Sports & Recreation

Few clubs can boast a history as rich as Aston Villa Football Club. Founded in 1874, they have played in their home ground of Villa Park in Birmingham since 1897. Aston Villa is not only one of the oldest clubs in England but among some of the most successful. Having won the FA cup seven times and the League Cup five times, Aston Villa ranks 5th in the all-time English top flight table and is the seventh most successful club in English football by competitive honours. Villa is one of only three clubs that were founding members of both the Football League in 1888 and the Premier League in 1992.

Despite its overall prosperity, Villa has experienced ups and downs, including relegation from the Premier League in 2016. However, after three seasons in the EFL Championship and two ownership changes, the club returned to the Premier League in 2019, and in 2024, qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1982. From Pongo Waring, 'Big Ron' Atkinson and 'Deadly Doug' Ellis to Peter Withe, Gary Shaw, Gareth Southgate, Dwight Yoke and Jack Grealish, hear from the bold voices that have shaped Aston Villa over the years and re-live the highs and lows of this historic club.

Oscar Piastri's star is on the rise - and at a meteoric rate. The 24-year-old is fighting to become the first Australian for 45 years to become Formula 1 world champion as he goes head-to-head with British McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

It could be a rivalry that lasts for many years, and one that is already capturing the imagination of race fans around the globe. Will Piastri and Norris replicate the fierce competition of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen or even reach the notorious dislike of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna?

With an entire nation watching and willing his every move behind the wheel, Piastri looks set to become a national hero and his F1 crowning seems more a matter of when rather than if. From his brilliance on the racetrack to his humble beginnings in Melbourne, The Little Guide to Oscar Piastri provides a fascinating snapshot of a thrilling driver who could dominate for years.

Packed with quotes, facts and trivia, it's the ultimate companion for any fan of Piastri or Formula 1 as his remarkable journey to pole position shifts through the gears.


SAMPLE CONTENT:

"It was in a service station car park in the UK. So, it wasn't the most glamorous place to be signing an F1 contract, but it was a very, very special feeling."
Oscar Piastri

"I knew, even when I was karting and racing the cars in Formula Four that the chances of reaching F1 are so slim, and I always tried to stay realistic. My main goal was to become a professional racing driver and be paid to drive race cars."
Oscar Piastri

For the early part of Oscar's career, his father Chris followed his son as his mechanic.

Speed, skill and a whole lot of personality - Lando Norris is more than just a Formula 1 driver; he's a rising legend. From his record-breaking junior career to becoming McLaren's fan-favorite star, Lando has captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide with his raw talent, humour and fearless attitude on the track.

Norris has rapidly ascended the ranks of Formula 1, becoming a standout talent since his debut with McLaren in 2019. By 2024, he secured his first Grand Prix victory at the Miami Grand Prix, followed by wins in the Netherlands, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi totaling four career victories. Beyond his race wins, Norris has achieved 25 podium finishes and six pole positions, highlighting his consistent performance and skill.

This book is a celebration of everything Lando - from his most memorable quotes and on-track moments to fascinating facts about his journey to the top. Whether it's his iconic radio banter, wheel-to-wheel battles or his off-track charisma, this collection dives into what makes Lando one of the most exciting drivers in modern motorsport.

Perfect for die-hard F1 fans and newcomers alike, this is your ultimate guide to the life, speed, and legacy of Lando Norris.

From the origins of the game on grass courts to its evolution into a global smash hit, uncover the timeless strategies and sheer passion that have lobbed tennis into the limelight. With captivating anecdotes and insights about iconic players like Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, discover how tennis has served up unforgettable moments, from epic matches to record-breaking rallies, and uncover why prestigious Grand Slam tournaments attract billions of viewers worldwide.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just getting into the swing, flick through this volley of quips and quotes filled with clever serves of wit and wisdom. The Little Book of Tennis is a smashing tribute to the sport's enduring legacy and the champions who've left an indelible mark on tennis history.

"Tennis is not a gentle game. Psychologically, it is vicious."
Richard Evans

"Everything comes at a cost. Just what are you willing to pay for it?"
Serena Williams

"Losing is not my enemy, fear of losing is my enemy."
Rafael Nadal

"You play the ball. You don't play the opponent. Be free in your head. Be free in your shots. Go for it."
Roger Federer

From his electrifying plays on the field to his charismatic personality off the gridiron, Travis Kelce has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of football. With over 7,000 career receiving yards and more than 60 touchdown receptions, Kelce has solidified his place among the NFL's elite tight ends. Explore the journey of this prolific player, from his college days at the University of Cincinnati to his record-breaking seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, and uncover fascinating insights into Kelce's work ethic, mindset, and passion for the game.

Whether you're a die-hard Chiefs fan or simply a lover of football, this captivating collection of quotes and facts offers a compelling glimpse into the life and career of one of the NFL's most dynamic players.

"Nobody can make fun of me better than me. I'm not going to go out there and say that I'm better than X, I'm better than Y. I think I'm the best tight end in the game. Coach Reid is always going to dial the right plays up."

Travis has caught 19 touchdown passes in playoff games, a record for the tight end position.

In September 2022, Travis and NFL star (and brother) Jason Kelce launched their podcast New Heights. The title references the Cleveland Heights area where they grew up. The show has proven to be a huge success, reaching No. 2 overall on Apple podcasts by February.

With over 14,000 career passing yards and 121 touchdown passes in just four seasons, Patrick Mahomes has redefined the quarterback position and become a true icon of the game. From his record-breaking MVP season to leading the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIV, Mahomes' impact on the football world is undeniable. Explore the highs and lows of his career, from his college days at Texas Tech University to his meteoric rise to NFL superstardom, and delve into unique playing style, infectious energy, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

This captivating collection of quotes and facts dives into the extraordinary journey of the NFL sensation, filled with insightful quotes from teammates, coaches, and Mahomes himself. Whether you're a devoted Chiefs fan or simply a lover of football, this book offers a compelling glimpse into the life and career of one of the NFL's most dynamic players.

King James, the greatest of all time.

Named 'The Chosen One' at just age 17, and with the iconic number 23 set to retire with him at the end of his career, LeBron fulfilled his destiny of surpassing scoring records and becoming one of basketball's most well-known stars. A legend on the court and a humble family man at home, LeBron is a man of dedication and honour in every sense, with memorable thoughts about life, sports, family and more.

Packed full of insightful and encouraging quotes, this pocket-sized tome covers all zones of LeBron's accomplished and fascinating life. From his early years of childhood and rise to basketball stardom with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat to admiration and adoration from more of the greats, this little book highlights why the four-time crowned MVP is deemed one of the greatest of all time.

"People will hate you, rate you, shake you, and break you. But how strong you stand is what makes you."
LeBron James on resilience and determination.

Thanks in part to the Netflix phenomenon Drive to Survive, F1's popularity has exploded in recent years. More viewers than ever now enjoy the high-octane, wheel-to-wheel battling of this global championship – and this little guide is the perfect companion.

The Little Guide to Formula One features quotes from some of the greatest racing drivers of all time, including Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, and many others. Also included are numerous facts and trivia about the sport which has capitivated billions around the globe for more than seven decades.

Perfect for seasoned F1 lovers or new fans learning the sport, this pocket-sized guide to the world's most popular form of motorsport captures the history, the people, the thrills, and – most importantly – the need to win.

'Being second is to be the first if the ones who lose.'
Ayrton Senna

'There's a lie that all drivers tell themselves. Death is something that happens to other people, and that's how you find the courage to get in the car in the first place. The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel. But more powerful than fear itself is the will to win.'
James Hunt

In 2015, Max Verstappen became the youngest driver to ever start an F1 race, aged just 17 years and 166 days.

Welcome to Wrexham!


Everyone in the world is talking about Wrexham AFC – the Red Dragons are on fire. In 2023, the team achieved their fairy-tale dream of promotion after 15 agonising years of languishing at the very bottom of the lowest league. They did it, in part, thanks to two Hollywood superstars, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who purchased the club in 2020, and promptly took the team on a superhero-inspired adventure back to the top of the turf.

This provincial Welsh football club has now been catapulted onto the world's stage, thanks to the hit Disney+ documentary that followed the celebrities' acquisition, the mega-watt signings, and the dramatic twists and turns that felt straight out of a Hollywood script.

"I love every second of hating it. Wrexham AFC is the greatest drug on earth."
Ryan Reynolds

Founded in 1864, the same year Abraham Lincoln was re-elected as president amidst America's Civil War, Wrexham is the oldest football club in Wales.

Messi is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

The humble and shy youngster from a working-class family in Rosario, Argentina, who was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 11, would become one of the most famous footballers of all time and realise a boyhood dream by captaining Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.

Messi's popularity around the globe remains undiminished, adored by millions of football fans who put rivalries aside to salute this incredible footballer. He has won every major honour there is to win, including the coveted Ballon d'Or on a record seven occasions and a record two World Cup Golden Ball awards.

His incredible career is mostly centred around his 21-year stay with Barcelona where is revered as a footballing god. Now playing for Paris St Germain, the Argentine genius continues to take the beautiful game to unchartered levels which has spanned a glittering career of more than 20 years - he is, quite simply, a maestro with the gift to do the seemingly impossible.

"I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I'm not enjoying it, I will leave football."
Lionel Messi on retirement

"I start early, and I stay late, day after day, year after year. It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success."
Messi on Twitter, 13 August 2018

"There is only one Messi."
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager 2018

Triathlons – three separate and gruelling tests of endurance in their own right, all rolled into on epic test of mind, body, and determination.

Comprised of long distance running, swimming, and cycling, triathlons are the pinnacle of human endurance, taken on by men and women with a burning ambition to push themselves to the very limit. In the pages that follow you will discover inspirational quotes and words of wisdom that will make you smile and reach for your running shoes/swimming gear/cycling helmet with renewed vigour, learn need-to-know stuff, history, and tips from the experts.

It might also become your passion, as you discover what it really takes to become a triathlete. The Little Book of Triathlon is a journey on to a path that is less trodden, but rich in fulfilment, self-discovery, and everything in-between.

On your marks, set... and on we go.

Manchester City stormed to the clubs fourth Premier League title in 2019, the fourth championship in seven seasons, which is a far cry from the 44-year wait which ended in 2012! It is hard to believe that less than 20 years ago, City were in what is now League One. Their loyal fans spent so many years riding on the wildest roller-coaster in English football, with so many ups and downs that they hardly knew in which division they were competing, but things have changed and now City are among not only England's elite, but also Europe's.

This incredible journey is recorded in this updated edition of The Little Book of Man City, a selection of the wit and wisdom of the great characters who have been associated with the club. From managers, such as Malcolm Allison, Kevin Keegan, Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola, via garrulous fans such as Radio 1's Mark and Lard and the Gallagher brothers to voluble players such as Francis Lee, Dennis Tueart, Rodney Marsh, Kun Aguero and Vincent Kompany, here are more than 170 funny and biting quotes for the avid fan of 'the only club in Manchester'. As their chaplain once said, 'Imagine where City would be if I hadn't been praying for them all these years.'