As a boy, Sam Nightingale was taken from his home in Africa and brought to America to be a slave. He lived many years as a slave, but after the Civil War, Sam raised his family in freedom in Boonville, Missouri. Sam became a healer, using old African traditions and lessons he had learned from Native Americans to help people when they were sick. Sam became known as a wonderful storyteller and as someone who used magic. The tales he told, and the tales told about him, are still being heard today.

'Wondering and wonderful. The nature book of the year.' JOHN LEWIS-STEMPEL 'This lovely book is almost as thrilling as the bird's immortal song - balm for a troubled soul and a glimpse of paradise.' JOANNA LUMLEY ______________________________ Come to the forest, sit by the fireside and listen to intoxicating song, as Sam Lee tells the story of the nightingale. Every year, as darkness falls upon woodlands, the nightingale heralds the arrival of Spring. Throughout history, its sweet song has inspired musicians, writers and artists around the world, from Germany, France and Italy to Greece, Ukraine and Korea. Here, passionate conservationist, renowned musician and folk expert Sam Lee tells the story of the nightingale. This book reveals in beautiful detail the bird's song, habitat, characteristics and migration patterns, as well as the environmental issues that threaten its livelihood. From Greek mythology to John Keats, to Persian poetry and 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square', Lee delves into the various ways we have celebrated the nightingale through traditions, folklore, music, literature, from ancient history to the present day. The Nightingale is a unique and lyrical portrait of a famed yet elusive songbird. ______________________________ 'Sam Lee has brought the poetic magic that has long enchanted so many of his musical fans into the written word. Allow yourself to glimpse the world Sam sees, to be part of his love affair with the nightingale, and you will no doubt be delighted.' LILY COLE 'A wonderful book.' STEPHEN MOSS 'A magical marriage of the lyrical and practical: a book that makes us want to seek out the nightingale and then reveals how we can.' TRISTAN GOOLEY

Catalogue of exhibition of same title commissioned by Mildura Arts Centre.Exhibition shown at Mildura Arts Centre 6 April to 18 June 2017

“Nature itself is the best physician. The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.” -Paracelsus This book is written for those who are interested in rediscovering and learning about some of the “Old Home Remedies” used by our grandparents and others who have gone before us. In the days of old, many had no other options when illness occurred, but to use herbs and natural remedies for themselves and those who came to them for the “cure”. Herbs and other remedies were used also, to prevent illness and disease. Many of the remedies I learned that you will read about come from farmers, producers, collectors, herbalists, healers and village women who all have some ideas about plants and foods that can be used as medicine. The book will be a wonderful reference and resource for those interested in natural healing techniques. I am happy to share what I have learned both in Missouri and from afar with those who are interested in African influenced Home Remedies. Here’s Some Of What You’ll Learn: -The History Of My Healing Ancestors -Food Used As Medicine -Preparation And Usage Of Herbs -Preparing An Herbal Tea -Preparing A Tincture -Preparing Herbal Capsules -Preparing Herbal Poultices -Preparing A Decoction -Preparing An Ointment -Preparing A Compress -Preparing Herbal Powders -Essential Oils That Encourage Relaxation & Reduce Stress And Over 40 Home Remedies

“Reluctant readers and fans of the Wimpy Kid series and its ilk will appreciate the book’s dynamic type, graphics galore, cartoonish illustrations, and ironic footnotes.”—Kirkus Don’t call him scaredy-cat Sam, because Sam Wu IS NOT AFRAID of ghosts! Except . . . he totally is. Can he conquer his fear by facing the ghost that lives in the walls of his house? After an unfortunate (and very embarrassing) incident in the Space Museum, Sam goes on a mission to prove to the school bully, and all his friends, that he’s not afraid of anything—just like the heroes on his favorite show, Space Blasters. And when it looks like his house is haunted, Sam gets the chance to prove how brave he can be. A funny, touching, and charming story of ghost hunting, escaped pet snakes, and cats with attitude!

Another new partner, another dead body. This time Sam Nirviani has to stop a killer while carrying the mayor, the police chief and the dead girl's alderman father on his back.

Rachel Fisher was now opening her new hotel. She couldn't have been happier when friends chose her hotel to hold a 60th birthday party weekend. However, a startling discovery starts off a chain of events which can't be stopped. Is Josh who he seems to be, and is Rachel's life in danger again? Handsome Chief Inspector Taylor turns up to solve the crime. 2nd Rachel Fisher mystery

Missouri's state capital groans beneath the burden of its haunted heritage, from the shadow people of Native American folklore to Boogie Man Bill, Missouri's wild child. The muddy river waters hide the shifting graves of steamboat crews, like the one that went down with the Montana, and the savage scars of the Civil War still linger on the land. Join Janice Tremeear for the fascinating history behind Jefferson City's most chilling tales, including a visit to the notorious Missouri State Penitentiary, where the vicious festered for 170 years.

This book looks at the interaction of slavery, religion, and race in antebellum Missouri and how they influenced and shaped each other. The author argues that for African Americans, religion was an arena where they sought control over their own lives and where they created their own form of Christianity.