Reference

May your troubles be less and your blessings be more

The history of Irish blessings can be traced back to the early Celtic culture of Ireland, a culture rich in oral tradition and storytelling, and blessings and expressions of good wishes, kindness and positivity were a common part of daily life. These blessings were passed down from generation to generation, preserving the spiritual heritage of the Irish people. Over time, they became an integral part of the Irish cultural identity, and they were brought to other parts of the world by Irish immigrants.

Today, Irish blessings continue to be a popular part of the cultural heritage of Ireland and to those with Irish ancestors who travelled and settled overseas and are used in a wide range of contexts, from religious services and weddings to everyday greetings and expressions of good wishes.

Filled with heart-warming words of hope and comfort, The Little Book of Irish Blessings is the perfect companion or gift for anyone seeking a touch of Irish magic in their life.

May you always have a rainbow of hope in your heart, and may the sun always shine on your face

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door

A self-empowerment gift book for woman of every age, these quotes and slogans are guaranteed to bring out your inner badass.Celebrating female power and potential, the sayings will inspire and motivate you to fight your corner, speak your mind, stand up to those who stand in your way, reach your goals and bounce back with a spring upwards from every challenge or hurdle in your path.

By women for women, You Got This is a great antidote to self-doubt, discouragement, imposter syndrome, and general societal bullshit in the twenty-first century. For every tough independent woman out there who sometimes feels the weight of the world, here are uplifting words to foster strength, success and self-reliance.

From the indisputable logic of Tweedledum to the nonsensical riddles posed by the Mad Hatter, the witty rejoinders of the Red Queen to the strange wisdom of the Cheshire Cat, there is no denying that Lewis Carroll's most famous works, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, contain some of the most quotable lines ever written in the English language.

The Little Book of Alice houses the very best of these under one roof, showcasing not only the most recognizable bon mots of Wonderland, but the hidden depths and deeper meanings to be found within even the most innocuous turns of phrase.

'I could tell you my adventures – beginning from this morning,' said Alice a little timidly, 'but it's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.' Alice, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The greatest detective who never lived.

Since his first appearance in 1887, Sherlock Holmes continues to entertain and fascinate us. With his deerstalker hat, pipe and magnifying glass, not to mention his incredible powers of observation and deduction, he has pitted his wits against thieves, spies, murderers and enemies – and out-thought them all. As he explains to his loyal sidekick, Watson, 'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.' Drawing on 60 stories, the 175 quotes in this little book capture the enduring appeal of Conan Doyle's thrilling adventures.>

'My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people do not know.' Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle

'This fellow may be very clever,” I said to myself, ‘but he is certainly very conceited.' Dr Watson on Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet.

'Watson. Come at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same.' Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Creeping Man.

'Crime is common. Logic is rare.' Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Copper Beeches.

Kamala Harris: Quotes to Live By is a life-affirming collection of over 150 quotes from one of the world's most admired, relevant and exciting public figures today.

As the daughter of immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, she rose to become district attorney of San Francisco, attorney general of California, United States senator and finally to achieve the pinnacle of all her firsts: the first female Black and Asian-American Vice President of the United States.

Throughout her distinguished career, she has been recognized for speaking the truth, standing up to the powerful, fighting against injustice and inequality and advocating for those who could not defend themselves. Her support for Black Lives Matter and women’s rights, as well as healthcare and immigration, along with her courage and determination, has made her a powerful force in politics and on the world stage.

The Little Book of Man United is a collection of words of wit and wisdom by and about Manchester United's players, managers and officials past and present. Since the arrival of the Premier League, no club in England can match the Red Devils' 13 titles, two UEFA Champions League victories, the FIFA World Club Cup, six triumphs in the FA Cup, three in the League Cup and 11 in the FA Charity/Community Shield – and there was plenty more glory in the club's first 115 years too.

From Alan Hansen's falsely prophetic 'You'll never win anything with kids' to Eric Cantona's existentialist aphorism on the theme of seagulls, sardines and trawlers, the book contains more than 170 Red Devilish football quotes. Each quote is attributed to its source and, where appropriate, entries will be accompanied by explanatory asides and/or supporting statistics. Broken down into seven chapters, each one focuses on what makes being a supporter of Manchester United FC such a special experience.

A life-affirming collection of more than 170 quotes from one of the world’s most admired and respected public figures: Barack Obama.

“Where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can.” —Barack Obama, victory speech, Chicago, 2008

From a law professorship, to a seat in the Illinois State Senate, to becoming the first African-American president of the United States, Barack Obama’s trajectory to the most powerful political position in the world is legendary. Quotes to Live By offers a beautifully presented collection of inspirational and moving statements by one of the most important figures of our time, a man as renowned for his eloquence as for his groundbreaking achievements.

The quotes include:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” —Presidential nomination speech, February 2008 

“We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it.” —Joint session of Congress on health care, September 2009 

“Politicians have always lied, but it used to be if you caught them lying they’d be like, ‘Oh man.’ Now they just keep on lying.” —Nelson Mandela annual lecture, South Africa, July 2018

“When we measure our greatness as a nation by how far the stock market rises or falls, instead of how many opportunities we’ve opened up for America’s children, we’re displaying a preference for the childish.” —Northwestern University commencement, June 2006

“I am reminded every day of my life, if not by events, then by my wife, that I am not a perfect man.” —Campaign rally, June 2008

The iconic leader who 'mobilized the English language and sent it to battle'.

Churchill's life and political career were certainly long and colorful: he travelled the world, fought in the Boer War, and oversaw the disastrous Gallipoli campaign during the First World War. But it was during the Second World War that this natural leader's qualities of grit, dogged determination and perseverance truly came to the fore as he led the nation to victory.

Churchill's rallying speeches made him one of the world's greatest orators, while his acerbic wit was legendary. Readers will delight in finding the best of this illustrious Briton's words in one handy, pocket-sized volume.

'Never give in – never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.' Speech given at Harrow School for boys, London, October 1941.

'I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.' Said on his 75th birthday, 30th November 1949.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen never goes out of style.

Jane Austen’s much-loved novels vividly describe 19th-century society. But they are also timeless classics that continue to enjoy wild popularity 200 years after the author’s death. Her delightfully quotable observations on love, men and women, society and class remain as relevant as they ever were. Packed full of intelligent insights, witty asides and wry observations, alongside fascinating facts about Austen’s remarkable life, this Little Book showcases some of the best lines ever crafted in the English language.

“It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.” Sense and Sensibility, 1811

“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours and laugh at them in our turn?” Pride and Prejudice, 1813

“There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.” Emma, 1815

Potted history, quirky facts, sayings, hints and tips about Ireland's celebration and the saint it commemorates.

The Little Book of St Patrick's Day tells the story of St Patrick and how the holiday began, shares the craic with a collection of sayings and describes how the festival is marked around the world (and in outer space).

Separate the myths from the facts, find out how to celebrate at home and be dazzled by quirky facts and stats. Why is the shamrock the symbol of the day, did St Patrick really drive snakes out of Ireland and what should you eat and drink on March 17th? Find out in this pocket-sized guide to this Irish celebration that has enchanted people of all backgrounds across the globe.

'For the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o' March!' The Irish-American poet Thomas Augustine Daly, as seen on Bustle.com.

From his humble roots and his struggle with a debilitating stutter to the tragic circumstances in which he lost his first wife and baby daughter – and later his son, Beau – Joe Biden’s life story has given him a unique ability to connect with the average person.

Homespun, caring and empathetic, if perhaps a little long-winded, “Uncle Joe” frequently dispenses heartfelt advice sprinkled with aphorisms and quaint Bidenisms.

Renowned for forging partnerships across the aisle in the Senate, Joe’s optimism, compassion and sense of fair play have never wavered. And when it comes down to his love for the United States, he is at his most eloquent and inspiring, passionately endorsing American values and democracy to the nation and the world at large.

“Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.”

Democratic National Convention, August 27, 2008

“I’m a gaffe machine. But, my God, what a wonderful thing compared to a guy who can’t tell the truth.”

CNN, December 4, 2018

“Love is more powerful than hate. Hope is more powerful than fear. Light is more powerful than dark.”

Twitter, August 22, 2020