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A sparkling WIT but a terrible husband: Dr Johnson

Author Henry Hitchings uncovers the life of 18th century man-of-letters Samuel Johnson (pictured left) in a new book (pictured inset). Samuel whose sayings became famous and much quoted made a name for himself by seeking bookish accomplishments. Henry reveals Samuel (pictured right) was busy establishing himself as a literary agent when his wife Tetty, died in 1752. Samuel didn't attend her funeral or visit her grave for more than a year.

Author Jonathan Drori explores the relationship between humans and trees in a new nature book. He examines everything from goats climbing trees to the Szechuan pepper.

Rebecca Front revealed her thoughts on life's absurdities in a new book. She admits to having a fascination with the lives of others as she constantly watches people and eavesdrops.

Vera Brittain documented her experience of working as a nurse during World War I in her bestselling memoir. To mark the centenary of the Armistice, her bestseller, Testament Of Youth is being reissued.

Drummer Kenney Jones recalls his rise to fame from a poor-but-happy Fifties childhood in London's East End in a new book. He revealed buying a drum kit at age 13 changed his life.

How to be as tough as Britain's toughest man

Ant Middleton (pictured) began battling demons of his own from age five, following the sudden death of his father. He documents how he was led to join the Parachute Regiment and military before finding TV fame in a new book (pictured inset). Ant recalls retrieving the body of a soldier who had been blown up in Afghanistan and being shot at himself by Taliban. He is now currently chief instructor on Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Andrew Sinclair reveals episodes from his life and encounters with celebrity peers including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in his memoir. He says he drinks in the praise of his peers.

Susannah Walker recalls her upbringing and the extent of her mother's hoarding in a memoir. Her mother held on to every dead battery and bank statement in reaction to a lifetime of loss.

Jaron Lanier discusses the impact of social media on our free will in a new book. He believes many people are addicted to social media and it has the power to influence our moods and beliefs.

Oxford historian Marc Mulholland recalls the murders conducted by French exile Emmanuel Barthélemy during 1854 in a new book. Barthélemy's overcoat was displayed after his execution.

David Itzkoff recalls the life of acting sensation Robin Williams in a new biography. Robin who died in 2014 by suicide as his health began deteriorating starred in over eighty movies during his life time.

This series of All You Need to Know books see two 100-page summaries of World War II and of the British empire. Though short, both are still gripping reads filled with anecdotes.

Author Graham Hoyland examines the Daily Mail's £1 million expedition through the Himalayas in search of the Abominable Snowman during 1954. Rumours of the creature began circulating in 1832.

Neuroscientist Dean Burnett reveals how the brain works through full scientific accounts in a new book. He claims when we fall in love the ability to think critically and detect threats are suppressed.

Les Hinton recalls his rise to fame and success under the eyes of Rupert Murdoch in a new memoir. He begun working for the mogul as a messenger boy and worked his way up to an executive.

George V abandoned the Russian tsar and his family to be murdered by the Bolsheviks

The British and Russian royal families met several times before the Russian revolution (pictured right). The Imperial Tea Party by Frances Welch (inset) charts the aftermath of the revolution and Britain's actions. Prince Edward (later King Edward VIII), Czar Nicholas II of Russia, his son the Czarewitch Alexei, and The Prince of Wales, (later King George VI) posed for a photo together (left), eight years before the Bolsheviks killed the Tsar and his family.

Marc Bekoff examines the various ways dogs communicate and behave in a new science book. He questions the possibility that dogs are able to form more complex emotions than humans.

Leading anatomist and forensic anthropologist Sue Black, gives an insight into her life and career in a new book on death. She recalls the first time she dissected a corpse and her parents death.

Head Lass at Micky Hammond Racing stables in Middleham Gemma Hogg, reveals the highs and lows of working in the world of horse racing in a new book. She claims to be 'living the dream'.

Dorian Bond was given the opportunity to work closely with actor and director Orson Welles as an unpaid factotum in 1968. He shares the other side of the glamorous icon in a new memoir.

Fascinating new book reveals what it takes to be superhuman

Evolutionary biologist Rowan Hooper interviews individuals with extreme mental and physical abilities to understand the importance of genetics in a new book (pictured inset). The Williams sisters (pictured left and Serena right) were given the devotion to become tennis champions from a young age by their father. Hooper argues even the dedication to practice and work hard could be explained genetically. He attempts to define what makes someone truly superhuman.

Trevor Cox examines the research surrounding communication in a new book. He reveals the reason why female voices including the Queen may have become deeper and the future of AI.

Christie Watson qualified as a nurse during the nineties. She recalls her 20 year career in a new memoir as she relives the challenges of being undervalued while working in an unsafe environment.

Tim Birkhead considers if modern sentimentality is transforming ornithology in a new book. He believes his ability to recognise most species of bird comes from the great 'seekers' of history.

Stephen Fay and David Kynaston recall influencers of English cricket John Arlott and E.W. Swanton in a new sports book. The authors claim the cricket experts were not friends in real life.

Anna Sewell, the author of Black Beauty died the year after her bestseller was published. In a book of literary trivia, Oliver Tearle collates shocking facts about some of Britain's greatest writers.

Edwina Brocklesby, 75, reveals the solace she discovered in exercise following the death of her husband Phil. She has since represented GB in championships across the world.

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