“A readable and up-to-date introduction to a most fascinating culture” from a world-renowned Sumerian scholar (American Journal of Archaeology). The Sumerians, the pragmatic and gifted people who preceded the Semites in the land first known as Sumer and later as Babylonia, created what was probably the first high civilization in the history of man, spanning the fifth to the second millenniums B.C. This book is an unparalleled compendium of what is known about them. Professor Kramer communicates his enthusiasm for his subject as he outlines the history of the Sumerian civilization and describes their cities, religion, literature, education, scientific achievements, social structure, and psychology. Finally, he considers the legacy of Sumer to the ancient and modern world. “An uncontested authority on the civilization of Sumer, Professor Kramer writes with grace and urbanity.” —Library Journal

South London musician, composer, writer and historian Chris Shields investigates his varied and unusual family tree. ?I spent my childhood asking questions about my family's past. This led to tales of Romanies, of the Northamptonshire Smiths, Loveridges, Scarrotts and Boswells and the discovery of Charlie Chaplin's birth in a caravan on the Black Patch.Then to the French Mazoyers and a watchmaker's shop in Soho. Stories of Evans and Wormull ? surgical instrument makers to the Army and government. Then the Baker family of Eastbourne and Herstmonceux. Seaside concert parties ? Fred Austin's Merrie Middies. Then to war and Stalag IVb POW, buzzbombs and blackouts. The Snell family of Mortimer and the Arlotts of Watership Down. The Shields family of Peckham ? pie, mash and poverty. Then to music - the '60s and The Twilights and the Star Club, Hamburg. This information shared here was told to me directly from the mouths of those involved ? who lived, breathed and experienced all of this.""

The adventure that began in Siobhan Dowd's popular and acclaimed novel The London Eye Mystery at long last continues with Ted, Kat, and their cousin Salim investigating a theft at the Guggenheim Museum that's been pinned on Salim's mother! When Ted and his big sister, Kat, take a trip to New York to visit their cousin Salim and their aunt Gloria, they think they're prepared for big-city adventures. But when a famous painting is stolen from the Guggenheim Museum, where Aunt Gloria works, the surprises begin to mount faster than they could have anticipated. With the police looking at Aunt Gloria as the prime suspect, Ted, Kat, and Salim become sleuthing partners, following a trail of clues across NYC to prove her innocence--and to pinpoint the real thief. Ultimately, it comes down to Ted, whose brain works in its own very unique way, to find the key to the mystery. "Fast-paced, suspenseful, but never scary, a middle-grade mystery with a singular voice and a welcome continuation of the Sparks' adventures." -- Kirkus Reviews "Swift pacing and smartly integrated clues allow readers to make connections along with the characters. Stevens's portrayal of Ted, who is on the autism spectrum, is positive and empowering" -- School Library Journal "A welcome return for this dynamic trio." -- Booklist

Tom Palmer celebrates the unsung athletic heroes of the Armistice in a powerful tale of the fell-running messengers on the front-line of war, publishing for the centenary anniversary of the end of WWI.

Get cosy with Someday at Christmas, the perfect festive read 'A GORGEOUS, COSY READ, RICH IN DELICIOUS WINTERY DETAIL' KATE YOUNG 'THE PERFECT FESTIVE STORY. SWEET, BLISSFULLY ROMANTIC AND BURSTING WITH HEART . . . OH MY HEART I LOVED IT' MIRANDA DICKINSON 'ADORABLE' ELLA RISBRIDGER 'THE LITERARY EQUIVALENT OF A MINCE PIE WARM OUT OF THE OVEN, WITH A DOLLOP OF BRANDY CUSTARD ON THE SIDE' SARRA MANNING, RED MAGAZINE 'YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH SHELL SMITH' PRIMA _________________________________________________ The most delightful Christmas romance. Shell Smith is the most popular make-up artist on the ART counter at Duke & Sons, a beautiful but old-fashioned department store in her hometown. But whilst Shell's love life is looking up, now that she's dating long-time crush Nick, and business is booming in the beauty department, the rest of the store is noticeably quiet . . . The owner's grandson Callum has come up with some creative ways to keep Duke & Sons afloat this Christmas, including allowing a production company to secretly film a romcom after hours. When Callum recruits her to help out, Shell finds there is more to Mr Duke Jr. than sharp suits and a business-like demeanour. With a store to save and her own romance with Nick going off-script, Christmas just got complicated for Shell. But this is the most wonderful time of the year, so there must be a happy ending awaiting . . . Right? _________________________________________________ 'Warm, funny, sexy, gorgeous setting and characters. I loved it so much. (Also it should totally be a film.)' 5* 'I'll struggle to get into another book after this. I absolutely LOVED it.' 5* 'Just wonderful! Effortlessly diverse and inclusive' 5* 'A wonderful Christmas read that will leave you feeling happier than when you started, reaching out for the cocoa and wanting to put on a Christmas movie. Perfection' 5*