Between 1856 & 1876 five explorers all British took on the seemingly impossible task of discovering the source of the White Nile. Showing exceptional courage & extraordinary resilience Richard Burton John Hanning Speke Samuel Baker David Livingstone & Henry Morton Stanley risked their lives & their reputations in the name of this quest. They journeyed through East & Central Africa into unmapped territory discovered the great lakes Tanganyika & Victoria navigated the upper Nile & the Congo & suffered the ravages of flesh-eating ulcers malaria & deep spear wounds. Using new research Tim Jeal tells the story of these great expeditions while also examining the tragic consequences which the Nile search has had on Uganda & Sudan to this day. Explorers of the Nile" is a gripping adventure story with an arresting analysis of Britain's imperial past & the Scramble for Africa." ...

' Exploring Britain's Country Gardens' features 85 carefully selected gardens from the length & breadth of Britain. Each entry each illustrated with stunning photography & has a detailed description of the garden including its history & practical information such as contact details opening times & facilities. From Cornwall's Lost Gardens of Heligan to the rugged charm of Crarae gardens in Scotland this beautiful guide showcases the unique beauty of Britain's gardens & the creative vision of the landscape architects who created them. This is the perfect gift for keen gardeners & lovers of Britain's Heritage. ...

Concise comprehensive & accessible Exploring British Politics presents an insightful approach to British politics with a special emphasis on developments since the 2010 general election & the formation of Britain's first coalition government since 1945. Designed to stimulate critical analysis & provoke lively debate it provides new perspectives on two key themes -- the health of British democracy & the transition from traditional models of government to more flexible forms of 'governance'. ...

This book is based on the belief that deep subject knowledge of language & literature provides a foundation for effective teaching & learning. It provides a comprehensive guide to the range of genres & characteristic features of English language fiction written for children. It will help readers to: o develop their understanding of literature within social cultural & political reading practices o extend their knowledge of language features & conventions of different genres o develop skills in analytical & critical reading. The scope of the first edition has been expanded from solely fiction to cover a range of contemporary literature including poetry plays & picture books. The case study material investigative activities & practical exercises promote an active approach to learning. The second edition focuses on a range of fiction relevant to the National Curriculum for England & the National Literacy Strategy. It provides examples from a range of world literature written in English. Examples from work in translation are also included. It also addresses the requirements of the primary curriculum for ITT English. This book is essential reading for student teachers on PGCE & undergraduate teacher education courses & for teachers undertaking CPD in English literacy or childrens literature. It provides useful support material for language coordinators SCITT coordinators & literacy consultants. ...

Ken & Ching have transformed the way we cook & eat Chinese food. In this exciting new book & TV series they journey through China on a culinary & cultural odyssey to find the old the new & the unexpected. Chinas emergence as one of the worlds most influential cultures has ignited our interest in this enigmatic country but Ken & Ching also have their own quests to explore. They arrive in Beijing to explore the influences of the West on traditional Imperial cuisine & talk to cutting-edge chefs about their take on Peking Duck. They cook with local families en route to discover the influence of Buddhism on vegetarian food & whether the Chinese did actually invent tortellini in remote Kashgar before travelling to Sichuan Province Chinas gastronomic capital. But this is more than a culinary journey this is a homecoming for Ken & Ching & they make their own pilgrimages to Guangdong & Fujian to discover their personal & culinary roots. Ching admires Kens experience & knowledge while Ken respects Chings modern influences. Together they bring a unique & authoritative perspective on Chinese food that will surprise & inform. ...

Within the pages of Exploring Greenland author Jim Gregson shares narratives of adventures & experiences lived in the impressive landscapes of the great Arctic wilderness. This is a land where areas still exist unvisited by humans & where the cycle of the seasons has revolved through aeons unobserved. The Arctic along with other polar regions is under threat from climate change. This stunning book beautifully illustrated with over 100 colour photographs shows unequivocally what a precious wilderness the world could lose if the trends in global warming continue unabated. Alongside a rich & throught provoking text the images captured here are a treasure chest of environmental jewels. If rare places like these are despoiled or lost it wont just be the wildlife which suffers; the world will be a poorer place for all of mankind. Jim Gregson has made many expeditions to Greenland making many first ascents of unclimbed peaks & ranking amongst Britains most experienced Arctic mountaineers. His message in Exploring Greenland is one of conservation & in these pages he shows us what we should strive to protect. Open these pages not to read tales of conquest but rather to learn of congress with the wild world. ...

This engaging guide book paints a comprehensive picture of Essex; bringing the reader on an exploratory journey from Brightlingsea to Wivenhoe whilst uncovering the secrets & history this fine county has to offer. The prime glory of Essex has to be its marvellous maritime heritage. As its rivers were the major routes for early exploration & trade most of the towns & villages grew up along their banks. This book follows all of the major rivers from their sources to the sea. From the Colne Valley to golden Saffron Walden the book features historic castles great abbeys stately homes windmills churches by-ways & oysters. Serving as both an inspiring guide & a lasting souvenir this book is richly illustrated with the authors photographs bringing historical Essex to life. ...

Since it was first broadcast on British television in 1997 Midsomer Murders has become one of the most-beloved detective dramas on television instantly recognisable for its attractive backdrop at the heart of rural Engl&. The real towns & villages of ' Midsomer' are situated in the Chilterns the Thames Valley & the Vale of Aylesbury all areas of outstanding natural beauty & this illustrated book reveals the many stunning key locations for this popular show. Over forty towns & villages have appeared in the long-running television series ranging from the hill-top village of Brill (also famous for a real crime the ' Great Train Robbery') to Waddesdon home of a Rothschild's manor. Chris Behan a resident of this area for over thirty years has used his skill & intimate knowledge of the subject to create a book that is a must for fans of Midsomer Murders & all those who love this charming part of rural Engl&. ...

Ordinary theology' characterizes the reflective God-talk of the great majority of churchgoers & others who remain largely untouched by the assumptions concepts & arguments that academic theology takes for granted. Jeff Astley coined the phrase in his innovative study Ordinary Theology: Looking Listening & Learning in Theology arguing that 'speaking statistically ordinary theology is the theology of God's Church'.A number of scholars have responded to this & related conceptualizations exploring their theological implications. Other researchers have adopted the perspective in examining a range of Church practices & contexts of Christian discipleship using the tools of empirical study. Ordinary theology research has proved to be key in uncovering people's everyday lay theology or ordinary dogmatics. Exploring Ordinary Theology presents fresh contributions from a wide range of authors who address the theological empirical & practical

Dimensions of this central feature of ordinary Christian existence & the life of the Church.

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This accessible & focused text for early childhood studies & early years students takes the reader through a detailed exploration of the nature of play. It begins by examining definitions of play & supports students to understand some of the key concepts of play. It goes on to consider the benefits of play creativity & risk & the contexts for play. The final section considers children's rights & the adult role in the facilitation of play. Interactive activities & theory focus features are included throughout helping students to arrive at an understanding of their own practice in relation to play. ...