Buyers' Choice
May 2008
The title-underlined links will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.
Wordless books : the original graphic novels by David A. Berona.
"Wordless books were stories from the early part of the twentieth century told in black and white woodcuts, imaginatively authored without any text. Although woodcut novels have their roots spreading back through the history of graphic arts, including block books and playing cards, it was not until the early part of the twentieth century that they were conceived and published. Despite its short-lived popularity, the woodcut novel had an important impact on the development of comic art, particularly contemporary graphic novels with a focus on adult themes. Scholar David A. Berona examines the history of these books and the art and influence of pioneers like Frans Masereel, Lynd Ward, Otto Nuckel, William Gropper, Milt Gross, and Laurence Hyde (among others). The images are powerful and iconic, and as relevant to the world today as they were when they were first produced. Berona places these artists in the context of their time, and in the context of ours, creating a scholarly work of important significance in the burgeoning field of comics and comics history." (Product Description, Amazon US)
Kitchen table tycoon : how to make it work as a mother and an entrepreneur by Anita Naik.
"Are you eager to combine the roles of mother and entrepreneur but wondering how to get started? If so, you are not alone. Many mothers are starting up on their own, eager to cut out the nursery fees and see more of their kids. If that sounds like your dream, this book can help make it a reality. Having worked from home for 16 successful years, she can give you the true, nitty-gritty details on what it really means to start and run a business from your kitchen table, including: How to find out if you're suited to working on your own - How to deal with mummy versus work guilt - How to juggle family, work and YOU time - And where to go for support, help and advice. Kitchen Table Tycoon also shows you how to research a business idea, find your start-up costs, and navigate your way through the inevitable ups and downs. With inspiring stories and advice from successful entrepreneurial mothers, even the most nervous of mumpreneurs can learn how to have a great business and a great life." (Synopsis, Amazon UK)
The end of food by Paul Roberts.
"With an insightful global approach, Paul Roberts investigates the startling truth about the way we make, market, consume, and even think about food, and how this system is no longer compatible or safe for the billions of consumers that it was built to serve. The emergence of large-scale and efficient food production changed forever our relationship with food and ultimately left a vulnerable and paradoxical system in place. Over 1.1 billion people worldwide are 'over-nourished,' according to the World Health Organization, and are at risk of obesity-related illness, while roughly as many people are starving. Meanwhile, the natural systems all food is dependent upon have been irreparably damaged by chemicals and destructive farming techniques.The pressures of low-cost food production cause contamination and disease, and big food consumers such as China and India are already planning for tightened global food supplies - the era of superabundance seems to be behind us. Vivid descriptions, lucid explanations, and fresh thinking make The End of Food uniquely able to offer a new and accessible way to understand the vulnerable miracle of the modern food economy." (Synopsis, Amazon UK)
Martha Stewart's cookies by Martha Stewart.
"Cookies are the treat that never disappoints. Whether you're baking for a party or a picnic, a formal dinner or a family supper - or if you simply want something on hand for snacking - there is a cookie that's just right. In Martha Stewart's Cookies, the editors of Martha Stewart Living give you 175 recipes and variations that showcase all kinds of flavors and fancies. Besides perennial pleasers like traditional chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin, there are other sweet surprises, including Rum Raisin Shortbread, Peppermint Meringue Sandwiches with Chocolate Filling, and Lime Meltaways. Cleverly organized by texture, the recipes in Martha Stewart's Cookies inspire you to think of a classic, nostalgic treat with more nuance." (Book Description, Amazon US)
Are You Ready! by Bob Harper.
"The world-renowned fitness coach on the hit TV show The Biggest Loser presents his winning approach to lasting weight loss by showing how to get at the root of your overeating problem, followed by a nutritionally savvy diet and unique exercise plan. On The Biggest Loser, Bob Harper gives contestants the practical tools and psychological insights they need to get into the best shape of their lives. The key to his success is the emotional connection he makes with each participant, and he brings that same spirit to Are You Ready! Woven throughout Are You Ready! are true-life success stories that will keep readers engaged and motivated; bulleted tips, tools, and coping strategies; and sidebars debunking common myths about food and fitness. Whether your goal is losing ten pounds or a hundred, you will find Harper's message inspiring and his methods a proven path to finally achieving your dream of weight loss and fitness." (Book Description, Amazon US)
Child's garden: 60 ideas to make any garden come alive for children by Molly Dannenmeier.
"A Child's Garden is an excellent guide for parents wishing to create natural spaces in the garden where their children can openly play and explore. Stepping beyond the traditional ideas of building a treehouse or planting a vegetable garden, the authors include 60 unique ways to tailor a landscape to nurture a child's sense of enchantment and wonder. For instance, many children like to hide, and the book includes ideas for building natural caves out of woven willow branches, climbing vines, or weeping shrubs. For parents wanting to plant a good tree for climbing, this guide knowledgeably recommends the fast-growing and sturdy Norway maple as one of the best. It's filled with such information throughout its nine sections on water, creatures, refuges, dirt, heights, movement, make-believe, nurturing, and learning. Through its many color photographs and warm, wise text, A Child's Garden will draw parents into their children's timeless, carefree world and perhaps back to a time when they themselves explored streams, played in the sand, studied bugs, and roamed without agenda." (Editorial Review, Amazon US)
Brooklyn modern :architecture, interiors & design by Diane Lind.
"Brooklyn Modern is the first book to explore the connection between Brooklyn's astounding rebirth and its emerging architecture. As the new cultural heart of New York, Brooklyn has recently attracted many young people interested in creating their own sense of space, as well as in renovating brownstones and townhouses. The results are homes that express the optimism, resourcefulness, and experimentation of many of Brooklyn's bohemian residents. Cutting-edge new public buildings have also enhanced the area's cachet. Working with spatial and financial restraints, architects in Brooklyn have demonstrated deft solutions to urban living everywhere. Likewise, the architects working in Brooklyn are no longer just local firms, but 'star-chitects' such as Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, and David Adjaye, among others. Essays by two very popular bloggers, Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge and Jonathan Butler of Brownstoner, give perspective on new ways of living as aesthetics and landscape change." (Product Description, Amazon US)
The necessary revolution : how individuals and organizations are working together to create a sustainable world by Peter M. Senge.
"The Necessary Revolution reveals how corporations and organizations are, in the face of looming environmental crises and pressure from social issues, finding solutions that ensure both long-term survival and real-time business success. Brimming with inspiring stories from around the globe, and organizations ranging from Alcoa to Oxfam, DuPont to GE, The Necessary Revolution clearly shows that ordinary people at every level within every organization have the ability and innovative spirit to do extraordinary things. By working collaboratively across boundaries, they are amplifying their creativity to find unprecedented solutions in an intensely interdependent world. The Necessary Revolution contains a wealth of strategies to help anyone, regardless of role or title, build the confidence and competence to respond effectively to the greatest challenge of our time. It is destined to become the essential handbook for everyone who understands the need to act and work together now to create a sustainable world for ourselves and the generations to follow." (Product Description, Amazon US)
Kiwis in conflict : 200 years of New Zealanders at war by Chris Pugsley.
"Kiwis in Conflict is the story of New Zealand and New Zealanders at war from the mid-19th century to the present day. Originally published as Scars on the Heart, this new revised edition examines the impact of war through the eyes of those involved using photographs, paintings, letters and diaries to give a glimpse of what these wars were like for the New Zealanders who fought in them. Five leading New Zealand historians have contributed to this major work." (Book jacket)
Sense of style by Shannon Fricke.
"Sense of Style: Colour + Space is a 'how to' book with its own sense of style. Interior stylist Shannon Fricke presents the design tools needed to create home decor that truly reflects the owner's individuality. Her approach combines sensory awareness with practical skills and a basic grasp of design fundamentals in order to discover and apply an innate sense of individual style. Shot by leading interiors photographer Prue Ruscoe, Sense of Style: Colour + Space has a relaxed, eclectic visual style that is sophisticated and cutting edge, but always accessible and engaging." ((Synopsis, Amazon UK)
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