How did Henry Tudor manage to become King of England? What were the causes of the Wars of the Roses? Why is Lady Jane Grey known as the 9 days queen? ‘The Bare Essentials: Kings and Queens’ will provide the answers to these questions. This reference book for students gives a synopsis of each of the reigns of the rulers of England and then The United Kingdom from 1066 to the present day. Whether looking at the life of a single individual, such as Queen Elizabeth I, or discussing an event like The Peasant’s Revolt; this book will allow access, quickly and easily, to the information required. As well as being of interest to children who enjoy history, several of the units of study for KS2 and KS3 can be researched using this book as a starting point to gain background information. It will help the older child to appreciate the events that transformed the power of kings into the rule of democracy and parliament, leading the United Kingdom to its present constitutional monarchy. It is also just as useful for the more mature adult who wishes a glimpse of English history on a broader canvas without being overwhelmed by dates and events.

The centuries between 1100 and 1500 were the crucible in which English language and literature, after the blow of the Norman Conquest, were reformed with results that affected all later times. The national language and literary culture were reconstructed influences. The medieval centuries present a fascinating success story of recovery, inventiveness and major achievement in all aspects of national life. In literature, lyric verse, narrative poetry, drama and discursive prose were all established in characteristic modes. In the present book many works are discussed, while such masterpieces as the works of Chaucer, Langland's Piers Plowman, the poems of the Gawain-poet and Malory's Morte Darthur are shown as the secular equivalent in words of the great medieval Gothic cathedrals. The forms of this varied body of literature had as characteristic a period style as contemporary Gothic art and architecture themselves. English literature may equally be described as Gothic, with assumptions and achievements which both lead to and contrast with later Neoclassical styles. Black and white photographic illustrations further the comparison and suggest some background. English Gothic literature derives from many interrelated social context - court, town, monastery and countryside. It was recorded in manuscripts that blend the qualities of popular speech and folktale with some of the more impersonal regular qualities of printing, that last of fundamental medieval inventions. In this new concept of the history of medieval literature, Derek Brewer illuminates the major literary works with detailed exposition to make them available to the reader coming fresh to them. At the same time he places them in the context of developing literacy and individualism, secular realism, romantic love, personal religion, etc., setting forth a coherent framework of cultural history which will challenge the interest of those who already know the period.

Written by Claire Banks and Mick Waters, A Curious Curriculum: Teaching foundation subjects well details the insightful and transformational steps that a school can take towards designing and delivering a rich, rigorous and wide-ranging curriculum. Foreword by Mary Myatt. Rather than being a model curriculum that can be uprooted and planted in any school, the book is a model schools can use to design their own curriculum, one that not only encourages children to be active participants in their own learning, but also to see the benefits of being part of a bigger, wider family of learners. The authors concentrate on the foundation subjects, particularly history, geography and science but also design and technology (DT) and art and design areas that are often challenging for teachers in primary schools. Subjects are brought together and explored under "big ideas" and, crucially, the emphasis is on avoiding the superficial and trivial and rooting teaching in extending and challenging children. In A Curious Curriculum, Claire Banks and Mick Waters share the story of one multi-academy trust (MAT) which designed and delivered a shared educational vision, a rationale for excellence in the curriculum, and the resources and support given to help reduce teachers' workload. Claire and Mick present a clear model both for supporting a group of schools or leading one school, offering a fresh perspective on working on a MAT-wide curriculum, as well as providing a range of snapshot examples of the curriculum in action in the form of documents, plans, photos and the learners' own work. The book shares transferrable lessons from the trust's journey to success, setting out an educational philosophy that pairs pedagogy with a well-structured curriculum designed with learners' best interests at its heart. All children deserve an engaging, exciting curriculum designed to spark their curiosity, feed their imagination and develop their skills and knowledge. With clear timelines and an honest and transparent dialogue about the challenges and benefits of working together collaboratively and the importance of external expertise, A Curious Curriculum is an essential read for all school leaders. Suitable for executive leaders, head teachers, curriculum coordinators and subject leaders in primary school settings.

Jewish Essential Books is an exquisite anthology that underscores the profound depth and diversity within the sphere of Jewish thought and spirituality. This collection artfully assembles a mosaic of works ranging from medieval philosophical treatises to modern exegetical texts, encapsulating the rich tapestry of Jewish literary tradition. It navigates through varying literary styles, from the poetic musings of Judah Halevi to the intricate legalistic arguments of Moses Maimonides, thereby highlighting the profound plurality of perspectives within Judaism. The anthology not only serves as a testament to the intellectual heritage of the Jewish people but also showcases seminal pieces that have shaped Jewish thought across centuries. The contributing authors and editors, including luminaries like Louis Ginzberg and Heinrich Graetz, bring to the collection a wealth of knowledge and scholarly insight. Their backgrounds span across different epochs of Jewish history, reflecting the evolution of Jewish thought from its ancient roots to its contemporary manifestations. Each contributor has been instrumental in articulating the nuances of Jewish theology, philosophy, and law, thereby enriching the anthology's exploration of Jewish identity and spirituality. Together, their works align with key historical and cultural movements, offering readers a panoramic view of Jewish intellectual tradition. Jewish Essential Books offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the breadth and depth of Jewish literary culture. This anthology is an invaluable resource for anyone keen to explore the multifaceted nature of Jewish thought, offering insights into the complexities of faith, reason, and tradition. Whether one is a scholar, student, or lay reader, this collection invites a deeper engagement with the seminal texts that have shaped Jewish consciousness, fostering an appreciation for the dialogue between tradition and modernity within Jewish literature.

The perfect, and necessary, addition to any personal chess library, Pandolfini's Chess Complete is a comprehensive, accessible reference. National Master Bruce Pandolfini has covered every aspect of the game, from chessboard and pieces to history and strategy, and has responded to virtually any possible question or situation that could arise.

Lady Meredith Bingham thought that she had her life sorted. She was a member of the royal guard – an elite security team tasked with protecting the queen of Merveille. She was also close personal friends with the queen and part of her inner circle – the ladies in waiting. But then her mother had to go and ruin it all. Lady Caroline Bingham was sick of her daughter fooling around and playing soldier. She thought it was high time her daughter got serious about her future and found herself a suitable husband. With the duke pulling double duty as the country’s prime minister, it was only right that his daughter start acting like a proper daughter of nobility. Much to Meredith’s chagrin, the queen agrees that Meredith must step down from her post. Prince Christophe Kostopolous was a prince in exile. For the last ten years he had been living under the pseudonym of Jamie Kosta, and for the last seven years he has been part of the royal guard. Very few people knew his true identity, but that was all about to change. The people he had been hiding from all these years have found him and he may finally have his chance to reclaim his rightful place on the throne of his small island nation of Kalopsia. The only problem is, he has fallen for a certain duke’s daughter and she has no idea who he really is.

Savannah has a secret…a secret that could cost her everything she’s been working for. Coming to Merveille and taking up a position as one of Queen Alyssa’s ladies in waiting hadn’t been part of Savannah Rousseau’s plan, but she wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity when it came her way. The daughter of an impoverished viscount, Savannah had nothing to lose and everything to gain by being included amongst the new queen’s entourage…as long as no one found out about her secret. Savannah loved her son. Archer was the sun and moon of her life, but being a single mother would mean instant disqualification from the ladies in waiting. So she hid him from the queen and her new friends…for two years. Now someone had stumbled upon her secret and Savannah would do anything to ensure that she didn’t become a royal embarrassment. Jed Fairchild came to Merveille to escape his own scandal and the last thing he wanted was to be embroiled in another. Finding out about the young boy and impoverished viscount that Savannah had stashed in the abandoned hunting cabins was a complication that he didn’t need. Being attracted to the hot-tempered lady in waiting was another. All Jed wanted was to live a simple life working with his horses and ignoring the rest of the world, but with Savannah in his life and the inquisitive Archer following him like his very own shadow, the quiet life was the last thing Jed had…and maybe it wasn’t really what he wanted after all.