New Releases by Jane Bingham

he Cotswolds have featured on a thousand country calendars, but what is the real story behind the picture-perfect rural scene? Jane Bingham reveals a history of privilege and poverty, idyll and conflict, through the eyes of travellers, writers and artists. Lying in the heart of Southern England, the Cotswolds occupy a significant place in the history of the nation. Ancient stone circles and ruined Roman villas provide reminders of a distant past. Fine churches and manor houses survive from the prosperous Middle Ages, and the landscape also bears the scars of Civil War. The home of kings and nobles since Saxon times, the region is famous for its grand estates, while signs of an industrial age can be seen in its mills and factories. After the wool trade reached its peak in the fifteenth century, the fortunes of the Cotswolds suffered a slow decline as its villages sank into picturesque decay. But in the 1890s the region began to experience a remarkable transformation. It was then that William Morris and his followers discovered the area, establishing thriving centres for Arts and Crafts. In the following century, writers and artists moved to the Cotswolds and there followed a steady rise in tourism. Today, the region continues to attract visitors, as well as country-weekenders and celebrities. Observing all these changes, and picturing the landscape, has been a lively company of writers, artists and musicians. Some, like Laurie Lee, belong to a particular place, while others have viewed the Cotswolds as outsiders. In their writings, art and music, they have all celebrated the distinctive, and sometimes surprising, character of the Cotswolds. FAMOUS FIGURES: Elizabeth I at Woodstock; Charles I at Edgehill; Marlborough and Churchill at Blenheim; The Mitford sisters at Swinbrook; Prince Charles at Highgrove; Damien Hirst at Toddington Manor. THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT: William Morris at Kelmscott and Broadway; C. R. Ashbee at Chipping Campden: Ernest Gimson and the Barnsley brothers at Sapperton. WRITERS AND MUSICIANS: William Shakespeare in the northern hills; Alexander Pope at Cirencester Park; Laurie Lee in the Slad Valley; T. S. Eliot at Burnt Norton; Ralph Vaughan Williams and A. E. Housman on Bredon Hill.

Help a team of animal workers tackle some big projects, whether it''s building a school, making an adventure playground, or laying a road. Discover over 170 detailed stickers to bring each busy scene to life with bulldozers, diggers, dump trucks and more.

This giant workbook is packed with fun activities to help children practise their English and Maths skills. A group of friendly jungle animals gently guide them through each topic, and tricky concepts are broken into easy-to-follow steps to help build confidence. Including six sections: Grammar and Punctuation, Spelling, Comprehension, Multiplying, Dividing and Times Tables. With quizzes and over 120 reward stickers so children can track and celebrate their progress.

A building site sticker book packed with diggers and trucks to add to colourful, exciting scenes. Help a team of animal workers tackle some big projects, whether it''s building a school, making an adventure playground, or laying a road. Discover over 170 detailed stickers to bring each busy scene to life with bulldozers, diggers, dump trucks and more. This is the perfect book for any child interested in how things are built. Sticker books are brilliant for developing essential fine motor skills and creativity as children carefully choose stickers for each scene. In addition, this book is a fun and interactive way to help young children develop their vocabulary and take a lively interest in the world around them. With action-packed scenes and lots of exciting vehicles and building jobs to talk about, this book will keep children busy for hours.

Stories of human encounters with ghosts have fascinated humans for years. But do supernatural beings really exist? Take a look at the evidence and decide for yourself!

The World of Mythology series introduces the myths of the world''s greatest civilizations. The Classical world of ancient Greece and Rome has had an immeasurable impact on Western culture, but what inspired some of the greatest writers, philosophers, and architects of all time? Gods were not only worshipped, but consulted for both minor problems and victory in battle. The legends of mortals Heracles and Perseus were wrapped up in the lives of the immortals. Art and artifacts, as well as photographs of the landscapes immortalized in the tales, bring the world of Classical myth to life.

Vampires and Werewolves are certainly popular these days. Actually, there have been popular stories about these monsters for centuries. Are the stories based on any reality? Some people think so. Using the scientific method and other information, this book aims to find out whether or not these monsters could exist!

A comprehensive dictionary with over a thousand colour illustrations, over 10,000 entries and 25,000 straightforward definitions with part of speech indicators, example sentences and pronunciation guides for tricky words. A comprehensive dictionary with over a thousand colour illustrations, over 10,000 entries and 25,000 straightforward definitions. Fully revised and updated for 2014 and beyond, with new words added and redundant words removed. Includes example sentences and pronunciation guides for tricky words, as well as information about the conventions of written English and a brief history of the English language. An essential home or school reference book that is perfect for children beginning their SATs and similar exams.

Emily Brontë''s haunting tale of love and revenge, rivetingly retold for today''s readers, remains as powerful and gripping as the day it was first written. High on the windswept Yorkshire moors, an old farmhouse hides dark secrets. What is the strange history of Wuthering Heights? Why has Heathcliff, its mysterious owner, cut himself off from the world - and who is the unearthly girl wandering the moors at night?

Does the patch of stormy sea between the tip of Florida, Puerto Rico and Bermuda hide a dark and frightening secret? For decades, there have been cases of ships and aircraft that seem to vanish in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. Others who have survived flying or sailing through, have reported strange occurrences, such as clocks and navigational instruments failing. Are all of these reports true? Is there a mystery lurking? Using the scientific method and available data, this book attempts to find out!

For years, mysterious symbols and patterns have been appearing in many fields. What created them and what could they possibly mean? Are they the work of beings from another world or simply the works of dedicated hoaxers? Using the scientific method and available information, this book attempts to find out!

Readers learn about the Amazon River, the region around it, and stories of its exploration.

Dinosaurs & the prehistoric world.

This book briefly examines the military and political impact of the Gulf wars, along with their imapct on civilian populations.

This volume examines the bravery of children suring wartime.

"From flappers and jazz to King Kong and big bands"--Cover.

Why has the recent War in Iraq been so contentious, whereas the First Gulf War was supported by a broad coalition of nations? Why are they of such global significance? And how did the wars affect people on both sides of the conflict? This book seeks to relate the overall events and chronology of the wars and shows their impact on everyday lives.

Profiles the life and work of the Italian Renaissance painter and sculptor Michelangelo.

Designed to reinforce literacy skills and arts knowledge with easy to follow activities.

Introduces Post-Impressionism, including its history, the famous artists and works of the movement, and the different methods of painting derived during the period.

Describes the life and reign of Elizabeth I, from her early childhood and the political scandals surrounding her family to her reign as the formidable Queen of England.

Describes everyday life among the ancient Romans, covering family life, marriage, leisure, education, clothing, food and drink, warfare, religion, and funerals.

Describes everyday life among the ancient Egyptians, covering family life, marriage, leisure, education, clothing, food and drink, warfare, religion, and funerals.

Outlines the principal eating disorders and discusses prevention and treatment.

How did the Impressionists get their name? Who were the most famous Impressionists? Did the Impressionist style have a lasting impact? ''Impressionism'' answers all these questions. It also discusses how and why the Impressionist movement began, looks at how the Impressionists captured the changing effects of light and color in nature, and examines the different subjects Impressionist artists chose for their paintings. ''Art on the Wall'' is an exciting and informative series that explores a range of art movements and styles. Each title in the series looks at the history behind the movement and discusses the techniques used by its artists. The text is supported with stunning paintings and other artworks that illustrate each art style. The titles also include biographies of well-known artists and try-it-yourself activities that encourage readers to create their works of art using the techniques of the movement.

This title solves the mysteries of the Aztecs. Discover where to find skull altar in the Great Temple, why the Aztecs had two calendars, and how to avoid becoming a human sacrifice!

Describes the geography, climate, natural resources, and wildlife of Australia.

Everyone''s role is important in creating a balanced society and the book looks at the work, education, entertainment, home life and family life of Roman men, women and children. This book supports the National Curriculum by showing what we can learn about the Ancient Romans from the evidence that has survived to this day. A series of ''real lives'' panels gives tells the stories of people who lived during the period.

This exciting new series promotes the understanding of global problems and news stories by helping readers understand the issues and organizations involved.