Recommended Reads
-
Gropius and the Spirit of TAC
This study describes how Walter Gropius of former Bauhaus fame transformed himself from the image of the omnipotent “Master-Builder” to the humble “Grope” of later years. Having come as an emigree from his native Germany to the US, he had to cope with quite a different office culture based on teamwork: Not the “single genius” but a collective approach to problem solving was the order of the day, coupled with a conciliatory manner of debate among equals. With that, his legendary firm “The Architects Collaborative” (called TAC for short) in Boston was to become the star of the profession in the USA, over the course of some 50 years. Thanks to the combined talent and vigorous input of seven younger partners, the firm succeeded in gaining large commissions at home and internationally.
The well-designed school and campus buildings in New England found their equivalent in large university projects such as in Baghdad and Tunisia. Internally, the special aura at TAC was personified by a strong collective spirit of individuals in their own right. In turn, the office attracted a highly motivated staff of apprentices from all around the world. Grope’s personal charm, his humor and encouragement of young people got him life-long affection. Not the least, his pledge for the role of women in the profession left its mark on a whole new generation of architects’ offices to follow.
The author was a member of this team from 1962 to 1964 and kept in touch with Grope until his death in 1969. An eye-witness account setting straight TAC’s merits to “Mid-Century Modernism”.
£12.99 -
Crossing the White Line
In his debut book, Zesh Rehman, achieves the ultimate blend of autobiography and self-help guide. Do you want to learn how to take ownership of your life? Then look no further. Using his personal and professional experiences, across different continents and within an extremely competitive industry, Zesh presents twelve easy to follow guides to help you overcome obstacles, remain focussed, and excel in your chosen discipline.
He is also sharing insights into his journey, through candid accounts and extracts from his personal journal. From exploring his own journey and his ‘why’, to overcoming cultural barriers within football and society, to surviving abroad, Zesh uses his learning (and positive behaviours guides), to inspire you to take the next step and commit to overcoming your biggest challenges.
Setbacks occur in every walk of life, but it is how you react that makes the difference. Goal setting and journal keeping are just some of the techniques that are explained that you can use to apply to your own circumstances. Clear examples of how to embrace life and deal with the ever-changing situations arising are covered in detail as well learning how to remain positive to go over, around or through obstacles.
Practical and easy to follow steps that can be used as a road map to long term achievement. Read it, use it, and win – on and off the field.
£24.99 -
Cuentos
Dilapidated buildings. Classic American cars. Rum and cigars. Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.
Aspects of Cuba, to be sure, but superficial ones at best. Beneath these clichés live the Cuban people, each with a fascinating story that reveals the challenges of surviving day to day in this country, how Cubans innovatively and creatively meet those challenges, and how they refuse to allow circumstances to colour their outlook on life.
Within this book are vignettes of some of these people, presented as word-picture diptychs, each photograph accompanied by a compelling story, each story with an illustrative photograph. The reader will discover that while some Cubans live in dirty, dark, tenement-like conditions, others find the resources to improve and maintain their homes, and that those with the means keeps houses as clean as any on the planet. The reader will also learn how Cuban mechanics adapt and improvise to keep those wonderful old cars running, despite the difficulties of obtaining repair parts, and about the uniquely Cuban construct of resolver through which they survive and even prosper.
But most importantly, it will be seen that Cubans have an indomitable spirit that allows them to remain happy and optimistic, despite the adversities of conquest and occupation, the interference of foreign governments, and the oppression of their own government for over five hundred years.
£9.99 -
My Daddy's a Lineman
“Getting ready for the day, they all grab their stuff, to work on power lines, you sure gotta be tough!”
My Daddy’s a Linemen gives children a peek into a day at work with their Daddy.
From sunrise to sunset, children learn about how truly special it is to have a Daddy who is a Linemen.
£8.99 -
Consciousness Influences Epigenetics in the Development of Disease
Your mind and body are inextricably linked. Ignore your inner voice, and your body will pay the price.
Ingrid Fredriksson’s groundbreaking research on the link between consciousness and epigenetics was met with acclaim at a scientific conference in Tucson. Academics and independent researchers alike agreed: ‘This must be shared with the world!’ This book is your chance to learn more.
Explore the invisible forces that shape our lives, delving into the world of epigenetics and how our genes are activated or silenced by everything from cell type and disease to physiological and psychological stimuli.
This book pays special attention to the impact of emotions on health, exploring how trauma, stress, and negativity affect our well-being at the cellular level. Discover how cultivating positivity can lead to a longer, happier life.
Fredriksson’s groundbreaking study – likely the first of its kind – reveals the practical, everyday implications of epigenetics, demonstrating how our consciousness and emotions influence our health and well-being. This is essential knowledge for everyone, especially healthcare professionals.
£15.99 -
Birds in Flight
Where do the birds go to on their flight?
Out over the sea with no land in sight?
Or high above clouds to feel the sunlight?
How do they find their way home for the night?
Birds in Flight has a simple rhyming scheme,
to assist with learning to read and beginning to spell.
With a combination of beautiful illustrations and an easy flowing story,
This book is also a perfect bedtime read.
£8.99 -
How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
The book starts with a detailed description of the optimal way to lose weight and information on how to keep it off. However, you are strongly advised to read the subsequent chapters as referenced in Chapter 1. The author has noted that his patients find it both helpful and liberating to have an understanding of the regulation of body weight, of the causes of obesity, the health problems that obesity causes and the biological mechanisms that make it difficult to maintain weight loss.
All of the information provided in this book is backed by published scientific evidence. References are provided at the end of the book that can be freely accessed through searchable medical databases such as PubMed or Google Scholar. For the lay reader, much of what is written in scientific articles may be overly technical, however many can be helped in the interpretation and meaning of the information by their family doctor who will play a key role in their weight loss journey.
£8.99 -
Mr Mouse and His Gigantic Extended Family
‘Oh, that smells SOOOOOO good. I need it now. Will anybody know if a small chunk goes?’
If you were as small as a mouse, what would you get up to?
Come meet Mr Mouse, his family and friends, like Mr Mole who lives in a hole, or the busy bees who like eating, come see. Or even the woodpecker family Tom, Dick and Harry.
We could go on and on and on, but instead, come join in with the fun and find out what adventures they will get up to next.
£7.99 -
The Other Brunel
June 1821. Once admired for ingenious inventions that aided England’s navy, engineer Marc Isambard Brunel now lies broken in debtors’ prison. Though his innovations brought victory against Napoleonic France, accolades turned to accusations over his French roots. Now the fetid decay of King’s Bench Gaol repays his service.Yet Brunel’s determination remains unbowed. With steadfast wife Sophia ever by his side, he contends daily for freedom from this unjust fate. Beset by misfortunes, will he be forced to abandon his adopted England as he did his homeland? At what cost to his family – especially his beloved son, Isambard?This vivid portrayal illuminates a pioneering mind undone by the nation he served. Yet even stripped of acclaim and liberty, Brunel perseveres, a testament to irrepressible vision and spirit. His timeless struggle resonates still, for no bars can cage the soaring heights of human endeavour and hope.
£11.99 -
My Love is Mine
This intimate collection of poetry and prose dives deep into the not-so-gentle and unruly art of becoming. It speaks to the thoughts that stir in the stillness of the night, where exhilaration flirts with the agony of despair and where fierceness smoulders in both grace and anger.Through these lyrical verses, I find myself adrift, seeking solitude, perseverance, heat, and a safe haven—wherever it may be found. Somehow, amidst it all, the chaotic fire of love unfolds in all its tender and raw forms.I am full of contradictory wounds, scars that ache to heal. But if they don’t, maybe it’s time to just learn to dance with my demons, once and for all.Open the pages and get lost in this wondrous journey titledMy Love is Mine.
£10.99 -
When I Awaken Into The Dead of Night
A female vampire rises from her slumber to discover a world irreversibly altered. The insatiable thirst, relentless hunts, and the haunting spectres of her past sins surround her. Yet, amid the chaos, a void persists – she’s solitary, craving a companion to share in eternity’s dance. Can she find him? Will he be her eternal mate? What does destiny have in store for them? Dive into this atmospheric anthology of gothic poetry where verses like ‘Zombie Shift’ and ‘Scarlet Eyes’ don’t just narrate, but pull the reader into the heart of the tale, making them accomplices on this dark journey.
£6.99 -
I Want a Sibling
IVF is a complex and heart wrenching process especially when there are children involved who desperately want a sibling.
This easy-to-understand children’s book follows the fertility journey of a family whose son is wishful for a baby brother or sister using simple, age-appropriate language so children can be involved in this process and know that getting a sibling isn’t always straightforward.
Follow along with the highs and lows of this story and prepare your child emotionally for your fertility journey while showing them that there are other families all around the world, every day going through the same thing.
A hopeful, inspiring, and informative journey of conceiving a baby through IVF specially written for young children.
£8.99
Discover