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.

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.

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

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.

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'

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

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.

Joe Biden: Quotes to Live By is an inspiring and hilarious collection of over 170 quotes from one of America's most beloved politicians. Homespun, caring and empathetic, Joe is the nation's uncle, but his sometimes bizarre and baffling remarks can seem misjudged at best and offensive at worst, even when they are the innocent result of his no-filter plainspeak. With his fascinating backstory, from conquering his famous stutter and his humble middle-class upbringing, to becoming the youngest senator elected to Congress at the time, to the deep tragedy of the loss of his young wife and baby daughter, and later his son Beau, to his light-hearted bromance with President Obama, Joe has an unparalleled ability to connect with the ordinary 'joe'. Despite his tendency for foot-in-the-mouth gaffes, his integrity, moral fortitude and patriotism shine from his words, revealing a dedicated public servant, devoted family man, person of faith and ardent American.You will find his thoughts on success, and his many failures, along with his hopes and dreams for the American people - because it's always the people whom he serves. Joe Biden has said, 'In this world, emotion has become suspect. The accepted style is smooth, antiseptic and passionless', which is certainly something that could never be said about him.

Get in the mood for love with this witty and empowering guide to getting it on. Searching for a saucy gift for your other half, an engagement present for your friend – or perhaps you just want to do a bit of, ahem, private study to brush up on your own technique? The Little Book of Sex hits the spot perfectly. Erupting with fun facts, naughty quotes and titillating tips, it will build your confidence between the sheets and help take you to the very height of pleasure. Whether you're looking for a lowdown on sex toys, a beginner's guide to BDSM lite, stories of history's most outrageous lovers, or even a troubleshooting guide for when the unexpected occurs, The Little Book of Sex has you covered. Fun, frisky and frequently eye-opening, it's proof that good things can come in small packages. Get lucky, get down and get it on... "Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place." Billy Crystal "A hard man is good to find." Mae West The word 'clitoris' derives from Ancient Greek kleitoris, meaning 'to titillate' and 'little hill'.

'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.

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

'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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

The Small and Mighty range is the ultimate pocket-sized collectible series for young readers who can't get enough of their favourite topic. The Small and Mighty Book of Deadly Creatures is a treasure trove of dangerous animal information. Inside, readers will discover tons of original animal art, plus a wealth of fun and fascinating creature facts. From tiny insects to powerful polar bears and sperm whales bigger than a school bus, read about the dangerous animals that come in all shapes and sizes. With profiles of the world's most terrifying creatures, this is a book no young animal lover can afford to be without! The largest four-legged hunter on Earth today is the polar bear, weighing up to 600 kg. Standing on its hind legs, a polar bear can rear up 3.5 m tall - twice the height of an adult human. Many owls have special wing feathers which muffle the sound of the air rushing over their wings as they fly. These allow the owl to hunt quietly and stealthily to grab prey by surprise.

A connoisseur's guide to the best hot sauces around and how to use them, as well as their main components, unique flavour profiles and their chilli 'heat level' index. Here you will find history and folklore, quotes and trivia, as well as well-loved brands and sauce styles from around the world and recipes and hacks that make chillies the star of the show. Learn the different types of chillies and sauces, how to make hot homemade condiments that are truly your own and ways to fire up your food and tastebuds.

A oenophile's guide to all things wine. Red, white, sparkling or rosé – arguably no other alcoholic drink has had more impact on our society than wine. From its earliest iterations in earthenware jars all the way to the bottles we find lining supermarket shelves today, it has evolved from its use in religious rites along with culture, diet and society as a whole. And with literally billions of litres drank worldwide, our love of fermented grape juice shows no signs of waning. This little book gets to the heart of our love affair with wine. After taking a tour through a history of its evolution through the centuries, it delves into the nitty-gritty of production before we taste the fruits of all that labour – in moderation of course – and learn all about drinking (and hopefully appreciating) this most esteemed of beverages. As well as a whole caseload of quaffable facts and famous sayings about the nectar of the gods, there is also a glossary of useful wine terminology for the aspiring connoisseur, just in case you need a handy reminder during a particularly arduous tasting session... "A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world." Louis Pasteur "My only regret in life is that I didn't drink more wine." Ernest Hemingway Vitis vinifera is the principal wine-producing plant, and the majority of the world's wine comes from varieties of this species, mostly because of its high sugar content.

Forging our identities, setting our moods and impacting our culture, any music admirer understands there's a sheer breadth of musical tastes. From the classical era to modern day, here you will discover a curation of lines from composers, musicians and writers. You will find out what music means to those who love it most, the classical musicians, composers and the music devotees around the world. Illuminating, accessible and wholly delightful, this will remind you of the might of music and the importance music holds in our lives. Whether you're looking to be inspired to play, listen or simply to explore new music, A Little Book About Music will hit all the right notes and rock your world. Sample Quotes: 'I would rather write 10,000 notes than a single letter of the alphabet.' - Ludwig Van Beethoven 'Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.' - Sergei Rachmaninoff 'Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.' - Maya Angelou 'If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.' - Louis Armstrong 'One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.' - Bob Marley

A mile deep. 277-miles long. 18 miles wide. The Grand Canyon isn't just spectacular in terms of its size, scale and iconic stature – though it is MASSIVE – its also huge in terms of its popularity, remaining in the U.S.'s Top Five all-natural tourist hotspots. Located in Arizona, the Canyon was carved by the Colorado River 70 million years ago. Today, it's the whole world's most famous hole, where the view up is as impressive, and frightening, as the view looking down. The Little Book of the Grand Canyon condenses the beauty of this behemoth into the palm of your hand, squeezing it down to its essential facts, stats, quotes, notes, icons and origins, a compact compendium of canyon-based grandiosity. Put simply, it's everything you need to know before you go. 'The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself.' John Wesley Powell 'You can't say you're going to jump the Grand Canyon and then jump some other canyon.' Evel Knievel

A gift or self-purchase for anyone interested in spirituality and wellness. An introduction to aural healing, this little book offers explanations of the seven subtle bodies (or layers) of auras and how to identify the ones that are stagnant. You will learn to read and interpret the health of your auras as well as cleanse, protect, balance and heal them. And because your mood, health, the food you eat, your environment and the positive or negative energy around you can all affect your auras, these are also addressed, as is associated energy work with crystals, meditation, visualization and rites and rituals. Learning more about your personal energy fields will help you understand yourself better and improve areas that are weakened, whether that's health, fear, grief, home life, career or romance. SAMPLE QUOTE: 'The aura given out by a person or object is as much a part of them as their flesh.' Lucien Freud SAMPLE FACT: A simple way to cleanse your aura is to close your eyes, picture a white light radiating from within your body outwards, and flowing through all the subtle bodies. Think of it as a bright light clearing away and dissipating the dark clouds.

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

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!