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Stochastic Optimization Methods: Applications in Engineering and Operations Research
by Kurt MartiThis book examines optimization problems that in practice involve random model parameters. It outlines the computation of robust optimal solutions, i.e., optimal solutions that are insensitive to random parameter variations, where appropriate deterministic substitute problems are needed. Based on the probability distribution of the random data and using decision theoretical concepts, optimization problems under stochastic uncertainty are converted into corresponding deterministic problems.Due to the probabilities and expectations involved, the book also shows how to apply approximative solution techniques. Several deterministic and stochastic approximation methods are provided: Taylor expansion methods, regression and response surface methods (RSM), probability inequalities, multiple linearization of survival/failure domains, discretization methods, convex approximation/deterministic descent directions/efficient points, stochastic approximation and gradient procedures, and differentiation formulas for probabilities and expectations.The fourth edition of this classic text has been carefully and thoroughly revised. It includes new chapters on the solution of stochastic linear programs by discretization of the underlying probability distribution, and on solving deterministic optimization problems by means of controlled random search methods and multiple random search procedures. It also presents a new application of stochastic optimization methods to machine learning problems with different loss functions. For the computation of optimal feedback controls under stochastic uncertainty, besides the open-loop feedback procedures, a new method based on Taylor expansions with respect to the gain parameters is presented. The book is intended for researchers and graduate students who are interested in stochastics, stochastic optimization, and control. It will also benefit professionals and practitioners whose work involves technical, economicand/or operations research problems under stochastic uncertainty.
Stochastic Programming in Supply Chain Risk Management: Resilience, Viability, and Cybersecurity (International Series in Operations Research & Management Science #359)
by Tadeusz SawikThis book offers a novel multi-portfolio approach and stochastic programming formulations for modeling and solving contemporary supply chain risk management problems. The focus of the book is on supply chain resilience under propagated disruptions, supply chain viability under severe crises, and supply chain cybersecurity under direct and indirect cyber risks. The content is illustrated with numerous computational examples, some of which are modeled on real-world supply chains subject to severe multi-regional or global crises, such as pandemics. In the computational examples, the proposed stochastic programming models are solved using an advanced algebraic modeling language AMPL and GUROBI solver. The book seamlessly continues the journey begun in the author’s previously published book “Supply Chain Disruption Management: Using Stochastic Mixed Integer Programming.” It equips readers with the knowledge, tools, and managerial insights needed to effectively model and address modern supply chain risk management challenges. As such, the book is designed for practitioners and researchers who are interested in supply chain risk management. Master’s and Ph.D. students in disciplines like supply chain management, operations research, industrial engineering, applied mathematics, and computer science will also find the book a valuable resource.
Storied Deserts: Reimagining Global Arid Lands (ISSN)
by Aidan Tynan Celina OsunaStoried Deserts makes a crucial and critical intervention in the field of environmental humanities by showcasing an emerging body of research on desert places from around the world.Deserts, despite dominant stereotypes of wasteland and barrenness, are culturally and ecologically abundant places. This edited volume sets out to reimagine the world’s desert places and the very concept of "the desert" itself, taking a boldly interdisciplinary and multicultural approach. Authors engage in literary ecocriticism and ecopoetics, film and visual studies, critical theory, personal and transdisciplinary reflection, creative practices, and historical scholarship. Through their diverse range of perspectives, contributors show how arid lands have been and can be understood as sites of narrative production, places where signs and imaginaries are born from the materialities of space and entanglement. In this way, this volume highlights how the storied matter of the Earth’s deserts informs lived realities, environmental histories, cinematic and literary imaginaries, political conflicts, and even intellectual categories such as "the human" and "the elemental".Ultimately, this book shows that reimagining desert places can help us to grapple with the epochal challenges of the Anthropocene. It is an important and engaging collection for scholars and students across disciplines that helps establish the value of desert humanities.
Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind
by Annalee NewitzOne of Publishers Weekly's Top 10 Politics/Current Events books of Spring 2024 A sharp and timely exploration of the dark art of manipulation through weaponized storytelling, from the best-selling author of Four Lost Cities. In Stories Are Weapons, best-selling author Annalee Newitz traces the way disinformation, propaganda, and violent threats—the essential tool kit for psychological warfare—have evolved from military weapons deployed against foreign adversaries into tools in domestic culture wars. Newitz delves into America’s deep-rooted history with psychological operations, beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s Revolutionary War–era fake newspaper and nineteenth-century wars on Indigenous nations, and reaching its apotheosis with the Cold War and twenty-first-century influence campaigns online. America’s secret weapon has long been coercive storytelling. And there’s a reason for that: operatives who shaped modern psychological warfare drew on their experiences as science fiction writers and in the advertising industry. Now, through a weapons-transfer program long unacknowledged, psyops have found their way into the hands of culture warriors, transforming democratic debates into toxic wars over American identity. Newitz zeroes in on conflicts over race and intelligence, school board fights over LGBT students, and campaigns against feminist viewpoints, revealing how, in each case, specific groups of Americans are singled out and treated as enemies of the state. Crucially, Newitz delivers a powerful counternarrative, speaking with the researchers and activists who are outlining a pathway to achieving psychological disarmament and cultural peace. Incisive and essential, Stories are Weapons reveals how our minds have been turned into blood-soaked battlegrounds—and how we can put down our weapons to build something better.
Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Brand
by Matthew DicksWIN CUSTOMERS AND BUILD BRANDS THROUGH THE POWER OF STORYTELLING Moth GrandSLAM all-time champion storyteller, writer, and business coach Matthew Dicks presents a guide to using the power of storytelling for success in business of any type or size. Matt has found that the basic principles of effective storytelling are universal, teachable, and more crucial than ever for business communication. Jam-packed with examples, Stories Sell reveals the ingredients of a compelling story and then demonstrates how they can be incorporated into persuasive marketing copy, productive face-to-face conversations, effective sales pitches, and presentations that people actually want to hear. Topics include: • The three elements of a winning story: stakes, suspense, and surprise • Finding the right narrative structure (and why beginning at the beginning isn’t always the best method) • The power of being vulnerable: how admitting your mistakes can build rapport with audiences • When and how to use humor • Zigging while others zag: making yourself stand out from competitors Whether you’re an online marketer, advertising professional, salesperson, small business owner, independent contractor, or Fortune 500 executive, Stories Sell will teach you to find your voice and get your message across for maximum impact and profit.
Storm: Marvel
by Tiffany D. JacksonBefore she was the super hero Storm of Marvel's X-Men, she was Ororo of Cairo—a teenaged thief on the streets of Egypt, until her growing powers catch the eye of a villain who steals people's souls. An epic origin story that will blow you away, from the New York Times bestselling author of Monday's Not Coming. Few can weather the storm. As a thief on the streets of Cairo, Ororo Munroe is an expert at blending in—keeping her blue eyes low and her white hair beneath a scarf. Stealth is her specialty . . . especially since strange things happen when she loses control. Lately, Ororo has been losing control more often, setting off sudden rainstorms and mysterious winds . . . and attracting dangerous attention. When she is forced to run from the Shadow King, a villain who steals people's souls, she has nowhere to turn to but herself. There is something inside her, calling her across Africa, and the hidden truth of her heritage is close enough to taste. But as Ororo nears the secrets of her past, her powers grow stronger and the Shadow King veers closer and closer. Can she outrun the shadows that chase her? Or can she step into the spotlight and embrace the coming storm? In her first speculative novel, New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson casts a breathtaking spell with one of Marvel's most beloved characters, and brings the superhero Storm to life as you've never seen her before.
Storm Child: Discover the smart, gripping and emotional thriller from the No.1 bestseller (Cyrus Haven)
by Michael RobothamA MASTERFUL THRILLER ABOUT FORGETTING, REMEMBERING, AND THE DANGERS OF BOTH... FROM THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF THE SUSPECT, THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS AND LYING BESIDE YOU'A razor-sharp and emotionally charged thriller that explores both the darkness of men's hearts and the resiliency of human spirit' LISA GARDNER'Tension and tenderness - Michael Robotham is that rare thing, a writer who does both brilliantly. An utterly thrilling emotional ride' WILLIAM SHAWThe storm is coming... The most painful of Evie Cormac's memories have been locked away, ever since she was held prisoner as a child - a child whose rescue captured hearts and headlines. Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven's mission is to guide her to something near normality. But today, on a Lincolnshire beach, seventeen bodies wash up in front of them. There is only one survivor, with two women still missing. And Evie's nightmares come roaring back... Whatever happened all those years ago lies at the core of this new tragedy. Because these deaths are no accident. The same dark forces are reaching out, dragging her back into the storm. Evie must now call upon Cyrus's unique skills, and her own, in their search for the missing pieces of this complex and haunting puzzle. But will that be enough to save them? And who will pay for the past?'A modern masterpiece . . . As deep, dark and stormy as the North Sea, this is truly compelling crime writing' ***** Reader Review'Robotham's storytelling is engrossing, capturing the shades of dark and light in his characters, with a fast pace and many twists and turns' ***** Reader Review'Moving and emotional, breaking your heart and warning it at the same time. Another tremendous and well-written read which is action-packed, full of tense and suspenseful moments' ***** Reader Review*WHEN YOU ARE MINE was a No.1 fiction bestseller in Australia in June 2021
Storm Child: Discover the smart, gripping and emotional thriller from the No.1 bestseller (Cyrus Haven)
by Michael RobothamSOME MEMORIES ARE BURIED FOR A REASON. . . The compulsively readable new thriller by the #1 bestselling and award-winning master of crimeThe most painful of Evie Cormac's memories have been locked away, ever since she was held prisoner as a child - a child whose rescue captured hearts and headlines.Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven's mission is to guide her to something near normality. But today, on a British beach, seventeen bodies wash up in front of them. There is only one survivor, with two women still missing. And Evie's nightmares come roaring back . . .Whatever happened all those years ago lies at the core of this new tragedy. Because these deaths are no accident. The same dark forces are reaching out, dragging her back into the storm.Evie must now call upon Cyrus's unique skills, and her own, in their search for the missing pieces of this complex and haunting puzzle. But will that be enough to save them? And who will pay for the past?
Storm Child: Discover the smart, gripping and emotional thriller from the No.1 bestseller (Cyrus Haven)
by Michael RobothamA MASTERFUL THRILLER ABOUT FORGETTING, REMEMBERING, AND THE DANGERS OF BOTH... FROM THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF THE SUSPECT, THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS AND LYING BESIDE YOU'A razor-sharp and emotionally charged thriller that explores both the darkness of men's hearts and the resiliency of human spirit' LISA GARDNER'Tension and tenderness - Michael Robotham is that rare thing, a writer who does both brilliantly. An utterly thrilling emotional ride' WILLIAM SHAWThe storm is coming... The most painful of Evie Cormac's memories have been locked away, ever since she was held prisoner as a child - a child whose rescue captured hearts and headlines. Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven's mission is to guide her to something near normality. But today, on a Lincolnshire beach, seventeen bodies wash up in front of them. There is only one survivor, with two women still missing. And Evie's nightmares come roaring back... Whatever happened all those years ago lies at the core of this new tragedy. Because these deaths are no accident. The same dark forces are reaching out, dragging her back into the storm. Evie must now call upon Cyrus's unique skills, and her own, in their search for the missing pieces of this complex and haunting puzzle. But will that be enough to save them? And who will pay for the past?'A modern masterpiece . . . As deep, dark and stormy as the North Sea, this is truly compelling crime writing' ***** Reader Review'Robotham's storytelling is engrossing, capturing the shades of dark and light in his characters, with a fast pace and many twists and turns' ***** Reader Review'Moving and emotional, breaking your heart and warning it at the same time. Another tremendous and well-written read which is action-packed, full of tense and suspenseful moments' ***** Reader Review*WHEN YOU ARE MINE was a No.1 fiction bestseller in Australia in June 2021
Storm Child: Discover the smart, gripping and emotional thriller from the No.1 bestseller (Cyrus Haven)
by Michael Robotham'Storm Child is a riveting and absorbing masterpiece - a cancel-your-social-plans and ignore-your-family kind of book. Michael Robotham never lets me down!' CHRISTIAN WHITESOME MEMORIES ARE BURIED FOR A REASON. . . The compulsively readable new thriller by the #1 bestselling and award-winning master of crimeThe most painful of Evie Cormac's memories have been locked away, ever since she was held prisoner as a child - a child whose rescue captured hearts and headlines.Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven's mission is to guide her to something near normality. But today, on a British beach, seventeen bodies wash up in front of them. There is only one survivor, with two women still missing. And Evie's nightmares come roaring back . . .Whatever happened all those years ago lies at the core of this new tragedy. Because these deaths are no accident. The same dark forces are reaching out, dragging her back into the storm.Evie must now call upon Cyrus's unique skills, and her own, in their search for the missing pieces of this complex and haunting puzzle. But will that be enough to save them? And who will pay for the past?'Robotham is not just among the world's top thriller writers, he is without question the best when it comes to characters whose pain we feel. Storm Child is a great read with something important to say' LINWOOD BARCLAY'Robotham has yet again delivered a brilliant tale, fizzing with fascinating characters and shocking plot twists. I couldn't take my eyes off the page' ROSE CARLYLE'A razor-sharp and emotionally charged thriller that explores both the darkness of men's hearts and the resiliency of human spirit' LISA GARDNER'I couldn't put this down. Complex characters, plenty of twists and turns, Storm Child left me breathless' SIMON McCLEAVE'Tension and tenderness - Michael Robotham is that rare thing, a writer who does both brilliantly. And that makes Storm Child an utterly thrilling emotional ride. I enjoyed it hugely' WILLIAM SHAW'Robotham is one of our best crime writers' WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN'One of crime's smartest practitioners' THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY'The guy can't write a bad book' STEPHEN KING
Storm Warning
by David BellA man living on a Florida barrier island must protect his family from both an approaching hurricane and a relentless killer.Jake Powell is racing to get off the island as a powerful hurricane approaches. When he finds his best friend Dallas, the building manager, dead from a blow to the skull, Jake realizes there&’s more than the storm to fear. There&’s a murderer on the island, maybe even still inside the nearly abandoned building. Dallas had repeatedly run afoul of the wealthy owners of the building by complaining about code violations and the precarious state of the condos. But he&’d also once told Jake that every resident had a secret they&’d come to Florida to escape. Had one of them killed to conceal their sins? As a dozen people shelter together in hopes of surviving the deadly hurricane, a second murder makes it all too clear: one of them is a dangerous killer.
The Storm We Made: A Novel
by Vanessa ChanNATIONAL BESTSELLER A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK In this spellbinding novel, an ordinary housewife becomes an unlikely spy—and her dark secrets will test even the most unbreakable ties.Malaya, 1945. Cecily Alcantara&’s family is in terrible danger: her fifteen-year-old son, Abel, has disappeared, and her youngest daughter, Jasmin, is confined in a basement to prevent being pressed into service at the comfort stations. Her eldest daughter Jujube, who works at a tea house frequented by drunk Japanese soldiers, becomes angrier by the day. Cecily knows two things: that this is all her fault; and that her family must never learn the truth. A decade prior, Cecily had been desperate to be more than a housewife to a low-level bureaucrat in British-colonized Malaya. A chance meeting with the charismatic General Fujiwara lured her into a life of espionage, pursuing dreams of an &“Asia for Asians.&” Instead, Cecily helped usher in an even more brutal occupation by the Japanese. Ten years later as the war reaches its apex, her actions have caught up with her. Now her family is on the brink of destruction—and she will do anything to save them. Spanning years of pain and triumph, told from the perspectives of four unforgettable characters, The Storm We Made is a dazzling saga about the horrors of war; the fraught relationships between the colonized and their oppressors, and the ambiguity of right and wrong when survival is at stake.
Stormcrow: The brand new 2024 historical blockbuster about Vikings, bloodshed and battles
by Ben KaneOn the east coast of Ireland thirteen-year old Finn finds the sword of a slain Norseman, and with Odin's raven watching, is given the name Stormcrow. When Finn's family is torn apart by a random act of violence, and the sword lost, he embarks on a quest for revenge with his oldest friend, the shaman Vekel.It is a path that will lead to the court of the High King of Ireland, Máel Sechnaill, and to the Norse city of Dyflin, ruled by Sigtrygg Silkbeard. Crewing on a longship, Stormcrow raids up and down the Irish coastline, seeking not just riches but vengeance for his murdered father. Against a backdrop of political alliances made and broken, battles won and lost, Stormcrow's life as a Norse raider seems certain until he meets Sigtrygg's new wife.In the eye of the storm, Stormcrow dices with death yet again.Only the gods know if he will survive.
Stormcrow: The brand new 2024 historical blockbuster about Vikings, bloodshed and battles
by Ben KaneOn the east coast of Ireland thirteen-year old Finn finds the sword of a slain Norseman, and with Odin's raven watching, is given the name Stormcrow. When Finn's family is torn apart by a random act of violence, and the sword lost, he embarks on a quest for revenge with his oldest friend, the shaman Vekel.It is a path that will lead to the court of the High King of Ireland, Máel Sechnaill, and to the Norse city of Dyflin, ruled by Sigtrygg Silkbeard. Crewing on a longship, Stormcrow raids up and down the Irish coastline, seeking not just riches but vengeance for his murdered father. Against a backdrop of political alliances made and broken, battles won and lost, Stormcrow's life as a Norse raider seems certain until he meets Sigtrygg's new wife.In the eye of the storm, Stormcrow dices with death yet again.Only the gods know if he will survive.
The Story of Audrey Hepburn: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)
by Natasha WingDiscover the life of Audrey Hepburn—a story about grace, passion, and helping others for kids ages 6 to 9Audrey Hepburn was a famous actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian. Before she became a movie star, she was a young girl in Belgium who wanted to be a ballerina. She lived through a world war and many other difficult times, but never gave up on her dreams and was always kind to everyone around her. This Audrey Hepburn kids' book explores how she went from hiding her identity to being one of the most beloved celebrities in the world.Independent reading—This Audrey Hepburn biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own.Critical thinking—Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Audrey's life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more.A lasting legacy—Find out how Audrey's love of animals, children, and learning new languages made her an amazing ambassador who traveled the world to help people in need.How will Audrey's positive attitude and generous spirit inspire you?
The Story of Mary Liu
by Edward Hunter"The Story of Mary Liu" by Edward Hunter is a poignant and powerful narrative that delves into the life of Mary Liu, a courageous woman who endured and resisted the harsh realities of communist China. Through her personal story, Hunter paints a vivid picture of the cultural and political turmoil that defined mid-20th century China.Mary Liu's journey is one of resilience and determination. Born into a world of political upheaval, she navigates the oppressive environment of Maoist China, where fear and suspicion permeate daily life. The book captures her struggles against the repressive regime, her fight for personal and religious freedom, and her ultimate quest for a life of dignity and truth.Hunter's meticulous research and compelling storytelling bring Mary Liu's experiences to life, offering readers an intimate look at the human side of history. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of tyranny and the enduring hope for a better future."The Story of Mary Liu" is more than a biography; it is a lens through which readers can understand the broader socio-political landscape of communist China. It highlights the profound impact of political ideologies on individual lives and underscores the universal desire for freedom and justice.This book is a must-read for those interested in Chinese history, human rights, and the inspiring stories of individuals who stand against oppression. Edward Hunter's "The Story of Mary Liu" is a moving tribute to one woman's bravery and an enlightening exploration of a tumultuous period in world history.
The Story of the Totem Pole: Early Indian Legends
by Chief William SheltonImmerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and timeless wisdom of the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest with Chief William Shelton's The Story of the Totem Pole: Early Indian Legends. This captivating collection offers readers an authentic glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of totem poles and the legends that surround them.Chief William Shelton, a respected leader of the Tulalip Tribes, brings to life the ancient stories and traditions passed down through generations. The Story of the Totem Pole is a beautiful anthology of legends that explain the origins and meanings of these magnificent carvings, which serve as symbols of identity, history, and spirituality for many Native American communities.Through engaging and evocative storytelling, Shelton shares tales of heroic deeds, mythical creatures, and the deep connection between the natural and spiritual worlds. Each story is imbued with cultural values and teachings that reflect the beliefs and customs of the Pacific Northwest tribes. Shelton's narrative voice resonates with authenticity and reverence, preserving the oral traditions that have been integral to the cultural fabric of his people.The Story of the Totem Pole: Early Indian Legends is an essential read for anyone interested in Native American cultures, folklore, and art. Chief William Shelton's work serves as a valuable educational resource and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of the totem pole.Join Chief William Shelton on a journey through the myths and legends of the Pacific Northwest tribes, and discover the profound stories that continue to inspire and teach. The Story of the Totem Pole is a timeless celebration of cultural heritage, offering readers a meaningful connection to the rich traditions of the Native American people.
Storying the Ecocatastrophe: Contemporary Narratives about the Environmental Collapse (Routledge Studies in World Literatures and the Environment)
by Helena Duffy Katarina LeppänenHow do writers and artists represent the climate catastrophe so that their works stir audiences to political action or at least raise their environmental awareness without, however, appearing didactic? Storying the Ecocatastrophe attempts to answer this question while interrogating the potential of narrative to become a viable political force. The collection of essays achieves this by examining the representational strategies and ideological goals of contemporary cultural productions about climate change. These productions have been created across different genres, such as the traditional novel, dance performance, solarpunk, economic report, collage, and space opera, as well as across different languages and cultures. The volume’s twelve chapters demonstrate that rising temperatures, erratic weather, extinction of species, depletion of resources, and coastal erosion and flooding are an effect of our abusive relationship with nature. They also show that our use of nuclear power, extraction of natural resources and extensive farming, including heavy reliance on pesticides, intersect with intrahuman violence, as fleshed out by heteropatriarchy, racism, (neo)colonialism, and capitalism. They finally argue that human activity has indirectly contributed to other contemporary crises, namely the migrant crisis and the spread of contagious diseases such as Covid-19.
Storytelling to Accelerate Climate Solutions
by Hua Wang Emily CorenThe climate is changing faster than our cultural practices are adapting to it. This Open Access volume, co-edited by Emily Coren (a science communicator) and Hua Wang (a communication scientist), presents a survey of the latest in agency-focused climate storytelling. Together, practitioners and scholars across different fields shared their knowledge, experience, and insight about how stories can be designed and told to engage, enable, and empower individuals and communities in climate communication and action. You will learn a wide range of narrative strategies and exemplary applications of climate storytelling in terms of professional practices (e.g., education, literature, journalism, popular media), genres and formats (e.g., drama, comedy, fiction), media platforms (e.g., television, radio, mobile), and communication modalities (e.g., text, visual, audio, multisensory). Entertainment-education has been proven over decades to be an effective tool for social and behavior change in the public health sphere and has not yet been applied at scale to the massive ongoing climate–related disasters that we need to solve now, fast. There is an urgent need to rapidly apply and adapt public engagement tools for climate communication to speed up our response times for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This book takes a snapshot of where climate storytelling is currently at, describes where it fits within a climate communication landscape, and supports the next steps of its development. It facilitates the of creation climate storytelling efficiently by sharing and amplifying what is working well, and building collaborations between practitioners and researchers.This is an open access book.
Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare
by Will Tosh'Engrossing, enlightening and hugely entertaining'SARAH WATERS, author of Fingersmith'Brilliant - so vivid and so sharp, fantastically clever and consistently fascinating'KATHERINE RUNDELL, author of Super-InfiniteWas Shakespeare gay? The answer is both simpler and more complex than you might think . . .Shakespeare's work was profoundly influenced by the queer culture of his time - much of it totally integrated into mainstream society. From a relentless schooling in Latin and Greek homoeroticism, to a less formal education on the streets and in smoky taverns, from the gender-bending of the early comedies to the astonishingly queer literary scene that nurtured Shakespeare's sonnets, this is a story of artistic development and of personal crisis.Straight Acting is a surprising portrait of Shakespeare's queer lives - his own and those in his plays and poems. It is a journey back in time and through Shakespeare's England, revealing a culture that both endorsed and supressed same-sex desire. It is a call to stop making Shakespeare act straight and to recognise how queerness powerfully shaped the life and career of the world's most famous playwright.'Magisterial and saucy . . . This fresh account kickstarts the queer canon of English literature: Shakespeare won't go back in the closet again'EMMA SMITH, author of This Is Shakespeare
Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare
by Will Tosh'Engrossing, enlightening and hugely entertaining'SARAH WATERS, author of Fingersmith'Brilliant - so vivid and so sharp, fantastically clever and consistently fascinating'KATHERINE RUNDELL, author of Super-InfiniteWas Shakespeare gay? The answer is both simpler and more complex than you might think . . .Shakespeare's work was profoundly influenced by the queer culture of his time - much of it totally integrated into mainstream society. From a relentless schooling in Latin and Greek homoeroticism, to a less formal education on the streets and in smoky taverns, from the gender-bending of the early comedies to the astonishingly queer literary scene that nurtured Shakespeare's sonnets, this is a story of artistic development and of personal crisis.Straight Acting is a surprising portrait of Shakespeare's queer lives - his own and those in his plays and poems. It is a journey back in time and through Shakespeare's England, revealing a culture that both endorsed and supressed same-sex desire. It is a call to stop making Shakespeare act straight and to recognise how queerness powerfully shaped the life and career of the world's most famous playwright.'Magisterial and saucy . . . This fresh account kickstarts the queer canon of English literature: Shakespeare won't go back in the closet again'EMMA SMITH, author of This Is Shakespeare
Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight
by Melissa OliverExperience the drama unfolding in this medieval forbidden romance set around the wild Cornish coast Caught between duty…And forbidden desire!Lady Elowen is traveling to her loveless arranged betrothal when she&’s rescued from a storm by Lord Simon Trebarr—the enigmatic knight whose family has long been enemies of her own. She should hate him, yet an unwanted attraction has always simmered whenever he&’s near… Within the walls of Simon&’s Cornish castle, can Elowen resist experiencing passion before condemning herself to a life without it…even if it&’s with the man who should be her enemy?From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Strange Scriptures That Perplex the Western Mind: Clarified in the Light of Customs and Conditions in Bible Lands
by Barbara M. BowenDelve into the intriguing world of biblical interpretation with Barbara M. Bowen's Strange Scriptures That Perplex the Western Mind. This enlightening book offers readers a comprehensive guide to understanding the cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts of various biblical passages that often confuse or perplex modern Western readers.Barbara M. Bowen, an esteemed biblical scholar and educator, provides a detailed exploration of scriptures that seem mysterious or contradictory when viewed through a contemporary Western lens. By shedding light on the ancient customs, traditions, and idiomatic expressions of the times, Bowen reveals the true meanings and profound wisdom contained within these passages.Strange Scriptures That Perplex the Western Mind covers a wide range of topics, including enigmatic sayings, puzzling parables, and complex metaphors found in both the Old and New Testaments. Bowen's accessible and engaging writing style makes these ancient texts come alive, offering readers new insights and a deeper appreciation for the richness of the biblical narrative.The book is organized thematically, making it easy for readers to navigate and find explanations for specific passages that have long puzzled them. Bowen's thorough research and thoughtful analysis provide clear and concise interpretations that bridge the gap between ancient and modern understanding.This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Bible, whether they are students of theology, clergy, or lay readers. Strange Scriptures That Perplex the Western Mind not only clarifies confusing passages but also enriches the reader's overall comprehension of the Bible's message and its relevance to contemporary life.
The Strange Wonders of Roots
by Evan GriffithFrom the acclaimed author of Manatee Summer comes a poignant story about a girl who learns to lay down roots as she’s drawn into a fight over a local grove of trees that’s in danger of being torn down. Perfect for fans of Hoot and Operation Redwood.Holly Foster knows that nothing lasts—not hometowns or schools, or even family. It’s just safer to keep herself uninvolved. So when she’s sent to spend part of the summer with her uncle, she knows better than to get attached to him…or any part of his small Vermont town of Arden.But when she arrives, she’s drawn into the drama that’s split the town: The local plastic factory is trying to tear down the trees in the center of Arden to build a visitor’s center and museum. Holly shocks herself by stepping into the fray and taking on one of the most powerful families in the area. But as she learns more about the town—and makes a new friend or two—Holly is determined to protect the one place she thinks she could finally belong. But will she be able to convince the other townspeople that the trees deserve to stay?
The Stranger in the Asylum (A World's End Bureau Mystery #4)
by Alys ClareLondon, April 1882. When cool-headed Phyllida visits the World's End Investigation Bureau to offer a curious case concerning her fiance, proprietor Lily Raynor is intrigued—and privately excited. For accepting the case means taking an unexpected trip abroad, to France. Phyllida's fiance, Wilberforce, is currently in an asylum in Brittany, after a tragic incident which resulted in the death of his father. Did he kill him on purpose—or was it an accident? Wilberforce's innocence looks increasingly in doubt when another murder happens at the asylum—and the evidence points to Wilberforce being the culprit. Phyllida fears for Wilberforce's wellbeing, but she can't marry a murderer! With the engagement hanging in the balance, Phyllida wants to know the truth before it's too late. Lily and her assistant, Felix Wilbraham, journey to rural France to uncover the truth, but the case takes an unexpected turn when they discover that the accused man has escaped the asylum and is nowhere to be found. Soon the intrepid investigators are in over their heads with much greater and unexpected powers at play...