Russell Howard

Abi Smith heads deep into the West Country to discover how people from as far as Midsomer Norton, Somerset to Minneapolis, USA fell in love with this energetic, mesmerizing, boyishly blond Bristolian. How exactly has Russell, the kid who used to sleep with his underpants on his head in an effort to cure his acne, become the geezer who is now headlining shows at the O2 Arena, Wembley and the Royal Albert Hall? How has the timid boy who wouldn't speak at family gatherings because he was too shy become a TV panel-show heavyweight? How has the teen who wore his jeans back-to-front because he thought he looked like a cool rapper become an award-winning stand-up with a string of worldwide sell-out tours to his name? He might describe himself as the "munter" of all his friends with his wonky teeth and lazy eye, but there is something rather special about this good-natured, good-fun dude whose favorite topics of stand-up quite often include his mother's hilarious antics. One thing's for sure, he might have been bullied at school, had haircuts from hell and missed out on a career as a footballer but he is certainly having the last laugh now - and we are in the front row laughing out-loud with him.

Good news, Russell Howard fans! It's time to take a butcher's into the mad, rib-tickling, insane yet lovable world of the one of the UK's favourite comedians. Abi Smith heads deep into the West Country to discover how people from as far as Midsomer Norton, Somerset to Minneapolis, USA fell in love with this energetic, mesmerising, boyishly blond Bristolian. How exactly has Russell, the kid who used to sleep with his underpants on his head in an effort to cure his acne, become the geezer who is now headlining shows at the O2 Arena, Wembley and the Royal Albert Hall? How has the timid boy who wouldn't speak at family gatherings because he was too shy become a TV panel-show heavyweight? How has the teen who wore his jeans back-to-front because he thought he looked like a cool rapper become an award-winning stand-up with a string of worldwide sell-out tours to his name? He might describe himself as the 'munter' of all his friends with his wonky teeth and lazy eye, but there is something rather special about this good-natured, good-fun dude whose favourite topics of stand-up quite often include his mother's hilarious antics. One things for sure, he might have been bullied at school, had haircuts from hell and missed out on a career as a footballer but he is certainly having the last laugh now - and we are in the front row laughing out-loud with him.

'The problem with The Problem with Men is that I do believe men will have less trouble with it than the title suggests as it is actually a glorious, funny book written by a glorious funny man' AISLING BEA 'Very moving, one of the few things I've consumed in 2020 that has left me with a sense of hope... but one thing wasn't made clear, when is International Men's Day?' JOHN ROBINS For the past decade, Richard Herring has been answering sexist trolls on International Women's Day when they ask 'when is International Men's Day?' in the mistaken belief there isn't one. If only the trolls had learned to use Google they would realise that there is an International Men's Day - it's on November 19th. In The Problem with Men Richard expands on his Twitter discussions and tackles some of the big questions surrounding the problems of toxic masculinity - for women, but also for men - including: - Should men fear feminism? - Is society sexist against men? - Could you win a point against Serena Williams? *spoiler* The answer to all of these is no. With Richard's signature humour and insight, The Problem with Men is a book for anyone striving for an equal society, all year round. 'This is a great book but I think the last thing it needs is a quote by yet another man' JAMES ACASTER

A collection of true-crime tales, selected from the author's "Crime Files" series, is accompanied by three new cases that chronicle the crimes of seemingly ordinary men possessing a twisted obsession with violence and death.

Originally published in 1987. Lady Rachel Russell (1637–1723) was regarded as "one of the best women" by many of the most powerful people of her time. Wife of Lord William Russell, the prominent Whig opponent of King Charles II who was executed for treason in 1683, Lady Russell emerged as a political figure in her own right during the Glorious Revolution and throughout her forty-year widowhood. Award-winning historian Lois G. Schwoerer has written a biography that illuminates both the political life and the lives of women in late Stuart England. Lady Russell's interest in politics and religion blossomed during her marriage to Lord Russell and after his death: "as William became a Whig martyr, Rachel became a Whig saint." Her wealth, contacts, and role as her husband's surrogate gave her considerable influence to intercede in high government appointments, lend support in elections, and exchange favors with her friend Mary of Orange. In her domestic life she similarly took steps usually reserved to men, managing large estates in London and Hampshire and negotiating favorable marriage contracts for each of her three children. Although Lady Russell was unusual for her time, she was by no means unique. Other notable women shared her concerns and traits, although to differing degrees and effects. Schwoerer suggests that the horizons of women's lives in the seventeenth century may have extended farther than is often supposed.

The second and concluding volume of the author's 'My diary, north and south.'