Ginger felt the blood drain from his face. The muscles seemed to go stiff. For a few seconds he could not speak. 'Was the name of the prisoner given?' he blurted. 'No. It doesn't matter,' muttered Ginger. 'There could be only one Gosling in that area. They've got Algy!' Late in the Second World War Biggles and his team are in Malaya, operating a secret commando under the nose of the Japanese occupiers. Algy is captured after his plane goes down over the Indian Ocean but Biggles will not abandon him. A night raid is called for...

Japan's impact on the modern world has been enormous. It occupies just one 300th of the planet's land area, yet came to wield one sixth of the world's economic power. Just 150 years ago it was an obscure land of paddy fields and feudal despots. Within 50 years it became a major imperial power -- it's so-called 'First Miracle'. After defeat in the Second World War, when Japan came close to annihilation, within 25 years it recovered remarkably to become the world's third biggest economy -- it's 'Second Miracle'. It is now not only an economic superpower, but also a technological and cultural superpower. True miracles have no explanation: Japan's 'miracles' do. The nation's success lies in deeply ingrained historical values, such as a pragmatic determination to succeed. The world can learn much from Japan, and its story is told in these pages.

The world's best-selling pocket guides have been fully revised and updated, featuring stunning new cover designs and freshly revised page layouts. This Japan Pocket Guide has clear colour-coded sections, enabling you to locate information easily. Packed with practical information and useful tips, this guide covers: local history, things to do and see, shopping, sports, children's activities, entertainment, nightlife and much more. A dedicated 'Eating Out' section provides information on where to go and what the local specialities are. The area's top10 attractions are highlighted, allowing you to set priorities for your stay and ensure you don't miss out on the best your destination has to offer. Accommodation for all budgets is recommended, along with other practical travel tips, such as transport and currency. Beautiful colour photographs accompany the text throughout, making this guide truly a pleasure to read before, during and after your visit.

Maroon d/w with white and yellow titles and a drawing (of a Monk?). Very slight signs of wear. Red cloth covers with gilt titles on spine. Pages clean but beginning to brown a little owing to the quality of the paper. The classic introduction to the history, development, beliefs, rituals and major figures of Zen in Japan. The author is one of the world's foremost Zen scholars.

Essential Japanese in just 15 minutes a day What can you do in fifteen minutes? Wait for a train? Read the latest gossip in the FT? Watch half an episode of Eastenders? Now with this revolutionary new system for learning a language you can learn Japanese in just 15 minutes a day and speak and understand with confidence. The unique visual approach makes learning quick, easy and fun. Practice five times a week over 3 months Includes ready-reference features and tips for a true flavour of the culture Easy-to-understand pronunciation guide for each word and phrase Connects images, words and ideas in an intuitive easy-to-remember way Just use the cover flaps to hide the answers so you can test yourself as you learn Whether starting from scratch or just in need of a refresher, there is no easier way to learn Japanese - fast.

A poem can remove the thorn from any lion's paw - but by the same token a poet may have to ask the lion to tend her wound. Penelope Shuttle's new collection, "Sandgrain and Hourglass", charts a variety of transactions between poet-self and wound, between wound and beast. A major preoccupation is her continuing experience of loss, particularly the way time modulates and redefines grief. Some aspects of human experience can be too painful or difficult to bear except through poetry. As Ted Hughes said, "poetry is a way of speaking to people we've lost when it is too late". In these poems - as in her previous book "Redgrove's Wife" - Shuttle continues such conversations with her husband Peter Redgrove, her father Jack Shuttle, and her close friend L.H.S., among others. Her engagement with the world's manifold possibilities is also strongly present in Sandgrain and Hourglass - A machine for grading kisses? Edward Thomas translated into Japanese? A stolen reindeer? Faust? Francis Bacon's mirror? Bedtime? The possibilities are endless.

"The Rough Guide Japanese Phrasebook" is the definitive phrasebook to help you make the most of your time in Japan. Whether you want to book a hotel room, ask what time the train leaves or buy a drink from the bar, this new phrasebook has a dictionary of over 5,000 words and will help you communicate with the locals in no time. The free audio downloads, recorded by native Japanese speakers, can be downloaded to your computer or MP3 player. They allow you to listen to the correct pronunciation of essential dialogues and are ideal for practising before you go or while you're there. There's even a regional pronunciation guide and Rough Guide travel tips section, so wherever you are you can get around and speak the lingo. "The Rough Guide Japanese Phrasebook" has an extensive two-way dictionary packed with vocabulary and includes a helpful menu and drinks list reader, perfect for choosing the right dish in any restaurant. With this phrasebook in your pocket you will never run out of things to say! Make the most of your trip to Japan with "The Rough Guide Japanese Phrasebook".