In this meticulously documented call-to-action, David Spratt and Philip Sutton reveal extensive scientific evidence showing the global warming crisis is far worse than official reports and national governments have indicated - and that we're almost at the point of no return. Serious climate change impacts are already happening, more rapidly and at lower global temperature increases than projected. As the USA's most eminent climate scientist, James Hansen, told 15,000 of his colleagues at a conference in December 2007, significant climate 'tipping points' have already been passed. These include large ice-sheet disintegration, significant sea level rises of up to five metres this century, and devastating species loss. The Arctic will soon be free of summer sea-ice - a century ahead of projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - and the Greenland ice sheet is in imminent danger...(read more here) and read the book's blog here.

Australia's Empire
Edited by Deryck Schreuder

This is the first major collaborative reappraisal of Australia's experience of empire since the end of the British Empire itself. The volume examines the meaning and importance of empire in Australia across a broad spectrum of historical issues-ranging from the disinheritance of the Aborigines to the foundations of a new democratic state. The overriding theme is the distinctive Australian perspective on empire. The country's adherence to imperial ideals and aspirations involved not merely the building of a 'new Britannia' but also the forging of a distinctive new culture and society. It was Australian interests and aspirations which ultimately shaped 'Australia's Empire'.

The Unbearable Lightness of Scones
Alexander McCall Smith

The story of Bertie and his dysfunctional family continues in this fifth instalment alongside the familiar cast of favourites � Big Lou, Domenica, Angus Lordie, Cyril and others � in their daily pursuit of a little happiness. With customary charm and deftness, Alexander McCall Smith has again given us a clever, witty and utterly delightful new novel.

Armageddon in Retrospect
Kurt Vonnegut

To be published on the first anniversary of Kurt Vonnegut's death, Armageddon in Retrospect is a collection of twelve new and unpublished writings on war and peace. Imbued with Vonnegut's trademark rueful humor, the pieces range from a visceral nonfiction recollection of the destruction of Dresden during World War II - a piece that is as timely today as it was then - to a painfully funny short story about three privates and their fantasies of the perfect first meal upon returning home from war, to a darker, more poignant story about the impossibility of shielding our children from the temptations of violence. Also included are Vonnegut's last speech as well as an assortment of his artwork, with an introduction by the author's son, Mark Vonnegut. Armageddon in Retrospect says as much about the times in which we live as it does about the genius of the writer.

Encyclopedia of Exploration Part 4: 1850-1940
Raymond Howgego

Completing this series, the fourth volume concentrates exclusively on the history of exploration and travel in the continental mainlands, between the years 1850 and 1940. It may be regarded as a separate work in its own right, or treated as complementary to the third part of the series, which deals with the exploration of the oceans, islands and polar regions during the same period.

The Cambridge World History of Food (2-Volume Boxed Set)
Ed by Kenneth Kiple

An undertaking without parallel or precedent, this monumental two-volume work encapsulates much of what is known of the history of food and nutrition. It constitutes a vast and essential chapter in the history of human health and culture. Ranging from the eating habits of our prehistoric ancestors to food-related policy issues we face today, this work covers the full spectrum of foods that have been hunted, gathered, cultivated, and domesticated; their nutritional makeup and uses; and their impact on cultures and demography. It offers a geographical perspective on the history and culture of food and drink and takes up subjects from food fads, prejudices, and taboos to questions of food toxins, additives, labeling, and entitlements. It culminates in a dictionary that identifies and sketches out brief histories of plant foods mentioned in the text - over 1,000 in all - and additionally supplies thousands of common names and synonyms for those foods.
Usually $399, now $250 while stock lasts.

Aunty's Jubilee: Celebrating 50 Years of ABC Television
Tim Bowden

From its (at times) not-so-smooth launch in November 1956 from a studio in Kings Cross, some of the best-loved, most iconic programs in Australian memory have been seen on the ABC. Here are some memories you are sure to remember, some so vividly that it will seem like yesterday that you watched them - although it may have been 20 years ago! Tim Bowden remembers decade by decade not just the great shows, the brilliant mini-series and drama, the cutting-edge current affairs, the springboard to success for so many young comedians, but also the changes to the ABC itself, the way the public broadcaster has evolved and grown, the successes and challenges to maintain its integrity and to live up to its charter, to be the most trusted public institution in Australia. Featured programs include Mr Squiggle, Playschool, Adventure Island, Bananas in Pyjamas, Weekend Magazine, This Day Tonight, Four Corners, Media Watch, Lateline, Foreign Correspondent, Australian Story, Bellbird, Certain Women, GP, Seachange, Phoenix, Seven Little Australians, Rush, Power Without Glory and many more. Available while stock lasts at the special price of $30. All copies are signed by Tim!