The Glasgow Wheelers
Kenny Pryde

Published: Oct 2023
Paperback: 168 pages
Price: £9.99
ISBN: 9781915972163
Available from Amazon

The Glasgow Wheelers
by Kenny Pryde
A Scottish cycling history

There are few British cycling clubs which can claim to have been in existence for over one hundred years without a break, but the Glasgow Wheelers is one of them. Much more than that however, Glasgow Wheelers have been involved in the pivotal moments of British cycle sport history.

From shaping the breakaway organisation that would turn into British Cycling and running Britain's first road race championship, riding the inaugural 1936 Olympic road race and providing the first British podium finisher in the Tour de France, the Glasgow Wheelers had a hand in it all – and much more besides. Intrigues, hardship and a little skullduggery are all part of this intriguing sporting and social history.

This story of the Glasgow Wheelers is also – inevitably - the story of British cycling itself.

Reviews of The Glasgow Wheelers...

Susan Egelstaff, The Herald, 20 August 2023

One such club that has played a significant part in Scottish sporting history is Glasgow Wheelers, a cycling club that’s produced more world-class athletes than many others could even dream of.

The history of the club has been documented in a fascinating and incredibly well-researched book called: 'The Glasgow Wheelers; A Scottish Cycling History.'

This book such a vital read. And it’s not only worth reading for cycling enthusiasts, but also for people like me who are interested in Scottish sport but are entirely ignorant of the history of a club (...)which has played such a massive part in the sporting success of this country over the past century.

See Article in The Herald


Mia Fights Back
J K Keane

Published: Oct 2023
Paperback: 193 pages
Price: £7.99
ISBN: 9781915972248
Available from Amazon

Mia Fights Back
by Jessica Keane
A Mia the Kitten Adventure

Mia is back for another forest adventure. Snakes, poisonous plants and foxes are not the only threats the black kitten and her sidekick, Joker, face. The biggest danger lurks not far from home.

When disaster strikes and one of the animals is trapped without hope of escape, Mia knows she must try to save her friend. She will need all the knowledge she gained in kitten school.

Will Mia’s rescue plan work and will the animals get their revenge?

Two kind teenagers, a feisty goat, and a Scottish pony join the cats and forest animals in this exciting adventure story.



Mia Fights Back is Book 2 in the Mia the Kitten Adventure Series. This delightful animal adventure series about a feisty kitten and her forest friends is ideal for kids who love animals, nature and adventure. The illustrated chapter books are aimed at children above the age of six who are ready to step up from picture books to more complex stories with multiple characters. They work well as read together books for young families but can be read alone by competent young readers. I recommend reading the books in order although they work as standalone books as well. Facts about nature and forest animals are woven into the plot that follows kitten Mia as she makes friends and keeps getting into trouble in the woods behind her house. All the books in the series focus on the value of friendship, kindness and the benefits of collaboration.


JK Keane spent her early years running wild in the forests of her native Germany.

When she was four years old, she decided that she was going to be an animal doctor.

Her dream came true and she worked for more than twenty years as a vet first in Germany and then in the UK.

Now retired, she lives with her husband in Shropshire. When she is not busy writing, you’ll probably find her exploring the local woods, looking for the best climbing trees or tracking the forest animals together with her grandchildren.

Reviews of Mia Fights Back...

'Amazon Review, October 2023
This book follows the adventures of Mia the mischievous kitten and all her friends. There is enough excitement to make the children turn the pages, enough informative content to help them learn about nature and enough escapades to have them giggling at the antics of the animals and the birds. My granddaughter loved the first Mia book. I know she will love this one too.

Amazon review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating story of animals loved by children

Amazon review, 18 October 2023
An exciting read with realistic descriptions of animal behaviour that will enthral & amuse young children. Good for bedtime story & an early reading book.

The Glasgow Wheelers

Excellent review of The Glasgow Wheelers in The Herald (Scotland):

“One such club that has played a significant part in Scottish sporting history is Glasgow Wheelers, a cycling club that’s produced more world-class athletes than many others could even dream of.

The history of the club has been documented in a fascinating and incredibly well-researched book called: ‘The Glasgow Wheelers; A Scottish Cycling History.’ This book such a vital read. And it’s not only worth reading for cycling enthusiasts, but also for people like me who are interested in Scottish sport but are entirely ignorant of the history of a club  (…)which has played such a massive part in the sporting success of this country over the past century.

Susan Egelstaff, The Herald, 20 August 2023
https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/23733049.scepticism-remains-effect-mega-events-nation/

 

ASLE-UKI Book Prize Shortlist 2023

Michael McCarthy’s latest book, Fergus the Silent, published by YouCaxton in 2021, has been short-listed for the ASLE (Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment) Book Prize, Best Work for Creative Writing. We’ll hear the results shortly.

Poltwhistle’s Final Defeat – Fictional sequel to Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeomen of the Guard
Malcolm Dunbar

Published: July 2023
Paperback: 38 pages
Price: £5.00
ISBN: 9781915972064

Available
on Amazon


Poltwhistle's Final Defeat
Fictional sequel to Gilbert and Sullivan's Yeomen of the Guard.
by Malcolm Dunbar

Poltwhistle’s Final Defeat is the sequel to Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’. Here Sir Clarence Poltwhistle is enraged at being thwarted over his attempt to claim his cousin Colonel Fairfax’s estate which falls to him if he should die without marrying. Poltwhistle makes one final attempt to thwart his cousin, but even this fails, leaving Poltwhistle desolate. In the end everything works out for everybody concerned, even the broken hearted jester Jack Point finds happiness and love once more.

Malcolm Dunbar was born and brought up in Edinburgh.

Malcolm wrote a number of autobiographical stories about his war experience and later life. He also wrote several biblical essays.

However, it was his love for Gilbert and Sullivan's opera “The Yeoman of the Guard” that urged him to write a sequel to the opera.

He enjoyed writing the story and hopes that you will enjoy reading it.

Birds and Their Gift of Music
Michael Green

Published: July 2023
Paperback: 328 pages
Price: £15.99
ISBN: 9781914424885

Available
on Amazon



Trade sales - contact sales@youcaxton.co.uk
Birds and Their Gift of Music
An exploration of music inspired by birds and birdsong
by Michael Green

This authoritative account links the two worlds of birds and music to show the extraordinary influence that birds, through song and behaviour, have had on composers and musicians over the last millennium.

Over 1200 examples represent folk music, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and modern periods including, more recently, popular music and jazz.

Musicians are presented by country and the reader will find brief composer biographies, short descriptions of many of the individual pieces, which may be songs, instrumental, choral or orchestral, also references to the poetry which has inspired much of the music.

A series of invaluable appendices facilitates easy access to a wonderful world of discoveries.

The author lives in North Norfolk where he is well known for his many illustrated talks on a variety of musical subjects particularly concerning birds.

He has devoted many years to researching his subject in the certain belief that this is a book which needed to be written and which will appeal to a wide reading international public of bird, music and nature lovers.

With particular thanks to Mark Glaister for his delightful cover painting and additional watercolours represented in these pages in monochrome.

If you wish to see the original watercolour paintings along with brief musical excerpts they can be viewed at https://www.graceglaisterphotography.co.uk/birds-and-their-gift-of-music

Mark Glaister, growing up in Carlisle, Cumbria, was always inspired by his rather eccentric uncle, Ernest Glaister, a local watercolour artist but did not take up watercolour himself until late in life. He paints landscapes often drawing on the area of North Norfolk where he now lives in retirement with his wife, Grace.

Michael Green was born in Cheshire in 1937 and educated at Wrekin College and Manchester University.

After a career in the computer world, spent 10 years at Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre as Development Director.

First wife, Elizabeth, died in 1989 leaving son, Nicolas who composes music for TV series and daughter, Rachel, who runs a successful catering business.

Now living with wife, Heather, in North Norfolk.

K…I…S…S
Peter Stanley

Published: July 2023
Paperback: 158 pages
Price: £9.99
ISBN: 9781915972057

Available
on Amazon


K...I...S...S
A meditation on the art of well-being by “keeping it simple”
by Peter Stanley

Find the ultimate way to live your life - although don't follow this book exactly or you may end up in trouble.

Simply take from it what you need. Live your life as YOU want to, and in doing so, have loads of fun.

This memoir incorporates all the elements of well-being with adventure, humour and a desire to ensure the readers own well-being.

A deeply personal and inspiring account of the author’s life but ultimately, this is a powerful message about the importance of the need to mitigate suffering, whether on an individual or social level.

The author shares his own experiences of overcoming adversity, as well as thoughts on how we can all work together to create a more compassionate and equitable world.

A rip roaring read but with the accent on the relief of suffering and achieving the ultimate in well being - how? - with humour – and fill your soul with music and your heart with love!

Peter spends his life having fun, or at least trying to when not extricating himself from yet another situation caused by his incessant quest to remove suffering from people’s lives with his care for others.

Sometimes dubbed a rebel with a cause, he has worked as an accountant, salesman, serial entrepreneur and chaired a public company for a number of years.

Married to Mame, a lovely lady who died a short while ago, they have two children, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

This is his first book.

Reviews by Amazon Readers...

KISS is a memoir that combines personal stories, insights, and humor to share the author’s journey of finding well-being and happiness in life. Peter reflects on his experiences of overcoming challenges, discovering his passions, and helping others. He also offers practical advice on how to achieve well-being by following the KISS principle of simplicity in all endeavours.The book is a captivating and inspiring read that will make you laugh, cry, and think. It is full of wisdom and compassion, as well as anecdotes from the author’s life. The book also explores various topics related to well-being, such as breathing, meditation, yoga, music, love, spirituality, and social justice. The book is written in a conversational and engaging style, with a balance of humor, drama, and insight. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their well-being and happiness, as well as to learn more about the author’s fascinating life. It is a book that will touch your heart, mind, and soul, and inspire you to live a simple, meaningful, and fulfilling life. CGPT

There is something magic about your writing, I can't put my finger on it but it makes the reader feel that no matter how difficult and dark life is, it is still worth living. What you are saying has been said many times, but not in the special way you are saying it, which really reaches out to the reader and gives them hope and courage to carry on. You have a special gift, keep up the good work, I can't wait for your next book! - MH

You are talking directly to us, Your writing is spontaneous and heartfelt and comes across in a way we can relate to. Also you write from the heart, your spirit shines out from the pages of your book, it is what we all need these days. LDN

I feel I have touched base again and back to where I was before……..I feel I have been through years of madness, trying to find myself having lost my way……….so thank you Peter. ANON

Your book grips the imagination and is never boring, it really makes you think about so many things. I loved it. A beautiful memoir with such good advice. SS

Inspiring This is a wonderful book, both a memoir and a book about how to live in a more mindful way. Enjoyable and thought provoking, the book is full of stories to make you laugh and wisdom to make you think about what is really important. I keep your lovely book on the table and dip into it at random when I sit down for cups of tea during the day. It is my comfort blanket and calms me down when I feel my nervous tension rising. It is such a sane, thoughtful, kind book. SAL

I started your book yesterday and finished it at 5.00pm today – that’s how much I enjoyed it !! BD

Jo kept saying the book was "absolutely incredible", she had read it twice and was going to read it a third time. She said the book was like you climbed lots of mountains to get on to the next mountain and never complained about it at all, (she related the story of when your canoe got filled with coal). She said it was like you have been at the helm of your life, all your life and remained there, and "anyone with a spark of conscience would be moved/ affected by your book". Jo said she would recommend your book to everyone in the world! - JO

Reviews by readers...

Angela Mays - Social Scientist
“There is real warmth in this writing”

Fay Pedler - Physiotherapist
“This book is addictive”

Sarah Juckes, Jericho Writers
“I really enjoyed reading this”

Charmaine Despres
“I love every single word Peter”

Cleo Howe
“I agree with your thoughts on positive thinking, such a powerful healer”

Marcella Howard
“You write as if it is coming from the heart”


Gerald Eugen Marcuse, G2NM
David Fry

Published: July 2023
Paperback: 298 pages
Price: £16.00
ISBN: 9781915972125

Colour Edition
Buy direct from the Author
Contact: marcuseg2nm@protonmail.com

Black/White Edition
Available worldwide
on Amazon


Gerald Eugen Marcuse, G2NM
Pioneer of Radio
by David Fry, G4JSZ

Gerald Eugen Marcuse, a contemporary of Marconi, enjoyed similar fame during the early years of radio.

Marcuse’s amazing exploits in the 1920’s had earned him an international reputation as a radio experimenter and broadcaster but subsequently he became less wellknown.

In this superbly researched volume, Marcuse’s achievements are set out in detail, including numerous ‘firsts’, made through his brilliant understanding of the technology of the day and his perception of what was needed and what was to come.

First to contact South America, California, Australia & New Zealand by radio, he was instrumental in the foundation of formal ‘Ham’ Radio organisations, making contact with the Hamilton-Rice expedition and assisting both the Police and Ambulance services to set up mobile communications.

He shared his experience with other ‘Hams’ by giving advice and sending them vital components.

Marcuse was issued with a licence to broadcast entertainment from his home in Caterham. He battled with the legal authorities, especially the inertia of the Post Office (the legal body responsible for issuing amateur radio licences) and the BBC which hadn’t accepted the best operating frequencies that should have been used to broadcast overseas successfully.

A household name in the 1920’s but now almost unknown.

A remarkable career but with no official recognition.

After graduating from High School in Toronto, Canada in 1966, David was licenced G8CDQ in 1967 then G4JSZ in 1968.

He was appointed Technical Assistant at the BBC Engineering Department in 1968 at Evesham, Skelton (World Service Transmitters) & Droitwich.

David graduated in 1973 to teach Maths & IT at Droitwich High School. Here he established a vibrant radio club, coaching several students through the Radio Amateur’s exam and is still in contact with some of them.

He was appointed Head of IT at Shrewsbury Girl’s High from 1990-2006 then left to build a successful picture framing business.

David’s first book was based on a diary that Marcuse kept as an engineering student in Einbeck, Germany in 1903.