Olibro

Diarmaid MacCulloch's epic, acclaimed history A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years follows the story of Christianity around the globe, from ancient Palestine to contemporary China. How did an obscure personality cult come to be the world's biggest religion, with a third of humanity its followers? This book, now the most comprehensive and up to date single volume work in English, describes not only the main facts, ideas and personalities of Christian history, its organization and spirituality, but how it has changed politics, sex, and human society. Taking in wars, empires, reformers, apostles, sects, churches and crusaders, Diarmaid MacCulloch shows how Christianity has brought humanity to the most terrible acts of cruelty - and inspired its most sublime accomplishments. 'A stunning tour de force' Simon Sebag Montefiore, Sunday Telegraph Books of the Year 'A landmark in its field, astonishing in its range, compulsively readable, full of insight ... It will have few, if any, rivals in the English language' Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Guardian 'A prodigious, thrilling, masterclass of a history book' John Cornwell, Financial Times 'Essential reading for those enthralled by Christianity and for those enraged by it' Melvyn Bragg, Observer, Books of the Year 'Magnificent ... a sumptuous portrait, alive with detail and generous in judgement' Richard Holloway, The Times Diarmaid MacCulloch is Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford University. His Thomas Cranmer won the Whitbread Biography Prize, the James Tait Black Prize and the Duff Cooper Prize. He is the author most recently of Reformation: Europe's House Divided 1490 - 1700, which won the Wolfson Prize for History and the British Academy Prize.

"The History of Crime and Punishment: Readings and Documents in Criminal Justice is the first anthology devoted to the history of crime and punishment and designed for the college classroom. It offers a number of documents and articles devoted to crime, criminality and punishment throughout history, including the ancient and medieval eras and colonial through 21st century American history. This book is an ideal supplement for the various textbooks used to teach the history of criminal justice at every level. Readers will be engaged and enthralled by the range of topics presented in this text, including Americäs first famous serial killer, eyewitness descriptions of executions, the Code of Hammurabi, and the experiences of Theodore Roosevelt as New York City Police Commissioner. " Mitchel P. Roth (Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara) is a professor of criminal justice at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he teaches the History of Criminal Justice and a variety of other courses. Roth is one of only a handful of historians teaching in a criminal justice department in the United States. He is the author of 13 books, including the widely used textbook Crime and Punishment: A History of the Criminal Justice System (Second Edition, Wadsworth/Cengage), Historical Dictionary of Law Enforcement (2001), Global Organized Crime (2010), and Encyclopedia of War Journalism (2010). He has also authored numerous articles and book chapters, and he is in the process of writing Global History of Crime and Punishment.

This book examines the use of diagrams throughout history, from their Paleolithic antecedents to the present day. Drawing on theories and concepts from the cognitive sciences, the author explores the evolution of diagrammatic forms and their impact on the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. This exploration reveals how paradigm shifts in worldviews and advances in image production technologies have shaped the way humans have given spatial form to abstract ideas. Highlighting global trends and regional variations, the book offers insights into how different societies have visualised complex ideas over time. Scholars, researchers and students in disciplines such as cognitive science, history and visual studies will find this book enlightening. It provides a comprehensive analysis that bridges historical and contemporary perspectives, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the central role of diagrams in human thought and communication.

A delightful, thoughtful and original new way to understand England's historyA Times Best Book of the Year 2025A History Extra History Book of the Year 2025'This is a marvellous idea, quite brilliantly realised. Catherine Clarke takes 25 poems [...] and uses them as windows into the English past, from politics and plagues to nature and nostalgia. Her book is a winning blend of jolly ballads and melancholy reflections, alive to the ways in which the meanings of England and Englishness are never fixed, always changing' - Dominic Sandbrook, The TimesThis is the history of England told in a new way: glimpsed through twenty-five remarkable poems written down between the eighth century and today, which connect us directly with the nation's past, and the experiences, emotions and imaginations of those who lived it.These poems open windows onto wildly different worlds - from the public to the intimate, from the witty to the savage, from the playful to the wistful. They take us onto battlefields, inside royal courts, down coal mines and below stairs in great houses. Their creators, witnesses to events from the Great Fire of London to the Miners' Strike, range from the famous to the forgotten, yet each invites us into an immersive encounter with their own time.A History of England in 25 Poems is a portal to the past; a constant companion, filled with vivid voices and surprising stories alongside familiar landmarks, and language that speaks in new ways on each reading. Catherine Clarke's knowledge and passion take us inside the words and the moments they capture, with thoughtful insights, humour and new perspectives on how the nation has dreamed itself into existence - and who gets to tell England's story.

"As all aspects of our social and informational lives increasingly migrate online, the line between what is 'real' and what is digitally fabricated grows ever thinner-and that fake content has undeniable real-world consequences. A History of Fake Things on the Internet takes the long view of how advances in technology brought us to the point where faked texts, images, and video content are nearly indistinguishable from what is authentic or true. Computer scientist Walter J. Scheirer takes a deep dive into the origins of fake news, conspiracy theories, reports of the paranormal, and other deviations from reality that have become part of mainstream culture, from image manipulation in the nineteenth-century darkroom to the literary stylings of large language models like ChatGPT. Scheirer investigates the origins of Internet fakes, from early hoaxes that traversed the globe via Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs), USENET, and a new messaging technology called email, to today's hyperrealistic, AI-generated Deepfakes. An expert in machine learning and recognition, Scheirer breaks down the technical advances that made new developments in digital deception possible, and shares behind-the-screens details of early Internet-era pranks that have become touchstones of hacker lore. His story introduces us to the visionaries and mischief-makers who first deployed digital fakery and continue to influence how digital manipulation works--and doesn't--today: computer hackers, digital artists, media forensics specialists, and AI researchers. Ultimately, Scheirer argues that problems associated with fake content are not intrinsic properties of the content itself, but rather, stem from human behavior, demonstrating our capacity for both creativity and destruction"--

Discover the spine-tingling history of ghosts and the supernatural across the world in this stunningly illustrated title.A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most intriguing and enduring subjects in the world, covering everything from Neolithic ancestor worship and ancient necromancy to modern-day ghost-hunting and "creepypasta" tales, and from the Japanese onryo to the La Llorona of Latin America.The perfect introduction to the subject, this fascinating volume charts the various ways in which spirits and the spirit world have been depicted in myth and religion, folklore, art, literature, and cinema, and how the idea of ghosts and otherworldly beings have resonated with people through history and across the world.In this blood-curdling book, you will find:- More than 350 full-colour images combined with engaging, accessible text that brings the subject to life, with biographies of key figures- Infamous tales of haunted houses and ghost ships, séances and mediumship, poltergeists, possessions, and demonic encounters- Profiles of other unearthly and undead beings such as werewolves and vampires, and galleries of everything from effigies and dolls to tools used in paranormal investigations- Details of scientific theories that have attempted to shed light on the spirit phenomenon - such as "stone tape" theory and Kirlian photographyA serious and comprehensive, but accessible guide to the subject, A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural will shock and delight you in equal measure - whether you are a believer or a sceptic.The Esoteric Histories seriesWith global sales of more than 300,000 copies, DK's Esoteric Histories explore the rich traditions of mystical and mysterious subjects - from witchcraft to the world of the unexplained - weaving together religion, mythology, folklore, and the paranormal with art, culture, and science. Other titles in the series include A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult; A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy; and A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny.

Discover the spine-tingling history of ghosts and the supernatural across the world in this stunningly illustrated title.<BR><BR>A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most intriguing and enduring subjects in the world, covering everything from Neolithic ancestor worship and ancient necromancy to modern-day ghost-hunting and "creepypasta" tales, and from the Japanese onryo to the La Llorona of Latin America.<BR><BR>The perfect introduction to the subject, this fascinating volume charts the various ways in which spirits and the spirit world have been depicted in myth and religion, folklore, art, literature, and cinema, and how the idea of ghosts and otherworldly beings has resonated with people through history and across the world.<BR><BR>In this blood-curdling book, you will find:<BR> <BR><BR>- More than 350 full-colour images combined with engaging, accessible text that brings the subject to life, with biographies of key figures- Infamous tales of haunted houses and ghost ships, séances and mediumship, poltergeists, possessions, and demonic encounters- Profiles of other unearthly and undead beings, such as werewolves and vampires, and galleries of everything from effigies and dolls to tools used in paranormal investigations- Details of scientific theories that have attempted to shed light on the spirit phenomenon, such as "the stone tape" theory and Kirlian photography<BR>A serious and comprehensive, but accessible guide to the subject, A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural will shock and delight you in equal measure - whether you are a believer or a skeptic.<BR><BR>The Esoteric Histories series<BR><BR>With global sales of more than 300,000 copies, DK's Esoteric Histories explore the rich traditions of mystical and mysterious subjects - from witchcraft to the world of the unexplained - weaving together religion, mythology, folklore, and the paranormal with art, culture, and science. Other titles in the series include A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult; A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy; and A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny.

A sweeping history explores why people living in resource-poor areas lack access to basic health care after billions of dollars have been invested in international-health assistance.Over the past century, hundreds of billions of dollars have been invested in programs aimed at improving health on a global scale. Given the enormous scale and complexity of these lifesaving operations, why do millions of people in low-income countries continue to live without access to basic health services, sanitation, or clean water? And why are deadly diseases like Ebola able to spread so quickly among populations?In A History of Global Health, Randall M. Packard argues that global-health initiatives have saved millions of lives but have had limited impact on the overall health of people living in underdeveloped areas, where health-care workers are poorly paid, infrastructure and basic supplies such as disposable gloves, syringes, and bandages are lacking, and little effort has been made to address the underlying social and economic determinants of ill health. Global-health campaigns have relied on the application of biomedical technologies--vaccines, insecticide-treated nets, vitamin A capsules--to attack specific health problems but have failed to invest in building lasting infrastructure for managing the ongoing health problems of local populations.Designed to be read and taught, the book offers a critical historical view, providing historians, policy makers, researchers, program managers, and students with an essential new perspective on the formation and implementation of global-health policies and practices.

This book examines the history of goblins from the Middle Ages to the present. It shows that goblins—whether interpreted as creatures, objects, ideas, or people—were historically contingent and grounded in an often-hazy interplay between folkloric and folkloresque traditions. As such, goblins cannot be reduced to a singular appearance or set of characteristics. They are products of their historical environments, which has allowed people throughout history to portray them without contradiction in varied fashions: demons working on behalf of Satan, residents of Fairyland that occasionally enter our world to perform mischievous tricks, and cave-dwelling villains united under a goblin king in the fantasy universes of Tolkien or Dungeons & Dragons (among countless others).These manifold interpretations of the goblin do not mean that the word was so multifaceted as to have no widespread, underlying connotations. Goblins have tended to serve as crude, destructive mimicries of something deemed abnormal by a given author. Humans labeled as goblins were often those that fell outside of normative ideas about proper appearances and behaviors, especially according to Anglophone elites. This pejorative categorization was sometimes applied to those with dark skin (including the "pygmies" of Central Africa as described by British colonial administrators of the nineteenth century) and those with observable disabilities. In the twenty-first century, however, goblins have seen a sympathetic reappraisal that inverts these longstanding stereotypes as assets in an age of unreasonable societal expectations. The framing of goblins as sympathetic protagonists in fantasy novels, oppressed victims of human aggression in RPGs, and avatars for underappreciated natural beauty on Goblincore forums has inverted the negative tropes that so frequently defined them in decades prior.Endorsement:"In this masterful survey, Matt King guides the reader through the millennium-long history of goblins, from their origins in medieval Christian demonology to their ubiquity in modern fantasy literature and role-playing games. Drawing from a deep well of historical beliefs, folkloric traditions, and literary representations, he shows how nineteenth- and twentieth-century depictions of goblins as malevolent spirits and villainous agents rife with racial overtones have receded in the wake of more sympathetic interpretations of these preternatural creatures as we embrace and celebrate our ‘goblin mode.’"— Scott G. Bruce, Professor of History, Fordham University, USA; editor of The Penguin Book of Demons

'Loud, unapologetic and full of love, Andrew O'Neill's essential and much-needed History of Heavy Metal is as funny and preposterous as this mighty music deserves' - John HiggsThe history of heavy metal brings brings us extraordinary stories of larger-than-life characters living to excess, from the household names of Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica (SIT DOWN, LARS!), to the brutal notoriety of the underground Norwegian black metal scene and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. It is the story of a worldwide network of rabid fans escaping everyday mundanity through music, of cut-throat corporate arseholes ripping off those fans and the bands they worship to line their pockets. The expansive pantheon of heavy metal musicians includes junkies, Satanists and murderers, born-again Christians and teetotallers, stadium-touring billionaires and toilet-circuit journeymen. Award-winning comedian and life-long heavy metal obsessive Andrew O'Neill has performed his History of Heavy Metal comedy show to a huge range of audiences, from the teenage metalheads of Download festival to the broadsheet-reading theatre-goers of the Edinburgh Fringe. Now, in his first book, he takes us on his own very personal and hilarious journey through the history of this most enduring and misunderstood of subcultures.

Take a step - if you dare - into the shadows, and discover the blood-curdling history of horror across the world in this gruesomely illustrated title.A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny explores the dark and eerie landscapes of horror down the centuries - from prehistoric death rituals to modern interpretations in art, literature, and film.In this petrifying book, you will find:- A complete global history of the subject - from ancient visions of the Underworld and horror in fairytales to Gothic horror and "creepypasta" tales- More than 350 stunning full-colour images combined with engaging and accessible text- Profiles of infamous supernatural creatures - from ghosts and demons to banshees and changelings, and from Grendel to Baba Yaga and the Morrigan to the Golem- Profiles of the scariest books and films of all time - from novels by Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Stephen King to movies like The Exorcist, The Shining, and Alien...in a stunning, giftable package with a specially commissioned cover artwork and gorily printed page edges.Discover how our experience and understanding of fear and terror have evolved through the ages, beginning with the ancient visions of a hellish Underworld. Encounter terrifying figures like Medusa and the Babylonian demon Pazuzu. And tread carefully through the medieval world, where a fear of the unknown stoked apocalyptic terror around the Black Death and gave rise to the danse macabre and the demonology of the Malleus Maleficarum.Delve into the folklore that gave birth to creatures of the night - from vampires and werewolves to the Japanese Kappa water demon and the cannibalistic Wendigo of Indigenous American lore. Witness the emergence of Gothic literature, with the terrifying and genre-defining works of authors like Mary Shelley, H. P. Lovecraft, and M. R. James. And learn how the 20th century saw a new wave of terror unleashed through Expressionist art, monsters in the movies, "body horror" films, and the "folk horror" revival.Whether you are a dedicated horror aficionado or simply curious, A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny isn't just for Halloween... It is a thrilling - chilling - journey into the heart of darkness.The Esoteric Histories seriesWith global sales of more than 300,000 copies, DK's Esoteric Histories explore the rich traditions of mystical and mysterious subjects - from witchcraft to the world of the unexplained - weaving together religion, mythology, folklore, and the paranormal with art, culture, and science. Other titles in the series include A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult; A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural; and A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy.

A history of Icelandic cinema from the silent period to 2019, featuring interviews with numerous major filmmakers. The book also charts the significant links between the film industry and Iceland's deep rooted literary tradition, as well as its independent music scene.

Part I. Introduction: Of People, Places, and Parlance Claudy Op den Kamp and Dan Hunter; Objects: Part II. The Pre-Modern Period: 1. Goryeo celadon Hee-Kyoung Spiritas Cho; 2. Murano glass vase Stefania Fusco; 3. Mona Lisa Andrea Wallace; 4. Tempesta map of Rome Jane C. Ginsburg; Part III. The Age of Invention: 5. Hogarth engraving Michael Punt; 6. Lithograph Amanda Scardamaglia; 7. Morse telegraph Adam Mossoff; 8. Singer sewing machine Lionel Bently; 9. Uncle Tom's Cabin Peter Jaszi; 10. Corset Kara W. Swanson; 11. A. G. Bell telephone Christopher Beauchamp; 12. Light bulb Stef van Gompel; 13. Oscar Wilde portrait Megan Richardson; 14. Kodak camera Jessica Lake; 15. Kinetoscope Peter Decherney; 16. Deerstalker hat Ronan Deazley; 17. Paper print Claudy Op den Kamp; Part IV. Modern Times: 18. Player piano roll Maurizio Borghi; 19. Champagne Dev S. Gangjee; 20. Steamboat Willie Peter Decherney; 21. PH-lamp Stina Teilmann-Lock; 22. Climbing rose Brad Sherman; 23. Penguin paperback Stuart Kells; 24. Ferragamo Wedge Marianne Dahlén; 25. Aspirin pill Catherine Bond; Part V. The Consumption Age: 26. Bell transistor Beth Webster; 27. Oral contraceptive pill Melanie Brown; 28. Photocopier Jessica Silbey; 29. Elstar Apple Jeroen Scharroo; 30. Chanel 2.55 Jeannie Suk Gersen; 31. Lego brick Dan Hunter and Julian Thomas; 32. Barbie doll Dan Hunter and Greg Lastowka; 33. Coca-Cola bottle Jacob Gersen and C. Scott Hemphill; 34. Zapruder film Brian L. Frye; 35. Audiotape cassette Robin Wright; 36. Action figure Jason Bainbridge; 37. RAM-chip Jake Goldenfein; 38. Football Michael J. Madison; Part VI. The Digital Now: 39. Polymer banknote Tom Spurling; 40. Post-it note Stavroula Karapapa; 41. Betamax Julian Thomas; 42. Escalator Megan M. Carpenter; 43. 3D printer Dinusha Mendis; 44. CD Matthew David; 45. Internet Jonathan Zittrain; 46. Wi-fi router Terry Healy; 47. Viagra pill Graham Dutfield; 48. Qantas skybed Mitchell Adams; 49. Mike Tyson tattoo Marie Hadley; 50. Bitcoin Primavera De Filippi.

Diese aktualisierte vierte Ausgabe des bekannten Standardwerkes, mit vielen neuen Fotos und Texten, verknüpft die Bereiche Architektur, Möbeldesign, Technik und Produktdesign, eingebettet in den historischen Kontext.Das Buch enthält Überblicksdarstellungen über historische Wohnformen wie auch detaillierte Einzelbetrachtungen berühmter Gebäude von den frühen Höhlenwohnungen bis zu den aktuellen High-Tech-Wolkenkratzern.

The definitive history of Iran, from the ancient Persian empires to today.<BR><BR>"Michael Axworthy's deft untangling of the country's history, from the advent of Zoroastrianism to the 1979 revolution, is a stunning achievement." -Guardian<BR><BR> Iran is a land of contradictions. It is an Islamic republic, but one in which only 1.4 percent of the population attend Friday prayers. Iran's religious culture encompasses the most censorious and dogmatic Shi'a Muslim clerics in the world, yet its poetry insistently dwells on the joys of life: wine, beauty, sex. Iranian women are subject to one of the most restrictive dress codes in the Islamic world but make up nearly 60 percent of the student population of the nation's universities.<BR><BR> In A History of Iran, acclaimed historian Michael Axworthy chronicles the rich history of this complex nation from the Achaemenid Empire of sixth century BC to the revolution of 1979 to today, including a close look at Iran's ongoing attempts to become a nuclear power.<BR><BR> This comprehensive volume offers general readers an essential guide to understanding this volatile nation, which is once again at the center of the world's attention.

Introduction<BR><BR>1 Khadija (ca. 560–619): The First Believer<BR> <BR>2 Fatima (ca. 612–633): Prophet Muhammad’s Flesh and Blood<BR> <BR>3 Aisha (ca. 615–678): “Get Half of Your Religion From Her”<BR> <BR>4 Rabia al-Adawiyya (ca. 717–801): The Embarrassment of Riches, and its Discontents<BR> <BR>5 Fatima of Nishapur (ca. 1000–1088): Keeper of the Faith<BR> <BR>6 Arwa of Yemen (ca. 1050–1138): The Queen of Sheba Redux<BR> <BR>7 Terken Khatun (ca. 1205–1281): Doing Well and Doing Good<BR> <BR>8 Shajara’-al-Durr (d. 1257): Perils of Power, Between Caliphs and Mamluks<BR> <BR>9 Sayyida al-Hurra of Tétouan (ca. 1492 –ca. 1560): The Free Queen<BR> <BR>10 Pari Khanum (1548–1578): A Golden Link in the Safavid Chain of Command<BR> <BR>11 Nur Jahan (1577–1645): Light of the World<BR> <BR>12 Safiye Sultan (ca. 1550–ca. 1619): A Mother of Many Kings<BR> <BR>13 Tajul-Alam Safiatuddin Syah (1612–1675): Diamonds Are Not Forever<BR> <BR>14 Tahereh (ca. 1814–1852): Heroine or Heretic?<BR> <BR>15 Nana Asmau (1793–1864): Jihad and Sisterhood<BR> <BR>16 Mukhlisa Bubi (1869–1937): Educator and Jurist<BR> <BR>17 Halidé Edip (ca. 1884–1964): Author of the New Turkey<BR> <BR>18 Noor Inayat Khan (1914–1944): The Anxiety of Belonging<BR> <BR>19 Umm Kulthum (ca. 1904–1975): Lodestar of Union<BR> <BR>20 Zaha Hadid (1950–2016): Curves in Glass and Concrete<BR> <BR>21 Maryam Mirzakhani (1977–2017): The Princess of Mathematics<BR><BR>Afterword<BR> <BR>Notes<BR> <BR>Further Reading<BR> <BR>Bibliography<BR> <BR>Acknowledgments<BR> <BR>Index

The entire fascinating story of Japan told in one exciting manga-style volume! A History of Japan in Manga tells the action-packed saga of Japan from its misty origins up to the present day. Epic battles, noble Samurai and duplicitous leaders are all portrayed in modern manga fashion! The lively stories in this book include: - The Dawn of Japan: The Birth of Buddhism and the transition from hunters--gatherers to agricultural societies of ancient times- The Genpei Wars: Davage battles between the Taira and Minamoto clans that led to the powerful warlord Minamoto no Yoritomo naming himself Japan's first Shogun- The Onin Wars: A decade-long struggle for domination of Japan in which thousands of Samurai fought and tragically lost their lives- The 47 Ronin: Loyal Samurai who vowed to avenge the death of their master, choosing honor over surrender and being forced to commit mass ritual suicide as a result- The Satsuma Rebellion: A dramatic last stand by Samurai loyal to the Shogun who revolted against the new Meiji government and its plans to finally modernize Japan- And many more!<BR>Dozens of indelible portraits, manga stories, maps and info-sidebars bring the full sweep of Japanese history to life in one easy-to-read book!

A fascinating look at Japan from its early pre-history through the post-cold War period to the collapse of the Bubble Economy in the early 1990's

A panoramic history of Judaism from its origins to the presentJudaism is by some distance the oldest of the three Abrahamic religions. Despite the extraordinarily diverse forms it has taken, the Jewish people have believed themselves bound to God by the same covenant for more than three thousand years. This book explains how Judaism came to be and how it has developed from one age to the next, as well as the ways in which its varieties have related to each other.'A one-volume tour de force. Goodman meets the substantial challenge of charting the twists and turns, tributaries and backwaters of Judaism's many streams over 2,000 years - and succeeds' Harry Freedman, Jewish Chronicle'Learned and illuminating ... this magnificently lucid account will become the standard reference for a generation' Dominic Green, Wall Street Journal

Odran Yates enters Clonliffe Seminary in 1972 after his mother informs him that he has a vocation to the priesthood. He goes in full of ambition and hope, dedicated to his studies and keen to make friends.Forty years later, Odran's devotion has been challenged by the revelations that have shattered the Irish people's faith in the church. He has seen friends stand trial, colleagues jailed, the lives of young parishioners destroyed and has become nervous of venturing out in public for fear of disapproving stares and insulting remarks.But when a family tragedy opens wounds from his past, he is forced to confront the demons that have raged within a once respected institution and recognise his own complicity in their propagation.It has taken John Boyne fifteen years and twelve novels to write about his home country of Ireland but he has done so now in his most powerful novel to date, a novel about blind dogma and moral courage, and about the dark places where the two can meet. At once courageous and intensely personal, A History of Loneliness confirms Boyne as one of the most searching chroniclers of his generation.

Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic, and superstition through the centuries in this stunningly illustrated title.A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world, covering everything from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination, to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in modern literature, cinema, and television.In this spell-binding book, you will find:- A complete global history of the subject - from necromancy in the ancient world to European folk magic and witchcraft in the internet age- More than 350 full-colour images combined with engaging, accessible text that brings the subject to life, with biographies of key figures- Special features on everything from Chinese oracle bones and the Knights Templar to magic and witchcraft in literature and film, and mystical plants like mandrake and belladonna- Glorious galleries of everything from talismans and poppets to crystals and Wiccan tools, and much moreOffering a comprehensive and accessible overview of everything from Japanese folklore and Indian witchcraft to the differences between black and white magic, and dispelling myths such as those surrounding the voodoo doll and Ouija, the book explores the common human fascination with spells, superstition, and the supernatural.The most comprehensive illustrated history of witchcraft available, A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult will enthral and fascinate you in equal measure - whether you are a believer or a sceptic.The Esoteric Histories seriesWith global sales of more than 300,000 copies, DK's Esoteric Histories explore the rich traditions of mystical and mysterious subjects - from witchcraft to the world of the unexplained - weaving together religion, mythology, folklore, and the paranormal with art, culture, and science. Other titles in the series include A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural; A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy; and A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny.

'Exhilarating . . . a work of scholarship, but also inspiration. . . Go and read Jablonka and change the world' Christina Patterson, Sunday Times<BR><BR>'An unexpected bestseller in France. . . it has sparked conversations' Challenges<BR><BR>A highly acclaimed, bestselling work from one of France's preeminent historians<BR><BR>What does it mean to be a good man? To be a good father, or a good partner? A good brother, or a good friend?<BR><BR> In this insightful analysis, social historian Ivan Jablonka offers a re-examination of the patriarchy and its impact on men. Ranging widely across cultures, from Mesopotamia to Confucianism to Christianity to the revolutions of the eighteenth century, Jablonka uncovers the origins of our patriarchal societies. He then offers an updated model of masculinity based on a theory of gender justice which aims for a redistribution of gender, just as social justice demands the redistribution of wealth. <BR><BR> Arguing that it is high time for men to be as involved in gender justice as women, Jablonka shows that in order to build a more equal and respectful society, we must gain a deeper understanding of the structure of patriarchy - and reframe the conversation so that men define themselves by the rights of women. Widely acclaimed in France, this is an important work from a major thinker.

From the first digital computer to the dot-com crash—a story of individuals, institutions, and the forces that led to a series of dramatic transformations.This engaging history covers modern computing from the development of the first electronic digital computer through the dot-com crash. The author concentrates on five key moments of transition: the transformation of the computer in the late 1940s from a specialized scientific instrument to a commercial product; the emergence of small systems in the late 1960s; the beginning of personal computing in the 1970s; the spread of networking after 1985; and, in a chapter written for this edition, the period 1995-2001. The new material focuses on the Microsoft antitrust suit, the rise and fall of the dot-coms, and the advent of open source software, particularly Linux. Within the chronological narrative, the book traces several overlapping threads: the evolution of the computer's internal design; the effect of economic trends and the Cold War; the long-term role of IBM as a player and as a target for upstart entrepreneurs; the growth of software from a hidden element to a major character in the story of computing; and the recurring issue of the place of information and computing in a democratic society. The focus is on the United States (though Europe and Japan enter the story at crucial points), on computing per se rather than on applications such as artificial intelligence, and on systems that were sold commercially and installed in quantities.

In a radical reappraisal of Iran's modern history, Ervand Abrahamian traces the country's traumatic journey from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, through the discovery of oil, imperial interventions, the rule of the Pahlavis, and the birth of the Islamic Republic. The first edition was named the Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2009. This second edition brings the narrative up to date, with the Green uprisings of 2009, the second Ahmadinejad administration, the election of Rouhani, and the Iran nuclear deal. Ervand Abrahamian, who is one of the most distinguished historians writing on Iran today, is a compassionate expositor, and at the heart of the book is the people of Iran, who have endured and survived a century of war and revolution.

This is the first history of Lebanon from the Ottoman Empire to the modern period. Based on previously inaccessible archives, it is a fascinating account of one of the world's most fabled countries. Starting with the formation of Ottoman Lebanon in the 16th century, Traboulsi covers the growth of Beirut as a capital for trade and culture through the 19th century, it's independence and experiences as a republic, before moving onward to Lebanon's development in the late 20th century and the conflicts that led up to the major wars in the 1970s and 1980s and beyond. This is a stunning history of Lebanon over five centuries, bringing to life its politics, its people and the crucial role that it has always played in world affairs.

A powerful, definitive account of modern Syria and its fateFew countries have had as vexed a political history as Syria. Carved out of the Ottoman empire at the end of the First World War, Syria was then brutally ruled by France. This French 'mandate' carved out new borders with equally provisional neighbours in a process that pulled apart families, trade networks and political assumptions that had already been ravaged by the war.Syria's subsequent history has been a series of attempts to make sense of its borders, including a failed attempt in the late 1950s to unite with Egypt and several humiliations at the hands of Israel's armed forces. The civil war that broke out in 2011 plunged Syria into a nightmarish series of disasters, including the terrible years of Islamic State, ultimately resulting in the reimposition of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship, which came to an end in 2024.Daniel Neep's remarkable book creates a gripping, intelligent narrative of how Syrians have lived through these events, never losing sight either of the fates of ordinary people or of Syria's rich, complex and diverse society, unwillingly or willingly brought together in such a highly contested space.

Few countries have had as vexed a political history as Syria. Carved out of the Ottoman empire at the end of the First World War, Syria was then brutally ruled by France. This French 'mandate' carved out new borders with equally provisional neighbours in a process that pulled apart families, trade networks and political assumptions that had already been ravaged by the war.Syria's subsequent history has been a series of attempts to make sense of its borders, including a failed attempt in the late 1950s to unite with Egypt and several humiliations at the hands of Israel's armed forces. The civil war that broke out in 2011 plunged Syria into a nightmarish series of disasters, including the terrible years of Islamic State, ultimately resulting in the reimposition of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship, which came to an end in 2024.Daniel Neep's remarkable book creates a gripping, intelligent narrative of how Syrians have lived through these events, never losing sight either of the fates of ordinary people or of Syria's rich, complex and diverse society, unwillingly or willingly brought together in such a highly contested space.

Introduction; 1. Jean Paul's Vision of Nihilism and Plea for the Doctrine of Immortality; 2. Klingemann and the Absurdity of Nothingness in The Nightwatches; 3. Nihilism in English Romanticism: Byron and Shelley; 4. Schopenhauer's Theory of Human Suffering and Lack of Meaning; 5. Büchner's Account of the Reign of Terror as a Mirror of Human Existence; 6. Poul Martin Møller's Criticism of Hegelianism and the Danish Discussion of Nihilism; 7. Kierkegaard and the Indefinability and Inexplicability of Death; 8. Turgenev's Portrait of a Nihilist; 9. Nietzsche's Vision of the Past and the Future of Nihilism; 10. The Importance of Nihilism in the Nineteenth Century.

The history of pi, says the author, though a small part of the history of mathematics, is nevertheless a mirror of the history of man. Petr Beckmann holds up this mirror, giving the background of the times when pi made progress -- and also when it did not, because science was being stifled by militarism or religious fanaticism.

Introduction ¿ 1. Thinking About Pictures: Why Do We Make Pictures? ¿ 2. Making Marks: What Makes an Interesting Mark? ¿ 3. Light and Shadows: What is a shadow exactly? ¿ 4. Watch This Space: How Do Artists Set the Scene? ¿ 5. Mirrors and Reflections: How Do Artists Play with Light? ¿ 6. Painting and Photography: What Tools Do Artists Use? ¿ 7. Moving Pictures: Can Pictures Really Move? ¿ 8. The Story Goes On: What's Next for Pictures? ¿ Timeline of Inventions

'What makes some pictures a masterpiece? Who better to explain than our greatest living artist, as he teams up with art critic Martin Gayford to open your eyes to the works of genius he holds dear' --Mail on Sunday 'His sharp and often delightfully slanted take on pictures, explained in clear terms, crisps up perceptions and help readers to look anew.'--Rachel Campbell-Johnston, The Times 'Wonderful ... Apart from the sumptuous avalanche of reproductions, the book consists of paragraphs in which the two proprietors speak alternately. It's a measure of Hockney's vividness of perception that he can always put a cap on Gayford s knowledge ... fabulous'--Clive James, Guardian 'Will keep any intelligent person amused and intrigued ... [Hockney] asks big questions about the nature of picture-making and the relationship between painters and photography in a way that no other contemporary artist seems to do ... enormously good-humoured and entertaining ... On almost every page, there is an interesting provocation'--Andrew Marr, New Statesman 'I won't read a more interesting book all year ... utterly fascinating' --AN Wilson, The Sunday Times 'An eloquent conversational testimony to the vividness of life lived through intelligent looking. You will see Caravaggio and Citizen Kane with fresh eyes' Daily Telegraph The making of pictures has a history going back perhaps 100,000 years to an African shell used as a paint palette. Two-thirds of it is irrevocably lost, since the earliest images known to us are from about 40,000 years ago. But what a 40,000 years, explored here by David Hockney and Martin Gayford in a brilliantly original book. They privilege no medium, or period, or style, but instead, in 16 chapters, discuss how and why pictures have been made, and insistently link 'art' to human skills and human needs. Each chapter addresses an important question: What happens when we try to express reality in two dimensions? Why is the 'Mona Lisa' beautiful and why are shadows so rarely found in Chinese, Japanese and Persian painting? Why are optical projections always going to be more beautiful than HD television can ever be? How have the makers of images depicted movement? What makes marks on a flat surface interesting? Energized by two lifetimes of looking at pictures, combined with a great artist's 70-year experience of experimentation as he makes them, this profoundly moving and enlightening volume will be the art book of the decade.

From Ada Lovelace to Florence Nightingale, Rosalind Franklin to Tu Youyou – discover the women who changed science forever<BR> <BR>Imagine a scientist. White lab coat and goggles… check! A passing resemblance to Albert Einstein… yes, that too. So, most likely it’s a man. However, from radiation to climate change, pulsars to the Earth’s core – women have always stood at the forefront of scientific discovery.<BR> <BR>Learn how Ada Lovelace’s tumultuous upbringing created the first computer programmer. Join Marie Curie as she discovers two elements and earns two Nobel prizes, all before the age of forty-five. Learn how Katherine Johnson launched the first American into space – defiant in the face of institutional racism.<BR> <BR>A timely addition to the growing global conversation around the future of science – and who gets to shape it – A History of Science in 21 Women is a paradigm-shifting exploration of the scientists who history tried, and failed, to brush under the carpet, and why their stories still matter today.

Since it was first published in 2005, A History of Thailand has been hailed as an authoritative, lively and readable account of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history. From the early settlements in the Chao Phraya basin to today, Baker and Phongpaichit trace how a world of mandarin nobles and unfree peasants was transformed by colonialism, the expansion of the rice frontier and the immigration of traders and labourers from southern China. This book examines how the monarchy managed the foundation of a new nation¿state at the end of the nineteenth century, and how urban nationalists, ambitious generals, communist rebels and business politicians competed to take control through the twentieth century. It tracks Thailand's economic changes, globalisation and the evolution of mass society, and draws on popular culture to dramatize social trends. This edition contains a new chapter on Thailand's turbulent politics since 2006 and incorporates new sources and research throughout.

BLACKWELL HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT WORLD<BR> A History of the Ancient Near East <BR>ca. 3000-323 BC<BR> Fourth Edition "This marvelous book is a classic, and deservedly so. This new edition brings the history up to date with revelations from newly published cuneiform tablets and recent archaeological excavations."<BR> -Amanda H. Podany, Professor of History, Cal Poly Pomona "An outstanding resource for studying the history of the ANE... It is remarkable to find a volume with this subject matter that is as clear and as engaging as what Van De Mieroop has offered here."<BR> -Kurtis Peters, RBECS Now in its fourth edition, A History of the Ancient Near East remains one of the most accessible introductions to the rich and complex history of the region available. Integrating original sources, up-to-date scholarship, and extensive supplementary materials, this popular textbook provides student-friendly coverage of the origins of the first cities in Mesopotamia, the growth of the Babylonian and Hittite kingdoms, and the rise of the Assyrian and Persian empires. With an easy-to-understand narrative style, noted historian and lecturer Marc Van De Mieroop guides students through the extraordinary multicultural civilizations of the ancient Near Eastern world. Clear and straightforward chapters describe a wide variety of political, social, and cultural developments, beginning from the invention of writing circa 3000 BC and ending with the conquests of Alexander the Great. This new edition is fully revised to reflect the latest developments in the field, including entirely new sections on recent archaeological discoveries and textual findings. Streamlined and improved chapters are complemented with detailed maps, historical timelines, images and illustrations, and an extensive and up-to-date bibliography. A History of the Ancient Near East ca. 3000-323 BC, Fourth Edition, is an ideal textbook for undergraduate and introductory graduate courses on archaeology or ancient Near Eastern history, as well as a valuable resource for general readers with an interest in the ancient world and the Bible.

A literary history of our most influential book of all time, by an Oxford scholar and Anglican priest In our culture, the Bible is monolithic: It is a collection of books that has been unchanged and unchallenged since the earliest days of the Christian church. The idea of the Bible as "Holy Scripture," a non-negotiable authority straight from God, has prevailed in Western society for some time. And while it provides a firm foundation for centuries of Christian teaching, it denies the depth, variety, and richness of this fascinating text. In A History of the Bible, John Barton argues that the Bible is not a prescription to a complete, fixed religious system, but rather a product of a long and intriguing process, which has inspired Judaism and Christianity, but still does not describe the whole of either religion. Barton shows how the Bible is indeed an important source of religious insight for Jews and Christians alike, yet argues that it must be read in its historical context--from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries. It is a book full of narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems, and letters, each with their own character and origin stories. Barton explains how and by whom these disparate pieces were written, how they were canonized (and which ones weren't), and how they were assembled, disseminated, and interpreted around the world--and, importantly, to what effect. Ultimately, A History of the Bible argues that a thorough understanding of the history and context of its writing encourages religious communities to move away from the Bible's literal wording--which is impossible to determine--and focus instead on the broader meanings of scripture.

Beneath the emerald canopy of Brazil's rainforests and the bustling harbours of its colonial ports, a story unfolds-one of ambition, upheaval, and enduring cultural fusion. In these pages, the tangled roots of South American colonisation are revealed alongside the vibrant tapestry of Brazilian indigenous peoples, their worlds forever shaped by the tides of commerce and conquest. This classic, long out of print and now republished by Alpha Editions, was once a cornerstone for academic research into the Portuguese empire era and the nineteenth century's dramatic transformations. Restored for today's and future generations, it stands as a cultural treasure, inviting readers to traverse the shifting frontiers of Brazil's historical geography and to witness the birth of a nation from the confluence of old and new worlds.With meticulous observation and evocative detail, the narrative illuminates the complexities of Brazil's colonisation, from the earliest encounters between European explorers and native communities to the explosive growth of commerce that redefined the region's destiny. Here, the evolution of brazilian commerce development is not merely chronicled but brought to life-its impact on society, landscape, and identity made vivid through a scholar's discerning eye. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Latin American history or assembling a university history curriculum, these chapters offer an indispensable reference, rich in context and alive with the voices of those who shaped and were shaped by Brazil's past.This edition is not just a reprint-it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, a bridge to the intellectual and human drama that defined an era. Whether you are a casual reader drawn to the sweep of colonial history nonfiction, or a classic-collection buyer searching for a historical geography reference of enduring value, this volume promises a journey through time and thought, restored with care and respect for its literary and historical significance.

The first volume of Steven Runciman's classic, hugely influential trilogy on the history of the Crusades<BR><BR>'On a February day in the year AD 638 the Caliph Omar entered Jerusalem, riding upon a white camel'<BR><BR>An enthralling work of grand historical narrative, Steven Runciman's A History of the Crusades overturned the traditional view of the Crusades as a romantic Christian adventure, and instead shifted the focus of the story to the East. With verve and drama, volume one of Runciman's trilogy tells the story of the First Crusade - from its unlikely beginnings in pilgrimage to the horrors of the siege of Jerusalem and the carving out of new territory on the edge of the eastern Mediterranean.<BR><BR>'Without question one of the major feats of contemporary historical writing' The New York Times<BR><BR>'The historian whose magisterial works transformed our understanding of Byzantium, the medieval church and the crusades' Guardian

The second volume of Steven Runciman's classic, hugely influential trilogy on the history of the Crusades<BR><BR>'There was magic about. Saladin himself was troubled by terrible dreams...'<BR><BR>Steven Runciman's unrivalled history of the Crusades is a classic of learning and vivid, compelling storytelling, which brilliantly brings to life the personalities, battles, massacres, triumphs and follies of these epochal events. In this second volume of his trilogy Runciman tells the story of the foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the disastrous, bloody Second Crusade and the inexorable rise of the crusaders' nemesis, Saladin. <BR><BR>'The pre-eminent historian of the Byzantine Empire and of the Crusades ... a surefooted guide who could render the past visible and familiar' Daily Telegraph<BR><BR>'He tells his story plain ... always pleasurable to read' Gore Vidal

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Bridges linguistic science and cultural history in a chronological account of the English language A History of the English Language offers a unified study of English that balances detailed linguistic analysis with a wide-ranging cultural and historical narrative. Designed for students and scholars in English departments, this accessible yet rigorous treatment of the history of English integrates phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic development with the literary, social, and political contexts in which the language evolved. While firmly grounded in linguistic scholarship, the book tells the story of English not only through reconstructed proto-forms and sound changes but also through the lived experiences and historical movements of its speakers. Author Joseph P. McGowan takes a thematic and chronological approach to the English language's development, beginning with the Indo-European roots of English and extending through to its global presence today. Key chapters offer extended focus on topics often neglected in other works, such as the Celtic context of Roman and sub-Roman Britain, and the deep impact of language contact in colonial and postcolonial settings. Rich textual examples spanning genres, regions, and historical periods bring abstract linguistic features to life, illustrating how political expansion, literary expression, and cultural exchange have shaped English over fourteen centuries. The most extensive single-volume treatment of English's development from pre-history to global modernity, A History of the English Language: - Addresses varieties of English across time and geography, including British, American, and global forms - Includes a substantial and original treatment of the Celtic speech area and its influence on early English - Provides sustained attention to English in contact with other languages across colonial and postcolonial contexts - Features extended textual and spoken examples to illustrate key linguistic and cultural phenomena - Uses a thematic and chronological structure that supports both linear reading and modular use for teaching A History of the English Language is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on the history of the English language, the development of English, sociolinguistics, contact linguistics, and dialectology within English, Linguistics, and Education degree programs. It is also a valuable reference for researchers and educators in historical linguistics and English studies.

- 1: Introduction- 2: The Anglo-Normans and their heritage (1200-1500)- 3: The Tudors (1500-1600)- 4: The Stuarts (1600-1700)- 5: Two Irelands, two languages (1700-1800)- 6: A new language for a new nation (1800-1870)- 7: Revival (1870-1922)- 8: The modernization of Irish (1870-1922)- 9: Conclusion- Glossary- References- Index

Mark Tessler is Samuel J. Elderveld Collegiate Professor of Political Science, Director of the International Institute, and Vice Provost for International Affairs at the University of Michigan. He is author (with Ann Lesch) of Israel, Egypt, and the Palestinians: From Camp David to Intifada (IUP, 1989), co-editor of Democracy, War, and Peace in the Middle East (IUP, 1995), and editor of Area Studies and Social Science: Strategies for Understanding Middle East Politics (IUP, 1999).

Welcome to a concise history of a phenomenal people of Africa, Kenya who lived and experienced life at the advent of intense change. I wish I could tell you this story in the G¿k¿y¿ language. The meanings and interpretations could have been profound. It is already evident to all that no culture has ever developed using a foreign language. Such a process could have eased the current problem of African cultures suffering from mental slavery.