'A beautifully evocative book coursing with wisdom and humour... I loved it.' – HELEN MACDONALD, author of H is for Hawk'Funny, emotional and beautifully written… I loved this book so much.' – LORRAINE KELLY'Had me hooked on Antarctic life.' – STEPHEN RUTT, author of The Waterlands'A cosy and heartwarming story of one person's relationship with nature.' – CHARLIE BINGHAM, author of...

Daphnis and Chloe is the most acclaimed of the early Greek novels. Its popularity is enhanced by the splendid illustrations it has generated - from High Victorian to Bonnard and Maillol, and of course musically in the ballet of Ravel. There are numerous translations of the prose text of Longus, but the reader may sense that something is missing, that some poetic charm in the original has been lost. Accordingly, John Watson has devised a metrical version in which, it is hoped, the ...

"The War and Democracy" is a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between warfare and democratic governance. The authors, Arthur Greenwood, R. W. Seton-Watson, John Dover Wilson, and Alfred Zimmern, delve into the impact of war on democratic institutions and the political landscape. They analyze how conflicts can both challenge and reinforce democratic ideals, providing a nuanced perspective on the interplay between national crises and civic responsibility. Through historic...

"The Commerce and Navigation of the Erythraean Sea" is a significant historical text that explores the trade routes and maritime activities of the ancient world, particularly focusing on the Indian Ocean and its surrounding regions. Translated by John Watson McCrindle, this work provides invaluable insights into the economic interactions between various civilizations, including the Romans, Indians, and Arabs. The text serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of ancie...

"War Stories for my Grandchildren" by John Watson Foster is a compelling collection of narratives that captures the essence of military experiences through the eyes of a seasoned veteran. Foster shares his personal accounts and reflections on the impact of war, weaving together tales of bravery, sacrifice, and the human spirit. Each story serves as a poignant reminder of the realities faced by soldiers, offering insights into the emotional and psychological toll of conflict, while also cel...

"Poachers and Poaching" by F.L.S. John Watson delves into the complex and often controversial world of wildlife conservation and illegal hunting. The book explores the motivations behind poaching, examining the socio-economic factors that drive individuals to engage in this illicit activity. Watson provides a thorough analysis of the impact of poaching on biodiversity and ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation strategies. Through compelling narratives and case ...

The book is a collection of stories and anecdotes detailing the experiences of a poacher, from his methods of evading gamekeepers to his intimate knowledge of the countryside and its wildlife. Watson presents poaching not just as a crime but as a craft and a way of life, showcasing the skill and cunning required to outsmart both the law and the natural challenges of the landscape. He describes the tools of the trade, such as snares, traps, and nets, and gives insight into the behavior of a...

In *The Invasion of India by Alexander the Great*, John Watson McCrindle reconstructs the Macedonian king's eastern campaign through a critical synthesis of Greek, Roman, and Indian evidence. Drawing especially on Arrian, Curtius Rufus, Diodorus, Plutarch, and Strabo, the work follows Alexander from his crossing of the Indus and encounters with Taxila and Porus to the battles, negotiations, and difficult retreat that defined the expedition's limits. McCrindle's method combines translation,...

The rewriting of prose texts in iambics is perhaps primarily a way of reading them with deliberation; the texts here - favourites of course - have much in common. Those from Lampedusa posit the possibility of extraordinary events. Similarly, 'Sylvie' depends on extremities of tenderness exemplified by the scene in the Othys section when the narrator and Sylvie, descending the stairs, stage a re-enactment. And in the scene from Dali's novel Hidden Faces there is something in common...

Famously in the twentieth century, Frank O'Hara spends his lunch hour stepping out of the Museum of Modern Art to type poems on shop demonstration typewriters. Following his accidental death on Fire Island, he becomes a legend in his own lifetime. Watson's extended riff on these lunch perambulations addresses this first legend.An interlude follows in which O'Hara and his friends emerge from MOMA to see figures from the legendary past.The second legend is the tale of Cupid and Psyche,in whi...

In "War Stories for my Grandchildren," John Watson Foster crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes with broader historical events, reflecting on the complexities of war through a deeply personal lens. The book employs a reflective and conversational style, inviting readers into intimate moments while providing a poignant exploration of the ramifications of conflict. Foster's vivid storytelling is rooted in the American literary tradition of recounting familial tale...

This early work on Ross and Cromarty is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. It contains a wealth of information on the history of the area and the meanings of the place names in it. This is a fascinating work and is thoroughly recommended for anyone with an interest in the history of Scotland. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, mo...