Beside the Sea: Britain's Lost Seaside Heritage (2015) is a stunning retro fabulous coffee table book, highlighting the heydays of the British seaside. From the Victorian era to the end of the 20th century, millions of Brits used to flock in droves to British beaches. Sadly, this trend soon took a nosedive after cheap package holidays abroad became all the rage. This book recounts with nostalgia how holidays used to be all about fish and chips, bracing weather and chilly waters, not tropical holidays to far-flung destinations.
My father who is old enough to remember the 1960s and 1970s, fondly recalls the pool at Portobello, with its stunning classic Art Deco design and seriously high diving board. Apparently, on the rare hot summer days, local poseurs would skip work to don their skimpiest posing briefs and flex their muscles to the delight of the girls who had gone to the pool with their best swimsuits in the hopes of catching a few rays. Heat to the pool was supplied by the nearby Portobello Power Station – though most accounts of the water temperature still ranged from icy cold to sub-Siberian. It is also reported that Sean Connery worked a number of seasons as a lifeguard at Portobello Pool before becoming a full-time actor in the 1950s. Sadly, the pool closed in 1979 and was demolished in 1988. Other key attractions in Portobello included the Marine Gardens (opened in 1909), which featured a roller skating rink, circus, cinema and auditorium as well as a 'human zoo' (yes, this shockingly actually existed), featuring Somalians who were paid to perform mock battles to provide visitors with 'exotic entertainment'. Other beaches featured within the book include: Blackpool, Filey, Brighton, Mablethorpe, Hastings, Hornsea, Southport, Whitley Bay, New Brighton, LLanduduno, Lee-on-the-Solent, Margate, Redcar, Jaywick, Morcambe, Scarborough, Cleethorpes and Bangor, providing a comprehensive overview of some of the most popular seaside beaches and resorts over the ages. Overall, this is a fantastic book for anyone with a love of the British seaside or a passion for historical photography. Beside the Sea: Britain's Lost Seaside Heritage is published by Aurum Press. Available from Amazon.co.uk (£19.99 for a hardcover). A.A. Miln
0 Comments
I've always loved visiting Paris, both for its remarkable beauty and for its cultural and culinary delights, amongst many other reasons.
So, I was pleased to discover Bridges of Paris, a unique photography book that focuses on the 37 beautiful bridges that cross the River Seine, collectively weaving a unique and remarkable tale of the city’s history. Photojournalist Michael Saint captured more than 350 original images of Paris and the bridges that lay at its heart, all compiled with love for this stunning coffee table book, which will delight any fan of Paris. The book features glorious portraits of each bridge as well as intimate riverside moments. Interesting themes explored within Bridges of Paris include Paris bridges as destinations, the history of bridges in Paris and how bridges help to connect diverse communities on either side of the river. Saint James said, “Bridges of Paris is a kaleidoscopic collage that shifts focus from the monumental to the minutia that make up the quotidienne, (daily life) of the beloved French capital." My passion for Paris and my art compelled me to spend a full year living in the city. I was able to develop an intimate relationship with the culture, people and bridges that Paris has to offer. I hope my book helps people experience a new culture with an open mind.” The Bridges of Paris is now available in hard copy from Citron Bay Press, Amazon.com and select independent retailers. A.A. Miln An exciting tale it's not (largely due to its random structure), however, it's great if you're looking for little-known facts about London that you can pull out to impress your friends during your next dinner party. Covering everything from bridges to arcades, fish and chips and everything in between, this unique guide book is packed with weird and wonderful facts about London. One of my favourite facts gleaned from the book was learning that the Burlington Arcade was built to prevent people from throwing oysters (a fast food during 19th century London) into the yard of the 1st Earl of Burlington's townhouse. Other interesting facts I came across include:
So, if you want to look at lesser-known London off the beaten path, then this book is for you. Galleries, Palaces & Tea by David Backhouse is published by Curll Press and available for £9.99 from www.amazon.co.uk. A.A. Miln
Paris is a spectacular city revered by many for its incredibly stylish residents and its alluring beauty. For lovers of Paris (whether you've been a a hundred times or your yearning to one day visit), it's a must-have coffee-table book.
Paris Sketchbook by renowned fashion illustrator Jason Brooks and published by Laurence King is a unique collection of drawings, collages, notes and sketches in the form of a beautifully illustrated journal that celebrates the history, elegance and style of everyone’s favourite European city. “Who doesn’t love Paris? I find the aesthetics of the city endlessly inspiring, it is a place imbued with a unique feeling of history, elegance and glamour. Paris also holds many happy memories for me personally, from my childhood drawing on paper napkins in restaurants to making illustrated reports from the Couture Fashion shows in my twenties. It is a city that I love and keep coming back to.” - Jason Brooks The book captures the time Jason Brooks spent in Paris across all four seasons, while showcasing illustrations such as a wintry night on the Champs-Elysees, breakfast at the Café Flore and the Jardin du Luxembourg boating pond on a sunny day in June. Arranged into themed chapters such as Architecture, The Street, Fashion, Shopping and Art, Jason communicates what we all love about Paris through his brilliant illustrations, showing why it stands apart from other capital cities and is considered shorthand for all that is romantic, nostalgic and glamorous. The global brands, grand department stores, flea markets and hidden boutiques that make Paris a renowned shopping destination are also depicted in the book, including Lanvin, Chanel, Diptyque, A.P.C, Colette and Dior. Travel has been a recurrent theme in his work and his adventures continue to inspire and inform his visual repertoire.
Every time I flick through the beautiful pages of this book, I'm inspired to hop on a plane for my next Parisian fix.
Paris Sketchbook by Jason Brooks is available fromLaurence King Publishing for £17.95. A. A. Miln Midnight at the Pera Palace is a fascinating account of the history of Istanbul and is a must-read for history buffs and fans Istanbul (myself included). Being both Muslim and modern, and straddling two continents (Europe and Asia), Istanbul is a place that has long embodied the ties between the East and the West. Pre-1930 Istanbul was formerly known as Constantinople (named after Roman emperor Constantine the Great, referenced to in the catchy 1950s swing song 'Istanbul, Not Constantinople'. Since history began, it has been a place of intrigue for those looking for somewhere special. Throughout history, Constantinople would witness the rise and fall of several empires (Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman), which has influenced the variety of cultures present in modern day Istanbul. Today, it's a thriving, cosmopolitan city with more than 13,000 inhabitants, making it more populous than two-thirds of the world's countries. Modern shops and hotels blend harmoniously with mosques, making it a truly unique destination. The Pera Palace The Pera Palace was established in 1892 in Pera (then Istanbul's most fashionable neighborhood), to service tourists arriving on the Orient Express. Decades later, it remained part of a community of luxury properties with sister properties in Nice and Monte Carlo that set the benchmark for style and sophistication in its day. During the First World War, Pera Palace was frequented by British and Allied officers, dignataries, journalists, authors and travelers. 'The rich, having made money easily during the war, ate, drank, and enjoyed life to the hilt, buying properties and spending recklessly. The ridiculous styles and dress of the women with their made-up faces, half-exposed breasts and immodest manners occupied my special attention. - Grigoris Balakian, Armenian priest and genocide survivor From 1909-1918, the First World War brought Istanbul to its knees with many men lost in battle. On 13 November 1918, the British, French, Italian and Greek Allies steamed into the Bosphorous, breaking Turkish tyranny, making it the 'largest and deadliest contingent of armed foreign vessels ever to reach the city'. The newcomers aimed to spread Christianity in favour of Muslim beliefs, leaving many Muslims heartbroken as they didn't want to abandon their traditions. M.M. Carus Wilson, a British lieutenant at the time, said: 'A walk is a continual kaleidoscope of the nations...' By 1919 Pera Palace established itself as a place where 'foreign officers and businessmen are feted by unsrupulous Levantine adventurers and drink and dance with fallen Russian princesses or with Greek and Armenian girls whose morals are as flimsy as their gowns.' In 1920, the Russian Civil War drove 860,000 Russian refugees to Istanbul, many of which graced the doors of Pera Palace. Second-hand shops in Pera were filled with past lives being sold on consignment (silver, china, linens). Tents were set up outside Pera Palace to provide a makeshift university for hundreds of Russian students, with members of the prestigious Russian Imperial Acadamey verifying the student's examinations. By 1923, Pera Palace became state owned in efforts to recoup some of the unpaid taxes from its previous owner. It wasn't until 1928, that it saw a new owner in its possession - businessman Musbah Muhayyes. It was also at this time (after the Allied occupation), that Greek, Jewish and Armenian immigrants fled the city to return to their homelands, leaving their possessions behind, creating a windfall for the Turks that remained in the city. During this time, Pera Palace was a hub of artistic creativity, hosting a variety of performances in its garden bar, which brought art lovers and pleasure seekers together during the jazzy roaring 20s, which saw a boom in the alcohol industry and an increase in indulgence in narcotics. By the 1940s and 1950s, business started to wane as guests sought more modern alternatives. In the 1970s, the hotel witnessed another burst in popularity after a California psychic revealed a vision that Agatha Christie (a former guest at the hotel in its heyday), had left a deep secret hidden in Room 411 of the Pera Palace, which transpired to be a fabrication. In 2006, the hotel was closed for a 23 million Euros restoration project. The newly refurbished hotel reopened its doors on September 1, 2010. Today, Istanbul remains a melting pot of nations including Jews, Muslims, Greeks, Romans, Armenians and Russians, all practicing their religions and customs, creating a multi-cultural haven for many.
In 2013, a sub-Bospherous metro line meant it was the first time in history that anyone could make an inter-continental journey entirely by dry land. It's hard to believe that the original journey by Orient Express took 81 hours (including 15 hours on the Black Sea) - not a journey for the fainthearted. Visiting the Pera Palace Hotel The Pera Palace Hotel is located in the Tepebaşı neighbourhood of Pera, once known as "Little Europe". It is about 20 km fromAtatürk International Airport. The hotel is in walking distance of Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square. Ensure that you visit the Atatürk Room or ‘Museum Room’, with many personal items and reading material of the great leaderMustafa Kemal Atatürk exhibited to the public. For hotel bookings, visit Bookings.com. A.A. Miln London lovers will adore London Sketchbook by Jason Brooks, a beautiful book brimming with beautiful, highly skilled sketches by London-born fashion illustrator Jason Brooks.
For anyone who has been blessed with spending time in London, whether it be a brief fling or a long love affair, you can't help but feel nostalgic as you flick through the pages. Having left the States to enjoy a new life and career in London, the book made me feel inspired all over again, and reminded me why I left my hometown for this magically enthralling city. Every page in the book is as beautiful as the last, featuring a mixture of illustrations including architecture, fashion, and charming restaurants and shops dotted around London. A keen observer, Jason captures every minute detail in his illustrations, demonstrating both his talent and his passion for the city. London Sketchbook by Jason Brooks, published by Laurence King Publishing, is available for £19.95 at www.laurenceking.com. A.A. Miln We all experience self doubt from time to time, but for those of us with the tendency to think negatively, this book will teach you how to stop negative stop talk and start feeling amazing.
Written by leading hypnotherapist Ailsa Frank, the book provides helpful tips and positive word association to help break negative thinking patterns. While at first the liberal use of the word AMAZING is a bit off putting, you do feel calmer and more positive after reading the each entry, so it must work on some level, even if it isn't very subtle. My favourite tip in the book was the mantra, 'I can do it, I am doing it, it is done, it is amazing.' I find these words particularly helpful when faced with a task that at first glance seems overwhelming. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone in need of a pep talk to banish negative thoughts for good. For more information about the author, visit www.ailsafrank.com. Published by Ailsa Frank Wellbeing Ltd. Available from Amazon.co.uk for £14.99 (hardcover). A.A. Miln The Mindful Way Through Stress - The Proven 8-Week Path to Health, Happiness and Well-Being21/1/2015 If you've ever found yourself feeling frazzled and are in need of some effective tips on reducing your stress, than this practical guide is a must.
And Breathe... In this book Bestselling author Shamash Alidina shows how simple it is to master the proven techniques of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). MBSR has enhanced the physical and emotional well-being of hundreds of thousands of people around the world. In as little as 10 minutes a day over 8 weeks, you'll be taken step by step through a carefully structured sequence of guided meditations and easy yoga exercises. Vivid stories, everyday examples, and opportunities for self-reflection make the book especially inviting. Take time for yourself I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to slowing down and truly taking time out to relax, which made the book challenging at first. You really need to make a conscious effort to partake in the exercises to receive the maximum benefit. That being said, once you get into a stride, you'll find that the exercises become more natural every day and you'll feel a renewed sense of calm in previously stressful situations. So, if one of your New Year's resolutions was to become 'more mindful', now's the time to start your journey to a less stressful year. The Mindful Way Through Stress: The Proven 8-Week Path to Health, Happiness and Well-Being from Guildford Press is available from February 2015 in hardback, paperback and e-book. If you love food and travel, then you can't go wrong with Travel Bites by the Hungry Traveller, a travel enthusiast who loves food. Travel Bites is a collection of short stories that crisscross the globe, highlighting the Hungry Traveller's journeys around the world over a period of 15 years. Through his unique storytelling, you'll hear all of his delicious tales as well as recipes inspired by his adventures in each location. Travel Bites features a wealth of delicious destinations including: Vietnam, Morrocco, Singapore, Italy, Australia, England, Tanzania, Italy, Turkey,Greece, Ireland, Cambodia, Eastern Africa, Thailand and USA. From Salt & Pepper Squid in Vietnam to Singapore Slings in its namesake land to fish and chips in Brighton to Cheese Saganaki in Greece, the Hungry Traveller takes you through all of his experiences - bite by bite. It's enough to make you hungry just reading about the cuisine! Travel Bites is published by Wattle Publishing (www.wattlepublishing.com), an independent publisher. Travel Bites is available now in paperback and digital format. Available from Amazon.co.uk for £8.50. A.A. Miln There's something magical about Ibiza. From the carefree attitude of its inhabitants, to the phenomenal sunsets and its amazing energy, it's a place that truly elevates the mind and senses.
While most people go for the sunshine, many others go for a spiritual journey to ease everyday stresses and soothe the mind. Whatever brings you there, remember to leave your worries at home and enjoy soaking in the surroundings. After all, that's what life's all about. Play list To get you in the mood for dancing...
To relax your mind and soul...
Inspirational reads - for the pool or the beach
Music available for download from Apple iTunes. Books available from Amazon.co.uk. A.A. Miln |
BooksOne of the greatest luxuries of all is having the time to relax with a great book. Archives
March 2021
Categories
All
|