Collins Little Books

A handy guide to nearly 140 of Scotland's most dramatic castles and strongholds, all of which are open to the public. Optimised for colour tablets. The images in this ebook are not suitable for viewing on black and white e-ink devices. Historical background and architectural details for each of the castles, accompanied by a beautiful colour photograph. Includes the major sites of Edinburgh and Stirling, and covers from as far north as Shetland (Muness) to as far south as Dumfries and Galloway (Stranraer), west as far as the Outer Hebrides (Kisimul), and east to Aberdeenshire (Balmoral) Contains an introduction on Scotland's castles - history, description of classification of building type with examples. Includes details on the property's custodianship, whether cared for by Historic Environment Scotland or the National Trust for Scotland, a description of the gardens where relevant, location, website and phone number. • Written by Chris Tabraham, formerly Principal Historian at Historic Scotland. • A concise guide to Scottish castles in an accessible format. • Of interest to Scottish, local and architectural historians, visitors to Scotland and Scots themselves

A perfect introduction to the world of Scottish dance written by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, including a short history of Scottish dancing. The book takes you through simple ceilidh moves to more complex formations and set dances, illustrated through diagrams and photos. Popular traditional dances are featured, such as 'Dashing White Sergeant', 'Eightsome Reel', 'Strip the Willow' and 'Cumberland Reel'. This comprehensive collection also contains several lesser known dances such as 'Flowers of Edinburgh', 'Jenny Dang the Weaver', 'Rakes of Glasgow' and 'La Russe'. From reels to waltzes and medleys to quadrilles this little book is a celebration of Scottish traditional folk dance at its best.

From mesolithic Ireland to the peace process, this little book covers all of the main historical and cultural events, places and figures in Irish history. A must for all lovers of Ireland and the Irish. An excellent, concise guide to how Ireland has come to be what it is today. Some key events, people, topics and places include: • Monastic Ireland, Vikings and Normans • The Irish language, the Book of Kells • Patrick, Colm Cille, Brian Boru, Granuaile (Grace O'Malley) • Colonial Ireland, Emigration • Rebellion, Famine and Partition • The Troubles, Good Friday Agreement and Brexit A helpful index is found at the back of the book. Beautifully produced, Collins Little Book of Irish History is a treasure in itself and makes a perfect gift for any Ireland enthusiast.

A handy guide to around 140 of Ireland's most dramatic castles and strongholds, all of which are open to the public, with structures from across the whole island of Ireland. A handy map of all locations featured is included. Historical background and architectural details for each of the castles, accompanied by a beautiful colour photograph. Includes all major sites. Contains an introduction on Ireland's castles - history, description of classification of building type with examples. Includes details on the property's custodianship, a description of the gardens where relevant, location, website and phone number.

This beautifully presented Little Book is an excellent introduction to the world of Scotch whiskies. It includes the major Scotch whiskies and the distilleries that produce them. The book includes details of the very best of Scottish single malts and deluxe whiskies, covering Speyside (Cardhu, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich) the Highlands and Islands (Blair Athol, Glenmorangie, Talisker), to Islay (Ardbeg, Laphroaig), the Lowlands (Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie) and Campbeltown (Glen Scotia). It is completely up-to-date, including new Scottish distilleries which have yet to bottle spirit or establish a core product. What's more, an introduction exploring the current whisky boom and how distilleries are coping with this surge in demand makes this attractive Little Book a great introduction for anyone looking to learn about whisky. • A handy guide to nearly 100 Scottish distilleries and the whiskies they produce. • Details for over 100 Scotch whiskies. • Includes the very best of Scottish single malts and deluxe whiskies. • Up-to-date: includes new distilleries yet to bottle spirit or establish a core product.

This beautifully presented Little Book is an excellent introduction to the world of craft beer including the major UK, US, and European microbreweries. It includes a fascinating history of the product, how it's made, how best to drink it and details of the world's finest craft beers. The book includes a description of more than 100 of the very best craft beers in the world including details of the different varieties and what distinguishes them. It is completely up-to-date, including details of new and emerging beers and microbreweries. What's more, an introduction explores the current craft beer boom and how brewers are coping with this surge in demand, making this attractive Little Book a great introduction for anyone looking to learn about the history past and present of craft beer. And also how best to enjoy it!

When you open this little book, the state secrets of the game of bridge lie in your hands. They cover everything you need to know to go from being a bridge beginner to an international mastermind! The book is split into short, concise and easy-to-follow tips that will help to improve all aspects of your game and strategy. They reveal how to play a good defensive hand, how to devise a bidding system, what you can read from an opponent's play, plus lots more. The beautifully decorated pages and luxury pocket style make this book something a little bit special. With it by your side you'll always come up trumps!

From prehistoric England, Stonehenge and the Romans to modern times, discover the people, places and events that built a country. A concise but comprehensive guide to English history and how England has come to be what it is today. Key events, people and places include: • The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings • 1066, Battle of Hastings • Richard 1 and The Crusades • Henry VIII, Thomas More, The Spanish Armada, Gunpowder Plot • Cromwell • World Wars 1 and 2 • The NHS • The 1953 Coronation • World Cup win • The Beatles • Margaret Thatcher • Princess Diana • Brexit Beautifully produced, Collins Little Book of English History is a treasure in itself and makes a perfect gift for any visitor to England or enthusiast about its history. • A concise guide to English history in an accessible format. • Of interest to local historians, visitors to England and the English themselves

From prehistoric Scotland to the Brexit referendum, this little book covers all of the main events in Scottish history. A concise and excellent guide to Scottish history and how Scotland has come to be what it is today.

Let's admit it, we all struggle with Grammar. There, they're or their? Who's or whose? Me or I? Fewer or less? Inside this little book one of Britain's top Grammar Gurus reveals all you need to know about Grammar but were afraid to ask. Worry no more, Caroline is here to take the grind out of grammar in easy bite-sized chunks. With insights into hyphens and the dreaded apostrophe, comparatives and superlatives and whether England is singular or plural, she offers clear but light-hearted advice on getting things right when it matters - and relaxing just a little when it doesn't.

This beautifully presented Little Book is an excellent introduction to the world of rum. It includes the very best product from the Caribbean, UK, and US as well as new and emerging markets. With a fascinating history of the product itself, how it's made, and details of the world's best rums, this is perfect for all rum lovers. The book includes a description of more than 100 of the very best rums in the world. It is completely up-to-date, including details of the different varieties and styles of rum available today. What's more, an introduction explores the current market for rum and how distilleries are coping with the surge in demand, making this attractive Little Book a great introduction for anyone looking to learn about the history past and present of this popular drink. And also how best to enjoy it!

A highly popular and informative guide to the Scots language in an attractive format. Contains words and phrases from both literary and everyday language, this is the perfect wee dictionary of Scots for native and non-native speakers alike. This is by far the most popular guide to the language of today's Scotland, with nearly 1800 everyday words and phrases from the Borders, Lowlands, Highlands and Islands clearly explained and with lots of helpful examples of usage. With its durable and eye-catching cover, this is a must for every bookshelf! • Comprehensive coverage of modern spoken Scots • Pronunciations to help non-Scots readers • Scots terms from law, religion, education, and government explained

This beautifully presented Little Book is an excellent introduction to the world of gin. It includes a fascinating history of the product itself, how it's made, how best to drink it and details of the world's best gins. The book includes a description of the very best gins in the world. It is completely up-to-date, including details of new and emerging gins and manufacturers. Includes details of: Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, City of London, Dingle, Edinburgh, Gordon's, Liverpool, Portsmouth and many more. What's more, an introduction explores the current gin boom and how distilleries are coping with this surge in demand, making this attractive Little Book a great introduction for anyone looking to learn about the history past and present of this popular drink. And also how best to enjoy it!

The perfect introduction to Scottish tartans. Produced in association with the Scottish Tartans Authority, this Little Book focuses on the history of the world famous Scottish tartan.

A handy guide to England's most famous cathedrals and abbeys. Includes an eight-page map section showing the locations of cathedrals covered in the book. Historical background and architectural details for each of the cathedrals, accompanied by beautiful color photographs. Includes the major sites of world famous St Paul's Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral, home to the leader of the Church of England, and details of location, websites and opening times. • A concise guide to English cathedrals in an accessible format. • Of interest to English, local and architectural historians, visitors to England and the English themselves.

40 popular card games, with clear instructions and guidance on how to master each one. Easy to follow helpful advice on learning more than 40 of the most popular card games. This beautifully presented edition will offer all the help and guidance you need to learn how to play these ever-popular games.