12 Days of Christmas - Day 7: Books

 

In this inspiring read Alan Titchmarsh explores country traditions, landscapes, customs and wildlife. Join him as he offers a checklist of British butterflies and identifies the best breeds of cattle for meat and milk, as well as championing the great outdoors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

River Cottage: Veg Everyday, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC: £25

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired by childhood excursions with her botanist father, Sarah Raven presents this glorious collection of wild flowers. Over 500 flowers feature and all are accompanied by photographs and a small history of their origins.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accompanying the Channel 4 television programme, this book follows Jamie on his crusade to find tasty and new ways of cooking British food. In his usual enthusiastic manner, there are plenty of delicious twists on old classics and new recipes alike. Primarily a solid British cookbook, there’s also some details on the history of British cuisine.

 

 

 

 

 

A great biography of a complex and at times difficult individual, this book would suit a budding historian. From his childhood work at a blacking factory to his marriage of a young actress, follow Dickens’ story all the way to his death and burial in Westminster Abbey. Learn about the man who wrote our most beloved Christmas story in advance of the 200th anniversary of Dickens’ death next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alastair Sawday has produced an exhaustive guide of accommodation and pubs that welcome dogs making this a great gift for a dog lover who enjoys travel. As well as providing essential information on each location, there are extra details including sites with gardens, and venues that provide towels for muddy paws or treats behind the bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bringing together the best entries from the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011, this glossy book showcases some of Britain’s most striking and unique wildlife. The sensational photographs from this highly regarded competition capture and celebrate the wonderful diversity of our wildlife, providing a welcome reminder as to the values of conserving it. With work of both amateur and professional photographers featured this is a real page-turner.
 

 

 

Have you ever wondered where our carols come from or questioned some of the more bizarre lyrics we sing every year? This little book explains all, from the Partridge in the Pear Tree to Good King Wenceslas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This hearty recipe book contains 150 different pies as the television bikers give cheats, tips, and secrets on everything from the perfect pastry to a flawless filling. You’ll become an expert on all things pie, including sweet and savoury, and the virtues of deep versus shallow pies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep your eyes peeled for more great Christmas ideas coming soon, or read previous Christmas gift lists by clicking the links below:

Day 1: gifts for wildlife lovers
Day 2: gifts for walkers
Day 3: hampers
Day 4: gifts for gardeners
Day 5: gifts for food lovers
Day 6: gadget gifts

And don't miss the December issue of Countryfile Magazine, on sale 16 November, where we've chosen our favourite countryside Christmas presents - from a traditional sledge to an entire veg patch you can give as a gift.