Ring of Truth

"Ring of Truth" is the uplifting autobiography of Geraldine Bridgewater, the first woman to trade on the London Metal Exchange.

From lowly beginnings as a telex operator and general assistant, she rose to the dizzy heights of dealing in the famous 'Metal Ring' at London's Stock Exchange. Although she broke with convention by becoming one of the very few female traders of the 1970s, did very well for herself in this definitive 'man's world' and witnessed the advent of such modernisations as the shift from manual to computerised trading, she also suffered extreme stress and a 'loss of soul' in the City's soulless, money-orientated environment.

This book is the dramatic story of how she broke into that world, thrived in it, yet ultimately decided to trade it in for a more satisfying and nurturing lifestyle.

Ring of Truth
Geraldine Bridgewater
Paperback
ISBN 978-1906206-04-8 UK £8.99
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Fred and Ginger

The partnership between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was born and reached its peak in the Hollywood musical of the 1930s, is one of the most enduringly popular ever to have graced the cinema screen. This important new study explores the series of seven films – from The Gay Divorcee in 1934 to Carefree in 1938 – that represent the quintessential ‘Fred and Ginger’.

Astaire and Rogers are most renowned for their peerless dance duets, but these constitute only a small proportion of the time they appeared on screen together. Their skills as performers and their remarkable rapport are equally apparent in their acting and singing, and in Fred and Ginger Hannah Hyam analyses all three aspects of their partnership in depth, illuminating the qualities that give it such timeless appeal.

Distinguishing the seven ‘Fred and Ginger’ films from the three others that Astaire and Rogers made together, the book defines their characteristic features and assesses their relative merits, before going on to examine in detail the romantic partnership between Fred and Ginger as pursued in dialogue, song and dance throughout the series.

Generously illustrated with choice black and white stills, Fred and Ginger will be welcomed not only by Astaire–Rogers enthusiasts and students of the genre but by all lovers of film and of true artistry in music and dance.

Fred and Ginger
Hannah Hyam
Paperback
260 pages 63 b/w illustrations
ISBN 1-905621-96-5 UK £15.00
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You Never Know

"You Never Know", Claire Lorrimer's autobiography, spans the 20th century. A "Daily Mirror" reviewer described one of her many books as a 'slice of life'.

"You Never Know" is the whole rich tapestry of a life overflowing with adventure, humour, tragedy, love, joy and disasters. She paints vivid images of her childhood when her mother, the famous author Denise Robins, entertained pre- and post-war literati at her weekend country house parties.

Armed with an old typewriter, a vivid imagination and a passion for life, Claire started writing books during the war whilst in the WAAF. She is a past master at crafting a sentence to evoke more than just an image; every scene captures the emotion of the moment. She has had a remarkable career and "You Never Know" is the engrossing story of a fascinating life.

You Never Know
Claire Lorrimer
Paperback
ISBN 1-905621-30-2 UK £7.99
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But what about Me?

But What About Me? is the moving story of Alison Thompson’s early life growing up in a family that principally fell short of the ideal. Largely ignored as a child, her parents concentrated all their attention on her sister’s mental illness. Memories of an austere education and bullying also paint a bleak picture.

This is however a lively and fascinating read with wartime recollections of self-sufficiency, and a cast of colourful characters.

But what about Me?
Alison Thompson
Paperback
ISBN 1-906206-03-1 UK £5.99
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Surviving the Battleground of Childhood

Construction of a Personality
'The Early Years'

Beaten by his father from his earliest memories, sexually molested by his grandfather and his step-grandfather, Thomas McKinnon battled through his childhood, confronting serious challenges and learning from painful experiences how to be a survivor.

'At that time it seemed I was always fighting: fighting off bullies trying to remove my helmet; fighting off groups of screaming kids shouting "Baldy!"; fighting nurses, doctors and my father as they held me down to stick those bloody needles into me. In fact, I felt that I was fighting the whole world, all by myself.'
As he pieces together fragments of his memories, from earliest school days to the pains of adolescence and the welcome freedom into young adulthood, the author paints a highly picturesque portrait of his developing
personality.

A poignant and very personal story, sensitively written, there is a lesson here for everyone. From the author:
'I think the lesson I learnt was one of facing my fears, and honouring myself.' Inspirational reading!

For more information visit: tdmckinnon.com

Surviving the Battleground of Childhood
T.D. McKinnon
Paperback
ISBN 1-905621-83-3 UK £6.99
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