Entertainment Books

The explosive new book from Britain’s leading investigative biographer, Tom Bower As one of the most famous and influential couples in the world, David and Victoria Beckham have attained iconic status. The ultimate power couple have together built a multi-billion-dollar global brand. For decades, adoring fans have been captivated by the glamorous world they have created, while their unrivalled fusion of showbiz, fashion, football and celebrity has been cultivated alongside the image of a strong marriage. When the much-trailed Netflix documentary Beckham aired in 2023, viewers were offered an even more intimate insight into their private lives. Produced by the Beckhams themselves, the series raised many questions, not only about their success and personal relationship, but also about the ruthlessly successful management of their image in the media. Are their lives really as perfect as the Beckhams would like the world to believe? Through extensive research, expert sourcing and interviews with insiders, Britain’s most celebrated investigative biographer, Tom Bower, has unearthed a succession of revelations that give surprising insight into the reality of ‘Brand Beckham’. Exploring the couple’s relationship, and the truth about their football and fashion careers, their finances and their new life in Miami, The House of Beckham unravels the extraordinary reality of the business-savvy cultural icons to tell an engrossing, often astonishing story of money, sex and power. Product Information:  • ISBN: 9780008638870 • Author: Tom Bower • Publisher: HarperCollins • Format:  Hardcover • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 15.9 x 3.8 x 24 cm

Pull on your wellies, grab your flat cap and join Jeremy Clarkson in this hilarious and fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the farm we're all obsessed with . . . An idyllic spot offering picturesque views across the Cotswolds, bustling hedgerows and natural springs. Until one day, Jeremy decided he would do the farming itself. After all, how hard could it be? . . . Faced with suffocating red tape, biblical weather, local objections, a global pandemic and his own frankly staggering ignorance of how to 'do farming', Jeremy soon realises that turning the farm around is going to take more than splashing out on a massive tractor. Fortunately, there's help at hand from a large and (mostly) willing team, including girlfriend Lisa, Kaleb the Tractor Driver, Cheerful Charlie, Ellen the Shepherd and Gerald, his Head of Security and Dry Stone Waller. And yet while the farm may be called Diddly Squat for good reason, Jeremy soon begins to understand that it's worth a whole lot more to him than pounds, shillings and pence . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241464502 • Author: Jeremy Clarkson • Publisher: Michael Joseph • Format: Hardback • Pages: 224 • Dimensions: 24 x 16.2 x 2.6 cm

David Gardner delves into the world of celebrity to investigate legendary stories that continue to fascinate and intrigue to this day.  If people famously remember where they were when JFK was assassinated, many also recall where they were and what they were doing when Elvis, Princess Diana and John Lennon died. As for Marilyn Monroe, the candle flickered out long ago, but only now can the truth be told about how and why she died.  After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files, and interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts and forensic experts during years of research, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information that will transform the way we look at these iconic tragedies as well as include new insights on the conspiracy theories that surround the deaths of Bob Marley, Kurt Cobain and even the Queen.  For the first time, Conspiracy: Legends provides many of the answers that have been so elusive for so long while explaining what it was about these enduring legends that made them so memorable.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781789467093 • Author: David Gardner • Publisher:  John Blake • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  336 • Dimensions:  12.7 x 19.8 x 2.1 cm

Make family life even more fun and easier for everyone with these creative hacks that save you time and money! Time is so precious when you’re a mum. It’s something you can’t buy and it’s something there never seems to be enough of. We can feel like we are failing if we can’t do it all. What I’m sharing in my first book are ways that have helped me to navigate motherhood; saved me money, my sanity and, most importantly, my time. Which means less time spent stressing on things like the school run, long car journeys, holidays or mid-week meals and more time spent having fun as a family. My hacks probably began in my own childhood and I love sharing them now, like recipes being passed to the next generation. So here are 150 ways that I hope make your life easier, giving you more time to make wonderful memories with your own family. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408733769 • Author: Casey Major-Bunce • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Paperback • Pages: 192 • Dimensions: 24.4 x 18.8 x 1.2 cm

An access-all-areas look inside the thrilling world of Formula One. Formula One is one of the most intense, complex and secretive sports on the planet. It’s also the fastest-growing major sport and attracts one of the largest global television audiences. In F1 Racing Confidential, Guardian journalist Giles Richards speaks to the men and women inside Formula One to shed new light on the hidden inner workings of the world’s most glamorous motorsport. Featuring exclusive interviews with experts at every level, this book offers a complete look inside the workings of a modern F1 team, revealing industry secrets and insights from espionage controversy to what happens at a driving academy. Perfect for both those new to F1 and for lifelong fans of this fantastic and fascinating sport, this is an unprecedented, behind the scenes look inside Formula One teams such as Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and more. With a foreword by former F1 world champion Damon Hill and contributions from dozens of insiders – including Lando Norris, Christian Horner and Toto Wolff – each with their own fascinating stories, insights and revelations, F1 Racing Confidential takes you inside Formula One like never before. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781789297386 • Author: Giles Richards • Publisher: Michael O'Mara • Format: Paperback • Pages: 304 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.3 cm

Dogs love a drink! When you're not looking, your four-legged friend is busy knocking them back. This book gathers the best photos of dogs getting buzzed off booze and looking pawfully pitiful the morning after. And to add to your amusement, these snaps of hedonistic and hazy hounds have been paired with hilarious captions telling us what their barking is all about. Raise a glass to these howl-raisers! Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781800070219 • Author:  Charlie Ellis • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  96 • Dimensions:  14.73 x 1.65 x 14.61 cm

This book is filled with awesome ideas to entertain the kids on a rainy day! ‘I’m bored’ must be the most frightening words in a child’s vocabulary, and how to keep kids entertained is something that keeps many of us awake at night. 101 Things to do on a Rainy Day is a brilliant collection of creative (and occasionally crazy) games, activities and projects to do when you’re stuck indoors – without having to go anywhere near a TV or computer screen! Why not grow a windowsill herb garden, make your own jigsaw, or learn to play the glasses? Get crafty with decoupage and salt dough, or play detective by dusting for fingerprints. Exciting makes include terrariums and kaleidoscopes, whilst wacky games cover everything from Balloon Stomp to Sticky Note Scramble. All 101 ideas only require materials that you’ll already have around the house. With a wealth of ingenious and fun suggestions to keep you amused, you might not even notice that the rain has stopped. The activities are written with children aged 5+ years in mind but it’s your call as to how much help, support and age-appropriate supervision they might need … make whatever adjustments are necessary. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804192955 • Author: Dawn Isaac • Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 224

There's whiskers in the whiskey! Cats love a drink! When you're not looking, your kitty is busy getting liquored up. This book gathers the best photos of cats getting buzzed off booze and looking pawfully pitiful the morning after. And to aid your appreciation, these snaps of sordid and sozzled pussycats have been paired with hilarious captions telling us what their meowing actually means. Bottoms up! Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781800070202 • Author:  Charlie Ellis • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  96 • Dimensions:  14.73 x 1.65 x 14.61 cm

Motherhood is messy and beautiful, and comforting and humbling. Congratulations, you are stepping out into a wonderful adventure called motherhood. It is an experience of a lifetime. Motherhood will open doors to a myriad of new and unfamiliar experiences and activities, as well as offering you the opportunity to reacquaint yourself with your own childhood and your relationship with your mother. It is a ride full of excitement and joy, but like any road travelled, things can get a bit bumpy, and from time to time there will be obstacles to negotiate. This little book is packed with fun, creative and practical Things to do now that you’re a Mum, whether you’re a first-time Mum or you’re trying to find new ways to create life-changing experiences with your children, this is the book for you. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780600639282 • Author: Elfrea Lockley • Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd • Format: Hardback • Pages: 96 • Dimensions: 15.2 x 11 x 1.4 cm

The Repair Shop – the Bafta-award-winning series with regular viewing figures of 7 million in the UK alone – has cemented itself as a BBC classic. Enter a workshop filled with expert craftspeople as they bring loved pieces of family history and the memories they hold back to life. Each expert explains their craft, the reason they love it so much and how they go about restoring and reviving your precious objects, from a Ukrainian suitcase to a matchstick clock, using crafts as varied as leatherwork, woodwork, metalwork, art and ceramic restoration. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781914239656 • Author: Jayne Dowle • Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd • Format: Hardback     • Pages: 192 • Dimensions: 25.4 x 19.69 x 2.54 cm

Unleash the adrenaline-fueled chaos of Top Gear with Top Gear Nought to Sixty – a collection of the 60 maddest motoring moments from every era of probably the greatest motoring programme of all time. From epic challenges like homemade stretch limos, bungee jumping a Rover 114 and destroying a Toyota Hilux to all of the legendary road trips, from Botswana and Vietnam to Bolivia and Nepal. This is a loving tribute to every era of Top Gear, where speed, power, and sheer audacity collide in a spectacular showcase of motoring madness. Featuring all your favourite presenters, road trips, challenges and choice insults as well as features on everything from racing legends and sleek supercars to space shuttles and old bangers, this epic collection is a must-have for any discerning petrolhead. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781785948039 • Author: Top Gear • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Hardback  • Pages: 192 • Dimensions: 25.2 x 19.6 x 1.8 cm

Go beyond the music with the most comprehensive exploration of the life and career of international megastar Taylor Swift The Taylor Book is the ultimate guide to a generation-defining pop sensation, packed with stunning images and all the context you need to fully immerse yourself in the Swiftiverse. From her humble beginnings as a teen country artist to her record-obliterating Eras tour, Taylor Swift is a supernova that shows no sign of burning out. The Taylor Book explores the life of an icon, including: •    Expert analysis of every album and Taylor’s Version, including The Tortured Poets Department •    In-depth exploration of Taylor’s most beloved songs and music videos •    Breakdowns of Taylor’s notorious Easter Eggs, helping fans explain the secret messaging she slips into every album •    Exploration of the songwriting process and genre experimentation •    Iconic fashion moments from each era •    Exquisite images spanning Taylor’s entire career •    A look at Taylor’s work beyond the music, from her acting credits and fandom to her relationships and politics •    And much more! Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241700761 • Author: Malcolm Mackenzie • Publisher: Penguin DK (Dorling Kindersley) • Format: Hardback • Pages: 224

Take a flight into the dart-side of life with the ultimate darts gift book – it’s game on in this fascinating and entertaining companion to the sport, whether you’re a seasoned darts enthusiast or can’t tell ‘The Nuke’ from ‘The Bomb’. From the back rooms of Stoke-on-Trent to jam-packed audiences at Alexandra Palace, darts’ remarkable transformation from pub game to primetime TV calls for an essential go-to guide to the modern game. This sharp and witty handbook dives deep into the sport and its champions, as well as shining a spotlight on callers and commentators, the game’s unique place in British culture, and so much more. Answering important questions you might never have thought to ask, such as, ‘is it possible to recover from a nasty bout of dartitis?’ and ‘why do darts players wear so much nylon?’, Who Darts Wins! takes aim at the secrets, the science and the slingers of the darts world – this is the game revealed as never before! Written with knowledge, insight and humour by lifelong darts fan John Woodhouse (Winner – Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year 2023), Who Darts Wins! is the perfect companion book for the darts revolution. Grab your arrers and give it a go – those who dart really do win! Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408749265 • Author: John Woodhouse • Publisher: Orion Publishing • Pages: 192 • Format: Hardback • Dimensions: 22.61 x 14.61 x 1.91 cm

The must-have joke collection from the Instagram sensation @DadSaysJokes Q: How can you tell a pig is hot? A: It''s bacon. The iconic Instagram page @DadSaysJokes returns with a fresh batch of dad jokes to share with your nearest and dearest. Packed with jokes so bad that they''re good, Dad Jokes: The Funniest Yet is the perfect gift for every occasion. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781783255481 • Author: Dad Says Jokes • Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd • Format: Hardback     • Pages: 272 • Dimensions: 17.78 x 11.43 x 1.91 cm

Global superstar, songwriter, singer and Princess of Pop Britney Spears tells all in her heartfelt and honest memoir that portrays her rise to fame, tumultuous relationship with her father, controversial conservatorship, widely documented mental health struggles and so much more. Battling with a parent to take control of your own life at the age of 39 seems impossible. But this is where superstar Britney Spears found herself, 13 years into a conservatorship constructed by her father. In June 2021, the whole world was listening as she spoke in open court for the first time, delivering a bombshell statement in which she described the complex legal arrangement as abusive and condemned the actions of her own father, Jamie. The impact of voicing her truth was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history. Written with remarkable candour and humour, Spears's ground-breaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last. Product Information:  • ISBN: 9781398522541  • Author: Britney Spears • Publisher: Gallery UK • Format:  Paperback • Pages: 288 • Dimensions:  13 x 1.7 x 19.8cm

Celebrate the incredible career of pop music’s biggest star in this sparkling, Sunday Times bestselling biography, fully up to date and featuring The Tortured Poets Department. Selling hundreds of millions of records and selling out countless arenas, Taylor Swift is one of the most influential artists of her generation. But how did she become so iconic and so wildly successful? Covering her influences and her collaborators to the aesthetics that have become such a crucial part of her performances and much more, this meticulously researched biography reveals all. From her self-titled debut album to The Tortured Poets Department, author and music journalist Caroline Sullivan charts Taylor’s journey from budding country starlet to pop music phenomenon. Each of Taylor’s eras are explored in depth like never before, encompassing her evolution as an artist, her high-profile relationships and the stories behind her songs. Featuring a stunning photographic section with pictures spanning her entire career, this is the most complete portrait yet of one of the most popular artists on the planet, and the perfect gift for any Taylor fan. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781789297584 • Author: Caroline Sullivan • Publisher: Michael O'Mara • Format: Paperback • Pages: 256 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 1.95 cm

The world’s bestselling Grand Prix handbook is back for the new season. This is the definitive guide to Formula 1 in 2025. A complete examination of all the teams racing this season, every driver and all the tracks featured in the packed Grand Prix calendar. Also including a full review of the 2024 season and a breakdown of the new rules and regulations for 2025, this indispensable guidebook features a full breakdown of last season’s drivers’ and constructors’ world championship results – as well as a fill-in chart for 2025, so each book becomes your own personalised guide to the year’s action. Written by bestselling F1 author Bruce Jones and containing dozens of breathtaking photographs and detailed circuit illustrations plus a statistics section highlighting the major records in F1 history, this is the only guide you’ll need for the racing action ahead. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035418756 • Author: Bruce Jones • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Format: Paperback • Pages: 128 • Dimensions: 24.41 x 18.8 x 1.2 cm

Marcus Berkmann was for many years the pop critic of the Spectator, waiting like most freelances to get fired. He’s also the author of the bestselling Berkmann’s Cricket Miscellany, concentrating on the ridiculous true stories and the weird characters of that most eccentric of sports. Here he combines the two, in a wildly entertaining ride through the galloping absurdities of pop, from Elvis Presley’s real hair colour, to Courtney Love’s hatred of cheese.  Which notable guitarist has unfeasibly tiny hands? Which Britpop star was forced to wear lederhosen as a child? Who said, ‘The majority of pop stars are compete idiots in every respect’? And was she wrong? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780349147291 • Author: Marcus Berkmann • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Paperback • Pages: 336 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.6 x 2.2 cm

A celebration of some of Britain's most important and beloved buildings – its sheds. From the humble to the not so humble. The National Trust looks after many of Britain's most important and beloved buildings – its sheds. They lurk in the shadow of grand country houses; they brave the elements on the tops of cliffs; they have inspired famous writers and housed everything from beehives to birdwatchers. These beautiful and sometimes eccentric structures are as individual as their owners. A Victorian coastal shed in Cornwall is where the Reverend Hawker went to write verse, and smoke opium. It's also the smallest building cared for by the National Trust. George Bernard Shaw’s shed could be rotated throughout the day to make the most of the sun, while sculptor Barbara Hepworth used hers for napping in. Rather than a place in which to create, many of these sheds are the creation. Alongside the literary writing dens and horticultural hideaways there are also floating sheds, coastguards’ sheds, artists’ studios, summer houses, beach huts, camping pods, bothies, teahouses, follies and much more. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781911657019 • Author: Anna Groves • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Format: Hardback • Pages: 128 • Dimensions: 20.2 x 15.5 x 2 cm

You’re going to be a dad! Suddenly, after all the waiting – juggling excitement, fear, pride and trepidation – the big word arrives. It is possibly the biggest news you’ll ever receive. Most of us drop our chins to our chests and think, What do I do now? The truth is that there are so many things you can do now that you are a dad! This little book is packed with fun, creative and practical Things to do now that you’re a Dad, whether you’re a first-time Dad or you’re trying to find new ways to create life-changing experiences with your children, this is the book for you. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780600638797 • Author: David Baird • Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd • Format: Hardback     • Pages: 96 • Dimensions: 15.32 x 11.66 x 1.24 cm