Farming

by Dr Chris McNab

Published 5 July 2021
This book provides a uniquely accessible guide to the technology and processes of agriculture – from the small-scale family farmer through to multi-million acre ranches – to explain how food makes it from field to plate. Covering in detail all the key approaches to food production, including subsistence, arable, pastoral, mixed, intensive, nomadic and sedentary, from the most ecological to the most industrialised.

With food security in the UK becoming even more critical after Brexit, and with the concerns about supply routes during the COVID-19 pandemic, this subject could not be more relevant. Throughout the book, the techniques of farming are examined along with the fundamental science and practicalities behind everything it produces. In doing so, author Chris McNab delivers a fascinating insight into the world of food production, and informs the reader about one of the most crucial industries for the future of our planet.

Coal Mine

by Dr Chris McNab

Published 2 November 2020
This manual explains the evolution of British coalmining from a technical and engineering standpoint from the 18th to the 20th century, the heyday of British mining. The book explains the history and technology both above and below ground, exploring the pit head surface machinery and the transportation networks that fed into it, and the personal kit and equipment of individual miners. It also looks at how successive generations of mining engineers have met the perennial challenges and dangers of mining: pressure from millions of tons of rock and earth above; water drainage; fire and gas explosions; roof and seam collapse; underground illumination; ventilation; disease and accidents.

US Super Carrier

by Dr Chris McNab and Patrick Bunce

Published 3 August 2020
Author Chris McNab and photographer Patrick Bunce go above and below deck to discover how a supercarrier is built, examining its structure, systems, departments, flight deck and hangar deck. With the full cooperation of the US Navy, they join the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) to discover how a supercarrier operates, looking at flight operations, logistics and life onboard. Commissioned in 1977, this awesome carrier has a complement of more than 6,000 crew and an embarked air wing of anything up to 90 aircraft, together capable of delivering more than 150 combat sorties per day.

The Blitz

by Dr Chris McNab

Published 6 January 2020
That the Blitz did not bring the UK to its knees is due, in large part, to a vast response by Civil Defence services and the British people themselves. During the war itself, some 1.5 million people took up duties in the Civil Defence (General) services, in roles ranging from air raid wardens to ambulance drivers to heavy rescue parties. Heavily illustrated with primary source diagrams and photographs, The Blitz: Civil Defence Operations Manual provides a highly detailed insight into what it took to survive extraordinary circumstances.

Container Ship

by Dr Chris McNab

Published 4 October 2021