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Books

• Global view of gardens

  Our England is a garden, as Rudyard Kipling said, but the Millennium Pool at Kiftsgate Court in the Cotswolds is part of a trend for gardeners to look at the wider world for inspiration. read more

• Land of hope and incredible variety

  In this centenary year of the birth of popular poet Sir John Betjeman there can be no better time to reflect on what it means to be English. And there are plenty of books around at the moment to help readers reach their own conclusions. read more

• Local author

  Helen Batting is the nom de plume of "a distinguished British-born novelist, travel writer and freelance journalist" Burford-based Michael Montgomery. S/he has written Wallis Simpson's Diary (Pen Press, £11.99). but should not be confused with the similar sounding Helen Fielding of Bridget Jones's Diary read more

• History round-up

  Razor's Edge: The Falklands War Hugh Bicheno (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, £18.99) oBicheno's study of the Falklands conflict an unofficial history climbs into more political recesses than virtually all other accounts, while at the same time giving a thundering account of the land and air battles. The author was Britain's spy in Buenos Aries long before the war broke out and possessed an inside view of the desperate machinations in Argentina and gross indecisions in London. The islanders, whose land this was allegedly fought over, seem almost to have been forgotten. National pride was more at the heart of it on both sides. Thousands of words have been poured out on this 74-day duel in recent years, but Bicheno unquestionably offers the best overview of this eccentric political and military adventure. Bicheno is certainly not in favour of the fascist junta but neither does he let the British get away with their meanderings into foreign affairs. This is a fiery blast at everything that muddied the conflict, while giving credit to the immense courage displayed by troops at Goose Green and other battle theatres. Bicheno's grasp of the terrain and therefore the personal skirmishes is unsurpassed. read more

• Taking children on a magic carpet ride

  Jeanette Winterson, who became a star aged 23 with her autobiographical novel Oranges are not the only Fruit, has a fearsome reputation among interviewers. In 1994, she was so outraged by Nicci Gerrard's write-up of their literary chat that she went round to her house to complain. read more

On this day: Books | Business news