National Trust History & Heritage – serie

A stunning glimpse of some of Britain's finest coastline, from the granite columns of the Giant's Causeway on the Northern Irish coast and the rocky cliffs of Wales and South West England to the great open horizons of the East Anglian shore.A stunning glimpse of some of Britain's finest coastline, from the granite columns of the Giant's Causeway on the Northern Irish coast and the rocky cliffs of Wales and South West England to the great open horizons of the East Anglian shore.However, this is not just a celebration of Britain's beauty, but an investigation into the preservation and maintenance of the UK's coastline. The Trust owns a remarkable amount of coastline, looking after it not only as a landlord and at times a harbourmaster, but caring for natural habitats, archaeological sites and historic buildings. Here is a chance to view some of the most unforgettable images of, and discover less-known truths about, our extraordinary coastline.

The National Trust owns and cares for the most important, varied and valuable collection of antiques in Britain. From Rubens paintings to Paul McCartney's bedroom paraphenalia, its enormous range is unequalled and many of these antiques are still housed in the properties for which they were designed or bought. 'Treasures of the National Trust' is the only book to detail this collection in an accessible and enlightening way. Divided into themed chapters such as Paintings, Sculpture, Tapestry and Needlework, French and English Furniture, European Pottery and Porcelain - 'Treasures' is suitable for those with little knowledge of art history and antiques as well as those more versed in the subjects. Special features illuminate the work of key painters, designers and craftsmen; historical timelines give a quick visual context for the artworks, and cross-referencing ensures that readers can see what else is held at that Trust property. The 'treasures' range from single pieces, such as Rubens' The Garden of Love at Waddesdon and St Michael Overcoming Satan by Flaxman at Ickworth, to collections of multiple pieces, such as the miniatures at Ham House and Petworth's 16th-century maiolica plates and teapots. Some have been chosen for their rare beauty and artistry, others for their value or history, but each will be illuminated for the reader. With sumptuous photography and authoritative text (written in conjunction with the Trust's renowned curators), 'Treasures of the National Trust' will prove an essential reference title on the best of British heritage.

A fascinating illustrated history of the First World War told through the great houses of the National Trust. The First World War touched every family in the country and this book tells a story of national collective action and intense private experience.The First World War touched every family in the country and this book tells a story of national collective action and intense private experience.Country House at War presents a history of the war through the houses and estates maintained by the National Trust. It shows what happened to the people who lived and worked in many great houses, both upstairs and downstairs, and portrays how they were affected by the war and what happened to those estates in its aftermath. The progress and impact of war can be charted through the buildings and their estates – lawns that had once hosted tea parties and croquet given over to machine gun training and convalescent exercises, for example.With many fascinating and poignant personal stories and many hitherto unpublished photographs of the time, this is an important celebration and commemoration of the First World War.

A fascinating look at the life, influences, techniques and works of 18th-century landscape gardener Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. His transformation of unpromising countryside into beautiful parks changed the face of a nation and created a landscape style which for many of us defines the English countryside.One of the most remarkable men of the 18th century, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was known to many as ‘The Omnipotent Magician’ who could transform unpromising countryside into beautiful parks that seemed to be only the work of nature. His list of clients included half the House of Lords, six Prime Ministers and even royalty. Although his fame has dimmed, we still enjoy many of his works today at National Trust properties such as Croome Park, Petworth, Berrington, Stowe, Wimpole, Blenheim Palace, Highclere Castle (location of the ITV series Downton Abbey) and many more.In Capability Brown, author and garden historian Sarah Rutherford tells his triumphant story, uncovers his aims and reveals why he was so successful. Illustrated throughout with colour photographs of contemporary sites, historical paintings and garden plans, this is an accessible book for anyone who wants to know more about the man who changed the face of the nation and created a landscape style which for many of us defines the English countryside.

“Sumptuous…a fitting legacy for a pioneering conservationist who helped save thousands of acres of the Lake District” – The Mail on Sunday, August 2016To this day, Beatrix Potter’s tales delight children and grown-ups around the world. But few people realise how extraordinary her own story is. She was a woman of contradictions. A sheltered Victorian daughter who grew into an astute modern businesswoman. A talented artist who became a scientific expert. A famous author who gave it all up to become a farmer.In The Story of Beatrix Potter, Sarah Gristwood follows the twists and turns of Beatrix Potter’s life and its key turning points – including her tragically brief first engagement and happy second marriage late in life. She traces the creation of Beatrix’s most famous characters – including the naughty Peter Rabbit, confused Jemima Puddleduck and cheeky Squirrel Nutkin – revealing how she drew on her unusual childhood pets and locations in her beloved Lake District. She explores too, the last 30 years of Potter’s life, when she abandoned books to become a working farmer and a pioneering conservationist, whose work with the National Trust helped to save thousands of acres of the Lake District – a legacy that, like her books, continues to enrich our lives today.Main text: 30,000 words. Approx 3,000 words for captions and index.

Get into the great outdoors with this inspirational and practical guide to camping. Includes a guide to all the National Trust's sites – from camping to glamping and beyond – as well as the equipment, recipes and fun games you'll need.This is a practical and inspirational guide to camping. It's about getting outside and enjoying the Great British Outdoors, whether you want to do it under canvas or in a glamorous yurt.As well as a guide to all the locations and types of campsite the National Trust has – many in stunning scenery – there's information about everything from the best kind of tent to what kind of boots will keep blisters at bay. There's also a brilliant range of recipes that you can cook outdoors, even pizzas and cakes, so you can eat like a king in the wilderness.There are games and outdoor adventures for all ages – pond-dipping and tracking wildlife get you up close to nature, while kite-flying and building a woodland den brings out the adventurer in everyone.