In a joyful journey through a year of wonderful words, one of the nation's favourite wordsmiths takes a tour of the English language and all its idiosyncrasies, in a delightful book for anyone who loves language - whether following its rules or breaking them!

From the publishers of Brilliant Maps, here is a cartographic journey through our planet's weirdest and most wonderful phenomena.

There are tales of footballing bees and Viking mice, the beginning of the thesaurus and the end of the library of Alexandria. Spend just two minutes a day with this brilliant almanac of curious treasure and you'll end your year full of wonder and just that little bit wiser.

Colin McEvedy (1930-2005) was a psychiatrist, historian and demographer. His many books included the Penguin atlases of Ancient History, Medieval History and Modern History, African History, North American History, the Pacific, The Atlas of World Population History (written with Richard Jones) and The Atlas of World History (written with Sarah McEvedy).

Known for her strong beliefs and fearless attitude, Pocket Maya Angelou Wisdom highlights some of the writer and activist’s most memorable quotes. With insights on women, love and life, politics and culture, this book pays tribute to one of the world’s most beloved icons.