Other books that might interest you

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  The Olive Route - A Personal...

  Carol Drinkwater

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  The author of acclaimed memoirs about life on a French olive farm explores the larger history and culture of the Mediterranean delicacy. Carol Drinkwater has a passion for olive trees and the fruit they bear—“bitter berries” that are transformed into savory delights and pressed into precious oil. Already intimately familiar with the fruit thanks to her olive farm in the South of France, she decided to travel throughout the Mediterranean basin—from Marseille to Malta, Israel to Tunisia—in a quest to learn about their ancient history, their spread throughout the world, and the tastes and traditions they represent. A culinary travelogue and a celebration of a humble, healthful food that inspires devotion among so many, The Olive Route is filled with unusual characters and fascinating anecdotes from “a storyteller of great economy and deftness” (The Telegraph). “Drinkwater has a sharp eye for character, and the people who populate The Olive Route will not disappoint her fans.” —The Independent

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  I Could Have Been A Dreamer -...

  Graham Field

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  Cycling China in the wrong gear and bound for Thailand 
  In this, the 2nd Audio book of the Rambling On trilogy, the load gets lighter and the speed slower, but Graham Field’s objective remains the same: he is fully focused on making the route to his demise as pleasurable as possible. 
  And so the quest to his Chinese destiny begins. Now relieved of the whiskey, the road nevertheless continues to be an uphill struggle, not helped by the sub-zero winter temperatures. But being towed behind trucks and loaded on to buses evens out the ratio of endurance and pleasure. 
  Along the way, Graham proves that, with a little manipulation, a dream can become a reality. Above the suffocating city pollution, he finds a clearer view of China upon a 2,000-year-old trading route through Shangri-La to Tibet. This revered road tempts with a Chinese whisper: an alluring ascent that calls to be ridden in a solitary trance of wonderment. 
  As the author pushes on, he promises himself, should he reach that pinnacle of personal achievement, the run-off reward will be relaxation. With the descent into Thailand there is a change of gear. The gulf widens as he searches for the perfect beach retreat, refusing to be palmed off as a sex tourist. 
  One day at a time, that’s how a journey progresses, that’s how a diary is written and a tale is told. It’s far less daunting that way. 
  This audio book contains bonus outtakes from the recording sessions

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  Running Challenges - 100 of the...

  Keri Wallace

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  Running Challenges by Keri Wallace showcases 100 of the best runs across Great Britain, from inspiring 5Ks through to epic multi-day ultras. Split into three sections – England, Scotland and Wales – and featuring a mixture of marked trails, organised races and unmarked self-navigated challenges, the runs ramp up in difficulty as you go through each section, so, whether you are a beginner or a more experienced trail, fell, mountain or ultra runner, you can find something achievable, accessible or aspirational.
  Keri draws on her experience as a mountain runner and running guide for Girls on Hills to hand pick the best and most interesting runs across Great Britain, starting with some first-rate parkruns and short trail runs, including the Loch Coruisk loop and the Hampstead Heath circuit, working up to tough and demanding routes and races, such as the Welsh 3000s and the Bob Graham Round. Use this book to tick challenges off, or as a tool to plan where to run next – wherever you are in the UK there will be a run nearby.
  Each run has handy details to help with planning your adventure – start and finish points, distance and ascent, navigational difficulty, public transport, parking, route profile and overview map – along with inspirational text and stunning photography to give you a flavour of what the run is like. Other options nearby are included, along with suggestions for other similar challenges throughout Great Britain.

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  Rowing Into The Son

  Jordan Hanssen

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  A Daring True Story"Truly an epic of adventure and perseverance, this is great inspiration for anyone who thinks of someday tackling the impossible" -- New York Times best-selling author Clive CusslerOn June 10, 2006, four college friends stepped into a 29-foot rowboat as the only American competitors in the first North Atlantic Rowing Race.From the initial idea and chaotic race planning to heaving through cold ocean swells, author and lead rower Jordan Hansen takes us along as the crew heads out from New York Harbor, racing against three other teams; catches theelusive Gulf Stream current; and makes the final dramatic push for the finish line off the coast of England. Hurricane-level winds, giant ocean eddies, passing freighters, and sharks are all elements of the journey, while the tension on board comes to a head on Day 17-with another 55 days to go when the crew realizes their supplies are running out and they must drastically ration their food.The race is set against the backdrop of Jordan's own reflections on both his biological father, who passed away many years earlier, and his stepfather. Combined with the details of how he and his teammates cope within the confines of their tiny boat, and their determination to push their limits, it creates a remarkable coming-of-age story- and an intimate account full of thrilling adventure and compelling emotion."A beautiful sense of place and a compelling portrait of four men locked in an epic struggle with the ocean and, occasionally; with themselves. Gripping."-Roz Savage, first woman to row three oceans and author of ‘Rowing the Atlantic’“Too often in our lives we are told what we cannot do. Hanssen's story deftly accomplishes the opposite. It might not catapult you into a rowboat, but be warned; you may be enticed to alter course."-Jill Fredston, author of Rowing to Latitude

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  Harbours And Their Masters -...

  Mark Ashley-Miller

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  Harbours And Their Masters is the untold story of the Harbour Master and the harbours they manage. For five years, Mark Ashley-Miller set out on an extraordinary voyage, navigating 9,000 nautical miles to visit every corner of the British Isles. His mission? To uncover the hidden world of our harbours and Harbour Masters – those dedicated professionals who safeguard our ports and keep maritime trade flowing. In this captivating book, you'll join Mark as he visits 310 harbours and meets 256 Harbour Masters. Through carefully recorded interviews they reveal to him their unique challenges, stories and traditions. From ancient 'Haveners' to modern-day CEOs, their role has evolved over centuries, yet their influence remains as vital as ever. Whether they're handling burning container ships, managing storm-ravaged harbour walls or juggling the ever-changing demands of commercial shipping, these unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes. This challenge has so far raised £30,000 for The Seafarers' Charity and all author royalties from this book will go to this charity. Perfect for sailors, history lovers and maritime professionals, the book is a treasure trove of insights into Britain and Ireland's harbours. It's a detailed account of a journey describing intimate encounters, unexpected adventures and an inside look at how harbours shape our maritime heritage. If you've ever dreamed of sailing around the British Isles, exploring maritime history or understanding the vital work of those who keep our harbours safe, this is the book for you. It's packed full of over 500 colour photos recording the Harbour Masters met and the stunning beauty of the harbours themselves. Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, has written the Foreword to the book and congratulates and thanks the author for his challenge.

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  Qing Dynasty - China's Last...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial dynasty, emerged from the northeastern frontier, led by the Manchu people. Before establishing their rule over China, the Manchus were a semi-nomadic group descended from the Jurchens, who had previously ruled northern China under the Jin Dynasty. In the early 17th century, Nurhaci, a formidable leader, laid the foundation for Manchu power by unifying various Jurchen tribes and adopting administrative and military structures inspired by the Ming Dynasty. His successor, Hong Taiji, continued these efforts, formally establishing the Qing Dynasty in 1636. However, the conquest of China was still incomplete, as the Ming Dynasty continued to rule the heartland. 
  The decline of the Ming Dynasty provided an opportunity for the Qing to assert their dominance. By the early 17th century, the Ming government was weakened by internal corruption, peasant uprisings, and economic distress exacerbated by famine and mismanagement. The most devastating of these rebellions was led by Li Zicheng, a former postal worker turned insurgent, whose forces overran Beijing in 1644. The fall of the Ming capital marked a critical turning point. With the Ming emperor dead and the central government in disarray, a Ming general, Wu Sangui, faced a difficult choice: resist the rebel forces or seek outside aid. He chose the latter, opening the gates of the Great Wall at Shanhai Pass to the advancing Qing army. The Manchus, under the leadership of Prince Dorgon, seized the moment, swiftly capturing Beijing and declaring the establishment of Qing rule.

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