Numismatics
Coins: An Illustrated Survey 650BC to the Present Day
Martin Jessop Price (Ed)
This book was published by Methuen in association with British Museum Publications Ltd and comes in a black slipcase. There are 20 contributing experts who wrote the essays which cover a survey of coins from the time of the Ancient Greeks. The book is lavishly illustrated from the British Museum collections.
It covers the history from before coinage through the Hellenistic kingdoms and the Roman Empire on to Byzantium, Christendom and on to modern coinage and paper money (and all the other bits I have left out).
This is definitely a must-read for any numismatist but it also serves as a thorough introduction to the history for anyone interested (or about to develop an interest) in coins or collecting.
Bonking
Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex
by Mary Roach
Roach is a science writer with a sense of humour and a topic which is of interest to all. Rather than tell you about this book, I am going to quote from a few reviews, which will give you a much better idea.
"This book is - if not better than the act itself - then a hilarious and entertaining alternative."
AJ Jacobs
"Lucky for us, Mary Roach is a writer impervious to embarrassment."
H Sides
"Mary Roach plunged into the little-known realm of sex research and brought forth an account that is at once revealing - alarmingly so - and very, very funny. She studs her journey with a multitude of knee-crossing bits of fact that will enliven bedtime conversation everywhere."
Erick Larson
New Zealand Jade
Mana Pounamu: New Zealand Jade
Given that today is Waitangi Day, it seemed appropriate to feature a book about pounamu or jade which has traditionally played a pivotal role in Maori culture. It has always been important in tools, weapons, ornaments, art, and as currency. It has become a national symbol for New Zealand.
This book is a must for anyone interested in New Zealand history. It tells the story of jade, its origins, varieties, its physical properties, and its role in Maori myths and legends. It also deals with methods of carving the beautiful stone.
This is the revised and updated edition of the book which was first published in 1984.
good reading
We recommend the South African writer JM Coetzee. He was the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2003 and he has also won the Booker Prize twice. He has actually become an Australian now so that shows a lot of good sense. His books are really very good.
You could try Disgrace or Elizabeth Costello or The Life and Times of Michael K or you could try one of his memoirs such as Boyhood or Youth. Whatever you choose, you cannot fail to be impressed by his writing. Come in and get yourself a few copies.
Forget diets
French Women Don't Get Fat
by Mireille Guiliano
They may not get fat but they do eat bread, pastry, chocolate and dessert, drink wine, and regularly partake of three-course meals, says Mireille Guiliano - and she should know, as you can see from the photo.
This is an interesting mixture of recipes, anecdotes, memoir, philosophy of eating, and French lifestyle. We can't guarantee you won't get fat but you'll enjoy reading the book, trying the recipes and attempting to change your approach to food and eating.
superstition
What's So Lucky about a Four-Leaf Clover? and 8414 Other Strange and Fascinating Superstitions from all over the World
By Claudia de Lys
There are legends about birds, bees, snakes, body parts, marriage, pregnancy, food, dreams, disease, numbers and much more. You name it, it's there. This book deals with the origins of superstitions presaging bad luck or misfortune still believed by many people today. It also covers those which bring good luck but there aren't so many of those.
Do you believe hair can turn white overnight from shock or that you should carry a St Christopher token whenever you travel or that what you eat influences your dreams? Get a copy of the book and find out why you believe what you do and whether there is any basis for it or not. It's an interesting resource of folklore and symbolic lore to dip into.
Roger Waters / Pink Floyd
Whether you're going or not, why not pop into the shop and get into the mood for a concert by browsing in our music room. You could buy a book about Pink Floyd, Roger Waters or some of their albums. Pink Floyd The Wall was written by Roger Waters and then someone called Hugh Fielder wrote the nattily named Pink Floyd Behind the Wall.
However, we have a large selection of music books both in the shop and in our catalogued on-line stock so you could forget Pink Floyd and choose something more to your liking.
Drake's Drum
Drake's Drum and Other Songs of the Sea
by Henry Newbolt with illustrations in colour by AD McCormick
This is a lovely quarto volume of light green cloth boards with gilt lettering to the spine & front board. There is a dark blue and gilt drum motif to the front board and a gilt nautical motif to the lower spine. An attractive decorative rule made up of cream & gilt sailing ships adorns the rest of the front board. The tipped-in colour plates are each protected by a tissue guard.
Gunner and guns may all be right,
Flags a-flying and armour tight,
But I am the fellow you've first to fight -
The giant that swings the seas.
