Alexandra Parsons

These 50 excellent–and sometimes off-the-wall–tips will help you stay warm, indoors and out. When the temperature drops and fuel prices are going through the roof, you need all the help you can get to preserve your body temperature. Whether you choose to slide your frozen feet under your partner's posterior, or get into bed and flap around like a stranded seal to warm up the sheets, you need never feel frozen again with the help of 50 Ways to Stay Warm. From the obvious (wear layers, exercise) to the scientific (don't sit on cold surfaces, insulate with layers), and whether you are at home (close the curtains, let your pets sleep on the bed) or out of doors (dig a snow hole, keep your back to the wind), there are useful and sometimes humorous ways to prevent hypothermia, however low the thermometer drops, and however resistant your partner or housemate is to turning on the heating.

Luminous presence: Derek Jarman's life-writing is the first book to analyse the prolific writing of queer icon Derek Jarman. Although he is well known for his avant-garde filmmaking, his garden, and his AIDS activism, he is also the author of over a dozen books, many of which are autobiographical. Much of Jarman's exploration of post-war queer identity and imaginative response to HIV/AIDS can be found in his books, such as the lyrical AIDS diaries Modern Nature and Smiling in Slow Motion. This book fully explores, for the first time, the remarkable range and depth of Jarman’s writing. Spanning his career, Alexandra Parsons argues that Jarman’s self-reflexive response to the HIV/AIDS crisis was critical in changing the cultural terms of queer representation from the 1980s onwards. Luminous presence is of great interest to students, scholars and readers of queer histories in literature, art and film.

Everything you want to know about the fabulousness that is Eurovision! The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the world's longest running TV programmes, and has become a much loved tradition across Europe and now Australia. From the spandex to the glitter, ABBA to Lordi, and the unexpected winners to the "nil points" losers, The Little Book of Eurovision will take you through the best and the "Wurst" moments of the last 65 years. Eurovision has come a long way from its very first competition in 1956, with just seven entrants and a studio audience of 200 people. Now people gather for Eurovision parties, complete with food and drink from the competing countries, and even dress up in finery to match the feathers, sequins, and leather on stage. Whether you are a cynic, a true believer or just a disappointed Brit (again), you'll love reliving the highs and lows of Eurovision through these pages.

Luminous presence: Derek Jarman's life-writing is the first book to analyse the prolific writing of queer icon Derek Jarman. Although he is well known for his avant-garde filmmaking, his garden, and his AIDS activism, he is also the author of over a dozen books, many of which are autobiographical. Much of Jarman's exploration of post-war queer identity and imaginative response to HIV/AIDS can be found in his books, such as the lyrical AIDS diaries Modern Nature and Smiling in Slow Motion. This book fully explores, for the first time, the remarkable range and depth of Jarman’s writing. Spanning his career, Alexandra Parsons argues that Jarman’s self-reflexive response to the HIV/AIDS crisis was critical in changing the cultural terms of queer representation from the 1980s onwards. Luminous presence is of great interest to students, scholars and readers of queer histories in literature, art and film.

Do you know your lardo from your Le Creuset, your sous vide from your silverside? If so look away now, this probably isn’t the book for you! So You Think You're A Foodie? takes an irreverent look at those among us who take what they eat just a touch too seriously. With 50 entries examining some of the foodie’s ultimate icons, it’s the perfect way to understand those who strive for the tastiest, most exclusive, most sophisticated gastronomic experiences around. In other words, a show-off with nothing better to do than bleat about how much they love to eat! Each entry covers an aspect of a foodie’s life: from the coveting of virgins – olive oil, of course – and the books they read through to travelling to the dingiest places in search of a truly authentic, locals-only experience – usually McDonald's – and the names they call their kids. So if you’ve ever wondered what your partner, friend or sibling sees in spending hours trudging through muddy fields on a quest for an elusive mushroom when they could have just gone to the supermarket, or are bemused by their insistence on trying offal at every opportunity rather than sticking to steak, then these wise words provide sensible answers.

At the age of eleven, Bronco Charlie Miller becomes the youngest rider ever to work for the Pony Express. He faces rain and slippery mud, mountain lions and snakes, the possibility of an Indian attack, and the vast darkness of the night sky. Will Bronco Charlie survive the night and be able to deliver the mail on time? Wanted: Bronco Charlie Rides the Pony Express introduces readers to the West, transportation, and early mail delivery. This book also features an appendix with vocabulary and facts about the Pony Express. Saddle up and ride along with Bronco Charlie and the Pony Express