Joseph Lockwood was born in poverty next to his grandfather's mill in Southwell Nottinghamshire; from there he went on to become a world expert and author of the standard textbook on flour milling. In mid-life he turned from managing and designing flour mills to becoming Chairman of EMI, ' The Greatest Recording Organisation in the World'. A much sought after public figure, businessman and government advisor, he played a major role in building the National Theatre, restoring the Royal Oper...

Tyrell and Julia booked to travel on the Titanic with their two sons to introduce them to their American grandfather, but the children were too ill to travel. Julia persisted in going without them. The fatal and tragic decision not only led to the unnecessary loss of her husband, it was to haunt her for the next fifty years. Why was she so determined to go? In a letter written to her sons, as her death approached, she claimed the purpose of the visit was 'to gain her wealthy father's suppo...

In the realm of literature, where imagination reigns supreme, William Cavendish, the enigmatic Duke of Newcastle, pens an extraordinary masterpiece that transports readers to a world beyond their wildest dreams. "To The Duchesse of Newcastle, On Her New Blazing-World" is a literary odyssey that defies convention, inviting us to embark on a journey to a distant planet where the boundaries of reality blur and the impossible becomes tangible. Prepare to be captivated by a tale that weaves tog...

Why did London Underground once employ a one-legged man to ride up and down the escalators at Earl's Court tube station? What did Hitler plan to do with Nelson's Column? Why is London's only medieval mummy a prostitute named Clarice la Claterballock? How did a beer flood in Tottenham Court Road drown nine people? Where can you see a pair of Queen Victoria's knickers?Containing chapters covering London past and present; buildings and streets; famous and unexpected Londoners; arts, li...

The compelling and inspirational story of the rags to riches life of Kerry Stokes, a remarkable Australian.Kerry Stokes is a remarkable Australian. Not because he is one of Australia's wealthiest and most powerful people, but because of what he overcame to get there and because he has endured when others didn't. His success and his rise have intrigued the business world for decades but there is so much more to him than multi-million dollar deals or mergers.Behind the laconi...

The World was my Lobster tells the story of George Cole's more than 70 years in the acting profession that began with a walk-on part at the age of 14 in the stage musical The White Horse Inn in 1939, and continues today having included such roles as David Bliss in the radio and television versions of A Life of Bliss, Flash Harry in the St. Trinian's films, and Arthur Daley in television's Minder.Adopted when he was only 10 days old, George Cole grew up in south London in the 1920s. On the ...

A fascinating study of successful author, pioneering aviator, and skilful engineer, Nevil Shute. Shute the Messenger traces his early life in the UK describing his lifelong passion for air travel from early airships to fixed wing machines. His engineering and organisational skills made him an asset to the growing industry and kept him grounded during the Second World War. Eventually with Shute as sole pilot he and a friend flew a tiny plane across the world to Australia where he settled wi...

The compelling, witty and remarkably honest autobiography from beloved star of Just a Minute, QI, Have I Got News For You and Celebrity GoggleboxTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Hilarious, ribald, eye-popping, unforgettable, will make you laugh out loud' DAILY MAIL'Warm, witty, charming. A moving and very affectionate family history. An enthusiast for life' THE TIM...

'A wonderful account of a life filled with far more ups and downs than its subject's languid demeanour ever suggested.' -Miles JuppEven if the name doesn't ring a bell, you'd recognise David Tomlinson's face – genial and continually perplexed, he was Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, Professor Browne in Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Peter Thorndyke in The Love Bug. To many, he's the epitome of post-war British comedy....

When Wallis & Edward was first published in 1986, weeks after the death of the Duchess of Windsor, it caused a sensation: this was the story the world had been waiting for. For the first time, the story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII was revealed in their own words. Michael Bloch's edition of their intimate correspondence takes us from the moment they met in 1931 up to their marriage in 1937, and includes Wallis Simpson's diary of their affair in form of her weekly letters...

' A rollicking romp.' – Mail On Sunday'Compelling, authoritative and as readable as the best airport thriller. It fizzes with crime, fame, power and illicit sex.' – Jeremy Vine'A timely and important book. It's quite remarkable how one building has played host to such debauchery. If only the walls could talk…' – Iain DaleDesigned as a city dwelling for the modern age, Dolp...