Churches contain much of the most interesting medieval sculpture in the country. Magnificent effigies, whether of cast copper-alloy or stone, never cease to provoke awe and wonder, conjuring up glamorous images of an age of chivalry. This book uncovers monuments as a rich source of information relevant to an exceedingly diverse range of subjects.
Toys have been made in Britain for hundreds of years, but it was in the twentieth century that the British toy industry reached its peak. Names such as Meccano, Chad Valley, Dinky, Scalextric, Bayko and Hornby dominated the trade at home and abroad. This book tells the story of the British toy industry and its products.
The first two London Olympics offer food for thought in the run-up to London 2012. In 1948, London hosted the Olympics again. The entire budget for the 1948 Games was 760,000, and they turned a profit of 29,000. This title presents the history of the London Olympics.
"British Campaign Medals of the First World War".
Introduces the concepts and techniques of craft cider production. This title looks at the different styles of cider, and the effect of fruit variety, climate and orchard location on the finished drink, and presents a method for the home cider maker.
Poole Pottery is a great British institution, and for more than 130 years has been in the very first rank of producers of tiles, mosaic flooring and advertising panels - as well as the pottery that remains its most famous and collectible product. This book gives a detailed account of this unique and distinctively British company.
British architectural history has bequeathed to the modern age a rich tapestry of styles, one that can all too easily be taken for granted. This title introduces and explains these styles.
Heritage railways are a serious matter, bringing visitors, employment and a sense of local identity to regions throughout Britain. This title tells the story of this phenomenon and looks at the range of challenges that have been overcome to create the vibrant world of the Heritage railway that we enjoy today.
The strategic importance of railways was recognized almost from the beginning of their development, but it was not until the end of the nineteenth century that their real value was appreciated by the military. This title provides an illustrated guide to the railway's role in Britain's war efforts.
Across the world hundreds of botanic gardens combine scientific research, conservation and beauty with public access, with Kew Gardens alone attracting around one million visitors a year. The author explains the gardens' design and architecture, the personalities and institutions associated with them, and their role in research and conservation.
In Victorian times the steam engine was the main source of mechanical power, and thousands were at work driving machinery in factories and pumping stations throughout Britain. This book gives an outline of the development of the stationary steam engine and explains in simple language how it works.
From workaday marigolds to hand-wear custom crafted for the Queen, gloves perform many functions - insulation from the cold, protection from injury, and even ceremonial roles. This book tells the story of the closely guarded privileges of the glove-makers' guilds.
In the skies above south-east England in 1940, battle was waged between men and machines of the Royal Air Force and Hitler's Luftwaffe. This title looks at the origins and events of the battle, but focuses especially on the men and women of the RAF and on the ordinary people of the nation, above whose heads the great battle for freedom was waged.
A brief illustrated history of the great Atlantic liners from Lusitania and Titanic to Queen Mary 2.Since the end of the nineteenth century there has been a stunning succession of transatlantic liners, from the White Star Line's Oceanic of 1899 to the Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 of 2004. These floating palaces often contained luxurious staterooms, ballrooms and lounges for the rich, and noticeably more modest and basic accommodation for poorer travellers. Their designs and powerplants were often cutting-edge as each competed to be the largest, most luxurious and fastest ship on the Atlantic. As the tides of passenger demand rose and fell through the years and the world plunged twice into global conflict, these ships had to adapt to survive. Many of these vessels - including Mauretania, Olympic, the first Queen Mary and France - had long and glorious careers; others - Titanic, Lusitania and Normandie among them - suffered tragic endings. J. Kent Layton describes the heyday of the superliners and explains what life was like for passengers, both rich and poor.
In 1914 Great Britain's navy was the largest and most powerful the world had ever seen - but what was the everyday experience of those who served in it? This book looks at the British sailor's life during the First World War, from the Falkland Islands to the East African coast and the North Sea.
Some of Britain's surviving orchards are almost six hundred years old and whether laden with summer fruit or stripped bare by the winter are places of great beauty. This book reveals the story and rich diversity of Britain's apple, pear and cherry orchards.
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