Reading other people's letters always provides a guilty pleasure. There's no such joy for two West Yorkshire policemen. They contemplate 27 letters with the task of solving a crime: the shocking attack, just before Christmas, on a post box in the village of Burley Cross.

When history looks back at the time after functioning Roman government ended in 410 but before the turmoil of the 800s when Viking armies arrived to irrevocably scramble the political geography of Britain, it usually focuses on the four major kingdoms of early medieval Britain: Wessex, Northumbria, East Anglia and Mercia. In this history, covering a period when the way Britain changed radically from the way it was run and organised to language, religious belief and practice and overseas contact, Williams looks to the warring kingdoms of the era. The world was local then, and many realms were forged but did not survive. Williams takes a single realm at a time to show how these kingdoms were formed and why they failed; how communities adapted in this era; and what the challenges were for the people and those searching to lead.

Stories mould who we are, from our character to our cultural identity. They drive us to act out our dreams and ambitions, and shape our politics and beliefs. We use them to construct our relationships, to keep order in our law courts, to interpret events in our newspapers and social media. Storytelling is an essential part of what makes us human. There have been many attempts to understand what makes a good story - from Joseph Campbell's well-worn theories about myth and archetype to recent attempts to crack the 'Bestseller Code'. But few have used a scientific approach. This is curious, for if we are to truly understand storytelling in its grandest sense, we must first come to understand the ultimate storyteller - the human brain. Will Storr demonstrates how master storytellers manipulate and compel us.

Chronicling more than 100 of the best movies ever made, this compendium brings cinema to life. Beginning with the iconic 'La Voyage Dans La Lune' from 1902, right through to Richard Linklater's ground breaking 'Boyhood', it explores the rich history of cinema, from the early visionaries of the 1900's and the golden age of black and white films to international art-house and 21st-century sci-fi. Through iconic quotes and film stills, posters, biographies, movie memorabilia and narrative timelines, discover every aspect of your favourite movies - as well as the films you still need to see.

'The Astronomy Book' is an exciting voyage of discovery through the cosmos. Venture from ancient speculations about the nature of the universe, to the mind-boggling theories of recent science, including those of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

Who invented beds? When did we start cleaning our teeth? How old are wine and beer? Which came first: the toilet seat or toilet paper? What was the first clock? Every day, from the moment our alarm clock wakes us in the morning until our head hits our pillow at night, we all take part in rituals that are millennia old. Structured around one ordinary day, 'A Million Years in a Day' reveals the astonishing origins and development of the daily practices we take for granted. In this gloriously entertaining romp through human history Greg Jenner explores the gradual and often unexpected evolution of our daily routines.

These are the true stories of vintners who sheltered Jewish refugees in their cellars and of winemakers who risked their lives to aid the Resistance. They made chemicals in secret laboratories to fuel the Resistance and defy the Gestapo.

Brian Close was the wonder boy of English cricket - the youngest ever Test debutant and captain of Yorkshire, Somerset and England. Alan Hill has talked to Close, his friends, family, colleagues and critics for this account of this most controversial personality in English cricket's recent history.

Claire Tomalin paints an unforgettable portrait of Dickens, capturing brilliantly the complex character of this great genius.

This text describes the individual items in the Vale of York treasure and explores the historical and political context of the burial of this hoard, offering a picture of the Viking age.

The history and characteristics of the British cinema are covered in a range of essays in this book, each written by an expert in their field.

'Astronomy for Dummies' is a complete reference on the heavens that features practical advice on selecting and buying star-gazing equipment and background information on common and unusual phenomena.

Meet David, Agnes, Betsey and Mr Dick in this accessible adaptation of 'David Copperfield', illustrated throughout in Marcia's lively style.

Written for young children who are just beginning to read, the 'Usbourne Farmyard Tales' series introduces the pleasure and satisfaction of reading a whole book for themselves.

Leonardo da Vinci created the two most famous paintings in history, 'The Last Supper' and the 'Mona Lisa'. But in his own mind, he was just as much a man of science and engineering. With a passion that sometimes became obsessive, he pursued innovative studies of anatomy, fossils, birds, the heart, flying machines, botany, geology, and weaponry. His ability to stand at the crossroads of the humanities and the sciences, made iconic by his drawing of 'Vitruvian Man', made him history's most creative genius. Now Walter Isaacson brings Leonardo da Vinci to life, showing why we have much to learn from him. His combination of science, art, technology, and imagination remains an enduring recipe for creativity.

Actress Pam St Clement, best known as EastEnders' Pat Butcher, shares her life story including the unorthodox upbringing that was to have a profound influence on the rest of her life.

Travel & nature writer Mike Bagshaw has lived in Yorkshire for over 25 years & in this, his unique guide to the area, he brings to life the landscapes & wildlife of the region & indulges his interests in crafts, architecture, local history, folklore & pubs.

'Fire & Steam' tells the dramatic story of the people and events that shaped the world's first railway network, one of the most impressive engineering achievements in history.

Popular TV naturalist Nick Baker's energetic and lively style permeates this guide to Britain's wildlife. Richly illustrated, the book explains what is happening in the natural world in each month of the year and gives tips on what to see and how to discover wildlife.

Gavin Mortimer calls together a cast of salt-of-the-earth Yorkshiremen, American billionaires and dashing Indian princes to tell the strange and remarkable tale of cricket's journey from medieval village sport of 'club-ball' to the global media circus graced by superstars from Denis Compton to Sachin Tendulkar.

With a helpful timeline, fun imaginary accounts, cool old photos and amazing top facts on the history of Leeds.

Bibliography: p. 215-217.

The authors provide a readable, authoritative account of the history of the city of Leeds that will appeal to residents and visitors alike and will serve as an invaluable source of reference.