This is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the Incas & other ancient people of South America with more than 1000 photographs. It provides an exploration of the political & social history, art, architecture & mythology of the lost cultures of the Andes. It presents an in-depth history of the ancient people of South America including the Paracas, Chavin, Nazca, Moche, Wari, Lambayeque-Sipan, Tiwanaku, Chimu & Inca. Discover the breathtaking developments in Andean art, from the mysterious lines etched in the Nazca desert to the lovely temples erected at Kotosh, La Galgada & Aspero. Over 1000 colour photographs, paintings, artefacts, maps & artworks bring the ancient cultures of the South America to vivid life. The history of the Incas fascinates the modern world. This groundbreaking book separates fact from fiction, exploring the native people of Peru & the Andes, their mythologies & ancient belief systems, & the amazing beauty of Inca art & architecture. It opens with the culture & history of its many kingdoms & their mythological rituals & beliefs. The second half of the book focuses on the day-to-day lives of ordinary people & the beautiful art they created, such as ceramics, gold- & silverwork & fabrics. This authoritative volume combines over 1000 striking illustrations with lively & engaging text. ...

This vibrant award-winning cookbook takes you on a regional tour of India, introducing you to classic local recipes & world-renowned dishes. Try a famous Assamese `tenga`
- fish, tomatoes, lime & whole spices
- or street snacks ranging from Central Indian Parsnip Patties to the melt-in-the-mouth kababs of Hyderabad. Punjabi dishes include Spiced Mustard Greens, a sizzling dish of pungent roots & hot chillies. Mughal influence is evident in the stately poultry & meat dishes, & sweet dishes include Saffron Rice, Sweet Samosas & Kulfi. Evocative images & clear step-by-step recipes will guide you to discover India`s unsurpassed cuisine.

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What is IRONMAN? It is unique combination of a race, a person & a state of mind. This comprehensive & beautifully-illustrated book explores every aspect of the famous triathlon competition, from its history & legendary competitors to its now international major events. Explore what it takes to be an IRONMAN with practical advice on how to prepare & succeed at such a demanding yet revered challenge. Written by acclaimed IRONMAN expert Bob Babbitt to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the IRONMAN race, this book captures the struggle, spirit & excitement of this globally respected sporting event.” Swim 2.4 miles. Bike 112 miles. Run 26.2 miles. Brag for the rest of your life!” ...

Here are all three volumes of Michael Palin`s bestselling diaries, covering 30 years from 1969 to 1998. All three are boxed together & Michael Palin has signed the back. Volume I: 1969-79 The Python Years Volume II: 1980-88 Halfway to Hollywood Volume III: 1988-98 Travelling to Work Throughout his years in Monty Python, his many successful film appearances, the writing of his novels & his travels to all corners of the globe, there was one constant in Michael Palin`s life: the daily ritual of writing in his diary. Now, for the first time, the complete diaries have been brought together, charting Michael`s highs & lows, & studded with his hallmarks of curiosity & sense of adventure. Volume one begins when he was newly married & struggling to make a name for himself in the world of television comedy. But Monty Python was just around the corner. Volume two follows his trail through seven movies & ends with his final preparations for the documentary that was to change his life
- Around the World in Eighty Days. Volume three tracks his journeys to far-flung places, not to mention more films, award-winning TV roles & a first novel.
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Nick Baker`s fascination with the natural world began at an early age, inspired by Gerald & Lee Durrell`s classic book The Amateur Naturalist. His The Complete Naturalist is an up-to-date, practical introduction to observing, understanding & investigating the natural world around us. Whether you want to understand what makes an insect & insect, rear a family of frogs for your garden pond, or record bird songs & calls, Nick can give you all the advice & information you need. Fact-packed & brimming with practical tips, techniques & activities, The Complete Naturalist offers a rich source of new ideas for more experienced naturalists, as well as sparking the natural curiosity of a whole new generation. From communicating with wild animals to setting up an aquarium, this is the naturalist`s guide no family bookshelf should be without. Nick is an experienced & well-travelled naturalist, & his book

Includes:: his international experiences.

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The Penguin Complete Novels of Nancy Mitford. Here in one volume are all eight of Nancy Mitford`s sparklingly astute, hilarious & completely unputdownable novels: Highland Fling, Christmas Pudding, Wigs on the Green, Pigeon Pie, The Pursuit of Love, Love in a Cold Climate, The Blessing & Don`t Tell Alfred. Published over a period of 30 years, they provide a wonderful glimpse of the bright young things of the thirties, forties, fifties & sixties in the city & in the shires; firmly ensconced at home or making a go of it abroad; & what the upper classes really got up to in peace & in war.` Entirely original, inimitable & irresistible` Spectator` Deliciously funny` Evelyn Waugh` Utter, utter bliss` Daily Mail ...

Following on from his bestselling The Complete Day Skipper & The Complete Yachtmaster, yachting legend Tom Cunliffe turns his attentions to the third strand of the RYA syllabus. With the same hugely popular, highly practical approach, The Complete Ocean Skipper covers everything a yachtsman needs to know when planning an offshore cruise or ocean passage. All aspects of planning & preparing for
- as well as setting out on
- a long-distance cruise are featured:
- Preparation: types of suitable boat, choice of rig, engine power, safety equipment, communication systems, crew preparation
- On passage: ocean weather systems, forecasting, deck routines, watchkeeping, self-steering, emergencies, heavy weather techniques
- Ocean navigation: electronic as well as celestial A unique & definitive handbook, The Complete Ocean Skipper goes beyond the theory of the RYA syllabus to ensure that readers are equipped with the knowledge of both what to do & how to go about it, in whatever circumstances.A veteran offshore yachtsman as well as an RYA examiner, Tom Cunliffe brings his experience to bear & packs this must-have guide with invaluable hands-on advice for offshore & coastal sailors alike. With clear, helpful colour photographs & diagrams throughout, this is the essential book for anyone planning for or dreaming about sailing further afield.




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Do you have a baldy clue as to who the bears & junglies are? Confused by the thought of some cheekywatter from your cargo? Fancy a day out at Fort Weetabix? Or would you rather settle down with some swedgers? After all, you don`t want to be a stank dodger. Confused? You need this book. Michael Munro has won the eternal gratitude of Glaswegians for his efforts in popularising their city`s dialect, universally known as the `patter`. This book is the most extensive collection of this rich & expressive language ever made. Often hilarious, sometimes coarse (but never dull!), good knowledge of the patter is the key to understanding Glasgow & its inhabitants. ...

This profusely illustrated volume, the latest instalment in Thames & Hudson's bestselling Complete series, is the most up-to-date, comprehensive & authoritative account of the most important archaeological site in the world. Nine chapters cover the rise & fall of Pompeii & all aspects of its life, including reconstructions of the daily lives of the town's inhabitants, the dramatic story of Pompeii's destruction through the words of Roman writers & the spectacular remains of volcanic debris & damage. It is sure to become the standard account for tourist, traveller, student & scholar alike. ...

Powerful symbols of remote antiquity, the pyramids have intrigued & fascinated generations. In ” The Complete Pyramids”, newly available in paperback, Mark Lehner surveys the history, building & use of these fascinating & mysterious monuments in unprecedented scope & detail, looking at both the practical aspects
- the quarries, ramps & tools used in building them
- as well as the conceptual
- the cosmology & iconography of the pyramids & the intriguing Pyramid Texts.


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