What to look forward to in Mary Beard’s new book: Emperor of Rome, 2023

Updated: 19/09/2023

Prepare for a journey into the heart of Rome as Mary Beard, the eminent historian and classicist, is back with her latest book, Emperor of Rome. This riveting masterpiece promises to deliver an unparalleled deep-dive into the intriguing world of Roman emperors, a subject that has long fascinated readers. Beard’s exceptional storytelling prowess, coupled with her profound understanding of Roman history, sets the stage for illuminating insights into the lives of the most powerful individuals of ancient Rome. From their political machinations to their personal intrigues, Beard unravels them all with a deft touch. Emperor of Rome is also poised to shatter conventional wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on the infamous rulers’ reigns and their impacts that reverberate to this day. With Beard’s impeccable scholarship and lively narration, expect to be transported back in time, witnessing firsthand the spectacle of Rome under its emperors. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual reader, Emperor of Rome is a must-read. It invites you to immerse yourself in the grandeur, the drama, and the unvarnished realities of Rome’s imperial past, seen through the discerning lens of Mary Beard. So, brace yourself for an enthralling exploration of an epoch that continues to shape the course of history. Buy Emperor of Rome here Feature image

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

How to be resilient as a stoic in this tough modern world

by James Banham

Posted: 29/06/2023

Modern Stoicism: Top 5 Books to Help You Live a More Meaningful Life Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, has been gaining popularity in recent years as a practical approach to living a more mindful and fulfilling life. The principles of Stoicism emphasise the importance of self-control, rational thinking, and mindfulness to achieve inner peace amid the chaos of everyday life. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 books on modern Stoicism that can help you incorporate these principles into your daily routine, and ultimately, lead a more meaningful life. All the books are on sale, too! In conclusion, these top 5 books on modern Stoicism offer practical insights and exercises to help readers live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or a seasoned practitioner, these books are sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Category: BOOKS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

See the best of Europe in Lonely Planet’s Gourmet Trails book

by James Banham

Posted: 20/05/2023

The new book from Lonely Planet Food, titled “Gourmet Trails.” This book offers a fresh perspective on the traditional cuisines of Europe, including local specialities and creative modern-day chef creations. With 40 foodie trails to choose from, travellers can indulge in both indulgent and affordable itineraries that cater to their unique tastes. Lonely Planet’s team of writers has curated an exquisite showcase of Europe’s epicurean countries, tailoring itineraries that celebrate vibrant local produce and the creative minds that deliver these culinary delights. Whether you’re foraging in the woods, trialling a country cooking class, tasting pungent cheeses, quaffing local wines, discovering local tavernas, tasting wild food, or bartering at a local market, this guide celebrates the best of Europe on a platter. The book covers popular and lesser-known food and wine stops throughout Europe, providing readers with the best places to stay, cool restaurants and bars, where to eat, what to do along the way, and local culture, including festivals and celebrations. Each trail features 6-8 must eat and drink stops, suiting a shorter getaway or jaunt of two to three days. Itineraries include a route map, photography, and planning information such as how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and the best time to visit. There’s also the chance to experience celebrated producers, sample local specialties, and learn about the history of regional dishes. Some of the highlights of this book include Alsace’s Route des Vins, an introduction to the Corsican pantry, delving into Danish pastry in Copenhagen, tasting the seasons in… Read More

Category: BOOKS, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Edinburgh by Robert Louis Stevenson is this winter’s must-read

by James Banham

Posted: 06/11/2021

It is Rebeka Russell who’s started Manderlay Press, a unique book publisher in the UK with a unique take all its own. And this year, they’ve kicked things off with Edinburgh by Robert Louis Stevenson, with an introduction by bestselling Edinburgh-based author Alexander McCall Smith. He said: “This is not a compendium of dry facts – this is an account of why Stevenson found Edinburgh so fascinating and such a rich source of inspiration for his writing.” Manderley Press will reissue around six books a year and each title will feature a specially commissioned introduction by a contemporary writer and new front cover artwork. Both the artist and writer will be chosen for their connections to the place at the heart of each publication. The first book launch is so exciting, though, because many of the buildings, places and people Stevenson describes in Edinburgh would inform the settings of his classic adventure novels, many names you’re bound to have heard; including Kidnapped, Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. For a taste of the book and to secure your own while you can, head to Manderley Press.

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Book Club key to surviving the winter blues? Top tips for starting one

by THE F

Posted: 13/07/2021

– Lucy Pearson, Bibliotherapist and Scribd Ambassador It’s no secret that I have a love affair with reading. Beyond expanding my mind and helping me relax, one of the things I love most about a great read is discussing a text, whether that’s at the Bondi Literary Salon or with friends. Clearly I am not alone in this! Book clubs have seen a huge resurgence in the past few years, with everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Kaia Gerber starting their own book clubs. Attending a regular book club creates a sense of connection with others through a shared love of reading. Recently I’ve seen a lot of book clubs take up ebook subscriptions as a way to keep reading and maintain a human connection during this challenging time. I personally love Scribd, as it has a huge library of local and international content and shares personalised recommendations with me based on my tastes. For those feeling inspired to start your own book club, and want to be sure it lasts beyond the first cheese board – here are my my top five tips, from my favourite ebook service, to getting a great conversation flowing with discussion points. Happy reading! A compelling read A book club starts with a great read. Mix it up with fiction and non-fiction, local and international authors. Pick your selections from a diverse range of authors to step outside your comfort zone. This will keep your club engaged, and continually challenged. Share around the responsibility of selecting a title and think… Read More

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Why Covid was a dream for new writer Mark Ashbury: about his new book ‘The Fallen’

by THE F

Updated: 26/05/2021

If there was one thing Covid gave the world – other than unconquerable frustration – it was time. Time, which new author Mark Ashbury used well, to achieve new projects and mount new heights! His new book The Fallen, is the first volume one of the engrossing ‘Book of Souls’ saga. The new book has been 30 years in the making – and is an impressive tome – that tells the story of one young woman who fights to reclaim her home and her birthright. She enlists the help of ex-bomb disposal experts, catapulting the entire cast into an unforgettable fantasy adventure unlike anything else on the market. A cinematic-in-style sci-fi tale that taps into Ashbury’s creative narrative, he harnessed his time furloughed from work to achieve his aspirations and unfurl the tale of Lalitha that spans over the course of a series of books. For more information and to order a copy, go to Amazon

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

How to get a good job after 50

by James Banham

Updated: 26/05/2021

After the last year or so we’ve all had, you could hardly be blamed for beginning to think well into the future, off the back of a lot of people’s reassessment of their lives, future and desires, right? So, thinking about your middle age and what that’s going to look like’s a pretty good idea, to that end! This is why the latest instalment of Rupert French’s work, How to get a good job after 50 is such a must-read for anyone. The book’s a step-by-step guide, for older job seekers, showing them how to take control of their careers with expertise and confidence. With age comes experience, reliability and practised skills, and this book explains how to market these qualities to prospective employers. Covering all aspects of the job search, this is a tried and tested recipe for career success! Due for release after 7 June 2020, the book’s a must for those who need to udnerstand how to qualify for a pension, maintain success, stay in the workforce longerand much more. Find out more at Exisle Publishing’s website

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Lockdown or not, don’t stop reading: try Terry Flynn’s ‘I Owe you One’

by James Banham

Updated: 12/11/2020

Lockdown might be done in Oz, but that doesn’t mean your capacity to and desire to read should vanish, just ‘cos you’ve got more on all-of-a-sudden, right? So with that in mind, for dudes and Dads all over the country, this is one for you: Terry Flynn: I Owe You One; the first book in the series by Australian author Matt Judd, who has created a character that both men and women will love and, it’s the perfect purchase for a funny, light read. Matt has people all over Australia laughing at Terry Flynn and all the trouble he gets into. As Marto from Triple M in Brisbane says, “Terry is the loser version of Les Norton”… but don’t be fooled guys and gals, Terry might get himself into trouble but he has a heart of gold and loves his Mum! What’s it all about? After observing a bloke at his favourite local pub acting strangely several times, Matt – who had wanted to write a book for over twenty years – decided that this was the guy to base his main character on. Thus, the character of Terry Flynn was born. Calm, mature, forgiving, honest, stylish, and sober, Terry Flynn possesses none of these qualities. Bumbling his way through life without any real direction, knockabout Terry is the first to admit he has never achieved anything of great significance in his 44 years. Seeking retribution from anyone he believes has wronged him is common practice, but when a degenerate gambler looks set to turn his world upside down, Terry is prompted to produce his greatest square up to date. It’ll make you laugh with… Read More

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

We’re all killing the planet: The Waste Less Workbook will help you be better

by James Banham

Updated: 31/12/2024

Try as we might, being more green can be hard. So, environmentally-friendly movements like Banish – a fast-growing Australian waste-reduction education platform and online market place – are doing what they can to make it easier! Say hello to the Waste Less Workbook, the answer Banish has come-up with to tackle our unintentional (hopefully) contribution of over 64 million tonnes of household waste each year, or the equivalent of 2.7 tonnes per person (*National Waste Report). It encourages and enables everyday Aussies to quit single-use plastic with ease, with 87% of consumers who completed the trial seeing an improvement in their habits in just one week*. Complete with an interactive guide that shows users how to recycle better, cut down on their household waste, live more sustainably and reduce their environmental footprint, it’s a first in putting the power of planet-saving into the hands of those who did it harm in the first place. While the majority of Australians recycle it’s estimated that ?10 to 15%? of the stuff we chuck is actually put in the wrong bin; this new book will aid the thought processes behind tossing stuff in the first place, eradicating waste with every toss. “Now more than ever people are wanting to change their habits to reduce their impact on the world around them but many are confused about how to start,” Banish, founder Lottie Dalziel says. “That’s why I created a step-by-step guide to make sustainable living a little bit easier.” How does the book work? The self-paced workbook covers… Read More

Category: BOOKS, ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Water so good, they put it in a book: Lonely Planet’s latest release, ‘The Joy of Water’

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

You know the concept of the coffee table book, right? Now, blow it outta the water with Lonely Planet’s new addition to their range: The Joy of Water. For the Aquarius’ in the house, this is the book for you (and everyone else, really, too); because it takes a look at idyllic wild swimming holes, alluring lakes and dreamy coves, giving you – when you need it most, like during the Covid-19 lockdowns – a way to drift away from home of the world’s best places for joyful interactions with water. There’s no better time than now to take an armchair dive into some of theworld’s most far-flung corners in the search for sublime, serene and calming aquatic experiences. From wild swims off Britain’s most remote beach and coral reef-fuelledsnorkelling trips in idyllic Mozambique, to sumptuous soaks in Iceland’sgeothermally-heated pools and chill-out time with non-stinging jellyfish inPalau’s magical hidden lake, no corner is left unexplored. Get the book at book shops online or Lonely Planet online.

Category: BOOKS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE