Collection: Adult

Professor Greg Jackson, podcast host of History That Doesn't Suck, proves that while today's political climate may be dark, these aren't as unprecedented times as we may think.

Our nation's past is full of massive upheaval, disagreement, and departures from the moral high ground. The political gentlemanly conduct of yesteryear is no more than a myth. But that reality never allowed our worst historical selves to defeat our better angels. In Been There, Done That, Greg looks back in time to eight examples from our nation's history and shows that some of the hottest issues of our day are, in fact, American traditions that stand firmly beside another deeply American trait: the will to push back on these demons, prevail, and overcome.

It may be 250 years since this country's founding, but the playbook has remained mostly the same. From the Founding Father's hyperpartisan print war of the 1790s, to the caning of Senator Charles Sumner in 1856, to the thoroughly corrupt presidential election of 1876, and all the way through the yellow journalism and print war of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randoph Hearst, you will recognize how familiar these stories are to our own supposedly unprecedented times.

Full of fascinating characters, page-turning narrative storytelling, and Greg's characteristic humor, Been There, Done That will fill readers with hope for our future by showing us the warts of our past--only by knowing that our country has been here before, and prevailed toward a more just future, can we find the strength to rebound once more.

PAWS FOR THOUGHT...THERE'S MURDER AFOOT IN FRAMSTONE

Cosy crime, wagging tails and one mystery too deadly to ignore.

'Brilliant - I inhaled it...this is my dream book' CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN

'This sweet, big-hearted novel is like The Thursday Murder Club With Dogs' MARIAN KEYES

'A delight for lovers of cosy crime, and a must for all lovers of a good mystery involving dogs!' PETER JAMES

'Charming, big-hearted, and with a gigantic twist. But frankly, you had me at dogs' JOJO MOYES

'Cosy crime takes a delightfully fresh turn with this striking debut...If you like Richard Osman's books, you will love this' DAILY MAIL

--
They've got a lot of leads...but can they collar a killer?

When Charlie Boardman and his beloved Staffy, Ruby, stumble across a corpse in the woods, the sleepy coastal town of Framstone is rocked by the discovery that the local pub landlord has been murdered.

Charlie and his fellow dogwalkers take it upon themselves to try and sniff out any clues that might help the local police with their investigation.

But what begins as idle speculation and gossip quickly becomes something more sinister, when Charlie starts receiving anonymous threats warning him off the case.

Then, a second body washes up on the beach...

Can Charlie hunt down a killer, before he becomes the next victim?

--

Authors and reviewers are barking mad for The Dogwalkers' Detective Agency!

'A heartwarming, satisfying page-turner with a delicious final twist that made me gasp' DAISY BUCHANAN
'Wit, charm, warmth and dogs - what more could you want from a cracking whodunnit?' LUCY MANGAN
'Funny, big-hearted, cosy but never comatose, The Dogwalkers' Detective Agency is an absolute must-read for all dog lovers - and even you strange cat people too!' MIKE GAYLE
'What a joy The Dogwalkers' Detective Agency is - once I began reading it I just couldn't put it down. Funny and ingeniously plotted, this is a terrific debut' JILL MANSELL
'Michael Hogan is a hilariously funny writer, and this is a total treat' JENNY COLGAN
'Subtle, absorbing and bursting with rambunctious, tail-wagging charm. I was grinning and gripped from the very first page' JIMI FAMUREWA
'I couldn't stop devouring the pages here, packed with such warmth, fun and breezy humour' FIONA GIBSON

In the summer of 1998, FBI agent Bob Hilland reluctantly picked up the phone to call the famous psychic John Edward. Bob was working on an unsolvable cold case and had nowhere else to turn. What Bob never imagined was that the call would lead to a huge break in the case and an unlikely crime-solving partnership that spanned twenty-five years. Centering on the investigation of the gruesome John Smith murders that rocked the nation, Chasing Evil is a heart-stopping story of murder, justice, and finding help in unexpected places.

For fans of Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham, this rollicking travel memoir by a middle-aged Midwesterner is a hilarious and heartfelt journey through the United Kingdom, its football clubs, and the rich traditions of English football culture.

Relegation, the devastating consequence English football teams face when they underperform, is something Todd Smith kept seeing in his own life. He grew up surrounded by soccer: his father was the head athletic trainer for the Minnesota Kicks of the 70s-era North American Soccer League, and Todd played into college. But while his family life was happy after that, his professional life didn't go the way of his dreams. He spent two decades working tirelessly in blue-collar jobs while trying to break through as a writer. He often felt discouraged, like he'd never really made it, like he himself had been demoted to a lower league.

In Relegated, Todd embarks on a trip of personal and professional discovery. Looking for a change and a chance to write about something that really matters to him, he takes off for a multi-month, immersive expedition through the world and culture of English football. He visits not only the best clubs but also the most out of the way and forgotten ones. In these places, like the Old Spotted Dog Ground in East London, the port town of Grimsby (once voted the worst city in England), and Arbroath on the north coast of Scotland, he begins to understand what it means to be a "true" supporter of this historic and cherished game. He meets pub owners, groundskeepers, fan club organizers, and professional and amateur players who show him a deeper love of the sport. He learns how communities rally around a club, how much joy and suffering they can take, and how football clubs--even the lesser-known ones--can bond people together in memories that last a lifetime.

A heartwarming account featuring pints, meat pies, a rainbow of team scarves and banners, and some very colorful slang, Relegated is the story of a man looking to transform himself while discovering the true meaning of English football.

Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer, comedic royalty and hosts of A&E's Kings of BBQ, gather their favorite recipes into an accessible and entertaining cookbook like no other.

For both Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer, two of the biggest names in comedy of all time, barbeque is more than just food--it's a way of life. Recipes are passed down through generations at backyard cookouts, and pitmasters around the country carry on those traditions at their restaurants. That's what the television show Kings of BBQ on A&E (and now streaming on Hulu) captured as Anthony and Cedric traveled the country with the goal of launching their own spice and BBQ sauce product lines. Their AC Barbeque product line is now carried thousands of stores nationwide, and fans are clamoring for this cookbook to go with them.

Organized by regions of the country to best capture the soul of the food including St. Louis, Memphis, and the Carolinas, AC Barbecue showcases the charm of these brilliant actors and comics both in the writing and bold photography. Recipes range from pork belly burnt ends to dry rub beef brisket to jerk ribs, and other favorites like macaroni salad, baked beans, fried catfish, and hush puppies are included as well. There are even snacks and desserts like fried pickles and peach cobbler, and maybe best of all, a whole chapter of sauces and rubs.

Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just firing up your backyard grill, this book is a celebration of the rich traditions, bold flavors, and undeniable joy of barbequing. Packed with mouthwatering recipes, stunning photography, and Anthony and Cendric's infectious personalities, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to bring soul and flavor to their own backyard gatherings.

Potted history, quirky facts, sayings, hints and tips about Ireland's celebration and the saint it commemorates.

The Little Book of St Patrick's Day tells the story of St Patrick and how the holiday began, shares the craic with a collection of sayings and describes how the festival is marked around the world (and in outer space).

Separate the myths from the facts, find out how to celebrate at home and be dazzled by quirky facts and stats. Why is the shamrock the symbol of the day, did St Patrick really drive snakes out of Ireland and what should you eat and drink on March 17th? Find out in this pocket-sized guide to this Irish celebration that has enchanted people of all backgrounds across the globe.

'For the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o' March!' The Irish-American poet Thomas Augustine Daly, as seen on Bustle.com.

From Michael CrichtonCreator of Jurassic Park, ER, Twister, Rising Sun, and Disclosure

Writing as John Lange

Comes a new Hollywood mystery thriller, originally written in 1973 by Crichton but never before published, that will keep you guessing until the very end.

In the glitz and decadence of 1970s Hollywood, an era when sex and drugs were readily available on any movie set, the writer of the next Western blockbuster, Bloodrock, has just been found dead in his motel bathtub. Now publicist Harvey Jason is desperately trying to keep the project on track while the famed Harlow Perkins, a brilliant and ruthless investigator, begins to unravel the mystery and hunt the killer down.

From scorching-hot desert locations to sleazy motel bars, the members of the cast and crew--each one with a very dark secret of their own--will send this case deeper and deeper into a maze of confusion and shadows until the shocking truth is revealed.

Will the murderer be found?

Or will the true identity of the killer turn out to be just another Hollywood illusion?

Chasing the heart of God is a profound spiritual pursuit that has captivated believers across generations. It embodies a deep longing to understand, experience, and align oneself with the divine will and love of God. This pursuit is not merely about religious rituals or superficial devotion; it is an earnest quest for intimacy, transformation, and a life that reflects God's character. In this book, Bishop Eric Lambert wants to encourage the readers to chase after the heart of God. He is convinced that we do not spend enough time in the presence of the Lord. When you read this book, you will be motivated to increase your time with the Lord.

Understanding the Heart of God

The heart of God is often described in scripture as compassionate, merciful, just, and loving. It is the core of God's being, revealing His desires, His passions, and His plans for humanity. To chase after God's heart is to seek to comprehend His nature and to align one's life with His divine purpose. This understanding begins with recognizing God's attributes as depicted in the Bible-His unconditional love (John 3:16), His mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5), His justice (Isaiah 61:8), and His desire for relationship (Revelation 3:20).

The Motivation Behind Chasing God's Heart

The motivation for pursuing God's heart varies among individuals but is generally rooted in a desire for a meaningful relationship with the Creator. Many believers are driven by a sense of longing for purpose, peace, and fulfillment that only God can provide. Others are motivated by gratitude for God's grace and a desire to reciprocate His love through devotion and service. This pursuit is also fueled by the recognition that knowing God's heart leads to a transformed life, characterized by love, humility, and obedience.

Practices That Facilitate Chasing God's Heart

-Prayer: Engaging in sincere, heartfelt communication with God allows believers to listen and respond to His voice, fostering intimacy.

-Scripture Reading: The Bible is the primary source for understanding God's character and His plans for humanity. Regular study reveals His nature and His desires for His followers.

-Worship: Worshiping God through music, praise, and adoration helps believers focus on His greatness and draws them closer to His heart.

-Fellowship: Connecting with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and shared experiences that deepen one's spiritual journey.

-Obedience: Living according to God's commandments demonstrates love and commitment, aligning one's life with His divine will.

Challenges in the Pursuit

Chasing the heart of God is a lifelong journey filled with challenges. Distractions of worldly pursuits, doubts, spiritual dryness, and personal struggles can hinder progress. Maintaining consistency in prayer, study, and worship requires discipline and perseverance. Additionally, understanding God's ways can sometimes be difficult, mainly when His plans differ from personal expectations. Overcoming these challenges involves trusting in God's sovereignty, seeking His guidance, and remaining committed to the pursuit despite obstacles.

The Rewards of Chasing God's Heart

The pursuit of God's heart yields profound spiritual rewards. It leads to a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose. Believers often experience a transformation of character, becoming more Christ-like in their attitudes and actions. The intimacy developed through this pursuit fosters a sense of security and hope, even amidst life's trials.

An ode to floral beauty by one of the world's leading floral photographers.

"Lane creates a haven for readers to ramble through and set off on a path of gorgeous flowers and gardens to recharge and relieve stress." -- Library Journal

"Poetic and whimsical, Georgianna Lane's soothing photography collection inspires contemplation through her favorite floral varieties."--Foreword Reviews

For more than twenty years, acclaimed photographer Georgianna Lane has traveled the globe in search of nature's most captivating flowers. From misty Parisian gardens at dawn to sun-drenched fields of California ranunculus, from Andean rose gardens to centuries-old European estates, her lens has lovingly captured thousands of fleeting floral moments.

This stunning volume is a visual celebration of nature's most exquisite creations--a serene sanctuary of roses, peonies, tulips, irises, hydrangeas, and more. Featuring a curated selection of her never-before-seen images, Georgianna invites readers to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of the botanical world.

Organized around themes of Wonder, Joy, Reverie, Harmony, Serenity, and Grace, each chapter offers a dreamlike exploration of flowers and gardens that uplift the spirit. With lyrical storytelling and evocative imagery, this book is an invitation to cross the threshold of the everyday and step into an enchanted realm.

Whether displayed on a coffee table or gifted to a flower lover, this book will become a cherished source of inspiration, reflection, and joy for years to come.

A chronological journey through gaming's least linear format: the action RPG.

The metroidvania genre has become a staple of video gaming. From solo indie development operations to big-budget creations by the industry's top studios, these exploratory action games with heavy role-playing influences are everywhere.

But where did they come from in the first place? Although the genre's name might appear to hold the answer--a combination of Nintendo's sci-fi adventure Metroid and Konami's monster-movie action series Castlevania--the metroidvania draws from a far wider range of influences.

The History of Metroidvania: Decade One turns back the clock to trace the primal origins of one of the most popular and enduring video game formats. The story begins years before anyone had conceived of the name metroidvania--before the first Metroid and Castlevania games had even arrived on the scene.

In this exhaustively researched publication, you'll see how gaming trends of the early 1980s came together to give us initial expressions of the metroidvania concept, and how the design language of the genre evolved over the course of the 8-bit hardware era. From text-based adventures to coin-op tests of pure dexterity, the metroidvania took its cues from early computer hits and best-selling console masterpieces, evolving alongside the medium itself.

Like the genre itself, the early history of the metroidvania features plenty of surprises and dead ends along the way, but ultimately leads to a satisfying conclusion.

An irresistible delight, this hilarious and heartwarming essay collection gathers essential tales about growing up in the South, the pitfalls of date night, and why no one should ever tell a Black girl how to Black Girl.

Black women always find a place to meet: in the natural hair aisle, at Beyoncé concerts, even online in memes and catchphrases. This book is one of those places: a living room where readers can contemplate how a well-picked afro can defy the laws of physics and why boob sweat has to exist in the first place. Here, Black Girl is a verb. Here, Black women can Black Girl in every way we want to.

Amena Brown's book Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl blends storytelling, humor, and pop culture commentary to traverse the magic and wisdom she's gleaned from being raised by Southern Black women, and supported by the community of Black women who hold her down today. After graduating from the International Black Girl Headquarters (the renowned HBCU Spelman College), Amena has built a career telling stories and celebrating Black womanhood. In her book, she shares stories of dancing in Janelle Monae's "Tightrope" music video and partnering with Tracee Ellis Ross to compose odes to natural hair. She imparts essential life lessons from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and tells hair tales, including wisdom on the ideal style for her first speaking gig at Essence Fest (box braids, 100 percent).

In the end, Brown shares that Black women are a whole world. A galaxy of customs, language, code, and unspoken understandings, all explored with humor and heart in this unforgettable book.

Revealing the sweeping saga of the world's oldest--and most treasured--currency, this is the first definitive history of gold.

The Secret History of Gold tells the sparkling, eye-opening, and definitive story of the metal that has shaped our world--and may yet determine its fate.

From its origins in the formation of the solar system to its pivotal role in ancient myth, conquest, and modern finance, Dominic Frisby reveals how gold has shaped civilizsations, built global economies, and defined systems of power over millennia.

Discover how gold has sparked wars, built empires, and empowered leaders from Alexander the Great to Adolf Hitler. As nations like China and Russia mine and hoard gold at record rates, Frisby examines its enduring significance in the digital age and its potential to influence the future of global peace and power.

Not only is this the first comprehensive history of gold, at its heart, the book argues that gold keeps society honest by curbing government overspending as well as economic inflation, since we cannot create more of it.

From an executive producer of the hit HISTORY(R) network series The Proof Is Out There(R), an evidence-based peek behind and beyond some of the world's greatest mysteries.

In recent years the assumed existence of UFOs/UAPs, the widespread acceptance of government interference in the truth, and reconsideration of a litany of other inexplicable phenomena has gone from whispers at the edges of polite discussion to the very center of "mainstream" news and debate. The HISTORY(R) network series The Proof Is Out There has been on the case all along, applying a learned and discerning eye to the most curious phenomena on the planet.

Evidence of the Extraordinary takes fans of the show and newcomers alike deeper into these wonders than ever before. Series executive producer Miguel Sancho gives readers new insight on the hard-bitten journalism and cutting-edge technology the show uses to answer some of history's most intractable questions as chapters explore topics like cryptozoology, simulation theory, the afterlife, ancient archeology, and more. And with the addition of more than sixty full-color photographs depicting the phenomena in question, Evidence of the Extraordinary presents both a road map and skeleton key to the unexplained.

A glorious celebration of color and light showcasing more than 200 exuberant contemporary artworks

Rainbow Dreams is the ultimate visual treat: page after page of brilliant, rainbow-hued artworks by the world's best-known contemporary artists.

From Takashi Murakami's multicolored floral motifs and Yayoi Kusama's vibrant polka dots to Ugo Rondinone's neon sculptures and Paola Pivi's playful feathered bear sculptures, the 200 featured artworks in this book offer a dizzying tour of the color spectrum.

Readers will discover art across a variety of mediums - paintings on canvas, monumental sculptures, LED light installations, immersive spaces, and more. Together, the works reveal how famed artists and creators perceive and experiment with color.

Featuring an exterior printed with a seamless rainbow gradient, Rainbow Dreams will bring joy, beauty, and wonder to anyone with an interest of art - and a burst of color to brighten any bookshelf.

Featured artists include: Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Nick Cave, Judy Chicago, Carlos Cruz-Diez, DRIFT, Olafur Eliasson, Katharina Grosse, Jennifer Guidi, Cai Guo-Qiang, Alex Israel, Ellsworth Kelly, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, José Parla, Paola Pivi, Rob Pruitt, Sterling Ruby, Kenny Scharf, Frank Stella, Sarah Sze, and Mickalene Thomas.