From its source at Kensworth Lynch in the foothills of the Chilterns, the River Ver when in full flow meanders south along its valley for around 24km through Markyate, Flamstead, Redbourn, St Albans, Park Street and Bricket Wood where it meets the River Colne. This first major and comprehensive work reveals a fascinating story from source to confluence and prehistory to the twenty-first century of a chalk stream that has shaped not only the local landscape but the lives of its people past and present. With an introduction by the renowned television presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham, the book tells of the Ver’s long and interesting history.

Since Lady Fiona Carnarvon became the chatelaine of Highclere Castle - the setting of the hit series Downton Abbey - eight years ago she's become fascinated by the rich history of Highclere, and particularly one of her predecessors: Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon.

Born the illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild in the late 19th century, Almina married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, at 19, with an enormous dowry. At first, life at Highclere was the lap of luxury, but when the First World War broke out, life in Britain’s large Stately Homes changed forever.

The incredible true story of the unbreakable bond forged between Treo, the world's most highly decorated dog, and his handler Sgt. Dave Heyhoe, known to his fellow soldiers as 'the Dog Whisperer', whilst doing the most dangerous job on earth - sniffing out bombs in Afghanistan. Soon soldiers refused to patrol certain areas unless accompanied by Treo, and the pressure on the duo became ever more intense. Dog and handler would realise they triumph, pathos and laughter, as one man and his best friend dare all to ensure that no lives are needed each other more than they could have ever imagined. This is a tale full of tragedy and lost.

Out of 193 countries that are currently UN member states, we've invaded or fought conflicts in the territory of 171. That's not far off a massive, jaw-dropping 90 per cent. Not too many Britons know that we invaded Iran in the Second World War with the Soviets.

A lot of people are vaguely aware that a quarter of the globe was once pink, but that's not even half the story. We're a stroppy, dynamic, irrepressible nation and this is how we changed the world - often when it didn't ask to be changed!

All the signs show that the worthy art of letter writing is in decline. One third of 16-years-old have never written a letter, and in the next ten years it is predicted that first-class mail will drop by 37 per cent. Emails and texts have overtaken the humble pen and paper as the most popular method of communication.

This gift book explores the popular history of letter writing and how it has shaped the world today. This is the fascinating story of how a simple piece of paper revolutionized global communication and how, despite the ever-growing influence of technology, handwritten letters are regaining their value, meaning and popularity.

"Desert Island Discs" celebra*tes its seventieth birthday in 2012. Since the programme's deviser Roy Plomley interviewed comedian Vic Oliver in January 1942, nearly 3,000 distinguished people from all walks of life have been stranded on the mythical island, accompanied by only eight records, one book and a luxury. Here the story of one of BBC Radio 4's favourite programmes is chronicled through a special selection of castaways.

As current presenter Kirsty Young observes in her introduction: “By casting away the biggest names of the day in science, business, politics, showbiz, sport and the arts, it presents a cross-sectional snapshot of the times in which we live. As the decades have passed, the programme has kept pace; never frozen in time yet always, somehow, comfortingly the same."

Zoe knows exactly what she wants for Christmas, and to make sure Father Christmas does too, she and Beans take a trip across the Arctic all the way to the North Pole. But with a baby polar bear to rescue and a swirling snowstorm to contend with, will they ever make it?!  A wonderful Christmas story featuring the irrepressible Zoe, her faithful old hound Beans and her favourite toy Binky Boo - with an amazing pull-out page!

A brand new series of beautifully bound hardback gift editions of classic tales of magic and wonder released in time for Christmas. Titles available include: The Box of Delights by John Masefield - a magical tale of wolves, scrobbling and a box that can travel through time. Kenneth Grahame’s delightful tales of the riverbank creatures: The Wind in the Willows, and everyone’s favourite shaggy dog story: One Hundred and One Dalmations by Dodie Smith.