New Releases by Fiona MacDonald

A study of various myths and legends of ancient Egypt.

With the echo of regal church bells still ringing in the ears of royalists and well-wishers worldwide, Fiona Macdonald take a look at the quirky, odd and downright bizarre circumstances surrounding the weddings of the kings, queens, princes and princesses of Britain. One must leave one''s sense of decorum at the palace gates as the author tells the wacky stories surrounding the preparations, dresses, ceremonies and national moods that went with the excitement of a royal wedding, from England''s resident marriage addict Henry VIII, through Anne Hyde, the ''commoner'' who birthed two queens, right up to Prince Charles, Princess Diana and their son and daughter-in-law to be. Featuring facts, figures and family trees, Royal Weddings, A Very Peculiar History is sure to keep one in the spirit of things, even after the last fleck of confetti has touched the ground.

Dragged from the deepest, darkest depths of the ''Very Peculiar History'' vaults, this book collects tales of terror, morbid myths and frightening facts that will chill you witless. Introduced by everyone''s favourite bloodsucker, Count Dracula, ''Vampires: A Very Peculiar History'' features the origin of vampire-like creatures and a biological and mythological look at human blood (including the best places to bite if you were a vampire!) alongside tales of the real-life vampires that may have inspired the first vampire stories. It includes advice on how to spot a vampire as well as how to become one! Even vampires of film, graphic novel and manga get a taste of the action! Don''t be scared, be prepared...with ''Vampires, A Very Peculiar History''!

Just when you thought it was safe to take a sneak peek into your stocking, it''s ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History''. Taking an unbiased view of the myth and mystery surrounding the origins of the yuletide season, this book introduces mindbending facts about the holiday season and shatters the myths surrounding some of Christmas'' most treasured and well-known facets: When exactly was Jesus born? Why is Santa''s outfit red and white? Where do we get Christmas trees from? What''s the snow in a snowglobe made of? What''s Boxing Day all about? ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History'' takes a sideways look at bizarre yuletide customs and stories from around the world, such as Santa''s evil sidekick, the terrifying Krampus, and the Scandinavian celebration of Saint Lucy. So leave the mince pies on the mantlepiece if you''ve been good and block up your chimneys if you''ve been bad, because ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History'' is here.

It''s not all longing looks across the dining room from that high-class gentleman! Life as a Victorian servant was tough, tough, tough! Discover the bizarre and oh-so-strict rules one had to keep to when serving the dignitaries in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''. Rise up through the ranks from washerwoman to housemaid to ladies'' maid and beyond, but mind you don''t keep any ''followers'', as boyfriends are immoral and are strictly not allowed! While you wait on hand and foot from 5.30 am to 11 pm you won''t even have time to rest your own. The chamber pots are certainly not to be sniffed at, and remember if the bell rings once, you are wanted. It''s hard work but it''s better than the alternative: begging, returning home penniless or heading to the workhouse. You''ll discover stories of suffering and household tips galore in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''!

Taking a unique look at one of the world''s most acclaimed and best-loved poets, ''Robert Burns, A Very Peculiar History'' provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of Scotland''s bard. Take a wee stroll through his romantic yet tragic life, and join him on his journey from underdog to celebrity. With much reference to his most famous works, Fiona Macdonald explores his profound, passionate poetry, as well as his use of the Scots language and his inspirations and influences. Featuring quirky stories and entertaining trivia throughout, find out what makes Burns so captivating to countless millions around the globe.

Whisky, A Very Peculiar History'' takes a sideways look at this most inebriating beverage from its simplistic origins to its pride of place in the drinks cabinets of the world. When Henry VIII disbanded the monasteries and let those brewing monks out into the wilderness, he had no idea of the kind of beast he''d unleashed. Whisky was used as a medicine, giving ''the glow of apparent well-being'' and even horses were known to be given a dram here and there (although via the kneecaps). Featuring quirky tales of whisky''s development and refining through the ages and detailed stories about its effect on the common man and woman, ''Whisky, A Very Peculiar History'' delivers a warm aftertaste of hilarity with every shot of fact.

Taking a unique look at one of the most acclaimed and best-loved English writers of the nineteenth century, ''Charles Dickens, A Very Peculiar History'' asks why, what, where, how and who the Dickens was Charles Dickens? Why did he keep a pet raven that pecked at his children''s shins? Why did he have a tunnel built under the road in front of his country house? Was his dying corpse really carried from his mistress''s house where he collapsed to his family home, so that he could die ''respectably''? Find out the answers to these questions and even more bizarre ones throughout the book, which features quirky stories and fascinating trivia about this singularly complex man and consummate artist.

“Scots Wha Hae!” ''Scotland, A Very Peculiar History - Volume 2'' is the concluding part of a lively and informative account of the vibrant history of Scotland, from the beginnings of Stewart rule up to modern-day Scotland. Celebrating the many and varied cultural and historic achievements of the Scottish, from the fierce Jacobite uprising to John Logie Baird''s insulating socks, this ebook provides an objective account of the nation''s chequered (or rather, ''tartaned'') history. You''ll also find fact boxes, quotes, poetry and unbelievable recipes to share with your family and friends (although we''d advise that some old recipes are only fit for reading)!

From its earliest inhabitants up to the beginnings of Stewart rule, ''Scotland: A Very Peculiar History - Volume 1'' is a lively and informative account of the chequered (or rather, ''tartaned'') history of Scotland. Detailing grisly clan wars and the many mythical creatures to look out for while you''re out in the wild, this ebook gives an objective account of the nation''s history, with ''no added haggis''! Focussing on the more weird and wonderful aspects of Scottish history, such as forgotten towns and mysterious runes, it celebrates how Scotland came to be, and includes fact boxes, quotes, poetry excerpts and recipes you wouldn''t believe!

This volume examines ten of history''s most notorious pirates.

With fact boxes and sidebars offering additional information, this book introduces killer animals, from the mosquito to the great white shark.

This book lists some of the most dangerous mythical creatures.

Shows archaeologists as detectives of the past and how they work to solve mysteries of ancient cultures and civilisations by literally ''Digging Into History''

Presents a general history of the cultural and social aspects of the ancient Maya and Aztec empires up to the arrival of Spanish conquerors, in a book that also provides readers with instructions for creating such related craft projects as a feather fan,a mosaic mask, a codex, and a miniature pyramid temple.

Learn about World War II, the draft, and how people in Allied countries contributed to the war effort.

A graphic novel adaption of Charlotte Bronte''s tale of Jane Eyre who has a miserable childhood. But when she gets a job as governess at Thornfield Hall she finds a secret that could destroy all her dreams of happiness. Includes information about the Brontë family.

Originally published: Salariya Book Co., 2004.

Provides a colourful and informative introduction to various mummies from around the world, including Egypt, and the process of mummification. Includes fun facts, cartoons and questions.

Describes daily life for soldiers of the Roman empire and explains their skills and duties.

Describes daily life in feudal-era Japan and explains the skills and duties of a samurai warrior.

Describes the job requirements, training, physical demands, compensation, and daily life of a knight in the Middle Ages.

Explains why uniforms are used in various professions, and describes uniforms that have been worn around the world through the ages.

Describes how people around the world have used precious stones, metals, dyes, and paints to decorate themselves throughout the ages.

Looks at the styles, fashions, and purposes of footwear through the ages.

This book examines the way people of the world wear head coverings from ancient to modern times.

Explores how kings and rulers in medieval Europe gained control and governed.

Describes the illnesses, plagues, diagnoses, and treatments during the Middle Ages.

This book examines the facts, arguments, and opinions from around the globe concerning equal opportunities.