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Portraits of Old Russia: Imagined Lives of Ordinary People, 1300-1745
by Marshall T. Poe Donald OstrowskiThis book introduces readers to a little-known place and time in world history – early modern Russia, from its beginnings as Muscovy, in the fourteenth century, through the reign of Peter I (1689-1725) – by portraying the lives of representative individuals from the major levels of the society of that era. The portraits, written by professional historians, are imaginative reconstructions or composites of individual lives, rather than biographies. The portraits are arranged into socio-political categories, and include members of ruling families, government servitors, clerks, military personnel, church prelates, monks, provincial landowners, townspeople and artisans, Siberian explorers and traders, free peasants, serfs, slaves and holy fools. Using these portraits, the book brings old Russian society to life in an interesting way.
Retrospect of Western Travel
by Harriet Martineau"This new abridgement of the original 1838 edition offers a view of Jacksonian America. Here are Martineau's condemnation of slavery and her championship of abolition and women's rights; her incisive portraits of Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, Webster, Garrison, Emerson, and the Beechers; her observations of American schools, asylums, colleges, and prisons; and her eyewitness accounts of a presidential assassination attempt, a lynch mob, a slave auction, a Quaker wedding, and a Harvard commencement. Historian Daniel Feller, author of The Jacksonian Promise, introduces the narrative, identifies the major characters, and provides an index for easy use. "--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Mandelbrot the Magnificent: A Novella
by Liz Ziemska"Liz Ziemska has fashioned a beautiful story about one famous survivor and the magic and mathematics he’s brought to the world." —Karen Joy FowlerMandelbrot the Magnificent is a stunning, magical pseudo-biography of Benoit Mandelbrot as he flees into deep mathematics to escape the rise of HitlerBorn in the Warsaw ghetto and growing up in France during the rise of Hitler, Benoit Mandelbrot found escape from the cruelties of the world around him through mathematics. Logic sometimes makes monsters, and Mandelbrot began hunting monsters at an early age. Drawn into the infinite promulgations of formulae, he sinks into secret dimensions and unknown wonders.His gifts do not make his life easier, however. As the Nazis give up the pretense of puppet government in Vichy France, the jealousy of Mandelbrot’s classmates leads to denunciation and disaster. The young mathematician must save his family with the secret spaces he’s discovered, or his genius will destroy them.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Becoming Bonnie: A Novel
by Jenni L. WalshFrom debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh--and just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Oscar award-winning film, Bonnie and Clyde--Becoming Bonnie is the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo!The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her, and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely place: Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc's.Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school, and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, he embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—she tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it all: the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. But her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.Bonnie Parker is about to meet Clyde Barrow.“A compelling account of a nation and a life in disarray—readers will feel for Bonnelyn as she finds herself scrabbling for survival in a world turned upside down.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren WilligAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Hope and Honor
by Sidney Shachnow Jann RobbinsMajor General Sid Shachnow was more than a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran--receiving two silver and three bronze stars with V for Valor. He survived a crucible far crueler than the jungles of Vietnam: Nazi occupied Eastern Europe. As a child, he spent three years in the notorious Kovno Concentration Camp. But his next journey took him to America, where he worked his way through school and eventually enlisted in the US Army. He volunteered for U.S. Special Forces, and served proudly for 32 years. His driving dream was to save others from the indignities he had endured and the deadly fate he so narrowly escaped.From Vietnam to the Mideast, to the fall of the Berlin Wall, Sid Shachow served in Special Operations. He grew as Special Forces grew, rising to major-general--responsible for American Special Forces everywhere--but the lessons of Kovno stayed with him, wherever he turned, wherever he soldiered. Hope and Honor is a powerful and dramatic memoir that shows how the will to live---so painfully refined in the fires of that long-ago death camp---was forged, at last, into truth of soul and wisdom of the heart.
Robert A. Heinlein: Learning Curve
by William H. Patterson Jr.Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) is generally considered the greatest American science fiction writer of the 20th century. A famous and bestselling author in later life, he started as a navy man and graduate of Annapolis who was forced to retire because of tuberculosis. A socialist politician in the 1930s, he became one of the sources of Libertarian politics in the USA in his later years. His most famous works include the Future History series (stories and novels collected in The Past Through Tomorrow and continued in later novels), Starship Troopers, Stranger in a Strange Land, and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Given his desire for privacy in the later decades of his life, he was both stranger and more interesting than one could ever have known. This is the first of two volumes of a major American biography. This volume is about Robert A. Heinlein's life up to the end of the 1940s and the mid-life crisis that changed him forever.
Snowbound
by Richard S. WheelerIn this powerful biographical novel, Richard S. Wheeler--winner of the Owen Wister Award and six Spur Awards--tells the amazing tale of an American explorer and hero. John Fremont, a one-time presidential candidate, was called the Pathfinder for his indomitable courage. But sometimes courage is not enough. After a failed expedition to find a railway route to the West along the 38th parallel, Fremont finds himself trapped in the snowbound Colorado mountains. His choices are simple: die, freezing and starving, or fight his way out. Fremont chooses to battle the elements in a harrowing, frigid journey over the backbone of the continent. In this tale of urgent danger and fierce courage, Wheeler presents a survival saga par excellence. Snowbound is a struggle of man against man, man against nature, man against himself... and a novel you will never forget.
Worker In The Light
by William J. Birnes George NooryGeorge Noory has woven his life's work into both an amazing memoir and a miraculous key that you can use to unlock the secret to your own sensual transcendence.
Last of the Donkey Pilgrims: A Man's Journey Through Ireland
by Kevin O'HaraKevin O'Hara's journey of self-discovery begins as a mad lark: who in their right mind would try to circle the entire coastline of Ireland on foot and with a donkey and cart no less? But Kevin had promised his homesick Irish mother that he would explore the whole of the Old Country and bring back the sights and the stories to their home in Massachusetts. Determined to reach his grandmother's village by Christmas Eve, Kevin and his stubborn but endearing donkey, Missie, set off on 1800-mile trek along the entire jagged coast of a divided Ireland. Their rollicking adventure takes them over mountains and dales, through smoky cities and sleepy villages, and into the farmhouses and hearts of Ireland's greatest resource --its people. Along the way, Kevin would meet incredible characters, experience Ireland in all of its glory, and explore not only his Irish past, but find his future self.
Grania
by Morgan LlywelynHistorical fiction about Grace O'Malley, an Irish chieftain in the late 1500's.
It's a Long Way from Penny Apples
by Bill Cullen[From the back cover] "Tis better to be born lucky than rich. ... There are many tragic stories in Ireland of those who have succumbed to the despair of abject poverty, those who were unable to save themselves or their loved ones from the harsh realities of oppression. But It's a Long Way from Penny Apples is a different view of the Irish experience, one man's journey out of the grinding poverty that held an entire generation of Irishmen in its thrall. Born and bred in the rough inner city slums of Summerhill in Dublin, Bill was one of fourteen children. Through hard work and determination, Bill went from selling flowers and newspapers on the street to owning the biggest Ford dealership in Ireland, and eventually became a multimillionaire. Bill Cullen's story is an account of incredible poverty and deprivation in the Dublin slums--and incredible success. It highlights the frustration of a father and mother feeling their relationship crumble as they fight to give their children a better life. It's a story of courage, joy, and happiness--of how a mother gave inspiration and values to her children, saying to them, "The best thing I can give you is the independence to stand on your own feet." "The story of a Dubliner reflecting with stunning honesty on his city and his past. With characters that leap off the page, it combines blunt realism with the everyday humor of Northside Dublin life. An incredible book." --Bertie Ahern, T.D., Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland
The Way West: True Stories of the American Frontier
by James A. CrutchfieldIn this volume from the Western Writers of America, we are taken deep into true stories that helped America form its identity. David Dary follows the network of trails that lead explorers West Bill Gulick recalls the Steamboat days of the Pacific Northwest Robert M. Utley shows the true faces of the Texas Rangers Dale L. Walker takes us on a tour of the final resting places of forty of the Wests most celebrated figures The Way West covers many of the now obscure individuals of our storied past and gives new insights into famous characters and events of this legendary era.
They Worked Together
by Anna ProkosTells the stories of some great teams: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, and Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea.
Going Solo
by Celebration PressPeople go on journeys by themselves for many reasons. Often they want to prove that they can do it, or they travel for the excitement of the journey. Going Solo explores the journeys of four people, each of whom had an adventure in a different part of the world.
It Can be Done!: The Life and Legacy of Cesar Chavez
by Vivian CuestaStudents will enjoy reading these readers that reinforce topics, follow national Social Studies study for grades K-6. Each reader supports the learning taught in the classroom and motivates students to read more about a topic.
Holding God in My Hands: Personal Encounters with the Divine
by Paul WilkesThrough reflection and personal experience, Paul Wilkes examines the power of the Eucharist to impart healing grace, spiritual strength, and peace to both communicants and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Compelling stories from his hospital Eucharistic Ministry reflect the exceptional writing for which he is known. Wilkes takes the reader on a journey to begin to understand God's love for us as the personal stories bring the reader to a better understanding of God presence even in the face of suffering and sorrow. Admitting his own flaws and doubts, Wilkes connects to every reader who yearns to encounter the mystery of God's love for each of us.
Thea Bowman: In My Own Words
by Thea Bowman Maurice J. NuttSister Thea Bowman spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as only an African American born in 1937 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, could. Throughout her adult life, she embraced Catholicism and religious life and never abandoned the beautiful gift of her "blackness. " It was her life's mission to share her rich cultural heritage and spirituality in song, prayer, teaching, and preaching. As a child, Thea Bowman converted to Catholicism, and as an adult chose a life as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. As a black religious sister in a predominantly white world, Sister Thea was able to cross cultural boundaries and share her cultural and spiritual gifts while learning and uplifting the cultural gifts of others. This book joyfully expounds the thoughts, memories, and reflections of this devoted Franciscan woman, a proud maiden of Mississippi, a prophetic preacher, and a tenacious teacher.
A Guide to Living in the Truth: Saint Benedict's Teaching on Humility
by Michael CaseyThis is a beautifully written devotional book for those who want a better understanding of the Biblical intentions of humility. It also explores Saint Benedict's encouragement of all religious disciples to practice the Christlike characteristic.
How Can I Find God?: The Famous and the Not-So-Famous Consider the Quintessential Question
by James MartinThis vibrant collection brings together an array of voices addressing the question of how one might approach the search for God.
Napoleon for Dummies
by J. David MarkhamThis book gives you "everything you ever wanted to know about Napoleon but were afraid to ask." from the beginning of his life till the end, giving you a pretty exciting ride.
The Art of Eating
by M. F. K. Fisher Joan ReardonRUTH REICHL"Mary Frances [Fisher] has the extraordinary ability to make the ordinary seem rich and wonderful. Her dignity comes from her absolute insistence on appreciating life as it comes to her. " JULIA CHILD "How wonderful to have here in my hands the essence of M. F. K. Fisher, whose wit and fulsome opinions on food and those who produce it, comment upon it, and consume it are as apt today as they were several decades ago, when she composed them. Why did she choose food and hunger she was asked, and she replied, 'When I write about hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it, and warmth, and the love of it . . . and then the warmth and richness and fine reality of hunger satisfied. ' This is the stuff we need to hear, and to hear again and again. " ALCIE WATERS "This comprehensive volume should be required reading for every cook. It defines in a sensual and beautiful way the vital relationship between food and culture. "
The United States Presidents Illustrated
by Robert M. ReedThis comprehensive volume includes all 44 American presidents, from the nation's first to the most recent. Concise text highlights their lives, the times, and political climate in which they lived.
The Interrogator: The Story Of Hanns-joachim Scharff, Master Interrogator Of The Luftwaffe
by Raymond F. ToliverThis is the story of Hanns Scharff the master interrogator of the Luftwaffe who questioned captured American fighter pilots of the USAAF Eighth and Ninth Air Forces in World War II. This Intelligence Officer gained the reputation as the man who could magically get all the answers he needed from the prisoners of war. In most cases the POWs being interrogated never realized that their words, small talk or otherwise, were important pieces of the mosaic Hanns Scharff was constructing for the benefit of Germany\s war effort. In the words of one erstwhile POW; "What did Scharff get from me? Nothing, yet there is no doubt he got something. If you talked about the weather or anything else he no doubt got some information or confirmation from it. His technique was psychic, not physical." Another POW commented, "Hanns Scharff could probably get a confession of infidelity from a Nun!" They are right. To this day ex-POWs fret and worry over what they said or even might have implied during their interrogations, and over what use Scharff may have made of their slip-ups. This book delves into the question: What was this magic spell or formula used by Scharff which made prisoners drop their guard and converse with him even though they are conditioned to remain silent? The tortures and savagery of the North Koreans and North Vietnamese caused prisoners to resist to the death. Hanns Scharff\s methods broke down barriers so effectively that the USAF invited him to speak about his methods to military audiences in the United States after World War II. Raymond Toliver is also the author (with Trevor Constable) of Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe (available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).
Teach Me To Pray
by Andrew Murray Nancy RenichIn 31 short, readable chapters, the Christian is led through a study of prayer which is designed to develop, strengthen, and maintain a rich prayer life. The book also includes a chapter about the life and work of George Muller, a well-known 19th century preacher.
Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis
by Edgar Harrell David HarrellJuly 30, 1945--The USS Indianapolis and its 1,196-man crew is making its way toward a small island in the South Pacific. The ship is sailing unescorted, assured by headquarters the waters are safe. It is midnight, and Marine Edgar Harrell and several others have sacked out on deck rather than spend the night in their hot and muggy quarters below. Fresh off a top-secret mission to deliver uranium for the atomic bombs that would ultimately end World War II, they are unaware their ship is being watched. Minutes later, six torpedoes are slicing toward the Indy . . . <p><p> For five horrifying days and nights after their ship went down, Harrell and his shipmates had to fend for themselves in the open seas. Plagued by dehydration, exposure, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks, their numbers were cruelly depleted before they were miraculously rescued. This is one man's story of courage, ingenuity, and faith in God's providence in the midst of the worst naval disaster in U.S. history.