"The Complete Travel Guide Series" offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse destinations worldwide. Each book provides detailed insights into local culture, history, attractions, and practical travel tips, ensuring travellers are well-prepared to embark on memorable journeys. With vibrant illustrations, beautiful pictures and up to date information, this series is an essential companion for any type of traveller seeking enriching experiences.

An enchanting collection of the very best of Russian poetry, edited by acclaimed translator Robert Chandler together with poets Boris Dralyuk and Irina Mashinski. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, poetry's pre-eminence in Russia was unchallenged, with Pushkin and his contemporaries ushering in the 'Golden Age' of Russian literature. Prose briefly gained the high ground in the second half of the nineteenth century, but poetry again became dominant in the 'Silver Age' (the early twentieth century), when belief in reason and progress yielded once more to a more magical view of the world. During the Soviet era, poetry became a dangerous, subversive activity; nevertheless, poets such as Osip Mandelstam and Anna Akhmatova continued to defy the censors. This anthology traces Russian poetry from its Golden Age to the modern era, including work by several great poets - Georgy Ivanov and Varlam Shalamov among them - in captivating modern translations by Robert Chandler and others. The volume also includes a general introduction, chronology and individual introductions to each poet. Robert Chandler is an acclaimed poet and translator. His many translations from Russian include works by Aleksandr Pushkin, Nikolay Leskov, Vasily Grossman and Andrey Platonov, while his anthologies of Russian Short Stories from Pushkin to Buida and Russian Magic Tales are both published in Penguin Classics. Irina Mashinski is a bilingual poet and co-founder of the StoSvet literary project. Her most recent collection is 2013's Ophelia i masterok [Ophelia and the Trowel]. Boris Dralyuk is a Lecturer in Russian at the University of St Andrews and translator of many books from Russian, including, most recently, Isaac Babel's Red Cavalry (2014).

Embark on a captivating odyssey with "Discovering Armenia," where acclaimed author William Jones invites you to unravel the layers of a nation steeped in history, draped in cultural richness, and pulsating with the heartbeat of tradition. This immersive travel narrative is more than a guide; it's an invitation to traverse the landscapes of Armenia and explore the tapestry of a civilization that has withstood the test of time. In the preface, Jones sets the tone for a voyage that transcends the ordinary, beckoning readers to step into a realm where every monument, every story, is a gateway to the soul of Armenia. The introduction, a literary overture, promises a journey that spans the epochs, from the ancient mysteries to the pulsating present. The chapters unfold like a series of tales, each one a vibrant brushstroke painting a vivid picture of Armenia's multifaceted allure. Delve into the heart of Yerevan, the Pink City that beats with a contemporary rhythm while cradling the echoes of centuries past. Monastic Marvels emerge as silent witnesses to spiritual sagas, and the shores of Lake Sevan, the Pearl of Armenia, glisten with tales of resilience and beauty. Stone Crosses, known as Khachkars, emerge as intricate storytellers, their carvings narrating the history of a land where art and spirituality converge. Nature comes alive in Dilijan National Park, a sanctuary where the whispers of the wind echo through ancient trees. The chapter on Armenian Cuisine tantalizes the taste buds, immersing readers in a culinary tapestry that mirrors the diversity of the nation. Traditional Arts and Crafts, Cultural Festivals, and Archaeological Sites are unveiled like chapters in a grand narrative, each contributing to the rich cultural mosaic of Armenia. Jones guides readers through a kaleidoscope of experiences, inviting them to savor the warmth of Armenian hospitality—a cultural embrace that transforms visitors into cherished companions. The final chapters of "Discovering Armenia" cast a visionary gaze into the future. Technological innovation, sustainable development, and global collaborations emerge as threads in the tapestry of Armenia's onward journey. The closing chapter, "Journey into the Future," leaves readers inspired by a nation that strides confidently into the modern era while cherishing the timeless traditions that define its soul. "Discovering Armenia" is a literary voyage, an intimate exploration penned by William Jones, where each page unfurls a new facet of a nation's identity. As you turn the pages, you don't just read about Armenia; you discover it, you experience it, and you become part of its enduring story. Immerse yourself in this narrative tapestry that weaves together the past, present, and future of a nation that invites the world to discover its timeless allure.