Quiller Publishing Ltd

The artist Norman Thelwell (1923–2004) was famous for his horse and pony cartoons, but his work was far more wide ranging. He focused his exceptional talent and humour on many diverse subjects, with his witty and wry observations providing amusement and sharp social comment. This Desirable Plot is the artist’s inimitable guide to navigating the property market and buying or selling a house. First published in 1970, it introduces prospective purchasers to estate agents’ jargon, gives cautionary advice on country cottages and highlights the perils of any projects involving conversion or renovation. From structural surveys to rising damp, and dry rot to roof repairs, this is an entertaining look at finding the ideal home and making the right – or wrong – moves on the property ladder.

Kenneth More was the living embodiment of British humour, steadfastness and resilience on the film screen and off. Born into a life of wealth in 1914, he fell into show business almost by accident and worked for nearly two decades – including at London’s famous Windmill Theatre – before becoming the icon we know today. After a long, distinguished stint in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, he was ‘discovered’ by Noël Coward and set on the road to fame. What followed was a string of films we have come to know as the most beloved classics of British cinema, such as Genevieve, Reach for the Sky, The 39 Steps, A Night to Remember, Sink the Bismarck! and Scrooge. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, his private life was almost as exciting as the roles he played. Following a string of affairs and eleven years of marriage, he made national headlines after running off with a young actress. Then, when a public spat with the head of Britain’s biggest movie studio damaged his career, he found a new home in television. On screen, Kenneth More fought some courageous battles, but his bravest fight came when Parkinson’s disease ended his career in the late 1970s. Nathan Morely has produced a fascinating and insightful biography of one of the most iconic and enduring legends of British cinema, with contributions from fellow actors and directors who worked with him. Among these are Martin Jarvis, Jane Asher, Chris Sarandon, Anneke Wills, Susan Penhaligon, Alvin Rakoff, Peter Medak, Barry MacGregor, and many others.

This humorous collection of illustrations depicts the trout angler''s anguish and anticipation in pursuit of the ''gentle art''. The book''s author and illustrator Paul Dady believes that ''Fishing doesn''t actually clear the mind. It does, however, given the opportunity, tend to clutter it with altogether more agreeable stuff ... usually.'' From knots to lucky underwear and appalling hauling to woeful weather, many ''trouters'' will identify with the scenarios featured in this quirky portrayal. Contrasting cartoon styles convey the different moods of each scene and are guaranteed to catch the reader''s attention. This is the perfect gift book for trout anglers by one who knows the sport well.

Annie Tempest’s wonderful cartoon strip about a fictitious English village, with the eccentric Lord and Lady Tottering and their family who reside at Tottering Hall is much lauded and internationally loved. For more than thirty years, Tottering-by-Gently has appeared weekly in Country Life magazine to the delight of readers.The struggle with the generation gap and the wokerati is a dynamic always at play at Tottering Hall. In this latest book, Annie Tempest has brought together her favourite cartoons on the subject of growing older in a fast, glitchy and disrupted world where everything the aged Tottering types do is translated into a boomer meme to be giggled at. Unapologetically, the Totterings grapple with the new order of social media, mindfulness and ‘me-time’, while continuing to hold out for meat, two veg and Chianti, over tahini, tofu and kombucha.Twilight Years with the Totterings is perfect for anyone who is on the wrong side of fifty.

Anyone who has been at all involved in game shooting for any length of time will, over the years, have undoubtedly gained a great deal of knowledge regarding how to shoot a high pheasant, train a gun dog, use ‘best practice’ incubation techniques and run a shooting day with expertise. Tried and tested, such knowledge is proven and sound, but have you ever had cause to ponder on some of the lesser known realities and possible myths connected to many other aspects of the sport?Ponder no more for, in this book can be found the answers to almost any and every shoot day-related question that you’ve ever wanted to know. Within its covers are exposed the superstitions of some game shots and keepers; commonly held beliefs explained; ‘facts’ declared fallacies and, conversely, theories that might, on first hearing, seem somewhat suspect, given credence as a result of scientific research.Can, for instance, a grouse fly faster than a partridge? Is it that, as it seems, a pheasant’s hearing becomes more astute as the shooting season progresses — and could, as has often been claimed, a pheasant on the south coast of England during World War One have actually heard the sounds of military fire many miles away across the English Channel?Why was Napoleon once chased by rabbits and why might today’s gamekeepers be interested to know of an Act passed by Henry VIII in 1566? Keepers and shoot captains alike will certainly be interested to read as to whether or not it’s true that some strains of pheasants are more likely to wander over the boundary than others, whilst those with dogs will want to know if, as is sometimes claimed, ‘a good gun dog can ever be a bad colour’.The truth behind the origins of some items of sporting clothing are explained, as are the reasons why one should never say goodbye to fellow Guns whilst standing on a bridge! In amongst it all, much mention is made of general rural life and weather lore. As to the latter, it seems that it’s more worthwhile taking note of some of the old sayings than it is modern weather forecasters —particularly when attempting to shoot snipe in winter, or pigeons in the fog.There’s no doubt that this, at times, somewhat quirky tome will be of widespread interest to all who love being out in the shooting field at no matter what level. Well researched, and with outstanding tongue-in-cheek illustrations from the incredibly talented Bryn Parry, Hot Barrels! is sure to inform, amuse, entertain and educate.

The artist Norman Thelwell (1923–2004) was famous for his horse and pony cartoons, but his work was far more wide ranging. He focused his exceptional talent and humour on many diverse subjects, with his witty and wry observations providing amusement and sharp social comment.In this book, the artist turns his attention to a different form of horsepower – the internal combustion engine. Belt Up: Thelwell’s Motoring Manual depicts the delights and downfalls of driving, car ownership and life on the open road. First published in 1974, this collection of cartoons features driving lessons, road rage, accidents, technical terms, hazards, and the varying temperaments of men and women drivers.Prepare to travel back to an age before electric cars and discover Thelwell’s inimitable style and enduring appeal.

Nick Ridley and Fran Ardley have five decades of combined experience of training and working their gundogs in the field, so there are very few situations that they haven’t encountered. In this straightforward and easy-to-follow guide, they share their expert knowledge and advice with both the novice and the more experienced trainer, enabling them to get the most out of their gundogs.Practical Gundog Training takes a different approach to previous publications and instead of focusing solely on one breed, it concentrates on exercises that owners of all gundog breeds can follow. Although aimed at the gundog owner who plans to work their dog in the shooting field, the book will also be useful to those trainers who own pet gundog breeds.Training scenarios including the place board, whistle work and working with more than one dog are featured. Each subject covers various exercise options, initial training and refresher training, which is especially important at the end of a busy working season.

Peter Scott was a remarkable man who led an extraordinary life. Writer, artist, broadcaster, conservationist, sportsman; in any one of his chosen fields he would have been remembered as someone who made a difference. That he excelled in all of these is perhaps the main reason why his life remains an inspiration to others more than thirty years after his death. To his chosen fields, Peter brought a restless energy, boundless enthusiasm, integrity and determination to succeed.This new biography charts his life, from the young boy who grew up in the shadow of the tragic death of his famous father to the co-founder of the World Wildlife Fund and a major international figure in wildlife conservation. Along the way he became a passionate wildfowler, an internationally renowned artist, Olympic medal winner, wartime hero, British national glider champion and popular broadcaster who was heavily involved in the development of natural history programmes at the BBC. The book draws in part upon previously unpublished letters and papers discovered in his home during preparations to open it to the public, and casts a new light on some of the events that helped change a passionate hunter of wild geese into the most fervent champion for their survival.With the current crisis of global warming and the threat of mass extinction of wildlife across the globe, Peter’s story is a vivid reminder of the challenges we face and of what we stand to lose.