{"title":"Max Cryer","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the works of Max Cryer, a celebrated New Zealand author known for his insightful explorations of language, culture, and history. A fascinating read for anyone curious about the world around them.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cat-s-out-of-the-bag-book-max-cryer-9781921966545","title":"The Cat's Out of the Bag","description":"We cannot get enough of cats: from ancient times they have occupied a special place in many different cultures around the world. They have also generated a fascinating array of words, expressions and observations, as well as poems, books, movies, cartoons and artworks. In this witty and entertaining book, Max Cryer celebrates cats and all they have given to us. He describes the many words and expressions they have inspired, from 'catnip' and 'catwalk' to 'the cat's whiskers' and 'raining cats and dogs', as well as famous cat characters like Garfield, Felix the Cat, The Cat in the Hat and Puss in Boots, songs as varied as 'What's New Pussycat?' and 'The Cats' Duet', and poems like 'The Owl and the Pussycat' and 'Hey Diddle Diddle'. The cats owned by famous celebrities are described, from Elizabeth Taylor's 'Jeepers Creepers' to Dr Johnson's 'Hodge'. In other chapters he explores cats' attributes, the strength of their night vision and sense of smell, their sleep requirements, life expectancy and much more. Surprising facts - and spurious fictions - can be found on almost every page. Everything you ever wanted to know about cats can be enjoyed in this magnificent compendium of a book. It is a delight from beginning to end to be read with one on your lap.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49517977895185,"sku":"GOR006588758","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51195225440529,"sku":"GOR007148959","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52331711004945,"sku":"NLS9781921966545","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":53481761571089,"sku":"CIN1921966548G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":53502802067729,"sku":"CIN1921966548VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1921966548.jpg?v=1750900285"},{"product_id":"curious-english-words-and-phrases-book-max-cryer-9781921966019","title":"Curious English Words and Phrases","description":"Have you ever wondered where terms like 'end of your tether', 'gets my goat' or 'letting ones hair down' come from? Or why we call some people 'geezers', 'sugar daddies' or 'lounge lizards'? Or where the words 'eavesdropping', 'nickname' and 'D-Day' come from?  They are just a few of the many words and phrases that language expert Max Cryer examines in this fact-filled and fun new book. Max explains where these curious expressions come from, what they mean and how they are used. Along the way he tells a host of colourful anecdotes and dispels quite a few myths - Did Churchill originate the phrase 'black dog'? And if 'ivory tower' can be found in the Bible, why has its meaning changed so drastically? 'Curious English Words and Phrases' is a treasure trove for lovers of language. Informative, amusing and value for money, this book is 'the real McCoy'. 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This witty and accessible compendium reveals the obscure origins of over 500 common phrases, dispelling myths and offering fascinating facts to delight the trivia-holic in all of us.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49528131682577,"sku":"GOR003590737","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50401764081937,"sku":"CIN1849531919G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50401765425425,"sku":"CIN1849531919VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52626405163281,"sku":"GOR005322919","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1849531919.jpg?v=1750724816"},{"product_id":"love-me-tender-book-max-cryer-9780711229112","title":"Love Me Tender","description":"Some of the world's best-loved songs have had remarkable origins. Had Robert Burns not heard an old man sing a quavering version of an ancient Scottish country song, we would never have had 'Auld Lang Syne'. Miss Jane Ross wrote down the tune she heard played by a piper at an Irish village fair in 1855. Had she not done so, the rest of the world would not have heard 'Danny Boy'. Marie Antoinette heard a peasant nurse sing an obscure lullaby to her princely son. The empress's unexpected promotion of the song resulted in its now being listed by The Guinness Book of Records as one of the three most familiar songs in the world. Love Me Tender tells the remarkable stories behind 40 popular and traditional songs. Some evolved from folksongs, some are from musical theatre, while others hit the mark because a particular recording appeared at just the right time. In some cases, one word made all the difference: Paul McCartney composed a tune but could only think of the words 'scrambled eggs' to fit it, but fortunately he later came up with the perfect solution - 'Yesterday'.In a book full of surprises and curiosities, Max Cryer reveals stories from all around the world, and from artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby and Cole Porter. This truly fascinating book makes enthralling reading.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49531908587793,"sku":"GOR001720743","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0711229112.jpg?v=1751042170"},{"product_id":"curious-english-words-and-phrases-book-max-cryer-9781925335873","title":"Curious English Words and Phrases","description":"Written by language expert Max Cryer, Curious Words and Phrases has all the answers behind some of the most interesting and perplexing words and expressions in the English language.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49569947123985,"sku":"GOR009848275","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51053179535633,"sku":"NIN9781925335873","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51826380505361,"sku":"CIN1925335879VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52452916363537,"sku":"NLS9781925335873","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1925335879.jpg?v=1751219107"},{"product_id":"curious-questions-book-max-cryer-9781869503826","title":"Curious Questions","description":"Max Cryer's 15-minute spot on John Campbell's National Radio program every Saturday morning has proved a hit with listeners for three years now. the quirks of language seem to fascinate New Zealanders, and Max's mailbag of 'curious questions' about language usage and evolution is always full. After repeated requests from listeners, and attempts by other publishers to persuade Max to produce a book, he has finally allowed HarperCollins to proceed. Curious Questions contains almost all the questions asked during the first three years of the show, together with Max's informative and often witty responses. Arranged alphabetically by key word, this book is a goldmine of information, to be dipped into for reference or pleasure.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49590131327249,"sku":"GOR002081932","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1869503821.jpg?v=1750768462"},{"product_id":"is-it-true-book-max-cryer-9781921966484","title":"Is It True?","description":"In this revealing book, Max Cryer explores the truth or otherwise of facts and beliefs we may have always been told are true, but which on closer examination may not be. In a wide-ranging book encompassing social history, language, music, politics, food, sport, the natural world and much more, we discover the truth behind some of our most cherished beliefs. For example:  Do St Bernard dogs really carry brandy? Does Santa Claus come from the North Pole? Did Winston Churchill coin the term 'Iron Curtain'? 'OK' is an American expression, right? Tulips come from Holland, don't they?  Did Sarah Palin say 'I can see Russia from my house?'  Did Alexander Graham Bell invent the telephone? Lady Godiva rode naked through Coventry - didn't she?  Max Cryer is a seasoned author who is incapable of writing a dull word. Always fresh and amusing, he will take you on a journey through your acquired knowledge, testing whether it is really up to scratch.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49598349508881,"sku":"GOR006661896","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53134599880977,"sku":"NLS9781921966484","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1921966483.jpg?v=1750996602"},{"product_id":"preposterous-proverbs-book-max-cryer-9781921497452","title":"Preposterous Proverbs","description":"In 'Preposterous Proverbs', Max Cryer looks at a vast array of proverbs from around the world. Proverbs on birth, food, women and love rub shoulders with others on money, animals, sin and death. He has chosen some of the most interesting and perplexing, and with his wry wit he analyses their meaning and truth. A great book to dip into.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49607034896657,"sku":"GOR006729377","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":53134601584913,"sku":"NLS9781921497452","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1921497459.jpg?v=1751062139"},{"product_id":"curious-kiwi-words-book-max-cryer-9781869504229","title":"Curious Kiwi Words","description":"Following on from \"Curious Questions\", Max Cryer now examines words that New Zealanders use in unique ways and their origins. He takes a look at peculiarly New Zealand words and expressions, as well as some words and usages that New Zealand shares with Australia, other words that have come to have a particular meaning or usage in New Zealand, and some common Maori words. All are explained with Max's characteristic sense of humour. From kumara to hangi, from lolly to long drop, from swannies to wop wops, and from Labour Day to Rogernomics, you will find a definition and an explanation here, with many curious stories and forgotten facts along the way.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49614609383697,"sku":"GOR003352021","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1869504224.jpg?v=1751092312"},{"product_id":"godzone-dictionary-book-max-cryer-9780908988747","title":"The Godzone Dictionary","description":"The Godzone Dictionary is a concise A - Z of the words and phrases that make our New Zealand language and speech patterns so distinctive and individual, from Aotearoa and Avondale spiders to Zambuck and Zespri. Slang words and expressions feature heavily, while one of the unique features of this book is the large number of Maori words that have become part of our common language in recent years. The listing also includes the popular names of our sports teams (so often confused!) and an appendix of common New Zealand acronyms. From Rotovegas to the Naki, Pig Islanders everywhere - not to mention tourists - will find Godzone explained as never before. Never stuffy or academic, Max Cryer brings his expert knowledge and sly wit to a book that is sure to be a reference for many years to come. Sweet as!","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49639474692369,"sku":"GOR003328934","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0908988745.jpg?v=1751235087"},{"product_id":"cat-miscellany-book-max-cryer-9781844541690","title":"Cat Miscellany","description":"At last the cat flap is opened to reveal the secret literary life of our feline companions! Did you know that the bible does not mention cats at all? Do you know why we say the cat has been put among the pigeons? Why do we think they have nine lives? How much of our great literature refers to cats - and what do authors say? These are questions that every cat owner has pondered at one time or another. At last, all the cat references in our language have been gathered in one place to provide a informative, fun and comprehensive resource for the cat fan - from owners to aficionados. With everything from the most common to the most obscure mention of the noble beast, this is the last word on every word about the feline species - it's the cat's whiskers.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49652883718417,"sku":"GOR001770000","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/184454169X.jpg?v=1751155096"},{"product_id":"superstitions-book-max-cryer-9781925335170","title":"Superstitions","description":"Some people casually say 'touch wood' when they speak of something they hope will happen. Others won't allow peacock feathers into the house. And almost anyone who finds a four-leafed clover will treasure it and keep it. Why? Some superstitions are so ancient and have been practised for so long that they have come to be regarded as just harmless and widely observed 'customs', without people realising they are basically superstitions. For instance, many people wouldn't bother tossing spilled salt over their left shoulder or avoid walking under a ladder. But they happily continue to wear a wedding ring and blow out candles on a birthday cake. They don't know why - 'it's just a custom'. But both are actually superstitions. In a book full of surprises and revelations, Max Cryer explains the origins of many of the things we commonly say and observe and why we continue to include them in our lives: kissing under the mistletoe, the unlucky number thirteen, the significance of the bridal bouquet, saying 'bless you' after sneezing, the hanging of a horseshoe, 'the Scottish play', the danger in opals, the Leap Year proposal ...so many aspects of our lives are coloured by superstition. Now you can discover the reasons for them in a book that is both witty and informative. Superstitions will provide many 'Eureka' moments and settle many family disputes.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49794479128849,"sku":"GOR007962668","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":50059909693713,"sku":"GOR007509006","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50186778902801,"sku":"CIN1925335178G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ LIKE_NEW \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":50359335878929,"sku":"GOR010967178","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50394151354641,"sku":"CIN1925335178VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1925335178.jpg?v=1751443121"},{"product_id":"the-godzone-dictionary-book-max-cryer-9781775594000","title":"The Godzone Dictionary","description":"The Godzone Dictionary is a concise A  Z of the words and phrases that make our New Zealand language so distinctive and individual, from Aotearoa and Avondale spiders to Zambuck and Zespri.  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