Other books that might interest you

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  Edgar A Poe: The True Story of...

  Liam Dale

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  “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, 
  Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, 
  While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, 
  As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. 
  "'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door - 
  Only this, and nothing more." 
   
  Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, 
  And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. 
  Eagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had tried to borrow 
  From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore - 
  For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore, 
  Nameless here for evermore.” 
   
  These are the first two verses of ‘The Raven’, a poem full of dark and disturbing images, rife with tension, fear, paranoia, terror and a yearning for a lost love that has returned to this earth as a ghost. As a poem ‘The Raven’ is without doubt more famous and widely known than the troubled author who penned it. His name was Edgar Allan Poe, and his work was directly responsible for shaping the modern horror industry as we know it. He was the Godfather of Gore, the Father of Fear, the Master of the Macabre, and the Guardian of the Gruesome. Poe was also one of the best mystery writers of all time, however the most fascinating puzzle he left us was that of his own life, and in this journal, we will follow in the great man’s footsteps to turn detective. 
   
  Edgar Allan Poe was born early in the 19th Century, yet still his legacy lives on. Throughout this celebration of his life and work, you’ll also get the opportunity to read extracts from his poetry and prose, some of which will be very familiar but just as terrifying all the same!

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  The Age of Absolutism - Kings...

  Nova Ashford

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  The Age of Absolutism was a period in European history marked by the rise of powerful monarchs who sought to centralize authority and rule without interference. Spanning from the late 16th century to the early 19th century, this era saw kings and queens across Europe consolidate power, diminishing the influence of nobles, clergy, and representative bodies. At the heart of absolutism was the belief in the divine right of kings, the idea that monarchs were chosen by God and therefore answerable only to Him. This belief not only justified their rule but also placed them above challenge, reinforcing their ability to govern with near-unlimited power. 
  The roots of absolutism can be traced back to the political turmoil of the late medieval period. Feudalism had weakened, and as centralized states emerged, rulers sought to strengthen their authority. The Protestant Reformation further contributed to this shift, as religious conflicts created instability. Monarchs capitalized on these crises by presenting themselves as the ultimate unifying force within their realms. By controlling the military, bureaucracy, and economy, they ensured that no other institution could rival their power. 
  One of the most famous examples of an absolute monarch was Louis XIV of France, known as the "Sun King." His reign (1643–1715) epitomized absolutism. Louis XIV built the extravagant Palace of Versailles, a symbol of his dominance, and controlled every aspect of government. His declaration, "L'État, c'est moi" (I am the state), reflected his belief in total sovereignty. Similarly, Peter the Great of Russia modernized and expanded his empire, using absolute power to transform Russia into a formidable European force. Other rulers, like Philip II of Spain, Frederick the Great of Prussia, and Maria Theresa of Austria, also embraced absolutist policies to strengthen their nations.

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  Solo2Darwin - In the Footsteps...

  Amanda Harrisson, Polly Vacher

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  Whilst learning to fly, Amanda Harrison discovered a beautiful vintage Tiger Moth. After researching the amazing pioneers who flew this fragile aircraft, a spark was ignited, and Amanda dreamed of emulating their adventures. On May 11, 2019, she made that dream a reality, taking off from Biggin Hill with the aim of flying to Darwin, Australia in twenty days—just as her idol Amy Johnson had done in 1930. Solo2Darwin documents one woman's exhilarating journey across the world. Indeed, the launch of her biplane, 'Solo2Darwin', received extensive press coverage, including print features in The Times and The Telegraph and TV footage broadcasted on ITV and Channel 5 News respectively. 
   
   
   
  Faced with adversity, navigating through torturous mountain ranges covered in cloud, across seas, dodging thunderstorms, and surviving engine failures, Amanda's route had plenty of highs, lows, and drama. Alongside this she also experienced the difficulties of solo-flying a biplane and having to navigate dangerous regions across the world. What makes Amanda's expedition even more remarkable is that this was all undertaken whilst recovering from cancer. 
   
   
   
  So strap in and prepare to go on a journey of a lifetime. Twelve countries, 2,600 miles, forty-six flying hours, two engine failures, one airplane, one female pilot, all equals one amazing adventure!

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  This Is Panther Country - A...

  Tom McKeown

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  A Basketball Season for the Ages
  In the spirit of Hoosiers, Friday Night Lights, and The Boys in the Boat comes the classic underdog story of a high school basketball team's quest for glory and a young man's journey of growth, family, and determination. Set against the vibrant backdrop of mid-1970s Long Island, New York, this heartwarming memoir captures the excitement, challenges, and camaraderie of a small-town varsity basketball team and its dreams of triumph.
  
  Thirteen-year-old Tom McKeown, growing up in a close-knit Irish American family, struggles to balance school, friends, and the newly discovered world of teenage society. It’s an era when race and class divisions were very real, but bridged by athletics and community purpose. From his vantage in the eighth grade, Tom and the Village of Babylon follow their varsity basketball team, the Panthers, as they fight their way forward in hopes of claiming the first ever Long Island Championship.
  
  Led by visionary coach Roy Koelbel and star player Glenn Vickers, the Panthers confront adversity on and off the court. Each obstacle overcome brings them closer to that elusive title. At the heart of their journey is a knockdown trilogy of games with a familiar and formidable Amityville team, who have dreams of their own.
  
  With a keen eye for strategy, detail, execution, and a deep love for the game of basketball, McKeown chronicles a season of finding purpose in unexpected places, the power of teamwork, and the thrill of cheering for a team that embodies the heart and spirit of a community. Even when faced with potential heartbreak, you’ll find yourself shouting, “This is Panther Country!”

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  Adolf Galland - The Authorised...

  David Baker

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  A remarkable story of integrity, skill and survival in a world divided by war The most famous German fighter pilot of World War II, Adolf Galland was respected by both comrades and former enemies alike. A highly decorated 'ace' with over 100 air-to-air victories in the West, he was a recipient of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, which was awarded to only 27 men among the millions who served. After the war, he built friendships with the very Allied pilots he once fought and was admired as much for his integrity as for his prowess as a pilot and commander. In his final years, he worked closely with historian David Baker to produce this authorised biography, largely illustrated with photographs from his private albums. Offering a rare glimpse into both the air battles of World War II and the inner workings of the Luftwaffe, and now featuring new appendices that include the latest research into Galland's aerial kills, this book stands as an essential record of one of history's most remarkable fighter pilots.

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  Stepping Stones - A Life of Art...

  Flavia Ormond

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  These memoirs reflect the momentous changes that have taken place over the last century through the prism of Flavia Ormond's experiences: first as an evacuee in Canada during the Second World War, then as a returned exile travelling and working in unusual circumstances in Egypt and Italy, where she lived for many years; and finally her love affair with art which led to a rewarding career as an art dealer in London, New York and Paris, moving amongst leading collectors and museums.
  Early chapters are profiles of Flavia Ormond's forebears, John Lubbock, an acolyte of Charles Darwin, Augustus Pitt Rivers, founder of the eponymous museum in Oxford, George Agnew of the notable art dealing firm in Bond Street, and the Grant Duffs, her immediate family. The author pursued her passion for cultural history and travel during a long marriage to John Ormond, great nephew of John Singer Sargent.

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