A fascinating woman leads us through a now almost forgotten world at the dangerous meeting point of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires.

No spoilers, but this truly is a passion play: it could be too neat, but somehow this blending of medieval and modern works.

Blending ancient stories and modern discoveries; readable but scholarly.

For the basically scientifically literate or the truly curious, this is a fascinating, sophisticated account.

These women enjoyed considerable respect, from patients and professionally trained physicians.

From Oyster Ketchup to Roquefort, fish fingers to chicken nuggets, via chocolate and olive oil.

From emotional blackmail to Fifties 'hook-ups', there's little that's new.

Historical change tends to happen in big leaps, rather than by gradual evolution.

If you've any interest in Victorian London, you'll enjoy The Streets.

How does a hedgehog give birth, given that the babies are born already with spines? The kind of question that mightn't regularly pop into your head, but certain one that sticks there...