#Quarto Publishing - White Lion

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers by Jack Chesher

 I hate to admit it but…I requested to read and review this book knowing I would be in London and wanting to see something new, different, and fun. Sadly, I forgot to download the book into a reader before traveling and lost out on SO MUCH! When I returned home, started going through books to be read and reviewed…there it was…this tiny gem filled with beautiful illustrations, unusual historical tidbits to seek around London, and specific walks to take to enjoy information in this book. I probably will not be back in London to do for a while BUT I will keep this book in mind to pick up before my next visit so that I can make the walks I would have taken if I had had this book with me a month ago.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-White Lion for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 4-5 Stars

    BLURB

 See London in a completely new light in this guide to the city's hidden secrets, untold stories and special places laden with history which you can discover for yourself! London is famous for its museums, each one full of treasures and relics – but the biggest museum in the capital is the city itself. From the stories behind unusual street names, to the trees in our parks; railings made from recycled WWII stretchers, to shrapnel damage on walls; the hidden symbols on post boxes, to prehistoric tree trunks – there is a rich history hidden in the oft-overlooked details of the city's streets, gardens, parks and buildings. This richly detailed and beautifully illustrated  book provides a miscellany of historic features and curiosities to spot as you wander around the capital. Whether you’ve always wondered why there are cattle troughs on your route to work , why bollards often look like upside down cannons or wanted to know what a Victorian stink pipe is – this book will provide the tools to decipher London’s secret code, and introduce you to a treasure trove of hidden spots to explore. The book comes complete with maps so you can spot these details yourself  on walks through the capital. So, pop on a sturdy pair of shoes and get ready to turn the city into the museum you never knew you had.

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

In each of his films, Wes Anderson builds entire worlds that fans tend to feel somehow really should exist. Discover the rich veins of inspiration that he weaves into this unique magic.

Anderson’s colorful and richly structured style is universally admired – but how has he managed to create such an enigmatic visual signature?

Like many key creatives, he’s found inspiration in a huge host of varied influences. From Hitchcock and Spielberg, to Truffaut and Varda, there are countless filmic homages and references scattered throughout Anderson’s filmography, while his cultural anchor points also go deep beyond film, and into the worlds of art and literature. Evocations of place and time also underpin his work, from mid-century Paris in The French Dispatch, to grand pre-war Europe in The Grand Budapest Hotel, while cultural institutions – such as Jacques Cousteau and The New Yorker magazine – are other touchstones.

For Wes Anderson fans and cinephiles alike, uncover the fascinating creative process of one of the world’s most revered filmmakers.

Review:

A delightful book that gives you a inside look into the wonderful world of Wes Anderson. This is the perfect book for fans of Wes Anderson films and the whimsical worlds that he creates. It's such a fun creative read that really discusses his ideas and references throughout his films. I am a huge Wes Anderson fan and this was the perfect read for me.

Release Date: October 8,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion | Frances Lincoln for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[brrrrrism]

"Vincent: A Graphic Biography" - Simon Elliott

Kirjastus: Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion Lehekülgi: 160 Ilmumisaasta: 2024 Tänu ‘Small People, BIG DREAMS’ sarja raamatule kasvas minus huvi ühe oma lemmikuima maalikunstniku vastu ning vaatamata faktile, et olen tema muuseumis käinud ja kunstiraamatutes tema kohta lugenud, oli mul vaja mälu värskendada. Tahtsin rohkem detaile, rohkem sügavust, rohkem hingevalu. Tutvustus raamatu…

[bibliomars]

'Vincent: A Graphic Biography' by Simon Elliott

This Vincent van Gogh biography is far from comprehensive, but it is still a wonderful place to start when learning about this artist. It is narrated by his sister-in-law, Jo van Gogh-Bonger, who is the reason he is celebrated so extensively today. The book takes the reader through van Gogh’s life from birth until death, exploring both the good and bad moments. While the end does get quite detailed, I wish the beginning of his career had been more thoroughly explored. Another critical part of his life that could have been examined in more depth was his stay in Arles with Paul Gauguin. These nine weeks were crucial to how we perceive the post-impressionism movement today, as neither van Gogh’s nor Gauguin’s art would be what we know without that period. A really good complementary read for this part of van Gogh’s life is Martin Gayford’s The Yellow House.

One thing worth congratulating the author for, in particular, is the final section of the book. The prose is incredibly well-written, allowing the reader to gain insight into how and why we know van Gogh’s work in the way we do today. This is all thanks to the aforementioned Jo van Gogh-Bonger, who preserved Theo van Gogh’s legacy and promoted Vincent’s work worldwide.

Regarding the graphic nature of the novel, I felt the reading order of the prose could have been clearer, as at times I didn’t know where to continue reading. The illustrations seemed rather lacklustre in the beginning, but Elliott’s style really develops and shines when depicting van Gogh’s paintings, which deserves applause. It feels like a perfect communion of both artists' styles.

Overall, it is an enjoyable read, definitely targeted towards people unfamiliar with or just beginning to explore the life of this legendary painter, though it may leave more seasoned art history lovers wanting more.

Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, for providing an ARC for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[the-deeds-to-shibden]

Monday 26 August 1839

[Quite a busy and pleasant day. Ann starts it with producing a quality sketch of Uppsala castle, before joining her wife for a book-browsing session at the university library, where Anne really gets stuck into exhaustive (and exhausting) descriptions of the architecture and shelving, with a view to implementing some of that back at Shibden (sigh). Another visit to the cathedral provides snippets of Swedish history, followed by a trip out to the Old Uppsala, the capital of pre-Christian Sweden. Unbelievably, Anne completely misses the grave of Anders Celsius in the church there, which could have inspired her to get herself a few more thermometers with a scale she hasn’t used yet. What an opportunity missed! But they get to enjoy some first-rate secret-recipe mead and another beautiful sunset.]

[up at] 6 50/”

[to bed at] 12 40/”

fine morning Fahrenheit 61º and sun out at 7 1/2 – breakfast at 8 20/”  to 9 – Ann sketching the chateau from our room window – left her to finish (to colour) her sketch a little and I off to the library at 9 10/”  sent for Ann at 9 40/” ‘Catalogue general de la litterature Française contenant les ouvrages publiés en France, ……. pendant l’ année 1837 …. avec table systématique pour les ouvrages imprimés en 1837 et les Journaux de 1838. publié par la Librairie Brockhaus et Avenarius. 1ere première année. 3 francs Paris, Brockhaus and Avenarius, Libraire Française- -allemande et etrangère. Rue Richelieu, no 60.  Leipzig, même maison. They refer to la Bibliographie de Monsieur Beuchot and le Bulletin de Monsieur Cherbuliez – and Bibliographie d’Allemagne, paraissant à Leipzig the above lying on the table of professor Skraeder ancient history with Arabic books (published here) etc. etc. Had his pedigrees and papers pasted into book with whity brown paper leaves left about 1 1/2 inches broad – books about the breadth and twice the length of one common quarto i.e. narrow folio size

Laerebog i de romerske oldsager af S. B. Bugge rector ved cathedralskolen I Christiania. med fem steentryk. Christiania 1837. Trykt I R. Hviids Enkes Bogtrykkerie og paa keder Forlag af G. Hansen.

Beitrage zur genauern Kenntniss der ehstnischen Sprache. Neunzehntes heft. Pernau, beim herausgeber. Reval, bei Bornwasser. 1828.

Initia Homerica by Th. Burgess a.m. London 1820. printed by Dove – sold by R. Priestley – given to Upsala  by ‘Thomas Burgess episcopus Salisburiensis donatus 1837’

the Italian cabinet? made at Augsburg – very curious – Christina’s snuffgrater and box looking like 

a broadish knife the box at one end and the blade a grater on which the tobacco leaves were grated Real musk in a little lead box like a bit of a small animal bag or pouch       with short 1/4 inch long like bristles on it – Christinas small fusils to kill fleas –  Gustaf 3 died 1792 left chest about 3 feet 6 inches x 6 feet and about 2 feet 6 inches broad – and black leather covered box           to be opened in 1842. 2 of his drawings in Indian ink           dated the one a chateau 1763. (26 September 1763)           and a bridge and two towers one at each end or thereabouts of the bridge           dated ‘Gustaf fecit d[ie] 19 September 1763 Drotningholm  at the library till 11 1/4 – gave the man 32 skillngs banco a one rigs dollar note – content he then shewed us the new library – not yet finished tho’ some books put there on the ground floor – there at 11 25/”  new library bookcases au premièr 6 1/2 x 2 1/4 red books, handbook which is about 6 1/2 inches long height up to gallery = about 4 yards – pilasters between the cases – 3 red books wide i.e. about 6 1/2 inches x 3 = 19 1/2 to 20 inches Racking or shelf-grooves at every 2 inches –  about 2 inches left in front of the cases for hanging doors if wanted lock-up doors with wire net at the old library 5 or 6 feet high against the bottom shelves there will be book cases to front the pilasters Salle about 58 yards long and about 5 yards wide across from pilaster to pilaster – grand entrance in the middle 5 cases on each side the door and then 5 windows on each side beyond these 5 cases respectively – greenish – white veined or waved marble (like my specimen of the holy sepulchre at home) window seats about 2 feet 6 inches high from the floor – whole breadth of window including frame = about 5 feet 6 inches whole heighth including framing = about 10 feet up to bottom of gallery – glass 6 panes in heighth - panes about 17 or 18 inches x 10 and 4 panes in breadth i.e. 2 in each 1/2 opening with a spagnolette the whole heighth of the window – 3 yards and taken up by the partition down the middle which parts the whole floor into two similar book-galleries, a ballustred gallery running all round at about 13 feet high from the floor – the man said there was says there are 120,000 volumes – floor diamond flags size of those formerly in the hall at Shibden, of red-greenish porphyry (like the windowseats) – 2 rooms at each end of the book rooms and between these 2 rooms (at each end of the building) a spiral staircase to the top of the building, and leading also to an immense salle (over the library, i.e. au seconde) to be galleried all round above? with portico behind the pillars underneath the gallery? – alcove (is a sort of throne to be there or what?) at left end as one looks on the town this immense salle entered also in the middle by the great staircase as below – 2 flights of steps taking up a breadth of about 13 yards and a depth of about 16 yards in a projection towards the castle the opposite front looking exactly along a long straight road to Dannemora and old Upsala and on to the town, and a little to the left on the cathedral as now renewed since its being burnt in 1702 – (chateau, right, going up great stairs and looking towards the town) at the new library till 12 5/”  at the cathedral at 12 1/4 – the monument to the memory of Linnaeus is in a little side chapel (left, near the great west doors as one enters ‘Carolo a Linne’ | Botanicorum | principi |             amici et Discipuli | MDCCXCVII.’ the a = von = de = noble (e.g. Thomas a Beckett) above the inscription is a bronze head – side face – très ressemblant, by J[ohan] T[obias] Sergell ‘A[nno]: MDCCXCIV’ beautiful brown whitish green veined granite? from Elfdal north of Falun the marble of the window seats etc. at the new library comes from between Norköping and Nyköping – i.e. from the forest of Kolmorden (the comma over the en in Linne is to double the e) 

Linnaeus’s grand daughter died here (Updala) last spring and left to Ridder Bielca who married her sister a fortune that would keep ten cavaliers 10 horsemen i.e. ten men and ten horses and the terrain (but that depends upon the goodness of the land) that would maintain one horseman = 8-10,000 dollars banco purchase money, the terrain containing forest, fisheries etc. everything here counted by how much land will keep a man or horseman – the academy has as much (as the man said yesterday) as would keep a hundred men – and a terre to keep a man costs 4,000 to 5,000 dollars banco to buy it –  In buying land one ought ot have 6 to 8 percent for one’s money –  fine tomb from Rome in 1793 of archbishop Carolus Fridrik Mennander nat[us] 1712 ob[iit] 1786 formerly bishop of Åbo who translated the bible into Finnish – whole length of him, sitting, leaning on ‘Biblia Fennica’ – good likeness – 7 allegorical female figures all on a tablet under the figure of Religion carrying a large cross and leaning on an urn –  

chappel of Gustaf Wasa painted in fresco by

‘John: Gust: Sandberg pinxit 1831-1838’

Eric xiv and Jean iii sons of Gustaf Wasa and Charles ix his youngest son }

Left hand, on entering the chapel (behind the alter) the paintings are

over the pictures

arms      .  1st     Gustaf on horseback receiving the keys of Stockholm Riddarholm castle some years ago burnt down 

window .  2nd ____ on horseback (young) in a battle against the Danes

ditto    .  3rd _____ at Lubeck asking assistance – a Danish nobleman claiming him

ditto    .  4th   ______ at the peasants cottage in Dalecarlia with flail, entering the barn – a Dane seeking him

ditto    .  5th   _______ Haranguing the peasants in Dalecarlia

ditto    .  6th  _______ two bishops presenting him the 1st bible Eric 14 at his elbow who was again a boy, dressed in red

arms      . 7th ________ taking leave of the deputies, died soon after

 1 and 4 azure. 3 fold crowns (the arms of Sweden)

 2 and 3 azure. lion rampant or on 3 white wavy bands i.e. lakes (the arms of Gotheborg)

escutcheon of pretence arms of Gustaf Wasa

azure. a gold sheaf (gerb) called in Swedish vasa – supporters 2 lions or crowned proper

In the sacristie or room where they keep the 2 gold crowns lately taken respectively from the heads of Jean iii and his queen Catherine and some valuable gold cups etc. is the half length old wooden statue of the pagan God Thor – part of his left side gone and his right arm broken off from the elbow – gilded formerly – brought from old Upsala – many more old things all burnt with the cathedral in 1702 – this room is a sort of safe closet – safe from fire – 3 boxes of valuables put here as we should send plate to the bank for safety –            

Get at Stockholm, chez C. M. Carlson Roadbook of Sweden and Norway. 1830.  i.e. ‘Vägvisare’ Roadbook, bought a little one at Upsala.            for 12 skillings banco. –  came in at 3 3/4 – dinner at 3 55/” to 4 20/” – good – same as yesterday but herring-and-rice-and-potatoes-pudding with anchovy sauce instead of soup – off at 4 3/4 from Upsala alight at old Upsala at 5 1/4 – off to the tumuli close by the Dummer Cull judges’ hill first – then the 3 tumuli of Odin, Thor and Frea – all the 

very near together, and the      | cull, hill, collis. |      3 conical mounds very conspicuous all the way from Upsala – fine view from all especially from Frea because farthest from the church – quite close to Odin and impedes the view from him – good country about here –  more quite clear ground (clear of stones, boulders and rock) than we have seen elsewhere – therefore land valuable here – but no forest of two miles therefore wood dear – large extensive plain on all sides – merely a few bits on the Eastern side, that one can just see encumbered with stone to remind one of being still in Sweden – the church small – not worth going into but expected (disappointed) some to see there some funeral urns found in 1 of the tumuli – fine view of Upsala – its castle looks well from here – its 2 (there are only 2) round towers (North and Northeast corners) seen, and none of the ugly pediment side seen – the  2 cathedral-towers are seen as one – and the peasants’ church tower and one other church tower one seen in one line –  Beyond Frea’s tumulus a little range of hill and the foot of this and of the tumulus itself towards the village and Upsala studed with little hillocks – on the other side the tumulus and range of hill is a little    lake – Ann is sketching the church – she did the castle very nicely this morning – Old Upsala pretty little picturesque gardeny village –  a peep at the little River – a minute or 2 in the old church – nothing worth seeing in it – back at the house to drink our bottle of mead at 6 5/”  excellent – good as champagne – how to make it is a secret – heirloom secret – 24 Rigs skillings per bottle – a pink mead at 48 skillings but she has none at present – off again at 6 25/”  in 20 minutes a little rock and boulder and Sweden again – excellent road charming evening – beautiful sunset – Hogsta should be Uggelsta single house – poor little place – could not sleep there – next stage . . . Andersby . . . 2 1/8 miles – nice open country – sowing rye and reaping it –  at Dannemora no! Ӧsterby near Dannemora, at 11 5/” –  we had to call the people up – very fine day – Fahrenheit 62º now at midnight –  

Anne’s marginal notes:

Catalogue of French books Paris and Leipzig

§

Initia Homerica

Christina’s cabinet

New library

order such at Shibden?

vide bottom of next page

new library

salle au seconde

Kolmorden and Elfdal marble vide bottom of last page

manner of estimating property

bishop Mennander who translated the bible into Finnish

WYAS Catalogue:  SH:7/ML/TR/13/0009    SH:7/ML/TR/13/0010    SH:7/ML/TR/13/0011     SH:7/ML/TR/13/0012

One of the frescoes by Johan Gustaf Sandberg in Uppsala Cathedral showing the exploits of King Gustav I Vasa (Gustav Vasa Speaking to the Dalecarlians at Mora):

The three tumuli (the Royal Mounds) at Old Uppsala:

The church at Old Uppsala, which Ann sketched:

Interior of Carolina Rediviva, now the main building of Uppsala University library; a work in progress when Anne and Ann visited it and Anne described it so thoroughly:

[rebeccareviews]

Cities of the Dead: The World's Most Beautiful Cemeteries by Yolanda Zappaterra

Yolanda Zappaterra’s Cities of the Dead: The World's Most Beautiful Cemeteries is a fascinating and educational book. I enjoyed the pretty and nostalgic pictures and I liked reading about the histories and architecture of these interesting cemeteries. However, I wish the book was better organised and there was less of a disparity in the locations presented.

This book is divided into regions: The Americas; Europe; and Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Many famous cemeteries are included like Lafayette Cemetery No. One in New Orleans, Al-Qarafa in Cairo, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, Père Lachaise in Paris, and Highgate Cemetery in London. Each cemetery featured has its own entry which includes at least one picture and examines its history, architectural features, and famous residents. Most of the entries are brief and encompass one or two pages. However, there are a few of the more famous sites whose write ups are slightly lengthier and feature more pictures. There is also a great section on symbolism in cemeteries. This informative chapter briefly describes the meanings and histories behind items like cherubs, candles, and boats that are often found in cemeteries.

This book is so original and interesting! I learned so much about many different countries, and cultures. Cemeteries are undoubtedly places of sadness, nostalgia, and tragedy. They are an indelible and important record of humanity, reveal a multitude of stories, and–as this book shows–can be quite beautiful. I loved seeing the Merry Cemetery in Romania which is filled with colourful folk art depicting stories about the deceased. It is truly a unique and endearing tradition and tribute. The journey through the iconic Père Lachaise reflects a swathe of famous Western figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Frédéric Chopin. I am in awe of the lovely Aoyama Cemetery in Tokyo where people can enjoy the beautiful springtime Sakura. Here, you can also find the grave of the famous dog Hachiko. His adorable gravesite is covered in doggie themed gifts left by adoring fans.

While this book is extremely educational and well-researched, Zapaterra’s writing is sadly quite dry and can be repetitive. The book also could have been better organised. I would have liked to see a better distribution of information as some cemeteries have a lot of pictures and information while other entries are woefully succinct. The Europe chapter is very large and so many English cemeteries are included that I thought that I was touring every cemetery that England has to offer! In comparison, the Asia, Oceania and Africa chapter is quite sad with not many entries. Furthermore, while I do appreciate the abundance of wonderfully composed and evocative pictures, the book would have benefited from a more meaningful selection of images.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion for this book in exchange for an honest review.

⚰️⚰️⚰️1/2 out of 5 coffins!

[theartworksinc]

The Artworks welcomes London based illustrator Amy Grimes!

We are thrilled to welcome the very talented Amy Grimes to The Artworks team. Amy’s bright and bold illustrations are inspired by nature and often feature botanical motifs and leafy landscapes. Amy’s work is mainly created digitally, using a variety of hand-painted textures, which are scanned and assembled in Photoshop into digital collages.

Amy graduated from Camberwell College of Art in 2014 with a first in Illustration and has since worked for clients including Quarto, White Lion Publishing, Scribbler, UK Greetings and Papier.

We love her beautiful textural style and can’t wait to share more of her work over the next few months.

[a-h-arts]

Poignant Account of the Artist’s Asylum Life “Starry Night: Van Gogh at the Asylum” by Martin Bailey is a poignant and beautifully illustrated account of Van Gogh's time at the asylum in Saint-Remy. Despite the challenges of ill health and asylum life, he continued to produce prodigiously and created a series of masterpieces — cypresses, wheatfields, olive groves and sunsets. He wrote very little about this time in letters to his beloved brother Theo, so this book gives a helpful and sensitive impression of daily life behind the walls of the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole and looks at Van Gogh through fresh eyes, with newly discovered material. Highly recommended for all of us who deeply love this masterful artist. 5/5 Go to Amazon

Thought provoking A big thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/White Lion Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I must be honest, I know nothing about Van Gogh except he cut off his ear. This is not to say that I don't appreciate a d enjoy his work, because I do. So this book was an eye opener in many ways. It is about his time in the assylum, and the time reading up to it. It does discuss the cutting off of the ear-which I found fascinating. Why would anyone do this and then send the ear to someone? We are extremely lucky that Van Gogh was allowed to wander the countryside and still paint! This book was almost overwhelming with the information provided. Still, I found it well done and thought provoking. I am no expert but enjoyed this a d would recommend. I rate it 4.5 stars. Go to Amazon

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb: Energetic little readers will be sent to the land of nod after reading this fun picture book by award-winning illustrator Guilherme Karsten.

Are you all set for SLEEPOVER TIME? Monster has your scary pajamas ready and UNDER the bed is looking perfectly yucky and monstrous. Wait, what do you mean you sleep ON THE BED? Are you not a monster? ALL monsters sleep under the bed! Can you persuade Monster to sleep on the horribly soft bed with a disgustingly fluffy teddy?

This soothing book helps little ones fall asleep

Review:

A super cute children's book for you to read before bed! The artwork is super cute and the story is easy and fun to read!

*Thanks Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Happy Yak for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Great British Vegan by Aimee Ryan

Simple, plant-based recipes to cook the nation’s favourite recipes

 Delicious sounding recipes that made me wish this was a cookbook that I already had in my home in the kitchen ready to cook from. The Photos are gorgeous, most of the ingredients in the recipes are easily found even here in Lebanon, the names of the foods are ones that I have heard mentioned many times by British friends and have always wanted to try. The idea of making mince using walnuts and mushrooms, bacon from rice paper wraps, or egg dip for toast soldiers without using an egg are just a few of the wonderful ideas I saw and would love to try. The desserts, roasts, feast foods, and so many more of the recipes tantalized and tempted me with every page I turned. The photographs were colorful and jumped off the page making me salivate as I thought about getting a fork or spoon to help myself to a big bite of one dish or perhaps the next. I can see many happy hours of cooking then eating these tasty, delightful, and delicious dishes. This is a book that highly recommend and believe would be an excellent addition to any home.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto – White Lion Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

    BLURB

 ‘Aimee is an exceptional talent and her fab new book displays her unique gift for making vegan cooking both exciting and comforting. I have no doubt it will quickly become a firm plant-based classic.’ Áine Carlin, Bestselling author of Keep It Vegan and The New Vegan If you’re craving your favourite British comfort foods, but also want to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, then Great British Vegan is the book is for you.  Whether you’re vegan, flexitarian or merely interested in cutting down on your meat consumption, there’s no reason you can’t still indulge in all your favourite British classics, using easy-to-find ingredients. With great-tasting, simple to make home-style recipes that will comfort as well as nourish, this book makes sure you’ll never miss out on Sunday roasts, full English breakfasts or afternoon teas again. This unique take on vegan cooking reimagines over 80 classic British dishes including Full English, Shepherd's Pie, Banger's & Mash, Yorkshire Puddings, Beer Battered (To)Fish & Chips, Sausage Rolls, Welsh Rarebit, Scottish Shortbread, Eton Mess and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

[cathygeha]

The Sustainable Home by Christine Liu

 Live simply, sustainably and responsibly. Think about your impact on earth and how you can make your footprint delicate rather than a big stomp. I didn’t learn anything new but did enjoy seeing how this author has incorporated some ideas that will allow less waste and better utilization of the earth’s abundance.

 Topics included:

* Living: minimalism, energy, furniture and indoor plants

* Kitchen: sustainable foods, plant-based foods, food waste, cooking equipment and techniques

* Bedroom: closets, repair * repurpose clothing, sustainable sleep

* Bathroom: toothpaste, body care, haircare, water waste, cleaning materials

Outdoor: greening the workplace, dining out, going places, taking action

 Some ideas discussed and questions to ask yourself:

* do you need it?

* can you buy something used?

* can you fix it?

* can you repurpose it?

* can you purchase from a sustainable company instead?

* decluttering

* how to decrease waste produced

* what to use instead of toilet paper, plastic, etc

* making cleaning products, body-care items and other items at home

 Some interesting tidbits that would be interesting to try to incorporate into my life though it might not be easy where I live – not sure I can do many if any here in Lebanon but will give some a try.

 Thank you to Quarto Publishing-White Lion Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 4 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38526343-the-sustainable-home

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Iconic Tarot Decks by Sarah Bartlett

The History, Symbolism and Design of Over 50 Decks

 Beautiful, informative, and filled with information ~ I found this book a delight to flip through and then spend time with. For someone wanting a brief introduction to a variety of historical and more current tarot decks, this was a treasure trove of information and a visual feast.

 What I liked:

* The variety and number of decks shared

* The information about the decks including the history, who created them and their purposes

* That there was some information on how to use the decks for personal divinatory purposes

* Pondering what the cards might mean to me were I to use them

* The look into the history of tarot cards

* The various reasons the cards were decorated as they were

* Finding out who some of the artists of tarot cards were

* Wanting to find a few of the decks to add to my personal collection…need to write those down

* Being reminded of my thought of one day creating a personal deck of my own

* That there was not too much information to bog down the book

 What I didn’t like:

* Can’t think of anything ;)

 Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I buy it for myself or someone else? I might

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing – White Lion for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

   BLURB

 The tarot is a treasury of divination, symbolism and self-knowledge. But who created its mysterious art and meaning, and why? What were they seeking? Does it originate in ancient esoteric wisdom or is this a vain fancy of the occultists? How has the interpretation and meaning of the cards evolved?   In Iconic Tarot Decks, Sarah Bartlett (the international bestselling author) presents 50 of the most iconic tarot decks – telling the powerful stories of how each was devised and designed and showcasing their most exemplary cards. Each of the fifty-six decks in this book holds its own unique symbolism and mystical beginnings: from Visconti-Sforza, the fifteenth-century deck that reveals the fates of two Italian dynasties, to the Sola Busca Tarot, with its esoteric alchemical codex; from the pioneering Rider-Waite-Smith deck to the occult riddles of English Magic Tarot.   With an introduction to reading tarot and useful tips on deciphering the cards – this is the perfect book for collectors, cartomancers, designers, tattoo artists and anyone interested in the art and mystery of tarot.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Everyday Bakes to Showstopper Cakes

Author: Mich Turner

Photographer: Lisa Linder

 What a gorgeous book this is! The photographs drew me in and then seeing that simple recipes were taken from being decorated simply to quite elaborate with complicated steps made this a book I would love to sit and read then get up and bake from.

 The recipes provide both imperial and metric measurements making this book easy to follow. There are tips to make success more likely along with step by step instructions on how to make the cake, icing(s) and decorations. Whether you are a beginner or more skilled there are ideas for everyone interested in tackling cake baking.

 Cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, baby showers and more are included. Frostings are not limited to buttercream or fondant and the ways to take a recipe and use it for cupcakes or more complicated layer or shaped cakes are also included. Use of candies, flowers, fruit and so many more items to decorate with made this a joy to read and get new ideas from.

 A chocolate chip cupcake can become quite elegant with peanut butter frosting, peanut brittle and a few other additions. A cake with a heart inside? Haven’t tried that before. A simple layer cake then frosted with caramel inside? Hmmm… Flavors of fruit, vanilla, chocolate, gingerbread and more are included along with meringue-based deserts like pavlova.

 Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I buy it to bake from? I would

 Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

BLURB

 In  Everyday Bakes to Showstopper Cakes, celebrity baker Mich Turner brings together a collection of recipes to take you all the way from the delicious everyday through to the spectacular. Starting out with simple cakes, biscuits and cupcakes, once you have mastered this first level, Mich provides you with a few extra steps to turn these into fabulous creations. If you’re looking for more of a challenge or to elevate a favourite, these bakes are easily adapted to create a true showstopper cake. Covering a full range of bakery goods as well as perfect flavours, whether you are a novice baker or already know your rum baba from your roulade, you can be easily guided through these delicious bakes and simple but spectacular decoration techniques that make the most of wonderful flavours and perfect crumb.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(from her website: https://www.lvcc.co.uk/)

To the world of LITTLE VENICE CAKE COMPANY by Mich Turner MBE

Mich Turner MBE, is an award winning entrepreneur and founder of Little Venice Cake Company.  Author of 6 international best-selling cake books, she is often described as the 'Queen of Couture Cakes'.  She is an ambassador for Scottish Bakers' Association as well as an accomplished speaker, demonstrator, teacher and conference host.  She is a regular contributor to TV programs and as a qualified food scientist relishes her roles a consultant to a number of key businesses in the food industry.  

From Downton Abbey to Buckingham Palace, Little Venice Cake Company has created cakes for celebrities and international royalty including Her Majesty The Queen, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Paul McCartney, Emma Thompson, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Gordon Ramsay and David Beckham.  Mich Turner founded the company in 1999 and her award-winning designs continue to be the inspiration for many.  The company is delighted to announce its NEW ATELIER will be opening at The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences, in Dubai autumn 2020.

"Mich is the Michelangelo of Cakes!"  PIERCE BROSNAN                                                

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Modern Sourdough by Michelle Eshkeri

The author of this book opened a bakery because she realized there was a need for such a shop in her neighborhood. She is self-trained and has learned much over time and in this book shares some of what she has learned. That her bakery is thriving is something that does not always happen in this economy. And I applaud her for opening the shop and sharing her wisdom and recipes with the world.

Why did I want to read/review this book? First, I have a sister who can only eat sourdough bread at the moment and I thought that if this book was easy to read and had good directions I would recommend it to her since she said she might take up bread baking again and pursue sourdough bread making since that is what she can eat. Second, I have made sourdough in the past while living in countries where I could not find yeast or when I wanted to just see if I could make it and make bread from it. Third, I like cookbooks.

This book has over 100 recipes and I was amazed at how many types of bread can be made with sourdough starter. I loved the idea that so many varieties are out there and all doable with sourdough.

What I liked:

* The gorgeous photographs

* The specific instructions

* The details on making the sourdough and keeping it alive

* The ease with which I could visualize the process by reading the instructions

* The information about recipes in the book – especially those from other countries

* The way I could almost taste the bread as I looked at the photos

* The desire I had when I finished to start making sourdough starter

From muffins and pancakes to laminated pastry and from a daily tasty loaf to tiny filled delicacies this book will have something for everyone. That said...I am off to write to my sister (or her son) to recommend this is purchased for her to read and try baking from. I can see her pizza making husband also enjoying this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-White Lion Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43523056-modern-sourdough?ac=1&from_search=true

Description

In Modern Sourdough, Michelle Eshkeri reveals how mastering the art of sourdough baking can open up a world of sweet and savoury treats at home.   Michelle opened Margot Bakery in a shop in East Finchley, London in 2016. An instant hit, it became an experiment in pushing the boundaries of what a local bakery could be, by specialising in sourdough leavened pastries and sweet doughs alongside more traditional breads.   Bringing together over 100 mouth-watering recipes inspired by Michelle’s heritage, Modern Sourdough expands our understanding of this ancient baking technique. Featuring a step-by-step guide to making a sourdough starter, as well as methods for folding, shaping, scoring and baking, it demonstrates how you too can make Margot signature loaves, as well as naturally-leavened pizzas, challah, focaccia, French pastries, brioche and babka.   Covering bread, cakes, buns, savoury bakes and store cupboard wonders, plus a selection of non-sourdough favourites from the bakery, these are recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Urban Aviary – A Modern Guide to City Birds

Stephen Moss – Author

Marc Martin – Illustrator

This charming guide to birds found in cities around the world lists less than 100 birds total but does give some intriguing and interesting facts about the birds included. History, nesting sites, predators, habits and more are mentioned about each bird. This would be a fun book for parents to read with their children and then perhaps provide watercolors for the children to paint various birds in the book along with the habitat they live in.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing-White Lion for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43251425-urban-aviary?ac=1&from_search=true

BLURB

A unique guide to the unusual and often surprising birds that soar above our cities around the world. From frigatebirds wheeling over Rio de Janeiro to bowerbirds displaying in the suburbs of Canberra, penguins in Cape Town to pelicans in San Francisco, and huge flocks of starlings roosting around the Colosseum in Rome, the world’s cities are home to a remarkable array of feathered citizens. Through Stephen Moss’s expert knowledge and insight, Urban Aviary provides a beautiful guide to some of the most extraordinary species of city birds that have become native, including helpful spotting hints and fact boxes for each bird, all of which are brought to life by Marc Martin’s distinctive and beautiful watercolours.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

An Uncommon Atlas by Alastair Bonnett

50 new views of our physical, cultural and political world

What a fascinating book this proved to be! I can see wanting it for myself, buying it for gifts and available in lending libraries across the. I was amazed by all of the information included in this book and came away thinking about the earth new and different ways.

The first section discussed land, sea and air and included information on fire activity, water stress, ocean rubbish, lightning and a whole lot more The next section was related to humans and animals and there ecological footprint, linguistic diversity, obesity, happiness and even more intriguing issues were shown. Finally globalisation was the topic and here I learned about twitter relationships, shipping routes, energy flux, petrol prices, sugar and even the nut trade around the world.

Want to know where obesity is greatest? You will find it in this book. Want to know who has the greatest number of edible insects? Look no further Want to know what a “black marble” is? Pick this book up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion Publishing for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.

5 Stars

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41214339-an-uncommon-atlas

BLURB

A unique and beautiful collection of fifty maps in which our physical, political and cultural world is visualised, measured and mapped like never before.    An Uncommon Atlas is the new 2019 edition, previously published as New Views.  From charting energy networks to revealing new and emerging lands, measuring human migration to assessing the planet’s ant populations – and including the phenomena we have little control over such as lightning strikes or asteroid impact – each map asks you to question, wonder and look again at our rapidly changing and often surprising world.    Divided into three thematic sections: Land, Air and Sea; Human and Animal, and Globalisation, An Uncommon Atlas offers a fresh and truly global portrait of our intricately fascinating planet.