In this entertaining & enlightening collection David Lodge considers the art of fiction under a wide range of headings drawing on writers as diverse as Henry James Martin Amis Jane Austen & James Joyce. Looking at ideas such as the Intrusive Author Suspense the Epistolary Novel Magic Realism & Symbolism & illustrating each topic with a passage taken from a classic or modern novel David Lodge makes the richness & variety of British & American fiction accessible to the general reader. He provides essential reading for students aspiring writers & anyone who wants to understand how fiction works. ...

A wonderful warm novel from a major new American voice. Henry Skrimshander newly arrived at college shy & out of his depth has a talent for baseball that borders on genius. But sometimes it seems that his only friend is big Mike Schwartz -- who champions the talents of others at the expense of his own. & Owen Henrys clever charismatic gay roommate who has a secret that could put his brilliant college career in jeopardy. Pella the 23-year-old daughter of the college president has returned home after a failed marriage determined to get her life in order. Only to find her father a confirmed bachelor has fallen desperately in love himself. Then one fateful day Henry makes a mistake -- misthrows a ball. & everything changes! ...

A wonderful warm novel from a major new American voice. Henry Skrimshander newly arrived at college shy & out of his depth has a talent for baseball that borders on genius. But sometimes it seems that his only friend is big Mike Schwartz
- who champions the talents of others at the expense of his own. & Owen Henrys clever charismatic gay roommate who has a secret that could put his brilliant college career in jeopardy. Pella the 23-year-old daughter of the college president has returned home after a failed marriage determined to get her life in order. Only to find her father a confirmed bachelor has fallen desperately in love himself. Then one fateful day Henry makes a mistake
- misthrows a ball. & everything changes...

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Flowers have a much greater impact on us than we imagine
- from a stolen daisy to a bunch of the most expensive roses. Without
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From eclairs to souffles & macaroons to madeleines when it comes to desserts no-one does it better than the French. Beautiful elegant & delicious French desserts are easy to create at home as only a few basic recipes are needed to make some of the world's most renowned cakes & tarts. The Art of French Baking is the definitive collection of authentic French pastry & dessert recipes. From Tarte Tatin & Hazelnut Petit Fours to Cherry Tartlets & Choux Buns it contains more than 350 simple recipes that anyone can follow at home. The book also

Includes:: details of basic equipment & techniques & information on how to troubleshoot common baking problems. Along with beautiful photographs & illustrations throughout The Art of French Baking is an inspiring collection to celebrate the sweet tastes of France.

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Bold bright & functional stoneware ceramics produced in the German-speaking centres of what is today Germany & the Low Countries were highly valued & widely traded in Europe & North America from the 16th through to the 18th century. In the 1600s the heyday of stoneware production these handsome practical ceramics found an enthusiastic market in colonial North America. The addition of relief decoration & a brilliant salt-glaze during the Renaissance raised the status of these wares. Later examples eschewed such narrative ornament for more abstract floral or geometric patterns & greater competition from other centres & mediums in the 18th century led to more unusual & original forms. About sixty fine stoneware pieces from the Philadelphia Museum of Art & a promised private collection testify to the success artful decoration & fascinating variety of this medium. Author Jack Hinton describes the developments in stoneware through these notable examples & colour images bring their details to life on the page for the first time. With their bold designs & bright colours these works exhibit the perfect balance of utility & beauty. ...

Awakening: The Art of Halo 4[registered]" is a very special collection of concept art sketches & artists commentary that highlights the imagination & creative vision of 343 Industries. With a unique behind-the-scenes view of the creation of new worlds new enemies & new heroes " Awakening: The Art of Halo 4[registered]" reveals every spectacular element of the game." ...

Hammer Films were almost as well known for the way in which they sold their films as for the films themselves. The Art of Hammer" is the first ever collection of the company's iconic movie posters & is a celebration of movie art at its best. This large format lavish hardback brings together hundreds of rare posters from around the world & features Hammer's greatest films." ...

Willow Crossley believes that everything in the home however mundane can be beautiful. This book shows her ideas for turning the most basic objects into original life enhancers. Willow casts her crafting style all around the house & beyond making things you will want to keep for yourself or reluctantly give away as presents. The first chapter To Decorate

Includes:: floral napkin rings seasonal wreaths Christmas baubles & vintage fabric bunting. To Hang shows how to fill printers trays with your own treasures make pictures from buttons & create your own pinboard with fabulous ribbons. To Nest

Includes:: ideas for grainsack cushions & pillows block print napkins & heart-shaped lavender bags. In To Wear there are fabric-twisted bracelets silk-trimmed straw hats & simple linen aprons. To Use is a visual feast of candles made in vintage teacups fabric-covered books bath salts infused with lavender & coat hangers decoupaged with fabric scraps. Having lived in France Willow is besotted by their vintage textiles as well as their knack of making lifes necessities such as a straw hat or bicycle basket so effortlessly decorative. None of her ideas are difficult to make or demand serious sewing or crafting skills. The only requirements needed are patience & the desire to find those raw materials that work their magic.



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In this unique & important book & now celebrating its 10th year one of the world's great spiritual leaders offers his practical wisdom & advice on how we can overcome everyday human problems & achieve lasting happiness. The Art of Happiness is a highly accessible guide for a western audience combining the Dalai Lama's eastern spiritual tradition with Dr Howard C. Cutler's western perspective. Covering all key areas of human experience they apply the principles of Tibetan Buddhism to everyday problems & reveal how one can find balance & complete spiritual & mental freedom. For many who wish to understand more about the Dalai Lama's approach to living there has never been a book which brings his beliefs so vividly into the real world. ...