Topiary, the art of creating sculpture in clipped plants, originated with the Romans, who employed 'toparii' to clip their hedges. The fashion traveled throughout Europe in the Renaissance, using rosemary, lavender and hyssop as well as the more traditional evergreens of yew, holly, myrtle and box. Louis XIV's Versailles was a triumph of art over nature, and in the low countries cone and lollipop shapes formed, and soon hopped around the globe to populate the gardens of England and America.
However, as the fervor for 'natural' landscapes swept through Europe, eighteenth century...
Topiary, the art of creating sculpture in clipped plants, originated with the Romans, who employed 'toparii' to clip their hedges. The fashion trav...
The lives of children during the Victorian era differed dramatically between the rich and the poor. The children of the wealthy lived in comfort with good education, while the poorest children grew up with little food or care, no education, and were often exploited for work. Janet Sacks explores the world of Victorian children, and how their experiences changed as laws were introduced to stop child employment, and education became compulsory, how holidays became possible by train, and the introduction of mass-produced toys. Using archive photographs and illustrations, she paints a picture of...
The lives of children during the Victorian era differed dramatically between the rich and the poor. The children of the wealthy lived in comfort with ...
Austin, Hillman, Morris, Standard and Wolseley were a handful of the myriad marques that once constituted Britain's indigenous motor industry. Born in 1896 into the high summer of Victorian prosperity, the native British industry survived until the collapse of The Rover Group in 2005. Jonathan Wood chronicles this industry's 109-year life, from its production of hand-made bespoke automobiles for the fortunate few to the arrival of mass production to provide cars for the many. He looks at the factories and the people who worked in them, and examines the role played by the component...
Austin, Hillman, Morris, Standard and Wolseley were a handful of the myriad marques that once constituted Britain's indigenous motor industry. Born in...
After VE Day in 1945 the British population returned enthusiastically to the road. But the cost and availability of both vehicles and fuel led to the post-war scene being dominated by motorcycles, most of them ex-military machines, eagerly snapped up for everyday use in an age when a family car remained just a dream for many. The British industry, meanwhile, was exhorted to 'export or die', and until well into the 1950s the majority of new British bikes were sold abroad. During this period, the industry - the largest and most important in the world - continued to develop new and exciting...
After VE Day in 1945 the British population returned enthusiastically to the road. But the cost and availability of both vehicles and fuel led to t...
When the winds of war blew for a second time the women of Britain answered the call. Many of the first to volunteer had served in World War I, and now they offered their services again, bringing their daughters with them. During World War II, women proved themselves indispensable to the war effort, serving in both military uniformed units abroad and in home front organizations through the darkest hours of the Blitz. Illustrated with contemporary black and white and some rare color photographs, documents and ephemera, this poignant and moving book tells the stories of these women in their own...
When the winds of war blew for a second time the women of Britain answered the call. Many of the first to volunteer had served in World War I, and now...
To many people, the history of the railway begins with the opening of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway in 1830. By that time, however, the concept of the railway in Britain was already over 250 years old, a fascinating but little-known period of experimentation, improvement and invention which included such remarkable features as an Elizabethan 'Scalextric', an early 'JCB' and an engine fitted with steam-powered legs. Innovations such as iron rails, inclines and the pioneering locomotives were gradually introduced, so that by 1830 the basic principles of the modern railway were already in...
To many people, the history of the railway begins with the opening of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway in 1830. By that time, however, the concept o...
The 1950s was the first great age of the modern kitchen: labor-saving appliances, bright colors and the novelty of fitted units moved the kitchen from dankness into light, where it became the domain of the happy housewife and the heart of the home. Formica - a new space-age material - decorated with fashionable patterns topped sleek cupboards that contained new classic wares such as Pyrex and 'Homemaker' crockery, and the ingredients for 1950s British staples: semolina, coronation chicken and spotted dick.
Electricity entered the kitchens of millions, and nowhere in the home was...
The 1950s was the first great age of the modern kitchen: labor-saving appliances, bright colors and the novelty of fitted units moved the kitchen f...
Britain has issued medals rewarding war service since at least the early nineteenth century, and increasingly through the period of its imperial expansion prior to 1914, but examples of many of the early types are now scarce. However, few families escaped some involvement with "the Great War" of 1914-18, and many still treasure the medals awarded to their ancestors for wartime service. Today, with a growing interest in British military history and particularly in family history and genealogy, more and more people want to trace their ancestors' past. This book looks in detail at the origin,...
Britain has issued medals rewarding war service since at least the early nineteenth century, and increasingly through the period of its imperial expan...
From gaslit city streets to dark wooded estates, crime was rife in Victorian Britain; through a wide array of historical court records, newspaper accounts and prison books, The Victorian Criminal gives a fascinating overview of those involved in it. Within these pages may be found accounts of petty criminals and poachers, baby farmers and notorious murderers, along with stories of the development of detective forces and forensic techniques. Countless novels, plays and films are testament to an enduring fascination with the dark aspects of the time and place that gave us Sherlock Holmes,...
From gaslit city streets to dark wooded estates, crime was rife in Victorian Britain; through a wide array of historical court records, newspaper acco...
Since the Normal Conquest, the journey of the oldest and most revered of British institutions, the monarchy, has been touched by turmoil, intrigue, sacrifice, and romance.
Royal Weddings traces the evolution of matrimonial majesty from the politically charged, relatively austere, private affairs which dominate much of English history, to the grandiose extravaganza of Prince Charles's and Diana's union in 1981. Over time, British royal weddings have become the standard by which all other wedding ceremonies are compared.
The book abounds with eye-opening details and interesting...
Since the Normal Conquest, the journey of the oldest and most revered of British institutions, the monarchy, has been touched by turmoil, intrigue,...
