Demonstrating 50 different knots, some quite well known, and others more obscure, this is a wonderful book if you want to teach yourself a new skill, and have the knowledge ready to hand when you are out on your adventures.

Author : George Lewis

Edition : Hardback, 112 pages

ISBN : 9781861089977

Meet Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timothy. Together they are THE FAMOUS FIVE - Enid Blyton's most popular adventure series.

'She put a trembling finger on one part of the map. The others leaned over to see what it was - and, printed in old-fashioned letters was a curious word: INGOTS'
Julian, Dick and Anne are spending the holidays with their tomboy cousin George and her dog, Timothy. One day, George takes them to explore nearby Kirrin Island, with its rocky little coast and old ruined castle on the top.
Over on the island, they make a thrilling discovery, which leads them deep into the dungeons of Kirrin Castle on a dangerous adventure. Who - and what - will they find there?
This edition contains the original cover art and inside drawings by Eileen Soper.

Why Novel North Recommends

'Reading and listening to the Famous Five stories hold so many treasured memories.  Five On a Treasure Island is the adventure which began them all!'

Author : Enid Blyton

Edition : Hodder, Paperback, 192 pages

ISBN : 9780340681060

Weight: 162g
Dimensions: 198 x 131 x 12mm

'Thus fear of danger is ten thousand times more terrifying than danger itself.’

Who has not dreamed of life on an exotic isle, far away from civilisation? Here is the novel which has inspired countless imitations by lesser writers, none of which equal the power and originality of Defoe's famous book. Robinson Crusoe, set ashore on an island after a terrible storm at sea, is forced to make do with only a knife, some tobacco, and a pipe. He learns how to build a canoe, make bread, and endure endless solitude. That is, until, twenty-four years later, when he confronts another human being. First published in 1719, Robinson Crusoe has been praised by such writers as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Samuel Johnson as one of the greatest novels in the English language.

Why Novel North recommends

'Based on the real life Scottish castaway Alexander Selkirk, Robinson Crusoe is rich in detail and believable. It’s both considered and insightful, and reflects the contemplations of those of us who’ve pondered how we would survive marooned on an island. It rightly deserves its consideration as one of the most the famous adventure stories written.'

Author : Daniel Defoe 

Edition : Penguin Clothbound Classic, Hardback, 288 pages

ISBN : 9780141393407

Weight: 403g
Dimensions: 204 x 138 x 29mm

'May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks.'

Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to travel far from the comforts of home; then one day the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist his services - as a burglar - on a dangerous expedition to raid the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo's life is never to be the same again.

The Hobbit became an instant success when it was first published in 1937, and 75 years later Tolkien's epic tale of elves, dwarves, trolls, goblins, myth, magic and adventure, with its reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins, has lost none of its appeal.

Now, for the first time, the classic hardback edition is available in a one-off special pocket-sized edition. Featuring the distinctive cover illustration painted by Tolkien himself, plus his own drawings in the book, this edition will be the perfect gift for little Hobbits everywhere!

Why Novel North recommends

'Brimming with exciting adventure, Tolkien's delightfully imagined world is full of twists and turns, and larger than life characters.  The Hobbit is a favourite source of encouragement and comfort.  There's something wonderful and reassuring about climbing a hill, or walking through a forest, and imagining Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves alongside you sharing songs and stories.  A story to return to over and over.'

Author : J R R Tolkien

Edition : HarperCollins 75th Anniversary Pocket Edition, Hardback, 304 pages

ISBN : 9780007440849

*book does not have 75th anniversary edition sticker