David Wood is a celebrated British playwright, recognized as 'the national children's dramatist.' His prolific career encompasses over sixty original plays for young audiences, performed internationally. He is also a masterful adapter of beloved literary works for the stage, bringing stories by authors like Roald Dahl and Dick King-Smith to life. Wood's writing is characterized by its playful spirit, wit, and profound understanding of childhood, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary children's theatre. His influential work on writing for children is also widely studied.
Between 1959 and 2005, David Wood ('the national children's dramatist')
corresponded with his mentor, Frank Whitbourn, teacher, writer and theatre
practitioner. Frank Exchanges opens with a letter from Whitbourn, praising a
young Wood following a performance in one of his plays, and documents an
almost fifty-year correspondence.
The narrative explores the ominous consequences of curiosity and the dangers lurking behind forbidden doors. As characters confront their fears and the unknown, they unveil dark secrets that test their resolve and morality. Themes of temptation, the quest for knowledge, and the haunting repercussions of choices resonate throughout the story, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The tension builds as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions, leading to a gripping climax that leaves readers questioning the nature of curiosity itself.
"Classic adventure for the modern reader!"A vanished island of horrors.An ancient artifact that can change the course of the past.An urban legend come to life.A perilous expedition into the jungle.A dangerous game where the stakes are life and death.LEGENDS is a collection of four short stories and a novella from the Dane Maddock universe. It includes URBAN LEGEND, AZTLAN, PHANTOM ISLAND, DARK ENTRY, and VENOM!
It’s Carnaval season in Rio de Janeiro, but Dane Maddock and the crew of Sea Foam aren’t in town to party. They’re chasing the rumor of an ancient Roman shipwreck in the murky waters of Guanabara Bay, a rumor that, if true, will rewrite the history of the Americas. What they find instead will cast new light on one of the strangest murder mysteries of the 20th century, and thrust Maddock and his friends into the midst of a diabolical plot to destroy the Church. DESTINATION: RIO is the first in a new series of stand-alone novellas by prolific action-adventure novelist Sean Ellis, and featuring the characters from David Wood’s bestselling Dane Maddock Adventures. Each new story in the DESTINATION: ADVENTURE series will transport Dane, Bones and the crew of Sea Foam to an exotic and exciting locale, where treasure, mystery, and adventure await!
A thrilling new attraction has been unveiled at the world's greatest theme park, promising to captivate visitors with its innovative design and exhilarating experiences. This addition is set to elevate the park's reputation and draw in crowds eager for adventure and excitement. The anticipation surrounding this attraction highlights the park's commitment to providing unforgettable memories for guests of all ages.
Inspired by a cherished novel from a renowned author, this story captures the whimsical and imaginative spirit that fans have come to love. It promises a blend of adventure and heartwarming moments, featuring unique characters and enchanting settings. The narrative is likely to resonate with both children and adults, offering timeless themes of friendship, courage, and the magic of believing in oneself. Prepare for a delightful journey that celebrates creativity and the joy of storytelling.
In NODDY AND THE NOAH'S ARK, familiar characters unite to help Mr. Noah raise funds for his animals, but their efforts are thwarted when the goblins steal their collection box. Meanwhile, in NODDY AND THE TOOTLE, Noddy encounters the Great Tootle, a magician whose penny whistle can enchant listeners into dancing. Both stories feature a vibrant cast and blend adventure with themes of teamwork and magic.
A mysterious discovery off the coast of South Africa puts Dane Maddock and his intrepid crew on the trail of a legendary hero, and in the crosshairs of a deadly international conspiracy bent on keeping that discovery hidden forever. PRAISE FOR DAVID WOOD AND THE DANE MADDOCK ADVENTURES! A great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight as well, into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored." Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb "Dane and Bones.... Together they're unstoppable. Rip-roaring action from start to finish. Wit and humor throughout. Just one question - how soon until the next one? Because I can't wait." Graham Brown, author of Shadows of the Midnight Sun "David Wood has done it again. Quest takes you on an expedition that leads down a trail of adventure and thrills!" David L. Golemon, Author of the Event Group series "Ancient cave paintings? Cities of gold? Secret scrolls? Sign me up! A twisty tale of adventure and intrigue that never lets up and never lets go!" Robert Masello, author of The Medusa Amulet "A non-stop thrill ride triple threat- smart, funny and mysterious!" Jeremy Robinson, author of Instinct and Threshold "Let there be no confusion: David Wood is the next Clive Cussler." Edward G. Talbot, author of 2010: The Fifth World
The author proposes a geometric solution to the mystery of the Rennes-le-Chateau valley. Combining elements of ancient geometry and mythology, he attempts to define a web of sacred "unseen" ciphers joining elements of Egyptian mythology (particularly the cult of Isis), old testament standards (Noah's Ark, Eve's sin, and the Temple of Solomon), along with [holy] Grail lore and Arthurian legend. He also alludes to the hidden sacred and secret--the Knights Templar in particular. The underlying theories presented here form the basis for much of the Da Vinci code/Grail mythology of recent years
This is the second edition of a textbook that has met with enthusiastic acclaim since its publication in 1988. It explores in detail theories and discussions of how children think and learn. It also looks at the practical implications of research and acknowledges some of the difficult problems teachers face when trying to put theory and research into practice in the classroom.
Now available in a single volume!A black pyramid rising from the Antarctic ice…Lost artifacts that hold the secret to eternity…And a diabolical enemy bent on destroying anyone who seeks it.A deadly showdown at the end of the world is just the opening move in Dane Maddock’s war with the shadowy Prometheus group. Joined by archaeologists Jade Ihara and Nick Kismet, Prometheus’ sworn enemy, Maddock and Bones make a perilous descent into the world of the arcane. Who will win the race to possess the lost elemental relics?*This omnibus edition was previously published in three individual novellas.Praise for David Wood and Sean Ellis!“Dane and Bones. Together they're unstoppable. Rip roaring action from start to finish. Wit and humor throughout. Just one question - how soon until the next one? Because I can't wait.”-Graham Brown, author of Shadows of the Midnight Sun“What an adventure! A great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight as well, into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored.” -Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb and the NUMA Files“Ellis and Wood are a partnership forged in the fires of Hell. Books don’t burn hotter than this!” -Steven Savile, author of the Ogmios thrillers
Focusing on the application of machine and deep learning to subsurface geological challenges, this book delves into prediction models using well-log data for resource evaluation and reservoir characterization. It details methods to enhance model performance and optimize sparse datasets. Key topics include estimating total organic carbon, predicting brittleness indexes, and assessing carbon storage reservoirs, each supported by case studies. The chapters integrate geological context with a comprehensive literature review, making it a valuable resource for professionals in subsurface geoscience.
Set in London across various centuries, the plot revolves around Old Father Time, who resides in Big Ben and controls time. When Big Ben unexpectedly stops, he discovers that the malicious Flying Sauceress has stolen his almanac, which holds the secrets to his powers. Joined by his charlady, Mrs. Sparkle, and his Watchdog, Old Father Time embarks on an adventurous quest to reclaim his almanac and restore the flow of time. This musical play encourages audience participation, making it an engaging experience for children.
The authors David Wood and his collaborator continue their successful partnership with a new adventure that promises to captivate readers. This tale weaves together elements of action and humor, featuring a cast of engaging characters who embark on a thrilling journey. The narrative is rich in imagination, appealing to both young audiences and those young at heart, while also promoting themes of bravery and friendship. This book is poised to be a delightful addition to their repertoire, inviting readers into a world of excitement and camaraderie.
A mysterious lost book contains the key to achieving eternal life, setting off a thrilling quest filled with intrigue and danger. As characters navigate through challenges to uncover its secrets, they confront moral dilemmas about immortality and the consequences of wielding such power. The narrative explores themes of desire, sacrifice, and the human condition, drawing readers into a captivating adventure that questions the true value of life and longevity.
Set in a seemingly tranquil English village, the story unfolds to reveal a hidden darkness lurking beneath its surface. As the narrative progresses, the lives of the villagers intertwine with the chilling mystery that threatens to disrupt their peaceful existence. Themes of secrecy and the complexity of human nature emerge as the characters confront their pasts and the unsettling truths that bind them together. The tension escalates, capturing the reader's attention as the village's facade crumbles, exposing the sinister reality within.
Looking for a whizzpoppingly wonderful collection of plays for your whole class? Want some ready-made, delumptious lesson plans to accompany them? Biffsquiggled at the thought of how to stage these pieces? Well, look no further because this is a scrumdiddlyumptious selection of David Wood's plays; paired with all the information and materials you need to use them in class or on stage, edited by Paul Bateson, an experienced primary-level drama teacher. The plays create worlds that trigger children's imaginations as well as entertain them, make them think as well as make them laugh, and open their minds to new ideas and the power of storytelling through theatre. Plays included are: The Gingerbread Man The See-Saw Tree The BFG Save the Human Mother Goose's Golden Christmas
Accelerating technological change threatens to shatter the human condition in multiple ways. We – all of us – face profound questions over the management of artificial intelligence, nanoscale computers, bio-engineering, cognitive enhancements, ubiquitous robots, drone swarms, nuclear power, planet-scale geo-engineering, and much more.What these technologies enable is, potentially, a world of extraordinary creativity, unprecedented freedom, and abundant wellbeing. That’s provided we can see clearly enough, in advance, the major disruptive opportunities we will need to seize and steer, so we can reach that destination. And provided we can step nimbly through a swath of treacherous landmines along the way.That’s no small undertaking. It will take all our wisdom and strength. It’s going to require the very highest calibre of foresight.Happily, assistance is at hand. What this book demonstrates is that vital foresight from the field of active transhumanism can help us all:1.) To resist unwarranted tech hype, whilst remaining aware that credible projections of today’s science and engineering could enable sweeping improvements in the human condition;2.) To distinguish future scenarios with only superficial attractions from those with lasting, sustainable benefits;3.) To move beyond the inaction of future shock, so we can coalesce around practical initiatives that advance deeply positive outcomes.
The Scientific Possibility of Physical Immortality and its Moral Defense
280 pages
10 hours of reading
The Death of Death explains clearly how we might soon reach longevity escape
velocity and live long enough to live forever. Ray Kurzweil, co-author of
Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever and co-founder of
Singularity UniversityThe Death of Death is a truly revolutionary book.
While global concern about biodiversity has grown tremendously, the most important part of biodiversity for human survival, agricultural biodiversity, has received relatively little attention. This book provides a broad review of current thinking on agrobiodiversity—what it is, how it is conserved, and how it can be better utilized in sustainable farming. It brings together contributions from a wide range of disciplines and geographical areas. Emphasis is placed on functional interactions between components of agrobiodiversity for a range of farming systems, and the book includes numerous case studies. The book also relates the evolution of agrobiodiversity and its management to broad concerns about the environment and the future of productive agricultural systems.
In detailreichen Zeichnungen und informativen Erläuterungen wird erzählt, wie aus kargen Weinreben edler Wein entsteht. Illustrator David Wood fängt die monatlichen Motive eines Weinjahres ein. Dieses eindrucksvolle Buch ist eine Hommage an die Schönheit der Weinberge und der Natur in Keltern.
In der Tiefe des Ozeans verbirgt sich das Geheimnis ewigen Lebens. Dane Maddock will nichts weiter, als seine Vergangenheit zurücklassen und nach Schätzen jagen. Nach einigen Schicksalsschlägen reisen der ehemalige Navy SEAL und seine Crew auf die Bahamas, um dort nach dem Wrack der Maelstrom zu suchen, dem legendären Flaggschiff des berüchtigten Piraten Blackwood. Ohne es zu ahnen, wird aus ihrer Suche die Jagd nach einer der größten Legenden der Neuen Welt – der Quelle ewiger Jugend! Doch kann es möglich sein, dass ihre Entdeckung etwas Furchtbares entfesselt hat? Eine gefährliche Schattenorganisation, die über Leichen geht, setzt alles daran, das Rätsel der Tiefe in seinen Besitz zu bringen, und nur Maddock und sein Partner Bones Bonebreak können sie stoppen … »Atemloses Seemansgarn, welches biblische Spekulationen, uralte Geheimnisse und gemeine Kreaturen miteinander verwebt. Da ist Konkurrenz im Anmarsch, Indiana Jones!« - Jeremy Robinson »Sehen wir den Tatsachen ins Auge – David Wood ist der nächste Clive Cussler. Sie werden das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen können, bis das letzte Geheimnis gelöst wurde.« - Edward G. Talbot