Tom May

Fungi are nature's great networkers, weaving connections, driving transformation and thriving in the most unexpected places. Planet Fungi: A Photographer's Foray is a feast for the eyes, with stunning imagery and pioneering explorations that reveal the intricacies of fungal biology and their ecological significance. It was a chance encounter in the forest with a purple mushroom that completely changed photographer Stephen Axford's view of the world. He became obsessed with documenting the largely unexplored kingdom of fungi and, alongside his partner, Catherine Marciniak, capturing the beauty and diversity of fungi in some of the most remote regions on Earth. There are an estimated 2-5 million species of fungi found all over the world, yet with only around 155,000 described so far, there is so much left to discover. From glowing mushrooms in ancient forests to bizarre, alien-like forms, these extraordinary organisms will challenge how you see the natural world.

Discover the 50 greatest designers and their incredible achievements in this spectacular hardback guide, richly illustrated with full-color images throughout. Selected by award-winning design journalist, Tom May, this beautifully illustrated book examines the achievements of 50 of history's greatest designers: the men and women who have influenced the way we live by creating everything from furniture to household goods and decorative objects to cars and motorcycles, airplanes, signage, sports equipment and much more. These inspiring personal stories provide a fascinating overview of design history: the ways that style has married with technical innovation; how historical contexts have fuelled design choices; and what role design plays as we try to move away from excessive consumerism towards a more sustainable future. Featured designers include: - William Morris: English textile designer and key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement- Gunta St lzl: German textile artist and one of the most outstanding members of the Bauhaus.- Eileen Gray: Irish architect, furniture designer, and pioneer of the Modern Movement in Architecture- Charles and Ray Eames: Married couple, most famous for their iconic Eames chairs- Art Sims: African-American graphic designer, best-known for his film posters such as for Spike Lee's movies such as "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X".- James Dyson: British industrial designer and inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner Perceptive and informative, this guide makes a fascinating introduction to the way design has become such an integral part of what we are and do. ABOUT THE SERIES The 50 Greatest series brings together highly visual reference guides, each exploring 50 of the most influential figures across a certain discipline. These rich biographical profiles outline their key achievements, influences and impact on the industry, accompanied by stunning full-color photography.

While many dream of a career as a singer/songwriter, few know how to go about getting bookings, copywrighting and protecting their songs, making promotional recordings, getting radio and print coverage and negotiating contracts for appearances. This book covers all of these topics and more, aimed at everyone from the absolute beginner to the more seasoned performer, to help them avoid the common pitfalls and problems encountered along the road to success. The authors draw on years of experience as songwriters and performers. They have conducted interviews with many singer/songwriters who share their experiences, both good and bad, as they’ve worked their way up from local gigs to full-time careers. Throughout, practical tips are highlighted and real-life stories help illuminate common issues faced by all performers/songwriters.

While many dream of a career as a singer/songwriter, few know how to go about getting bookings, copywrighting and protecting their songs, making promotional recordings, getting radio and print coverage and negotiating contracts for appearances. This book covers all of these topics and more, aimed at everyone from the absolute beginner to the more seasoned performer, to help them avoid the common pitfalls and problems encountered along the road to success. The authors draw on years of experience as songwriters and performers. They have conducted interviews with many singer/songwriters who share their experiences, both good and bad, as they’ve worked their way up from local gigs to full-time careers. Throughout, practical tips are highlighted and real-life stories help illuminate common issues faced by all performers/songwriters.