Ancient Rome is the story of the greatest empire the world has ever known. Focusing on six turning points in Roman history, Simon Baker's absorbing narrative charts the rise and fall of a political machine unmatched in its brutality, genius, and lust for power. From the conquest of the Mediterranean in the 3rd century BC to the destruction of the empire at the hands of barbarian invaders 700 years later, we discover the pivotal episodes in Roman history. At the heart of this account are some of the most powerful rulers in history--men like Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, and Constantine. Putting flesh on the bones of these legendary figures, Baker looks beyond the dusty caricatures to explore their real motivations, ambitions, intrigues, and rivalries. The superb narrative, full of energy and imagination, is a brilliant distillation of the latest scholarship and a wonderfully evocative account of ancient Rome.

This book is for the baker who wants to whip up a cake for an office party, a traybake for a kid's birthday, or a pudding to follow a simple supper. Using straightforward, easy-to-follow techniques, there are foolproof recipes for cakes, traybakes, bread, biscuits, tarts, pies, puddings, and desserts. If you are a confident baker or ready to move onto the next stage, each chapter also showcases the best recipes from the series, including Mary and Paul's Signature Bakes, Technical Challenges and Showstoppers, plus the best bakers' recipes from series four. There are step-by-step photographs to guide you through the more complicated techniques and beautiful photography throughout, making this the perfect gift for all bakers. As usual, everyone who buys the book will be able to download the digital booklet of finalist recipes after the finale has transmitted in October. And as a thank you to every one who has bought the previous Great British Bake Off books, we will be featuring snaps of some of the best home-bakes, sent in by readers, on the endpapers of the book.

A beautiful, fully photographic cookbook of 120 original recipes from both the judges and the bakers of the much-loved BBC1 series

The ultimate guide to baking whether a complete novice or a well-practiced home cook, this book is for every baker. Using easy-to-follow techniques, there are reliable recipes for biscuits, bread, large and small cakes, sweet pastry and patisserie, savory pastry, puddings, and desserts. Each chapter transports the reader on set and showcases the best recipes from the challenges including Mary and Paul's Signature Bakes, Technical Challenges and Showstoppers, plus the best bakers' recipes from the show. There are step-by-step photographs to help guide readers through the more complicated techniques and stunning photography throughout, making this the perfect gift for all bakers and Bake Off fans.

A new paperback edition of Dr. Bronowski's classic history of humankind, with a foreword by Richard Dawkins

Dr. Jacob Bronowksi's classic traces the development of human society through our understanding of science. First published in 1973 to accompany the groundbreaking BBC television series, it is considered one of the first works of popular science, illuminating the historical and social context of scientific development for a generation of readers. In his highly accessible style, Dr. Bronowski discusses human invention from the flint tool to geometry, agriculture to genetics, and from alchemy to the theory of relativity, showing how they all are expressions of our ability to understand and control nature. In this new paperback edition, The Ascent of Man inspires, influences, and informs as profoundly as ever.

A globe-spanning tour of the very pinnacle of automotive design from the experts at Top Gear, including 3D photography (and the requisite snazzy specs)

Whether it's through raw power, elegant curves, or just an eye-watering price tag, there are a small number of cars that mark the pinnacle of automotive design--and now the experts at Top Gear have chosen the very best of them. This book is a celebration of the cars that achieve that perfect blend of art and engineering. From the supercar muscle of the Porsche 918 and Ferrari LaFerrari to the technological prowess of the Nissan DeltaWing and the mighty McLaren P1, stunning visuals, including jaw-dropping 3D photography, take gearheads on a whistlestop tour of the latest and greatest automotive creations on the planet today.

Following the success of Mary Berry's first book in the authoritative My Kitchen Table series, 100 Cakes and Bakes, the baking expert returns with a new collection of tempting delights. In this compact cookbook, Mary has selected 100 mini bakes perfect for afternoon tea, such as biscuits, pastries, cupcakes and teabreads, and her favorite puddings, including dessert cakes, tarts, pies, cheesecakes, and sponge puddings, to provide plenty of inspiration to satisfy any sweet tooth. Including classic recipes and new ideas--all tried-and-tested and photographed--this is the perfect companion to Mary's 100 Cakes and Bakes and an attractive addition to any cookery collection.

A leading authority on Italian food celebrates a staple of the cuisine Antonio Carluccio's passion for pasta is complemented by his extensive knowledge. This book collects 100 of his delicious pasta recipes, from the quick to the complicated, traditional to modern, light summery recipes to hearty baked dishes. Recipes include Sardinian Risotto, Vermicelli with Clam Sauce, Baked Chickpea Gnocchi, and Fettucine Verdi with Walnut Sauce. Includes dual measurements.

The rhythmic lullaby of 'North Utsire, South Utsire' has been lulling the nation's insomniacs to sleep for over 90 years. It has inspired songs, poetry and imaginations across the globe - as well as providing a very real service for the nation's seafarers who might fall prey to storms and gales. In 1995, a plan to move the late-night broadcast by just 12 minutes caused a national outcry and was ultimately scrapped.

Published with Radio 4 and the Met Office, The Shipping Forecast is the official miscellany for seafarers and armchair travellers alike. From the places themselves - how they got their names, what's happened there through the ages - to the poems and parodies that it's inspired, this is a beautifully evocative tribute to one of Britain's - and Radio 4's - best-loved broadcasts.

Famous for lampooning the medieval world in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Terry Jones has a real passion for and detailed knowledge of the Middle Ages. In Terry Jones' Medieval Lives, his mission is to rescue the Middle Ages from moth-eaten cliches and well-worn platitudes. Behind the stereotypes of damsels in distress and knights in shining armor, there are wonderfully human stories that bring the period to life. Terry will start with the medieval archetypes--the Knight, Peasant, Damsel, Monk, Outlaw, King, Merchant, and Physician--and in the course of unravelling their role and function will introduce a host of colorful real-life characters, recreating their world by visiting key locations.

Delias How to Cook: Book Two continues Delia's simple-to-follow teaching course for people of all ages and abilities. With her unique powers of communication, Delia removes the fear and mystique from cooking both the simplest and the more advanced dishes. For those who have mastered the techniques and for those who are already accomplished cooks, How to Cook: Book Two contains 120 new recipes, from Roast Lamb in a Shrewsbury Sauce to Fresh Pecan and Almond Crumble. The book and television series feature the following ten sections: The Store Cupboard; Fish; Meat; Poultry; Vegetables; Salads; Dairy Produce; Fruit; Cheese; and Chocolate. How to Cook is a complete guide to cookery for the 21st century. Delia shares not only her vast experience but also her extensive knowledge of English cooks, such as Eliza Acton. This tradition is combined with the latest advances and innovations in cooking during the last 20 years.

A Sherlock tie-in edition of Conan Doyle's first collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, with an introduction by show cocreator Mark Gatiss
In this new edition of Conan Doyle's first collection of short stories, Mark Gatiss explains how these gripping tales inspired and influenced the new series. This collection contains 12 short stories first published in the Strand magazine between 1891 and 1892, and then published as a collection in October 1892. It includes some of Conan Doyle's best tales of murder and mystery, such as The Adventures of the Speckled Band, in which the strange last words of a dying woman It was the band, the speckled band! and an inexplicable whistling in the night are the only clues Sherlock Holmes has to prevent another murder; and The Five Orange Pips, in which an untimely death and the discovery of the letter containing five orange pips lead to a cross-Atlantic conspiracy.

This book features all the recipes from the show, including delicious weeknight dinners, irresistible dinner party suggestions and of course, plenty of tempting traybakes and biscuits for those with a sweet tooth. Featuring her no-nonsense tips and techniques, each chapter ensures perfect results every time, whatever you're cooking. In addition, Mary's no-fuss advice will help you foolproof your kitchen--whether that's preparing ahead to entertain a crowd, planning weekly family meals, or ensuring your pantry is well stocked. With Mary's no-fuss guidance, discover how every delicious dish can be made completely foolproof. Includes dual measures and conversion charts.

Rick Stein's top 100 fish and seafood recipes from all over the world From Smoked Haddock and Leek Tart to Grilled Squid and Chorizo Salad with Garlic, Rocket, Tomatoes, and Chickpeas, there is something in this collection of recipes for every level of skill and occasion. Rick Stein's passion for flavor and enthusiasm for food shine through his recipes, and his unerring ability to reassure nervous cooks make this cookbook an invaluable resource. Includes dual measurements.

Rick has visited traditional family-run restaurants, street vendors, floating markets, night markets, fishing villages, and the local cinnamon and rice farmers to learn about the authentic food of the Far East, and to sample the delicious spectrum of flavors In Vietnam, Rick Stein tracks down the best recipe for pho, a searing soup of vegetables, shrimp, chilli and fresh mint; in Cambodia he makes kroeung, a kind of aromatic curry; and he samples jhol, a light fish stew, in Bangladesh. Traveling on through Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia, he enjoys (and shows readers how to make) an array of inspired dishes. More than 150 new recipes, divided by country, are each complemented by Rick's colorful travel anecdotes and stunning location photography. From Thailand, he offers Oyster Omelettes and Green Papaya Salad. Malaysian dishes include Malaysian Fruit Salad with Tamarind, Chili, and Palm Sugar Dressing. Sri Lankan recipes include Potato Mustard Curry and White Pumpkin Curry. This lavish and unique collection evokes the magic of bustling markets, exotic locations, and exciting flavors.