Festive Gift Guide: Sport, Food & Drink, and History
Sometimes finding a book present can feel like an overwhelming task. So, I decided this year to create another gift guide of books published this year to help you decide on your perfect present for the upcoming festive season. In store this week we had one customer who has (and I quote) “finished the Christmas shopping”. I was quite amazed and realised there are many of us who, whilst we may not be purchasing early, do start to look for some inspiration. So here is the first of a few gift guides I hope to publish this year, and it only seemed fitting to start with the following genres: Sport, Food & Drink, and History… because these are the genres my family adore.
Sport
When Footballers Were Skint A Journey in Search of the Soul of Football
by Jon Henderson
Based on the first hand accounts of players this book delves into the history of football, long before the age of multimillionaire players. Perfect for football fanatics wanting to know more about how the game was played, delving into the rich history of the great sporting era.
A more specific looking to the history of the sport, the reader journeys through the unique look at the entire history and sociocultural significance of Liverpool FC. Starting at the club’s foundation in 1892 to the present day. If you have a loved one who is a fan of Liverpool this is the perfect read having only been fresh off the printer since September this year.
Becoming Forrest One Man's Epic Run Across America by Rob Pope
Recreating the greatest run in film history, Rob Pope left his job to pursue the dream to be the first person to complete the journey taken by Forest Gump. Taking place over 18 months and enduring a range of extreme weather events this remarkable journey covers 15,600 miles and is the perfect read for any running enthusiast.
Food & Drink
Spice : A Cook's Companion by Mark Diacono
Do you have someone in your life who adores spice? Then this cookbook is for you! Exploring the flavour, fragrance, and heat in over 50 recipes this book will enhance your cookery skills. Focusing on the familiars including cumin, turmeric, vanilla, pepper and cinnamon, This book will also use some lesser-known spices such as grains of paradise, asafoetida, tonka beans and passion berries, widening your spice palette.
Growing up I thoroughly enjoyed watching River Cottage and recreating my favourite recipes from his books, especially on a wet rainy winter day. This new collection focuses on recipes that not only taste delicious but leave you feeling good. Perfect to enjoy with friends and family this edition would make a lovely gift this festive season.
I am biased on this book, only because I adore Tucci as an actor and his writing style will leave you feeling inspired. This charming memoir is a reflection on Tucci’s life, with tales of home cooked food (the good and the burnt) the reader is left with feelings of heart-warming nostalgia and at quite a few points filled with laughter. A feel good book perfect pick me up gift.
History
London Clay : Journeys in the Deep City by Tom Chivers
The premise of this book is described as a “lyrical interrogation of a capital city” and I couldn’t agree more. Looking at the geology, folklore, and history of London the reader is presented with a new way of seeing this famous city. With Roman ruins to an abandoned Tube station, this book allows the reader to explore through the ages. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a trip to London as they will never see the city in the same way again.
Femina A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It by Janina Ramirez
Perfect for any feminist, or those studying history as Ramirez perfectly presents the reality of history that sometimes it is rewritten, meaning we need to dig deeper for the truth. Ramirez uncovers in her research countless women who have been struck from the historical record and examines the artefacts, writings, and possessions they left behind to bring their stories forward. This book will make the reader see the medieval world with fresh eyes.
The Children of Ash and Elm A History of the Vikings by Neil Price
If you have fans of the Viking era on your festive gift list then this book will be a great addition to your festive pile. Starting at Lindisfarne in Northumbria in June 793 and ending in 1066 with the death of King Harald of Norway. Looking at some exciting discoveries and examining the latest research this book will give the reader great insight into the mind of the Vikings. If your recipient enjoys this, I would also highly suggest they read River Kings which looks at the Vikings and their trade networks.