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Blue Dahlia, Black Gold: A Journey Into Angola
by Daniel Metcalfe‘A rich and fascinating book about an overlooked African powerhouse by a travel writer of rare talent.’ TIM BUTCHER, author of Blood River and Chasing the DevilSince the end of its crippling 27-year civil war over a decade ago, Angola has changed almost beyond recognition. An oil-fuelled bonanza has brought about massive foreign investment and a fabulously wealthy new elite, making its capital, Luanda, the second most expensive city in the world. Today, fortunes are being made and lost overnight, and rich Angolans are eagerly buying up the assets of its former coloniser, Portugal. Fascinated by this complex nation perched at the forefront of a resurgent Africa, writer Daniel Metcalfe travelled to Angola to explore the country for himself. Ebullient and proud, and often unwilling to dwell on its past, Angola has a large army, a hunger for wealth and a need to prove itself on the continent. But as Metcalfe also discovers, it has some of the most grinding poverty in Africa as few Angolans have reaped the rewards of the peace. Nonetheless, amid Angola's brash reality, Metcalfe finds there is a place for a traveller who isn't there to make a quick buck. Crossing the country as ordinary Angolans do, talking to tribal elders, oil workers, mine clearers and street children, he encounters a place of extremes, where cynicism and excess go hand-in-hand with great hospitality and ingenuity. Metcalfe also reveals a colourful history of pirates and slave traders, capuchin monks, syncretic Christian cults and elaborate spirit masks. This is an Angola that symbolises nothing less than a broader turning point between the continents, the repositioning of the rich developed world versus Africa. It is a land that, until now, few outsiders have managed to unlock.
Blue Flag Beaches: Economic Growth, Tourism and Sustainable Management (Earthscan Studies in Natural Resource Management)
by María A. Prats Fernando MerinoThis book presents a comprehensive study of the role that the Blue Flag beach program has played around the world, considering economic, social and environmental perspectives. Since its creation in the 1980s, The Blue Flag program awards the management of beaches and marinas based on sustainability, services and quality of their management. To date there are currently close to five thousand awards around the world. Forty years on from the program's creation, this book provides a thorough evaluation of the program, to understand how it has evolved over time, the successes it has enjoyed and the challenges it has overcome, and may face in the future. As an international program, this book reflects the global nature of this program and actively discusses, examines and assesses the different realities and challenges faced by different countries around the world, drawing on case studies from across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia. It examines the impact of the award on economic growth, from local to national, environmental protection and education, the development of sustainable tourism, and the sustainable management of beaches. The volume also contributes to emerging debates surrounding the certification of natural resources, where the Blue Flag program has been a pioneer in this field. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of sustainable tourism, environmental economics, coastal and beach management, environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Blue Flag Beaches: Economic Growth, Tourism and Sustainable Management (Earthscan Studies in Natural Resource Management)
This book presents a comprehensive study of the role that the Blue Flag beach program has played around the world, considering economic, social and environmental perspectives. Since its creation in the 1980s, The Blue Flag program awards the management of beaches and marinas based on sustainability, services and quality of their management. To date there are currently close to five thousand awards around the world. Forty years on from the program's creation, this book provides a thorough evaluation of the program, to understand how it has evolved over time, the successes it has enjoyed and the challenges it has overcome, and may face in the future. As an international program, this book reflects the global nature of this program and actively discusses, examines and assesses the different realities and challenges faced by different countries around the world, drawing on case studies from across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia. It examines the impact of the award on economic growth, from local to national, environmental protection and education, the development of sustainable tourism, and the sustainable management of beaches. The volume also contributes to emerging debates surrounding the certification of natural resources, where the Blue Flag program has been a pioneer in this field. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of sustainable tourism, environmental economics, coastal and beach management, environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Blue Heaven
by C.J. BoxWinner of the 2009 Edgar Award for Best Novel, Blue Heaven is a thrilling read from New York Times bestseller C.J. Box, creator of the characters of hit TV shows Joe Pickett and Big Sky.They were running away from home, now they're running for their lives.If twelve-year-old Annie hadn't been angry with her mother, she would never have taken her younger brother William on a secret fishing trip deep into the North Idaho woods and they would never have witnessed the execution nor looked straight into the eyes of the four executioners.Now they're running for their lives.They can't go home: the killers know exactly who they are. And where they live. They can't turn to the law: the killers are four respected Los Angeles policemen. There's nowhere for William and Annie to hide. And no one they can trust.Until they meet Jess Rawlins.Rawlins, an old-school rancher, knows something is wrong with the law in Blue Heaven. But he is only one against four men who will stop at nothing to silence their witnesses...Reviews for Blue Heaven'Crackles with electric tension and action.' Denver Post'Hard to put down.' Toronto Sun'A terrific suspense novel... You'll be hooked.' Toronto Globe and Mail'Box delivers surprises until the final page.' Billings Gazette
Blue Highways: A Journey Into America
by William Least Heat-MoonWilliam Least Heat-Moon's journey into America began with little more than the need to put home behind him. At a turning point in his life, he packed up a van he called Ghost Dancing and escaped out of himself and into the country. The people and the places he discovered on his roundabout 13,000-mile trip down the back roads ("blue highways") and through small, forgotten towns are unexpected, sometimes mysterious, and full of the spark and wonder of ordinary life. Robert Penn Warren said, "He has a genius for finding people who have not even found themselves." The power of Heat-Moon's writing and his delight in the overlooked and the unexamined capture a sense of our national destiny, the true American experience.
Blue Light Yokohama (Inspector Iwata)
by Nicolás ObregónInspired by a blistering real-life murder, Blue Light Yokohama's INSPECTOR IWATA is perfect for FANS OF JO NESBO'S HARRY HOLE.THE MURDERER'S IN YOUR HOUSE . . . A family of four are found murdered in their own home. A painted black sun is left dripping, as the killer walks away in broad daylight.THE FIRST DETECTIVE DIED TRYING TO SOLVE IT . . . He was said to have committed suicide by throwing himself off Tokyo's famous Rainbow Bridge.THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING . . . Inspector Iwata and his partner must find a murderer who is only just beginning. He knows time is running out and the menacing black sun means one thing, the killer will never stop.'Outstanding' SUNDAY EXPRESS, THE MOST AWAITED BOOK OF 2017 'Strong . . . promises to be an excellent series' Guardian
The Blue Riband: The Piccadilly Line (Penguin Underground Lines)
by Peter YorkPeter York, co-author of the 80s bestseller, The Sloane Ranger Handbook, charts the progress of the dream of grandeur and aspiration in London - part of a series of twelve books tied to the twelve lines of the London Underground, as Tfl celebrates 150 years of the Tube with PenguinAlso available in a boxset'Authors include the masterly John Lanchester, the children of Kids Company, comic John O'Farrell and social geographer Danny Dorling. Ranging from the polemical to the fantastical, the personal to the societal, they offer something for every taste. All experience the city as a cultural phenomenon and notice its nature and its people. Read individually they're delightful small reads, pulled together they offer a particular portrait of a global city' Evening Standard'Exquisitely diverse' The Times'Eclectic and broad-minded ... beautifully designed' Tom Cox, Observer'A fascinating collection with a wide range of styles and themes. The design qualities are excellent, as you might expect from Penguin with a consistent look and feel while allowing distinctive covers for each book. This is a very pleasing set of books' A Common Reader blog'The contrasts and transitions between books are as stirring as the books themselves ... A multidimensional literary jigsaw' Londonist'A series of short, sharp, city-based vignettes - some personal, some political and some pictorial ... each inimitable author finds that our city is complicated but ultimately connected, full of wit, and just the right amount of grit' Fabric Magazine'A collection of beautiful books' GraziaPeter York is one of the UK's leading strategic researchers. As Peter York, the writer, author and broadcaster on social styles and trends, he writes regularly for the Independent and other broadsheets. His books include co-authoring the 80s bestseller The Sloane Ranger Handbook and Dictators' Homes. His latest BBC documentary, 'The Rise and Fall of the Ad-Man', was shown on BBC2 in 2011. He is a Visiting Professor of the University of the Arts London. His latest book Jim Lee: Arrested will be published in May 2012.
Blue River, Black Sea: A Journey Along The Danube Into The Heart Of The New Europe
by Andrew EamesThe Danube is Europe's Amazon. It flows through more countries than any other river on Earth - from the Black Forest in Germany to Europe's farthest fringes, where it joins the Black Sea in Romania. Andrew Eames' journey along its length brings us face to face with the Continent's bloodiest history and its most pressing issues of race and identity.As he travels - by bicycle, horse, boat and on foot - Eames finds himself seeking a bed for the night with minor royalty, hitching a ride on a Serbian barge captained by a man called Attila and getting up close and personal with a bull in rural Romania. He meets would-be kings and walks with gypsies, and finally rows his way beyond the borders of Europe entirely...
Blue Scotland: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scotland's Wild Waters
by Mollie HughesScotland is famed for its rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, endless rivers and deep lochs. From the Highlands to the Islands, from the east coast to the west coast, the whole country is an unreported mecca for wild water sports.Mollie Hughes has tried and tested numerous locations throughout the country and introduces 80 of them in this book. As well as practical details on all aspects of the locations, she also includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild water sports enthusiasts of all levels of experience to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland offers.
Blue Skies & Black Olives: A Survivor's Tale Of Housebuilding And Peacock Chasing In Greece
by John Humphrys Christopher HumphrysRadio 4 Today presenter and national treasure John Humphrys’ funny and engaging memoir of building a home in Greece with his son Christopher.
Bodie on the Road: Driving the Pacific Coast Highway with My Rescue Dog
by Belinda JonesRecently dumped Belinda embarks on a 2,000-mile West Coast road trip with her rescue dog Bodie, taking in spectacular Big Sur, the wilds of Oregon, afternoon tea at Doris Day’s dog-friendly hotel, and a town where a dog was elected mayor. Join Belinda and Bodie on this soul-searching adventure along one of America’s most iconic highways.
Bohemian London: From Thomas De Quincey To Jeffrey Bernard
by Nick RennisonLondon has always been home to outsiders. To people who won't, or can't, abide by the conventions of respectable society. For close to two centuries these misfit individualists have had a name. They have been called Bohemians.This book is an entertaining, anecdotal history of Bohemian London. A guide to its more colourful inhabitants. Rossetti and Swinburne, defying the morality of high Victorian England. Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley in the decadent 1890s. The Bloomsburyites and the Bright Young Things. Dylan Thomas, boozing in the Blitz, and Francis Bacon and his cronies, wasting time and getting wasted in 1950s Soho.It's also a guide to the places where Bohemia has flourished. The legendary Cafe Royal, a home from home to artists and writers for nearly a century. The Cave of the Golden Calf, a First World War nightclub run by the Swedish playwright August Strindberg's widow. The Colony Room, the infamous drinking den presided over by the gloriously foul-mouthed Muriel Belcher, and the Gargoyle Club in Dean Street where the artistic avant-garde mixed with upper-crust eccentrics. The pubs of Fitzrovia where the painters Augustus John and Nina Hamnett rubbed shoulders with the occultist Aleister Crowley and the short-story writer Julian Maclaren-Ross, wearing mirror sunglasses and clutching a silver-topped Malacca cane, held court for his acolytes and admirers.The story of Bohemian London is one of drink and drugs, sex and death, excess and indulgence. It's also a story of achievement and success. Some of the finest art and literature of the last two centuries has emerged from Bohemia. Nick Rennison's book provides a lively and enjoyable portrait of the world in which Bohemian Londoners once lived.
The Bolds' Great Adventure: World Book Day 2018 (The Bolds)
by Julian Clary David RobertsFasten your seatbelts - it's a special adventure for World Book Day with Teddington's wildest family! Learn just how our intrepid hyenas managed to get from their African safari park onto the plane and off to their new home in England. It's quite a remarkable, and some would say, unbelievable tale - but there are many laughs along the way!
Bollocks to Alton Towers: Uncommonly British Days Out (Bollocks to Alton Towers #1)
by Joel Morris Jason Hazeley Alex Morris Robin HalsteadThe British Lawnmower Museum, Keith Harding's World of Mechanical Music and Mad Jack's Sugar Loaf. In a world of theme parks, interactive exhibits, over-priced merchandise and queues, don't worry, these are names to stir the soul. Reassuring evidence that there's still somewhere to turn in search of the small, fascinating, unique and, dammit, British.In a stumbling journey across the country in search of the best we have to offer our intrepid heroes discovered dinosaurs in South London, a cold war castle in Essex, grown men pretending to be warships in Scarborough, unexplained tunnels under Liverpool and a terraced house in Bedford being kept warm for Jesus's return. And along the way they met the people behind them all: enthusiasts, eccentrics and, you know, those who just sort of fell into looking after a vast collection of gnomes ...Makes you proud!
Bon Appetit!: Travels with knife,fork & corkscrew through France (Windsor Selection Ser.)
by Peter MayleGastronomy is a wonderful starting point to study France and the French. As the retired schoolmaster from Provence says 'The religion of France is food. And wine, of course.' And they put their money where their mouth is, spending a greater proportion of their income on food and drink than any other nation in the world. Literally hundreds of gastronomic fairs and festivals take place throughout the year all over France - a frog fair, an hommage to the sausage, to the turnip, to the quiche and the noble Camembert. What kind of person is a snail-fancier? Is there a brotherhood of sausage connoisseurs? How can you devote an entire weekend to the French fry? Peter Mayle finds out and brings hilariously and affectionately to life the people who can get passionate about a frog's leg or a well-turned omelette. Over ten years ago he transformed our feelings about Provence, now he captures the irresistible essence of France herself - and her food.
The Bond: Two epic climbs in Alaska and a lifetime's connection between climbers
by Simon McCartneyShortlisted: 2016 Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain LiteratureShortlisted: 2016 Banff Mountain Book Competition‘It's the classic of post-war mountain writing.’ – Jim Perrin‘Rarely do I encounter a cannot-put-down book, but Simon McCartney’s aptly titled The Bond is exceptional in many ways.’ – Tom HornbeinSimon McCartney was a cocky young British alpinist climbing many of the hardest routes in the Alps during the late seventies, but it was a chance meeting in Chamonix in 1977 with Californian ‘Stonemaster’ Jack Roberts that would dramatically change both their lives – and almost end Simon’s.Inspired by a Bradford Washburn photograph published in Mountain magazine, their first objective was the 5,500-foot north face of Mount Huntington, one of the most dangerous walls in the Alaska Range. The result was a route so hard and serious that for decades nobody believed they had climbed it – it is still unrepeated to this day. Then, raising the bar even higher, they made the first ascent of the south-west face of Denali, a climb that would prove almost fatal for Simon, and one which would break the bond between him and climbing, separating the two young climbers. But the bond between Simon and Jack couldn’t remain dormant forever. A lifetime later, a chance reconnection with Jack gave Simon the chance to bury the ghosts of what happened high on Denali, when he had faced almost certain death.The Bond is Simon McCartney’s story of these legendary climbs.
Bone by Bone: A Gripping Who-dunnit With A Twist You Don't See Coming (Bride Series #11)
by Carol O'ConnellIn the northern Californian town of Coventry, two teenage brothers go into the woods one day but only one comes back. No one knows what happened to the younger brother, Josh. Twenty years later, when the older brother, Oren, now an ex-investigator for the Army Criminal Investigations Department, returns home after many years, he is confronted on his first morning back with a human jawbone, teeth still intact, thrown onto the front porch. Josh is coming home . . . bone by bone. Using all his investigative skills, Oren sets out to solve the mystery of his brother's murder. Coventry is a town full of secrets and secret-keepers but the greatest secret of all belonged to his brother, and it is only by unravelling it that Oren can discover the truth that has haunted them all for twenty years.
The Bone Fields: The addictive conclusion to an immersive thriller series set in Scotland (The Pantheon Series #4)
by C.F. BarringtonSquid Game meets The Hunger Games in the final gripping instalment of a fast-paced, action-packed Scottish thriller series where recruits compete in a fight to the death in the streets of Edinburgh.THE GAMEFrom the beginning, The Pantheon has been a secret society of bloodshed and order. Modern-day gladiators abandon their lives, fall into rank and battle to the death – cheered on and funded by online watchers.THE PLAYERTyler Maitland was recruited to fight in the Games, but his real ambition is finding his missing sister–even if it means bringing down The Pantheon for good.THE ENDThe start of the Twentieth Season delivers never-before-matched teams to the fields of eastern Europe, where a hidden force will blow the truth of the Games wide open, once and for all...THE FINAL SEASON STARTS NOW.Discover The Pantheon, perfect for dystopian fiction fans who loved The Hunger Games and Chain-Gang All-Stars.Praise for the Pantheon series:'The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you.' Anthony Riches'So gripping I sometimes find myself holding my breath while I'm reading!' Ruth Hogan'A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream.' Giles Kristian'Gripping and original – a terrific read!' Joe Heap'A thrilling ride... C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park.' Matthew Harffy
Bonjour Blanc: A Journey Through Haiti
by Ian ThomsonAn enthralling journey into the shadowy republic of Haiti. In the land of Vodou, zombies and the Tontons Macoute. In this classic account, history jostles with adventure, high comedy is touched with danger; and Haiti glows like a magic charm.Now updated and with a new foreword by the author for the post-earthquake edition.
Bonne Chance!: Building a Life in Rural France
by Richard WilesDeep in the Limousin countryside, Richard Wiles bought his dream home. But he didn’t anticipate renovating the dilapidated farmhouse during the insect plagues of summer and the harsh blizzards of winter. Told with humour and optimism, this is a unique tale of overcoming the formidable challenges of building a home, and a life, in France.
Bonnes Vacances: A Crazy Family Adventure in the French Territories
by Rosie MillardRosie Millard’s tour of the French Overseas Departments and Territories (the ‘Dom-Toms’) with her husband and four young children took her family across five continents. Candid, humorous and slightly mad, this memoir offers insights, amusement and hope for anyone who has ever travelled en famille.
Boogie Up The River: One Man and His Dog to the Source of the Thames
by Mark WallingtonThe sequel to "500-mile Walkies". When the author set off in a 100-year-old camping skiff to find the source of the Thames, he didn't want to take his dog, Boogie. He would have left him in kennels but the other dogs complained and things do not work out as he planned.
The Book Charmer: The most heartwarming story of friendship, love and the power of books from the New York Times bestselling author
by Karen HawkinsSometimes all you need is a good book... Sarah Dove, the seventh Dove daughter of Dove Pond, believes that books are magical. As the town librarian she makes sure every book finds the reader who most need it and when a new resident moves to town Sarah knows it is up to her and the books to welcome her.After her sister's tragic death Grace Wheeler has moved to Dove Pond with her grieving young niece and ailing foster mother to focus on her family. Except the residents of her new hometown have other ideas, drawing Grace into a whole new world outside of her comfort zone.Can the magic of books help heal a broken family and save a town?
The Book of Answers: The Ateban Cipher Book 2 - from the bestselling author of The Mapmaker Chronicles (The Ateban Cipher #2)
by A. L TaitAn orphan in exile. A band of rebel girls. And a prince whose throne has been stolen. Come on a journey full of danger, intrigue, adventure and incredible secrets.'The Ateban Cipher,' Lucien continued, 'is also known as the Book of Answers.''Answers to what?' Eddie asked.Lucien sighed. 'Everything.In the second gripping Ateban Cipher novel, Gabe and his companions journey to a remote mountain citadel where they learn the secret of the mysterious, encrypted book that Gabe has been tasked with protecting. But their enemies are close behind them, and new dangers lie ahead.As Eddie seeks to regain his crown, and Merry and Gwyn race to free their father, Gabe will discover the answer to his own great mystery - his true identity.'an exciting adventure read and an immersive story' ***** SUNDAY TELEGRAPH on THE ATEBAN CIPHER 1: THE BOOK OF SECRETStheatebancipher.com
The Book of Beijing: A City in short fiction (Reading the City)
by Qiu Huadong Ning Ken Xu Kun Fu Xiuying Gu Shi Yu Wenling Shi Yifeng Xu Zechen Wen Zhen Han SongTwo former college friends run into each other on the morning train and find themselves reflecting on the very different paths their lives have taken... A counterfeiter, forever living outside the law, starts to envy a friend who’s managed to get out of the game and establish a normal life... A security officer in a futuristic version of Beijing West Railway Station chases down a passenger who the screens say is ‘intentionally lost’... Beijing may be known to us, in the West, as the political powerhouse of the most populous country in the world, but to the characters in these stories it is a protean city, forever changing, evasive and difficult to read... It turns close friends into strangers, up-ends carefully thought-out life choices, and leaves next-door neighbours completely unaware of each other’s true identity. The stories collected in this anthology show people in all contexts – from wannabe protestors to future users of facial expression reading tech – desperate to stake their name on the city, as well as surprised by it at every turn. Featuring translations by Eric Abrahamsen, Paul Harris, Jack Hargreaves, Hongyu Jasmine Zhu, Christopher MacDonald, Carson Ramsdell, Florence Taylor, Alison Sharpless, Katherine Tse, and Helen Wang.