David Pickering – författare

An entertaining and authoritative introduction to the world of piracy – history comes to life through a compelling factual narrative and enlightening illustrations.Why did seamen become pirates? What was life like on board a pirate ship? How did they go about plundering the enemy’s ship? What sort of treasure did they capture?`Collins Gem Pirates’ vividly explains and illustrates the development of piracy from ancient times to the modern day. It addresses why piracy started and disappeared, but focuses on the so-called 'Golden Age' of piracy in the seventeenth century, debunking the myths that surround this period, and bringing it to life through an exploration of the personalities, vessels and places involved.They were a disciplined bunch, on the whole, with strict codes of conduct to adhere to and severe punishments for those who broke the rules. There is no evidence to suggest that pirates ever made their victims walk the plank; instead, they were more likely to be marooned on an island.Did you know that following his execution, Captain Kidd's body was dipped in tar and hung by chains along the River Thames, as a warning for would-be pirates? Or that the fearsome Edward Teach (a.k.a. Blackbeard) plundered over 40 ships, but probably never killed a man until his final battle? Or that captains Anne Bonny and Mary Read spent most of their careers disguised as men, because women on ship were thought to bring bad luck?The mysteries and myths surrounding piracy continue to fascinate children and adults alike. This gripping book provides a real and lively insight into this stimulating bygone era.

From theatre to politics, no other single civilisation has influenced the Western world more profoundly than that of ancient Greece.From the roots of democracy to philosophy and mathematics, it’s fascinating to learn how much western civilisation has stemmed from that of ancient Greece. This book offers an introduction to the lives of the ancient Greeks, their mythologies and traditions and their culture and learning.With colour illustrations supporting a clear, informative and engaging text, this guide is a perfect companion for both adults and children alike.Includes:• Geography – map of Greece• History – the different civilizations from the Minoans through to the Hellenistic period• Religion – gods, festivals, oracles and muses• Mythology – Homer's Odyssey, the Minotaur, Icarus• Daily life in Ancient Greece – everyday life for all levels of society; the jobs, family life, leisure activities• Politics – democracy and the Athenian council• Learning and knowledge – philosophy, science,mathematics, medicine and literature• War – important wars; the army and navy• Greece Today – temples, archaeology and the monuments that can still be seen today

From the Colosseum to Hadrian’s Wall, Gem Ancient Rome shows us how Rome’s vast empire laid the foundations of today’s civilisation.From aqueducts to baths, from gladiators to emperors, the fascinating history of and mythology of ancient Rome are brought to life in this entertaining and highly-readable guide.With their sophisticated army, monuments and roads, the Romans literally paved the way to modern Europe.Learn about the hand-to-hand combat at gladiatorial shows, rediscover the myths and legends of the Roman gods and find out how and why Rome became the conquering superpower that it did. History will come to life in this engaging and comprehensive introduction to one of the most fascinating and influential places the world has ever known.Includes:• Geography – map of the Roman Empire• History – a timeline with the accomplishments of the emperors• Culture – what the Romans did for us• Religion – Gods and Festivals• Mythology – Virgil's Aeneid, Romulus and Remus• Daily life in Ancient Greece – different levels in society, the jobs, family life, leisure activities• Politics – transition from Republic to Dictatorship• Learning and knowledge – Law, Science, Architecture, Literature, Art• War – important wars, the Empire, the army and navy• Rome Today – temples, archaeology, and modern tourist sites

All the essential facts on ancient Egypt covering mummification, the pharaohs, the pyramids and the mysterious rituals.The ancient Egyptians have fascinated and enthralled the minds of millions down the centuries. With extensive scientific knowledge, splendid architecture and many artistic and cultural achievements, their civilisation stood apart as being ahead of its time. This compact and informative guide is perfect for all those studying ancient Egypt, visiting the sights, or curious to find out more about this fascinating period.Includes a wide range of topics such as:• Geography – how the Nile added to the success of their civilisation• History – a timeline spanning 3,000 years from 3100BC to 395AD and covering each dynastic period• Religion – the role of the gods and goddesses• Pharaohs – Cheops, Nefertiti and Tutankhamun• Life in Ancient Egypt – different levels in society, the jobs, family life, leisure activities• Learning and knowledge – the hieroglyphs, the scribes• War – the armies, weapons and armour• Death, funeral rites and mummification• Tombs and pyramids• Egypt today – archaeology, discoveries and what one can see today

Arranged in an easy-to-use A-Z form, THE NEW PENGUIN CONCISE THESAURUS offers a vast selection of synonyms for a whole host of words, ranging from the everyday to the comparatively esoteric and from standard vocabulary to contemporary slang and jargon ('e-tailer', 'chill out'). Each entry is simplicity itself to follow, and where a particular word has several different senses, these are clearly indicated and explained. A perfect companion to THE NEW PENGUIN CONCISE ENGLISH DICTIONARY.

What's in a name? Rather more than you might at first suspect, for names are steeped in history and myth and have much to tell us about our past, our beliefs - even our personality traits. Now fully updated for its second edition, with 150 new entries, The Penguin Dictionary of First Names takes a close look at over 5,000 examples, ranging from the familiar to the comparatively obscure, drawn from all parts of the English-speaking world. Detailed and informative, it is essential reading for expectant parents and for anyone who is intrigued by the story attached to each name.

Have you heard the one about the man who walked into a bar? (Ouch!)... Penguin Pocket Jokes is essential (and hilarious) reading for anyone searching for the perfect joke. Whether you want a snappy wisecrack or a longer rib-tickler when making a speech, this easy-to-use guide will provide the perfect witticism.

Of all the decisions a new parent makes, choosing that special name is the most significant and the most rewarding. A new reference book for prospective parents, this clear, helpful and easy-to-use A-Z guide gives you thousands of brilliant suggestions for picking the perfect name for your new arrival. It also includes appendices of the top ten names through the centuries and the most popular celebrity names.

Have you heard the one about the man who walked into a bar? (Ouch!)... Penguin Pocket Jokes is essential (and hilarious) reading for anyone searching for the perfect joke. Whether you want a snappy wisecrack or a longer rib-tickler when making a speech, this easy-to-use guide will provide the perfect witticism.

What's in a name? Rather more than you might at first suspect, for names are steeped in history and myth and have much to tell us about our past, our beliefs - even our personality traits. The Penguin Pocket Dictionary of Babies' Names takes a close look at 3500 names, explaining origins and meanings, showing how some have changed in popularity and use over time and providing all the diminutive and variant forms. Part of Penguin's major new series of reference titles ranging from Spanish and French dictionaries to books on spelling and quotations.

Of all the decisions a new parent makes, choosing that special name is the most significant and the most rewarding. A new reference book for prospective parents, this clear, helpful and easy-to-use A-Z guide gives you thousands of brilliant suggestions for picking the perfect name for your new arrival. It also includes appendices of the top ten names through the centuries and the most popular celebrity names.

Perfect Family Quiz is an invaluable source of entertainment for the whole family. Whether you're looking for a fun way to spend a rainy day, an activity for a long car journey, or you simply want to improve your general knowledge, Perfect Family Quiz has all the questions and answers. With topics ranging from Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter, and from prime ministers to prime-time TV, this easy-to-use quiz book will provide hours of fun for everyone. The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name. Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.

Perfect Pub Quiz is the ideal companion for all general knowledge nuts. Whether you're organising a quiz night in your local or you simply want to get in a bit of practice on tricky subjects, Perfect Pub Quiz has all the questions and answers. With topics ranging from the Roman Empire to Little Britain and from the Ryder Cup to Alex Rider, this easy-to-use quiz book will tax your brain and provide hours of fun.The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name.Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.

It was not so long ago that the belief in witchcraft was shared by members of all levels of society. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, diseases were feared by all, the infant mortality rate was high, and around one in six harvests was likely to fail. In the small rural communities in which most people lived, affection and enmity could build over long periods. When misfortune befell a family, they looked to their neighbours for support - and for the cause. During the sixteenth century, Europe was subject to a fevered and pious wave of witch hunts and trials. As the bodies of accused women burnt right across the Continent, the flames of a nationwide witch hunt were kindled in England. In 1612 nine women were hanged in the Pendle witch trials, the prosecution of the Chelmsford witches in 1645 resulted in the biggest mass execution in England, and in the mid-1640s the Witch finder General instigated a reign of terror in the Puritan counties of East Anglia. Hundreds of women were accused and hanged. It wasn't until the latter half of the seventeenth century that witch-hunting went into decline.In this book, Andrew and David Pickering present a comprehensive catalogue of witch hunts, arranged chronologically within geographical regions. The tales of persecution within these pages are testimony to the horror of witch-hunting that occurred throughout England in the hundred years after the passing of the Elizabethan Witchcraft Act of 1563.