Royal Weddings A Very Peculiar History

Fiona Macdonald tells the stories surrounding the preparations, dresses, ceremonies & 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 & their son & daughter-in-law.

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.

The British Royal Family is a perennial source of fascination around the world, and few aspects of their lives are more celebrated and scrutinised than their weddings.This fascinating, accessible guide to some of the more eventful and momentous royal weddings in history covers everything from the notorious nuptials of Henry VIII to the achingly romantic recent marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton and the latest information about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Featuring witty anecdotes, incredible trivia, a timeline and glossary, readers of all ages will be entertained and educated.

EIIR Queen Elizabeth II, 60 Years a Queen, A Very Peculiar History' uniquely explores the life and times of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as we approach her 2012 Diamond Jubilee. The story that unfolds is one of doughty determination - the story of a young monarch who finds herself thrust into a new world of relentless public exposure, whose own family turns out to be as frail as everyone else's, but who somehow, for a full 60 years and counting, manages to steer the institution through the choppy waters intact. David Arscott provides an eccentric account of the trials and tribulations that have beset the Queen's reign, from the glamour of her coronation, through the gloom of her 'annus horribilis' to the impending dawn of her Diamond Jubilee.

When war broke out in 1939, few knew that they would soon be fighting to survive, let alone how or when it would end. 'Rations: A Very Peculiar History' looks at the measures the British government took to ensure the wellbeing of its people during wartime, and how the British public dealt with it. With some stealing, some hoarding, but most just trying to get by, it was one of the bleakest periods in British history. But there's a reason they called it 'the Blitz spirit' - this title features amazing tales of camaraderie and good humour in the face of bombs and hunger. Featuring incredible food-and-energy-saving recipes used at the time, along with quotes from survivors, 'Rations: A Very Peculiar History' will transport you back to a time when even Buckingham Palace and the Ritz hotel weren't above swapping a bit of venison for a bit of lobster.

Jacqueline Morley explores the history of one of Britain's favourite pastimes – gardening. Telling the story of gardens from paradise gardens of the ancient world to classically-influenced Renaissance gardens, and from wartime Digging for Victory to contemporary decking, barbecues and architect's designs, this pocket-sized book takes a thorough look at the development of gardening. Featuring black and white illustrations, witty anecdotes and incredible trivia, readers will be entertained and educated, discovering everything from medieval gardening to the garden's significance today.

Great Scots, A Very Peculiar History looks at a whole host of great (and not so great) Scots and their influence on the world. The book features a short history of each person, detailing their achievements, personalities and lifestyles in a quirky and memorable way. Including chapters about Scots in power, scientific Scots, scandalous Scots and many, many more, Great Scots, A Very Peculiar History celebrates the men and women who have helped to shape Scottish history.

Jacqueline Morley explores the story of clothing in a time of crisis. Telling the story of clothes rationing, the Utility Scheme and 'Make-do and Mend', this pocket-sized book takes a thorough look at Britain and other countries, and how they dealt with a drastically reduced supply of clothing in wartime. Featuring black and white illustrations, witty anecdotes and incredible trivia, readers will be entertained and educated.