A humorous adventure unfolds as four middle-aged English men leave their local pub for the scenic Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. Their journey is filled with camaraderie, witty banter, and quirky encounters, including a dolphin. The story captures the essence of friendship and the absurdities of life, all set against the backdrop of Ireland's stunning coastline.
With humor and gusto, the book highlights everyday annoyances that plague people across Britain, offering a comprehensive and entertaining list of irritants. It serves as a voice for those fed up with common nuisances, providing a lighthearted take on the frustrations of daily life. The dictionary format allows readers to easily navigate through various offenders, making it a relatable and amusing read for anyone who has ever felt irritated.
Exploring the evolution of British travel to France over three centuries, the book presents ten travelers' tales that reveal the country's dramatic changes through significant historical periods, including the Grand Tour, the Revolution, and the World Wars. Richard Guise retraces these journeys, juxtaposing past experiences with contemporary realities, while sharing insights from notable figures like Philip Thicknesse and Tobias Smollett. The narratives reflect a mix of admiration and criticism towards France and its people, offering a rich tapestry of cultural exchange and personal reflection.
Embarking on a 450-mile journey across England, Richard Guise navigates a distinctive route guided by the watershed line separating westward and eastward flowing rivers. His adventure unfolds through picturesque downlands, windy ridges, and quaint villages, while also crossing historic battlefields and abandoned airfields. Notably, the journey includes a surprising boat passage through canal tunnels that resonate with echoes of cannon fire, blending nature, history, and personal exploration in a captivating travel narrative.
Set in a Derbyshire town during the 1950s and '60s, this memoir captures the vibrant and quirky characters of childhood, from Mr. Handlebar to 'Mad Ron' at school. The narrative expands to university experiences, challenges with French bureaucracy, and cultural confusions in Spain and China. Ultimately, it returns to Long Eaton, presenting new challenges in the form of Bazzaranshaz, offering a humorous and nostalgic look at growing up and navigating life's complexities.
From Grantham to the Ganges on the trail of a long-lost music hall entertainer
The story follows Harry Quiningborough, a vibrant Victorian shoemaker's son turned world-traveling performer, whose comedic talents took him from Lincolnshire to the Indian Ocean. Although he never returned home, his legacy lives on through a treasure trove of photographs discovered by his great-nephew. These images, compiled in an album titled 'Sunny Memories,' capture Harry's adventures and reflections on the exotic locales he visited, including Rangoon, Penang, and Hong Kong, revealing a rich tapestry of life and experience.
The narrative explores the chilling emptiness of a desolate landscape, symbolizing emotional isolation and the search for connection. Characters grapple with their internal struggles against a backdrop of stark, cold winds, reflecting their longing for warmth and companionship. Themes of solitude and the human experience are intricately woven throughout, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meanings of absence and presence in their lives.
The book delves into the intriguing history of the Derbyshire villages of Draycott and Church Wilne, revealing a past filled with eccentric events and mysterious occurrences. From a questionable 18th-century vicar to bizarre incidents like a flying corpse and numerous unexplained fires, the narrative uncovers the hidden chaos behind the seemingly tranquil facade. Additionally, it explores the peculiar nickname 'Neddies' for the locals, suggesting a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be uncovered in this overlooked corner of history.