Gavin D. Smith Book order

Beyond its vulgar function as a means of execution, the Gallows has long served as a source of esoteric power. From the severed appendage of the thief that becomes the Hand of Glory to the fallen seed that spawns the mandrake root, the Hanging Place is awash in the sinistral ambiance of authentic Sorcery. Richard Gavin weaves together threads of folklore, spiritism, and occult philosophy to create a tapestry of grim vitality. The Moribund Portal: Spectral Resonance and the Numen of the Gallows examines the subtle yet potent symbiosis that exists between the incarnate world and the realm of the Dead. This book's exploration of the liminal space between firmament and earth, where Odin perceived the runes and Christ witnessed the celestial kingdom, is designed to illuminate the macabre portal through which one may glimpse the Otherworld.

Celebrating the heritage of the worlds favourite tipple, Gavin D. Smith traces beer from its earliest days to its contemporary consumption.

Leading international writers on beer and whisky have joined together in a unique project to celebrate the enduring legacy of celebrated drinks writer Michael Jackson (65), who died in August 2007 having suffered from Parkinson s disease for over a decade. They have each donated a piece of new writing to Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser, launched on March 27, 2009 to mark Jackson s birth date. All proceeds from the publication, which was supported by leading single malt whisky The Glenlivet, will be donated to the Parkinson s Disease Society of the UK. Editor Ian Buxton, who conceived the project, said Michael Jackson dominated the world of both beer and whisky writing for two decades and was hugely influential in both real ale and single malt whisky. A complete generation of writers has cause to be grateful to him, not to mention countless brewers and distillers. This new book honours that legacy. He concludes: If variety is what you celebrate in your choice of whisky or beer, then this is truly a joyous and eclectic celebration of a life well-lived. We have sought to honour Michael with words, fresh and new writing on beer and whisky that he would have enjoyed reading; that he would have respected; that he might even have wished to have written himself. The collaborators represent a roll of honor from drinks writing: (in alphabetical order) Stephen Beaumont, Dave Broom, Ian Buxton, John Hansell, Julie Johnson, Charles MacLean, Hans Offringa, F Paul Pacult, Roger Protz, Lucy Saunders, Conrad Seidl, Carolyn Smagalski and Gavin D Smith.

Richard Paterson has Scotch whisky running through his veins. His grandfather and father were both prominent in the Scotch whisky industry in Glasgow for decades before Richard joined a competing whisky brokerage firm to start his apprenticeship. But this is no dry textbook on blending. Far from it. Humour, insight, history, a love of people and an abiding and evangelical passion inform every page.For the first time one of the world's foremost whisky blenders reveals how he rose through the ranks to top of his profession. He also candidly reveals some of the secrets of his craft and gives his thoughts on where he feels the industry is heading today. Lavishly illustrated in colour and black and white with black and white line artwork, this is destined to become a whisky classic and an essential item on every whisky lover's bookshelf.