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.

This is Suresh Subrahmanyan's fourth volume of collected pieces dwelling on a wide variety of subjects. The topics may vary from politics, international affairs, sports, music and plenty of autobiographical reminiscences. The underlying theme and tone, however, will be unfailingly humorous and satirical displaying a deep and abiding love for the English language. Turn to any chapter and it will be hard for the reader to resist a chuckle.

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.

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.

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.

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 stylish, illustrated gift book profiling notable cat-loving men throughout history. Some of history’s greatest men have been cat lovers, and their cats have contributed to their genius and legacy: the static charge from a cat’s fur sparked young Nikola Tesla’s interest in electricity; Sir Isaac Newton is said to have invited the first cat flap; visitors to Ernest Hemingway and Winston Churchill’s homes still encounter the descendants of their beloved cats; William S. Burroughs and Andy Warhol both wrote books inspired by their feline friends. Stylishly illustrated and full of charming, witty profiles and quotes from history’s most notable “cat men,” Of Cats and Men pays tribute to thirty luminaries and visionaries who have one thing in common: a pure and enduring love of cats.

It was the brazen cheek of the huge rat running across the front of No 10 on a live TV news broadcast that galvanised the government into action. Meetings were held at the highest level and, barely a week later, on 15 February 2011, Larry the tabby cat arrived in Downing Street to make his mark as the new rodent bouncer in residence. A secret source quickly made contact and has been working closely with Larry ever since to get the full story - in diary form - of his first 100 days in the job. In a swift-moving narrative that pits Larry against the evil King Rat and his legion of cheese-eaters, our hero still finds time to spill the beans on what life with Sam and Dave is really like. With the economy in crisis and anarchy on the streets of London, Larry has to use all his smarts to outwit the enemy and earn his keep. Gaining privileged access to Sam Cam's iPad he uses Google Maps to surpass the rats' knowledge of the local area. With a Royal Wedding on the horizon and a revolving door of visiting dignitaries to contend with, Larry is able to take a wry look at the machinations of coalition power that lurk behind the big black door.