Examines the life of Sid Vicious, the infamous late member of the Sex Pistols, and argues that this mindlessly violent, nihilistic, self-destructive young man was the perfect rock 'n' roll icon

‘A history of modern Spain told through one of world football's most intense rivalries’ Independent ‘Sports Book of the Year’ Sunday Times It’s Messi vs Ronaldo, it’s Catalonia vs Castilla. It’s the nation against the state, freedom fighters vs Franco’s fascists. It’s majestic goals and mesmerising skills, red cards and bench brawls. It’s the best two teams on the planet going face to face and toe to toe. It’s more than a game. It’s a war. It’s Barcelona vs Real Madrid. Only, it’s not that simple. From the wounds left by the civil war to the teams’ recent global domination, historian and expert on Spanish football, Sid Lowe lifts the lid on sport’s greatest rivalry. Lowe has spoken to the biggest names and the forgotten heroes who defined their clubs. Men like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Johan Cruyff as well as the only survivor of the most politically charged game in history, the Barcelona striker who knocked Madrid out of the European Cup for the first time ever, and the president who celebrated his club’s defining moment by taking a midnight dip in the Thames. By exploring the history, politics, culture, economics and language, while never forgetting the drama on the pitch, Lowe demonstrates the symbiotic nature of the relationship between these two football giants. In doing so he reveals the human story behind this explosive rivalry.

The very name El Cid sums up much of the special character of medieval Spanish warfare. It comes from the Arabic al sayyid, master or chieftain, and seems to have been given to Rodrigo de Vivar by his Muslim foes. But was it given in recognition of El Cid's victories against Islam in the 'Reconquista' – or because this Castilian nobleman was as content to serve beside the Muslims as to fight them? The story of the Christian conquest of the Iberian peninsula which gave rise to the legend of El Cid, is here examined by David Nicolle, who outlines the history, tactics, arms and armour of the period.

Mark Timlin, INDEPENDENT, Crime Books of the Year: 'Chris Haslam's latest novel, El Sid is a classic case of the biter bit, as small time criminal Lenny Knowles, stupid but convinced that his intellect is the equal of anyone's, meets Spanish civil war veteran Sidney Starman, aka El Sid, who claims he knows the whereabouts of a stash of hidden Republican gold. Lenny, Sid and Lenny's ex-cell mate Nick Crick set off to liberate the treasure and live happily ever after. No chance. The story cuts back and forth between the present and the past as Sid relates stories of the war, and the trio rage around Spain getting deeper into trouble every day, until a terrific climax where Lenny discovers he's not half as smart as the old soldier.

Stretching from the bayous of Louisiana to the oil towns of East Texas, the kingdom of zydeco is ruled by accordion-playing, washboard-wielding kings and queens named Beau Jacque, Boozoo Chavis, Queen Ida and--the King of Zydeco himself--Clifton Chenier. In this book, the leading expert on zydeco music provides the ultimate guide to this red-hot music and its origins. Photos.

This volume offers a literary and cultural history of the idea of crusading over the last millennium.

Traditionally, Egyptian cooking has been best practiced and enjoyed at home, where generations of unrecorded family recipes have been the sustaining repertoire for daily meals as well as sumptuous holiday feasts. Abou El Sid, one of Cairo's most famous restaurants, is well known for its authentic Egyptian dishes, now presents over 50 recipes in a cookbook for the enjoyment of cooks all over the world. - 56 authentic Egyptian recipes from starters to main courses to desserts. - Each recipe illustrated with full color photographs. - Full spread for each recipe so you don't have to flip the page.