The creative genius who gave us the Little Black Dress and Chanel No. 5.

Almost 50 years after her death, Coco Chanel remains one of the world's most influential fashion designers. Her story is one of creative brilliance and innovation – she was a driving force in freeing women from the restrictive clothing they had been obliged to wear for generations. 'In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different,' Chanel would say, and throughout her life she demonstrated extraordinary passion and determination to change the world around her.

There is much wisdom to glean from Chanel's self-reflections, while her sharp wit and joie de vivre will amuse, surprise and inspire in equal measure.

Everything you wanted to know about country, from the men and women who put the music on the map, to the genres, guitars and history, to the greatest hits of all time. From the early beginnings of bluegrass, cowboys and Aussie bush balladeers through to modern stars like Shania Twain and Keith Urban, this little book covers key people, music styles and moments in country history. Enjoy folky wisdom from those who have written so movingly about heartbreak and hard times. Discover who plays a Gibson Les Paul and who prefers a Fender Telecaster. Learn the difference between Nashville sound and Bakersfield. So put on your Stetson, step into the line dance, and embrace your inner country-loving cowboy. Yee haw.

For over 150 years, Louis Vuitton's monographed bags have been associated with style and luxury. Born in 1821, he had left home at 13 to seek his fortune in Paris where he became an apprentice box-maker which eventually led him to introductions at the French Royal Court. With royal endorsement, Louis opened of his first workshop in 1854 where his skills and innovations established his brand as one of Europe's most popular. Passing his passion for crafting beautiful luggage onto his son, Georges, and later his grandson Gaston-Louis, they ensured the company continued to grow, surviving two world wars, to become the luxury brand it's renowned for. Louis Vuitton stores opened in cities throughout the world and expanded into other high-end brands. The merger in 1987 with Möet Hennessy created the megabrand LVMH, and in 1997 the appointment of Marc Jacobs launched Louis Vuitton into the world of fashion. "The Louis Vuitton woman is more about a quality - a quality within some women that needs to come forward, to be noticed and recognised." Marc Jacobs "There's a lot of baggage that comes along with our family, but it's like Louis Vuitton baggage." Kim Kardashian "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." Louis Vuitton

A unique perspective on war and its impact. Poets have written about the experience of war since ancient times, but the young soldier poets of the First World War established war poetry as a literary genre. Leaving an indelible mark on literature, their poems offered a powerful insight into the human experience of conflict. This book explores the work of some of the most influential poets of the period – many of whom lost their lives in battle – including Wilfred Owen and Rupert Brooke, as well as lesser-known poets such as Australian Leon Gellert and Canadian John McCrae. Through their words, readers are transported to the trenches and battlefields of the First World War, and can glimpse the horror, trauma, and loss experienced by soldiers and civilians alike. Packed full of intriguing background information and including moving quotes from letters, poems and other sources, this book is a testament to the power of language to capture and convey the most profound of human experiences. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. From the poem In Flanders Fields, by Canadian poet John McRae who wrote it after presiding over the funeral of his friend who was killed during the Battle of Ypres in May 1915.

There is no other club like this. For over 130 years Newcastle have found new ways to amaze, frustrate, delight and exasperate their life-long supporters. With chapters on the legendary players, the greatest managers and the passionate Toon Army, The Little Book of Newcastle United attempts the impossible task of conveying that history via a collection of quotes and pearls of wit and wisdom. From Jackie Milburn and Kevin Keegan to Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer, here are more than 170 quotes to delight Geordies everywhere. "I'm just a sheet metal workers's son from Gosforth." Alan Shearer "I've only got two words for how we played out there tonight - not good enough." Sir Bobby Robson "We're not here to be popular, we're here to compete." Eddie Howe

The best dad joke book you'll ever read. Yes, it's that bad. As the ancient adage goes, 'A good dad joke is as bad as a bad dad joke'. On that fuzzy logic alone, 100 per cent of the 180+ dad jokes in this book are pure comedy gold. The jokes included in this tiny tome are revered by dads all over the world - that's how bad they are. Some jokes are old, some are new, some are unrepeatable - but all of them are worn out and tired. If you're a dad, you'll love them. If you're buying it for your dad, don't worry, the book is little for a purpose: should the urge to throw it down the toilet arise, it'll fit in one flush. Like dads themselves, these dad jokes are absolute stinkers. They haven't showered or gone to the gym in a while and, due to bloating, haven't seen their funny bones in a long time. But, like dads themselves, you'd miss them if you didn't hear them every once in a while. They are loveable in their own charming way. But, remember, don't eat all these jokes at once - you'll have a severe nervous breakdown. You have been warned!

Anything is possible with sunshine and a glass of rosé.

Pale and delicate or robust and ruby red, rosé has fuelled a revolution in the drinking world. Take a dip into this fact-filled book and discover the fascinating history of the pink drink, along with truly informative details on the winemaking process, types of grapes, growing regions of the world and the best ways to select and serve your rosé. Celebrate the halcyon days of summer all year round with 20 cocktail recipes and a variety of food pairings. Amuse yourself with entertaining quotations and sayings that capture the love of rosé. Explore fun facts, stats and trivia. There is something here for everyone, whether you prefer your Provence dry and sparkling or you're a brosé who loves frozé.

Though his life was relatively short, Christian Ernest Dior's seismic influence on the fashion world ensures his name lives on as one of the most successful and celebrated designers of all time. Using the rationing restrictions of wartime, he created designs that extenuated the female figure and released the women of the world from the restrictive, dull clothing that restricted rather than enhanced femininity. It was Dior's sudden prominence on the world stage that restored Paris' reputation as the epicentre of the fashion world. To wear a Dior item of clothing, was to wear the best of the best. His post-War collection was described as a completely 'new look' by the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, one of the world's most powerful style magazines. The description was adopted and quickly became a fashion movement, with Dior's 'New Look' leading the way and even stealing the limelight from compatriot Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. The Little Guide to Christian Dior shows how despite coming from a wealthy background with powerful allies, Christian Dior may not have had to scrap his way to the top as Coco Chanel did, but his talent is no less worthy and his legacy as one of the world's greatest designers is no less deserving. 'My dream? To make women happier and more beatiiful.' As seen on Living in Fifties Fashion, 'Salute Mr Dior'

Revealing a world of secret messages contained within a single petal. Floriography – the language of flowers – is the ancient art of encoding hidden messages in the type, colour and arrangement of plants, allowing individuals to express emotions and sentiments that they may not be able to articulate through words. Featuring 100 of the most popular and available blooms from around the world, this beautifully illustrated gift book gives the botanical name for each plant, a description of its significance and place in folklore, and the story behind its meaning. It also reveals how floral symbolism has been used over the centuries in literature and art, from Hamlet's Ophelia handing out rosemary 'for remembrance' and pansies 'for thoughts', to Oscar Wilde urging his friends to wear green carnations as a subtle code for homosexuality. The idea that flowers have secret meanings would have been well understood by contemporary audiences – and we are seeing a revival of the practice today. From mimosa – which signifies chastity because its leaves close when touched – to the varied messages encoded within different colours of geraniums, Floriography offers a creative way to convey feelings and can add an extra layer of beauty and significance to a gift of flowers. The flowers in Kate Middleton's wedding bouquet signified love, happiness, gallantry and fidelity. If someone sends you a bouquet of hydrangea and lobelia, beware: they stand for heartlessness and malevolence.

Think you know ink? Think again!

Whether your tattoo is to honour a loved one, to remember an event, to state your beliefs or simply to look good, there's always more to getting a tattoo than meets the eye. For example, do you know that having a tat links you to a deep and multicultural tradition stretching back thousands of years? Yes, even that one you got as a drunken dare . . .

From Siberia to Polynesia, tattoos have always been part of human history. Vilified and revered, shunned and celebrated, the history of the tattoo is as colourful and detailed as a master's design. The Little Guide to Tattoos is packed with fascinating history, fun facts, quirky quotes and deep dives onto some of the most iconic symbols.

Whether you're a full-on aficionado or cautiously ink-curious, The Little Guide to Tattoos is the only guide you need to all things tattoo.

A modern mothering handbook – with none of the answers and all of the encouragement. Everyone tells you that having children is life-changing (and we're not just talking about your new habit of binge-watching Bluey episodes), but you don't really believe them until you're there in the trenches, dealing with yet another toddler tantrum in the middle of the street, after realising you forgot to buy milk, all on four hours of (broken) sleep. Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and yet everyone assumes you should be enjoying it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, which is funny because that pretty much describes your working hours. Oh, and did we mention that there are no toilet breaks, or holidays, or dare we say it... wages? This book will be a handy companion as you deal with the ups and downs of motherhood. From making your way through those first few months of the newborn haze right through to sending them off into the world as (almost) proper adults, it contains a treasure trove of advice and words of wisdom from parents who have done it and got the (vomit-covered) T-shirt to prove it. While motherhood is undoubtedly special, it's not without it's challenges... and anyone who says otherwise is either a saint or has a really good nanny. "Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy." Tina Fey "There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one." Jill Churchill

Away, you scullion, you rampallion, you fustilarian!

Along with penning some of the most sublime passages in all of English Literature, Shakespeare was a master when it came to casting a wicked comeback or hurling a barbed insult. Whether it's Prospero calling Caliban a 'freckled whelp, hag-born' in The Tempest or King Lear railing against his daughter Goneril with the damning words, 'Thou art a boil, a plague sore, an embossed carbuncle in my corrupted blood', Shakespeare didn't hold back when it came to getting creative with his slights.

Packed full of eloquent stings and poisonous putdowns, this is the perfect resource for anyone looking to scorn an enemy – without resorting to swearing!

Since 1921, Gucci has been a titan of the luxury fashion industry. Celebrated for its exclusive high-end accessories, the brand reigns supreme for its signature leather goods and decadent garments that have elegantly combined the understated with the opulent.

More than 100 years ago, Gucci took the world by storm as a luxury luggage and equstrian outfitter, quickly becoming a giant of 1990s haute couture. The highly sought-after products would only become more exclusive with time, and since then the company has gone from strength to strength. Under the watchful eyes of Alessandro Michele and now, Sabato de Sarno, the brand has made its mark on streetwear, inspring a new generation of fans.

Brimming with fascinating facts and inspirational quotes from celebrities, fans and the creative heads at Gucci, this little guide documents not only the brand's extraordinary journey, but also the elusive family at the helm.

'Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.'
Aldo Gucci

'Just be yourself, there is no one better.' From her girl squad to the Swifties to the world at large, Taylor's the BFF of the pop music world. As the go-to shoulder to cry on and chronicler of heartbreak, she relates her personal life and experiences in a 'dear diary' style in her music, but the artist is even more popular than her hit songs. One of the most followed on social media, she is a defender of the underdog, open about her feminist and pro-choice views and frequently speaks up against sexism and LGBTQ discrimination. This collection of Taylor's relatable, inspiring and hugely optimistic quotes and lyrics reveals a caring, generous personality who is all about 'the feels' and following your dreams. Sparkling with positivity and feel-good vibes, Taylor is always there to give you the best advice and lift you up when you're down – she's your own personal cheerleader. SAMPLE FACT: Swift has so far won a whopping 11 Grammys, smashing several records for the most wins as artist and as female artist.

'Ginspiration' to keep you shaken and stirred. Gin may be the national spirit of Britain, but it is now a drink that belongs to the world. It's gone 'ginternational', if you will. Within the last decade or so gin consumption has exploded, becoming the most popular alcoholic refreshment in the world, overtaking whisky and vodka. Following the rules dictated by supply and demand, The Little Book of Gin is here to toast gin's extraordinary 'ginaissance' in the 21st century and to celebrate everyone's tipple of choice through wit and wisdom, facts and stats in a single serving-sized compendium. Filled to the rim with history, how to's, what for's, drinking games, cocktail recipes and serving suggestions as well as a whole host of 'gintellectual' curiosites, The Little Book of Gin is 'ginfinite' in its revelry. 'The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen's lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire' Winston Churchill - During WWII, British naval officers received a daily ration of gin. Gin takes its name from the Dutch word for juniper, genever. (It was the Dutch who invented gin, not the English.) Gin is the national spirit of Britain. It comes as no surprise then that gin has been having a 'ginaissance', in the last decade, with more bottles of the gin being sold than ever before.

Have you ever felt like your day-to-day life is one big 'to-do' list? There's the daily juggle of work, an energy-sapping commute, the demands of family life or running a busy household. And then there are life's crucial turning points: relaunching a career, moving house, finding love. Between all that noise, it can be hard to make and maintain friendships. The Little Book of Friendship offers guidance for when the scales of life are tipped and a moment of companionship is needed. Packed full of wise words from some of the world's best-known figures - from ancient philosophers and celebrated writers to modern-day figures - this book will help you to prioritize your friendships and truly value your loved ones, even when times are tough. 'No road is too long in the company of a good friend.' - Japanese proverb 'Friendship is essentially a partnership.' - Aristotle

A collection of the most inspiring and hope-filled words the Bible has to offer. In addition to being the founding document of Christianity, the Bible has long been known to contain some of the most beautiful words ever commited to the page. Much like Shakespeare, it is hard to overstate the influence this books (or, more acurately 'these books') has had purely from a literary standpoint, let alone its religious significance for millions across the globe. Countless individuals across the centuries have turned to its pages for hope in times of adversity, to look for consolation in times of grief, for hope in seemingly hopeless situations, for wisdom in uncertain times. It could be argued that these words of strength and encouragement are needed now, more than ever, as the world witnesses war once again and the threat of climate change looms, ever-present. The Little Book of Bible Verses is the perfect companion for those who find comfort in the words of scripture and wish to be encouraged by the message it brings – in good times, as well as bad. "The Lord is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation." Psalm 118:14 "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

For yoga and meditation practice, for daily affirmation and mental health, for manifestation and cleansing, and for setting specific intentions, here are over 100 mantras for different times of the day, such as at meals, with exercise or spiritual practice and before bedtime. They include traditional Sanskrit invocations from the Bhagavad Gita as well as modern interpretations, and the book also encourages you to set your own. A self-help tool that uses repetitive sounds to reach the subconscious mind, mantras will help counter negative self-talk, empower you to achieve your goals, and help you gain greater focus and clarity, as well as a sense of positivity, happiness, peace and wellbeing. SAMPLE QUOTE: 'I am enough. Who I am is enough. What I do is enough, and what I have is enough.' Anonymous SAMPLE FACT: The earliest mantras were composed in Vedic Sanskrit in India and thought to be at least 3,000 years old.

A renowned scholar of the English language, Tolkien is today celebrated as the father of the high fantasy genre. Drawing on his knowledge of languages, mythology and legend, he created an entire alternative reality, Middle Earth, and populated it with hobbits, orcs, ents, dragons, magicians and giant spiders. Packed with fascinating facts about Tolkien's life and labours, this delightful volume includes extracts from his works, letters and interviews, as well as from his contemporaries and admirers. It's a celebration of the writer whose imagination and creative genius changed the course of fantasy literature. 'I would rather spend one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone.' The Fellowship of the Ring (1954) 'I am in fact a Hobbit (in all but size). I like gardens, trees and unmechanized farmlands; I smoke a pipe, and like good plain food (unrefrigerated), but detest French cooking...' Tolkien in a letter to Deborah Webster, 25 October 1958 In July 1915, Tolkien took part in the Somme offensive, the bloodiest battle of the Great War. While recovering in hospital from trench fever, he wrote his first Elvish word list, as well as the first fragments of what would become The Silmarillion. The inspiration for The Hobbit came to Tolkien unexpectedly in the summer of 1930, while he was working his way through a huge stack of student essays. On a blank page he found himself scrawling, 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.'

There's little that can beat the perfect simplicity of a bike ride.

There are many reasons why cycling has such enduring appeal. For some, it is the relaxation and freedom that biking offers – what could be better than pedalling away and leaving our troubles behind? For others, cycling is the perfect means of building strength and fitness. Indeed, it can be one of the most challenging sports on the planet – from amateurs testing themselves to the limit to professionals competing in some of the toughest races in the world.

Packed full of wise, witty and inspirational quotes, The Little Book of Cycling is the perfect gift for cyclists of all levels. From the simple exhilaration of freewheeling downhill to the arduous challenges faced by the endurance cyclist, this is the ultimate ode to the love of two wheels.

A sentimental celebration of the power of a mother's love.

Brimming with messages of love, practical tips, inspiring quotes, heartfelt reflections and funny anecdotes, The Little Book of Mum is the ultimate ode to the highs and lows of motherhood. Mum, mom, mama, mumsy - whatever you call yours she'll love this little guide, designed to bring reassurance to mothers looking for a pocket of peace amongst the chaos.

Their bellies may stretch their spandex beyond saving and their capes may only fly after a large ominous-sounding fart, but - make no mistake - dads are superheroes. Well, half the time, at least. Because, let's not forget, when it comes to cocking things up, dads are also incredibly self-sufficient. Ignored by mums everywhere and taken advantage by babies of all ages, being a dad is arguably the world's toughest job (after motherhood, of course). Overworked, underpaid and constantly in need of feeding, dads deserve just as much attention, validation and an equal share of the duvet as mums, and yet often have to settle for second best. From taxi-ing teenagers to funding fun, juggling jobs to half-arsing house chores, dads simply are the best. Even at their hungover worst.

This Little Book of Dad is a celebration of dad-hood, daddy-ing and all the dad-based shenanigans that comes with it. And it couldn't be more timely. With Netflix, YouTube and Fortnite - all of whom are much more fun than you - there has never been a better time in history to sit back, relax and just enjoy the wonders of fatherhood. In 2020, as a study showed that “dad bods” are more desirable than six-pack abs, Welbeck Books decided it was time to give props to the parent most likely to their children in the supermarket a book that dads can be proud to call their own. Consider this tiny tome a bedside companion for exhausted dads of all strange shapes, sizes and smells, which, last time we looked, was all of them.

Knock-Knock is the world's oldest joke and yet has never gotten old! (It just feels it.) Invented by William Shakespeare in 1606, (appearing in his famed tragedy, Macbeth; bet you never knew that) the humble Knock-Knock joke has made eyes roll, noses snort and mouths chuckle for centuries. Since the Bard's drunken Beelzebub bit the long-suffering gag became a global 'punomenon' (in 1936) before settling today as the world's best kids (and Dads) joke format that encourages giggles and grimaces in equal measure... with endless punning potential. The latest kid on the block in Welbeck's big-selling Small and Mighty gift series, compiled by (self-proclaimed) 'World's funniest joke compiler', Malcolm Croft, The Small and Mighty Book of Knock Knock Jokes is a tiny bundle of joy that includes all the classic and vintage Knock-Knock jokes, as well as all the modern, twenty-first century ones too. And because the jokes are all clean and family-friendly, you can share them with kids of all ages without worrying about anything inappropriate. If laughter is indeed the best medicine, we recommend you take two Small and Mighty Book of Knock Knock Jokes with a glass of water and have a lie down – you'll find something to tickle your funny bone in no time, guaranteed! Knock-Knock! – Who's there? – Boo – Boo who? – Don't cry, it's just a joke. The World Record for the most knock-knock jokes told in one minute is 24, told by Alex and Andrea Rose from Texas in 2015.

From bean to cup and everything in between!

If you like nothing more than waking up to the smell of a freshly brewed cup of coffee, then this is the book for you.

Legend has it that we have an Ethiopian goat herder called Kaldi to thank for the discovery of one of the world's most popular beverages, all the way back in 9th century...

The essential guide to a Hollywood icon. Audrey Hepburn was one of the most admired and emulated women of the twentieth century, an Oscar-winning actress, a model and humanitarian. Described by Vogue as 'the acme of classic beauty', named the 'most beautiful woman of the 20th century' and 'the most stylish Brit of all time' Hepburn's influence as a style icon continues long after death. But Hepburn also had huge sadness in her life: two failed marriages, a broken engagement, and the crushing disappointment that occupied her triumph in My Fair Lady. Chronicling Hepburn's life, from her nearly dying in Hitler's occupied Europe, to her conquering, in just one year, the New York stage and the Hollywood screen, this fascinating tribute illustrates and illuminates all things Audrey Hepburn. While trapped in the Netherlands at the end of WW2, Audrey and her family received critical food and medical relief from UNICEF - an act of charity she never forgot, as later in life, Hepburn devoted much of her time to UNICEF, becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. From her early years as an ingenue to her status as an icon of elegance, in her Oscar-winning performance for Roman Holiday and the career high of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Hepburn's star quality resonates across the globe - even so long after her death. Few stars before or since are as beloved as Audrey Hepburn and The Little Book of Audrey Hepburn details why. 'My appearance is accessible to everyone. With hair tied in a bun, big sunglasses and black dress, every woman can look like me.' Audrey Hepburn 'For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.' Audrey Hepburn 'Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm. As you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.' Audrey Hepburn