Inspired by a true story, a fictional reimagining of a cat named Simon whose heroism and feline charisma won over the crew of a British warship just after World War II. Discovered in the Hong Kong docks in 1948 and smuggled onboard the H.M.S Amethyst by a British sailor who takes pity on the malnourished kitten, Simon quickly acclimates to his new water-borne home. The friendly feline soon established himself as the chief rat-catcher, while also winning the hearts of the entire crew. Then the Amethyst is ordered to sail up the Yangtze River to take over the guarding of the British Embassy, but the ship comes under fire from Communist guns. Tragedy strikes and many of the crew are killed and Simon is among those seriously wounded. Luckily, with the help of the ship’s doctor, the brave cat makes a full recovery and is soon spending time with the injured men, purring and keeping their spirits up. News of Simon’s heroics in dangerous wartime seas spreads and he becomes famous worldwide—but it is still a long journey back to England for both the crew and the plucky little cat known as “Able Seacat Simon”…

Are you a carer or companion to someone who is ageing? Are you looking to enhance every moment of their lives to the end yet feel full of trepidation at the prospect? Leaves of Love is a simple yet essential guide for both layman and expert to keep by your side as you learn the beautiful and ancient art of accompanying another over these final transitions. Leaves of Love is laced with inspiring real-life stories that depict the rich gleanings to be found within ageing and the unexpected opportunities that can reveal themselves when we embrace the reality of our dying. These stories bring with them a tool bag of ideas and practical tips to empower the carer within all of us to value our own unique gifts and love as we have never loved before. With nature as our guide we learn how to be present when we visit a care home, what matters most as we sit with someone and how and what to expect when we are accompanying a dying person. ‘A gem of a book. Beautifully written with a warmth and empathy that make it a very uplifting read ... unafraid to discuss the aspects of dying that as a society, we tend to shrink away from’ Maria K 'Offers profound insights from the often hidden world at the end of life ... a reminder that people's last days on earth can be sweet, intimate and precious. It reminded me that every day of life can be lived well’ Dru J 'This is so lovely! I have cried as I read it. I think this book should be shared widely. It's not a technical book or an academic read but I do think it could be a powerful recommended read for all care givers' Carol C

Round About the Christmas Tree is the perfect Christmas gift for booklovers, as all facets of the festive season are represented here in one gorgeous volume. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful hardbacks make perfect gifts for book lovers, or wonderful additions to your own collection. This edition is introduced by Ned Halley and features the classic, charming illustrations of Alice Ercle Hunt. This anthology reveals the inspiration Christmas gives so many writers, whether as a time for celebration, for family, or as a chance to remember those in hardship. There are heart-warming stories from Charles Dickens and E. Nesbit, comic fun from G. K. Chesterton and Saki, touching whimsy from Hans Christian Andersen, and even crimes to solve from Arthur Conan Doyle.

Steven Berkoff is a phenomenon. Among the artists working in the theatre today he is probably the most theatrical - his special combination of speech, movement and spectacle is uniquely powerful. This first collection of his plays includes East, described by Berkoff as 'an outburst or revolt against the sloth of my youth and a desire to turn a welter of undirected passion and frustration into a positive form'. Also included in this collection are the plays West and Sink the Belgrano!

Cats, be they much loved pets or inscrutable creatures, lend themselves to stories and literary invention. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning pocket size classics. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is edited by anthologist, editor and literary agent Becky Brown. Classic Cat Stories is a beautiful anthology that includes fairy tales and fables from the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Charles Perrault as well as comic tales from Saki and E. F. Benson. Cats, of course, have always had a dark and mysterious side which is explored to chilling effect by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe in The Black Cat and H. P. Lovecraft in The Cats of Ulthar. But above all, we love them and you’ll find here stories about all kinds of cats that tug at the heartstrings and which celebrate their curious ways.