At the age of eighteen, Patrick Leigh Fermor set off from the heart of London on an epic journey--to walk to Constantinople." A Time of Gifts" is the rich account of his adventures as far as Hungary, after which "Between the Woods and the Water" continues the story to the Iron Gates that divide the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Acclaimed for its sweep and intelligence, Leigh Fermor's book explores a remarkable moment in time. Hitler has just come to power but war is still ahead, as he walks through a Europe soon to be forever changed--through the Lowlands to Mitteleuropa, to Teutonic and Slav heartlands, through the baroque remains of the Holy Roman Empire; up the Rhine, and down to the Danube. At once a memoir of coming-of-age, an account of a journey, and a dazzling exposition of the English language, "A Time of Gifts" is also a portrait of a continent already showing ominous signs of the holocaust to come.

In the 6th century AD, the Near East was divided between two great empires: the Persian and the Roman. A hundred years on, and one had vanished for ever, while the other was a dismembered, bleeding trunk. In their place, a new superpower had arisen: the empire of the Arabs. So profound was this upheaval that it spelled, in effect, the end of the ancient world. But the changes that marked the period were more than merely political or even cultural: there was also a transformation of human society with incalculable consequences for the future. Today, over half the world's population subscribes to one of the various religions that took on something like their final form during the last centuries of antiquity. Wherever men or women are inspired by belief in a single god to think or behave in a certain way, they bear witness to the abiding impact of this extraordinary, convulsive age - though as Tom Holland demonstrates, much of what Jews, Christians and Muslims believe about the origins of their religion is open to debate. In the Shadow of the Sword explores how a succession of great empires came to identify themselves with a new and revolutionary understanding of the divine. It is a story vivid with drama, horror and startling achievement, and stars many of the most remarkable rulers ever seen.

Fans of Clive Cussler Bernard Cornwell and Wilbur Smith will love this enthralling and colourful saga from multi-million copy bestselling author Douglas Reeman. The first novel in the Blackwood saga spanning 150 years in the history of a great seafaring family this an engrossing all-action naval adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat! 'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' -- Sunday Times 'Mr Reeman writes with great knowledge about the sea and those who sail on it' --The Times 'I was engrossed from start to finish' -- ***** Reader review 'Superb' -- ***** Reader review 'Fantastic' -- ***** Reader review 'My only fault was that I was disappointed when I got to the end' -- ***** Reader review 'Another romping good yarn by my favourite author' -- ***** Reader review *********************************************************************************************** 1850: the age of Empire the age of contrast the age of dramatic change - one which would determine the destinies of nations as well as of men. Captain Philip Blackwood of the Royal Marines rejoins his ship HMS Audacious that August anxious to get back into action. Per Mare - Per Terram is the Marines' motto. In the torturous heat of Africa where they are sent to stamp out the remaining strongholds of slavery and later in the bitter war of the Crimea Philip Blackwood and his men learn to obey that motto without question...

In A Rule of Queens, Gwendolyn leads the remains of her nation in exile, as they sail into the hostile harbors of the Empire. Taken in by Sandara's people, they try to recover in hiding, to build a new home in the shadows of Volusia. Thor, determined to rescue Guwayne, continues with his Legion brothers on his quest far across the sea, to the massive caves that herald the Land of the Spirits, encountering unthinkable monsters and exotic landscapes. In the Southern Isles, Alistair sacrifices herself for Erec - and yet an unexpected twist might just save them both. Darius risks it all to save the love of his life, Loti, even if he must face the Empire alone. But his conflict with the Empire, he will find, is just beginning. And Volusia continues her rise, after her assassination of Romulus, to consolidate her hold on the Empire and become the ruthless queen she was meant to be. Will Gwen and her people survive? Will Guwayne be found? Will Alistair and Erec live? Will Darius rescue Loti? Will Thorgrin and his brothers survive? With its sophisticated world-building and characterization, A Rule of Queens is an epic tale of friends and lovers, of rivals and suitors, of knights and dragons, of intrigues and political machinations, of coming of age, of broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is a tale of honor and courage, of fate and destiny, of sorcery. It is a fantasy that brings us into a world we will never forget, and which will appeal to all ages and genders.

For over a century Spain controlled the greatest empire the world had ever seen, and its collapse provoked, both then as it does now, a range of analyses over which there has been little agreement. In the second edition of this successful text, Henry Kamen asks: was the Golden Age of Spain in the sixteenth century actually an illusion? By examining some of the key issues involved, Kamen offers a balanced discussion of this fundamental question. Golden Age Spain - offers a concise introduction to the major themes and debates - is now thoroughly revised and updated in the light of the latest research - contains new chapters which cover such topics as culture and religion - highlights key issues and questions at the start of each chapter - includes a helpful glossary and an expanded bibliography to aid further study Approachable and easy-to-follow, this text is essential reading for anyone with an interest in one of the most fascinating periods of Spanish history.

The original trilogy of Isaac Asimov’s bestselling science fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series, in a striking boxed set package THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION Nominated as one of America’s best-loved series by PBS’s The Great American Read For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire—both scientists and scholars—and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation. Collected in this boxed set, Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation form the celebrated original trilogy that started it all. One of the most influential in the history of science fiction, the Foundation series is celebrated for its unique blend of breathtaking action, daring ideas, and extensive worldbuilding. Here, Asimov has written a timely and timeless saga of the best—and worst—that lies in humanity, and the power of even a few courageous souls to shine a light in a universe of darkness.

The original trilogy of Isaac Asimov’s bestselling science fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series, in a striking boxed set package THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV&#43, SERIES FOUNDATION • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved series by PBS’s The Great American Read For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire—both scientists and scholars—and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation. Collected in this boxed set, Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation form the celebrated original trilogy that started it all. One of the most influential in the history of science fiction, the Foundation series is celebrated for its unique blend of breathtaking action, daring ideas, and extensive worldbuilding. Here, Asimov has written a timely and timeless saga of the best—and worst—that lies in humanity, and the power of even a few courageous souls to shine a light in a universe of darkness.

A vast and unprecedented survey of societal collapse--stretching from the Stone Age to the age of silicon--that digs through the ruins of fallen societies to understand the root causes of their downfall and the most dire consequences for our future. "Deeply sobering and strangely inspiring . . . Read it now, or your descendants will find it in the ruins." --Johann Hari, author of Stolen Focus "Highly recommended." --Peter Turchin, author of End Times Stepping back to look at our precariously interdependent global society of today--with the threat of nuclear war ever present, the world getting hotter and hotter, and the rapid creation of dangerous algorithms--one couldn't be blamed for asking: Will we make it? Addressing this question with the seriousness it demands, Cambridge scholar Luke Kemp draws on multiple historical databases and the latest discoveries from archaeology and anthropology to reveal profound and often counterintuitive insights into why societies collapse, how those living through such collapses were impacted, and what it means for us today: Collapse is often a good outcome for most people. After the fall of Rome people grew taller and healthier than they were under the empire. Our picture of past empires is skewed by the "1% view of history," relying on evidence only from the wealthiest class. What we call civilizations are better referred to as "Goliaths" large societies built on domination that contain the seeds of their own demise. Inequality has been a key driver of societies becoming more vulnerable to collapse. Today, collapse is likely to be far worse: it will be global, long-lasting, and severe. Goliath's Curse is not just a book about a few empires--it is a radical retelling of human history through collapse.

Society and Economy in Germany, 1300-1600 surveys the social and economic development of the German-speaking lands from the age of the Black Death to the eve of the Thirty Years War. It outlines the political geography of the German lands, the aristocratic character of the Empire as a constitutional polity based on a society of Estates, and the changes in society and economy in the wake of the late medieval agrarian crisis. It examines in detail divergent regional and economic trends, and the widening social gulf between the West German landlordship and the new seigneurialism east of the Elbe, and gives wide coverage of urban and rural revolts.

This audiobook has been recorded using Text to speech (TTS). England in the 19th century. Victoria is on the throne. The nation is at its height. An Empire stretching around the globe. Industrial and scientific advancement. Literary and artistic excellence. And yet, behind the glow of this supposedly golden age, there lay hidden human misery and extremes of depravity. This was the age of Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper and the terrible poverty of millions living in slums. Drink, drugs, prostitution, murder. All these were the norm in the dark and dirty back alleys of the cities. In the small village of Pyle Marsh just outside of Bristol, lived a master shoemaker by the name of Samuel Hobley. He and his wife were comfortable and raised five children. The youngest of these was the girl who would later be known as Amelia Dyer. She would become one of the worlds most notorious serial killers. We know her today as the Angel Maker.

‘Meth; murder and pirates: the coder who became a crime boss. A world that lurks just outside of our everyday perception, in the dark corners of the internet we never visit’ – Wired The Mastermind tells the incredible true story of Paul Le Roux, the frighteningly powerful creator of a twenty-first century cartel, and the decade-long global manhunt that finally brought his empire to its knees. Le Roux’s business evolved from an online prescription drug network into a sprawling multinational conglomerate engaged in almost every conceivable aspect of criminal mayhem. All tied together with encryption programs so advanced that government agencies were unable to break them. Tracing Le Roux’s vast wealth and his shadowy henchmen around the world, award-winning journalist Evan Ratliff spent four years piecing together this intricate network. His investigation reveals a dark parable of ambition and greed, and exposes a new age of crime in which a reclusive entrepreneur can build an empire in the shadows of our networked world.

‘Meth; murder and pirates: the coder who became a crime boss. A world that lurks just outside of our everyday perception, in the dark corners of the internet we never visit’ – Wired The Mastermind tells the incredible true story of Paul Le Roux, the frighteningly powerful creator of a twenty-first century cartel, and the decade-long global manhunt that finally brought his empire to its knees. Le Roux’s business evolved from an online prescription drug network into a sprawling multinational conglomerate engaged in almost every conceivable aspect of criminal mayhem. All tied together with encryption programs so advanced that government agencies were unable to break them. Tracing Le Roux’s vast wealth and his shadowy henchmen around the world, award-winning journalist Evan Ratliff spent four years piecing together this intricate network. His investigation reveals a dark parable of ambition and greed, and exposes a new age of crime in which a reclusive entrepreneur can build an empire in the shadows of our networked world.

In the 6th century AD, the Near East was divided between two great empires: the Persian and the Roman. A hundred years on, and one had vanished for ever, while the other was a dismembered, bleeding trunk. In their place, a new superpower had arisen: the empire of the Arabs. So profound was this upheaval that it spelled, in effect, the end of the ancient world. But the changes that marked the period were more than merely political or even cultural: there was also a transformation of human society with incalculable consequences for the future. Today, over half the world's population subscribes to one of the various religions that took on something like their final form during the last centuries of antiquity. Wherever men or women are inspired by belief in a single god to think or behave in a certain way, they bear witness to the abiding impact of this extraordinary, convulsive age - though as Tom Holland demonstrates, much of what Jews, Christians and Muslims believe about the origins of their religion is open to debate. In the Shadow of the Sword explores how a succession of great empires came to identify themselves with a new and revolutionary understanding of the divine. It is a story vivid with drama, horror and startling achievement, and stars many of the most remarkable rulers ever seen.

In 1177 B.C., marauding groups known only as the "Sea Peoples? invaded Egypt. The pharaoh's army and navy defeated them, but the victory so weakened Egypt that it soon slid into decline, as did most of the surrounding civilizations. Eric Cline tells the gripping story of how the end was brought about by multiple interconnected failures, ranging from invasion and revolt to earthquakes, drought, famine, and the cutting of international trade routes. Bringing to life a vibrant multicultural world, he draws a sweeping panorama of the empires of the age and shows that it may have been their very interdependence that hastened their dramatic collapse. Now revised and updated, 1177 B.C. sheds light on the complex ties that gave rise to, and eventually destroyed, the flourishing civilizations of the Late Bronze Age?and set the stage for the emergence of classical Greece and, ultimately, our world today.

In 1177 B.C., marauding groups known only as the "Sea Peoples? invaded Egypt. The pharaoh's army and navy defeated them, but the victory so weakened Egypt that it soon slid into decline, as did most of the surrounding civilizations. Eric Cline tells the gripping story of how the end was brought about by multiple interconnected failures, ranging from invasion and revolt to earthquakes, drought, famine, and the cutting of international trade routes. Bringing to life a vibrant multicultural world, he draws a sweeping panorama of the empires of the age and shows that it may have been their very interdependence that hastened their dramatic collapse. Now revised and updated, 1177 B.C. sheds light on the complex ties that gave rise to, and eventually destroyed, the flourishing civilizations of the Late Bronze Age?and set the stage for the emergence of classical Greece and, ultimately, our world today.

For over a century Spain controlled the greatest empire the world had ever seen, and its collapse provoked, both then as it does now, a range of analyses over which there has been little agreement. In the second edition of this successful text, Henry Kamen asks: was the Golden Age of Spain in the sixteenth century actually an illusion? By examining some of the key issues involved, Kamen offers a balanced discussion of this fundamental question. Golden Age Spain - offers a concise introduction to the major themes and debates - is now thoroughly revised and updated in the light of the latest research - contains new chapters which cover such topics as culture and religion - highlights key issues and questions at the start of each chapter - includes a helpful glossary and an expanded bibliography to aid further study Approachable and easy-to-follow, this text is essential reading for anyone with an interest in one of the most fascinating periods of Spanish history.

A vast and unprecedented survey of societal collapse--stretching from the Stone Age to the age of silicon--that digs through the ruins of fallen societies to understand the root causes of their downfall and the most dire consequences for our future. "Deeply sobering and strangely inspiring . . . Read it now, or your descendants will find it in the ruins." --Johann Hari, author of Stolen Focus "Highly recommended." --Peter Turchin, author of End Times Stepping back to look at our precariously interdependent global society of today--with the threat of nuclear war ever present, the world getting hotter and hotter, and the rapid creation of dangerous algorithms--one couldn't be blamed for asking: Will we make it? Addressing this question with the seriousness it demands, Cambridge scholar Luke Kemp draws on multiple historical databases and the latest discoveries from archaeology and anthropology to reveal profound and often counterintuitive insights into why societies collapse, how those living through such collapses were impacted, and what it means for us today: Collapse is often a good outcome for most people. After the fall of Rome people grew taller and healthier than they were under the empire. Our picture of past empires is skewed by the "1% view of history," relying on evidence only from the wealthiest class. What we call civilizations are better referred to as "Goliaths" large societies built on domination that contain the seeds of their own demise. Inequality has been a key driver of societies becoming more vulnerable to collapse. Today, collapse is likely to be far worse: it will be global, long-lasting, and severe. Goliath's Curse is not just a book about a few empires--it is a radical retelling of human history through collapse.

From the creator of the viral Kardashian Kolloquium comes a New Media manifesto for the TikTok age - blending theory, cultural analysis and history to explain the meteoric rise of the Kardashians and what their fame reveals about how media functions today. Since 2007, Kim Kardashian and her extended family have mesmerised - and scandalised - the American public. We've been immersed in their social lives, controversies and reality TV exploits, while witnessing the staggering ascent of their multibillion-dollar fashion, beauty and media empire. But the central question remains: why are the Kardashians so famous? And what does their enduring relevance tell us about the media systems that shaped - and were shaped by - them? In Dekonstructing the Kardashians, MJ Corey, creator of the viral social platform Kardashian Kolloquium, delivers more than just the definitive cultural chronicle of the First Family of reality TV. She offers a probing exploration of how media has evolved in the internet age -and how it's reshaping our identities, our attention, and our understanding of reality itself. Part media theory, part cultural critique and part historical deep-dive, Dekonstructing the Kardashians weaves together fifty years of Western media history. Corey shows that the Kardashians aren't just celebrities - they're a mirror of our media moment, offering a key to understanding fame, identity and reality in the digital age.

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From the creator of the viral Kardashian Kolloquium comes a New Media manifesto for the TikTok age - blending theory, cultural analysis and history to explain the meteoric rise of the Kardashians and what their fame reveals about how media functions today. Since 2007, Kim Kardashian and her extended family have mesmerised - and scandalised - the American public. We've been immersed in their social lives, controversies and reality TV exploits, while witnessing the staggering ascent of their multibillion-dollar fashion, beauty and media empire. But the central question remains: why are the Kardashians so famous? And what does their enduring relevance tell us about the media systems that shaped - and were shaped by - them? In Dekonstructing the Kardashians, MJ Corey, creator of the viral social platform Kardashian Kolloquium, delivers more than just the definitive cultural chronicle of the First Family of reality TV. She offers a probing exploration of how media has evolved in the internet age -and how it's reshaping our identities, our attention, and our understanding of reality itself. Part media theory, part cultural critique and part historical deep-dive, Dekonstructing the Kardashians weaves together fifty years of Western media history. Corey shows that the Kardashians aren't just celebrities - they're a mirror of our media moment, offering a key to understanding fame, identity and reality in the digital age.