Non-fiction Highlights

Non fiction highlights  

A selection of new arrivals to our shelves. 

An Auctioneer's Lot: Triumphs and Disasters at Christie's. Charles Hindlip

Lord Hindlip was an auctioneer at Christie's for 40 years. He auctioned Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' (which eventually went for 22 million pounds), 80 of Diana's dresses for charity, plus lots more fascinating items. His stories are really funny and insightful.

Captain Fantastic: Elton John's Stellar Trip Through the '70s. Tom Doyle.

The 1970s saw Reg Dwight transform into Elton Hercules John, a flamboyant persona he adopted to hide his extreme shyness. During this decade he created some of his best music with his lyricist Bernie Taupin.

The Home that was our Country: A Memoir of Syria. Alia Malek.

In 2011 Syrian American journalist Alia Malek returned to Damascus, at the beginning of the Arab Spring uprising. Her's is a story about her people, rather than the conflict, where she focuses on her grandmother's apartment and the neighbourhood that surrounds it.

The House of Owls. Tony Angell

This beautiful book is written by a North American naturalist and wildlife illustrator who has documented his observations of an owl nesting box in his garden.

Jack White: How He Built an Empire from the Blues. Nick Hasted.

John Anthony Gillis, aka Jack White, was an outsider growing up in Mexicantown, Detroit, who became captivated by the blues.  This book follows the first 40 years of his life, including the years with The White Stripes and his marriage to drummer Meg White, his bands and collaborations since their break up, and the launching of his independent record label. 

Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism. Ron Suskind

A beautifully-written, inspiring story of a family using the dialogue of animated Disney movies to cope with autism. Owen is obsessed with early animated movies and his perseverance and personal development is heroic.

Now: The Physics of Time. Richard Muller

A respected quantum physicist gives us the background to the concept of time. Very readable and absolutely fascinating.

Patterns in Nature: Why the Natural World Looks the Way It Does. Philip Ball

Stunning micro and macro photographs enhance the information about patterns and symmetry. You will be amazed and delighted.

Warehouse Home: Industrial Inspiration for Twenty-First-Century Living. Sophie Bush.

Sophie Bush shares her knowledge and passion about converting industrial warehouses into beautiful contemporary homes, featuring places from New York, Melbourne, London and Hong Kong.

Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World. Judith Schwartz

An optimistic look at water accessibility - we have the knowledge and tools to make the world a better place for humans, animals and plants.