Fishing, A Very Peculiar History' explores one of the most ancient and popular pastimes in the world in the unique Peculiar History style, packed full of fascinating facts, quirky trivia and mind-boggling statistics. Rob Beattie tackles everything from the history of fish and chips to fish that look like celebrities and from what the well-dressed angler is wearing this season to brave fishing adventures and different fishing techniques from around the world. Whether you read a page, a chapter or a whole book, you won't be able to help but be intrigued and amazed at how much information is packed into a Peculiar History title.

Scottish Women, A Very Peculiar History will shine a light on the frequently underappreciated contributions of women to Scottish history, industry and culture since the country’s origins. Readers can explore the eventful life and awful fate of Mary, Queen of Scots, the discoveries of astronomer and mathematician Mary Fairfax Somerville, and the inspirational story of pioneering socialist MP Jenny Lee, who founded the Open University, among many other brilliant Scottish women. Featuring black and white illustrations, witty anecdotes, incredible information, a timeline and glossary, readers of all ages will be entertained and educated.

“Scots Wha Hae!” 'Scotland, A Very Peculiar History - Volume 2' is the concluding part of a lively and informative account of the vibrant history of Scotland, from the beginnings of Stewart rule up to modern-day Scotland. Celebrating the many and varied cultural and historic achievements of the Scottish, from the fierce Jacobite uprising to John Logie Baird's insulating socks, this ebook provides an objective account of the nation's chequered (or rather, 'tartaned') history. You'll also find fact boxes, quotes, poetry and unbelievable recipes to share with your family and friends (although we'd advise that some old recipes are only fit for reading)!

Glasgow, A Very Peculiar History explores the archaeological, social and cultural history of the eponymous city, from the earliest Pict settlers 10,000 years ago through its emergence as a nineteenth-century powerhouse of industry and struggles with poverty, unemployment and disaffection to its present-day incarnation as a hub of cutting-edge digital and start-up businesses. Featuring black and white illustrations, witty anecdotes, incredible information, a timeline and glossary, readers of all ages will be entertained and educated.

From its earliest inhabitants up to the beginnings of Stewart rule, 'Scotland: A Very Peculiar History - Volume 1' is a lively and informative account of the chequered (or rather, 'tartaned') history of Scotland. Detailing grisly clan wars and the many mythical creatures to look out for while you're out in the wild, this ebook gives an objective account of the nation's history, with 'no added haggis'! Focussing on the more weird and wonderful aspects of Scottish history, such as forgotten towns and mysterious runes, it celebrates how Scotland came to be, and includes fact boxes, quotes, poetry excerpts and recipes you wouldn't believe!

A look at the development of the sport over the past six centuries. Once limited to trout and salmon, today fly-fishing techniques are used to catch every fish species from minnows to marlin in rivers, lakes and oceans from the Amazon to the Arctic. From the many thousands of fly patterns developed over the centuries, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies focuses on fifty iconic flies chosen to represent the evolution not only of fishing flies and fly tying but also the sport itself. Filled with illustrations and photographs of the flies (the fifty are just the starting point—more than 200 flies are mentioned or shown in the book), as well as profiles of key characters, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies charts the growth and diversification of this fascinating sport from the fifteenth century to the present day and its spread from Britain, Europe and Japan to North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, and now to every country in the world. The evolution of fly-fishing tackle—rods, reels, lines and hooks—is also covered in a series of essays spread throughout the book. Praise for The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies “A delightful ramble along the stream of fishing history.” —Star Tribune “This glorious book of lures will get you itching for a new toy, a new boat, a new rod—anything to experience the relaxation of this old hobby.” —Foreword Reviews

Taking a unique look at how Britain survived the bombing of its major cities, 'The Blitz, A Very Peculiar History' tells a story of blackouts, Bletchley Park and bravery during the darkest (literally) period of World War II. From Dunkirk to Dad's Army, explore the many ways in which Britain tried to foil the incoming bomber planes, featuring quirky stories and fascinating trivia about this period of history. Were German paratroopers really dropped disguised as nuns? Find out the answer to this question and many more even more bizarre ones throughout the course of this amazing tale of sacrifice and survival in the face of adversity.

Brighton: that curious master of reinvention - whether it's considered 'London-by-the-Sea' or 'England's San Francisco', it's certainly a city with a reputation for being on the edge. Delve deep into the weird and wonderful history of 'Brighthelmstone', and find out how this dreary fishing village became a dazzling playground for the louche and wealthy: from the fashionable Regency period to the age of DJs, Brighton has always been home to the proudly quirky. But it's not all sun, sea and a fish supper! Be sure to avoid the sleazy world of gang fights and murders as portrayed in Graham Greene's 'Brighton Rock', whilst ducking to miss the bottles hurled between the mods and the rockers during the famous beach battles. Fully exploring the ups and downs of a seaside town, it's 'Brighton - A Very Peculiar History'...with a bit of Hove on the side.

Idaho's clear flowing rivers are world famous for fly fishing, but finding that elusive perfect spot to land a trophy in the vast wilderness requires a lot of time and knowledge. Fortunately, writer, angler and conservationist Chris Hunt has traveled to some of the state's most idyllic areas to find the best fishing the Gem State has to offer. Adventurous anglers can follow his directions off the beaten path to enjoy excellent scenery and even better fishing. Brimming with expert tips and seasonal strategies for each location, this handy guide will find its place in a dry pocket for every successful excursion.

Fish On, Fish Off is the angling version of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods. Through a series of nearly 50 personal essays, the author explores what happens when the self-taught, DIY angler sets out to fish the world – and winds up stumbling into every possible pitfall and danger along the way. These include: getting chased from a river by an elephant, surviving a terrifying helicopter ride over the Straits of Magellan, and breaking his only rod on the second cast in Cuba’s Bay of Pigs. Closer to home, he is swept off a jetty on Block Island by a rogue wave, winds up in an emergency room more than once with fishing lures hanging from various parts of his anatomy, and perhaps most daunting, surviving 30 years of the scrum better known as opening day of trout season in his crowded home state of New Jersey. If Upriver and Downstream showed the poetry of angling, Fish On, Fish Off shows the scars.