In 1421, the largest fleet the world had ever seen set sail from China under the command of Emperor Zhu Di's loyal eunuch admirals. But by the time they returned home, Zhu Di had lost control and China was turning inwards, leaving the records of their discoveries to be forgotten for centuries.

When the Japanese invaded Java during World War II, four-year-old Clara Kelly was sent to a women's camp with her mother and two young brothers. Her descriptions of the appalling conditions are countered by the resilience and courage of the internees.

For the first time, this new edition of the bestselling learn-to-sail manual combines the training programmes of the American Sailing Association and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - by the former sailing coach of the U.S. Naval Academy and current ESPN commentator.

Michael Palin tackles the full length of the Himalaya in this terrific number one bestseller

Sheila Hancock's moving and compelling memoir of her marriage to John Thaw