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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This work combines two of Bill Bryson's best-loved books & demonstrates his take on life
- from either side of the pond. The books,
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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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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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Robuchon is the most influential French chef of the post-nouvelle cuisine era. Since the mid-eighties, he has been called the primus inter pares of Paris` three star chefs for his work both at Jamin & at his eponymous restaurant. He is renowned for the relentless perfectionism of his cuisine. His food was seen as instrumental in leading French cuisine away from the excesses
- & excessive reductionism
- of nouvelle cuisine. In particular, his cuisine is seen as harkening back to a more authentic, even bourgeois French cuisine
- cuisine actuelle
- which focuses on making each ingredient taste of itself. He has mentored such distinguished chefs as Gordon Ramsay & Michael Caines & his signature dishes include a cauliflower cream with caviar & potato puree. In ” The Complete Robuchon” he offers us his recipes (over 800), secrets & tips: from the perfect omelette to vegetable soup, leg of lamb to marinated mussels, to his renowned potato puree every dish is described in detail starting with the ingredients, he tells you how to clean & prepare them down to the way to hold the pan & precise cooking times. It is all here
- a catalogue of the basics of French cuisine & a broad sampling of dishes that have earned the author his titles of glory & his truly imaginative recipes from L` Atelier. Born in Poitiers in 1945, Joel Robuchon became the official chef of La Tour de France, where he learnt a variety of diverse regional techniques. At 28, he became head chef at Harmony-Lafayette, overseeing 3, 000 meals a day. In 1981 he launched Jamin in Paris & within three years had received three Michelin stars. In 1996 he left his Parisian restaurant, establishing L` Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Tokyo. He opened another L` Atelier in Paris in 2003 & has since established Ateliers in Las Vegas, New York & London.




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Two best-selling books on The Mother Road come together in one volume, offering unbeatable value for anyone interested in ...

The ultimate illustrated guide for sailors is now fully revised & updated. With a foreword by Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, & covering the latest developments in sailing & navigation technology, this manual is the undisputed market leader in sailing guides. The Complete Sailing Manual now offers even more extensive coverage of sailing practice, including foiling catamarans, apparent wind sailing, long-distance cruising, & electronic navigation. Former British national champion Steve Sleight offers a complete tuition course on seamanship, & his expert advice is brought to life with breathtaking action photography. Packed with essential information, handy diagrams, & step-by-step artwork, this is only sailing handbook you need when out on the waves. ...