Heroes of the Skies

In a broadcast to the nation in September 1940 King George VI announced the institution of the George Cross - a civilian equivalent of the Victoria Cross awarded to recognize the many acts of supreme gallantry being performed outside of the battlefield.From Thomas Alderson, the first recipient of the medal, who heroically rescued several people from trapped houses during one terrible Blitz night, to Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, who threw himself onto a live grenade in the Helmand province to save the lives of his comrades (and somehow survived), to Barbara Harrison, an air stewardess who died in 1968 after helping many passengers escape from an onboard fire, this book tells the amazing stories of everyone of the George Cross's 159 direct recipients.GEORGE CROSS HEROES pays tribute to the extraordinary courage displayed by so many of the commonwealth's men and women in so many incredible situations over the last 70 years.

Benita Brown's brilliant new novel of celebrity, heartache and falling in love, set against the glamorous backdrop of 1940s LondonCarol Marshal regularly visits the magnificent Palais de Dance cinema, and spends her days dreaming of the glitz and magic of the movies. When Steve Douglas, an aerial photographer with the RAF, is demobbed and returns home, her past feelings for him resurface, but she realises that his heart belongs to another girl. Heartbroken, Carol is more determined than ever to follow her dreams, and enters a competition at the Palais to win a contract for a small part in a film. She is whisked off to London, and it isn't long before Carol is spotted by a talent scout. She also catches the eye of famous film star Paul Grainger who introduces her to the wild parties and celebrity lifestyle of swinging London. But a sudden, tragic accident turns Carol's world upside down...

When Germany invades Poland, Luftwaffe bombers devastate Warsaw and the city's zoo along with it. With most of their animals killed, or stolen away to Berlin, zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski begin smuggling Jews into the empty cages.As the war escalates Jan becomes increasingly involved in the anti-Nazi resistance. Ammunition is buried in the elephant enclosure and explosives stored in the animal hospital. Plans are prepared for what will become the Warsaw uprising. Through the ever-present fear of discovery, Antonina must keep her unusual household afloat, caring for both its human and animal inhabitants - otters, a badger, hyena pups, lynxes - as Europe crumbles around them.Written with the narrative drive and emotional punch of a novel, The Zookeeper's Wife is a remarkable true story. It shows us the human and personal impact of war - of life in the Warsaw Ghetto, of fighting in the anti-Nazi resistance. But more than anything it is a story of decency and sacrifice triumphing over terror and oppression. Jan and Antonina saved over 300 people from the death camps of the Holocaust. It has already been acclaimed by Jonathan Safran Foer: 'I can't imagine a better story or storyteller. The Zookeeper's Wife will touch every nerve you have.'

On the night of Saturday 10th May 1941, amidst the horror of the devastation caused by enemy bombers, Joe Carey and Charlie Duggan risked their lives to save people trapped in an air-raid shelter. Despite their efforts, six men and women died. It's now 1947 and the inhabitants of Totterdown Street are trying to rebuild their lives. The post-war years are proving to be difficult and, already faced with a violent factory strike, the close-knit inhabitants of the street must also cope with news which not only exposes the glory of the past but the shame as well. A heartwarming and compelling story of a community in its finest and yet darkest hour, in which most, but not all, behaved heroically.

Inspiration, something much needed in these times, abounds as Sir Steve relates the entertaining tales of his fellow sportsmen and women that spurred on his success.From Jonny Wilkinson's famous dropkick, Roger Bannister's 4-minute mile and Brian Clough's self-belief to tales of lesser known characters from his childhood and personal life, Sir Steve narrates with passion and awe, the motivation gained from his heroes and peers. Overcoming adversity, the importance of teamwork, graft and a little bit of luck all contribute to Sir Steve's overwhelming triumphs, both in and out of the boat, as he strove to overcome diabetes to win his fifth gold medal in spectacular style. Here he divulges the stories that inspired him, roused him and made his wildest dreams a magnificent reality.