{"title":"Brian Kerr","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelve into the works of Brian Kerr, a master storyteller weaving tales that capture the essence of human experience. Explore his novels and discover characters that resonate long after the final page.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"certain-degree-of-magnificence-book-brian-kerr-9780993260865","title":"A Certain Degree of Magnificence","description":"Even though most people in England live in towns, many retain a strong emotional attachment to the countryside. The popularity of television programmes such as Countryfile, and the volume of magazines and books published today on country matters, cater for this strong interest.  This book traces the landscape history of Bedfordshire, highlighting the impact individuals have had on the countryside - whether they worked the land to make a living or simply improved the landscape. The chapters trace Bedfordshire's history from the most recent ice age to the present, covering the invasions of the Romans and Danes, the arrival of the plague in the Middle Ages, and enclosure in the eighteenth century. The landowners and landscape gardeners who helped to shape Bedfordshire, such as Capability Brown, feature, as do ordinary people such as market gardeners. The book also discusses recent changes in agriculture, and the pressure of housing development and leisure use on the land.  The book will appeal to anyone interested in the outdoors, even if they do not live in Bedfordshire. Walkers will find much to enjoy, as will those interested in local history, agriculture and conservation. The book includes an appendix listing the locations mentioned in this book, such as Woburn Abbey and Wrest Park.  Soil scientist Brian Kerr is a Visiting Fellow at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire. His first book, An Unassuming County: The Making of the Bedfordshire Countryside, was published in 2014.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49542910771473,"sku":"GOR012835368","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":51713706754321,"sku":"NGR9780993260865","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0993260861.jpg?v=1750916785"},{"product_id":"unassuming-county-book-brian-kerr-9780957252097","title":"An Unassuming County","description":"An Unassuming County by Brian Kerr, published by Eventispress in 2014, traces the history of landscape evolution in one English county-Bedfordshire. The book takes the position that this county has never received much attention and is worth a closer look. The title of 'An Unassuming County' fits well with this part of England: many travel through the county but few take the time to explore. Using non-technical language, the book begins with a brief geological history and outlines how the geology has shaped the landscape. The impact made by underlying rock formations and later by periods of ice cover are traced with examples from across Bedfordshire and then explained with special attention given to how the land is used today.  Changes over time in the agricultural landscape are described together with the impact that the extraction industries have made on the land.  Bedfordshire has a special place in the geological history of England yielding fine brick making clays; a number of excellent building stones; and specialist sands used extensively in industrial processes. The extraction of these products has left a mark on the landscape and the book looks at how these old workings are being transformed. The green spaces of the county are described with a review of the nature reserves including geological sites in Bedfordshire, and the opportunities for walkers and ramblers in the county are fully set out.  New initiatives such as the Community Forest of Marston Vale and Country Parks are given special attention and the author lists oyjt designated sites conserved as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. (SSSIs).  Finally, the author looks at the mounting pressure of the landscape and likely changes in the countryside which may follow from changes in agricultural production and government policy. The pandemic has altered how we think about, and use, the countryside and this book provides a useful introduction to how this small county was shaped by its geological and more recent past.  The text is illustrated with colour images and ample maps and diagrams.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49600357466385,"sku":"GOR008653123","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ LIKE_NEW \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51273317810449,"sku":"GOR014213696","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ WELL_READ \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52574382358801,"sku":"GOR014554230","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53226840326417,"sku":"GOR014816419","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0957252099.jpg?v=1751422898"},{"product_id":"unassuming-county-book-brian-kerr-9781838152697","title":"An Unassuming County","description":"'An Unassuming County' by Brian Kerr, originally published by Eventispress in 2014, but extensively updated and revised in 2022, traces the history of landscape evolution in one English county - Bedfordshire. The book takes the position that this county has never received much attention and is worth a closer look. The title of 'An Unassuming County' fits well with this part of England: many travel through the county, but few take the time to explore. Using non-technical language, the book begins with a brief geological history and outlines how the geology has shaped the landscape. The impact made by underlying rock formations and later by periods of ice cover are traced with examples from across Bedfordshire, and then explained with special attention given to how the land is used today. Changes over time in the agricultural landscape are described together with the impact that the extraction industries have made on the land. Bedfordshire has a special place in the geological history of England yielding fine brick making clays; a number of excellent building stones; chalk and marl; and specialist sands used extensively in industrial processes. The extraction of these products has left a mark on the landscape and the book looks at how these old workings are being transformed. The green spaces of the county are described with a review of the nature reserves including geological sites in Bedfordshire, and the opportunities for walkers and ramblers in the county are fully set out. The author looks at new and more established initiatives such as the Community Forest of Marston Vale and Country Parks. Finally, The book examines the mounting pressure of the landscape and likely changes in the countryside which may follow from changes in agricultural production and government policy. The pandemic has altered how we think about, and use, the countryside and this book provides a useful introduction to how this small county was shaped by its geological and more recent past. The text is illustrated with colour images and ample maps and diagrams, many of which are new to this edition.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51439515468049,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":51439515500817,"sku":"NGR9781838152697","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1838152695.jpg?v=1751154175"},{"product_id":"law-of-magic-book-brian-kerr-9781438937854","title":"The Law of Magic","description":null,"brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52479130698001,"sku":"NLS9781438937854","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53475015983377,"sku":"NIN9781438937854","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781438937854.jpg?v=1759848214"},{"product_id":"how-to-value-a-skylark-book-brian-kerr-9781838152611","title":"How to Value a Skylark","description":"The title of this book, How to Value a Skylark: The Countryside in a Time of Change, sets out two themes which run throughout the text. There is firstly an increasing understanding that all is not well with the countryside and nature in Britain; and secondly that we urgently need to think carefully about how we value green space, landscape, and nature. The central questions in the book therefore are: What do we expect from the countryside? and How do we find a balance which will have public support? However, the book is by no means another tale of woe, which looks back to a vanishing countryside. The author explores how we begin to move to towards a rational public debate on finding a balance. The health benefits of access to the landscape were made very clear during the pandemic and policy makers are now struggling to catch up with public demand for access to the outdoors. The book takes a step-by-step approach in describing the mounting pressures which are now being placed on the land, beginning with a chapter on agriculture, food security and trends in the public awareness of food in general. The aim of the book is to provide readers with a basis to keep pace with the rapidly changing policy, trends in thinking, and the surge of environmental initiatives. Additional chapters discuss trees in the landscape; the likely impacts of climate change; how we maintain a viable and sustainable rural economy and at the same time make space for nature. All the countywide changes have taken place against a background of a remorseless decline in biodiversity across Britain. News reports continue to point out that the UK is one of the most nature depleted counties in the world. The public are aware of this and not happy that we are responding quickly or adequately. These options available are not clear cut. Changing climate and the determination of government to reach a net zero target for carbon emissions by 2050 further increases the pressure. Many questions are posed and also suggestions as to how to achieve a balanced outcome. Change is inevitable and there are opportunities, if only we can decide what we expect from our landscape. There is an ethical and moral dimension here, well summed by the question: how do you value a bluebell wood, or perhaps a skylark? The text is illustrated by colour images throughout and is supported by comprehensive notes on sources. There is useful index.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53378601517329,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53378601681169,"sku":"NIN9781838152611","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781838152611.jpg?v=1775421829"},{"product_id":"daughters-of-the-crosslands-book-brian-kerr-9798999618900","title":"Daughters of the Crosslands","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eAn immortal bond. A brother stolen by death. A sister who must risk everything to bring him back.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eSenya never wanted to be a hero. But when a spectral woman arrives to deliver a harrowing claim-her twin brother is trapped in the Crosslands between the living and the dead-she has no choice but to fight for him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHunted by seductive wraiths and pursued across a wilderness of shadows, Senya must master terrifying new powers awakening inside her. Drawn into her struggle by fate and bloodshed, a scarred hunter with a haunted past seems to be her only real ally.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut saving her brother may be the bait for a far darker game-one that could ultimately destroy Senya along with everyone she loves. To unlock the truth, she must face a ruthless self-made queen of the Crosslands who will stop at nothing to seize Senya's powerful gifts in order to command the origins of life itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Guy Gavriel Kay, and Katherine Arden, this is an epic fantasy of deadly secrets, haunting magic, and a sister's fight against the shadows.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53667765158161,"sku":"NIN9798999618900","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9798999618900.jpg?v=1781470850"},{"product_id":"daughters-of-the-crosslands-book-brian-kerr-9798999618924","title":"Daughters of the Crosslands","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eOrganographie\u003c\/i\u003e by Adolphe Le Doulcet Pont coulant (marquis de) delves into the intricate world of organ building. This comprehensive study explores the art, industry, and commerce surrounding the creation of organs, offering a detailed examination of instrumental facture. Volume 1 provides insights into the historical context, technical aspects, and cultural significance of this majestic instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWritten in French, this work is valuable for musicians, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of music, technology, and craftsmanship. Discover the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the organ through this meticulously researched exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53667768729873,"sku":"NIN9798999618924","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9798999618924.jpg?v=1781470866"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/collections\/author-books-by-brian-kerr.oembed","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}