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“He is surrealist in the unexpectedness of his invention but lacks the solemnity that makes most surrealists so tedious.”
The New Statesman’s judgement of 1938 could apply as much to Banting’s life as to his art. From the Bright Young People parties of Evelyn Waugh’s Vile Bodies to Republican Spain with Nancy Cunard to observing the Anschluss of 1938 with Humphrey Spender. Banting was the archetypal outsider artist with connections. But as the British surrealist movement ebbed after the war, he ended his days in squalor in Hastings, largely forgotten.
In this generously illustrated review, Joanna Ward demonstrates that the contribution of Banting and surrealism to the artistic and intellectual life of Britain should now be acknowledged alongside the kitchen sink realism and other ‘isms’ that contributed to our current identity.
“At last—a fascinating book about a fascinating man—John Banting—one of the great eccentrics of British surrealism—an artist who made life itself a surrealist event.”
– Desmond Morris, zoologist, ethnologist, artist and author of The British Surrealists.
£16.99 -
Embark on a journey from rock bottom, narrated by a woman in her thirties whose unwavering confidence and resilience drive her forward. When her wings were clipped and her dreams caged, she made a bold choice – one that would change everything.
Take her hand and step through the fires of hell on a path toward healing. As the temperature rises, prepare for a flood of emotions born from the darkest moments of her life. From deep pain to the relief of finding safety, her story unfolds in raw and unfiltered honesty, offering a powerful testament to survival and self-discovery.
With every step, she unravels the ripple effects of her choices, revealing the sacrifices made to protect those she loves. Her journey is one of vulnerability and strength, told through the window of her soul, where pain and solace intertwine beneath the moonlit sky.
This book is an invitation to reflect on your own lived experiences, to find connection in shared struggles, and to know that no one should have to walk this path alone. Stay with her until the end. No one needs to be this alone.
£6.99 -
How to Be the Grit in the Oyster
How to Be the Grit in the Oyster delivers a unique and successful model for leading business change in an increasing diverging environment. Change is no longer escapable, businesses are continuously changing yet most transformations fail, often quoted at 75%. This figure has not improved over time. There are articles and books purporting to address this issue and most of these focus on process and defining the change required. This book, based on the authors experience takes a different path. It asserts that at the core of this failure leaders take little account of the impact of the drive for diversity alongside societal diversification and they have failed to adjust their leadership style and delivery models accordingly.
Our workplace is more diverse than it has ever been. It appears that leaders have been blindsided by the intended consequence of this – that we all think and behave differently. Leadership models and delivery practices have continued to be implemented along historical lines built during the decades of compliant workforces. Younger generations have been freed to think and behave as they wish. A kind of emancipation of diverse thinking.
To lead in this new paradigm requires a different approach. The Grit in the Oyster achieves three outcomes for the reader. Firstly, to get them to the ‘aha moment’ that we are living in a different environment. Secondly, to get them to realise they need, as leaders, to behave in the right way to create the space for teams to blossom and then finally, a model to build and guide teams to successful outcomes.
£20.99 -
Ruth Sands is married yet unfulfilled, yearning for an outlet to express her profound emotional truths. She longs to share her gifts but remains loyal in a stagnant marriage. Her job brings her to a grand house filled with larger-than-life characters, where she experiences the best and worst of humanity. Her employers, Guy and Astrid Pettison, are an eccentric and fascinating couple in Ruth’s eyes, their peculiar union a constant source of intrigue.
Ruth forms a cherished friendship with the wise and elderly gardener, Ron Jolly, and his beloved wife. However, it is her growing relationship with her boss, Guy, that begins to meet her emotional needs, igniting deep sexual fantasies and a yearning to be physically desired. Yet, an ominous presence lurks within the household in the form of Jan Starr, the resident cook. Ruth’s feminine allure and presence threaten Starr’s devious intentions towards Guy. Anyone who crosses this woman faces danger, and Ruth most definitely carries the perilous bell.
£10.99 -
In the mid-1950s, as France teeters on the brink of civil war, two young painters find themselves swept up in a whirlwind of love and adventure in the heart of Paris.
Monique, a beautiful and feisty French woman, and Michael, an idealistic Englishman, come from vastly different backgrounds but share a common passion for painting. Their paths cross in the vibrant, tumultuous streets of Paris, where their love blossoms amidst the chaos of a nation in turmoil.
As they navigate the challenges of their time, their bond is tested by political unrest and personal dilemmas. Will their love survive the storm, or will the forces of history tear them apart?
A captivating blend of romance and adventure, this story paints a vivid picture of a city and a love that defy the odds.£9.99 -
I Will Swim to Rottnest follows the journey of an aspiring athlete as she pursues her dream of swimming across the famous Rottnest Channel. Facing numerous challenges, she draws motivation and inspiration from others, altering her path to achieve the extraordinary. As the big day approaches, nerves set in, and the crossing itself tests her with the channel’s notorious wind, waves, and wildlife. Nothing will stop her from achieving her dream, and the feeling of triumph as she finally crosses the finish line is unparalleled, with cheers from the crowd and the island’s local quokkas watching on.
Based on a true story, this inspiring tale will touch your heart and hopefully encourage you to keep chasing your own goals and dreams.
£4.05 -
Meet Wriggly, the little earthworm with big adventures!
Through these charming and imaginative tales, children will discover the fascinating world of earthworms and their important role in keeping gardens healthy.
Join Wriggly as he wriggles his way through delightful escapades, learning and exploring in the soil beneath our feet!
£9.99 -
Henri Tebbitt: The Story of My Life
Henri Tebbitt’s lifespan could never be considered as being droll! He experienced many things in his journey through life, from manning street barricades in Paris against the Germans in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) at the ripe old age of 16, to dining with Charles Dickens while at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Kent. He lived a life that would be the envy of most. He visited most of the countries in Europe, spent time in the United States and Canada, before permanently settling in Australia.
From 1867 onwards, he enjoyed a regular allowance from his father, the compliments of an inheritance, and enjoyed an additional income through his much-admired paintings and his fine playing of the pianoforte, of which he was seen to have a natural talent.
He considered his happiest days of life were those 34 years in Australia with his second wife, Robertha. His celebrity through his landscape paintings gave him contentment.
Henri’s artistic skills are well represented today in all the major galleries throughout Australia.
His fame was such that upon his death in 1927, his obituary was carried by all the major newspapers in Australia.
£10.99 -
Damsels and Dragons of Bennetts Water Gardens
Jack and Priscilla are two dragonflies who have emerged from the pond and are talking about the adventures ahead of them. They are clinging tightly to the top of a reed, as they wait for their bodies and wings to dry out. They now have to find a part of the pond to call their own and start a family. This is where their adventures begin and almost end for Jack, who is keen to fly before his wings are ready. Find out what happens to Jack and how Priscilla’s quick thinking keeps them both safe.
£11.99 -
When visiting Ethiopia, one quickly becomes aware of the profound influence of the Coptic Christian religion throughout the highlands. Evidence of this ancient faith is ubiquitous, from the numerous churches and festivals to the omnipresent crosses and cross imagery in various forms.
Crosses are tattooed on skin, embroidered on garments, carried by priests, and paraded in elaborate processional displays during Coptic religious festivals. However, the most prevalent are the small silver neck crosses worn by countless Ethiopians.
The Coptic religion in Ethiopia and the tradition of displaying and wearing crosses span centuries, with the variety and intricacy of cross designs surpassing those found in any other country.
The exceptional skill and intricate craftsmanship of Ethiopian silversmiths in handcrafting these silver neck crosses deserve recognition and wider appreciation.
This book explores the origins of silver neck crosses, their diverse forms, and the techniques used in their creation. It showcases over sixty exquisite examples of these captivating artifacts, allowing readers to fully appreciate the artistry and beauty of Ethiopian silversmithing.
£13.99 -
A whimsical story inviting children on a journey into their very own imaginative world – a world that belongs to them alone.
Rhythmical stanzas and captivating illustrations prove sometimes the most magical animals can be found hidden within the clouds.
£7.99 -
In need of a dose of humour and entertainment after realising the state of the nation and the disappointments in British government? Wanting to recover some of your happy mood with a good old moan about very British problems, and the general comedy of errors that is modern life in modern Britain? Well, this is the book for you!
Modern life can get you down sometimes, what with budget cuts and transport failures, and we all need a bit of a pick-me-up whenever we see the latest gaff from politics and government on the news. In the Last Days takes these very British problems and turns them on their head, providing humour and entertainment on subjects as diverse as health, communications, the environment and even the role of science fiction in culture. So, fasten your seatbelts for the ride – it’s an education.
Buckle up for a witty and insightful ride through the weird world of British politics. You might just learn a thing or two along the way.
£9.99
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