World cultures gifts

An introduction to geography, which is all about how the world affects people, and how people affect the world. The world we live in is complex and constantly changing. It's battered by weather, shaken by earthquakes, and mined, farmed, and polluted by humans. Geography for Beginners helps readers understand these processes, make sense of our relationship with the planet, and...

The new novel from the International Booker-shortlisted author of The Adventures of China Iron—a sumptuous and surreal historical reimagining of one of South America's best-known trans men, Antonio de Erauso. From deep in the wilds of the New World, Antonio writes a letter to his aunt, the prioress of the same Basque convent he escaped as a young girl. Since...

The beloved Australian classic, published in a stunning Penguin Clothbound Classics edition for the first time. My Brilliant Career, Miles Franklin's debut novel, follows the vivacious and rebellious sixteen-year-old Sybylla Melvyn—closely modelled on Franklin herself—as she fights to break free of restrictive bush life. Growing up on her parents' outback farm, Sybylla is desperate to read, write, sing, and achieve...

The film Rabbit-Proof Fence is based on this true account of Doris Pilkington's mother Molly, who as a young girl led her two sisters on an extraordinary 1,600 kilometre walk home. Under Western Australia's invidious removal policy of the 1930s, the girls were taken from their Aboriginal families at Jigalong on the edge of the Little Sandy Desert, and transported...

Imagine that your house has been destroyed by bombs, your friends have fled or been killed, your mother, sister and little brother are missing, and today you buried your father. Homeless and alone, Parvana begins a desperate journey through war-torn Afghanistan in search of her family. Living in constant fear of the Taliban, often without food or water in the...

‘A glorious story that celebrates the power of love’ – Bestselling author ADRIANA TRIGIANI ‘I adored The House in the Olive Grove. It is a hymn to friendship and love, and is utterly perfect’ – Bestselling author LIZ FENWICK Will one week in Greece change their lives for ever? Chef Maria is running a successful cookery school in her home...

The #1 New York Times bestseller Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing "At once vivid and simple, lyrical and surgical, expressive and exacting" — Lupita Nyong'o Dreams are today’s answers for tomorrow’s questions. Eleven-year-old Kofi Offin has dreams of water, of its urgent whisper that beckons with promises and secrets. He has heard the call on the banks of...

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 'Vivid and empowering' — GILLIAN ANDERSON 'A stunning book’ — BERNARDINE EVARISTO ‘Dazzling’ — TARA WESTOVER ‘A story about hope, imagination and resilience’ — GUARDIAN An award-winning, inspiring memoir of family, education and resilience. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where luxury hotels line pristine white sand beaches, Safiya Sinclair grew up guarding...

First time in Black Classics for Forster's story of Anglo-Indian society under the Raj. Featuring a new introduction by novelist Pankaj Mishra. When Adela and her elderly companion Mrs Moore arrive in the Indian town of Chandrapore, they quickly feel trapped by its insular and prejudiced British community. Determined to explore the 'real India', they seek the guidance of the...

'Brilliant and hilarious' — GRAYSON PERRY 'Absolutely brilliant' — JENNIFER SAUNDERS, THE TIMES 'A delightful read' — SUNDAY TIMES 'An entertaining, clever book' — TELEGRAPH The international bestseller and unofficial guidebook to the English national character by anthropologist Kate Fox. Have you ever been unable to explain the idiosyncrasies of English humour, bizarre mobile-phone etiquette, or the endless obsession with...

From dinosaur palaeontologist and snake-venom collector to water slide tester, Tower of London Ravenmaster, octopus keeper and panda nanny, discover the most fun, surprising and enjoyable jobs found on planet Earth – and see just how different and amazing the world of work can be. Find out how to be a: Motion capture actor and bring to life monsters, animals...

Explore the amazing world of maps from the first sketches on cave walls to real-time maps on phones. Discover their incredible history and marvel at ancient maps, war maps, weather maps, and even interactive maps from computer games. Packed with awesome facts, kids will soon grasp how to read maps and symbols, plus learn how to make their own! Wow-factor...

What is the most popular pet in the world? Where is the hottest place on Earth? When was the first country formed? Learn these and dozens of other fascinating facts about the planet and its people with this dynamically illustrated and informative guide, with 48 colourful pages packed to the brim with graphs and charts about the world in which...

Fifty new books at £1 each, celebrating the pioneering spirit of the Penguin Modern Classics series, from inspiring essays to groundbreaking fiction and poetry. He needed to hear Africa speak for itself after a lifetime of hearing Africa spoken about by others. Africa's Tarnished Name features electrifying essays on the history, complexity, and diversity of a continent, from the father...

Perfect - The Independent This beautiful atlas will be the perfect addition to any coffee table - Better Homes & Gardens Introducing 50 of the world's most magnificent trees for travellers and nature lovers to enjoy from the comfort of an armchair or to seek and behold in the wild. Whether taking in the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan or...

Pack your bags, it’s time for a round-the-world adventure!Get ready for a whirlwind tour of the entire world through stunning photographs, colourful maps, and lots of fascinating facts. ?Eye-catching, educational and engaging, this beautiful hardback book is the perfect gift to inspire young adventurers aged 9+.What’s on the itinerary? Explore the Earth, continent by continent Learn about other countries and...

Merlion Magic is a 16-page retelling of a traditional tale from Singapore - Level 23. The "flip" side of the book is Singapore Lion City - Level 26. Singapore - Lion City contains 8 pages of information on the life and culture of Singapore. Contents: Onward Singapore, Rising to the Challenge, Street Eats, Singapore National Day.

Our naughtiest national treasure and Number 1 bestselling author takes on Britain and the BritishIn Miriam's Full English, she turns her documentary-maker's eye on her own backyard. After exploring the rest of the world through her much-loved BBC series, she's bringing her trademark wit to get to the heart of what is up with not just England but Scotland, Wales...

A poignant and inspirational love story set in Burma, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats spans the decades between the 1950s and the present. When a successful New York lawyer suddenly disappears without a trace, neither his wife nor his daughter Julia has any idea where he might be...until they find a love letter he wrote many years ago, to a...

Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane captures the heart of Paris—City of Love, City of Light, City of Flowers. From elegant floral boutiques to lively flower markets, glorious blooming trees, and expansive public gardens, flowers are the essential ingredient to the lush sensory bouquet that is Parisian life. With beautiful photography, Paris in Bloom transports readers on a stunning floral...

'Smart and gripping - I read it in one sitting. Tara is a glorious creation, crackling with life and aspiration and sensuality.' Kamila Shamsie, author of Home Fire In a village in rural Pakistan, Tara is waiting and watching. The smell of dung and dust hangs over her world. She is desperate to leave the petty life of the village...

A celebratory, inclusive, and educational exploration of Lunar New Year for both children who celebrate and those who wish to understand and appreciate their peers who do. Lunar New Year captures the magic of the celebration by exploring how Ling and her family enjoy the biggest Chinese festival of the year. The New Year festival lasts for 15 days, full...

Set against the terrifying fall of Kabul in 2021, Deborah Rodriguez concludes her bestselling Little Coffee Shop trilogy with a heart-stopping story of resilience, courage and, most importantly, hope. The new and final novel in the bestselling Little Coffee Shop series. Farewell to the Little Coffee Shop of Kabul KABUL, AUGUST 2021 Sunny Tedder is back in her beloved coffee...

New York Times bestselling author Axie Oh's ASAP is the much-anticipated companion novel to the beloved romance XOXO. It follows fan favourites Sori, the wealthy daughter of a K-pop company owner, and Nathaniel, her K-pop star ex-boyfriend, in a swoon-worthy second chance love story. Sori has worked her whole life to become a K-pop idol, until she realises she doesn’t...

From the author of Orientalism, a searching examination of Western culture and the roots of imperialism, now with a foreword by Hari Kunzru. 'Readers accustomed to the precision and elegance of Edward Said's analytical prowess will not be disappointed . . . Those discovering Said for the first time will be profoundly impressed' - Toni Morrison Following his profoundly influential...

Introducing Little Clothbound Classics—irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas, and essays from the world's greatest writers, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith. The Cossacks follows Dmitry Andreich Olenin, who, in the hope of escaping the hollowness of his privilege, joins the army and heads to the Caucasus. There among the foothills, he will meet the Cossacks—a people he considers...

Lonely Planet's Middle East is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the region has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Wonder at the enchanting Petra, visit Ancient Egyptian sites and explore the ruins of Persepolis – all with your trusted travel companion. Inside Lonely Planet's Middle East Travel Guide: Lonely Planet's Top Picks –...

Meet brave princesses, kind giants, magical elves, and vengeful serpents in this beautifully illustrated collection of traditional tales from around the world. From African animal fables to Native American trickster tales, curious readers will find 20 spellbinding retellings of ancient stories from across the continents. Take a peek into the memories, fears, and dreams of the people who first told...

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Jordan. Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from seeing the magnificent Rose City of Petra, to learning about Jordan's past through the ancient art of mosaic making, and bathing in the mineral rich waters of the Ma'in hot springs....

Flawless is a cutting-edge journalistic exposé of self-care consumerism, using the extreme case of South Korea to both celebrate the astounding growth of K-Beauty and South Korean pop culture as a global export, and examine the dark implications for women in a looks-obsessed patriarchy. It asks the question: What is the future of beauty? One of Porchlight's Business Books of...

First published in 1964, The Lucky Country caused a sensation. The book was a wake-up call to an unimaginative nation, an indictment of a country mired in mediocrity and manacled to its past. Valuable not only as a source of continuing truths and revealing snapshots of the past, but above all as a key to understanding the anxieties and discontents...

Christine thought a year in South Korea would hit the pause button on her messy life. Her dad's death had left her anxious and depressed, and her career in musical theatre had reached a new low of shopping-centre kids' shows. When she found herself pulled over by the side of the road, dressed as a dinosaur and sobbing uncontrollably, it...

Go on an extraordinary journey with Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch, two of Australia's most celebrated creators, as they share their reflections on Antarctica: sketches, writing, paintings, journal entries, their own and others'. Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica is a book for explorers and dreamers of all ages, and for anyone who wants to be inspired by the wonder...

Pure Invention by Matt Alt takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the rise of Japanese culture and its unprecedented impact on the world. Through compelling narrative and meticulous research, Alt explores how an array of Japanese creations—from the humble Walkman to the revolutionary Nintendo Entertainment System—reshaped global society. As Alt delves into the heart of Japan's influence, he unveils...

Christopher Hitchens, an intellectual giant and one of the most provocative writers of our time, presents a rich tapestry of essays in Arguably. This volume spans an incredible four decades of Hitchens' career, showcasing his fearless and forthright nature, with no subject off limits. Readers will embark on a journey through Hitchens' early articles for the New Statesman, where he...

In The Almost Nearly Perfect People, Michael Booth embarks on an insightful and entertaining journey through the five Nordic countries to uncover the truth behind the global adoration of all things Scandinavian. With a unique blend of wit, humour, and meticulous research, Booth delves deep into the cultural, social, and political landscapes of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. Along...

Three Tigers, One Mountain by Michael Booth delves deep into the complex web of relationships among three of East Asia's most influential nations: Japan, South Korea, and China. This vibrant and captivating travelogue seeks to uncover the historical tensions, cultural rivalries, and political grievances that keep these powerful neighbours at odds. Through his keen observations and in-depth interviews, Booth embarks...

Riding the Iron Rooster by Paul Theroux is an enthralling travel narrative that captures the essence of adventure, cultural discovery, and the realities of traversing vast landscapes. Paul Theroux, ever the intrepid traveller, sets out from Victoria Station on a rainy April day, believing that a journey by train through Europe, across the USSR, and through Mongolia to the Chinese...

In Made in America, celebrated author Bill Bryson embarks on a captivating journey through the rich and often quirky history of the English language on American soil. With his trademark wit and profundity, Bryson delivers a narrative that's as educational as it is entertaining, offering readers a compelling exploration of American culture through the evolution of its language. Bryson deftly...

Geisha Blossom is a vibrant celebration of colour, culture, and delicate artistry. The composition highlights graceful traditional elements surrounded by lush florals, offering a warm, immersive window into a beautifully stylised world. Ideal for puzzlers who love intricate detail and rich storytelling. Four titles to collect: Fuji Palace, Geisha Blossom, Tranquil Tea House and Zen Garden.

Over two million copies of The Breadwinner Trilogy sold worldwide. Eleven-year-old Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city. Parvana's father, a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed, works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read...

Come and see where the world's coolest stuff is, from exploding volcanoes to venomous animals and mysterious lost cities! Want to know where you can see sharks, shooting stars, dinosaur fossils, giant waterfalls and rockets taking off? This epic guide will show you some of the most amazing places, creatures and experiences on the planet, all linked together through awesome...

Golden Age of Prosperity (An Era in Jinling) 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 features artwork by Qing court artist Feng Ning, which was inscribed by three Qing emperors: Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Xuantong. It captures the cityscape, social life, and customs of Nanjing during the Song dynasty in China. The original artwork, a long painted scroll measuring more than 10 metres,...

Explore the solar system and outer space by rocket or explore our own plant earth by studying a real globe of the world. Our space and map collection provides valuable educational experience and also inspires the dreamer in each of us! • Ravensburger 3D Kids Puzzles Puzzles are carefully age-graded and tested for ages 6-10 yrs• Bestselling 3D puzzle brand...

This brilliant selection has been created by Twinkl’s education experts especially for tonies: Twinkl - Learn with Twinkl Clever Tonies. That means it’s full of fun games, mathematical puzzles, entertaining songs, and curious challenges to get little ears learning (even if they don’t know it). To join in, all they need to do is pop one of these four Clever...

Excitement is building for Chuseok, the biggest Korean holiday of the year, and Halmoni wants to share it with her granddaughter and her friends. With a dearth of picture books about Chuseok, this book should be a welcome addition to the literature about the celebration. Su-Jin’s halmoni (grandmother in Korean) is excited for the Korean holiday of Chuseok. She is...

A rich and exquisite anthology that illuminates Japanese travel over a thousand years Shortlisted for the NSW Translation Prize Discover a realm of travel writing undreamed of in the West - a richly literary tradition extending through a thousand years and more, whose individual works together weave a dense and beautiful brocade of repeated patterns and motifs, tones and textures....

Eothen, which means 'news from the east', started out as a few notes scribbled on the back of a map, to amuse a friend who wanted some advice for his own youthful 'year off' travels, but it became one of the most influential, witty and idiosyncratic of travel books. It took Kinglake seven years before he had finished crafting this...

From the author of the bestselling Walking with the Seasons in Kakadu comes this rich and fascinating book bringing together First Nations Australian knowledge and history with Western science. The first of a proposed series of three titles, with the two possible future titles to focus on the rock country and floodplains.

Newbery and Caldecott honoree and New York Times bestselling author Grace Lin delivers a groundbreaking, lushly illustrated, and beautifully written full-colour book that explores the whimsical myths and stories behind your favourite American Chinese food. From fried dumplings to fortune cookies, here are the tales behind your favourite foods. Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection...

Passionate, powerful and thought-provoking, in The Hidden Face of Eve, leading feminist writer Nawal El Saadawi provides a shocking account of the oppression of women in the Arab world. Inspired by her experiences working as a doctor in rural Egypt and her life as an activist for women’s rights, she charts the injustices and violence faced by women in the...

It’s the Lunar New Year and it happens to be Mulan’s favourite festival! There is a lot to do to prepare for this important celebration and for the first time, Mulan is old enough to help out. But everything Mulan does seems to turn out wrong. This special Lunar New Year story captures the unique sense of magic, imagination and...

Countries of the World by DK is a compact, comprehensive guide to over 200 countries and territories around the world. Carry the world in your pocket with this handy guide, packed with maps, facts, and flags for over 200 countries and territories. Which is the biggest country in the world? Which one has the most people? Which one has three...

The Monocle team celebrates the endlessly fascinating and culturally rich country of Japan. Ever since it launched in 2007, Monocle has had a rich and deep connection with Japan. From day one, the magazine has maintained a Tokyo bureau—now also home to a Monocle shop and radio studios—overseen by Asia bureau chief Fiona Wilson. Over the past decade, the magazine...

From tigers to monkeys and horses to dragons, British Museum Press Out and Decorate: Chinese Zodiac features 25 unique, intricately foiled designs that can be slotted together to create 3D ornaments, hung up or threaded together to make an amazing garland. Each page is covered in shiny red foil, with foiled pieces which can be pressed out and coloured in...

Waves is a narrative nonfiction book about the waves of migration to the shores of Australia. Every journey is perilous, every situation heartbreaking. Every refugee is a person forced by famine, war, or fear to leave their home, their families, their friends, and all they know. Children have travelled on the waves of migration to the shores of Australia for...

An encounter with Elephants with Headlights is a collision between east and west, modernity and tradition—between driverless cars and ancient lore—and a world that needs revolutionary reappraisal. In this world, Savitri, named after a Goddess, refuses outright to marry anyone. Her brother, Neel, is intent on marrying an Australian girl called Mae, much to the displeasure of their mother, Tota,...

A revelatory and richly varied collection of Korea's greatest short stories. This eclectic, moving and wonderfully enjoyable collection is the essential introduction to Korean literature. Journeying through Korea's dramatic twentieth century, from the Japanese occupation and colonial era to the devastating war between North and South and the rapid, disorienting urbanisation of later decades, The Penguin Book of Korean Short...

Little Clothbound Classics - irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas and essays from the world's greatest writers, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith. Sam Selvon is now widely considered to be one of the greatest chroniclers of the West Indian emigrant experience. His evocation of voice, of place, of longing, defined for many the experience of a generation. Describing...

From the 2022 David Unaipon winner comes an outstanding and timely collection of speculative fiction imagining futures where Indigenous sovereignty is fully reasserted. In this stunningly inventive and thought-provoking collection, Mykaela Saunders poses the question: what might country, community, and culture look like in the Tweed if Gooris reasserted their sovereignty? Each of the stories in Always Will Be is...

Colourful themed trails get readers under the city’s skin to discover amazing facts and intriguing tales that aren’t on the tourist routes. Find out where you can try Pokémon food, meet a giant robot, come face-to-face with a toilet ghost, and lots more! For kids aged 8+ Lonely Planet Kids City Trails - Tokyo is perfect for young explorers eager...

One of Australia's most eminent anthropologists details the secret and sacred practices of Australian Aboriginal shamans, documenting a rapidly vanishing indigenous culture. Aboriginal Men of High Degree provides a profound insight into the spiritual and cultural practices of the Aboriginal people, revealing the mystical roles of their shamans and the significance of their beliefs.

Synopsis coming soon.......

New to Black Classics for this Classic Travel Book, with a new introduction by Jon Lee Anderson. During the years he spent among the Marsh Arabs of southern Iraq, Wilfred Thesiger came to understand, admire, and share a way of life that had endured for many centuries. Travelling from village to village by canoe, he won acceptance by dispensing medicines...

Meet ten of literature's most iconic heroines, jacketed in bold portraits by female photographers from around the world. 'There are times, though, that no matter how much food I eat, I find the food does nothing for me, like I am hungry for my country and nothing is going to fix that.' This is the story of Darling, uprooted from...

What would it be like to move to Japan, leaving everyone you know behind, to become part of a traditional Japanese household? At Home in Japan tells an extraordinary true story of a foreign woman who goes through an amazing transformation, moving from a suburban lifestyle in California to a new life in Japan. She dedicates 30 years of her...

Lonely Planet's Brazil is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Explore the tropical Fernando de Noronha, experience wildlife watching in The Pantanal, and discover the baroque masterpieces in Ouro Preto; all with your trusted travel companion. Inside Lonely Planet's Brazil Travel Guide: Lonely Planet's Top...

Discover fascinating facts about communication in all its forms, from around the world and over time. Introduce young readers to the most interesting aspects of languages, how they evolve and change over time. Humans' use of language is one of our distinguishing features. Language allows us to communicate what we think, what we want, what we feel, and what we...

A Gaijin Sarariman provides a first-hand account of the lifestyles, customs, and culture of the Japanese people, particularly that of the office workers known as sarariman. The book delves into their historic context and relevance to Japanese society through the author's amusing and often painful yet entertaining experiences while living and working in Japan. In Japan, people who work for...