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Dark City: Murder, Vice, and Mayhem in Wartime London
by Simon ReadThe blackout went into effect three days before the declaration of war and transformed nocturnal London into a criminal’s paradise. As the city pulled together in the face of terrible adversity, the bomb-ravaged streets became the stalking grounds for killers, rapists, looters and gangs. The number of bodies retrieved during the Blitz made it impossible for the authorities to autopsy them all, providing cover to those who worked with blades, guns and more sinister tools. Scotland Yard – its resources stretched to the limit – did its best to tackle a rogues’ gallery born of bombs and blackout, and crimes that continue to fascinate from history’s darkest corners. In Dark City, award-winning crime writer Simon Read paints a vivid picture of the other side of wartime London, from the Blackout Ripper and the Acid Bath Murders, to the notorious Rillington Place killer and his house of corpses.
Gerrards Cross: A History
by Julian Hunt David ThorpeGerrards Cross, known for its open common and picturesque Latchmore Pond, had been a place of resort ever since the 1790s. Genteel houses sprang up, attracting enough wealthy visitors that it began to be known as the ‘Brighton of Bucks.’ The opening of the Great Western and Great Central Joint Railway in 1906, with a station at Gerrards Cross, gave hundreds of Londoners the opportunity to live in ‘Beechy Bucks.’Gerrards Cross: A History celebrates the energy and imagination of the pioneer architects, builders and estate agents who ensured that Gerrards Cross became a high-class residential area, both socially and architecturally. It also applauds the entrepreneurs who opened their new shops and services when the commuter houses were still on the drawing board, and the brave newcomers who brought their families to live in the country, but depended utterly on their reliable train service to London.
The Assassination of the Prime Minister: John Bellingham and the Murder of Spencer Perceval
by David C HanrahanOnly once in history has a British Prime Minister been assassinated. At 5.00 p.m. on Monday, 11 May 1812, John Bellingham made his way to the Houses of Parliament carrying concealed weapons. At 5.15 p.m., as the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Spencer Perceval, was making his way across the lobby leading to the House of Commons, Bellingham shot him dead at point-blank range. Bellingham was immediately arrested and put on trial two days later: refusing to plead insanity, he was convicted and hanged before the week was out. Bellingham was neither a revolutionary nor a religious fanatic, but a successful young entrepreneur. What had driven him to commit such a heinous crime? In a story of suspense, revenge and personal tragedy, David C. Hanrahan tells the interwoven stories of Perceval and Bellingham, detailing not just the events of May 1812, but also the two men's histories, and what led one to take the other's life.
From Gas Street to the Ganges: Exploring Birmingham’s Historical Links with the Commonwealth
by Simon WilcoxIf ever there was a regional UK city with the credentials to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham was always it. One in ten people in the city were born in an overseas Commonwealth country, and even more have family in member nations such as India, Jamaica and Pakistan. Many of these are descendants of the generation who arrived after the Second World War to find work during the city’s manufacturing boom years.But, as Simon Wilcox discovers, the links go much further back than that. In fact, the connections started with the canal-building zeal of Birmingham’s industrial pioneers in the eighteenth century who built a canal network that spanned out from the Gas Street Basin. It was this network that opened up a new world of trade for the city – a world which revolved around metal, chocolate and weekly shipments of Ceylon tea.Industry and craftmanship, music and food, nostalgia and the future: From Gas Street to the Ganges is an exploration and celebration of the city of a thousand trades, which became the city of Balti and Bhangra.
A Viking in the Family: And Other Family Tree Tales
by Keith GregsonGenealogist Keith Gregson takes the reader on a whistle-stop tour of quirky family stories and strange ancestors rooted out by amateur and professional family historians. Each lively entry tells the story behind each discovery and then offers a brief insight into how the researcher found and then followed up their leads, revealing a range of chance encounters and the detective qualities required of a family historian. For example, one researcher discovered that his great-great-grandfather, as a child, was carried across the main street of West Hartlepool on the back of the famous tightrope walker Blondin. The Victorian newspaper report said that one of his nineteenth-century ancestors lost his leg in a Midlands coal-mining accident, and that the amputated leg was buried in the local cemetery - to be joined by the rest of him on his final demise. A Viking in the Family is full of similar unexpected discoveries in the branches of family trees.
Alastair Sim: The Real Belle of St Trinian's
by Mark SimpsonAlastair sim was an energetic character both on and off the screen. His idiosyncratic style of acting in films such as 'The Belles of St Trinian's' endeared him to a cinema-going audience desperate to escape the day-to-day dreariness of an invasive, bureaucratic post-war Britain. In private, he was a curiously contradictory character, prejudiced and yet tolerant, thoughtful but sometimes inconsiderate. to examine the life of this extraordinary man, this biography contains original contributions from around thirty actors and actresses, including Sir Ian McKellen and Ronnie Corbett. It is supported by extensive research, including interviews with the playright Christopher Fry, the television producer John Howard Davies and actors who appeared on stage with Alastair as far back as the 1940s. This book also explore Alastair's life outside of films, including his marriage to Naomi Sim (whom he first met when she was twelve), his career as an elocution teacher, his extensive work on stage (including his theatrical endeavours with James Bridie), his championship of youth and his stalwart refusal to sign autographs.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Ghost Tales
by Michael O'Leary Ruth O'LearyThe stories in this haunting collection are as ancient and modern, powerful and fantastical, ambiguous and ambivalent as the ghosts they feature. Here you will find tales of headless horses riding moonbeams, an entrance to another world on Marrowbones Hill, drowned sailors and ghost ships, and a girl riding pillion on a motorbike driven by her dead boyfriend – all told in the distinct voice of noted storyteller Michael O’Leary who, for years, has wandered the highways and byways of Hampshire, immersed in the layers of ghost stories that have accumulated in this ancient county. Richly illustrated with original drawings, these tales are perfect for reading under the covers on dark, stormy nights.
The Celtic and Scandinavian Religions
by J. A MacCullochThe author compares Celtic mythology and religion with the beliefs of early Scandinavian society. Vikings and Norsemen who raided British shores ruled parts of Britain for centuries. The religion of the Scandinavians was the same as the religious beliefs and practices of their fellow Teutonic and Germanic tribes, and their chief deities and religious rituals were like those of Teutonic people anywhere.
Migration and Racialization in Times of “Crisis”: The Making of Crises and their Effects (Studies in International Development and Globalization)
by Leila Benhadjoudja Christina Clark-Kazak Stéphanie Garneau Magalie Civil Yacout El Abboubi Gina VukojevićThe health crisis, the migration crisis, the humanitarian crisis, and the climate crisis. The repeating reference to the idea of crisis to label numerous social upheavals suggests that we now live in a world defined by crisis.Yet the urgency inherent in a crisis often leads to the normalization of rights violations and increased surveillance, profiling and arbitrary arrests, making visible the state’s control over bodies, and certain bodies, in particular.Migration and Racialization in Times of “Crisis” explores the colonial, racist and sexist underpinnings of various declarations of crisis, as well as their effects. Taken together, these contributions show that the state of crisis manifests as a condition for the maintenance of racial and patriarchal capitalism.The English and French version of this title, though distinct, complement each other to offer a more comprehensive and critical look at this approach of “governing through crisis”.
The Little Book of Youghal
by Kieran GroegerDid you Know?St Mary’s Collegiate Church claims to be the single oldest church in Ireland to have been in constant use over the centuries. The original roof, dating to c.1200, is still in situ. It was Thomas Harriott of Youghal who first brought potatoes and tobacco back from America. He took them to London, where Walter Raleigh introduced them to Queen Elizabeth I. In 1954, part of the Hollywood film Moby Dick was filmed in Youghal. Through main thoroughfares and twisting back streets, The Little Book of Youghal takes the reader on a journey through this historic seaside resort and its vibrant past. Here you will find out about the town’s changes though the ages, its people and industries.A reliable reference and a quirky guide, this book can be dipped into time and again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this historic town.
Anne Neville: Queen to Richard III
by Michael HicksAnne Neville was queen to England's most notorious king, Richard III. She was immortalised by Shakespeare for the remarkable nature of her marriage, a union which brought together a sorrowing widow with her husband's murderer. Anne's misfortune did not end there. In addition to killing her first husband, Richard also helped kill her father, father-in-law and brother-in-law, imprisoned her mother, and was suspected of poisoning Anne herself. Dying before the age of thirty, Anne Neville packed into her short life incident enough for many adventurous careers, but was always, apparently, the passive instrument of others' evil intentions. This fascinating new biography seeks to tell the story of Anne's life in her own right, and uncovers the real wife of Richard III by charting the remarkable twists and turns of her fraught and ultimately tragic life.
Richard III and the Death of Chivalry
by David HipshonThe conventional view of Richard III's defeat at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 is that it was due to a loss of support for him after his usurpation of the throne. However, David Hipshon argues that the result might very well have been in his favour, had not his support for James Harrington in a long-running family feud with Thomas, Lord Stanley led to the latter betraying him. Bosworth was the last English battle in which the monarch relied on feudal retainers: at Stoke two years later professional mercenaries were the key to Henry VII's victory. The author examines how the power politics of the conflict between the Stanleys and the Harringtons, and Richard's motives in supporting the latter, led to the king's death on the battlefield, the succession of the Tudors to the throne of England, the 'death of chivalry' and the end of the Middle Ages.
Fools and Jesters at the English Court
by John SouthworthFools have been a feature of virtually every recorded culture in the history of civilization, making significant contributions to the development of early theatre and literary drama. This book offers a reign by reign chronicle of English court fools.
Jane Austen: An Unrequited Love
by Andrew NormanJane Austen is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English literary canon, and recent film and television adaptations of her works have brought them to a new audience almost 200 years after her untimely death. Yet much remains unknown about her life, and there is considerable interest in the romantic history of the creator of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy. Andrew Norman here presents a fresh account of her life, breaking new ground by proposing that she and her sister, Cassandra, fell out over a young clergyman, who he identifies for the first time. He also suggests that, along with the Addison’s Disease that killed her, Jane Austen suffered from TB. Written by a consummate biographer, Jane Austen: an Unrequited Love is a must-read for all lovers of the author and her works.
It Runs in the Family: Understanding More About Your Ancestors
by Ruth A SymesIn the quest to uncover our family history, we turn to written records, the family album and even heirlooms. However, they can often be difficult to interpret and sometimes pose more questions than they answer: Why didn't my ancestors smile for the camera? Why did great-grandfather wear a beard while his sons were clean-shaven? Why is my great-grandmother holding flowers in this photograph? Drawing on evidence from social history, women's history, and the histories of photography, art and fashion, and using examples from the lowly as well as the famous, Ruth Symes explores many aspects of ordinary life in the past - from the state of the nation's teeth, to the legal and economic connotations of wearing a wedding ring and even the business of keeping a dog. This fascinating volume aims to help family historians get to know their elusive ancestors by deciphering the wealth of personal and historical clues contained in photographs, documents and artefacts.
Red October: The Revolution that Changed the World
by Douglas BoydThe October Revolution happened in November 1917. Later Soviet propaganda pretended for several decades that it was ‘the will of the people’, but in reality the brutal rebellion, which killed millions and raised the numerically tiny Bolshevik Party to power, was made possible by massive injections of German money laundered through a Swedish bank. The so-called ‘workers’ and peasants’ revolution’ had a cast of millions, of which the three stars were neither workers nor peasants. Nor were they Russian. Josef V. Djugashvili – Stalin – was a Georgian who never did speak perfect Russian; Leiba Bronstein – Trotsky – was a Jewish Ukrainian; Vladimir I. Ulyanov – Lenin – was a mixture of Tatar and other Asiatic bloodlines. Karl Marx had thought that the Communist revolution would happen in an industrialised country like Germany. Instead, German cash enabled Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin and Co. to destroy ineffective tsarist rule and declare war on the whole world. This is how they did it, told largely in the words of people who were there.
The Story of Joseph: How God Can Redeem Imperfect Families - An 8-Week Bible Study
by Erin DavisThe hope of redemption—for your family and mine.Family. Few words stir as much affection, and as much angst. You have hopes and dreams for your family. Everyone does. And yet each family tree holds gnarled branches of sin, disappointment, rebellion, and grief. There is brokenness in every family, but because no brokenness is too big for God, God can do a redemptive work in every family. In this 8-week study, Bible teacher Erin Davis guides you through the genealogy of Joseph. It&’s a messy story to be sure. But, ultimately, it&’s a shining example of beautiful, lasting, God-ordained redemption.As you dig into Joseph&’s family tree, you&’ll discover that even in the face of dysfunction, deceit, and deep pain, God is at work. He has a good plan.Family is God&’s idea. He wants to bless your family from generation to generation. As you gather with your family or friends and participate in this study, you&’ll find strength and hope—the Lord is building a beautiful family for His glory.
The A-Z of Curious Flintshire: Strange Stories of Mysteries, Crimes and Eccentrics
by David RoweFlintshire, the northern gateway to Wales, is a county rich in heritage. It is home to ancient artefacts, medieval buildings and country houses, and has had many fascinating residents such as the grand old man of politics, W.E. Gladstone, and the famous naturalist and writer, Thomas Pennant. As with much of Wales, Flintshire is also a place of myth and legends, from missing monks to maids in wells. This wonderful compendium of curious anecdotes and curiosities relates tales from the county’s rich history. Splendidly illustrated, it is great for dipping into, but can equally be enjoyed from cover to cover.
Tea & Antipathy: An American Family in Swinging London
by Anita MillerTea & Antipathy is a delightfully hilarious and true account of one American family's summer in the posh London neighborhood of Knightsbridge in 1965. Capturing the helpless feeling that living in a foreign city often brings, the book recounts how the Millers met a wide variety of memorable characters from all social classes, including Mrs. Grail the Irish cleaning woman, who was convinced that their home was haunted and who hated the English; Basil Goldbrick, a businessman from Manchester; and Basil's clever wife Daisy, who resented Americans. Told in a gently sardonic tone, this story provides insight on what London was like during the Swinging Sixties and what it was like to uproot a family for an adventurous summer abroad.
The LNER Handbook: The London and North Eastern Railway 1923-47
by David WraggRenowned for its express locomotive Mallard setting a world speed record (126mph) for steam locomotives that endures to this day, the London & North Eastern Railway was the second largest of the ‘Big Four’ railway companies to emerge from the 1923 grouping and also the most diverse, with its prestigious high-speed trains from King’s Cross balanced by an intensive suburban and commuter service from Liverpool Street and a high dependence on freight. Noted for its cautious board and thrifty management, the LNER gained a reputation for being poor but honest. Forming part of a series, along with The GWR Handbook, The LMS Handbook and The Southern Railway Handbook, this new edition provides an authoritative and highly detailed reference of information about the LNER.
Life in a Victorian Household
by Pamela HornWhat was it like to live in a Victorian household? What time did the servants have to get up? What was the food like and who cooked it? How did the clothing differ for the different types of servants? How much did the servants get paid? This fascinating book takes you back in time and shows you what it was really like to live in Victorian times, for those both above and below stairs, and what sights and smells would be around you.
The Little Book of Berkshire
by Stuart HyltonDID YOU KNOW?Reading Football Club was founded in 1871, the same year as the FA Cup, and is the oldest football league club south of the River TrentNewbury Racecourse housed a prisoner-of-war camp during the First World WarThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s current coat of arms features three acorn sprigs – one for each of the Middleton children, who were born in BerkshireThe Little Book of Berkshire is an intriguing, fact-packed compendium of places, people and events in the county, from its earliest origins to the present day.Here you can read about the important contributions Berkshire has made to the history of the nation, and meet some of the great men and women – the eccentrics and the scoundrels – with whom its history is littered.Packaged in an easily readable ‘dip-in’ format, visitors and locals alike will find something to amuse, surprise and entertain them in this remarkably engaging little book.
From Night Flak to Hijack: It's a Small World
by Reginald Levy Alex SchiphorstThis is the autobiography of Reginald Levy, a British pilot who reached a total of 25,090 flying hours in over 40 years of civil, military, and commercial aviation. He recounts his training and military operations as an RAF pilot during the Second World War. He flies 44 types of aircraft between 1941 and 1981. He takes part in the Berlin Airlift, and in 1952 joins Sabena airline. In 1972, he is hijacked by Black September terrorists, and plays a heroic part thanks to his professionalism and training. Not only does the book offer an insight into the hardships and camaraderie of the war and of the Cold War, it also gives a first-hand report of a Palestinian terrorist attempt. Two of the Israeli commandos who freed the hostages would go on to become Prime Ministers of Israel—Barak and Netenyahu! The epilogue is provided by his youngest grandson.
Paranormal London
by Neil ArnoldWith almost 2000 years of continuous habitation, it is no surprise that the city of London can boast a fascinating array of strange events and paranormal occurrences. From sightings of big cats such as the Southwark Puma and the Cricklewood Lynx to the terrifying tales of the Highgate Vampire and Spring-Heeled Jack, along with stories of mermaids, dragons, fairies and alien encounters, this enthralling volume draws together a bizarre and intriguing collection of first-hand accounts and long-forgotten archive reports from the capital's history. Richly illustrated with over sixty photographs, Paranormal London will invite the reader to view the city in a whole new light and will delight all those interested in the mysteries of the paranormal.
Special Education in Contemporary Society: An Introduction to Exceptionality
by Richard M. Gargiulo Emily C. BouckSpecial Education in Contemporary Society: An Introduction to Exceptionality offers a comprehensive, engaging, and readable introduction to the dynamic field of special education. Grounded in research and updated to reflect the most current thinking and standards of the field, this book provides students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs that are crucial to constructing learning environments that allow all students to reach their full potential. Authors Richard M. Gargiulo and Emily C. Bouck encourage a deep awareness and understanding of the "human" side of special education, providing students with a look into the lives of exceptional students and their families, as well as the teachers that work with exceptional persons throughout their lives. The Seventh Edition maintains the broad context and research focus for which the book is known while expanding on current trends and contemporary issues to better serve both pre-service and in-service teachers of exceptional individuals. This title is accompanied by a complete teaching and learning package.