Twigger Robert Boeken

Robert Twigger, een dichter uit Oxford, is op drift geraakt in Tokio. Daar geeft hij les aan giechelende Japanse middelbareschoolmeisjes, vertaalt obscene rapteksten en realiseert zich twee dingen: hij is niet fit en hij is niet dapper. Een dertiger uit de Nix-generatie: geen doel voor ogen, niets om naar uit te kijken en slechts een fysieke aftakeling in het verschiet. In een poging de kakkerlakken en het zweterige vuil van zijn kleine appartement in Fuji Heights te ontvluchten, gaat Twigger, geflankeerd door zijn flatgenoten Fat Frank en Chris, op zoek naar reiniging van lichaam en geest. Ondanks dat hij zijn knieschijf nauwelijks van zijn ellepijp weet te onderscheiden, oefent het wereldje van de Japanse vechtkunst een enorme aantrekkingskracht op hem uit. In een oprisping neem hij het besluit om een jaar land met bikkelharde Tokiose oproerpolitie te trainen, waar met bloed bevlekte dogis (trainingsmatten), gekneusde sleutelbeenderen en zelfvernietiging aan de orde van de dag zijn.

The average person isn't looking to be in a situation where fists are going to fly, but many of us have found ourselves there anyway. At that moment, it's probably too late to do anything about it. But how do we change circumstances, so those situations don't happen? How Not to Get Hit is a book on personal safety for people who don't want to learn to fight, but do want to learn how to avoid those situations where a fight is likely to develop. Told in a lighthearted, irreverent style, How Not to Get Hit takes you on a journey through the funny side of violence, its roots in our evolutionary past and where it fits into modern society. Self-defense isn't a series of techniques or moves; it's an attitude, a strategy and a life skill. This martial arts philosophy book will give you an understanding of why people want to use violence and how to manage situations in order to create a better outcome.

A brilliant and captivating insight into the bizarre nature of contemporary Japan.

Twigger's book on the history of the river Nile is one of the those unexpected great reads... This is a non-fiction book that reads like a great, page- turning novel. CATHOLIC HERALD 20140418

A journey on foot due north from Stonehenge to Lindisfarne to discover the mysteries of our ancient past

Stories of the thrills and hardships faced by modern expeditions that continue to enhance our understanding of the world around us This book profiles thirty-nine modern explorers who have disproved the idea that there is nowhere left to discover and explore. Some are greatly experienced and are celebrated worldwide, while others are young or less well known and just starting to make their mark. Here are challenging and extraordinary expeditions to the remotest parts of the world by explorers from the United States, Australia, China, France, and beyond. Eight thematic sections cover all terrains: Polar, Desert, Rainforest, Mountain, Ocean, River, Under Sea, Under Land, and Lost Worlds. Written mainly by the explorers themselves, the accounts provide a unique insight into what it is actually like to join an expedition, from being dragged through the top of the rainforest canopy in an inflatable raft suspended from a balloon to pedaling a boat across the Pacific to standing on the edge of an erupting volcano. Their stories are supplemented with dramatic expedition photographs, many capturing the moment of discovery or danger.

A journey across the Lake District to discover the secrets of its 36 islands

Emphasizing the power of incremental change, this book encourages readers to embrace small, manageable steps toward lifelong learning. It presents practical strategies for integrating learning into daily life, making it accessible and sustainable. By focusing on minor adjustments rather than overwhelming goals, the author inspires a mindset that values consistent growth and curiosity. This approach fosters a deeper engagement with knowledge, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and enriched life.

The Dangerous Book for Men, not boys Every man has faced that emergency where a car needs to be broken into and hot-wired; just as every man needs to be able to mix the perfect dry Martini. The world is a dangerous and unpredictable place; a man never knows when he might be called upon to start a fire with just a coke can, win at croquet or drive a T34 tank. Twigger has plenty of experience of facing down bears, building coracles, swimming with sharks - now he shows every man how to cook a hedgehog, commit hara-kiri and land a Boeing 747.