Michael Symmons Roberts’s fourth book of poetry, Corpus, was the winner of the 2004 Whitbread Poetry Award, and was shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize, the Forward Prize, and the Griffin International Prize. His sixth collection, Drysalter, was the winner of both the Forward Prize and the Costa Poetry Prize in 2013. He collaborated with Paul Farley on Edgelands (Cape/Vintage) and will do so again in The Deaths of the Poets (Cape, 2017). He has also worked many times with the composer James MacMillan. He has published two novels, and is Professor of Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Michael Symmons Roberts

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Justin Lee Collins

He street jams in spandex and wrestles in lycra. He's been a magician, a ventriloquist and a clown. He's hugged some of the biggest stars in the world, and pretty much anyone else who's crossed his path. He mucks about, wears silly costumes and manhandles his friend Alan Carr on national TV on a weekly basis. And people have literally paid him to do all this. Good times! 
 
But life wasn't always so kind to young Justin. He discovered he couldn't kiss very well at school camp in Plymouth. "An attractive sixth-form girl let me snog her. I was about 12. She pulled away, and said 'Aaah, you can't do it.' Then she then picked me up and carried me back to my room." The years stacking shelves at Bristol's Marks and Spencer weren't exactly a high point. Being told to 'walk faster' by his boss and being given a final warning: "it dawned on me they thought that putting out knickers and crisps was beyond me!" Bad times. 
 
But mere retail couldn't keep him down! This hilarious coming-of-age story follows his journey from collecting Star Wars toys as a small boy to schmoozing Carrie Fisher in her Hollywood home, and becoming one of the most loved and instantly recognised faces on British TV. For each new twist his life has taken, he hasn't changed a bit. He's as bouncy, funny, shambolic, huggable and of course Bristolian as he's ever been. This is the story of how it all happened. By accident. 
 
But this book is not just a routine celebrity autobiography/memoir - that would be boring. Especially for Justin himself, whose attention span is that of a small child at the best of times. Instead, this is JLC utilising his remarkable photographic memory to ponder the unfeasibly peculiar and funny moments that have defined his life, and desperately trying to make sense of it all. Rock on!

Good Times!

Robin Askwith

Of all the actors and personalities thrown up by that strangest of periods. The 1970s, surely Robin Askwith was one of the most 'of his time'? As star of the infamous CONFESSIONS films, as well as over 25 other movies, Askwith was huge. His cheeky, innocent face, his Mick Jagger lips and more often than not his bare arse -- he, possibly more than anyone else sums up a bygone era remembered fondly by millions. Today, Askwith is a cult figure. The CONFESSIONS films are still regular staples on British TV and around the world, especially in the Commonwealth countries. They are just as funny as they ever were -- classic camp British humour in the same language as the Carry On films. In this brilliant autobiography, the self-deprecating Askwith cuts straight to the chase, starting in the `70s as he auditions for CONFESSIONS OF A WINDOW CLEANER, moving on to CONFESSIONS OF A POP STAR and DRIVING INSTRUCTOR. His career was truly amazing and varied beyond belief. From IF. . . to NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDEF From CONFESSIONS to Zefferelli`s BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON and Pasolini CANTERBURY TALES. He was also great friends with the late Lindsay Anderson. In the end, Robin is most famous for his sex comedies and isn't embarrassed about it one jot. It`s a rollicking ride. Hold On Tight!

The Confessions Of Robin Askwith

Denise Van Outen

In this refreshingly candid memoir, Denise speaks openly and sensitively about her rollercoaster career, her struggles in a past high-profile relationship and the betrayal she suffered at the hands of those once closest to her, with the hope that in doing so, she can help empower others to avoid and overcome any similar difficulties they may face. 
 
Denise shot to fame on The Big Breakfast in her early twenties. After a decade grafting through theatre jobs and children's TV shows, she was finally living the dream. However her life soon turned into a nightmare off-screen and behind the headlines as her heart was broken in a very public relationship, whilst her every move was printed in the tabloids thanks to her phone being tapped. After receiving a panning by the critics for her late night TV show aimed at the post-pub crowd, she then auditioned for and accepted an offer to play Roxie Hart in Chicago, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. The role took her to Broadway, where she caught the eye of one Andrew Lloyd Webber, eventually landing a judging role on Any Dream Will Do, which saw her rise back to primetime and the career that she loves, where she has stayed and flourished.

A Bit of Me

From Basildon to Broadway, and back

Jason Kersten

Felix Dennis, notorious multimillionaire publisher, first started writing poetry after a life-threatening illness. Over the last decade he has produced a string of successful poetry books, and has undertaken several high profile and successful  poetry reading tours, where his expressive, lively readings have gone down a storm. Advertising his poetry evenings with the irresistible copyline: 'Did I mention the free wine?' he has entertained packed houses, through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland - and his fans adore him.  In 2010, journalist Jason Kersten accompanied Dennis as he undertook his most ambitious tour yet - a 21-city tour over three months. His description of being on the road with Dennis and his entourage, complete with a double-decker bus and a helicopter, makes highly engaging reading. More reminiscent perhaps of being on tour with a rock band than a poet, here is the behind-the-scenes story that will delight Felix Dennis's many fans and reveal a world of madness and mayhem, accompanied by the muse.

Did I Mention the Free Wine? Madness, Mayhem & The Muse

On tour with Felix Dennis

Dan Sullivan

FOREWORD BY SIR DAVID JASON 
 
As Macbeth said to Hamlet in Midsummer Night's Dream, 'we've been done up like a couple of kippers - Del 
 
In this pukka 42-carat gold-plated bargain, you have the wit and wisdom of Del Boy, Rodney, Albert, Boycie and Trigger at your disposal. Packed with all the funniest and most memorable lines from the classic British sit-com as it turns 40, this quote book is the crème de la menthe. Never be caught short again. 
 
 
Let's face it Del, most of your phrases come out of a Citroen manual - Rodney

Peckham Patter

The Complete Wit and Wisdom of Only Fools

'Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!' 
 
He has yet to encounter an obstacle he couldn't overcome. He's the WWE legend as eight-time champion, he's outlasted being buried up to his neck in a desert (The Scorpion King), battled the giant Tamatoa (Moana), ruthless mercenaries (Jumanji), and murderous racers (the Fast and Furious series) all thanks to his motivation and drive. 
 
Do you want to learn how to do the same? Then get inspired with this uplifting collection of quotes from the man himself on success, wrestling, fitness, family and more. 
 
What else can we say, except, you're welcome?!

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