Alex Johnson

Studios of Their Own travels around the world examining the unique spaces, habits, and rituals of over 50 famous artists. From Picasso to Hockney to Caravaggio, discover the eclectic creative spaces used by artistic visionaries, brought to life with evocative illustrations. Crossing centuries, continents, and genres, Alex Johnson explores these artists' workspaces and habits. How do they practise their craft?...

The perennial question asked of all authors is: How do you write? What do they require of their room or desk? Do they have favourite pens, paper, or typewriters? And have they found the perfect daily routine to channel their creativity? Crossing centuries, continents, and genres, Alex Johnson has pooled 50 of the best writers and transports you to the...

During the long years of the Second World War, tea remained the cornerstone of British hospitality, drunk and enjoyed by civilians and members of the armed forces alike. But on July 9, 1940, Britons learnt that their beloved national drink was to go ‘on the ration’. Even worse – tea was the one rationed foodstuff that could not be grown...

Enjoy daily distraction with this engaging Almanac. Each date is assigned one or more literary connections. Book lovers will find extracts from authors' diaries and letters, chance upon the narrative twists and transformative moments in their favourite novels, discover the winners of prestigious awards and losers of creative squabbles, and the delivery of manuscript, first publication and performance. The book...

Searching for book lover gifts? Look no further than this beautifully illustrated trump card game. Who had the most commercial success in their lifetime, Ernest Hemingway or Agatha Christie? Whose work has the most adaptations, F. Scott Fitzgerald or Franz Kafka? Who courted the most scandal, Colette or James Joyce? Pit 32 of the greatest modern writers against each other...

Behind every great writer there is a beloved pet, providing inspiration in life and in death, and companionship in what is often a lonely working existence. They also offer practical services, such as personal protection, although they may sometimes eat first drafts, or bite visitors. This book salutes all of the cats and dogs, ravens and budgerigars, monkeys and guinea...

The literary world isn't all bestsellers; it is also a world of insults, physical blows, snide acknowledgements, and publishing errors. Books are messy, personal things, and writers have been grappling with them in the metaphorical mud for centuries. Some writers have gone at each other in ink, while other bookish brawls are more literal. It usually ends in regret or...

A Book of Book Lists is a collection of intriguing book lists, but not of the '1,001 Books You MUST Read Before You Die' variety. These are lists that tell stories, lists that make you smile, make you wonder, and see titles together in entirely new ways. Explore the fascinating selections from Bin Laden's bookshelf to the books most frequently...

The Book Lover's Joke Book is the funniest book about books you'll ever read. You'll find jokes about writers, agents, publishers, librarians, grammar, poetry, bookcases, and lightbulbs. There are rib-ticklers for typographers, crackers for critics, and badly foxed quips about antiquarian bookshops. Here too are the best literary April Fool's (the joke's on you), rejection letters (the joke's on the...

What should I read next? Alex Johnson invites you to join him on his year of reading Welshly on a warm and witty journey through 52 books from Wales and about Wales. From novels to poetry to non-fiction, Alex explores a rich and eclectic spread of books. Covering famous favourites such as Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood and Oliver Postgate...

100 Words for Rain is supported by the National Trust and dives into Britain’s favourite subject – the weather. This book is filled with quirky and fascinating facts about the weather, including all sorts of weird and wonderful weather-related words from across the country. By reading 100 Words for Rain, you can supercharge your small talk and never be stuck...