Why do cats cry to come in and then cry to go out again? Why do they chatter silently at the window? Why can't they be trained to fetch your slippers? Where are the most unusual places they've been employed as mousers? Why are there so many cat superstitions? This cat compendium educates and entertains with facts about everything from wild cat ancestry and cat physiology to cat worship and cat movie stars. We'll investigate how cats experience the world and what they think of their human companions and explore why cats have inspired both reverence and fear throughout history. Drawing on the vast body of knowledge belonging to the world's most famous dogs and cats home, the book contains numerous snippets that readers can dip into as well as longer essays and stories that can be enjoyed at leisure. Attractively designed, with charming illustrations, and beautifully packaged as a hardback gift book, this is the ideal present for every cat lover.

This comprehensive volume is an indispensable resource for researchers as well as general readers interested in the geography, history, and culture of London, examining all aspects of life in the United Kingdom's capital city. London is one of the largest cultural and financial centers in the world. How did it become the capital city of the United Kingdom, and what is life like in this global city today? Narrative chapters cover a wide range of topics in this volume, examining such themes as location, people, history, politics, economy, environment and sustainability, local crime and violence, security issues, natural hazards and emergency management, culture and lifestyle, London in pop culture, and London's future. Inset boxes entitled "Life in the City" include personal memoirs from people who are from or have lived in London, allowing readers a glimpse into daily life in the city. Sidebars, a chronology, and a bibliography round out the text. This volume is ideal for students and general readers who are interested in learning about life in this global city.

The black shiny door of 10 Downing Street is perhaps the best known entrance in Britain, possibly even in the world. Yet how many people know what really lurks on the other side of that famous exterior, or indeed, who built it? In this exclusive new book, Dr Anthony Seldon tells us the history behind Number 10, from its construction in the seventeenth century through to the house as it stands today. He evaluates the contribution of each of the prime ministers and their families on the appearance and the workings of the house, and looks at the way it has been used for both professional and family purposes over the years. The story follows a broadly chronological path. Chapters include: * The building since the seventeenth century * A House in the Headlines * Walpole to Balfour * Balfour to Douglas-Home * Wilson to Blair * Below Stairs * 4 Departures and an Arrivals The book is aimed a a broad public and concentrates on the the personnalities of the premiers (and their families) and both interior and exterior architectural changes.

These uplifting stories share true accounts of some extra special cats and reminds us that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest impact on our lives. Whether you're a cat owner or simply appreciate the magic of these adorable creatures, this book is sure to warm your heart and remind you of the power of their love and companionship.

A unique and compelling exploration of why humans need animal companions -- from dogs and cats to horses, birds, and reptiles -- through the eyes of a New York Times bestselling historical detective author. In The Animal's Companion, the acclaimed social anthropologist and author of Red: A History of the Redhead turns her keen eye for cultural investigation toward uncovering why humans have such a strong desire to share everyday life with pets. It's a history that can be traced back to a cave in France where anthropologists discovered evidence of a boy and his dog taking a walk together -- 26,000 years ago. From those preserved foot and paw prints, Jacky Colliss Harvey draws on literary, artistic, and archaeological evidence to sweep readers through centuries and across continents to examine how our relationships with our pets have developed, but also stayed very much the same. Through delightful stories of the most famous, endearing, and sometimes eccentric pet owners throughout history, Colliss Harvey examines the when, the how, and the why of our connection to the animals we take into our lives, and suggests fascinating new insights into one of the most long-standing of all human love affairs.

Elections aren't just important – they are revealing. They tell us things about who we are and how we behave. Written by leading political experts, Sex, Lies and Politics reveals what really makes us tick. At once funny, revealing and shocking, it covers everything you need to know about the voters and their quirks, foibles and sexual secrets, including when they lie (often to themselves), how they are swayed by tribal loyalties (even when judging cats and celebrities), and why you should keep quiet about your Brexit vote when moving house... Combining brand-new essays with fully updated pieces from the acclaimed Sex, Lies and the Ballot Box and More Sex, Lies and the Ballot Box, this witty and thought-provoking collection is a guaranteed conversation starter. If you want to discover which party's voters have the wildest private lives, read on.

A delightful hiss-torical survey of cats in popular culture. Louis Wain and Beatrix Potter adored them, but Walt Disney preferred dogs; cats have been depicted in art, books and, more recently, film and TV as lovable but determined creatures. Where the dog is loving but stupid, the cat is clever but sly. Bestselling author David Alderton explores this myth and reveals just who the most famous cats are, including cartoon classics such as Top Cat, Felix, and the dastardly Si and Am from 101 Dalmatians. Using collectible memorabilia and original book covers, this charming book is a purr-fect stocking filler, along with its doggish counterpart, Famous Dogs by Fiona Shoop—ideal packaged together.

Rhiow, Urruah, and Arhu, the wizard cats who saved New York City in "The Book of Night with Moon", are summoned to London to deal with a crisis which affects the very fabric of time.