In this highly-illustrated account, Nicolas Barker reveals the history of the British Library's treasure house of books and manuscripts. The Library's holdings cover collections spanning almost three millennia, from the establishment of the British Museum, which brought together the libraries of Sir Hans Sloane, Sir Robert Cotton and Robert Harley, first Earl of Oxford, to the foundation of the British Library in 1973 and to some outstanding acquisitions of the present day.

As well as holding some of the world's most prized cultural treasures, the British Library is the repository of the nation's collective memory. Owing its origin to the generosity and far-sightedness of a handful of 18th-century scholars and booklovers, and built up over 250 years, the Library's very extensive collections--of books, manuscripts, maps, music, newspapers, photographs, sound recordings, stamps, and digital media--offer keys to the understanding of human achievement in literature, art, music, politics, journalism, exploration, and much else, from ancient times to the present day. In this highly illustrated book, Michael Leapman tells the Library's story, highlighting the most significant and beautiful items in its care, as well as exploring some of the lesser known, more surprising artifacts housed in its iconic building in the heart of London.

The British Library has one of the largest and most impressive cartographic collections in the world, including manuscript maps and atlases, administrative records and plans, large-scale surveys, and digital maps. From this rich resource, 100 fascinating examples ranging from world and city maps, celestial and sea charts, literary and statistical maps, curiosities and fake maps have been selected as the basis for this puzzle book. Each map is faithfully reproduced with a description of its creation and use, followed by details showing areas of particular interest. Readers are asked to scrutinize the maps to answer a series of historical and geographical questions, all the while enjoying new perspectives on the world we live in provided by our eclectic and extensive archive.

'WAYB remains an indispensable companion for anyone seriously committed to the profession of author, whether full-time or part-time; and as always it is particularly valued by those who are setting out hopefully on that vocational path.' - David Lodge Revised and updated annually, this bestselling guide includes over 3,500 industry contacts across 12 sections and 80 plus articles from writers across all forms and genres, including award-winning novelists, poets, screenwriters and bloggers. The Yearbook provides up-to-date advice, practical information and inspiration for writers at every stage of their writing and publishing journey. If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. As well as sections on publishers and agents, newspapers and magazines, illustration and photography, theatre and screen, there is a wealth of detail on the legal and financial aspects of being a writer or illustrator. Additional articles, free advice, events information and editorial services at www.writersandartists.co.uk

'What is your best investment? Buying a copy of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook.' Kimberley Chambers This bestselling Writers' & Artists' Yearbook contains a wealth of information on all aspects of writing and becoming a published author, plus a comprehensive directory of media contacts. Packed with practical tips, it includes expert advice from renowned authors and industry insiders on: - submitting to agents and publishers - writing non-fiction and fiction across different genres and formats - poetry, plays, broadcast media and illustration - marketing and self-publishing - legal and financial information - writing prizes and festivals. Revised and updated annually, the Yearbook includes thousands of industry contacts and over 80 articles from writers of all forms and genres, including award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights, scriptwriters for TV, radio and videogames. If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or to crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. New content for this edition includes articles on If at first you don't succeed ... by Jessica Irena Smith, The importance of story development by Greg Mosse, Writing for readers by Rachel McLean, Creating a poetry comic by Chrissy Williams, Ghosting: writing other people's stories by Gillian Stern, Romantic motifs by Sue Moorcroft, How a publicist can help you by Hannah Hargrave, Writing across forms by Rob Gittins, Pitching your travel ideas by Jen & Sim Benson, The hybrid author by Simon McLeave. 'The wealth of information is staggering.' The Times

'A definitive guide, in here you'll find everything you need' S. J. Watson With over 4,000 industry contacts and over eighty articles from a wide range of leading authors and publishing industry professionals, the latest edition of this bestselling Yearbook is packed with all of the practical information, inspiration and guidance you need at every stage of your writing and publishing journey. Designed for authors and illustrators across all genres and markets, it is relevant for those looking for a traditional, hybrid or self-publishing route to publication; writers of fiction and non-fiction, poets and playwrights, writers for TV, radio and videogames. If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. As well as sections on publishers and agents, newspapers and magazines, illustration and photography, theatre and screen, there is a wealth of detail on the legal and financial aspects of being a writer or illustrator. Includes advice from writers such as Peter James, Cathy Rentzenbrink, S.J. Watson, Kerry Hudson, and Samantha Shannon. Additional articles, free advice, events information and editorial services at www.writersandartists.co.uk

Foreword by Alice Oseman, creator of the million-copy bestselling Heartstopper books. 'This is not a book, it is a sky filled with possibility, so let its wisdom lift you and soar!' Joseph Coelho, Children's Laureate Celebrating its 21st edition, this indispensable Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook provides everything you need to know to get your work noticed. With thousands of up-to-date contacts and inspiring articles from dozens of successful writers, illustrators and industry insiders, it is the ultimate resource on writing and publishing for children of all ages. Packed with insights and practical tips, it provides expert advice on: - submitting to agents and publishers - writing non-fiction and fiction across genres and formats - poetry, plays, broadcast media and illustration - self-publishing - copyright, finances and contracts - marketing, prizes and festivals - and much, much more ... New content in this edition include articles on Your Author Brand by Tom Palmer, Getting Published by Hannah Gold, Writing with empathy by Camilla Chester, What an indie bookshop can offer authors by Carrie & Tim Morris. 'Between the covers of this book is everything you need to know to get published.' Julia Donaldson