This vintage book contains an interesting and practical study of the identification of gemstones, pearls, and ornamental minerals. A comprehensive and profusely-illustrated handbook for both novice and experienced practitioners, this volume is not to be missed by anyone with a keen interest in the subject. The chapters of this book include: “Crystallography”, “Physical Properties”, “Specific Gravity”, “Light”, “Measurement of Refractive Index”, “Colour in Gem Distinction”, “The Microscope”...

A funeral director reveals why anyone would want to hang out with dead bodies and other curiosities of a life spent inside a mortuary.With unusual anecdotes and unbelievable truth, funeral director and embalmer Robert Webster shares empathetic yet entertainingly quirky stories about the funeral business. He answers those embarrassing questions foremost in our minds and provides readers with behind-the scenes stories of what really goes on after you're dead with bot...

A witty and imaginative series of fictional interviews with historical and literary figures from beyond the grave.

Letters to Guy by Lady Barker is a charming and insightful collection of personal letters that offer a vivid glimpse into Victorian society, family life, and the author’s experiences within the British colonial world. Written with warmth, wit, and keen observation, these letters capture everyday events, social customs, travel impressions, and reflections on culture and character. Lady Barker’s engaging narrative voice transforms ordinary correspondence into lively social commentary, reveal...

Robert Webster Jones invites you on a whimsical journey beyond the grave — in “Light Interviews with Shades”, the ethereal voices of longdead legends converse with the living, revealing witty confessions, hidden truths and mordant humor from the beyond. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Imagine sitting down with the ghost of Bluebeard, Queen Elizabeth I, Hippocrates, Don Quixote, or even King Solomon — hearing them speak candidly about their liv...

Henry D. Rack is one of the most profound historians of the Methodist movement in modern times. He has spent a lifetime researching and writing about the rise and significance of John Wesley and his Methodist followers in the eighteenth century and has also uncovered the historical significance of the Methodist Church in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Collected here in this volume are thirteen essays honoring the life and scholarship of Dr. Rack from a host of international schola...

Dog Gone MysteryWhen Cruft’s Best of Breeds Champion mysteriously disappears, the finger of suspicion points at the owner of a rival kennel.Somerset police find the missing Scottish terrier’s dermal tracker, but cannot find further evidence of a crime. Having no proof they are unable to do anything and drop any investigations.The other dogs call in Ratchet and Stench, and even though they uncover clues that suggest a brutal murder, the animal sleuth...

First Book in SeriesFossdyke Retirement Home has seen its fair share of quirky characters, but it’s never seen the likes of these four geriatric musicians who form a band called Fossils.Chaos erupts after winning a national competition, when a local DJ who entered their recording into the contest labels Fossils as a vibrant young rock band.Fearing the English press persecuting them and their families when they find out the truth, the four flee Engla...

Book two in the hilarious SIAM STORM Series.With soothing music playing in the background, Professor Norman Rumble clasps his hand over his mouth as he stares down upon his creation glaring back at him.Mystified, there is only one question on his lips… Why?There are only two people in the world who know the answer to that… and they’re fishing.When the oft- golden box containing the dental remains of the Buddha gets stolen again; the last sur...

From turbulent battles raging under the ocean to the dark stillness of space, this fast-paced supernatural thriller follows a sinister plot planned during World War 2 and instigated in the present day.Three psychically gifted individuals come together as one powerful mediatory force between the Mortal World and the Celestial Plane. Known as the PATH team, they encounter the demon spirit of Adolf Hitler that leaves the team and their spirit guardians with a mystery to solve to avoid...

Written by Diabetics; for Diabetics.Diabetes is now a prevalent condition that affects millions of people. Many of you will have, or most of you will know, someone who has it.This book has been written by a collaboration of medically trained diabetics – not by Medical Practitioners, PhD professors or salespeople. – They are people who until recently struggled to control diabetes with diet, exercise and high levels of glycemic drugs alone. After learning abo...

Fossdyke Retirement Home has seen its fair share of quirky characters, but it’s never seen the likes of these four geriatric rockers!To outsiders, they are sweet, funny, if not a tad bit ornery. To those in the know, they are meddlesome, rebellious, and in way over their heads. When chaos erupts, they’re not far behind.What begin as ordinary days, where others their age would spend their time chatting up a friend or family member, these four spend their days and nights maki...