This is not a bookshop and we are not looking to promote any particular bookseller. The purpose of this page is to provide new writers (and existing ones) a list of books that they should consider buying and reading. Most of them are readily available from your local library, but most of them should be a permanent fixture on your bookshelf if you are serious about writing.
Writer's Market UK
Make money writing with Writer's Market 2010. Writer's Market is the single most comprehensive resource for all writers - whether you write novels, short stories, poetry, plays, scripts, screenplays, articles or blogs. Following are the features: easy-to-use format and tabbed pages so you can quickly locate the exact information you need; fresh and up-to-date information; feature articles written by some of the industry's most experienced writers and insiders, covering everything from finding an agent and submitting your manuscript, to handling royalties and writing for the web; handy tips on how to approach publishers; and, unlimited access to a dedicated website for writers and publishers. All the tools you need for you to make money writing
Stephen King's On Writing
Stephen King's masterclass on writing. On Writing is both a textbook for writers and a memoir of Stephen's life and will, thus, appeal even to those who are not aspiring writers. If you've always wondered what led Steve to become a writer and how he came to be the success he is today, this will answer those questions.
Writer's and Artist's Yearbook
Every author should have this or the Writer's Handbook, if not both, on their bookshelf, that is, if they are serious about getting published. Updated annually, this reference book contains articles on preparation of manuscripts, submission, copyright, etc, as well as comprehensive listings of agents, publishers, book packagers, awards, competions, etc.
Writers Handbook
This is a similar text to the Writer's and Artist's Yearbook, containing articles on various issues related to writing and getting published. I find that it contains some publishers, etc, that are not in the latter and vice-versa.
Nuts and Bolts of Writing
Designed for would-be authors who want to improve their chances of publication, and especially for those who have difficulty with such matters as punctuation, spelling, grammar and the choice of words. The second part of the book is concerned with the preparation of a typescript, market research, submissions, contracts and many other subjects related to the professional approach to writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who cares about the accuracy of their language. It should be read at least once a year, if not more often.
Fowler's Modern English Usage
Fowler's Modern English Usage is the world-famous guide to English usage, loved and used by writers of all kinds. In keeping with its long tradition, Fowler's gives comprehensive and practical advice on grammar, syntax, style, and choice of words.
Roget's Thesauras of English Words and Phrase
The one thesauras to rule them all. This thesauras, like Fowler's, is a must have book for all writers, aspiring and established. In fact any writing guru worth his beads would recommend these two works. Roget's has its own unique system that helps you find the exact word you are looking for to fit a particular sentence, unlike an average thesauras that just list synonyms and leave you to decide which is best suited for a sentence and often to get it wrong.
Oxford Dictionary
This one is a no-brainer. If you don't have a comprehensive dictionary at home, go get one and the Oxford dictionary is the benchmark. Good alternatives include the Collins' and the Webster's' dictionaries. Do not trust spellchecks to sort out your problems, it is a stupid programme that doesn't read sentences and has only enough words in its dictionary for a person doing their SATs.
Battle: The Definitive Illustrated History by R. G. Grant
This title contains explosive reference for all the family in handy compact format. From the first chariot clashes of the ancient world to the bloody conflicts of today's Middle East and the modern era of nuclear weapons, explore 5,000 years of armed battles and brutal combat. Get up close to an incredible array of artefacts, paintings, maps, battle plans and photographs which bring the history of conflict vividly to life. Meet the generals and see key weapons used in blood-thirsty battles from the cannon to the tank. Foreword is by Dan Snow, co-presenter of Battlefield Britain. Prepare yourself for this remarkable but brutal story of mankind.
Historical Guide to Arms and Armour by S Bull and T North
Ever since early battles were fought between naked warriors hurling stones from slings, warfare has reflected and, in many cases, determined the pace of human technical achievement. This book describes the wide range of arms and armour from classical times to the early-19th century, including the invention of gunpowder in medieval China and sporting armour used in hunting or at tournaments. The foreword presents an examination of decorative armour and manufacturing methods.
Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Brown
This encyclopedia of herbs describes over 1,000 herbs, found both in the wild and in cultivation, accompained by the author's own photographs. As well as comprehensive advice on the cultivation and harvesting of herbs, the encyclopedia also gives an account of their various uses in cookery and medicine.
Philip's Nature Encyclopedia
Philip's Nature Encyclopedia is a highly illustrated, single-volume thematic encyclopedia. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in natural history, as well as providing a home reference for secondary school students and beyond. It has been compiled and authenticated by a team of highly respected academics. The 6,500 encyclopedic entries cover all aspects of natural history, from the rich diversity of the Earth's flora and fauna and their habitats, through significant biological processes to the more pressing issues of today, such as conservation, pollution and global warming. Thousands of cross-references take the reader to associated articles.
Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World (3000 B.C. to 500 A.D.): by Ross, Rice and Jestice
This is the first in a three book series, the other two covering the Medieval World and the Early Moden World. These informative books describe the fighting techniques of soldiers the ages and show in detail the methods by which armies gained and lost ascendancy on the battlefield. The books cover Equipment, Combat Skills and Tatics, for infantry, cavalry, seige warfare and naval, with shot by shot case studies of famous battles and illustrations. A must have for anyone trying to understand the mechanics of war for writing vivid and tatically correct battles.
Complete Practical Guide to Camping, Hiking and Wilderness Skills by Peter Drake
This fully comprehensive guide to enjoying the great outdoors covers skills such as campcraft and walking as well as travelling with children, planning, and exploring challenging terrain. Its also a good manual for someone trying to recreate the experiance and skills needed to survice in the outdoors in their writing, hence its found its way on my bookshelf. Ray Mears has a range of books out on the subject too, all of which are worthy alternatives to this text.
The Handbook of Sailing by Bob Bond
Offering comprehensive guidance on sailing skills and techniques, this revised edition provides an instructional course in basic and advanced sailing, cruising, navigation, meteorology, maintenance and safety. It is intended for anyone who thinks of taking up sailing in earnest or just as a weekend relaxation, and also for the more experienced sailor who may need to improve or update his or her technique.