In the words of the late Gillian Ayres, this is a book about “what can be done with painting.” Drawing on decades of conversations with practicing painters, acclaimed author Martin Gayford offers intimate insight into the practice, meaning, and potential of this timeless medium.As a way of making images, pigment applied to any surface from ... Martin Gayford – How Painting Happens (and why it matters)

A new collection of letters, statements, studio notes and interviews reveals the innermost thoughts of Francis Bacon, one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. Expertly annotated by Michael Peppiatt, the documents selected for Francis Bacon: A Self-Portrait in Words illustrate Bacon’s sharp wit and ability to express complex ideas in highly personal, memorable language. ... Michael Peppiatt – Francis Bacon: a Self-Portrait in Words

An introduction to the wondrous world of clouds, by the internationally bestselling founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society and a prize-winning children's book author and illustrator.Have you ever watched a cloud being born?Clouds come in all manner of shapes and sizes, from low-lying Stratus to high-flying Cirrus via roll clouds, banner clouds and tornados. This ... Gavin Pretor-Pinney – Cloud Spotting For Beginners

A History of How we Walk From Here to ThereA journey across Britain’s millennia-old network of pathways, revealing key moments throughout our history.Hundreds of thousands of miles of paths reach into, and connect, communities across England and Wales. By 2026, 10,000 miles of undiscovered footpaths around Britain stand to be lost. Jack Cornish has dedicated ... Jack Cornish – The Lost Paths

Those who understand how AI thinks are about to win big. Leading British AI entrepreneur Nigel Toon explains why it’s so exciting and how it can be controlled.How AI Thinks shows us how we can harness the electrifying intelligence of machines. Unlike other books on AI which often scare us, through storytelling that shows us ... Nigel Toon – How AI Thinks

A Doctor’s Stories of Intensive CareDr Jim Down brings us to the very heart of the intensive care unit – the section of the hospital where the sickest patients are ... Jim Down – Life in the Balance

The compelling first biography of Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale – a ruthless and effective spymaster whose career spanned the Russian Revolution to the Cold War and beyond. A Suspicion of Spies ... Tim Spicer – A Suspicion of Spies

How the contest between the US and China will shape our centuryAn urgent and essential assessment of the global contest between the US and China, and how looking to history ... Sir Robin Niblett – The New Cold War

A vivid, inventive, spellbinding virtuoso portrait of a woman, a family and a city that are as everlasting as their glass by a master of her craft.Venice, 1486. Across the ... Tracy Chevalier – The Glassmaker

Drawing on writers, storytellers and poets through the centuries, botanical illustrator Christina Hart-Davies examines the long history of herbal remedies, how plants have been used for healing and the beliefs ... Christina Hart Davies and Vanessa Berridge – A Herbal Year and Garden Heaven

Anne Somerset masterfully traces Victoria’s political evolution, from headstrong teenager to seasoned octogenarian. This book demonstrates her passionate involvement in state affairs, and casts fresh light on her relationships with ... Anne Somerset – Queen Victoria and her Prime Ministers

Former Royal Marine, Major Scotty Mills, blends personal experiences from his remarkable life with inspirational advice and insights to provide his 12 Commando Rules for Life that could help anyone ... Scotty Mills – Never Give In