Why did Louis XIII go to Versailles? How many kings of France have lived in this palace? Why did Louis XIV decide to live outside Paris? When did the king`s court settle in the palace? Why did courtiers wear wigs? Who is the most famous chronicler of life in the time of Louis XIV`s court? Which sovereign was the mostly badly damaged by the ” Affair of the Diamond Necklace”? Which was the last king to live in the castle? Filled with pictures gloriously illustrating the past, this small volume charts the history of France`s most famous castle over the course of four centuries, from its construction in 1631 to the signature of the Peace Treaty in 1919, via the women`s march on Versailles in 1789. ...

” The Little Book of Wiltshire” is a repository of intriguing, fascinating, obscure, strange & entertaining facts & trivia about one of England`s most colourful counties. It is an essential to the born & bred Wiltshire folk or anyone who knows & loves the county. Armed with this fascinating tome the reader will have such knowledge of the county, its landscape, people, places, pleasures & pursuits they will be entertained & enthralled & never short of some frivolous fact to enhance conversation or quiz! A reference book & a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time & time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets & the enduring fascination of the county. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors & locals alike. ...

As the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has captured the attention & admiration of the world through his wisdom. This jewel of a book offers some of his most helpful insights on daily living, inner peace, compassion & justice
- for all of us in these troubled times.
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Happiness lies within you His Holiness the Dalai Lama has captured the attention & admiration of the world through his wisdom. This jewel of a book offers some of his most helpful insights on daily living, compassion & inner peace. A timeless collection of advice & teachings from the world`s most revered spiritual leader, it will guide you through good & troubled times. Whoever you are, whatever your beliefs, the Dalai Lama`s words have the power to calm & inspire. ...

The Little Book of Yorkshire is a fascinating, fact-packed compendium of the sort of information which no-one will want to be without. The county`s most eccentric inhabitants, famous sons & daughters, royal connections & literally hundreds of intriguing facts about Yorkshire`s landscape, cities, towns & villages come together to make one handy, pocket-sized treasure trove of trivia. Soak up the vast array of quirky tales, from the regal Richmond of John of Gaunt to the sporting Barnsley of Dickie Bird. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors & locals alike. ...

From the New York Times & internationally bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop, an extraordinary novel about self-discovery & new beginnings.` An enchanting, uplifting read` Independent on The Little Paris Bookshop Marianne Messmann longs to escape her loveless marriage. On a trip to Paris, she throws herself into the Seine, but is rescued by a passer-by. While recovering in hospital, Marianne sees a painting of a beautiful port town & decides to embark on a final adventure. Once in Brittany, she befriends a host of colourful characters who gather in a seaside bistro called Ar Mor. Among food, music & laughter, Marianne discovers a new version of herself
- passionate, carefree & powerful. That is until her past comes calling... `A true gem for fiction lovers` Good Housekeeping on The Little Paris Bookshop
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In Korea, a little Buddhist monk (really very dwarf-sized) dreams of the Western world & secretly reads up on Western culture. When he meets the holidaying French couple Napoleon Chirac & Jacqueline Bloodymary he offers his services as their guide, in the hope they will take him, a penniless monk, to Europe. He whisks them off on a tour of the temples. Among the many twists & turns, our stunned tourists encounter a suicidal horse & discover that a person can also be a robot. Though our monk appears to them as the very spirit of tourism, nothing is natural in this tour de force of Aira`s twisted imagination. ...

The Little Chinese Cookbook explores the ways in which geography, climate, culture & tradition have shaped oone of the world`s most popular cuisines. It takes a look at the behind-the-scenes world of growers, artisans, chefs & home cooks, whose passion for produce is reflected in the regional styles & flavours of China`s rich & varied food. More than 80 recipes including street food, seafood, dim sum recipes, hotpots & desserts. ...

In a little coffee shop in one of the most dangerous places on earth, five very different women come together. SUNNY, the proud proprietor, who needs an ingenious plan
- & fast
- to keep her cafe & customers safe. YAZMINA, a young pregnant woman stolen from her remote village & now abandoned on Kabul`s violent streets. CANDACE, a wealthy American who has finally left her husband for her Afghan lover, the enigmatic Wakil. ISABEL, a determined journalist with a secret that might keep her from the biggest story of her life. & HALAJAN, the sixty-year-old den mother, whose long-hidden love affair breaks all the rules. As these five women discover there`s more to one another than meets the eye, they form a unique bond that will for ever change their lives & the lives of many others. The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul is the heart-warming & life-affirming fiction debut from the author of the bestselling memoir The Kabul Beauty School.

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In this enthralling & thought-provoking novel of Middle Eastern intrigue, Charlie, a brilliant & beautiful young actress, is lured into `the theatre of the real` by an Israeli intelligence officer. Forced to play her ultimate role, she is plunged into a deceptive & delicate trap set to ensnare an elusive Palestinian terrorist. The Little Drummer Girl is a thrilling, deeply moving & courageous novel of our times. ...