribbon of hearts it is always there pulling them together. Warm, poignant and funny, this book is a wonderful celebration of friendship. A sensitive and beautifully told story written in association with the International Children's Heart Foundation that will touch anyone affected by illness. The mission of the International Children's Heart Foundation is to bring the skills, technology and knowledge to diagnose and care for children with congenital heart disease to developing countries. 'Endlessly inventive, Nicholas Allan knows just what appeals to young children.' Parents in Touch

A child-friendly picture book biography, featuring reproductions of Picasso masterpieces and a foldout representation of Picasso at work

"People were always saying, "No No No Picasso "
But Picasso said . . . "Yes ""

In this funny and accessible introduction to Picasso and art, children learn that daring to be different can be rewarding. Picasso doesn't listen when people tell him "No " Instead, he paints all-blue pictures, all-pink pictures, plus pictures from the front and side all at the same time. He makes art out of bike parts and he can draw pictures in less than 60 seconds. Soon he becomes one of the greatest painters in the world, but he still wants to be different.

A simple introduction to reproduction. Every single day, Willy, a small sperm, practices for the Great Swimming Race. But, when the day arrives, will Willy be able to swim faster than his 300 million friends? He'll have to if he stands a chance of meeting the marvellous egg. Join Willy on his biggest adventure yet! Hilariously funny, warm, and playful, this is a picture book that appeals to both children and grown-ups. "Fresh, original, and imaginative. . . . Allan's achievement is in couching fascinating facts within the construct of a gentle, direct narrative. A little knowledge is a wonderful thing, and as the rest of the facts of life fall into place, Allan's readers will look back on this book with a mixture of fondness and wry amusement." -The Guardian

An affectionate description through a little girl's eyes of the different pairs of knickers which the Queen has for every royal occasion - from horse riding ones (with extra padding) to her special VIP's (Very Important Pair) for the opening of Parliament. But when she visits the little girl's school she just can't make up her mind which ones to wear…

In this riotous rhyme from Nicholas Allan, the queue for the loo gets very long indeed, as a series of multi-coloured animals impatiently join! Count, spot colours, spot animals, and all join in to find out who's in the loo...

A jolly escapade through the world of potties, royalty and tiny accidents in this hilarious romp from the bestselling creator of The Queen's Knickers, Nicholas Allan. It's time for the prince to use his potty, so it's off to the Royal Potty Workshop! There are singing potties, potties pulled by corgis, and even super-duper flying Royal Robo-Potties! But it's hard work finding the perfect potty for the job ... especially when disaster strikes. Can the Royal Baby find his own solution? Praise for The Royal Nappy: "Lots of fun" The Sun

Father Christmas is back, and this time he's had three helping of sprouts! As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in - he doesn't want to wake anyone up! Will he come up Trumps?

Dill the dog knows his time is up so he packs his case and tells Lily, his owner, that he's off "up there". "Can I come too?" asks Lily. "Er . . . not yet," replies Dill. While he is waiting for the angels to collect him, Dill explains to Lily what he thinks heaven is like: hundreds of lampposts to pee against, lots of whiffy things to smell and bones everywhere - with meat on them! But Lily completely disagrees, she thinks heaven is quite different. Luckily, they agree to disagree just in time for a fond, and very poignant, last goodbye. Nicholas Allan is unique among picture book creators for his combination of off-beat humour and child appeal.

A big sister is horrified when she can't fit into her swimming costume. Her BOTTOM IS SOO BIG! But her little sister has some good advice. There follows a wonderful romp through history and fairyland, as the little sister explains exactly why a big bottom can be useful. Father Christmas needs one for crash landings and, if you are a queen, a big bum is vital to keep you comfy while sitting on your throne . . . Once again Nicholas Allan combines laugh-out-loud humour with real insight that cannot fail to raise a smile.

Jesus worked hard to make the world beautiful. He performed miracles, told fabulous stories - all for free - and generally spent his time spreading joy and light around the world. A tiring business, as Jesus had to admit when, one day, he had trouble getting out of bed. And worse - the miracles start to go wrong! But help is at hand. "Take the day off, Jesus," said the doctor. "Relax. Have some fun!" So Jesus had some fun - but was it worth it? Dad, as usual, has the answer!

From the creator of The Queen's Knickers comes a hilarious and charming look at what makes each dad different, and why dads are the very best! This dad can't sing like a pop star or cook like a chef...but, he can help with tricky homework, tell amazing bedtime stories and give the best piggybacks! Find out what else makes dads the best in this special celebration of fathers everywhere! Both children and adults will love this hilarious insight into the special relationship between father and child.