David Pickering

Some people seem to have all the luck. But how can we get to be so lucky ourselves? Our forbears had a much clearer idea of what luck was and how it operated, whether it be in facing the hazards of mining, seafaring or childbirth or more mundane challenges such as gambling, falling in love and walking under ladders. We remember a few of them, but we've forgotten a lot more. From the moment of getting up in the morning, our ancestors offer us innumerable time-honoured ways to bolster our chances of success through the day ahead.This book is packed with fascinating traditional tips to safeguard and even promote your share of luck, whatever you plan doing. If you're not sure what to do if you see a magpie, break a mirror, or say the same thing as your friend at exactly the same time, this could be a lucky book for you.

It was not so long ago that the belief in witchcraft was shared by members of all levels of society. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, diseases were feared by all, the infant mortality rate was high, and around one in six harvests was likely to fail. In the small rural communities in which most people lived, affection and enmity could build over long periods. When misfortune befell a family, they looked to their neighbours for support - and for the cause. During the sixteenth century, Europe was subject to a fevered and pious wave of witch hunts and trials. As the bodies of accused women burnt right across the Continent, the flames of a nationwide witch hunt were kindled in England. In 1612 nine women were hanged in the Pendle witch trials, the prosecution of the Chelmsford witches in 1645 resulted in the biggest mass execution in England, and in the mid-1640s the Witch finder General instigated a reign of terror in the Puritan counties of East Anglia. Hundreds of women were accused and hanged. It wasn't until the latter half of the seventeenth century that witch-hunting went into decline.In this book, Andrew and David Pickering present a comprehensive catalogue of witch hunts, arranged chronologically within geographical regions. The tales of persecution within these pages are testimony to the horror of witch-hunting that occurred throughout England in the hundred years after the passing of the Elizabethan Witchcraft Act of 1563.

This unconventional rites-of-passage debut novel begins on the last evening of the twentieth century and spans a 25-year period in the life of its central character, encompassing along the way life in an English public school, a mysterious stone circle, witchcraft, illegal archaeology, first sex, teen confusion, hedgehogs and sudden death. Adventurous in subject matter, form and language, it has topped charts on sites for new writing. "Stunningly good", "Witty and gripping", "A wonderful piece of writing" (readers' comments).

During the sixteenth century, Europe was subject to a fevered and pious wave of witch-hunts and trials. English anti-witch paranoia led to the persecution and execution of a great many individuals, and brought about a large-scale shift in the legal and social culture of the time. However, surprisingly little has been written about this fascinating period of English history, beyond the individual cases of the Pendle witches of Lancashire and the activities of Matthew Hopkins (the 'Witchfinder General') in East Anglia. In this engaging new volume, brothers Andrew and David Pickering address the origins of witch-hunting in England, the methods by which it was conducted, its distribution, its causes and consequences, and its eventual decline. Many differing approaches to the subject are explored, including feminist perspectives, functional explanations and post-modern interpretations, with a strong emphasis on the primary source material, including trial records and contemporary literature such as demonological texts and Royal Society papers. The book is also lavishly illustrated with engravings, maps and location photographs.

Of all the decisions a new parent makes, choosing that special name is the most significant and the most rewarding. Suitable for prospective parents, this easy-to-use A-Z guide gives you suggestions for picking the perfect name for your new arrival.

Perfect Family Quiz is an invaluable source of entertainment for the whole family. Whether you're looking for a fun way to spend a rainy day, an activity for a long car journey, or you simply want to improve your general knowledge, Perfect Family Quiz has all the questions and answers. With topics ranging from Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter, and from prime ministers to prime-time TV, this easy-to-use quiz book will provide hours of fun for everyone. The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name. Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.

Perfect Pub Quiz is the ideal companion for all general knowledge nuts. Whether you're organising a quiz night in your local or you simply want to get in a bit of practice on tricky subjects, Perfect Pub Quiz has all the questions and answers. With topics ranging from the Roman Empire to Little Britain and from the Ryder Cup to Alex Rider, this easy-to-use quiz book will tax your brain and provide hours of fun.The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name.Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.

All the essential facts on ancient Egypt covering mummification, the pharaohs, the pyramids and the mysterious rituals. The ancient Egyptians have fascinated and enthralled the minds of millions down the centuries. With extensive scientific knowledge, splendid architecture and many artistic and cultural achievements, their civilisation stood apart as being ahead of its time. This compact and informative guide is perfect for all those studying ancient Egypt, visiting the sights, or curious to find out more about this fascinating period. Includes a wide range of topics such as:• Geography – how the Nile added to the success of their civilisation• History – a timeline spanning 3,000 years from 3100BC to 395AD and covering each dynastic period• Religion – the role of the gods and goddesses• Pharaohs – Cheops, Nefertiti and Tutankhamun• Life in Ancient Egypt – different levels in society, the jobs, family life, leisure activities• Learning and knowledge – the hieroglyphs, the scribes• War – the armies, weapons and armour• Death, funeral rites and mummification• Tombs and pyramids• Egypt today – archaeology, discoveries and what one can see today

Have you heard the one about the man who walked into a bar? (Ouch!)... Penguin Pocket Jokes is essential (and hilarious) reading for anyone searching for the perfect joke. Whether you want a snappy wisecrack or a longer rib-tickler when making a speech, this easy-to-use guide will provide the perfect witticism.

What's in a name? Rather more than you might at first suspect, for names are steeped in history and myth and have much to tell us about our past, our beliefs - even our personality traits. Now fully updated for its second edition, with 150 new entries, The Penguin Dictionary of First Names takes a close look at over 5,000 examples, ranging from the familiar to the comparatively obscure, drawn from all parts of the English-speaking world. Detailed and informative, it is essential reading for expectant parents and for anyone who is intrigued by the story attached to each name.