As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in...... more

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief or will it? Book five in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teenager. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny from the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth: that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toad-like and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of defence against dark arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the high inquisitor of Hogwarts. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their examinations, devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team line-up, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, more than any of the four previous novels in the series, is a coming-of-age story. Harry faces the thorny transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemed black and white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Gone is the wide-eyed innocent, the whiz kid of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Here we have an adolescent who's sometimes sullen, often confused (especially about girls), and always self-questioning. Confronting death again, as well as a startling prophecy, Harry ends his year at Hogwarts exhausted and pensive. Readers, on the other hand, will be energised as they enter yet again the long waiting period for the next title in the marvellous magical series. --Emilie Coulter

... less

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in...... more

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief or will it? Book five in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teenager. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny from the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth: that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toad-like and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of defence against dark arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the high inquisitor of Hogwarts. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their examinations, devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team line-up, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, more than any of the four previous novels in the series, is a coming-of-age story. Harry faces the thorny transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemed black and white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Gone is the wide-eyed innocent, the whiz kid of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Here we have an adolescent who's sometimes sullen, often confused (especially about girls), and always self-questioning. Confronting death again, as well as a startling prophecy, Harry ends his year at Hogwarts exhausted and pensive. Readers, on the other hand, will be energised as they enter yet again the long waiting period for the next title in the marvellous magical series. --Emilie Coulter

... less

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in...... more

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief or will it? Book five in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teenager. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny from the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth: that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toad-like and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of defence against dark arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the high inquisitor of Hogwarts. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their examinations, devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team line-up, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, more than any of the four previous novels in the series, is a coming-of-age story. Harry faces the thorny transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemed black and white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Gone is the wide-eyed innocent, the whiz kid of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Here we have an adolescent who's sometimes sullen, often confused (especially about girls), and always self-questioning. Confronting death again, as well as a startling prophecy, Harry ends his year at Hogwarts exhausted and pensive. Readers, on the other hand, will be energised as they enter yet again the long waiting period for the next title in the marvellous magical series. --Emilie Coulter

... less

Bridgwater dates back to 800AD and was a free borough by 1200. It once boasted a riverside castle and was the most significant shipping port on the Somerset...... more

Bridgwater dates back to 800AD and was a free borough by 1200. It once boasted a riverside castle and was the most significant shipping port on the Somerset coast. It was from here that the Duke of Monmouth set out on his fateful journey to the Battle of Sedgemoor. It is the home of Admiral Blake, described by Nelson as England's finest admiral. It was even disenfranchised for corrupt voting practices in Parliamentary elections. Relics of its maritime past can be seen at the historic docks and along the quaysides from where shiploads of emigrants left for America. Although it is a town steeped in history, it is today perhaps best known for its spectacular winter carnival with a procession unchallenged as the world's greatest night-time carnival, an event which reflects the culture of this Somerset community. This book explores the history and character of this unique Somerset town. First published in 2006 and quickly sold out, this new edition of The Book of Bridgwater published to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee, brings the story of the community fully up to date. A new section highlights what has happened since the book was first issued. Bridgwater's one-time largest employer, British Cellophane, closed its factory gates for the last time and the landmark chimney has long since disappeared. Major development work is now taking place on the former site as the town re-vitalises itself. Meanwhile Bridgwater has been left without a swimming pool after the controversial closure of the Sedgemoor Splash and the town made the national news when the West Quay river wall collapsed on the very night of Bridgwater Carnival. New images capture how the Jubilee was celebrated. This unique publication is a vital record of the history and inhabitants of the ancient town of Bridgwater, presented in a single volume for all to treasure.

... less

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in...... more

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief or will it? Book five in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teenager. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny from the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth: that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toad-like and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of defence against dark arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the high inquisitor of Hogwarts. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their examinations, devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team line-up, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, more than any of the four previous novels in the series, is a coming-of-age story. Harry faces the thorny transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemed black and white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Gone is the wide-eyed innocent, the whiz kid of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Here we have an adolescent who's sometimes sullen, often confused (especially about girls), and always self-questioning. Confronting death again, as well as a startling prophecy, Harry ends his year at Hogwarts exhausted and pensive. Readers, on the other hand, will be energised as they enter yet again the long waiting period for the next title in the marvellous magical series. --Emilie Coulter

... less

The glorious thing about this fat and enticing old friend is that it brims over with facts. Turn to Whitaker's Almanack 2003 for all the things you think you...... more

The glorious thing about this fat and enticing old friend is that it brims over with facts. Turn to Whitaker's Almanack 2003 for all the things you think you should know, the things you once knew but have forgotten and the things you didn't think you needed to know but which are somehow fascinating. Did you, for example, know that Dr Benjamin Spock was born just a few days before the death of Paul Gaugin in May 1903? Or that the Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire is JDB Smart or that the national anthem of Swaziland is Ingoma Yesive? Having begun life in 1868 as a journalist's fact book, Whitakers has gone from strength to strength through its 135 annual editions. It's useful on history and social structure--like a mini Debretts--and it details most of the UK's institutions with names and contact details. As always there's extensive data about every country in the world as well as maps, recent obituaries and a run down on last year's main news stories with pictures. "A calendar, a calendar. Look in the almanac. Find out moonshine. Find our moonshine", cries Bottom excitedly in A Midsummer Night's Dream. In Shakespeare's day that's all an almanac was. Although the traditional calendars, astronomical and tidal information is all proudly still there, Whitaker's has taken and developed the almanac concept for so long that it has evolved into one of the most exciting indispensable, eclectic, accessible, modern reference books available. If you could have only one single volume information book, there's simply no contest. Whitaker's it would have to be. --Susan Elkin

... less

Season OneCharmed: The Complete First Season recaptures a period when television's WB network was particularly keen on series about the supernatural and...... more

Season OneCharmed: The Complete First Season recaptures a period when television's WB network was particularly keen on series about the supernatural and specially powered characters. The original home of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and future launch pad for Angel and Smallville, the WB debuted Charmed in 1998 with many of the same intriguing ironies that made those other shows click. Specifically, the greater a character's powers, the more vulnerable he or she becomes; the more superhuman, the more painfully obvious one's lonely, fragile humanity. The Halliwells, a trio of witch heroines and siblings at the center of Charmed, is a case in point. Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) returns to her San Francisco family home after losing her job, and moves in with her older sisters Prue (Shannen Doherty) and Piper (Holly Marie Combs). On her first night back, Phoebe finds the Book of Shadows in the attic and recites a spell giving all three women unique powers they were always meant to have: Prue suddenly has the gift of telekinesis, Piper can make time stand still, and Phoebe can see into the future. All well and good, but along with those extraordinary abilities is a new awareness of dark forces in the world from which mortals need protection. In some cases, those forces have been plotting a long time to steal the Halliwell's magical legacy once they awakened to it--and now they will never let up. Evil warlocks, demons, ancient curses, Grimlocks, and Wendigos (the last two are best left explained by their respective episodes), however, are only half the battle on this sexy dramedy, in which more ordinary matters of emotional and real-world survival also preoccupy the Halliwells. An important ally, Inspector Andy Trudeau (Ted King), is Prue's ex-lover, a delicate detail that mixes pain with duty as the couple rekindles their troubled relationship while solving otherworldly crimes. In "Dead Man Dating," Piper falls for the ghost of a murdered man who needs help, and later competes with Phoebe for the attention of a handyman, Leo (Brian Krause). Jobs and money are always an issue, too. At one time or another, Phoebe works as a psychic, Piper as a caterer, and Prue finds a job at an auction house. As with Buffy, the engine of Charmed is the seamless, sometimes-comic, sometimes-tender way in which all these dynamics in the magic and non-magic worlds blend together, presenting young adult challenges that are both unique and somehow terribly familiar. It is particularly fun to watch this series grow, deepen, and experiment during its first year. The season's true highlight is probably "That 70s Episode," in which the Halliwells go back in time to meet their younger selves. --Tom KeoghSeason TwoCharmed: The Complete Second Season finds San Francisco's favourite and fetching trio of witches, the Halliwell sisters, still battling supernatural forces while trying to make sense of their tricky personal lives. It has been a year since Prue (Shannen Doherty), Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), and Piper (Holly Marie Combs), were each endowed with a unique, magical ability after discovering the Book of Shadows in their attic, and while Phoebe and Piper are in the mood for celebrating, Prue is emotionally incapable of using her telekinetic gifts. Powerless to have saved her ex-lover, Andy Trudeau (Ted King), from death in Season 1, Prue's grief prevents her from cooperating with her sisters in a battle against a demon who steals the all-important Book. That's just the beginning of the Halliwells' otherworldly troubles. The second season finds the sisters also taking on brain-zapping Warlocks, a Demon of Hate, a Darklighter who inspires thoughts of suicide among the living, evil witches, and--get this--the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who turn out to be quite dapper (albeit nasty) fellows. Meanwhile, Piper struggles to raise $60,000 to open a happening new club (at a site where two other clubs have failed) while also juggling romantic feelings for two guys, one a hunky new neighbor and the other last season's handyman character, Leo (Brian Krause), who turns out to be a Whitelighter (a kind of an angel). Prue's job at the art gallery gets a bit wobbly, and she gives unintentionally mixed signals to a very nice man who likes her a lot. Phoebe, for her part, is still in school and meets a handsome prospect at a dating service--then has to save him from a succubus (a female demon who seduces men and then kills them). Season highlights include the episode "She's a Man, Baby, a Man," in which Prue--due to a botched spell--becomes a man (a clever and funny performance by Doherty). In a reversal of Tootsie's feminist theme, Prue learns how to be a better woman for having a been a man, though a lot more repairs take place at the house while she's a he. "Animal Pragmatism" concerns yet another spell gone awry, this one turning a pig, a rabbit, and a snake into full-grown men with the characteristics of the creatures they were. The final show, "Be Careful What You Witch For," is a lot of fun, co-starring French Stewart as a genie who makes a lot of mischief at the same time the sisters are trying to put a Dragon Warlock in his place. --Tom KeoghSeason ThreeCharmed: The Complete Third Season is a little different from its previous seasons in that the long-running series, for the first time, is dominated by a single story arc that affects nearly every episode. Actor Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck, Fantastic Four) joins the Charmed cast as Assistant District Attorney Cole Turner, who enters the show when he unsuccessfully prosecutes a demon-possessed killer who attacks the Halliwell sisters' police ally, Inspector Morris (Dorian Gregory). In short order, Cole becomes romantically involved with Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), but it's soon revealed that he's actually a demon, part of an unholy plot to destroy the Charmed Ones, i.e. the Halliwell sisters. Trouble is, Cole's human incarnation begins to battle with his demon self, and the rest of the season is really dedicated to the ramifications of his ambivalence. Even old issues on Charmed, such as the forbidden love of Piper (Holly Marie Combs) and Leo (Brian Krause), an angelic Whitelighter, become secondary to the Cole-Phoebe story. (The latter becomes supernatural when Phoebe's misery over Cole turns her into a shrieking Banshee and the pair meet up in the hellish Dark Side.) Season highlights include "Primrose Empath," in which Shannen Doherty gives a superb performance when her character, Prue Halliwell, takes on the powers of an empath and is soon overwhelmed by the emotional pain carried by scores of others. "Sleuthing with the Enemy" finds Prue and Piper, in the first of several such stories, working at opposite purposes from Phoebe, who is intent on saving Cole from capture or destruction. The clever and comic "Look Who's Barking" concerns a spell that turns Prue into a Banshee-tracking dog who gets hit by a car and briefly becomes the pet of a handsome, single man. Season finale "All Hell Breaks Loose" may be the best Charmed episode in its first three years, a scary and apocalyptic tale in which the powers of the Halliwell sisters, long kept secret, are revealed to an insatiable news media, the police and military, and dangerous crazies. Not to be missed. --Tom KeoghSeason FourCharmed: The Complete Fourth Season is a captivating story of big changes in the world of the Halliwell sisters. San Francisco witches Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) and Piper (Holly Marie Combs) grieve the loss of Prue (Shannen Doherty) at the same time they discover the existence of a fourth Halliwell sibling: Paige (Rose McGowan ), offspring of the girls' late mother and a Whitelighter (thus making Paige part witch and part angel). Paige was raised as an adopted child, but has been aware of her sisters for awhile. Still, she's ambivalent about joining forces with them (despite having two powers instead of the usual one), and Piper--now the oldest of the surviving sisters, reluctantly taking over Prue's position as leader--is in no hurry to welcome Paige into the fold. Blood and loyalty prevail, however, and soon Paige takes over Phoebe's old role as screw-up rookie, mangling potions and causing havoc (such as switching bodies with Phoebe at an inopportune time). But her strong survival sense, compassion, and ability to read people (she's studying to become a social worker) add a powerful new weapon to the Halliwell arsenal. Meanwhile, several key storylines from the third season carry over to this new year, notably the running drama concerning demon-with-a-soul Cole (Julian McMahon) and his ongoing battle to stay free of hell's wrath while maintaining dark powers. His romance with Phoebe leads them to become ruler and queen of the Underworld, where Phoebe's loyalty is tested and a demonic baby enters the picture. Piper and her husband, Whitelighter Leo (Brian Krause), deal with sorrow over Prue and frustration over not being able to have a child, and the sisters' police ally, Inspector Morris (Dorian Gregory), has to contend with an out-of-control boss bent on charging the Halliwells with a crime. All that and a witch-hunter and appearance by the angel of destiny, who offers to relieve the witches of their magical burden. The most impressive aspect of the fourth season is the way Doherty's loss isn't treated as a mere vacuum to be filled with a new body, but is taken as an opportunity to reinvent the show in several crucial ways. --Tom KeoghSeason FiveSexy, silly, sardonic, somber: the fifth season of Charmed finds the Charmed Ones--sisters Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Paige (Rose McGowan)--on an emotional roller coaster. Yet they're also in a fairly comfortable groove with one another. McGowan, who joined the cast in year 4 as a replacement for Shannen Doherty, is now a perfect fit, turning Paige into a self-deprecating, uber-witch whose clipped dialogue meshes beautifully with Milano's neurotic phrasing and Combs' no-nonsense bark. Season 5 ties up a lot of loose ends, heralds some major shifts in the show's running narrative, and ushers in a couple of new characters. One of the latter is Piper's baby by husband Leo (Brian Krause), the angelic Whitelighter whose role as an emissary of the heavenly Elders changes dramatically in the two-part finale, "Oh, My Goddess!" Before that happens, however, Phoebe must contend with the reappearance of her husband, the demon Cole (Julian McMahon), who is determined to win her back by proving his evil nature is under control. As usual, all the sisters must use the Power of Three to protect a number of vulnerable mortals, and even some immortals. Among these are a mermaid whose immortality is sought by a greedy demon, several wood nymphs frolicking in the streets of San Francisco, and married men targeted by a hot Siren with a killer kiss. Season highlights include "Happily Ever After," in which characters from multiple fairy tales come to life; "Lucky Charmed," a fun story introducing a demon-vanquishing Leprechaun; and "Sense and Sense Ability," a clever drama in which Phoebe goes deaf, Piper becomes blind, and Paige turns mute as the result of a wicked witch's spell. The aforementioned finale sees all three sisters officially acknowledged as the goddesses they truly are. But it also introduces a new, major character, Chris (Drew Fuller), who seems benevolent but may very well be a wolf in sheep's clothing. We shall see. --Tom KeoghSeason SevenThe challenges come fast and furious for the Halliwell sisters in Charmed: The Complete Seventh Season. Some of them are pretty exotic, too: a visit from Lady Godiva, who inspires a certain, unexpected freedom in witchy sisters Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Paige (Rose McGowan) while dodging the evil designs of a nasty land baron. Shakti and Shiva, the ultimate lovers of Hinduism, manage to occupy the bodies of Piper and still-evolving Whitelighter Leo (Brian Krause) at a very bad time: The consummation of their love will destroy the universe. An ex-demon turned professor at the Magic School falls under a spell that causes him to believe he's Robin Hood and that Phoebe is Maid Marian. And it goes on like that: an invisible demon posing as an imaginary friend to a child; a time-travel trip to 1899 (and the site of a tragic fire) that strands Phoebe; the arrival of Pandora's Box in the hands of a shape-shifting visitor from the Underworld. Things never quiet down for the Halliwells, and their lives are even more complicated by Zankou (Oded Fehr), who shows up in a running storyline about his effort to release the Shadow, the ultimate power, and steal the Book of Shadows, which is crucial to the sisters' witchcraft. Meanwhile, Leo must make a crucial choice in order to release Piper and Phoebe from their deaths at the hands of yet another demon: Should he save them or engage in magic that will ultimately rob him of his free will? An exciting season full of new changes and characters, transitions, children, and much else, Charmed: The Complete Seventh Season carries on this long-running television show's breathless pace and intriguing mix of the arcane and ordinary. --Tom KeoghSeason EightSeason eight of Charmed brings the story of the Halliwell sisters to a satisfying conclusion, but not without a lot of bumps on the road for the witchy trio. The season begins with Paige (Rose McGowan ), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano)--exhausted after years of magical responsibility for protecting the mortal world and fighting off demons--pretending to be dead and hiding behind new appearances. (The characters, when seen in mirrored reflections or through the eyes of others, are played by different actresses.) The gambit works smoothly for awhile, until each of the sisters begins missing aspects of her old life and feeling a sense of responsibility for protecting the innocent. Meanwhile, a gaggle of restless, young demons suspect that the Halliwells arent really dead at all, and are out to prove it. While fending off new demonic plots to take over the sisters San Francisco home and seize control of a school of magic, Piper and Phoebes father, Victor (James Read), takes care of Piper and Leos kids at the near cost of his own life. Also, Phoebe falls for a sculptor (Jason Lewis) early in the season and Cupid (Victor Webster) himself later on; Paige considers a career in law enforcement; and a newcomer arrives on the scene: Billie (Kaley Cuoco), a young witch with a flashy, Buffy-like style as demon-slayer. Billies story provides a narrative backbone to Charmed: The Final Season. Powerful but untutored, Billie reluctantly becomes a protégé of Paige, learning the ropes of witchcraft just as Paige did a couple of seasons back. The problem is that Billie makes a well-intentioned mess of a number of situations (at one point, she draws the attention of a Homeland Security agent to her powers), and then goes rogue when her long-lost sister shows up and turns Billie against the Halliwells. The latter half of the season slowly draws to a showdown between the two sets of siblings, but as always, there are lot of storylines with plenty of other issues and action to worry about. Longtime Charmed fans will certainly enjoy the series finale, an imaginative, time-travel tale in which some of the main characters meet different versions of themselves, and we all get a peek into what the future holds in store for the Halliwells as individual women. --Tom Keogh

... less

21st century people inhabit an information world. Data is hurled in a non-stop stream. Internet, CD Roms, TV, video, newspapers, magazines, junk mail,...... more

21st century people inhabit an information world. Data is hurled in a non-stop stream. Internet, CD Roms, TV, video, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, hoardings ... It's relentless, brash and sometimes exhausting. That's why Whitaker's Almanack, a one-volume reference book which manages to be comfortingly traditional but bang up-to-date, is such a treasure.The eclecticism is astonishing because Whitaker's manages to be calendar, atlas, peerage, gazetteer and newspaper digest all at once. If you want to know, say, the population of Afghanistan, the number of passengers who used Manchester airport last year, the address of the Knitting Industries Federation or the opening hours of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Whitaker's will tell you, which is great news for quiz buffs."There are about 64,000 licensed taxis in Great Britain, of which 19,000 are in London", says Whitaker's helpfully. And did you know that "The probation service is organised into 54 areas"? The dates of all the Christian churches' moveable feasts from now until 2035, alongside breakdowns of the Sikh, Hindu and Jewish calendars, are here. So are the names of the senior civil servants in every government department.Published annually since 1868, Whitaker's was first compiled by journalist Joseph Whitaker. It has grown and developed into a yearly institution comparable only with the Guinness Book of Records or Wisden. Now published by the Stationery Office--although there's still a member of the Whitaker family on the editorial board--it's a user-friendly, pleasant-to-handle book whether you want facts, figures and statistics for work or just sheer pleasure. --Susan Elkin

... less

Bridgwater dates back to 800AD and was a free borough by 1200. It once boasted a riverside castle and was the most significant shipping port on the Somerset...... more

Bridgwater dates back to 800AD and was a free borough by 1200. It once boasted a riverside castle and was the most significant shipping port on the Somerset coast. It was from here that the Duke of Monmouth set out on his fateful journey to the Battle of Sedgemoor. It is the home of Admiral Blake, described by Nelson as England's finest admiral. It was even disenfranchised for corrupt voting practices in Parliamentary elections. Relics of its maritime past can be seen at the historic docks and along the quaysides from where shiploads of emigrants left for America. Although it is a town steeped in history, it is today perhaps best known for its spectacular winter carnival with a procession unchallenged as the world's greatest night-time carnival, an event which reflects the culture of this Somerset community. This book explores the history and character of this unique Somerset town. First published in 2006 and quickly sold out, this new edition of The Book of Bridgwater published to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee, brings the story of the community fully up to date. A new section highlights what has happened since the book was first issued. Bridgwater's one-time largest employer, British Cellophane, closed its factory gates for the last time and the landmark chimney has long since disappeared. Major development work is now taking place on the former site as the town re-vitalises itself. Meanwhile Bridgwater has been left without a swimming pool after the controversial closure of the Sedgemoor Splash and the town made the national news when the West Quay river wall collapsed on the very night of Bridgwater Carnival. New images capture how the Jubilee was celebrated. This unique publication is a vital record of the history and inhabitants of the ancient town of Bridgwater, presented in a single volume for all to treasure.

... less

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to...... more

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to ponder. Alongside the usual plethora of facts and figures, the last year has provided much more for Wisden to get its teeth into. Just as the current Australian side has taken Test cricket to new levels, several of the test series covered by the 2002 Almanack seem to have upped the ante in terms of excitement, notably the Aussies' glorious but ultimately unsuccessful rubber in India last year. Meanwhile, despite the disappointing defeat in the home Ashes series the England team has continued to take forward steps under the leadership of Hussain and Fletcher, particularly in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. If they say that a strong Yorkshire side means a strong England, the white rose county's first championship for 33 years should mean more good news for the English. Clearly Wisden has much to cover on the international scene, and it does so with all its usual style. Three major articles on the career of Sir Donald Bradman are included (last year's Wisden was printed too shortly after his death to pay tribute to him properly). Peter Roebuck, meanwhile, looks back on the test career of former England captain Michael Atherton who retired from the international game last summer. As ever, the articles live up to the highest standards. Elsewhere, the usual mine of information seems to get deeper every year, while the five cricketers of the year unusually fail to include an Englishman, but are unsurprisingly dominated by Australians in the form of Gillespie, Gilchrist and Martyn, all performers of the very highest calibre. They are joined in the quintet by Zimbabwean Andy Flower and Indian VVS Laxman, whose epic 281 in Calcutta not only helped end Australia's record-breaking run of test wins, but also enabled India to win the match after following-on, and to turn the tide in that classic series. A fine and correct selection, which encapsulates the judgement of a cricketing institution, the 2002 version will surely proves as popular as its 138 predecessors. And just as the Almanack itself will be treasured, the excellent little paperback which accompanies it will provoke much discussion, purporting as it does to name the 40 leading cricketers in the world today. --Trevor Crowe

... less

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to...... more

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to ponder. Alongside the usual plethora of facts and figures, the last year has provided much more for Wisden to get its teeth into. Just as the current Australian side has taken Test cricket to new levels, several of the test series covered by the 2002 Almanack seem to have upped the ante in terms of excitement, notably the Aussies' glorious but ultimately unsuccessful rubber in India last year. Meanwhile, despite the disappointing defeat in the home Ashes series the England team has continued to take forward steps under the leadership of Hussain and Fletcher, particularly in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. If they say that a strong Yorkshire side means a strong England, the white rose county's first championship for 33 years should mean more good news for the English. Clearly Wisden has much to cover on the international scene, and it does so with all its usual style. Three major articles on the career of Sir Donald Bradman are included (last year's Wisden was printed too shortly after his death to pay tribute to him properly). Peter Roebuck, meanwhile, looks back on the test career of former England captain Michael Atherton who retired from the international game last summer. As ever, the articles live up to the highest standards. Elsewhere, the usual mine of information seems to get deeper every year, while the five cricketers of the year unusually fail to include an Englishman, but are unsurprisingly dominated by Australians in the form of Gillespie, Gilchrist and Martyn, all performers of the very highest calibre. They are joined in the quintet by Zimbabwean Andy Flower and Indian VVS Laxman, whose epic 281 in Calcutta not only helped end Australia's record-breaking run of test wins, but also enabled India to win the match after following-on, and to turn the tide in that classic series. A fine and correct selection, which encapsulates the judgement of a cricketing institution, the 2002 version will surely proves as popular as its 138 predecessors. And just as the Almanack itself will be treasured, the excellent little paperback which accompanies it will provoke much discussion, purporting as it does to name the 40 leading cricketers in the world today. --Trevor Crowe

... less

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to...... more

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to ponder. Alongside the usual plethora of facts and figures, the last year has provided much more for Wisden to get its teeth into. Just as the current Australian side has taken Test cricket to new levels, several of the test series covered by the 2002 Almanack seem to have upped the ante in terms of excitement, notably the Aussies' glorious but ultimately unsuccessful rubber in India last year. Meanwhile, despite the disappointing defeat in the home Ashes series the England team has continued to take forward steps under the leadership of Hussain and Fletcher, particularly in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. If they say that a strong Yorkshire side means a strong England, the white rose county's first championship for 33 years should mean more good news for the English. Clearly Wisden has much to cover on the international scene, and it does so with all its usual style. Three major articles on the career of Sir Donald Bradman are included (last year's Wisden was printed too shortly after his death to pay tribute to him properly). Peter Roebuck, meanwhile, looks back on the test career of former England captain Michael Atherton who retired from the international game last summer. As ever, the articles live up to the highest standards. Elsewhere, the usual mine of information seems to get deeper every year, while the five cricketers of the year unusually fail to include an Englishman, but are unsurprisingly dominated by Australians in the form of Gillespie, Gilchrist and Martyn, all performers of the very highest calibre. They are joined in the quintet by Zimbabwean Andy Flower and Indian VVS Laxman, whose epic 281 in Calcutta not only helped end Australia's record-breaking run of test wins, but also enabled India to win the match after following-on, and to turn the tide in that classic series. A fine and correct selection, which encapsulates the judgement of a cricketing institution, the 2002 version will surely proves as popular as its 138 predecessors. And just as the Almanack itself will be treasured, the excellent little paperback which accompanies it will provoke much discussion, purporting as it does to name the 40 leading cricketers in the world today. --Trevor Crowe

... less

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely...... more

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely successful T90 Laser Series. This latest model features an all-over Kanga-Lite upper providing long-lasting performance and a comfortable fit. Further good news is that this material absorbs up to 20% less water than natural leather meaning it stays lighter in all conditions on the rugby field. An Adaptive Shield in the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting through enhanced swerve and ball control. A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with five longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. Attention to detail continues to flow out from this boot with a carefully designed TPU outsole placing the interchangeable studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction across natural soft ground surfaces. A stylish wind-chill white, orange and black colour way has been created to deliver a devastating effect on the rugby field, for players looking to deliver a match winning performance from any position.

... less

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely...... more

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely successful T90 Laser Series. This latest model features an all-over Kanga-Lite upper providing long-lasting performance and a comfortable fit. Further good news is that this material absorbs up to 20% less water than natural leather meaning it stays lighter in all conditions on the rugby field. An Adaptive Shield in the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting through enhanced swerve and ball control. A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with five longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. Attention to detail continues to flow out from this boot with a carefully designed TPU outsole placing the interchangeable studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction across natural soft ground surfaces. A stylish wind-chill white, orange and black colour way has been created to deliver a devastating effect on the rugby field, for players looking to deliver a match winning performance from any position.

... less

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to...... more

The 2002 edition of cricket's bible marks the second year in Graeme Wright's second stint in the editorial seat, and contains much for readers to ponder. Alongside the usual plethora of facts and figures, the last year has provided much more for Wisden to get its teeth into. Just as the current Australian side has taken Test cricket to new levels, several of the test series covered by the 2002 Almanack seem to have upped the ante in terms of excitement, notably the Aussies' glorious but ultimately unsuccessful rubber in India last year. Meanwhile, despite the disappointing defeat in the home Ashes series the England team has continued to take forward steps under the leadership of Hussain and Fletcher, particularly in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. If they say that a strong Yorkshire side means a strong England, the white rose county's first championship for 33 years should mean more good news for the English. Clearly Wisden has much to cover on the international scene, and it does so with all its usual style. Three major articles on the career of Sir Donald Bradman are included (last year's Wisden was printed too shortly after his death to pay tribute to him properly). Peter Roebuck, meanwhile, looks back on the test career of former England captain Michael Atherton who retired from the international game last summer. As ever, the articles live up to the highest standards. Elsewhere, the usual mine of information seems to get deeper every year, while the five cricketers of the year unusually fail to include an Englishman, but are unsurprisingly dominated by Australians in the form of Gillespie, Gilchrist and Martyn, all performers of the very highest calibre. They are joined in the quintet by Zimbabwean Andy Flower and Indian VVS Laxman, whose epic 281 in Calcutta not only helped end Australia's record-breaking run of test wins, but also enabled India to win the match after following-on, and to turn the tide in that classic series. A fine and correct selection, which encapsulates the judgement of a cricketing institution, the 2002 version will surely proves as popular as its 138 predecessors. And just as the Almanack itself will be treasured, the excellent little paperback which accompanies it will provoke much discussion, purporting as it does to name the 40 leading cricketers in the world today. --Trevor Crowe

... less

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely...... more

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely successful T90 Laser Series. This latest model features an all-over Kanga-Lite upper providing long-lasting performance and a comfortable fit. Further good news is that this material absorbs up to 20% less water than natural leather meaning it stays lighter in all conditions on the rugby field. An Adaptive Shield in the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting through enhanced swerve and ball control. A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with five longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. Attention to detail continues to flow out from this boot with a carefully designed TPU outsole placing the interchangeable studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction across natural soft ground surfaces. A stylish wind-chill white, orange and black colour way has been created to deliver a devastating effect on the rugby field, for players looking to deliver a match winning performance from any position.

... less

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely...... more

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely successful T90 Laser Series. This latest model features an all-over Kanga-Lite upper providing long-lasting performance and a comfortable fit. Further good news is that this material absorbs up to 20% less water than natural leather meaning it stays lighter in all conditions on the rugby field. An Adaptive Shield in the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting through enhanced swerve and ball control. A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with five longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. Attention to detail continues to flow out from this boot with a carefully designed TPU outsole placing the interchangeable studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction across natural soft ground surfaces. A stylish wind-chill white, orange and black colour way has been created to deliver a devastating effect on the rugby field, for players looking to deliver a match winning performance from any position.

... less

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely...... more

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely successful T90 Laser Series. This latest model features an all-over Kanga-Lite upper providing long-lasting performance and a comfortable fit. Further good news is that this material absorbs up to 20% less water than natural leather meaning it stays lighter in all conditions on the rugby field. An Adaptive Shield in the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting through enhanced swerve and ball control. A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with five longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. Attention to detail continues to flow out from this boot with a carefully designed TPU outsole placing the interchangeable studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction across natural soft ground surfaces. A stylish wind-chill white, orange and black colour way has been created to deliver a devastating effect on the rugby field, for players looking to deliver a match winning performance from any position.

... less

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely...... more

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely successful T90 Laser Series. This latest model features an all-over Kanga-Lite upper providing long-lasting performance and a comfortable fit. Further good news is that this material absorbs up to 20% less water than natural leather meaning it stays lighter in all conditions on the rugby field. An Adaptive Shield in the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting through enhanced swerve and ball control. A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with five longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. Attention to detail continues to flow out from this boot with a carefully designed TPU outsole placing the interchangeable studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction across natural soft ground surfaces. A stylish wind-chill white, orange and black colour way has been created to deliver a devastating effect on the rugby field, for players looking to deliver a match winning performance from any position.

... less

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely...... more

Nikes world renowned flagship accuracy boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser IV SG Rugby Boot is now in its fourth edition as part of the hugely successful T90 Laser Series. This latest model features an all-over Kanga-Lite upper providing long-lasting performance and a comfortable fit. Further good news is that this material absorbs up to 20% less water than natural leather meaning it stays lighter in all conditions on the rugby field. An Adaptive Shield in the in-step amplifies flexibility and allows for supreme execution of multi-directional passing and shooting through enhanced swerve and ball control. A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with five longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. Attention to detail continues to flow out from this boot with a carefully designed TPU outsole placing the interchangeable studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction across natural soft ground surfaces. A stylish wind-chill white, orange and black colour way has been created to deliver a devastating effect on the rugby field, for players looking to deliver a match winning performance from any position.

... less