Mensch Publishing – förlag

In 2017 Susie Kennaway asked her son Guy to kill her.

88 years old, with an older and infirm husband, Susie wanted to avoid sliding into infantilised catatonia. The son immediately started taking notes and Time to Go is the result.

In turns a manual for those considering the benefits of assisted dying, a portrait of a mother son relationship, and a sympathetic description of old age, this book is a route map through the moral, legal, emotional, intellectual and practical maze that is the biggest issue facing the senior generations today: leaving life on their own terms.

During their conversations about when and how to make Susie''s final exit, some of the difficulties of their fractious relationship mellowed and some even melted, as the reality of what they were planning brought them together.

Many elderly people, like Susie, have clearly stated that they wish to die in a manner and time of their choosing. But the church, the law, the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry stand in the way, wagging their fingers.

A change is coming for the rights of the elderly, the way it has come for the rights of women and gay people. Time to Go is a rallying call in this fight.

Life is too precious not to be lived properly. As with a job, a relationship or a party, you have to know when it''s time to go.

You know you''re old when your adult children talk to each other in front of you and spell out certain words.

Reaching the milestone of 80, Lee Janogly was continually irritated at the notion that older people are slower, frailer and generally out of touch with modern living. Even if we do sometimes put the remote control in the fridge, we know how to work it.

An experienced diet and exercise counsellor, Lee knows that older people really do want to know how to be healthy and well for as long as possible - without being lectured or patronised.

After all, as the 81-year old Vogue magazine cover star, actress Jane Fonda says, ''Older women are the fastest growing demographic in the world. It''s time to recognise our value''.

Lee''s new book charts amusingly what happens to bodily and mental functions as we age. She looks at diet and fitness options - and her friends have their say too. She''s tracked down expert advice for us all on the best way to improve your memory and general health and appearance.

By the end of this book you will be standing straighter, eating more healthily and people will be telling you how great you look (they better not add ''for your age!'').

At times outrageously funny, and sometimes exquisitely sad, this new book entertains and informs in equal measure. Join us - you will feel right at home. As Lee says, we just need love and laughter.

Ever wondered what it truly felt like to be in the heart of the Battle of Britain? 

 John Willis presents an absorbing account of World War II''s Battle of Britain, casting a spotlight on the brave pilots, diligent intelligence officers, and everyday heroes involved. The book is a testament to human resilience, as it uncovers the personal struggles, victories, and emotions of those at the forefront of this historical event.

Can the pilots overcome their personal struggles and the physical injuries inflicted by the war? Will the intelligence officers be able to outsmart the enemy and protect their homeland?

The future of Britain hangs in the balance, with the consequences of success meaning freedom and failure leading to a life under the Nazi regime.

Reading the book is an emotional rollercoaster, with moments of intense fear, heart-wrenching sadness, and triumphant joy.

John Willis is an acclaimed British television executive, award-winning documentary maker, and respected chair of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

It’s Christmas Eve. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are up late, plotting their futures and spying on their new wealthy neighbour. Four sisters, all highly individual, all trying to find their place in the world. All growing up in genteel poverty against a background of … London. Now. Rachael Claye’s contemporary, British adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic is a joyful, inventive celebration of sisterhood and a bittersweet tale of family, loss and love.

Olivia Fane addresses the politics, the obsessions, the misconceptions of one of the most important aspects of human existence.

Is Sex Natural? Is Sex Dirty? Is Sex Loving? Is Sex about Beauty? Is Sex Political?

This is a necessary and controversial book in these confused, self-obsessed, sex-obsessed and gender-fluid times.

As the UK’s national narrative falters and trust in key political institutions is wavering what does the future hold? Is the UK set to become ‘Singapore on Thames?’ as some suggest? What might a future relationship with the EU look like? What would it take to rekindle a real enthusiasm for the European project, as opposed to the semi-detached relationship Britain has had with the EU? How do we rebuild trust in our institutions and create a new, 21st century national narrative for Britain?

William Waldegrave says ‘ Whatever happens about Brexit, Britain is going to change forever. We will have to decide what kind of country we want to be. We will need a new national narrative. I want to start people thinking about all our futures.’

Dive into the daring deeds of wartime pilots in the throes of World War II. 

 Our story centres on Geoffrey Myers, an intelligence officer with the RAF 257 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He''s a dedicated serviceman, but also a husband fearing for his wife''s safety in German-occupied France.

Can Geoffrey and his squadron overcome the relentless challenges of war? And will he find out what happened to his wife, hidden away in occupied France?

For Geoffrey, it''s not just about surviving the war, but also discovering the fate of his wife, Margot, a feat that could mean life or death for both of them.

Experience the palpable fear, the heart-stopping suspense, and the indomitable spirit of resilience in this gripping narrative.

John Willis, a renowned television executive and award-winning documentary filmmaker, showcases his deep interest in history and World War II in this meticulously researched narrative.

Set in the world of contemporary art, Guy Kennaway''s new novel delivers his trademark absurdities and laugh out loud moments.

As the globe''s most successful super-dealer, Herman Gertsch spent his charmed life jettiing between his galleries in Zurich, London and New York, fawned over by artists, curators, politicians and the uber-rich.

As Herman''s empire grew, nothing seemed to get in his way, until he made the calamitous decision to open a gallery in a rural English backwater. Here, Herman encountered John ''Brother'' Burn, a penniless hippy known as the slipperiest man in south Somerset, and therefore the western hemisphere.

In the riotous comedy of errors that follows, Kennaway pours mistaken identity, Amazonian tribesmen, Swiss food, DMT, Arab Royalty, million dollar paintings and worthless tat onto a spin painting of a story that dazzles with surprises and leaves you feeling reassuringly warm about art and life.

What does it mean to be fair? Why do we feel unfairness so strongly? What has happened to us today that we spend more time condemning each other''s views than giving each other a fair hearing?

The idea of fairness is one of the most commonly-expressed concepts, yet nobody ever stops to think what it really means. We all simply take the word ''fair'' for granted.

In this polemical guide to fairness, Ben Fenton explains the meaning of the word, how it fits into our genetic make-up and why we need our innate sense of fair play now more than ever.

Fenton explores the idea that the unconscious procedure that humans go through in deciding fairness is the vital balancing act between competition and cooperation, the two driving forces that have made us the super-species of Planet Earth. He describes the neurology, anthropology, psychology, history and future of fairness and looks at how it affects our lives through politics, law, sex, religion, race, sport, business and even war.

As a reporter of thirty years'' experience, Fenton brings all his skills to bear in a lively and challenging description of the profound inner meaning of a throwaway phrase and why it matters so much to every single person in the world to seek To Be Fair.

When Guy Kennaway, 63, a white, middle class, overweight, English, Tory-voting writer met Hussein Sharif, 22, an African-born, inner city, Tory-hating Muslim, they assumed they had little in common. But newly related by marriage, they decided to go on a walk through Britain to get to know each other. Guy''s mission was to explain to Hussein how wonderful British life and culture was, and Hussein''s was to describe to Guy the realities of life as a young black Muslim in Britain in 2019. Over a forty-mile hike they made friends, fell out, told stories, encountered strangers, argued, laughed and got very sore feet. Held up by COVID-19 and dramatically diverted by BLM, they reached the end of their walk together, but for both of them it marked the start of a new and more important journey.

We know science is awesome, as are its achievements. Yet so far scientists have managed to sidestep the most awesome reality of all, the true nature of human life, the source of their own genius. How is it that in the overwhelming immensity of the cosmos, on microscopic earth, human beings exist? We have not yet looked reality in the face and perceived the nobility and grandeur of who we are, each of us having a responsibility in the universe and being part of a vast and continuing process, which can only emerge from the shadows and darkest corners of our thought when we step aside away from all the noise.

'You Matter' encourages people to think more deeply about the phenomenon of existence, what it means to be a unique human person, and how in unity with one another we can build a future in these uncertain times.

We know science is awesome, as are its achievements. Yet so far scientists have managed to sidestep the most awesome reality of all, the true nature of human life, the source of their own genius. How is it that in the overwhelming immensity of the cosmos, on microscopic earth, human beings exist? We have not yet looked reality in the face and perceived the nobility and grandeur of who we are, each of us having a responsibility in the universe and being part of a vast and continuing process, which can only emerge from the shadows and darkest corners of our thought when we step aside away from all the noise.

''You Matter'' encourages people to think more deeply about the phenomenon of existence, what it means to be a unique human person, and how in unity with one another we can build a future in these uncertain times.

A Disciple describes a singular journey with a universal appeal, on the path of Perennial Wisdom. There are lessons for us all as we recognise the call from our inner spirit, our yearning for 'something other' in a materialistic world that so often leaves us dissatisfied.

There is another way for us to live, and A Disciple asks important questions about faith and spirituality and connects us with the power of meditation. The author believes passionately that it is meditation that provides the foundation for a caring and compassionate future.

The story is told with engaging candour, with tales from mythology, quotations from Rumi, and references to Sufi texts all adding colour to the Wisdom Teachings he is receiving. The wise ones spoke in parables and metaphor because that is the form that penetrates and transcends our defenses. We go to some deeper part of ourselves; non-linear and non-cerebral, which is what meditation is.

A Disciple is a fascinating exploration about how meditation can not only awaken our latent potential to live the best lives we can, but also transform the world.

A Disciple describes a singular journey with a universal appeal, on the path of Perennial Wisdom. There are lessons for us all as we recognise the call from our inner spirit, our yearning for ''something other'' in a materialistic world that so often leaves us dissatisfied.

There is another way for us to live, and A Disciple asks important questions about faith and spirituality and connects us with the power of meditation. The author believes passionately that it is meditation that provides the foundation for a caring and compassionate future.

The story is told with engaging candour, with tales from mythology, quotations from Rumi, and references to Sufi texts all adding colour to the Wisdom Teachings he is receiving. The wise ones spoke in parables and metaphor because that is the form that penetrates and transcends our defenses. We go to some deeper part of ourselves; non-linear and non-cerebral, which is what meditation is.

A Disciple is a fascinating exploration about how meditation can not only awaken our latent potential to live the best lives we can, but also transform the world.

Ever wondered what it''s like to hold a human heart in your hands? 

 This book takes you on a riveting journey through the life and career of Stephen Westaby, a world-renowned heart surgeon. From his humble beginnings to his tireless pursuit of perfection, Westaby''s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to saving lives.

Can Westaby maintain his relentless drive in the face of numerous triumphs and failures, and the emotional toll of his profession? And how does he navigate the challenges of healthcare systems in the UK and the US?

Every decision Westaby makes in the operating theatre could mean the difference between life and death for his patients.

Reading this book is an emotional rollercoaster ride, packed with gripping tales of emergency surgeries and life-threatening situations that will leave you in awe of the resilience of the human spirit.

Stephen Westaby, a world-renowned heart surgeon, has worked at prestigious institutions such as Harefield Hospital and the cardiothoracic centre in Oxford, and has trained alongside some of the greatest pioneers of cardiac surgery.

 "Absolutely fabulous!"  - Sir Ray Davies.The Kinks

"We Danced On Our Desks offers a window on another lost world, a silver age of journalism when a magazine could please itself and celebrities would wait to be invited into its charmed circle. It's also an unbeatable portrait of a writer finding his voice amid the distractions of a dementedly sybaritic decade." - The Observer

"It's wonderful. It intrigued and amused and delighted ... done with wit, verve, charm and self-deprecation." - bestselling author Anthony Quinn

"A classic of its genre." - author David Taylor

WE DANCED ON OUR DESKS is a compelling, entertaining and thrilling look at acclaimed journalist and writer Philip Norman's experiences working on the Sunday Times Magazine at the height of its popularity in the 60s and 70s. From incredible interviews with the Beatles to Bob Dylan, Gaddafi to Indira Ghandi, and through seismic historical events such as the Vietnam War, Philip provides a vibrant cultural insight into the Swinging Sixties and uniquely documents key events in his own incredible life.

Philip has led - and is leading - an extraordinary life, full of drama, emotion, experience and positivity. His book is not simply a snapshot of a particular time in history, or remembrances of famous people and places, but a genuinely revealing and compelling account of a life lived and lived well.