Understanding Epidemics

This book explains, in non-technical terms, the relationship between man and the many bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms with whom he lives in the most intimate manner throughout his existence.

It is explained that for the most part, this coexistence is beneficial, but that through evolution and natural selection, some bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms may become aggressive to the host in which they live and that others may become aggressive as a result of mutation through other species.

This aggressiveness manifests itself through the diseases which afflict man and all that is living.

The cause and nature of those diseases which have been most devastating for human society and which have greatly influenced the course of history are portrayed in this book, as are the means by which the spread of infections may be controlled before they progress to become epidemics and pandemics.

Understanding Tarot

At the heart of Pam Richards’ new book, Understanding Tarot, is a detailed guide to the imagery and symbolism of each of the 78 cards in the tarot deck. This book uses as its reference point the classic tarot deck known as ‘Rider-Waite-Smith’, which was designed by Arthur Edward Waite and then drawn and brought to life by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909. Readers who wish to learn more about the images of this extraordinary deck will find this book very helpful.

Understanding Tarot is intended to be a companion for all tarot students, with whatever deck they love, whether they are completely new to the subject or an experienced enthusiast looking to broaden their view of this wonderful deck of cards. Both the upright and reversed meanings of each card are given, and for those new to tarot, in these sections you will find keywords for each displayed in bold-italic text, and an ‘In a Nutshell’ section, which both give a quick glance at the cards without delving into the deeper elements of the book.

Whether you wish to understand each card in detail or use them for psychic development, this book has you covered.

Unique - the economic life

Connections in life are necessary to proceed with gaining what you want in life and achieving the best for yourself. Avoiding loneliness and being part of life is the way to stay alive: to maintain conversation and get news from around the world. Negotiation is the only way to achieve what you want in life.

Unpacking Italy

Tony Gates has a love affair with Italy. This book shares the affair with you. He has visited Italy more times than he knows. He brings to this “unpacking” of Italy the experience of many years, enjoyment of its many cultures, fascination with the events which brought a united Italy into being, deep appreciation of its art, and engagement with its people and places.

This is not a guidebook. Tony wants to take you to the heartbeat of Italy, a journey which looks carefully at the events and scenes along the way and listens attentively to the pulse beats of the Italian peninsula. The journey reveals that there is really more than one Italy. Greeks, Romans, Etruscans, Umbrians, Normans, Lombards, French and many others have ensured that.

Where once Latin held pride of linguistic place, numerous dialects remain, pointing to the variety that is the Italy which the author shares with you. His hope is that you will find an exciting Italy as you join him on the journey.

Tony wishes you Buon Viaggio.

Up Long Meadow

Brindley Hosken’s farm, Withan, is a difficult, hilly patch of ground situated on the Lizard peninsula in the south of Cornwall. His land runs down to Frenchman’s Creek. One of the most peaceful, beautiful, and restful spots you are ever likely to find today.

When Brindley was asked to write a farming column for the local magazine, The Meneage Messenger, in 2007, he could not have known where it would take him. Developing a love for writing, his second book, Up Long Meadow, chronicles the history of his farming life over sixty years. As farming has changed from primarily manual, physical work to more tractor-driven he explores how, as a farmer, he has adapted to the changes that have been deemed progress.

His love of Cornwall and especially his locality on the south side of the Helford River shine through in this book, and hopefully will give the reader an understanding of the myriad of different histories and life stories that each farm and farmer have.

Up There

Touching clouds is free, priceless and absolutely exhilarating. To do this, you have to be able to fly. This is the story of a middle-class Melbourne girl, uneducated, lonely in her own family and desperate to find something worthwhile, who eventually discovers flying.

Following a flying career spanning forty years from her first lesson at the tender age of thirty-five, fifteen countries, marriage, divorce, lovers, shootings, robberies and a crazy cast of characters, Up There is a story of how transcending difficulties can lead to amazing things.

Uzbe Is Missing

Meat? Really? Starved, Uzbe swallowed it. But there was something in it. He suddenly felt so dizzy. His consciousness was fading out fast. He fell. Two men emerged from the heavy mist and put him in a sack. Uzbe was horrified. With his last energy, he whined: Dad, Mom, take this nightmare away… But would he ever wake up at all? Bali, 2008, Uzbe went missing. Him and his owners, a Canadian and Balinese couple, relentlessly searched for each other, navigating their way across dog-eating world and mass culling for rabies outcry in an island where social gaps, prejudice, and cultural clashes laid in a plain sight. The journey somehow brought the best of them and those they encountered along the way. Paradise can be deceiving. Hell can be uplifting. This is a tale inspired by true events that will make you wonder what should you feel.

Waiting in the Wings

Completely without any professional qualifications, Brian Hutchinson had 31 different jobs during a long working life. From acrobat to special advisor to a cabinet minister; all completely unplanned through opportunity knocks! Brian (Hutch) Hutchinson: Acrobat, Musician (Sax/Clarinet), one of the youngest Justices of the Peace at Inner London Juvenile Courts, Civil Servant, Special Advisor to Cabinet Minister, Music Business Executive, Theatrical Agent, Recording Studio Partner, Record Factory MD, Director Brixton Business Centre, Board Member Brixton City Challenge, General Manager on secondment The Princess Diana Memorial Fund, Patron Macmillan Academy Teesside, Independent Assessor for Commissioner for (Ministerial) Public Appointments, Corporate Affairs Director Allied Zurich Plc, Chair UK Trustees International Fund for Animal Welfare, Former Trustee National Centre for Circus Arts. Taken out of school at 15 years old to join my Father’s troupe of acrobats on tour with Boswell’s Circus in Southern Africa; I was untrained as an acrobat and learned the basics on the two weeks’ boat journey from Southampton to Cape Town. I also played alto Sax and Clarinet in the circus band. I guess I’m an entrepreneur; it was easier in the 1950s–1970s to succeed without formal qualifications such as a university degree or even a couple of A Levels. I was also one of the youngest JPs in the Inner London Juvenile Courts thanks to advice from the Master of then Rolls and support from Lady (Elspeth) Howe.

Waiting to die... Based on a true story

Not many have lived a life like Rosina’s. Based on the known facts, this is her story:

When Hitler invades Poland in September 1939, sending shock-waves across Europe, thirteen-year-old Rosina Callens is in Oostende, Belgium, dreaming of becoming an Olympic gymnast.

When the Nazis invade Belgium, Rosina and her family must decide whether to flee to England, or to stay and endure enemy occupation, as they had previously in the Great War.

Most of the family head for England, but German Stukas ensure that not all will make it.

Rosina’s is a life of courage and endurance, as she witnesses and survives the terrible horrors of  war, before marrying one of her liberators: a Welsh soldier named John Jones.

She moves to Wales full of love and hope, but life will never be easy for those who have suffered so much. She soon realises she is not welcome in John's family; the mental scars of suffering and the anguish of memories plague her, even as she continues to face oppression and depression daily.

Somehow she survives, raising a family and leaving a legacy. This story is part of that legacy.

Weed Out the Scumbags: The Art of Finding Your Soulmate

This book is a testament to the knowing that soulmates do usually find each other, in one way or another, as the universe deems. The author’s story is meant to enlighten and give credence to those who are desperate to encounter their one and only soulmate. Your soulmate is very likely to appear, but the catch is to sometimes make it happen on your own—as this author has done. Had she not ‘bit the bullet’ by taking certain actions to bring her soulmate to her—unbeknownst to him—this book might not have been written. Her tactics were clear and steadfast, and her story is evidence to her truth that almost anyone can find their soulmate, anywhere in the world. She did. Why not you?

What Do You Think?

Asif Ali's second book What Do You Think? takes a broad, philosophical look at life and all its possible meanings and reflections. It consists of over 150 brief essays on a large variety of topics, written over a span of more than 25 years.

This book aims and aspires to speak for all voices.

What Does It Mean To Be Human?

In the absence of divine direction, how do we decide for ourselves the behaviours that would best serve our own interests, and those of other creatures, and of the planet as a whole? What might we turn to and draw upon to help us in making our own rules and in establishing our own moral principles?