Book excerpt: Now in its 146th edition Whitaker's Almanack is the definitive reference guide containing a comprehensive overview of every aspect of UK infrastructure and an excellent introduction to world politics. Available only as ebooks, Whitaker's Shorts are selected themed sections from Whitaker's Almanack: portable and perfect for those with specific interests within the print edition. Whitaker's Shorts: Five Years in Review includes a digest of the year's events from 2008-9 to 2012-13 in the UK and abroad and articles covering subjects as diverse as Archaeology, Conservation, Business and Finance, Opera, Dance, Film and Weather. There is also an A-Z listing of all the results for the major sporting events from Alpine Skiing through to Fencing, Football, Horse Racing, Polo and Tennis.