Articles written by Martin P Wilson
All 98 articles written by Martin P Wilson
Category: Reference Books (general)
Like Elizabeth David, Julia Child popularised French food across the English speaking world. Many cooks have used Mastering the Art of French Cooking as their bible. more...
Category: Athlete Biographies
Ben Ainslie explains who he is and how he became Britain's most successful Olympic yachtsman - an Olympian and athlete who stands comparison with Pinsent and Redgrave. more...
Category: Modern British Fiction
The author Louis de Bernières grew up in a Surrey village and the short stories in Notwithstanding reflect memories of rural idyllic childhood and English eccentricity. more...
Category: Business Books
Bernie Madoff was convicted of a Ponzi fraud and sentenced to 150 years imprisonment. It is a story of failure by investors, financial services advisers and regulators. more...
Category: Humorous Writing/Books
Penguin has republished the classic Molesworth books from the 1950s. This new review asks: do they stand the test of time? Are they of another time and place, now past? more...
Category: Great Scientists
Alan Turing was one of Britain's greatest thinkers of the 20th century who defined modern computing and artificial intelligence. He has subsequently become a gay icon. more...
Category: Language Books
English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy may be the definitive textbook for intermediate students of English and Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). more...
Category: Language Books
Book review of a traditional and comprehensive course in the French language. Aimed at beginners and those returning to study of French. It has a supporting audio CD. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Leroy Ripley was fascinated by the oddities of everyday life. He created the Ripley brand of museums, books radio and tv shows. This a book review of the 2010 Annual. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
The history of most popular sports and games is explored. It is an entertaining and surprising journey from local folk games to the world wide major sports phenomenon. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Building on the Stern Review of the challenge of climate change this book sets out a relatively painless, but still difficult, response for business and government. more...
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
A richly detailed novel set in Imperial Rome of Emperor Valerian at the end of the third century AD with the Sassanid challenging the Roman Empire on the eastern borders. more...
Category: Business Books
This new approach to strategy shows how businesses can plan for long-term success when resource constraints affect markets, customers, communities and the environment. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
It is often forgotten that motor racing started in France and French teams have a long and distinguished history. Some of the original French teams are still competing. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
The Penguin Companion to Food is an essential encyclopaedic reference to food for all who are interested in food, cooking or the culinary arts from around the world. more...
Category: Business Books
Occasionally a book is perfectly timed; The Ascent of Money sets recent financial crises, not just the Credit Crunch and dot-com boom and bust, in a historical context. more...
Category: Health Books
In Taking the Medicine Burch argues many medical treatments, old and new, have no evidence they work. Good intentions are undermined when bad science meets blind faith. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Great champions are born fighters; Formula One is no exception and the rivalry, on and off the track, between Prost and Senna was one of the greatest in sporting history. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
English cuisine is criticised despite a rich heritage and culture that compares with most culinary traditions. This classic extract will inspire both cook and gourmand. more...
Category: American Fiction (general)
Combining maritime and naval history with ancient and modern politics has enabled Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul to produce a good read to while away a long journey. more...
Category: Business Books
How Dead Ends Become New Paths sums up this self-help guide to overcoming crisis and self-doubt by making it an opportunity for change based on one's deepest interests. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Few books are truly definitive; The Enthusiasts' Guide to Buying a Classic British Sports Car is such a book. Peter Hingston's research has produced a much needed bible. more...
Category: Language Books
Stephen Fry harbours a dark secret which he shares with the reader of The Ode Less Travelled. A reader who follows the course to the end may also end up as a closet poet. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Few books out of print for twenty years get a second chance. Fortunately Culshaw and Horrobin has; Veloce are to be commended for republishing such an important work. more...
Category: Language Books
English is now a global language but how it became so is a fascinating story. There were times when it all but disappeared but miraculously survived and became stronger. more...
Category: Detective Fiction
Christopher Brookmyre's first novel is an excellent start combining wit, humour with very dark images of murder and man's lust for power and wealth at any cost. more...
Category: Soccer (general)
The first whistle designed for referees, The Acme Thunderer, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2009. It is still made and is still in worldwide use across many sports. more...
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Love and hope is challenged by social division and turmoil as the Industrial Revolution causes poverty and revolt amongst Nottingham's working classes. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Classic cars, especially younger ones, can be viable everyday transport. However the driver does have to be aware of limitations and have realistic expectations. more...
Category: Classic Car Models
The Austin-Healey Sprite or MG Midget is a good choice as a usable classic and would be a sensible starting point for a novice classic owner as it is easy to maintain. more...
Category: Buying/Selling Classic Cars
Sound knowledge is key to successful purchase of a classic car. Know the car, price ranges or specification, and set up provisional car loan and insurance arrangements. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Winter provides time for the enthusiast to stay in and catch up with their reading. Christmas is an opportunity to indulge oneself, or be indulged, with a good book. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Except for most pre-wars cars there is not a standard definition as to what constitutes a classic car. Does it matter that there is no clear view? more...
Category: Restoring Classic Cars
With the wide availability of parts, including body shells, it is possible to build a new car fifty years after production stopped. Is it an original or a replica? more...
Category: Classic Car Shows/Clubs
The Classic Motor Show is now the year's main event and should not to be missed by classic car (and bike) enthusiasts. The visitor needs a complete day and good shoes! more...
Category: England Travel
Rufford Abbey and Country Park in the heart of Robin Hood country for a family day out that combines history, crafts, walks, space for children to play and bird watching. more...
Category: Business Books
Economics is usually dry and impenetrable but in this slim volume Eamonn Butler explains the workings of market economies in a light but non-trivial way. more...
Category: England Travel
The Council House is an icon for the City of Nottingham, often featuring in articles or on covers of Nottingham guide books. The Old Market Square is another attraction. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Modern sports cars out perform today's speed restricted roads so it is necessary to find other ways of having fun with a sports car that do not risk the driver's licence. more...
Category: Restoring Classic Cars
Restoration will not give fifty year old technology modern reliability. A restored vehicle will still need the same level of maintenance as it would have when new. more...
Classic Motor Show,14-16th November: End of Season Party for Classic Car Fans at the NEC, Birmingham
Category: Classic Car Shows/Clubs
Forget economic gloom and look back to earlier motoring times when petrol was cheap, roads were not crowded with fewer speed limits and no speed cameras at all. more...
Category: Personal Budgeting/Finance (general)
Redundancy or being laid off should not come as a complete surprise so one should have prepared and be ready to treat job hunting and family matters as a full time role. more...
Category: Travel Writing
This is not a typical celebrity spin-off but a story of two mates on a personal motorcycle adventure of a lifetime. They just happen to be well known actors. more...
4-hour Work Week, Escape the 9-5. Get a New Life: A Guide to Living the Lifestyle of the New Rich
Category: Business Books
This book demonstrate a way of enjoying better work-life balance by spreading mini-retirements through a lifetime: it argues wealth is not the aim but the lifestyle is. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
How to Read Buildings is a compact volume and an ideal companion for anyone interested in understanding the architecture around them either at home or while travelling. more...
Category: Personal Budgeting/Finance (general)
There are a few simple disciplines for managing borrowing so it does not get out of control and to make it serve the borrower rather than the lender. more...
Category: France Travel
For most visitors the closeness of the front lines brings an emotional reaction which is only reinforced by visiting the Canadian War memorial on Hill 145. more...
Category: France Travel
Collioure is a tourist destination but this historic, picturesque Mediterranean town is still unspoilt and ideal for a quiet break, as gentle or energetic as one chooses. more...
Category: France Travel
Arras is a pretty northern French town with plenty to see and do making it suitable for a weekend break or longer holiday. It has hotels and restaurants for all budgets. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Priestley was a man of The Enlightenment, notable scientist, minister. He founded the Unitarian church but his political ideas forced him to leave England for a new USA. more...
Category: Business Books
Sir Frank Williams's long career in Formula One has had many highs and lows. Maurice Hamilton charts that history with personal stories from those most closely involved. more...
Category: Science Books
John Gribbin provides a masterful and readable explanation of thinking on multiple universes or dimensions. The Multiverse is a key to current cosmological science. more...
Category: Language Books
A miscellany of animal facts with emphasis on collective names. It is a useful reference for lovers of the English language or with an interest in the natural world. more...
Category: Business Books
Recession creates change and provides an opportunity, or a need, to make lifestyle changes or choose a new career.Here are reviews of some guides how to get a new life. more...
Category: Biographies/Memoirs (general)
The definitive biography of the man, his life and work as mathematician, war time code breaker and computer pioneer is Alan Turing, the Enigma by Andrew Hodges. more...
Category: Home Electrical
Traditional light bulbs are inefficient and generate more heat than light. To save money and the planet householders can benefit by choosing alternative greener options. more...
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
A century old yet this book echoes today's "Me" generation with its pursuit of perpetual beauty and self fulfilment without facing realities of life or accepting ageing. more...
Category: Language Books
English has many quirky phrases from around the world. This book explains the meaning and origin of many of the phrases that make English language so rich and versatile. more...
Category: Business Books
Economic power is shifting East; to China and India. Review of Kumar's book shows it is not low costs but fundamental factors that drives progress of Indian business. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Racing Colours are histories of a nation's motor racing drivers, designers, manufacturers and teams. German Racing Silver is the story of the legendary "Silver Arrows". more...
Category: Business Books
A strong story makes this management self-help book a good read. Is it a novel or a guide for a new Chief Information Officer or IT Director? Surprisingly it is both. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Extraordinary Clouds is an appreciation and explanation of dramatic cloud formations by Richard Hamblyn who has done much to explain how clouds form and their structure. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
According to Howard Gardner the fast-paced future will demand mastery of a set of "minds" that will require new ways of thinking about education for everyone. more...
Category: Business Books
No need to worry about a Credit Crunch reduced pension as this book shows the alternatives to retirement as the workforce shrinks and expertise need to be retained. more...
Category: Business Books
A sober history of financial services and the City of London from 1987 until 2008 when financial markets were in turmoil as banks collapsed and the Credit Crunch struck. more...
Category: Business Books
Felix Dennis guides those with an inner compulsion to get rich and are ready to work hard. It is not a get rich quick book of false promises and unrealistic "secrets". more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
A light exploration of English myths, legends and country lore. Some are based on historical events or people; others are long-standing superstitions and country tales. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Joint Force Harrier is written in traditionally understated British manner which raises the sense of excitement and tension that would be lost with a more gung-ho style. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Jeffrey Sachs makes a clear case how to address global challenges in ways that will be economically beneficial, ecologically positive and reduce conflict for all. more...
Category: Modern British Fiction
The Uncommon Reader is a gentle, wry, story in the established Bennett mould with an underlying comment on literacy and the British attitude to intellectual pursuits. more...
Category: History Books
America is a nation with a particular view of democracy and freedom. This book seeks to explain how that view has been formed through its history of conflicting beliefs. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Published in association with the UK Met Office this book is an accessible guide to clouds and related phenomenon; particularly when caused by moisture in the atmosphere. more...
Category: Health Books
The Diet Delusion reviews the research into obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases of the modern world - the results make uncomfortable reading. more...
Category: History/Philosophy Books (general)
Goldberg seeks to demonstrate that fascism is a socialist movement and therefore a misdirected term of abuse by the left-wing of right-leaning policies and politicians. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
Pierre Laszlo is a man of culture as well as being a scientist and it shows through in Citrus, A History which is a story, reference and an enticing literary work. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Classic cars lack modern security devices. Locks are easily picked and such cars do not have sophisticated modern alarms and immobilisers so other protection is needed. more...
Category: Murder Mysteries
A society wife leaves her husband and moves to seedy lodgings where coincidences draw her into the mystery of a middle aged spinster's disappearance four years earlier. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Specialist classic car insurance is recommended when insuring cherished vehicle as owners' needs are very different from those insuring modern automobiles. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Winter is a time for classic car fans to catch up on their reading. Here are comprehensive catalogues of British cars and histories of the very British Jaguar marque. more...
Category: Classic Car Shows/Clubs
The TR Register has been providing support, information and expertise to owners of the classic Triumph TR sports cars that epitomise the traditional British sports car more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
When it is too cold for classic car enthusiasts to get into the garage and there are no shows a Christmas gift of books will help them through winter. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
A comprehensive history of international Italian motor racing; the red national racing colours of corsa rosso reflects the Italian passion for cars and motorsport. more...
Category: Motorcycle Clubs/Shows
An interesting mixture of classic motorcycles and trade exhibitors came together for the inaugural Classic Bikes Show at the NEC; an important addition to the calendar. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
British Racing Green, of whatever hue, still resonates with national pride in Britain's motor racing heritage which is chronicled here; even when other colours were worn. more...
Category: Lifestyle/Pop Culture Books (general)
Ann Fadiman clearly loves language and expresses that love in this collection of essays - a neglected literary form even as it meets the need of today's time poor reader. more...
Category: Photography Exhibits/Business
By creating stock photo images for Alamy patient and disciplined photographers can use their hobby to make money but it is not a "get rich quick" scheme more...
Category: England Travel
Wollaton Hall is set in 500 acres of deer park and gardens just outside the city of Nottingham, houses several museums, galleries and hosts many events during the year. more...
Category: Sports/Custom/Classic Cars (general)
Although nearly fifty years old this book should be on the bookshelf of all sports and racing car fans. Car technology may change but basic suspension principles do not. more...
Motorcycles at Classic Motor Show: UK Motorcycle Clubs Show Classic Bikes at the NEC, Birmingham
Category: Classic & Standard Motorcycles
More than twenty classic motorcycle clubs have taken the opportunity to join in the fun at the established Classic Motor Show on November 14-16. more...
Category: European Sports Cars
Many would not consider a 3-series BMW a sports car but the 335i Convertible has higher performance than most two-seaters. Is this what the traditional GT has become? more...
Category: Personal Budgeting/Finance (general)
Panic is a destructive use of energy and gets in the way of effective action at a time it will be most needed. Preparation is the secret to facing redundancy or lay-off. more...
Category: Travel Writing
Griff Rhys Jones shows both his comic and writing skills in this story of four months and three thousand miles sailing in and around the Baltic and North East Europe. more...
Category: Reference Books (general)
The PC and Internet has created a new way of referencing information and the changes are not slowing. Books are no longer the main reference source for many people. more...
Biggest Ever Copyright Infringement?: Microsoft Creates Storm over Its Use of Images
Category: Photography (general)
Many photographers, illustrators, picture libraries think so and so does Pro-Imaging who monitor and expose rights grabbing photography competitions. more...
Category: Digital Photography
A week after Hasselblad set new resolution standards with a 50 Megapixel sensor they are overtaken by Phase One with a 60 Megapixel digital back. more...
Category: Photography (general)
With images online it is more important than ever to be rigorous about marking images with copyright and contact information to prevent theft of intellectual property. more...
Category: Strategic Business Planning
Traditional business analysis frameworks such as SWOT and PEST are used to understand business challenges. InSPECT is proposed as a tool for the new business world. more...
Category: Photography (general)
The over simplified advice to stock photographers is libraries only want carefully composed pictures with blue skies and uncluttered backgrounds; there are other options. more...
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