The Oxford Companion to Chess by David Hooper and Kenneth Whyld provides an overview, with a historical coverage ranging from the earliest myths describing the game's invention right up to the semi finals of the 1993 World Championship cycle. This practical guide to all aspects of the game has been revised and updated to include over 160 new biographies (most of them of today's players), more names of openings, many more technical terms, and more game scores and compositions. Hardcover. 483pp.

Gallipoli Sniper. The Remarkable Life of Billy Sing by John Hamilton. From the blurb: 'Billy Sing was a small, dark man – and a deadly killer. When, as a member of the Australian Imperial Force 5th Light Horse, he was thrust onto the narrow strip of land held by the Australians on Gallipoli, he witnessed the terrible effects of the Turkish snipers and decided to fight fire with fire. Using a simple Lee Enfield .303 rifle, Sing began to pick off unwary Turks who exposed themselves. Assisted by a 'spotter' who would single out targets for him, Sing acquired an unrivalled reputation as he killed increasing numbers of enemy soldiers. He became known as the 'Anzac Angel of Death' and the 'Assassin of Gallipoli' and was considered to be the most successful sniper and most feared man in Gallipoli. The Turks, aware of his reputation decided to target Sing with their own marksman. In a deadly duel, Sing fired first and killed 'Abdul the Terrible'. This a vivid account of the merciless nature of the fighting in the Gallipoli Campaign from an award-winning journalist and best-selling author.' Illustrated. Hardcover. 255pp.

The Slippery Earth. Nahua-Christian Moral Dialogue in Sixteenth-Century Mexico by Louise M. Burkhart explains how Christian missionaries in the years following the Spanish conquest conveyed catechistic texts into a form the Nahua people would find meaningful. It also shows how the indigenous religion survived alongside Christianity. Hardcover. 242pp.