St. Mark’s Rest: the History of Venice Written For The Help Of The Few Travellers Who Still Care For Her Monuments Product

John Ruskin (1819 – 1900) was an English writer, philosopher, art critic and polymath of the Victorian era. He wrote on subjects as varied as geology, architecture, myth, ornithology, literature, education, botany and political economy. He wrote essays and treatises, poetry and lectures, travel guides (such as this one) and manuals, letters and even a fairy tale. He also made detailed sketches and paintings of rocks, plants, birds, landscapes, architectural structures and ornamentation. The elaborate style that characterised his earliest writing on art gave way in time to plainer language designed to communicate his ideas more effectively. In all of his writing, he emphasised the connections between nature, art and society. Excerpt from the book: Great nations Write their autobiographies in three manuscripts – the book of their deeds, the book of their words, and the book of their art. Not one of these books can be understood unless we read the two others but of the three, the only quite trustworthy one is the last. The acts of a nation may be triumphant by its good fortune and its words mighty by the genius of a few of its children’: but its art, only by the general gifts and common sympathies of the race

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Tilda Homemade & Happy by Tone Finnager Product

A stunning new collection of Tilda designs from talented designer Tone Finnanger. The perfect way to bring hygge to your home throughout the colder autumn and winter months, Homemade and Happy is a gorgeous collection of inspirational home accessories including quilts, cushions and decorative items to make Christmas even more special.
Choose from a range of ornaments including gold-winged reindeer and sheep, round-eyed owls, plump pigs with flower appliqué detail, angels, stars and darling decorative cakes. 
The book also features pretty practical designs such as an irresistible patchwork quilt, classic pillow covers and a cup pin-cushion, all in Tone’s unique range of fabulous fabrics. The projects are photographed in the author’s own log cabin situated in the snowy mountains of Norway, and capture Tone’s unique and distinctive style. 

Price: Minimum Donation €13.50

The English Garden By Ursula Buchan – 2006 Product

Gardening writer Ursula Buchan has combined forces with garden photographer Andrew Lawson to explore the English garden and capture its richness and diversity. Focusing on gardens that are open to visitors, she explains the historical trends and the work of garden makers of the past that have shaped the English gardens we see today

Price: Minimum Donation €9.95

COLLECTORS LIMITED EDITION – SIGNED AND NUMBERED Book Plus Five Prints: Buttons Parade, Military And Civilian Uniform Buttons In Malta – 18th – 21st Century By Denis A. Darmanin Product

There are only 120 copies of this volume, which includes five different limited edition prints. Artist Denis A. Darmanin produced the five drawings featuring uniforms and buttons. each one of which has been signed and numbered. The print run was limited to one hundred copies plus twenty artist’s proofs. In the foreword to this title René Chartrand, author and historical consultant states, “There is no hesitation in the affirmation that Denis Darmanin, of Malta, is rightly regarded, with his long-standing friend Howard Ripley, of England, as the world’s leading authority on military buttons, which he can also illustrate admirably with excellent line drawings. He is internationally widely known to scores of curators, archaeologist and material culture historians for his vast knowledge and proverbial generosity to share it; his works grace the pages of many reference books. Joining Denis Darmanin in this remarkable research achievement is historian and researcher George Cassar whose numerous and varied publications bear testimony to his literary and academic accomplishments. Everything is framed within the historical, economic, social and political context. This book, of course, will become a precious reference work on a topic that, considering the remarkable annals of the Maltese islands, constitutes a most welcome addition and another facet of their history.” Hardcover. Published by Kite 2019

Price: Minimum Donation €150.00

Buttons Parade, Military And Civilian Uniform Buttons In Malta – 18th to 21st Century By George Cassar And Denis A, Azzopardi Product

“This book will become a precious reference work on a topic that, considering the remarkable annals of the Maltese islands, constitutes a most welcome addition and another facet of their history.” – René Chartrand, author and historical consultant. Invention of the button goes back to at least 5000 years when they were originally used for ornamental purposes. Eventually, in the Middle Ages, buttons became a means by which to fasten clothing. This function has continued to develop along the centuries. Buttons are a fascinating subject to delve into. They have been made from most imaginable materials – bone, metal, wood, plastic – hand-made and mass-produced. They have fastened uniforms, formal wear and casual garments. Buttons have been utilised by all social classes from royalty to nobility, gentry, clerics, military personnel and commoners. Buttons Parade, Military and civilian uniform buttons in Malta –18th to 21st century narrates the story of the hundreds of buttons used in Malta by military and civilian organisations and institutions from the 18th to the 21st century. Each button is placed in its historical context which supports and scaffolds its concept, design, use, and eventual withdrawal. Drawings, photos and narratives thus help the reader to understand each featured button in an all-round context. George Cassar and Denis A. Darmanin transports the reader through history on a voyage which spans time, customs, events, human realties, political deliberations, social conventions, economic necessities and basic exigencies. Hardcover. Published by Kite

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Sense And Sensibility (Volume Two only) By Jane Austen – 1895 Product

Sense and Sensibility (Volume Two only – part of the Dent 10 volume set. ) by Jane Austen. ‘The more I know of the world, the more am I convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!’

Price: Minimum Donation €52.00

SIGNED. William Scamp (1801 – 1872) An Architect Of The British Admiralty In Malta By Prof Conrad Thake Product

The study of architectural history during the British colonial period in Malta has been rather sparse and has not attracted the same attention as the architectural legacy of the Order of St John in Malta (1530-1798). This monograph focuses on the work of William Scamp, an architect in the employment of the British Admiralty. Although Scamp’s architectural career in Malta was limited to a four-year period (1841-1844), his achievements were considerable

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Diamond Jewellery – 700 Years Of Glory And Glamour By Diana Scarisbrick Product

Diamond jewelry has long been symbolic of political power and authority in Europe. This book focuses on the individuals who commissioned and wore extraordinarily precious diamond ornaments from the mid-14th century until the democratization of diamonds that followed the opening of mines in South Africa in 1867. This enthralling story covers seven centuries of history, showing the way in which rulers such as Charles V of France, Queen Elizabeth I of Great Britain, Louis XIV of France and Catherine II of Russia used diamond jewelry to reinforce their power and authority

Price: Minimum Donation €37.00

The Modern Cake Decorator: Piping On Cakes By Christine Flinn Product

Royal icing and piping expert, Christine Flinn, adds a modern twist to this historical sugarcraft technique. Learn all you need to know to produce stunning cakes for all occasions, from covering cakes and boards and making piping bags to piping basic shapes, roses and leaves. Learn how to use fruit and madeira cakes in various shapes, covering them with marzipan, royal icing and fondant (sugarpaste)

Price: Minimum Donation €7.00