BBC Books – serie

What do our gardens say about us?Monty Don has spent many years travelling the world, from America to Japan, from Italy and the Adriatic to Spain and the Mediterranean, getting under the skin of a country through its gardens and gardening traditions. In British Gardens, he finally brings his focus to home, journeying from the northern tip of Scotland to the Cornish coast, seeking to understand what our gardens tell us about ourselves as a nation.Encompassing historical gardens and public parks, mountains and seascapes, urban gardens and rural nurseries, glasshouses and community plots, each encounter is another link in a larger story of British identity: marks of ingenuity, eccentricity, and adaptation to changing environments. From Northumbria’s Alnwick Gardens and Beatrix Potter’s Lake District farmhouse to the rewilded walled garden on the Knepp Estate and the story of Britain’s first garden gnome, Monty’s account brings in an astonishing range of British experience.Accompanied by a landmark five-part series on BBC2, and illustrated by stunning photography from Monty’s long-time collaborator Derry Moore, British Gardens is a definitive, and uniquely British, account of a nation like no other.

With a foreword from Graham NortonThis is the official 70th anniversary celebration and your ultimate backstage pass to the magic of Eurovision, the cultural phenomenon that has united millions of people across the globe. The history of the show is told through the legendary artists who have defined the contest over the past 70 years - seven decades of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable performances.From ABBA's iconic win for Sweden in 1974 to Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra's memorable performance in 2022, Eurovision chronicles the moments that made you laugh, cry and cheer.This is a must-have for die-hard Eurovision fans, complete with the photography and backstories behind the most memorable acts, the controversies that shook the stage, and the fashion statements through the decades.

Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey is an ambitious journey, avoiding the beaten track and tourist hot-spots, in search of the authentic food of Southeast Asia. In this accompanying book to the major BBC series, Rick shares his favourite recipes and some well-known classic dishes inspired by the fragrant ingredients and recipes he sampled from local chefs, family-run restaurants, street vendors and market stalls.In Cambodia, Rick learns how to make a national dish Samlor kako, a stir-fried pork and vegetable soup flavoured with an array of spices; in Vietnam he is shown the best recipe for Pho Bo, a Vietnamese beef noodle soup; and in Thailand, Rick tries Geng Leuong Sai Gung Lai Sai Bua, a yellow curry made with prawns and lotus shoots that you won't find outside the country.Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey includes over 150 new recipes from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Bali each complemented by Rick's colourful anecdotes from the trip and beautiful on-location photography. This is a visually-stunning culinary tribute to Southeast Asian cooking that evokes the magic of bustling markets, the sizzle of oil and the aromatic steam from a Far Eastern kitchen.

Real French home cooking with all the recipes from Rick's new BBC Two series.Over fifty years ago Rick Stein first set foot in France. Now, he returns to the food and cooking he loves the most … and makes us fall in love with French food all over again. Rick’s meandering quest through the byways and back roads of rural France sees him pick up inspiration from Normandy to Provence. With characteristic passion and joie de vivre, Rick serves up incredible recipes: chicken stuffed with mushrooms and Comté, grilled bream with aioli from the Languedoc coast, a duck liver parfait bursting with flavour, and a recipe for the most perfect raspberry tart plus much, much more. Simple fare, wonderful ingredients, all perfectly assembled; Rick finds the true essence of a food so universally loved, and far easier to recreate than you think.

In this official tie-in to Mary's gorgeous new six-part BBC Two TV series, Mary reveals the secrets of her very favourite food. Featuring all the foolproof recipes from the show, Mary introduces you to her favourite dishes using produce from the farmers' market, the herb garden, the seaside, the countryside and more. This all-new collection of over 100 fuss-free, delicious dishes offers yet more inspirational ideas that anyone can try. From tempting Mini Beef Wellingtons, perfect for a party, to her foolproof Saturday Night Pasta, Mary's no-nonsense advice means cooking for friends and family has never been simpler. And of course, there are plenty of indulgent cakes and teatime treats for those with a sweet tooth. The book also contains Mary's favourite Christmas recipes, from the two Mary Berry's Absolute Christmas Favourites TV specials.These are dishes that Mary never tires of, that are not too difficult to make, that don't have too many ingredients, and that'll have all your family asking for second helpings! From tempting canapés and inspiring salads to comforting suppers and indulgent cakes, it's never been easier to find a new absolute favourite.

Updated with the latest archaeological research new chapters on the most influential yet widely unrecognised people of the British isles, In Search of the Dark Ages illuminates the fascinating and mysterious centuries between the Romans and the Norman Conquest of 1066. In this new edition, Michael Wood vividly conjures some of the most important people in British history such as Hadrian, a Libyan refugee from the Arab conquests and arguably the most important person of African origin in British history, to Queen Boadicea, the leader of a terrible war of resistance against the Romans.Here too, warts and all, are the Saxon, Viking and Norman kings who laid the political foundations of England: Offa of Mercia, Alfred the Great, Athelstan, and William the Conqueror, whose victory at Hastings in 1066 marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England. Reflecting the latest historical, textual and archaeological research, this revised and updated edition of Michael Wood's classic book overturns preconceptions of the Dark Ages as a shadowy and brutal era, showing them to be a richly exciting and formative period in the history of Britain.

Accompanying the landmark BBC natural history documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough, and featuring stunning full-colour photography.Five years, four powerful animal families. Who will rule the Kingdom?Zambia’s spectacular Luangwa Valley contains ideal leopard territory. It also hosts one of the highest densities of wild dogs ever recorded, one of the ten remaining strongholds of lions left in Africa and is home to one of the few hyena populations to be studied in depth. Kingdom chronicles the real-life saga of four animal families as each one stakes their claim here for a territory called Nsefu. Over the course of five years, this story follows the twists and turns of their interconnected lives. Leopard mother Olimba is busy bringing up her two cubs, when wild dog Storm arrives, fiercely determined to make this place home for her pack. Hyenas Tenta and Tandala walk a tightrope between following their rivals for food, whilst keeping themselves and their cubs safe; and the lion pride strive to secure their control of this territory for generations to come.Featuring stunning full-colour photography, Kingdom charts the uplifting highs of these real animal characters, as well as their heart-rending lows, as they jostle for power and their family’s survival.

Live and let drive.Bond Cars: The Definitive History is a lavish celebration of the cars that also became the stars alongside the world's most famous fictional spy. Featuring exclusive and priceless assets such as the original call sheets, technical drawings and story-boards, accompanied by previously unpublished photography and exclusive interviews, we put you behind the wheel of every car driven by 007 on film.With insights from the producers and keepers of the Bond flame, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli as well as Daniel Craig and special effects and action vehicles supervisor and veteran of 15 Bond films, Chris Corbould, this is the story of cinema's greatest icon, told through the prism of the legendary cars he has driven.

To accompany the major BBC Two series, Rick Stein’s Long Weekends is a mouthwatering collection of over 100 recipes from ten European cities. Rick’s recipes are designed to cater for all your weekend meals. For a quick Friday night supper Icelandic breaded lamb chops will do the trick, and Huevos a la Flamenca makes a tasty Saturday brunch. Viennese Tafelspitz is perfect for Sunday lunch, and of course no weekend would be complete without Portuguese custard tarts or Berliner Doughnuts for an afternoon treat. Accompanied by beautiful photography of the food and locations, and complemented by his personal memories and travel tips for each city, Rick will inspire you to re-create the magic of a long weekend in your own home.

Praise for The Green Planet (BBC One)'David Attenborough's gobsmacking, awe-inspiring return' The Guardian'The Green Planet reveals the secret lives of plants in the same way The Blue Planet opened our eyes to the oceans' New ScientistThere's something new under the sunPlants live secret, unseen lives - hidden in their magical world and on their timescale. From the richest jungles to the harshest deserts, from the snowiest alpine forest to the remotest steaming swamp, Green Planet travels from one great habitat to the next, showing us that plants are as aggressive, competitive and dramatic as the animals on our planet. You will discover agents of death, who ruthlessly engulf their host plant, but also those that form deep and complex relationships with other species, such as the desert cacti who use nectar-loving bats to pollinate. Although plants are undoubtedly the stars of the show, a fascinating new light will be shed on the animals that interact with them.Using the latest technologies and showcasing over two decades of new discoveries, Green Planet reveals the strange and wonderful life of plants like never before - a life full of remarkable behaviour, emotional stories and surprising heroes.

ACCOMPANIES THE LANDMARK SERIES NARRATED BY DAVID ATTENBOROUGHFind a world of wonder beyond the ice. 'Looking down at our planet from space it may come as a surprise how much of it is blanketed in snow and ice. These vast frozen wildernesses cover more than a fifth of the earth ... From the highest peaks to snow-bound deserts to alien worlds deep beneath the ice, they are home to an astonishing array of animals found nowhere else on earth.'David Attenborough, from the series.Frozen Planet II celebrates the surprisingly diverse worlds of ice - a world that is disappearing before our very eyes. Previously undiscovered stories, from chameleons giving birth on the frosty slopes of Mount Kenya to endangered Amur leopards in the Russian forest and killer whales hunting Weddell seals on ice floes in the Antarctic, shed new light on the beauty and the peril of the world's most fragile ecosystems. Behind-the-scenes insights explore the unique challenges of filming in these frozen worlds, where camera crew and wildlife alike brave the extreme conditions.With over 250 stunning full-colour photographs, Frozen Planet II reveals the wonders of the fastest-changing part of our planet, as we may never see them again.

Home is more than a place. It's a feeling.Rick Stein has spent his life travelling the world in search of cooking perfection - from France and Italy to Australia and the far east - and inspiring millions of food lovers with the results. In Rick Stein At Home, he takes us into the rhythms and rituals of his home cooking. In his first book to celebrate his all-time favourite home-cooked meals, Rick shares over 100 very special recipes, including many from his recent Cornwall series - from sumptuous main courses such as Cornish Bouillabaisse and Braised Pork Belly with Soy and Black Vinegar to indulgent desserts like Apple Charlotte and Spiced Pears Poached with Blackberries and Red Wine. Rick explores family classics that evoke childhood memories and newer dishes that have marked more recent personal milestones - along with unforgettable stories that celebrate his favourite ingredients, food memories, family cooking moments and more. Sharing the dishes he most loves to cook for family and friends throughout the year, Rick takes you inside his home kitchen unlike he's done in any previous book.

Join Monty Don, Britain's pre-eminent gardener, and acclaimed photographer Derry Moore on their historic journey through the most stunning gardens of Venice and the Veneto.Few world cities hold the romance and historical sweep of Venice. Thousands visit every year - and a mixture of crowds and climate leave it vulnerable, so much so it is often said to be in danger of sinking - but away from the usual tourist haunts around St. Mark's square are exceptional hidden treasures, some 500 gardens, many of them with fascinating stories.Starting in the heart of the city and working their way out to the Veneto, Monty and Derry celebrate the beauty of these places and tell their unique stories: from a beautiful nunnery garden with a history of exotic animals and a kitchen garden of the historic Foundation to the Madonna church to the estates of famous Venetian families, like the spectacular Giusti Renaissance garden.With stunning full colour photography throughout, Venice Gardens will give readers new insight into one of the world's most beloved cities - you won't see Venice the same way again.

The story of us - without hesitation, repetition or deviation.Join national treasure and Just a Minute regular Gyles Brandreth on a hilariously addictive romp through British history. This isn't just another history book - there's a catch! From Stonehenge and Boudicca to Megxit and Brexit, each topic is written in 60-second installments, without hesitation, repetition, or deviation.A History of Britain in Just a Minute celebrates key moments, people and places from our past: kings and queens, heroes and villains, triumphs and disasters, inventions and events, battles and bonnets, art, science, literature, entertainment, sport, gossip, and more. Some entries are uninterrupted minutes, while others feature challenges for repetition and even, er...hesitation. You'll even find other Just a Minute panellists occasionally grabbing the pen to regale us with their witty takes on history.You've never heard the history of Britain told quite like this. You'll enjoy every uproarious minute of it.

The definitive baking collection from the undisputed queen of cakes.This stunning new edition brings together the best of Mary Berry's most mouth-watering bakes. With 250 foolproof recipes, Mary Berry's Baking Bible has all the favourites, from Frosted Walnut Cake and Hot Chocolate Soufflés to The Very Best Shortbread, plus exciting new recipes - treat your friends and family to indulgent Brownie Loaves with White Choc Chip, moreish Paprika and Cheese Biscuits, a fabulous Rainbow Unicorn Cake, and much more.With beautiful photography and easy-to-follow instructions, this timeless classic is a must have for every baker, big and small.

These are my simple suppers. Recipes that are straightforward and informal - yet effortlessly delicious. The idea of supper appealed to me because it suggests an ordinary meal. When one is not trying too hard; maybe something you're going to cook in your jeans and Polo shirt, a glass of vinho verde on the worktop.Rick Stein's Simple Suppers is your new go-to cookbook. A collection of stylish, easy recipes for midweek, weekends and every eventuality in between.Chapters include:- Suppers for one: Easy croque monsieur, Steak with Chimichurri sauce- Suppers for two: Harissa lamb steak with chickpea mash, Aubergine braised with soy & ginger- Suppers with friends: Pilaf with buttermilk chicken & pomegranate, Puff pastry fish pie- Fast suppers: Sweet potato, chorizo & sweetcorn tacos, Baked portobello mushrooms with Dolcelatte & walnuts- One-pot suppers: Coconut prawn curry, Wild garlic & broad bean risotto- Veggie suppers: Vegetable bourguignon with dumplings, Spaghetti with courgettes, rosemary and ricotta

Is this how democracy dies?Based on his smash hit podcast, The Coming Storm is Gabriel Gatehouse's brilliant exploration of the roots of Q Anon and the rise of the extreme right in the US. It's a story that reaches back decades, showing how a dark fantasy embedded itself in the American consciousness, threatening to derail its democracy - and it continues to unfold today. Gatehouse's riveting book takes you down a rabbit hole - one that both the US as a nation and he as a journalist fell through - to unpack an epochal shift in political culture that starts in the earliest years of the Clinton administration and reaches a crescendo on 6 January 2021 with the storming of the US Capitol. But that event wasn't the wild finale of a chaotic Trump presidency many hoped for - it was only the beginning.A compelling mix of reportage and personal experience, The Coming Storm gets under the skin of these conspiracy theories to show us a radical new kind of politics emerging, a movement that has coalesced around a loose alliance of white supremacists, men's rights activists, tech bros, and radically disenchanted leftists. As we approach the 2024 US presidential election, and perhaps the most perilous moment in the history of American democracy, Gatehouse's book tells us some dark truths about our present, and provides clues about our future. It marks the debut of a major new voice in political journalism.

The official tie-in to the third instalment in the legendary Planet Earth franchiseFew places on Earth remain untouched by humans, creating challenges for the wildlife we share it with. We have entered a new age, and we must look at the splendour of the natural world through a different lens.From the depths of our oceans, to scorching deserts and the most remote jungles, Planet Earth III features spectacular places and surprising animal behaviours from all corners of our world. And for the first time, a human element is introduced to each landscape, highlighting how, in the age of the Anthropocene, today's planet has been forever changed by humanity and that wildlife now faces new challenges in our crowded, modern world.Featuring over 250 beautiful full-colour photographs, Planet Earth III reveals the wonders and trials of life on an increasingly fragile planet, bringing you closer than ever before to our world’s most intriguing species, unseen landscapes and natural phenomena.

‘Over my 55-year career, I’ve seen British cuisine transform. What we have now is an amalgam of our own rich repertoire of dishes, and the food and flavours of so many different cultures from the people who have made Britain their home – from meat and two veg to Pad Thai noodles. We have today what I believe is one of the most exciting cuisines in the world’ – Rick SteinIncludes all of the recipes from Rick's new BBC seriesAccompanying the major new BBC2 series, Rick Stein’s Food Stories is an exciting collection of new classics that celebrate modern Britain. Rick’s recipes reflect his mouth-watering and heartfelt exploration of today’s British cuisine and how different cultures have influenced the nation’s evolving palate.Rick highlights traditional favourites such as Bangers and champ with red wine gravy, Crumpets with potted shrimp, and Tattie scones with smoked salmon and puts his twist on new food and flavours that have come to our shores, including Kubo pork belly adobo, Arroz roja and Paneer jalfrezi.With stunning food and location photography, Rick Stein’s Food Stories also shines a spotlight on talented food heroes from all over the country, from food growers and producers to immigrant home cooks and rebellious young chefs. Let Rick take you on a delicious journey through our joyous and ever-changing food scene.

From the acclaimed filmmaker and Sunday Times bestselling author comes a frank, insightful and heartwarming exploration of the myriad issues surrounding contemporary motherhood."It was the first time I’d ever signed ‘Mummy’, and it was a goodbye letter.""I feel so honoured to have carried you both for nine months and delivered you safely into the arms of your parents.""I knew I had to be in that little girl's life. The next time I got out, I never used drugs again.""As a refugee, I say to my daughter, 'You have been born in a safe place. Never take that for granted.'”After having her first child, Stacey Dooley had a new understanding of what family means – but not everyone’s experience of motherhood is the same. In Dear Minnie, Stacey brings her trademark empathy and investigative skill to an entirely new ‘frontline’, exploring the varied perspectives of mothers of all experiences. Using letters that each mother has written to their child as her starting point, Stacey’s frank, honest, and moving inquiry takes in experiences from pregnancy to birth and beyond, uncovering the messy truths and different emotional journeys women take, as well as the common bonds they all share.Dear Minnie shines a light on the quiet selflessness, resilience, pain, trauma, grief, and joy of every kind of mother, to tell a story that transcends culture and geography, and speaks to us all.

There was a German bomber flying right towards us – a Dornier, one of their biggest. It was so low we could see the pilot flying it and the gunner in the nose of the bomber pointing his machine gun at us…Schoolboy in Kent, during the Battle of BritainMy legs pressed harder around my father's waist; my arms nearly choked him. The humming of Japanese aircraft was loud enough for everyone to hear now, and panic spread like ink on a blotter.Child saying goodbye to her parents, Singapore 1942In the early 2000s, the BBC launched its biggest oral history project, recording the lives and experiences of the ordinary people who lived through World War II. It amounted to 47,000 testimonies and over 400 diaries and letters, all of which have remained unexplored in the archives for twenty years – until now. In The People's War, John Willis reveals untold stories of everyday bravery, moments of terror, and tales of life-affirming community, that guide us through the years of the World War II. From soldiers in North Africa and prisoners of war in East Asia, to evacuees in the British countryside and women in the factories, The People's War is a truly ambitious and comprehensive journey through a devastating and pivotal period of our history, as you've never read before.Follow the remarkable stories of ordinary individuals who lived, fought, grieved, loved, and survived through the war.

Explore how music has changed our world through 50 pieces across classical, folk and world traditions with BBC presenter Tom Service, in this official Radio 3 compendium.Music transports us and defines us. As a form of expression, it has been passed down through oral tradition, musical notation and recordings in a chain of connection that spans the globe, across the millennia. A History of the World in 50 Pieces follows that chain, collating 50 pieces of classical music that reflect our changing politics, social structures and technological development, and how composers, musicians and listeners have shaped those currents of history.From Bach to Beethoven, Songlines to Saariaho, Hildegard of Bingen to the Happy Birthday song, Tom Service offers a fresh take on pieces that many of us think we know, and many more we might not. With each short, sharp analysis, he expands the typical canon and tests the boundaries of what we understand to be ‘classical music’ – or even music at all, such as the sounds of the earth’s rotation, and the songs of humpback whales.An official BBC Radio 3 publication, A History of the World in 50 Pieces is a book for anyone curious about the power of music and how it shapes us and connects us.

Rick Stein’s first ever Christmas cookbook, bringing together all his favourite seasonal recipes and stories for the most wonderful time of the year.For the very first time, one of the nation’s most-loved chefs celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with a book to cosy up and hunker down with. Rick Stein’s Christmas reflects not only his incredible culinary career but also the special memories, times with family and festivities that Rick has cherished over the years.From unmissable classics to fresh new dishes, Rick Stein’s Christmas features more than 100 recipes to take you through the festive season. Whether it’s roast goose, glazed ham, mince pies, a little spice inspired by his wide-ranging travels, or the best ways to make magic with your leftovers, this is Rick’s collection of everything that says comfort and joy in the kitchen, including:Smoked Haddock & Leek TartLeftover Turkey & Ham Raised PieRoast Butternut Squash Wellington with Porcini GravySticky Date & Walnut Toffee PuddingThrough evocative writing about his own festive favourites, Rick also shares stories of what makes Christmas special to him and how food plays such an important part in our celebrations, no matter what traditions we follow.For family feasts, candlelit suppers and everything in between, Rick Stein’s Christmas will be the only festive cooking companion you’ll need this year.

Featuring stunning full-colour photography from both personal collections of astronauts and NASA’s archives, the human story of space is told through intimate and powerful testimonies from the astronauts, scientists, engineers and space tourists who have lived it.It’s been 63 years since Yuri Gagarin became the first human to ever go into space. Since then, only 676 people have followed him up there. But now with huge technological advances bridging the gap between our planet and all that lies beyond, that number is about to rise dramatically.Once Upon a Time in Space is the human story of how we’ve made it this far – the remarkable achievements, tragic losses, left-field experiments, renegade characters and ever-shifting powerplay – and where we’re about to go.Looking ahead as we take the first steps towards becoming an interplanetary species, Once Upon a Time in Space brings you closer to the incredible story of our next stage of evolution. Life on Earth will never be the same again.

Explore how music has changed our world through 50 pieces across classical, folk and world traditions with BBC presenter Tom Service, in this official Radio 3 compendium.Music transports us and defines us. As a form of expression, it has been passed down through oral tradition, musical notation and recordings in a chain of connection that spans the globe, across the millennia. A History of the World in 50 Pieces follows that chain, collating 50 pieces of classical music that reflect our changing politics, social structures and technological development, and how composers, musicians and listeners have shaped those currents of history.From Bach to Beethoven, Songlines to Saariaho, Hildegard of Bingen to the Happy Birthday song, Tom Service offers a fresh take on pieces that many of us think we know, and many more we might not. With each short, sharp analysis, he expands the typical canon and tests the boundaries of what we understand to be ‘classical music’ – or even music at all, such as the sounds of the earth’s rotation, and the songs of humpback whales.An official BBC Radio 3 publication, A History of the World in 50 Pieces is a book for anyone curious about the power of music and how it shapes us and connects us.

Ken Hom is widely regarded as the world's leading authority on Oriental cuisine, and with the Complete Chinese Cookbook, he has created a seminal collection of his best-loved dishes. Beautifully illustrated with full colour photography, and popular favourites and new tastes to discover, this is the perfect addition to anyone's kitchen shelf.'A fantastic collection of recipes... A great investment' -- BBC Olive'If there's one man who knows about Chinese cooking it's Ken Hom' -- Woman's Way'This Chinese cracker of a book is all you need to wok and roll' -- You! Magazine'This is the best Chinese cookbook I own' -- ***** Reader review'Could this be the only Chinese cookery book you need to own? Quite possibly!' -- ***** Reader review'Really easy to follow recipes. Delicious' -- ***** Reader review************************************************************************************************With Cantonese stir-fries and spicy Sichuan favourites alongside new discoveries from the lesser-known culinary styles of Yunnan and Hong Kong, this comprehensive collection is filled with mouth-watering, accessible and easy recipes, demonstrating the amazing depth of flavour that is only now being fully appreciated in modern Chinese cuisine.Set to become a kitchen classic, this all-encompassing cookery book guides you through the essential cooking techniques, equipment and ingredients, all with Ken's trusted blend of experience and enthusiasm. Featuring 250 recipes covering all aspects of Chinese food (including meat-based and vegetarian recipes), Ken offers tips and inspiration for a wealth of dishes that use simple, healthy ingredients to create quick and delicious meals.Over the past 25 years Ken has brought Chinese cookery into mainstream British homes, and in this beautifully photographed cookbook, he brings together all of his expertise to offer the ultimate guide to the flavours of China.

This book is my humble attempt to shine a light on the work of the best and wisest I have ever known. He has, I think it is safe to say, elevated the science of detection into an art form. Having been at his side during some of his most remarkable cases, it has fallen to me to bring his achievements to the attention of the wider public. He is, quite simply, the Mozart of criminal investigation.I would say more, but I am flattered and delighted to say that Sherlock Holmes himself has agreed to write a piece for the cover. John WatsonDon’t buy this book. The author has transformed what should have been a series of lectures into a gross and tasteless entertainment. The science of deduction is a branch of human achievement requiring serious analysis and yet here I find it lavishly illustrated, disfigured with humour and infested with gossip. Apparently, this kind of sensationalism is required to engage the interest of the reading public, but it is rather like working an office romance into a paper on quantum physics. Only an idiot would be impressed. Help yourself. Sherlock Holmes

Whenever I hear the word curry, I’m filled with a longing for spicy hot food with the fragrance of cumin, cloves and cinnamon. I see deep red colours from lots of Kashmiri chillis, tinged with a suggestion of yellow from turmeric. I think of the tandoor oven, and slightly scorched naan shining with ghee and garlic.When Indians talk of their food, they talk about their life. To understand this country, you need to understand curry.What makes a good curry? Sensual spicy aromas or thick, creamy sauces? Rich, dark dals or crispy fried street snacks? Rick journeys through India to find the answer, searching this colourful, chaotic nation in search of the truths behind our love affair with its food.Chefs, home cooks and street vendors hold the key to unlocking the secrets of these complex and diverse flavours – and Rick's travels take him to the heart of both their long-held traditions and most modern techniques. He uncovers recipes for fragrant kormas, delicate spiced fish and slow-cooked biryanis, all the while gathering ideas and inspiration for his own take on that elusive dish – the perfect curry.

This is the story of a national obsession.Ever since the Ratcliffe Highway Murders caused a nation-wide panic in Regency England, the British have taken an almost ghoulish pleasure in 'a good murder'. This fascination helped create a whole new world of entertainment, inspiring novels, plays and films, puppet shows, paintings and true-crime journalism - as well as an army of fictional detectives who still enthrall us today. A Very British Murder is Lucy Worsley's captivating account of this curious national obsession. It is a tale of dark deeds and guilty pleasures, a riveting investigation into the British soul by one of our finest historians.