Amber Books Ltd

'Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.' - Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet Love, marriage, children, work, joy, sorrow, friendship, freedom, pain, passion – Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet is a modern classic, its simple prose resonating in our hearts and minds. Written in English and first published in 1923, the book has gradually become a global bestseller, its wise words a favourite for readings at weddings and funerals. Shaped around the story of a prophet leaving his country of exile, the book is a series of short discussions on what really matters most in life. Its chapters offer solace and guidance. Beautifully produced with a timeless design with 80 illustrations, The Prophet Illustrated is an accessible yet spiritual book to be cherished.

For 2,000 years the pope has been the acknowledged head of the Roman Catholic Church. As the direct successor of St Peter, he holds a unique position, ruling over millions of Catholics worldwide. Arranged in chronological order, the book covers all the major popes, from the first, St Peter, to Pope Clement VII, whose reign was marked by a rapid succession of political, military, and religious struggles – and Pope Leo XIV, the first head of the Catholic Church from the United States. Journey through time from the glories of Byzantium to the crusades, from the Avignon split papacy to the modern church, discover more about the most powerful men in Catholicism. Beautifully produced in traditional handmade binding and with 150 illustrations and artworks of popes from throughout Christian history, this book will fascinate anyone interested in the history of the Catholic church from the first millennium to the present day.

The wellspring of key religious faiths, such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism, the Middle East is famed for its warm hospitality and ancient culture. For centuries, it was the heart of the known world and home to some of the great civilizations, including the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, the Abbasid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire. Its towns and deserts have served as crossroads of trade and as a crucible of ideas, science and art that still endure today. For the modern visitor, there is much to choose from. Watch the sun set over the honeycombed magic of Petra and explore tree-lined boulevards and exquisite blue-tiled mosques in Esfahan, Iran. From the deep-rooted communities of Oman to the cosmopolitan energy of Beirut and Dubai, from the quiet spirituality of a Turkish mosque to the bustling markets of Cairo, the Middle East is home to a rich, vibrant mosaic of traditions, languages and food. With more than 200 vivid photographs, this book offers a pictorial exploration of the culture, history, flora and fauna of this hugely diverse region.

Organized by type, World War II Military Aircraft includes more than 50 of the best- known aircraft to fly for all nations from 1939 to 1945, from classic fighters such as the Messerschmitt 109, Supermarine Spitfire and North American P-51 Mustang, through the great bombers of the era, including the Avro Lancaster, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Heinkel He 111H, to the aircraft that fought across the vastness of the Pacific Theatre, such as the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Grumman F4F Wildcat and Douglas SBD Dauntless torpedo bomber. World War II Military Aircraft also features 12 large-scale gatefolds of key types, including the multirole German Junkers Ju-88 fighter-bomber, the British rocket-armed Hawker Typhoon, which proved essential in winning the battle for Normandy, and the Soviet Yak fighter, the first in one of the longest-running aircraft production programs in history. Each entry includes a dozen annotations detailing aspects of the type’s technology, from powerplant and armament to crew compartment and aerodynamic elements. Featuring the greatest aircraft of World War II, this book is the perfect gift for military aviation enthusiasts and modellers.

Treasures of the Vikings explores the material culture of the Viking Age, and the raiders and traders who plundered and purchased across Europe and Central Asia. From battles in Estonia in the mid 8th-century and the apocalyptic Viking attack on the monastery at Lindisfarne on the remote northeast coast of Anglo-Saxon England in 793, until the demise of Scandinavian control of Shetland in 1472, Viking groups played a central role in history, as pirates, traders and mercenaries, leaving a trail of destruction, settlements and treasure from Newfoundland to the shores of the Black Sea. In between, Vikings traded along the great rivers of Russia and Ukraine, conquered in Britain and France, settled in Iceland and Greenland, and enriched Scandinavia with loot. Marvel at a Frankish Ulfberht high-carbon steel sword, prized by Viking warriors for its strength and lightness, and see the remarkable walrus ivory and whale tooth Lewis Chess Pieces, found on the eponymous Scottish isle in the 19th century. Packed with photographs of fascinating objects and sites, Treasures of the Vikings is ideal for any enthusiast for all things Viking.

Every country has its proverbs, sayings passed down from generation to generation that impart wisdom and tell truths, and ancient Egypt is no exception. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, Ancient Egyptian Wisdom offers more than 80 succinct quotes from one of the greatest and longest-lasting civilizations of antiquity. Throughout this collection we discover advice and guidance that we might find relevant today. Interspersed with this wide-ranging wisdom are wonderful phrases more specific to Egyptian life, landscape and the world and cosmos as they knew it. There was danger all around in those ancient times. ‘A crocodile does not die of worry, it dies of hunger.’ ‘A scorpion in the sandal teaches quickly.’ Whether you are an enthusiast of ancient civilizations, a seeker of spiritual truths, or simply a curious mind, ancient Egyptian life and mythology has something to offer everyone. It is an invitation to step into the realm of gods and mortals, prophecies and cosmic order, and discover the enduring wisdom of an ancient culture that continues to resonate with us today.

'If their encampment seems open to attack, then it is a trap.' – Sun Tzu You don’t have to be a soldier to seek wisdom from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. This classic Chinese text is commonly applied today to corporate strategy and used by anyone who thinks that daily life – whether that’s dealing with your boss, a salesperson, your landlord – can be a battle. In the introduction, translator James Trapp outlines the life and times of Sun Tzu, and examines the enduring significance of his wisdom. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, Art of War Wisdom offers more than 80 succinct quotes from Sun Tzu, on such topics as laying plans, attacking by stratagem, weaponry, terrain and the use of spies.

He who boasts of what he will do, succeeds in nothing. – Tao Te ChingNo understanding of Chinese civilization is possible without a grasp of Taoism, the philosophy that has shaped not just Chinese spirituality but also art, science and politics. And it was in the Tao Te Ching, written around 300BC, that the fundamental beliefs of Taoism were first gathered by the sage Laozi. This short book went on to influence Chinese philosophy, religion and politics for thousands of years afterwards. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, Tao Wisdom offers more than 80 succinct quotes from key Taoist figures, with advice on how to live a simple, peaceful and harmonious life, and how to rid oneself of desires and free society of institutions that promote greed.

Sitting on the edge of empires, for more than 2000 years before the birth of Christ the Biblical lands were fought over by rival peoples – Canaanites, Philistines, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. Forming a land bridge between Eurasia and Africa and controlling access to the eastern Mediterranean, the territory that today makes up much of the modern state of Israel has proved a tempting prize for a wide array of would-be conquerors. Battles of the Bible Illustrated Atlas introduces 20 key battles from the Biblical era. Beginning with the Israelites’ campaign against Ai (1407 BC) and finishing with the siege of Masada (73 AD), examples from every major campaign are featured. The book contains the major Hebrew leaders such as Saul and David, the invasion of the Assyrians and the enslavement of the Israelites by the Babylonians. Each battle includes a contextual introduction, a description of the action, and an analysis of the aftermath. A specially-commissioned map illustrating the dispositions and movement of forces helps the reader grasp the course of the battle. Authoritatively written and with more than 200 maps, artworks and photographs, Battles of the Bible Illustrated Atlas is an essential companion for anyone interested in Ancient military history.

“What is Life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”— Black Elk, Oglala Sioux Founded on stories and myths told orally, the wisdom of Native American peoples has been passed down through generations, revealing the origins of a tribe, chronicling the heroes who fought the gods, showing how to reach Wakan-Taka(the Great Spirit), exploring the nature of the True Peace and reflecting on the changing landscape with the arrival of European settlers. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding, Native American Wisdom offers more than 80 thought-provoking proverbs on the spirit world, family, fathers and sons, animals and plants, and the changing seasons, in the words of the people who have inhabited the North American continent for thousands of years – the Iroquois, Algonquin, Cheyenne, Hopi, Dakota and Sioux – to name a few. Many quotes are from well-known Native American leaders, such as the Blackfoot warrior Crowfoot, the legendary Apache leader Geronimo, and famous Oglala Lakota medicine man Black Elk.

The extraordinary civilization of ancient Egypt could not have existed without the Nile, which rises in the Ethiopian Highlands and sub-Saharan Africa. In life, the ancient Egyptians were tied to an area of at most a few kilometres either side of the great river. Even in death, the Ancient Egyptians where never far from the river. Many of the most famous archaeological sites – the pyramids at Giza, the Valley of the Kings, the step pyramid at Saqqara, and the royal cult temples at Deir al-Bahri – lie within, beside, or on top of the cliffs created by the immense past flows of the River Nile. Ancient Egypt: A Journey Down the Nile follows the course of the river from south to north, illuminating ancient Egyptian history through the patchwork of temples, tombs and pyramids to either side. The Egyptian state began with unification under southern Egyptian kings around 3100 BC and it started its final decline in the north around the great city of Alexandria, established in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. Engaging and illustrated throughout with more than 180 photographs, Ancient Egypt: Journey Down the Nile is a vivid pictorial exploration of 4,000 years of Ancient Egyptian civilization from the river that gave life to the region.

Japanese Samurai were apex warriors, superlative fighters dedicated to their daimyo, or lord, and living according to the principles of bushido, an honour code that stressed selfless service, martial excellence, valor in battle and implacable determination. Often fighting on horseback and skilled archers, they developed a style of armour which, although changing over time, suited the dexterous combat techniques developed in Japan in the medieval and early modern eras. Samurai Armour provides a vivid and informative guide to the many types of armour worn by Japanese warriors from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Learn about the classic o-Yoroi (?great armour?), designed for its lightness and flexibility for firing a bow from horseback; understand the development of the haramake (?belly wrap?) armour, worn by the ashigaru men-at-arms ? a new class of foot soldier that emerged during the Warring States period (1467?1615); explore the many types of classic Do-maru, a heavy box-like armour constructed from flexible small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord; and see the various armoured elements used by samurai, including highly decorative kabutos (helmets), haidate (thigh guards) which were tied around the waist, and elaborate ornamental mempo (face masks) designed to reflect the personality of the wearer and strike fear into his enemies. With 180 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese armour, Samurai Armour provides a compact, accessible guide to this complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern readers. Expert text provides a detailed history of samurai armour and its development Includes 160 superb illustrations and photographs Accessibly presented for the newcomers to the topic

The history of Ireland is both complex and connected to the wider world: it was the first place in the British Isles to be settled by Christian monks, and has suffered internal strife, Viking invasion, Norman colonization, mass migration to the New World, civil war and eventually independence in the early 20th century. Today, Ireland is a dynamic country with a blossoming economy and culture. Arranged chronologically from ancient times to the 21st century, History of Ireland provides a pictorial exploration of a land that is well-known but often little understood. Discover the remains of the country?s many Iron Age hill forts, such as the atmospheric stone fort at Grianán Aileach; explore the first Christian colonies in the monastic settlement at Glendalough in County Wicklow; read of the legend of St Patrick, and stood atop a hillside and banished snakes from Ireland ? prompting all serpents to slither away into the sea; discover the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the Celtic Gospel written in the 9th century; learn about the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, where English and Scottish settlers established Protestant communities, causing lasting communal strife; understand the Easter Rising and the traumatic war for independence, which led to Ireland?s current political shape; and experience modern Ireland, a place of prosperity centered on the thriving city of Dublin. 180 photographs offering a pictorial history of the emerald isle Expert text provides a compact history of Ireland Will interest all with Irish ancestry or with an interest in the island

Japanese Samurai were apex warriors, superlative fighters dedicated to their daimyo, or lord, and living according to the principles of bushido, an honour code that stressed selfless service, martial excellence, valor in battle and implacable determination. Often fighting on horseback and skilled archers, they developed a style of armour which, although changing over time, suited the dexterous combat techniques developed in Japan in the medieval and early modern eras. Samurai Armour provides a vivid and informative guide to the many types of armour worn by Japanese warriors from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Learn about the classic o-Yoroi (?great armour?), designed for its lightness and flexibility for firing a bow from horseback; understand the development of the haramake (?belly wrap?) armour, worn by the ashigaru men-at-arms ? a new class of foot soldier that emerged during the Warring States period (1467?1615); explore the many types of classic Do-maru, a heavy box-like armour constructed from flexible small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord; and see the various armoured elements used by samurai, including highly decorative kabutos (helmets), haidate (thigh guards) which were tied around the waist, and elaborate ornamental mempo (face masks) designed to reflect the personality of the wearer and strike fear into his enemies. With 180 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese armour, Samurai Armour provides a compact, accessible guide to this complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern readers. Expert text provides a detailed history of samurai armour and its development Includes 160 superb illustrations and photographs Accessibly presented for the newcomers to the topic

Since the 1950s, helicopters have developed to become a key component of armies everywhere, providing attack, transport and reconnaissance capabilities to land and maritime forces throughout the world. From deadly fighting machines like the US Army?s AH-64 Apache and the Russian Mil Mi-24 ?Hind?, to efficient, multipurpose utility helicopters such as the Bell 222 and Harbin Z-9, Modern Military Helicopters is an accessible guide to the most important rotary-winged aviation in service today. The book is organised by type: attack, reconnaissance, utility, transport and maritime. Find out about the Bell AH-1Z Viper gunship, armed with enormous firepower, including a three-barrelled 20mm cannon, Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles; the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator all-weather combat helicopter, capable of destroying ground armour with beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles; the Bell V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability; and the massive Russian Mil Mi-26, the world?s largest production helicopter with the ability to carry up to 100 combat troops or two combat vehicles. Illustrated with 100 detailed artworks, *Technical Guide: Modern Military Helicopters *is an essential reference for modellers and aviation enthusiasts. Highly-illustrated guide to main types of helicopter currently deployed Contains 100 artworks of every major type and variant Includes detailed specifications for each separate type

Submarines are a key component of modern naval warfare, providing navies with the ability to make missile strikes from anywhere in the world against their enemies. Submarines today are divided into three main types: attack submarines, designed to carry out attacks on enemy shipping; ballistic missile submarines, able to launch nuclear missiles; and cruise missile submarines, able to launch heavy missiles at land- and sea-based targets. Arranged by country, this book offers a detailed guide to the major types of submarines deployed in the world today. Find out about the nuclear-powered Virginia class, the US Navy?s premier fast attack submarine, capable of launching Tomahawk missiles at ranges of 2500km (1550 miles); discover the Chinese navy?s Type 039 diesel-electric submarine, designed to provide a blue-water attack capability in the waters around the Chinese mainland; and learn about the Russian Alpha class, which was able to reach speeds of up to 41 knots (47 mph; 76 km/h) submerged ? one of the fastest speeds ever achieved for a submersible. Illustrated with more than 100 vivid artworks, Technical Guide: Modern Submarines is an essential reference guide for modellers and naval warfare enthusiasts. Highly-illustrated guide to main types of submarine currently deployed Contains 100 artworks of every major submarine type Includes detailed specifications for each separate type