Il capolavoro di Marguerite Yourcenar unisce al cesello perfetto della ricostruzione storica il coraggio di presentare a tutto tondo un grand'uomo, l'altezza del suo pensiero, la disponibilità intellettuale, le intuizioni profetiche, donandoci non già un saggio erudito, ma un libro dei giorni nostri, e dei giorni a venire. Perché, come ha scritto la Yourcenar, «non siamo i soli a guardare in faccia un avvenire inesorabile». I Taccuini di appunti dell'autrice (annotazioni di studio, lampi di autobiografia, ricordi, vicissitudini della scrittura) perfezionano la conoscenza di un'opera che fu pensata, composta, smarrita, corretta per quasi un trentennio. La nota della traduttrice, Lidia Storoni Mazzolani, ci regala la storia di un'amicizia nata lavorando alla versione italiana. Con la cronologia della vita e delle opere e la bibliografia essenziale.

Memorie di Adriano

ONE OF BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2022 One of Bill Gates’s “5 books to read this summer,” this New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller shows us that America’s political system isn’t broken. The truth is scarier: it’s working exactly as designed. In this “superbly researched” (The Washington Post) and timely book, journalist Ezra Klein reveals how that system is polarizing us—and how we are polarizing it—with disastrous results. “The American political system—which includes everyone from voters to journalists to the president—is full of rational actors making rational decisions given the incentives they face,” writes political analyst Ezra Klein. “We are a collection of functional parts whose efforts combine into a dysfunctional whole.” “A thoughtful, clear and persuasive analysis” (The New York Times Book Review), Why We’re Polarized reveals the structural and psychological forces behind America’s descent into division and dysfunction. Neither a polemic nor a lament, this book offers a clear framework for understanding everything from Trump’s rise to the Democratic Party’s leftward shift to the politicization of everyday culture. America is polarized, first and foremost, by identity. Everyone engaged in American politics is engaged, at some level, in identity politics. Over the past fifty years in America, our partisan identities have merged with our racial, religious, geographic, ideological, and cultural identities. These merged identities have attained a weight that is breaking much in our politics and tearing at the bonds that hold this country together. Klein shows how and why American politics polarized around identity in the 20th century, and what that polarization did to the way we see the world and one another. And he traces the feedback loops between polarized political identities and polarized political institutions that are driving our system toward crisis. “Well worth reading” (New York magazine), this is an “eye-opening” (O, The Oprah Magazine) book that will change how you look at politics—and perhaps at yourself.

Why We're Polarized

Le origini dei riti ancestrali tramandati nei secoli e l’influenza degli antichi culti dionisiaci Quando si parla del carnevale si pensa al divertimento e alla trasgressione. La maschera produce da sempre un alter ego, richiama una magia che fa regredire nel tempo risvegliando nell’inconscio il contatto con l’invisibile: una sorta di stato alterato della coscienza. In effetti questa festa ha un retaggio antico, con celebrazioni fortemente legate al dio Bacco, e prima ancora alla sua versione greca, Dioniso. Resti di queste celebrazioni si sono mantenuti in varie località della Sardegna, e questo libro li esamina nel loro insieme in relazione alla gestualità delle maschere, all’abbigliamento e agli strumenti tradizionali che portano con sé. Ne emerge un’eredità immateriale, a volte spettacolare, che affonda le sue radici in tempi lontani. I riti spettacolari, tra suoni di campanacci e archetipi millenari nell’isola più misteriosa del mediterraneo Tra le tradizioni da scoprire: • sos colonganos e s’urtzu • la maschera di Cuglieri • la maschera di Neoneli • ad Ardauli risorgono le vecchie maschere • l’importanza dell’edera • il fuoco di S.Antonio e i carri navali di Torpè • l’impianto della vigna • il fantoccio • il bue muggente • su battileddu Dolores Turchi Studiosa di tradizioni popolari, vive a Oliena (NU). Ha fondato e diretto per oltre vent’anni il semestrale di cultura «Sardegna mediterranea» e collabora con giornali e riviste stranieri. Con la Newton Compton ha pubblicato Le tradizioni popolari della Sardegna; Leggende e racconti popolari della Sardegna; Samugheo; Maschere, miti e feste della Sardegna; Lo sciamanesimo in Sardegna, I carnevali e le maschere popolari della Sardegna e ha curato Tradizioni popolari di Sardegna di Grazia Deledda.

eNewton Saggistica

I carnevali e le maschere tradizionali della Sardegna

Il lato occulto, maledetto e oscuro dell’isola più magica del Mediterraneo Grazie alla sua posizione nel Mediterraneo, la Sardegna ha rappresentato nel corso dei secoli un punto nevralgico per i traffici commerciali, il luogo nel quale la storia e le vicende dell' uomo si sono mosse su piani paralleli. Una storia manifesta e ben documentata nasconde eventi che il più delle volte sono passati inosservati. Il fatto storico, la cronaca raccontata dai documenti hanno tutti una loro faccia nascosta, un lato oscuro popolato da personaggi che vengono richiamati in questa terra da una forza ancestrale e indecifrabile. Sulla base di documenti e in virtù di una ricerca storica e archivistica, vengono messi in risalto avvenimenti tutt ora avvolti dal mistero: apparizioni di spiriti, materializzazioni di entità benefiche e luoghi nei quali l'uomo e soprattutto l iniziato ha vissuto secondo principi magici. Un itinerario di racconti nei siti strettamente legati a numerose città europee. Tutti uniti da un unico interesse e mossi dallo stesso legame: l 'esoterismo. Tra gli argomenti trattati nel libro: L’oriente del mistero, l’oriente degli esorcismi Magia al femminile La compagnia dei Vermiglia La maledizione dei Savoia Il mio nome è Violante Uomo d’arme, d’amori e di grandi tesori Femmine demoniache, femmine tentatrici La via dell’iniziato Il segreto dei Catari Il turibolo di Lucifero Il narratore del mistero Il viatico di morte, lo strumento della vita Pierluigi Serra è nato a Cagliari nel 1960. Giornalista e autore, ha collaborato con diverse testate giornalistiche, scritto per antologie e riviste e ha realizzato documentari per la televisione. Si occupa da diversi anni di esoterismo e dei fenomeni legati alla magia e alla spiritualità. Attualmente scrive per il quotidiano «L'Unione Sarda» nella pagina della cultura. La Newton Compton ha pubblicato Sardegna misteriosa ed esoterica.

Sardegna misteriosa ed esoterica

Il bagno penale di Gaeta presenta gli esiti di ricerche storiche condotte all’interno del castello Angioino di Gaeta, già sede, nel 1800, del bagno penale borbonico. Ne riscostruisce le origini, la popolazione carceraria, gli ambienti, ma anche gli usi che ne sono stati fatti nel XX secolo. Particolare attenzione è posta alle scritte ritrovate all’interno delle celle di isolamento e che hanno fatto trapelare verità nascoste.

Il bagno penale di Gaeta

Kateryna ha 28 anni, ha fatto la modella, ha amici sparsi per l'Europa e all'inizio del 2022 spera che in Ucraina scoppi la guerra: «Non sono così vile da augurarmi di vivere sotto il ricatto di Vladimir Putin per anni, contando sul fatto che il compito di affrontarlo spetti poi a un'altra generazione invece che alla mia». Oggi Kateryna è un soldato. Assim ha 23 anni, studia Ingegneria aerospaziale all'università di Teheran e dal giorno in cui Mahsa Amini è morta, il 16 settembre 2022, con il suo gruppo ha cominciato a scrivere il nome di Mahsa nei bagni delle università e nei vagoni dei treni: «Non sapevamo a cosa stessimo dando inizio». Nabila è una campionessa di kick boxing, è lesbica ed è una conservatrice fedele alla Repubblica islamica, ma come molte donne religiose considera il caso di una ragazza fermata in una stazione della metro per un velo malmesso e riconsegnata cadavere pochi giorni dopo alla famiglia «un'onta collettiva e un'enormità contro Dio». Zarifa è cresciuta con l'idea che da grande avrebbe fatto politica ed è diventata adulta in un Afghanistan dove era possibile, dopo il 2001 e prima del 2021. Appartiene alla generazione che ha immaginato e poi iniziato a costruire la propria vita su presupposti incompatibili con i codici degli integralisti, quella che oggi si rifiuta di considerare il movimento dei talebani, «che esiste da meno tempo dei telefoni cellulari, che in tutto ha controllato il paese per sette anni non consecutivi», il proprio destino. Kateryna, Assim, Nabila e Zarifa sono solo alcuni dei protagonisti di questo viaggio. Cecilia Sala li ha seguiti alle feste e tra le bombe. Il risultato è un racconto corale, straziante, verissimo, che ci mostra in presa diretta «tre incendi che bruciano il mondo» e lo sconvolgono oltre i confini dei paesi in cui sono divampati.

L'incendio

Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour. ‘Il Duce’, Benito Mussolini, was one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. Famed for his dictatorial style, his political cunning and admired – initially – by Hitler, Mussolini led the National Fascist Party and ruled Italy as Prime Minister from 1922 until his ousting in 1943. In so doing, he paved the way towards Italy’s defeat in World War Two, and some of the 20th century’s most destructive ideologies and practices. Following expulsion from Italian Socialist Party, Mussolini denounced all efforts of class conflict, and instead later commanded a Fascist March on Rome to become the youngest Prime Minister in Italian history. Thereafter he set about dismantling the apparatus of democracy and initiated what would become known as the one-party totalitarian state. With World War II came defeat, humiliation and his bloody deposing. Explaining his ideologies, policies, actions and flaws, ‘Mussolini: History in an Hour’ is the concise life of the man whose ideas helped create some of the worst horrors of the modern history. Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour…

Mussolini: History in an Hour

Award-winning travel writer Nicholas Jubber journeys across Europe exploring Europe's epic poems, from the Odyssey to Beowulf, the Song of Roland to the Nibelungenlied, and their impact on European identity in these turbulent times. These are the stories that made Europe. Journeying from Turkey to Iceland, award-winning travel writer Nicholas Jubber takes us on a fascinating adventure through our continent's most enduring epic poems to learn how they were shaped by their times, and how they have since shaped us. The great European epics were all inspired by moments of seismic change: The Odyssey tells of the aftermath of the Trojan War, the primal conflict from which much of European civilisation was spawned. The Song of the Nibelungen tracks the collapse of a Germanic kingdom on the edge of the Roman Empire. Both the French Song of Roland and the Serbian Kosovo Cycle emerged from devastating conflicts between Christian and Muslim powers. Beowulf, the only surviving Old English epic, and the great Icelandic Saga of Burnt Njal, respond to times of great religious struggle - the shift from paganism to Christianity. These stories have stirred passions ever since they were composed, motivating armies and revolutionaries, and they continue to do so today. Reaching back into the ancient and medieval eras in which these defining works were produced, and investigating their continuing influence today, Epic Continent explores how matters of honour, fundamentalism, fate, nationhood, sex, class and politics have preoccupied the people of Europe across the millennia. In these tales soaked in blood and fire, Nicholas Jubber discovers how the world of gods and emperors, dragons and water-maidens, knights and princesses made our own: their deep impact on European identity, and their resonance in our turbulent times. (P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Epic Continent

'From beak to tail feather and from flipper to fin, this is a book that will long be known, read and savoured.' James W. Muller, Chairman of the Board of Academic Advisers of the International Churchill Society Winston Churchill was known for his great love for and admiration of animals. In fact, one of Churchill's key characteristics was his fascination with the animal kingdom - creatures of all sorts were a crucial element in his existence. He was amused, intrigued and enchanted by, sometimes even besotted with a vast menagerie, from his pet budgerigar, dogs, cats, fish, butterflies, to his own lion, leopard and white kangaroos kept at London Zoo, and even more unusual species. Dwelling amid flora and fauna was Churchill's ideal form of existence - 'The world would be better off if it were inhabited only by animals' - and he signed his letters home as a boy 'The Pussy Cat'. In this fascinating book, Dr Piers Brendon looks deeper into Churchill's love of the animal kingdom, and at how animals played such a large part in his everyday life. We encounter the paradox of the animal-loving-hunter: he hunts foxes yet keeps them as pets, he likes fishing but loves fish; along with the man who used analogies to animals time and time again in his speeches and writings. The picture that emerges shows another side to the great man, showcasing his wit, wisdom and wayward genius from a different perspective and shedding new and fascinating light on the man voted The Greatest Briton.

Churchill's Bestiary

Deborah Manley’s selection of extracts reveals how generations of writers have viewed the landscapes of Malta and Gozo, the people of the islands, the splendours of Valletta and its famous harbour, and the celebrated festas, the village festivals that celebrate the island’s Catholic identity. An introduction places these extracts in context, while the anthology also considers how Maltese writers have imagined and depicted their homeland.

Malta

Entre 1963 y 1980, Horacio Serrano publicó cerca de mil notas y columnas en el diario El Mercurio. Esta selección rescata los principales ejes temáticos de esos escritos: Chile y los chilenos, el legado cultural clásico, la sabidurí­a oriental, nuestra confusa e incipiente modernización y el mundo de la mujer y los sentimientos. Leer a Horacio Serrano es recuperar parte de nuestro paisaje y es volver a preguntarnos por la identidad chilena. Sus columnas siguen interpelando al lector de hoy, por su originalidad, por su capacidad para juntar los cables de la actualidad con el debate cultural más permanente y los detalles de la vida cotidiana con los dilemas más trascendentes del espí­ritu.

Todo pasa

EBOOK, Epub2 format ISBN 9789188755995 This is a collection of the most influential vegan voices of our time. Read and feel strengthened to continue the quest for an animal cruelty-free world.

*FAMOUS

*FAMOUS VEGAN QUOTES

Did you know that the history of the beard is connected to the Crimean War; that the history of paperclips is all about the Stasi; and that the history of bubbles is all about the French Revolution? And who knew that Heinrich Himmler, Tutankhamun and the history of needlework are linked to napalm and Victorian orphans? In Histories of the Unexpected, Sam Willis and James Daybell lead us on a journey of discovery that tackles some of the greatest historical themes but via entirely unexpected subjects. By taking this revolutionary approach, they not only present a new way of thinking about the past, but also reveal the everyday world around us as never before.

Histories of the Unexpected

Taiwan's specific situation in Asia is the source of its thorn past. Situated in the South East of China, Taiwan was at the crossroads of many maritime routes and squeezed between its neighbors, China and Japan. After centuries of foreign occupation, Taiwan has a unique history. Taiwan, Art and Civilization sheds light on Taiwan's beautiful scenery as well as its colorful history in the form of a true initiatory trip. Through magnificent illustrations, Taiwan reveals its secret beauty, its fauna and flora intertwined with its unique architecture. Home of the traditional and the modern, the gorgeous island is also the home of a very dynamic artistic scene. One thus fully grasps why the Portuguese named her Ilha Formosa, beautiful island.

Taiwan Art & Civilization

Written in response to the devastation of World War I, Why Men Fight lays out Bertrand Russell's ideas on war, pacifism, reason, and personal liberty. Russell argues that when individuals live passionately, they will have no desire for war or killing. Conversely, excessive restraint or propaganda causes us to live unnaturally and with hostility toward those who are unlike ourselves.

Why Men Fight: A Method of Abolishing the International Duel

There was much superstition and ignorance in 17th century England. Witchcraft had been illegal since 1563 and hundreds of women were wrongly accused and punished. 'Proof' of being a witch could be a third nipple, an unusual scar or birthmark, a boil, a growth, or even owning a cat or other pet (a 'witch's familiar', or evil spirit). Confessions were often made under torture, and suspects were tied up and thrown into a river or pond. Floating was proof of guilt. After a show trial, the victim was hanged. Professionals who exposed witches could make a lot of money, as local magistrates paid the witch finder the equivalent of a month's wages. And the busiest tradesman of all was Matthew Hopkins, a shadowy figure who called himself 'Witchfinder General' and had around 300 women executed in East Anglia during the turmoil of the English Civil War in 1645 and 1646. The book shown here is from Hopkins's 1647 book 'The Discovery of Witches', in which he describes his grim profession.

English Authors

The Discovery of Witches

Mr. Stone seems to have intended this work for popular use; yet it is written with great care and commendable accuracy. The narrative, in many of its parts, is necessarily brief, but one can not notice a marked neglect. The history of New York City is divided into three periods, the settlement by the Dutch, the English conquest and the Revolutionary War, and the evacuation bf the British. Every period is laid out before the reader in several chapters.

History of New York City

After all the backstage ghost drama during Phantasm, things are quiet for the Backstagers of the St. Genesius School Drama Club—too quiet. But when that quiet is filled by a mysterious voice that haunts the Backstagers day and night, they set off on a globetrotting adventure to discover the ancient secrets of the legendary artifacts of the theater. Can they solve the mystery in time to open their production of the rock musical Tammy? Each Backstager brings unique skills to the team: mischievous Sasha is impossibly positive; no-nonsense Aziz makes sure everything runs smoothly; whiz-kid Beckett is a perfectionist through and through; flirtatious Hunter knows the backstage better than anyone; and sweet Jory can think his way through any problem. Effortlessly inclusive and full of adventure, The Backstagers and the Theater of the Ancients is sure to have listeners calling “Encore!”

The Backstagers

The Backstagers and the Theater of the Ancients

Mary Barton is the first novel by English author Elizabeth Gaskell, published in 1848. The story is set in Manchester between 1830 and 1840 and is responsible for the difficulties faced by the lower classes of Victorian England. We're in Manchester around 1840, dramatic period social conflicts and deep lacerations. Among the textile workers in struggle stands out the figure of John Barton, dragged by events to the bottom of a dark slash, and next to him, an extraordinary romantic note in a passionate novel of realism, daughter Mary, contested between two men at the Centre of a love affair that is interwoven with the social drama and turns and wraps , prompting a painful conflict between Mary and her father. Mary Barton, in what is considered the first English realist novel, knows how to combine romance with absolute spontaneity and sense of dramatic realism of life ...

Mary Barton

In "History," Bernadotte Perrin explores the multifaceted nature of historical narrative, weaving together critical analysis, interpretation, and storytelling to illuminate the complexities of the past. With an emphasis on classical sources and modern historiography, Perrin addresses the ways in which history is constructed, understood, and sometimes manipulated. His literary style is marked by clarity and precision, making intricate ideas accessible while inviting readers to engage with the nuances of historical inquiry in a manner reflective of contemporary thought. Perrin, a noted scholar of classical literature and history, brings a wealth of academic expertise to this work, influenced by his extensive study of ancient texts and his commitment to understanding the role of narrative in shaping cultural identity. His background in philology and classical studies positions him uniquely to probe the intersections of history and literature, providing a rich context for his insights on how we conceive of the past within the framework of modernity. This book is highly recommended for students, scholars, and history enthusiasts alike, offering both a critical examination of historical methodology and a compelling narrative style. "History" serves not only as an academic resource but also as an invitation for readers to reflect on the fundamental questions of how we record and interpret our human experience.

History

This glittering, “wild romp of a story, boldly and beautifully told” (Neal Thompson, author of The First Kennedys) explores the intertwined fates of literary icon Truman Capote and infamous socialite Ann Woodward—featured in the hit TV series Feud: Truman Capote vs. The Swans—sweeping us to the upper echelons of Manhattan’s high society, where falls from grace are all the more shocking. When Ann Woodward shot her husband, banking heir Billy Woodward, in the middle of the night in 1955, her life changed forever. Though she claimed she thought he was a prowler, few believed the woman who had risen from charismatic showgirl to popular socialite. Everyone had something to say about the scorching scandal afflicting one of the most rich and famous families of New York City, but no one was more obsessed with the tale than Truman Capote. Acclaimed for his bestselling nonfiction book In Cold Blood, Capote was looking for new material and followed the scandal from beginning to end. Like Ann, he too had ascended from nobody to toast of the town, but he always felt like an outsider, even among the exclusive coterie of high society women who adored him. He decided the story of Ann’s turbulent marriage would be the basis of his masterpiece—a novel about the dysfunction and sordid secrets revealed to him by his high society “swans”—never thinking that it would eventually lead to Ann’s suicide and his own scandalous downfall. “A 20th-century morality tale of enduring fascination” (Laura Thompson, author of The Heiresses), Deliberate Cruelty is a haunting cross between true crime and literary history that is perfect for fans of Furious Hours, Empty Mansions, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Deliberate Cruelty

In "The Story of Malta," Maturin M. Ballou crafts a vivid narrative that explores the rich history and cultural tapestry of the Maltese archipelago. With an engaging literary style that balances descriptive prose and historical analysis, Ballou delves into Malta's strategic significance in the Mediterranean, tracing its journey from ancient civilizations through the Knights of St. John to British colonial rule. The book thoughtfully contextualizes Malta's tumultuous history against broader European events, shedding light on the island's unique identity and enduring resilience amidst adversity. Maturin M. Ballou was a prolific American writer, travel journalist, and historian known for his extensive travels and keen observations. His firsthand experiences in Malta, coupled with his scholarly interests in maritime history and cultures, deeply informed this work. As a contemporary of 19th-century explorations, Ballou sought to bring forth the voices of lesser-known regions, revealing their stories through well-researched narratives that resonate with both antiquarians and casual readers. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in historical geography, Mediterranean studies, or the evolution of cultural identities. Ballou's thoughtful insights and compelling storytelling render "The Story of Malta" both an informative resource and an immersive read that invites readers to cherish the unique heritage of this enchanting island.

The Story of Malta

Discover the true Regency history behind the TV phenomenon. In Inside the World of Bridgerton, author and Regency period expert Catherine Curzon explores the historical inspirations behind the hit series, and illuminates the fascinating details of real life in Regency high society. Examining a range of key topics, this revealing guide covers everything from the class structure of the era and the crucial role played by marriage to the stunning fashion, culture and social events of the time that have enchanted audiences and history fanatics for centuries. With further chapters dedicated to sex, race, the media and more, this is a window into the real history that has helped make Bridgerton into such a global phenomenon. Offering insightful advice on what to - and what not to – wear, how to see and be seen, the reality of ‘coming out’ into the public arena, and decoding the real-life scandal sheets on which the beloved TV show is largely based, Inside the World of Bridgerton highlights how the real ladies and gentlemen of Regency England lived and loved.

Inside the World of Bridgerton

What will happen when the ties are cut? Whatever view you take on Brexit, innovative ideas are needed to thrive. The UK needs to get itself into shape. This book suggests how. We consider radical ideas to reform the voting system, transform the economy via a whole range of initiatives, including a sovereign wealth fund, drastically improve health, welfare and education provision and secure Britain's place in a fast-changing world. Most commentaries criticise what others do. Britain Post Brexit spells out what needs to be done.

Britain Post Brexit

As the American Revolution drew to a close and the colonies claimed independence from Britain, the United States' gaze turned west to the vast expanse of land that was seemingly ripe for the taking. After all, according to their Manifest Destiny, it was their God-given right to expand. In American West, uncover the resistance that these enterprising settlers faced, from the Native Americans to the unforgiving terrain. Discover the reality of what life was like on the frontier, and meet some of the key figures in creating the legend of the Wild West, including Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp. Elsewhere, find out how the Native Americans suffered at the hands of the western settlers, from wars and legislation that stripped them of their rights, to attempts to crush existing cultures.

Visual History

American West

A Simon & Schuster audiobook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every listener.

The Gifts Of The Jews

The presence of gods was felt in every corner of the Celtic world, and influenced all areas of life in Celtic society. This fascinating book delves into these corners to examine all aspects of the gods, ritual customs, cult objects and sacred places of the ancient Celtic peoples. Miranda Green introduces the Celts and the evidence that they left behind, placing them in their geographical and chronological context, and continues on to look at Celtic cults of the sun and sky, animals and animism, mother goddesses, water gods and healers, as well as examining the influence of religion on war, death and fertility. Embracing the whole of the Celtic world from Ireland to Australia, and covering from 500 BC to AD 400, this is a rewarding overview of the evidence for Celtic religions, beliefs and practices which uses modern scholarship to bring a mysterious and captivating part of European history to life.

The Gods of the Celts

This uplifting true story is now a major film, starring Oscar nominees Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, directed by Clint Eastwood. Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2008 As the day of the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup dawned, and the Springboks faced New Zealand's all-conquering All Blacks, more was at stake than a sporting trophy. When Nelson Mandela appeared wearing a Springboks jersey and led the all-white Afrikaner-dominated team in singing South Africa's new national anthem, he conquered the hearts of white South Africa. Invictus tells the extraordinary human story of how that moment became possible. It shows how a sport, once the preserve of South Africa's Afrikaans-speaking minority, came to unify the new rainbow nation, and tells of how - just occasionally - something as simple as a game can help people to rise above themselves and see beyond their differences.

Invictus

The Crime of the Congo is a 1909 book by British writer and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, about human rights abuses in the Congo Free State, a private state established and controlled by the King of the Belgians, Leopold II. Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle (22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) was a British writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.

The Crime of the Congo

Investing in cryptocurrency can offer several potential benefits such as high volatility leading to potentially high returns, increased accessibility and 24/7 trading, and the potential for digital currencies to become widely adopted as a new asset class. Additionally, blockchain technology underlying cryptocurrencies offers secure and transparent transactions. However, it is important to thoroughly research and understand the risks involved before investing, as the market is highly volatile and not backed by any government.

Crypto Investment

Do Gazans ever have fun? Is the Strip beautiful? And do TV reports actually reflect ordinary life inside the world's largest 'open-air prison'? From beautiful beaches to sealed borders, from a secret New Year's Eve party to a lingerie market staffed entirely by men, award-winning writer Louisa Waugh paints an intimate picture of Gaza, revealing the pleasures and pains, hopes and frustrations of Gazans going about their daily lives. Meet Me in Gaza is an evocative portrait of a Mediterranean land and its people, and a touching account of what it means to be Gazan.

Meet Me in Gaza

The author of this book is not merely an intrepid and successful explorer, but an accomplished biologist, who has added many new species of birds and animals to the ever-growing list of nature’s marvels. The desert of Sahara presents to the explorer many points of resemblance to the frozen wastes which surround the Poles, and to which so much attention has recently been directed. Its area is vast, its resources meagre in the extreme, the perils of travel great, and such as to test the highest qualities of the explorer. But here the resemblance ends. In the nature of the experiences and the hazards which the explorer encounters there could be no greater contrast, but oddly enough the man who can endure the one seems also fitted to withstand the other—of this Captain Buchanan is a living proof, for he, too, has been a traveller in Arctic regions.

Sahara

Originally the eastern half of the mighty Roman Empire, Byzantium grew to be one of the longest-surviving empires in world history, spanning nine centuries and three continents. It was a land of contrasts – from the glittering centre at Constantinople, to the rural majority, to the heartland of the Orthodox Church – and one surrounded by enemies: Persians, Arabs and Ottoman Turks to the east, Slavs and Bulgars to the north, Saracens and Normans to the west. Written by one of the world's leading experts on Byzantine history, Byzantium: A History tells the chequered story of a historical enigma, from its birth out of the ashes of Rome in the third century to its era-defining fall at the hands of the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Byzantium

In "English Costume," Dion Clayton Calthrop presents a comprehensive study of the evolution of English attire, meticulously tracing the transformations in clothing from medieval times to the early 20th century. Richly illustrated and scholarly, the book combines intricate illustrations with detailed descriptions, offering readers a vivid portrayal of fashion's role in cultural and social contexts. Calthrop's literary style is both accessible and erudite, engaging the reader with a lyrical quality while providing rigorous historical analysis, making it an invaluable contribution to costume history and arts literature. Calthrop, an accomplished artist and illustrator, was deeply influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized craftsmanship and artistic integrity. His background in design and passion for historical research equipped him with the skills to not only capture the essence of period costumes but to also analyze their sociocultural significance. This confluence of artistry and scholarship enables Calthrop's work to stand out as an authoritative source in the realm of historical costume. "English Costume" is highly recommended for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of fashion and history alike. Whether you are delving into design, exploring cultural identities, or simply captivated by the intricate interplay of attire and society, Calthrop's exquisite narrative and visuals provide profound insights that invite deeper reflection on the fabric of English heritage.

English Costume

Ralph Ellison once wrote that the rules of performance in American culture are jazz-shaped. This book explores the Afro-creole core culture of New Orleans as the mainspring of this energizing music. Much of the cultural capital of the city is buried in a complex, tripartite racial history, which threatens the binary logic of North American racism with all sorts of sensual transgressions. Its jazz-derived culture combines elements of African, French, Spanish and Anglo-American cultural practices which in their fusion have created a unique propulsive energy: Second line parades, jazz funerals, Mardi Gras Indians, Cajun and creole foodways, minstrelsy, dance, ragtime and jazz will be interpreted as the result of a set of historical circumstances unique to this Caribbean metropolis of the senses. Including a preface by Günter Bischof and pictures by Michael P. Smith

New Orleans

While imprisoned in Reading Gaol from 1895 to 1897 for homosexual practices, Oscar Wilde wrote "De Profundis", an impassioned letter to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. In the first section of the letter, Wilde records his relationship with Douglas in merciless detail; he rails against his lover’s selfishness and extravagance, accuses him of being the agent of Wilde’s destruction, and turns a cold eye on his own behaviour. The letter’s tone changes from bitterness to resignation as Wilde acknowledges his own responsibility for his fate and extends a hopeful offer for a renewed, calmer friendship. First published in 1905 by an arrangement between Oscar Wilde and Robert Ross, who visited Wilde at Reading and later became his literary executor, "De Profundis" is a curious document: part apologia, part aesthetic discourse, part religious testimonial, part retort to religion, a letter that addresses a private recipient and was written for public view, but that despite these layers of performance has a strange inward quality; in reality this is a letter from Wilde to himself.

De Profundis

Flavio Claudio Giuliano fu un personaggio straordinario la cui figura è stata oggetto per secoli, da parte del Cristianesimo, di una inaudita damnatio memoriae. Considerato a torto dai Cristiani un feroce persecutore e bollato con l’epiteto di “apostata”, egli tentò in realtà, agendo sempre secondo giustizia, di risollevare le sorti di un Impero ormai in declino con coraggiose riforme politiche, economiche, amministrative e militari e di ripristinare l’antico spirito di tolleranza e di civile convivenza religiosa che fino al tempo di Costantino aveva caratterizzato l’Impero Romano, divenendone uno dei maggiori punti di forza. I Cristiani, una volta preso stabilmente il potere a Roma, è fatto noto che da perseguitati si erano trasformati rapidamente in persecutori, dedicandosi ad una spietata e sistematica azione repressivo-persecutoria nei confronti non solo delle loro molteplici eresie interne, ma anche di tutti i culti e di tutte le plurimillenarie religioni dei gentili, trasformando in pochi decenni quello che era un Impero fondato sulla piena tolleranza in una teocrazia nelle mani di un manipolo di Vescovi fanatici e corrotti. Giuliano, iniziato ai Misteri Eleusini e a quelli di Mitra e convinto seguace della Filosofia neoplatonica, tentò di porre fine a tutto questo, riaprendo gli antichi Templi e ripristinando la piena libertà religiosa, all’insegna della più pura essenza della Romanitas e della Filosofia ellenica. Se la vita di questo Imperatore illuminato non fosse stata spezzata, a soli trentadue anni, da una lancia su un campo di battaglia nelle paludi della Mesopotamia, egli avrebbe molto probabilmente cambiato per sempre il corso della Storia. Una delle più belle e complete biografie dell’Imperatore-Filosofo, scritta nel 1901 da Gaetano Negri, Senatore del Regno d’Italia e Sindaco di Milano dal 1884 al 1889. Con un ampio saggio introduttivo di Nicola Bizzi.

L'Imperatore Giuliano

The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus is a monumental historical narrative that intricately weaves the late Roman Empire's political, military, and social landscapes into a compelling tapestry. Written in elegant and sophisticated Latin prose, Ammianus transcends mere chronicle to provide penetrating insights into the complexities of imperial governance and the enduring legacies of Hellenistic history. His unique literary style employs vivid descriptions, dramatic episodes, and philosophical reflections, capturing not only events but the psychological dimensions of those involved. This work covers the era from the reign of Nerva (96 AD) to the death of Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD, making it one of the few extant primary sources from this turbulent period. Ammianus Marcellinus was a Roman soldier and historian, born around 330 AD in Antioch. Having served under the emperor Constantius II, he witnessed significant military campaigns and court intrigues, which undoubtedly shaped his desire to document his times comprehensively. His background enriched his narrative with firsthand experience and a nuanced understanding of the sociopolitical dynamics at play, allowing him to critique the decline of Roman morals and military efficacy while echoing the sentiments of a waning empire. For readers interested in classical antiquity, The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus is an essential text that offers an unparalleled window into the last days of imperial Rome. This work is not only a historical account but also a reflection on the human condition in the face of socio-political upheaval, making it a timeless read for historians, scholars, and anyone intrigued by the roots of Western civilization.

The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus

This audiobook explores Native American mythologies to view the relationships between humans and animals. Traditional Native Americans view animals as elder brothers who embody the knowledge sets necessary for survival on this Earth. This vantage point facilitates openness within the human to learn from the animals. Animals play the roles of tutelary spirits, helpers, and guides, and at times shapeshift from Holy Person to animal or back again. This emphasizes the fluidity between the worlds of spirit and matter and highlights animals as oriented toward being helpful to humanity in a wide variety of ways. As expressed through language and ritual, respect details preserve the relationship between the community, the animals, and the natural landscape. Animals push human beings into interiority. The spirits choose a person and then utilize animals to communicate and transmit spiritual understandings and abilities. It is then up to the individual to bring this vision to usefulness on Earth.

Native American Mythology

In the year 476 an unfortunate young man, mocked with the great names of the founders of the City and of the Empire, Romulus Augustus, nicknamed Augustulus, was deposed from the throne of the Cæsars by a Barbarian general in the Imperial service, and the Roman Empire in Italy came to its end. This act was but the outward sign that the power of Italy was utterly gone, and that in the West at least the Barbarians were indisputably conquerors in the long struggle which they had carried on for centuries with the Roman Empire. That Empire, at the period of its greatness, embraced all the countries around the Mediterranean Sea; it was the political embodiment of the Mediterranean civilization. In Europe, to the northeast, it reached as far as the Rhine and the Danube; it included England. Beyond the Rhine and the Danube dwelt the Barbarians. Europe was thus divided into two parts, the civilized and the Barbarian: one, a great Latin empire which rested upon slavery, and was governed by a highly centralized bureaucracy; the other, a collection of tribes of Teutonic blood, bound together in a very simple form of society, and essentially democratic in character...

A History of Italy 476-1600

Over the centuries there have been people able to influence the course of events to the point of changing history. Sometimes they are bulky personalities who have directed the course of events, changed economies, or evolved entire generations; or sometimes they're great statesmen who have been able to bring politics to a level of world power. In this audiobook, we will analyze some figures who, each in their own sphere, have changed the future and whose names will echo over the centuries. In this book, we will meet Theodore Roosevelt, his life, his visions, and his dreams.

Theodore Roosevelt - The Youngest American President

In "The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783," Alfred Thayer Mahan meticulously articulates the pivotal role maritime dominance has played in shaping global politics and warfare. Through a blend of historical analysis and strategic theory, Mahan examines the interplay between naval power and national prosperity. His eloquent prose weaves a narrative that spans significant naval battles, geopolitical tensions, and the implications of sea trade routes, while drawing connections to the expansionist policies of major 17th and 18th-century powers. The text stands as a foundational work in naval strategy, influencing military thought and the geopolitical landscape for decades to come. Mahan, a U.S. Naval officer and historian, emerged as a preeminent theorist of sea power during a period marked by the ascension of maritime empires. His personal experiences and observations during his naval career, including his service during the Spanish-American War, informed his beliefs about the essential nature of sea power as an instrument of national strength. His insights resonated with contemporary policymakers and military leaders, underlining maritime supremacy's significance in global affairs. This seminal work is indispensable for readers interested in military history, international relations, or maritime studies. Mahan's compelling arguments not only illuminate past conflicts but also provide strategic insights relevant to contemporary geopolitics. Engaging and thought-provoking, this classic text serves as a critical resource for understanding the enduring significance of naval power.

The Influence of Sea Power upon History

In "Some Principles of Maritime Strategy," Julian Stafford Corbett presents a foundational analysis of naval warfare that transcends the tactical to explore the broader strategic implications of maritime power. Written in the early 20th century, Corbett's work is distinguished by its scholarly rigor and a nuanced understanding of the interplay between sea and land power. He advocates for a maritime strategy that emphasizes the importance of sea control, logistics, and the psychological dimensions of naval engagement, positioning maritime strategy as an essential pillar of national policy in an imperial context. Julian Stafford Corbett (1854-1922) was a British naval historian and theorist whose deep-seated interest in maritime affairs stemmed from his maritime heritage and education. As a close observer of contemporary naval developments, particularly during the age of imperialism, Corbett sought to articulate a framework that transcended the prevailing doctrines of his time. His perspectives were shaped by the geopolitical realities of his era, which underscored the critical role of naval power in securing national interests and maintaining global influence. This seminal work is highly recommended for scholars, military professionals, and enthusiasts of maritime history alike. Corbett's insights remain particularly relevant in today's geopolitical landscape, where naval strategy continues to evolve in response to new threats. Readers will find in Corbett's text both a historical perspective and timeless principles that illuminate the art of maritime strategy.

Some Principles of Maritime Strategy

Timely and profound meditations on how great figures in history, literature, music, and art searched for solace while facing tragedies and crises, from the internationally renowned historian of ideas and Booker Prize finalist Michael Ignatieff. When we lose someone we love, when we suffer loss or defeat, when catastrophe strikes – war, famine, pandemic – we go in search of consolation. Once the province of priests and philosophers, the language of consolation has largely vanished from our modern vocabulary, and the places where it was offered, houses of religion, are often empty. Rejecting the solace of ancient religious texts, humanity since the sixteenth century has increasingly placed its faith in science, ideology, and the therapeutic. How do we console each other and ourselves in an age of unbelief? In a series of portraits of writers, artists, and musicians searching for consolation – from the books of Job and Psalms to Albert Camus, Anna Akhmatova, and Primo Levi – writer and historian Michael Ignatieff shows how men and women in extremity have looked to each other across time to recover hope and resilience. Recreating the moments when great figures found the courage to confront their fate and the determination to continue unafraid, On Consolation takes those stories into the present, movingly contending that we can revive these traditions of consolation to meet the anguish and uncertainties of the twenty-first century.

On Consolation

Orange County, Ca. of today has a population of more than 3 million people, making it more populated than twenty-one whole states. The county is famous for its tourist attractions and its beautiful shoreline. Samuel Armor's book tells the story of the county from its formation till the early years of the 20th century and especially provides overviews of the main cities' histories.

History of Orange County, Ca.

A vivid and original reconstruction of the Battle of Waterloo. On the afternoon of 1 March, 1815, a fleet of ships dropped anchor off the southeast coast of France. After ten months in exile on the island of Elba, the Emperor Napoleon had returned to reclaim his throne. European chancelleries responded by immediately preparing for war. Only one year earlier, four great powers - England, Austria, Russia and Prussia - had combined to defeat Napoleon and now, these four countries made a pledge to invade France from all sides. Napoleon's only recourse was to rearm, and he quickly marshalled his forces: mobilized the National Guard, began mass production of muskets and bought or confiscated all available horses. On the Allied side, by the end of spring, only the Duke of Wellington's troops and the Prussian army, under the command of Field Marshal Blucher, were prepared. The Emperor knew that by attacking the two armies separately, his Armee du Nord stood a good chance of winning. He planned a surprise strike, to destroy the first army he encountered before the other could intervene. Maintaining complete secrecy over his tactics, he manoeuvred the Armee du Nord close to the Belgian border and at dawn on 15 June, sent the first cavalry patrols over into enemy territory, followed immediately by columns of infantry. Thus begins The Battle, a thrilling new account of the great Battle of Waterloo, which survivors from all sides deemed, in the words of an English officer 'a terrible fight for a terrible stake: freedom or slavery to Europe.'

The Battle

The Hesiod’s Theogony is not, as is often defined by modern philologists, a simple and banal “literary work”. It is a didactic poem of mythological-religious topic and, at the same time, a sacred and initiatory text. It is – with the sole exception of the Homeric poems in the profane field, and of some secret texts handed down by the ancient Mystery Schools in the initiatory sphere – the most ancient mythological-religious text of public domain from archaic Greece. Its content and the precious information that it provides about the origin and nature of the Gods constituted a very important canon for all the later literatures. It was used both in the Hellenic and Roman world, and its reading (but above all its understanding) is still indispensable today for the knowledge of the religious thought of ancient Greece. However, the Hesiodic text is not unique, nor it represents an innovation. It fits into a long tradition, which is mostly an exclusive prerogative of the Mystery Schools linked to the Eleusinian Mother Tradition and to its derivations, which are the Orphic, Pythagorean or Samothracian branches. Who was Hesiod? A poet? A narrator? A priest? An Initiate? Or all these things together? We know that he was born in Ascra, a city in Boeotia, in the second half of the eighth century B.C. It is important to highlight how ancient Ascra, a village located right at the foot of Mount Helicon, was sacred to the Muses. And Helicon is same sacred mountain on which the Muses manifested themselves, not by chance, precisely to Hesiod himself. The style of the Theogony is not narrative, nor related to the Homeric poems. On the contrary, Hesiod leaves little space to the actual narration: he seems to express himself through a markedly esoteric code, sometimes intentionally obscure. The myths are never narrated in full, but concentrated in a few lines, sometimes in a cryptic and hermetic manner, without many details. Hesiod's intention, erroneously interpreted by moderns as an act to show off his skills, is much more likely dictated by initiatory purposes. He proves to have knowingly and carefully dosed and set in the right place phrases, words, and concepts as only an Initiate who addresses to a double audience (one of Initiates and one of uninitiated) can and must do. He proves to know how to move with ease on a “minefield” such as that of the origin and nature of the Gods to express fundamental concepts, without breaking any oath or vow of silence.

Hesiod’s Theogony: Esoteric and initiatory perspectives

The Golden Thread is an enthralling and accessible history of the cultural miracle that is the written word. It is an invention that has been used to share ideas in every field of human endeavour, and a motor of cultural, scientific and political progress. From the simple representative shapes used to record transactions of goods and animals in ancient Egypt, to the sophisticated typographical resources available to the twenty-first-century computer user, the story of writing is the story of human civilization itself. Ewan Clayton marks each step in the historical development of writing, and explores the social and cultural impact of every stage: the invention of the alphabet; the replacement of the papyrus scroll with the codex in the late Roman period; the perfecting of printing using moveable type in the fifteenth century and the ensuing spread of literacy; the industrialization of printing during the Industrial Revolution; the impact of artistic Modernism on the written word in the early twentieth century - and of the digital switchover at the century's close. The Golden Thread raises issues of urgent interest for a society living in an era of unprecedented change to the tools and technologies of written communication. Chief amongst these is the fundamental question: 'What does it mean to be literate in the world of the early twenty-first century?' The Golden Thread belongs on the bookshelves of anyone who is inquisitive not just about the centrality of writing in the history of humanity, but also about its future.

The Golden Thread

NORWAY (in the old Norse language Noregr, or Nord-vegr, i.e., the North Way), according to archæological explorations, appears to have been inhabited long before the historical time. The antiquaries maintain that three populations have inhabited the North: a Mongolian race and a Celtic race, types of which are to be found in the Finns and the Laplanders in the far North, and, finally, a Caucasian race, which immigrated from the South and drove out the Celtic and Laplandic races, and from which the present inhabitants are descended. The Norwegians, or Northmen (Norsemen), belong to a North-Germanic branch of the Indo-European race; their nearest kindred are the Swedes, the Danes, and the Goths. The original home of the race is supposed to have been the mountain region of Balkh, in Western Asia, whence from time to time families and tribes migrated in different directions. It is not known when the ancestors of the Scandinavian peoples left the original home in Asia; but it is probable that their earliest settlements in Norway were made in the second century before the Christian era.

Norway

Step into the captivating world of Eastern Europe with our book, "History of Eastern Europe: Russia, Ukraine, Poland & Hungary". This comprehensive volume delves deep into the rich history and culture of these four fascinating countries. From the ancient civilizations of the Scythians and the Slavs to the modern-day challenges of populism and migration, this book covers it all. Learn about the turbulent history of Russia, from the rise of the Kievan Rus to the Soviet era and beyond. Discover the unique culture and traditions of Ukraine, with its colorful folklore and complex political landscape. Explore the complex history of Poland, from its medieval glory days to the struggles of World War II and the Communist period. And delve into the fascinating world of Hungary, with its rich artistic and literary traditions and tumultuous political history. Whether you're a history buff, a traveler seeking to understand the complexities of these four countries, or simply interested in the diverse cultures and traditions of Eastern Europe, this book is for you. With detailed and engaging storytelling, this book brings to life the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the region over the centuries. Written by expert historians and scholars, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Eastern Europe. With its in-depth analysis and compelling narrative, "History of Eastern Europe: Russia, Ukraine, Poland & Hungary" is the ultimate guide to this endlessly fascinating region. Don't miss out on this essential addition to your bookshelf.

History Of Eastern Europe: 4 In 1

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