Pen Sword Books: 303 books

One hundred years of the most depraved criminal minds—from H. H. Holmes and Ted Bundy to John Wayne Gacy, Ian Brady, and Myra Hindley.   Their monikers have become part of the true crime lexicon: among them, the Moors Murders; the Hillside Strangler; Killer Clown; Son of Sam; the Love Slave Killers;...

A helpful guidebook to growing herbs successfully and safely, with photos included.   Herbs have been used since ancient times both to flavor food and as natural medicines. In this easy-access guide, gardener Gordon Thorburn reveals different types of herb gardens to suit your needs—from those...

“Intriguing stories from the history of the human relationship with birds, including their symbolism in art, literature, religion, and folklore” (Booklist).   Even the most well-informed wildlife enthusiast will be entertained by the stories and fascinating facts in this beautifully illustrated...

“Readers who enjoy plants and offbeat tales will find Brown’s book a happy mix” (Publishers Weekly). Mankind has always had a morbid fascination with poisonous plants. Over the centuries, poisonous plants have been used to remove garden pests—as well as unwanted rivals and deceitful...

Create wildlife habitats and attract birds, bees, and other creatures to your very own garden: “A must-have for any gardening library.” —Gardeners World   Filled with beautiful photos, this book is a practical guide for anyone who wants to make a home for wildlife in their garden—even if...

A crime historian explores groundbreaking cold-case investigations, the advent of DNA evidence, and its role in long-delayed convictions and exonerations.   When geneticist, Professor Alec Jeffreys worked with Leicestershire police on the 1986 case against Colin Pitchfork—the first person convicted...

The real-life murder mysteries that rocked London between two world wars—from the author of Unsolved Murders of Victorian and Edwardian London. Unsolved crimes have a special fascination, none more so than unsolved murders. The shock of the crime itself and the mystery surrounding it, the...

The story of these beloved bricks and the people who built an empire with them.   From its inception in the early 1930s right up until today, the LEGO Group’s history is as colorful as the toys it makes. Few other playthings share the LEGO brand’s creative spirit, educational benefits, resilience,...

True-life tales of bloody killings and brutal crimes wind through the dark past of this historic town on the Thames.   John J. Eddleston’s latest selection of notorious criminal cases takes the reader through a sequence of sensational episodes that have marred the history of Reading. His book,...

“A detailed account of crime and capital punishment . . . from the days of the 1700s when felons were publically hanged outside the walls of Lancaster Castle.” —Friends of Real Lancashire   This account of executions in Lancashire spans two centuries and begins in the era of the Bloody Code....

True tales of betrayal, robbery, and murder across Worcestershire, from Redditch to Upton-on-Severn—includes illustrations and photographs!   Though the Battle of Worcester brought an end to the English Civil War in 1651, it was not the end of the bloodshed for the West Midland county of Worcestershire....

The author of Victorian Christmas “recounts some of the most fascinating—and disgusting—dishes our ancestors used to eat. . . . A must-buy book for foodies” (Fiona Shoop, author of How to Deal in Antiques).   With people’s fascination for food increasing, there are more cooking shows...

A deliciously illustrated historical tour of England’s “chocolate city.”   In the nineteenth century, York was renowned for confectionery—particularly chocolate. Treats like Kit Kat, Fruit Gums, All Gold, and Butterkist were made by York companies Rowntree’s, Terry’s, and M.A. Craven...

The ShipCraft series explores the iconic pleasure vessels Titanic, Olympic, and Britannic in fully illustrated detail for building your own model ship.   In the first of the ShipCraft series to cover non-naval vessels, this meticulously researched and illustrated volume looks at the legendary cruise...