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The legendary wildlife writer's biography including his time mingling with Hollywood stars, before he went to the Canadian wilderness

The story of the conversion of a general dumping-ground to a rich and productive wildlife haven

Second part of auto about leaving his Hollywood life for wilderness writing

The geological background to carbonate sediments and rocks is provided and basic information on the compositions, origins and distributions of carbonate sediments.

Suitable for both practitioners and students, this book covers the topic of engineering geomorphology as a distinct discipline. It explains the causes, mechanisms and consequences of landform change and then considers how the land surface works in the context of wetland, flatland, hills, mountains, rivers and coasts.

Horrific experiences of the blitz in wartime London and the spiritual bankruptcy of her lover and his Marxist acquaintances are seen through the eyes of Nan, a young Scotswoman, who has returned to her native Highlands to recover from a nervous breakdown. Her letters to her lover from the warm and friendly ambience of a widowed aunt's farmhouse reflect her innermost thoughts on the essence of being and the restorative effects of the quiet rhythm of country life. The shadows of the immediate past begin to recede, but her return to health is rudely interrupted by news of the brutal murder of a neighbouring crofter and the unsolicited attentions of a sinister stranger. The inevitable relapse brings her aunt, a practical and cultured woman, into contact with both lover and stranger and pits her optimistic, human and emotional approach to life against the theories and bleak logic of the two men. The recovery of the young woman brings aunt and niece even closer together in their understanding of life, but the final denouement, although imbued with hope, is inconclusive and leaves the reader to imagine the eventual outcome. Written with all the power of a master hand this is a subtly thoughtful and gripping novel that has a strange relevance to today's events. The blight of terrorism, the dominance of consumerism, the absence of a spiritual dimension in domestic affairs and fears of the harmful effects of globalisation on the freedom and development of small communities, are symptoms of an uneasiness with regard to world stability and the erosion of traditional values and beliefs

First class nature writing from an acknowledged master

Observation of deer behaviour providing insight into forest life

Biographical accounts from 30 eminent international engineers

Discussing the durability of construction materials in the context of structures, this book also deals with steel, concrete, timber, masonry, aluminium, plastics and composites. Each chapter is augmented by examples illustrating the durability of elements in a structure, the performance of materials, and any problems encountered with durability.

This is the story of a man who achieved what thousands only dream of. He shed the pressures of urban life as an international journalist and exchanged it for solitude, self-sufficiency and new purpose. He emigrated to Canada, found a plot of rock, trees and cliffs in a remote part of the British Columbian coastline, and moved in with typewriter, tent and the barest necessities to build his dream cabin. How he eventually built his log cabin, learned to live off the sea, adjusted to and worked with the hardest taskmaster of all - Nature - fought loneliness and was inevitably drawn to greater understanding of his remote wilderness and its wild creatures, is an inspiring story. His adventures with nesting bald eagles, a cheeky raccoon, grizzlies, a lame seagull, killer whales and other creatures, are as informative as they are enthralling. Three extraordinary characters enhanced his experiences: Ed Louette, a skilled backwoods carpenter; Pappy Tihoni, a Scots-Indian who guided him on his most dangerous but fulfilling expedition into the mountains and wild dog Booto, who scratched at his cabin door with wagging tail when loneliness threatened to overwhelm. This book is as compelling and perhaps even more relevant today with the world's great wilderness areas continuing to disappear.

Established text for students of geomatics and related subjects

A classic of Scottish nature writing and of the literature of our mountains

Presents a comprehensive working manual for the laboratory testing of soils for civil engineering purposes. This handbook is suitable for those who are engaged in laboratory testing of soils as well as to professional engineers, consultants, academics and students in geotechnical engineering.

Nautical folklore

Presents a view of geomorphology for engineers and other professionals on the near-surface engineering problems, associated with various landscapes. The first part of this book is concerned with the major factors, which control the materials, form, and processes on the Earth's surfaces, the second part deals with the geomorphological processes.

A photographic record of the natural world's year by a master of the art

A comprehensive guide on the testing of the main ceramic elements used in the construction industry

True and dramatic story of Johnston and his last fatal expedition to Africa

From this evocative title comes a powerful novel set in the city of Glasgow in 1939. This is indeed a bleak stage, and yet how does this title, with its implication of freedom and flight, meld with a depressed city at the outbreak of war? The main character, a journalist, finds that a glimpse of wild geese catalyses the development of his thinking on various levels - social, political and psychological. The contrast of urban and rural life, characteristically penetrating dialogue, remarkable insight, physical violence...all are included and take the reader on an absorbing and enlightening journey to the story's denouement. Another outstanding novel from the creative pen of Gunn.

A novel set in a Highland shooting lodge, where the focus is a hunt in a remote deer forest; but this is no ordinary thriller. A shooting lodge party of wealthy English people, a team of Highland stalkers, a legendary stag to be hunted and a background of glen and corrie, shrouded from time to time by impenetrable mist. A marvellous blend of ever-changing landscape - be it light and shadow, swift transitiions from light to half light, mist, rain, tones and flowing lines - contribute to the dramatic essence of the novel. Culture and personality clashes and mystery, which portent much deeper clashes between spiritual and material values, provide a vastly enjoyable read.

True stories from the time when ocean steamers plied their trade across the globe

Old title but lovely writing from US and Scotland

Classic international climbs; finalist in mountain literature category of the Banff Mountain Book Festival

First in trilogy - development of a career in the golden age of international shipping

Bridget MacCaskill has been observing otters for many years and studies undertaken with her late husband, Don, resulted in books and a film about otters and their environment. Otters are fascinating and delightful creatures but to watch them in their natural habitat requires immense patience over a long period of time, and an appreciation of their way of life. For those of us who wish to know more, this book presents an intimate account of an extended otter family. It is written in the form of a story by an unseen observer and tells of the lives of two otter cubs, from birth until adulthood, their relationship with their parents and the other otter family on the loch, and their interaction with some of the other creatures there. Enter Coll and Coire, Kyle and Kelpie. All the events in this book are based on actual observation, either from watching the animals themselves, or by interpreting signs of their presence. The result is a vastly enjoyable read that is true to nature, and not in the least sentimental. But it conveys a serious message - we must be aware of the need to minimise pollution, disruption of habitat and other harmful intrusions if we are to benefit from the presence of these wonderful creatures. The book will appeal to everyone with an interest in otters, and all lovers of wildlife and the natural landscape.

Enigma code breaking at sea to protect the Russian convoys in WWII

A mythical tale of genuine power from a true wordsmith

A novel based on the life of Bob Crumley, member of Dundee FC's 1910 Scottish Cup-winning team. The story is told through the eyes of his grandson as a series of snapshots in a family album - except the shots were never taken, for the popular goalie was an outcast from his own family.

This volume provides an integration of the essentials of environmental and engineering geology, giving a thorough grounding to students and professionals alike.