Welcome... Fáilte... Croeso... Fair faa ye... to the United Kingdom! The Big Book of the UK introduces readers to customs and culture of the United Kingdom. Learn about the sport of "dwile flonking" and find out where black diamonds come from. Meet the supernatural animal that haunts the Scottish Highlands and discover the British sweets that helped Hillary and Tenzing scale Everest. Filled with facts about wildlife, food, sports, geography, language and some very silly place names, this book will help you uncover national secrets and unearth local legends from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Looking for a panto script? This bumper collection contains full length, tried and tested scripts for the top 5 most popular pantomimes of the last ten years. Channel 4 comedy writer Brian Luff's versions of Aladdin, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack & the Beanstalk and Dick Whittington have been performed in venues all over the UK. The shows all have big casts, loads of great parts, and are ideal for productions by amateur and pro-am theatre groups. The scripts are packed with slick comedy routines, hilarious sketches, messy slapstick and fast, snappy banter. NODA recently described Brian's Aladdin & the Pirates as "A very clever script with many modern twists. A superb example of the panto art!" Please note that a license must be obtained before performing any of the scripts in this book. For more information visit pantoscripts.biz

The Big Book of Christmas Tales is an ambitious anthology that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas through a dazzling array of literary styles. From the haunting prose of Dostoevsky to the playful narratives of Beatrix Potter, this collection spans a vast landscape of literary traditions and periods, offering insights into the human condition and the universal significance of the holiday season. The anthology stands out for its inclusion of pieces that range from the deeply philosophical to the whimsically heartwarming, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Christmas itself. Notable are the contributions that explore themes of redemption, compassion, and familial bonds, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural and emotional resonance that transcends geographic and temporal boundaries. The diversity of the collection is its greatest strength, inviting readers to experience the holiday through a multitude of voices and contexts. The Big Book of Christmas Tales is enriched by the varied backgrounds of its contributing authors—Nobel laureates, pioneering women writers, and literary giants among them. Together, they represent a wide array of cultural, historical, and literary movements, from Victorian England's social critiques to the introspective American short story tradition. This amalgamation of voices not only deepens the anthology's thematic complexity but also highlights the shared human experiences underlying the festive season's celebrations worldwide. By integrating such a broad spectrum of perspectives and literary styles, the collection offers a unique lens through which to explore the essence of Christmas and its impact on individuals and societies over centuries. This anthology is recommended to anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich literary heritage that Christmas has inspired over the ages. The Big Book of Christmas Tales presents a unique opportunity to explore an extensive range of narratives that illuminate the joy, sorrow, humor, and profundity of the Christmas season. Readers eager to enrich their understanding of global literary traditions will find this collection an invaluable addition to their shelves, inviting a reflective engagement with the stories that shape our perception of one of the most beloved times of the year.

Over 2,000 sporting funnies from every sport: football, rugby, cricket, golf, boxing, snooker and beyond... Two men fishing on a river bank in a canal in London on a Saturday afternoon miles away from a radio or TV. Suddenly one man turns to the other and says, 'Spurs have lost again.' The other man is astonished and says, 'How on earth do you know that?' The other man replies, 'It's quarter to five.' After the success of the George Foreman grill, Audley Harrison is launching his own toaster. The problem is it can only do four rounds. What does Steve Harmison put in his hands to make sure the next ball almost always takes a wicket? A bat

The Big Book of Christmas Novels, Stories, Myths & Carols represents an unparalleled assembly of literary talent, weaving together an astonishing array of styles and voices to celebrate the holiday season. This anthology encompasses a broad spectrum of literary forms, from the ghost stories of Dickens to the poignant fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, and from the reflective poems of William Wordsworth to the jovial adventures penned by Mark Twain. Its diversity extends to its themes as well, capturing Christmas from every conceivable angle: its deep spiritual significance, its historical and cultural traditions, and its universal message of peace, goodwill, and joy. Standout pieces delve into the essence of Christmas, evoking a wide range of emotions and reflections, thereby showcasing the holiday's multifaceted character. The contributing authors, a veritable who's who of literary giants spanning several centuries, bring a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences to the collection. From the haunting Russian realism of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy to the heartwarming American narratives of Louisa May Alcott and O. Henry, and encompassing influential figures from the British literary cannon such as Shakespeare, Tennyson, and Kipling, this anthology intersects numerous historical, cultural, and literary movements. The diverse origins and perspectives of these authors enrich the collection, offering a comprehensive exploration of the themes of generosity, empathy, and community that underlie the holiday season. Readers are invited to delve into this extraordinary collection, which offers a unique opportunity to experience the Christmas season through a multitude of lenses. Each story, poem, and carol provides a distinct narrative and emotional journey, cumulatively revealing the depth and richness of Christmas as celebrated and contemplated by cultures around the world. This anthology is not merely a collection to be enjoyed; it is a portal to different eras and insights, providing education, reflection, and a profound sense of connection. Embrace the spirit of the season in all its complexity and wonder through The Big Book of Christmas Novels, Stories, Myths & Carols.

The 'Big Book of Christmas Tales' is a captivating anthology that traverses the vivacious literary landscape of Christmas narratives. Encompassing a wide range of literary styles, from the whimsical to the solemn, this collection presents an unparalleled amalgamation of stories that both illuminate and celebrate the myriad facets of the holiday season. Its significance is bolstered by the inclusion of seminal works from a pantheon of authors renowned for their contributions to literature, narratively weaving through the themes of hope, generosity, redemption, and the human condition. The diversity of tales, from Dickenss evocative portrayals of Victorian Christmases to Andersens timeless fairy tales, showcases the universal and enduring appeal of Christmas storytelling. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology bring together a veritable tapestry of cultural, historical, and literary backgrounds, united by the theme of Christmas. Their collective works resonate with various movements and epochs in literature, from Victorian sentimentalism to the poignant realism of Dostoevsky, reflecting the profound ways in which Christmas has been celebrated, challenged, and depicted throughout literary history. The anthology stands as a testament to the rich interplay of cultural narratives and individual creativity, offering a holistic exploration of Christmas through the lenses of some of the greatest writers in history. 'Readers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Christmas spirit through literature need look no further than the Big Book of Christmas Tales. This anthology not only offers a unique opportunity to engage with the holiday season through a multitude of perspectives, styles, and themes but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in capturing the essence of human experiences connected to Christmas. It invites readers to delve into a literary feast, promising both enlightenment and entertainment, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the ways in which Christmas has been immortalized in literature.