Collins Need to Know?

The story of the development of jazz and the extraordinary jazz legends who changed the face of music. Do you have a hard time differentiating between hard bop, bebop, and the blues? Need to Know? Jazz puts jazz in its musical and historical context, and gets you started with stories of famous artists and the best recordings to listen to. From the beginnings of jazz to the years of swing and satchmo, Bob Blumenthal introduces jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and looks at how they transformed the art form into the era of bebop, with new names such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. The broad variety of styles within jazz, from swing and ragtime to big bands and blues is complemented with listening suggestions, making this the ideal introductory guide for anyone eager to learn more about this unique art form.

The new, fully-updated edition of Collins Tracing Your Family History is the definitive handbook for anyone interested in tracing their family's past. Firmly practical in its approach, yet entertaining in its style, this reference guide is the indispensable companion for all who are seeking a reliable, one-source volume to use while tracking down their family origins. New and up-to-date content helps you make the most of your resources - such as how best to utilise the internet, and informs you about the most recent records released which could be vital to your search for your ancestry. The book gives comprehensive guidance on the full variety of governmental, religious and more obscure records available to the family history sleuth. The guide also contains highly useful advice on how to expand and reinvigorate a search when the trial runs cold - as it inevitably will. Author Anthony Adolph balances detailed instruction and guidance with humorous anecdotes and illuminating history lessons, ensuring an informative and entertaining read.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to use neuro linguistic programming to improve your communication skills and quality of life. To make your progress easier, it comes with handy expert tips and advice throughout. This book gives a complete overview of the fascinating power of the mind, helping the individual to better not only their own life, but consequently the lives of others around them. Carolyn Boyes takes a straightforward approach to Neuro-Linguistic Programming, pointing out the benefits of adopting NLP in daily life and combining in-depth practical information with an upbeat, accessible approach. Contents include: key principles of NLP, its history and its increasing popularity; overcoming the jargon; practical applications of NLP in your professional and personal life; different models which will enable you to communicate more effectively; exercises, techniques and activities.

This practical step-by-step guide provides an ideal introduction to the exciting and fun world of cartooning, covering a wide range of cartoons, caricatures, comic strips and manga. Would you like to draw cartoons like those you see in comic books, on TV, or on the big screen? Ever wondered how to draw caricatures of your friends or famous people? Do you want to know how to draw manga-style characters? Collins need to know? Cartooning is the one-stop guide to all the practical skills and insider tips you need to become a successful cartoonist - and have lots of fun in the process.

Understand the religion behind the headlines. Do you want to understand the world's fastest-growing religion? Are you interested in knowing who Muhammad was and why he had such as lasting influence? This book, which features color photographs throughout, is the essential overview for everyone who wants to understand what Islam is and what it means today.

Collins need to know? Exotic Pets is the one-stop guide to all the know-how and insider tips you need to care for unusual household pets, such as lizards, snakes, frogs, newts and creepy crawlies. Increasingly popular, these creatures offer low maintenance, low allergy, space-saving alternatives to traditional pets. This practical and accessible guide covers all the most popular species of amphibian, reptile and invertebrate and contains useful advice on choosing a vivarium, feeding and handling. All the species are available from captive-bred stock.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to look after a dog or puppy. Whether you are a first-time dog owner, rearing your dog's latest litter, or looking to buy a new puppy, this is the ideal introduction all aspects of dog ownership.

Whilst GI (Glycaemic Index) diets are very popular, it is also important to know the GL (Glycaemic Load) per portion to get the full picture on how a meal or snack will affect you. This clear introduction to GI and GL explains how following a low GI/GL diet can help you lose weight and keep blood sugar levels under control. Do you want a food programme that will keep you healthy and boost your energy levels? Want clarification on good carbs and bad carbs? The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a simple measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. The Glycaemic Load (GL) refines this to allow for everyday portion sizes. The GI+GL Diet points you to foods that regulate blood sugar levels and help you to control your weight. Still unclear? This book will explain it all, by including: basic GI+GL rules, shopping lists, recipes, and advice for eating out; practical ways to fit low GI+GL foods into your lifestyle; clear explanation of Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to understand, record and interpret your dreams. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy two-color format with expert tips and advice throughout. This is an easy-to-read, comprehensive guide for people looking to interpret and analyses their dreams. It looks at common dreams, and the more bizarre, teaching the dreamer to read between the lines, and control their dreams. The book starts with a history of dreams, looking at the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Chinese, among others, and moving on to Freud and Jung. It also looks at what happens when we sleep, why we dream, and what kind of dreams we have. The bulk of the book contains alphabetical list of people, animals, feelings and situations, as well as colors and shapes, that you might experience in your dreams, giving advice on interpreting them in the context of the dream as a whole. There is also a dream diary for the reader to record their dreams and explore possible meanings and links to other dreams, or events in their lives.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to make the most of your digital photos. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout. Over three billion digital photos are sitting on hard discs in the UK alone - yet the potential they contain remains largely unfulfilled, and many are in danger of being lost forever if a computer crashes. This is the next step for digital photographers: they have bought a camera; they have taken some photos; now they want to do something with them. This book is full of practical and creative ideas that will appeal to the beginner and the experienced photographer alike. So whether you want to remove an ex-partner from your photos, use your images to make brilliant gifts, create a stunning digital scrapbook or DVD slideshow, or sell your images to make money, this book has all the ideas, tips and answers you will need.

No matter what kind of diet you follow, you will have to consume fewer calories than you burn off. Easy to say and more difficult to do, so this book covers the theory, the planning and living with a low-calorie diet, complete with recipes and detailed information on the nutritional values of many foods. Fed up or left hungry by fad diets? This book really is the best method for weight loss. Controlling calories is the key to long-term success, because you have to consume fewer calories than you burn off before your body will shed some of its fat stores. This book includes expert tips and advice on balancing your calorie intake to suit your lifestyle and your weight loss needs. There are also comprehensive and authoritative tables for calorie intake and expenditure. Plus: finding your ideal weight; simple menus and delicious low-calorie recipes; nutritional value of food; how to control portion sizes; calorie-burning activities, including exercises for the desk-bound; treats to keep you motivated. • The best method for weight loss. All other diets are fad diets.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to write the novel that's in you bursting to get out. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy ebook format with expert advice throughout. For those who have always wanted to write fiction but didn't know where to start, look no further. In Need to Know? Writing Fiction, respected novelist and creative writing teacher Alan Wall lends his expertise and advice on how to tap into your creative resources and give fiction writing a go. In this comprehensive guide, Alan Wall takes you through all aspects of the complex process, breaking down the many elements that go into crafting a good piece of writing. With his sharp analysis of literary classics, Alan deconstructs the text and lays bare the techniques behind the art, including everything from character, plot and setting, to narrative style, genre and the intricacies of language. Whether you want to write a short story or a novel, this book is a comprehensive and authoritative guide on how to fulfil your creative potential. Includes chapters on: Character, plot, setting, genres, humour, narrative structures, language, atmosphere, conclusions, drafting, and preparing for publication.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to identify, pick and cook edible mushrooms. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout. From identifying and picking edible mushrooms to growing your own mushrooms, from recipes for seasonal dishes to important information on poisonous species, this book provides all the helpful information you need to relish the exhilarating experience of collecting wild mushrooms. An introduction to what fungi is and where you can find mushrooms (as well as issues of access and trespass, bye-laws etc), it also covers all the equipment you might need and how to dry, pickle and preserve your mushrooms. Over 75 of the best edible species with warnings about poisonous lookalikes are detailed, along with advice on where you will find them and when, and recipes for seasonal dishes. Finally, the book covers growing your own mushrooms (and the kits available), the food value and medicinal uses of fungi, hallucinogenic mushrooms (and the law), and fungi in folklore.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to give first aid safely and with confidence. It comes in a handy format with colour illustrations and expert advice throughout. This invaluable first aid guide has been compiled by and with the advice of experts responsible for training the emergency services - fire, ambulance and police - to ensure its practical focus. It is easy to navigate and comes in a handy package, ready to provide a reassuring back-up when something goes wrong. Whether it is dressing a cut finger or giving the 'kiss of life', the guidance is there to ensure that first aid can be given safely and with confidence. Contents include: first aid basics; life-saving procedures; quick reference for emergencies; first aid equipment you need; how to dress wounds; how to move a victim safely; how to deal with more than 100 specific injuries and situations.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to survive and succeed on the golf course. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photographs and expert advice throughout. Thinking about taking up golf but don't know where to start? Need to know about the best equipment? Want to know how to get beyond the basics to perfect your game? This introductory handbook for all beginners and newcomers to the game uses ultra-clear step-by-step photography to show you how to master the basic skills and techniques, covering: basic rules; choosing the right clubs; building a good swing; course etiquette; mastering advanced skills.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to prepare week-by-week for a relaxed and confident birth. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with color photos and expert advice throughout. This book gives a complete overview of baby development through pregnancy and birth. Its combination of conventional mainstream and complementary medical info reflects the way most pregnant women approach their care today. There's also plenty of information for the father-to-be. It is full of lots of quick tips and realistic info, so is practical and undaunting to use, but also includes web resources such as, for example, checking on specific tests or finding decent maternity clothes.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to understand what other people are really feeling - even before they do! To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour photos and expert advice throughout. If you cross your legs are you relaxed or tense? What does it mean if you stroke your chin? Do you know the meaning behind a friend lowering their eyebrows? Would you know how to greet an inhabitant of Greenland? How would you subliminally show ownership of your brand-new car or house? This book will answer all these questions and more. It's fully illustrated with colour photographs which show hundreds of gestures, postures and 'attitudes'. • Written by a leading business psychologist. • Includes the body language of dating and sexual attraction. • Sections on the 'new' language of business, Neuro Linguistic Programming. • Photos of famous examples: Prince Charles fiddling with his cufflinks, Bill Clinton with his hands over his face and Princess Diana looking out from under heavy, fluttering eyelids.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to lose weight in the way that's best suited to your body and lifestyle. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with colour illustrations and expert advice throughout. The basics of all the different diets are explained - from Atkins to the Glycemic Index diet, together with their pros and cons. There are several 28-day plans to suit different personalities, offering readers a flexible approach to dieting. Portion guidelines, calorie guides and nutritional content tables of ready meals and fast foods arm readers against hidden fats and sugars. Easy-to-follow exercise plans promote a healthy approach to weight loss and help you achieve your ideal shape quicker. Contents include: 1. The big picture: assessing your weight and shape 2. Healthy weight, healthier you 3. What causes a weight problem? 4. The science of losing weight 5. All about healthy eating 6. Choosing a diet or weight loss method 7. Exercise: the energy booster 8. Stay slim for life: weight maintenance 9. Personal record chart

This one-stop practical guide will show how to understand the allergies of yourself, your family and your friends. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy two-colour format with expert tips and advice throughout. Food allergies are on the increase and are becoming more severe and complex. This is an easy-to-read guide that provides advice on living with a food allergy or intolerance and how to diagnose them. More specialist topics such as eating out and travelling are also included, as is an extensive chapter on food allergies in babies and children, who are considered to be one of the most at-risk groups.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to organize and play over 200 party games for all ages. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with color photos and expert advice throughout. This book clearly explains and illustrates over 200 games for every occasion, so you'll never quibble over rules or be lost for inspiration again. It includes appropriate games for all ages and numbers, whether it's a holiday, car journey, children's party, Christmas family gathering or just a rainy afternoon. For each of over 200 games, the book gives you its: rules; age range; number of participants; preparation; equipment required; duration of game.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to run - for health, fitness or fun. To make your progress easier, it comes with handy expert advice throughout. Eager to start running? Want to run your first race? Or need to improve your speed and stamina? Collins need to know? Running is the one-stop guide to everything from setting a training plan to dealing with injury to keeping motivated. Written by experienced runner and journalist Alison Hamlett, this user-friendly and accessible introduction gives you all the information and advice you need, including: • How and why to make running part of your everyday life • Get from 'can't run' to half-hour runner in six weeks • Warming up, cooling down and stretching • Planning your training - why hills help, why fartlek is fun • Fundamentals of sports nutrition • Running kit and training tools • The five most common running injuries and how to avoid them • Training schedules for every distance from 5K to marathon • Race-day tips • Ideas to take your running further - ultras, triathlons and adventure races • Directory of websites and further information.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to own or look after a horse or pony. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with color photos and expert advice throughout. Owning and caring for a horse or pony is fun and rewarding, but there are many responsibilities and procedures to remember too. From choosing and housing a horse to saddling up and checking the hooves, 'Collins Need to Know? Horse and Pony Care' contains all the information you need, presented in a clear and accessible format. Produced in association with the world-renowned British Horse Society, the leading authority on both horse welfare and rider safety, this indispensable guide is written in an authoritative yet user-friendly style, covering everything from selecting your horse to grooming and healthcare. Contents include: • Choosing a horse • Housing • Grass management • Safety and equipment • Handling your horse • Grooming • Feeding and diet • Healthcare.

An introduction to the universe covering everything from the big bang and our understanding of the universe over time, to the earth's formation, the Sun and how it affects us, the Moon and planets, black holes and galaxies. The companion volume to 'Need to Know? Stargazing' and by the same author, this book focuses on the basic history and science of the universe, rather than on the practical skywatching aspects. It includes information on: • Outrageous philosophy: weird notions and early ideas about the Universe including ancient Egyptian and Greek cosmology • How the universe began: creation theories and the expanding Universe, from the Big Bang to the formation of the Sun and the appearance of life and humans • The Earth's formation and the origin of the Moon • The structure and composition of planet and the atmosphere, volcanoes, mountain formation and geological catastrophes; past, present and future • The Solar System • Star types and their formation, development and demise • Types of galaxy • Professional instruments, research and space observatories In particular, 'Collins Need to Know? Universe' also asks what we know about the future: the future of man, and space travel. Will we be able to colonize planets? Will the universe expand or crunch, and could there be alternative universes out there?

This ebook has been optimized for tablets. This fully illustrated one-stop guide will show you how to look at and understand the night sky. To make your progress easier, it comes with color illustrations and expert advice throughout. Full color charts, photographs and illustrations show the planetary motions and offer information on astrological events, while detailed diagrams help to explain the movement across the sky and what stars are visible on any given day of the year. From the 'Zen of observing' to extraordinary phenomena, this book offers every stargazer, whether aspiring, amateur or experienced, a comprehensive look at the night sky.

This practical and accessible book is the ultimate guide to riding safely and confidently. Produced in association with the British Horse Society, this book will appeal to beginners of all ages, as well as more experienced riders who want to improve their horsemanship and expand their knowledge. Collins need to know? Riding is full of expert advice and specially-commissioned colour photographs to explain and demonstrate all aspects of riding. From making informed choices about selecting a riding school to mastering the basics and building on them to become a better rider, author Margaret Linington-Payne, Director of Standards at the BHS, gives you up-to-date information on everything you need to know. Contents include: • Selecting a riding school • Preparing to ride • Your first lesson: the basics • Learning to walk, halt, trot and canter • Progressing and getting the most out of your lessons • Refining your riding skills • Hacking out • Learning to jump

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to say whatever you want creatively with hand-made greeting cards. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy ebook format with colour photos and expert advice throughout. Why spend a small fortune on generic high street greeting cards when you can create your own personalised message with just a few pieces of paper and the right book to guide you? This book is your essential companion to making your own cards. It provides everything you need to create something imaginative and individual to give at Christmas, birthdays and every other occasion you can think of. You'll find out what materials you can use, learn fascinating new ways to use them and be fired by the wealth of ideas this book has to offer. As a step-by-step guide to techniques ranging from calligraphy to bead work and embossing, this book won't fail to inspire you with ideas for every event and every person.

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to look after a cat or kitten. It is now published in a handy ebook format with color photos and expert advice throughout. This book gives practical advice on how to choose a cat or kitten, housing, feeding and grooming your cat and gives you a better understanding of its behavior. There is also a useful section on healthcare. This indispensable handbook is packed with information and advice to help you ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy throughout its nine lives!

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to transform your dog into the perfect companion. The training methods are based on being kind to the dog, with emphasis on praise and reward. There is also essential information on how dogs learn and the different training needs of large and small dogs. The ten-week programme outlined in this book will transform a lead-pulling disobedient dog into a happy, sociable companion.

This practical one-stop guide will show you all the techniques and inspiration you need to start drawing. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy ebook format with colour illustrations and expert advice throughout. Thinking about taking up drawing or sketching? Need to know about the best techniques? Want to know which materials to use? Well-known artists Jackie Simmonds, Wendy Jelbert and Marie Blake take you by the hand, using step-by-step exercises to teach you the basics of sketching a range of subjects. There is advice on which materials to use and all the different drawing media are covered: pencil, charcoal, conte, pen, coloured pencils, pastels and water-soluble pencils. By the end of the book even a real beginner can create a drawing to be proud of. Contents include: flowers; still life; trees; water; landscapes; seascapes; people; buildings.

From Afghan and Airedale to Westie and Wolfhound, Collins need to know? Dog Breeds profiles all the most popular breeds. Whether you're choosing a new pet or just want to know more about a variety of breeds, this is your one-stop guide to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Contains everything you need to know about choosing the right dog for you and your family. All the most popular dog breeds are featured, with appealing colour pictures of each and a detailed analysis of their character and temperament, appearance, health and hereditary problems and ease of training.