HOBBIES

A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end—an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed, and bravery that offers deep insight into a pivotal era of Japanese history and culture. With renewed global fascination fueled by popular shows like SHOGUN and other feudal Japan dramas, this book offers timely insight into the real warriors behind the legend.

Get up close to more than 400 of the most important tanks and armoured vehicles ever built.

In 1916, the British built a machine that was impervious to enemy fire, and could dominate the battlefield, crushing obstacles and barbed wire in its path. The first tank, or "Mother" as it was known, had arrived. In The Tank Book you can view it in detail, along with other iconic models, including the German Panzer, the legendary Tiger, the Vickers Medium Mark II, the Centurion, and the Hellcat - the fastest armoured fighting vehicle ever.

This comprehensive volume takes you through the most exciting story in recent military history with the development of heavy artillery, anti-tank weaponry, and the men - such as Sir William Tritton and Mikail Koshkin - who designed these awe-inspiring beasts. It shows each key model in stunning detail, highlighting elements such as their armour and weaponry, and much more besides.

Whether you are a seasoned seafarer or just starting out, this fully revised and updated sailing manual is perfect for all levels of experience. Learn how to handle any sailing situation - with thorough coverage of all aspects of sailing and boat ownership

Inside the pages of this new edition of the go-to guide about sailing and boat maintenance, you'll discover:

- Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of sailing practice written by an expert sailor
- The latest information and advice, and technological developments
- A complete tuition course on seamanship, chapter by chapter
- Authoritative text, clear, annotated diagrams, and action photographs
- A reliable, instant, and user-friendly handbook for any sailing situation
- Foreword by quadruple Olympic gold medalist, Sir Ben Ainslie

Explore the lives and achievements of history's most important military figures with this illustrated guide to military men and women.

Featuring more than 100 key generals and military leaders from Alexander the Great to Winston Churchill, Masters of War takes you on a visual chronological journey of military history and the people behind the battles that have shaped it, starting in ancient Egypt and coming up to date with World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East.

Uncover the engineering behind more than 800 aircraft models, from military jets to commercial planes. This visual history book captures the fascinating story of aeroplanes and aviation, and how this groundbreaking discovery has influenced the 21st Century.

Inside the pages of this aircraft book, you'll discover:

- The history of military and commercial aircraft from all over the world, decade by decade, to the present day in stunning visual detail
- Comprehensive catalogues highlighting the most important aircraft of each period along with their specifications and unique features
- Showcases particularly celebrated aircraft - such as the Supermarine Spitfire and Concorde - in beautifully photographed "virtual tour" features
- Tells the stories of the engineers and manufacturers that created marques like Boeing and Airbus