I bought two copies of the UK edition at Christmas from Amazon.co.uk and distributed them to some deserving nephews. The boys LOVED them. It was, hands down, the most appreciated Christmas gift ever. I received two very long thank you notes, detailing out how cool this book was because it taught them how to build a tree house, tie knots, etc. They were less keen about the sections on Britain's saints and important figures in Britain's history, but their enthusiasm for all the good information remained undiminished.

You should check out the UK edition, Robbo. I suspect you'd find it worth the shipping cost.

Having worked in publishing for a few years, I know there are a number of great "advice" books for teen and pre-teen girls (i.e. American Girl Library Series)on a great many subjects. I applaud them for that because there were none when I was growing up (ahem, which was not too long ago).

However, as single-mom of a young boy who loves to read and is into how-to books, there are very few books or series, which really hold his attention, as the Captain Underpants books did years ago. Feminists need to get over themselves, and realize that good books (no matter what gender they're geared for) are good for both to read & gain an understanding of the other gender.