Dermot O'leary

Gay Talese, father of American New Journalism, transformed traditional reportage with his vivid scene-setting, sharp observations, and rich storytelling. His 1966 piece for Esquire, one of the most celebrated magazine articles ever published, describes a morose Frank Sinatra silently nursing a glass of bourbon, struck down with a cold and unable to sing, like "Picasso without paint, Ferrari without fuel - only worse" yet still able to raise sparks (with Harlan Ellison making a cameo). The other writings in this collection include a description of a meeting between two legends, Fidel Castro and Muhammed Ali; a brilliantly witty dissection of the offices of Vogue magazine; and an account of traveling to Ireland with hellraiser Peter O'Toole. 196 pages.

Meet Agent Weasel: woodland super-spy. Can he foil the dastardly Fiendish Fox Gang once and for all? And will he still be home in time for tea and biscuits? Perfect for reading alone or sharing together, for fans of The Bolds and Mr Gum. Strange things are happening in the United Woodlands. Rabbit warrens have been peppered with itching powder. Squirrels' nuts are missing. Even Badger's bottom has been shaved! All the clues point to the Fiendish Fox Gang. It's time to call Agent Weasel, woodland super-spy. But before they can even finish their stakeout picnic, Weasel and his trusty dormouse friend Doorkins are captured by the villainous Vixen von Fluff. Can our heroes escape? Can peace be made in the United Woodlands? Will they get afternoon tea and biscuits? Does Agent Weasel have a clue what's going on? All these very important questions will be answered in this rib-ticklingly funny adventure, with glorious illustrations throughout.