Commerce meets conquest in this swashbuckling story of the six merchant-adventurers who built the modern world It was an era when monopoly trading companies were the unofficial agents of European expansion, controlling vast numbers of people and huge tracts of land, and taking on governmental and military functions. They managed their territories as business interests, treating their subjects as employees, customers, or competitors. The leaders of these trading enterprises exercised virtually unaccountable, dictatorial political power over millions of people. The merchant kings of the Age of Heroic Commerce were a rogue's gallery of larger-than-life men who, for a couple hundred years, expanded their far-flung commercial enterprises over a sizable portion of the world. They include Jan Pieterszoon Coen, the violent and autocratic pioneer of the Dutch East India Company; Peter Stuyvesant, the one-legged governor of the Dutch West India Company, whose narrow-minded approach lost Manhattan to the British; Robert Clive, who rose from company clerk to become head of the British East India Company and one of the wealthiest men in Britain; Alexandr Baranov of the Russian American Company; Cecil Rhodes, founder of De Beers and Rhodesia; and George Simpson, the "Little Emperor" of the Hudson's Bay Company, who was chauffeured about his vast fur domain in a giant canoe, exhorting his voyageurs to paddle harder so he could set speed records. Merchant Kings looks at the rise and fall of company rule in the centuries before colonialism, when nations belatedly assumed responsibility for their commercial enterprises. A blend of biography, corporate history, and colonial history, this book offers a panoramic, new perspective on the enormous cultural, political, and social legacies, good and bad, of this first period of unfettered globalization.

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 'Thrilling ... helps explain how the little girl from South Alabama Avenue turned herself into a bestselling author.' Guardian 'Stories written with all of Lee's character and descriptive brilliance.' The Times 'Cast[s] a new light on the literary giant.' Sunday Times 'A new window into one of America's literary icons.' i Paper 'Unmistakably Lee' The Telegraph From the beloved bestseller and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, a posthumous collection of newly discovered writing, offering a fresh perspective on the remarkable literary mind behind To Kill a Mockingbird. Featuring an introduction by Casey Cep, Harper Lee's appointed biographer. Harper Lee remains a landmark figure in the American canon - thanks to Scout, Jem, Atticus, and the other indelible characters in her Pulitzer-winning debut, To Kill a Mockingbird; as well as for the darker, late-'50s version of small-town Alabama that emerged in Go Set a Watchman, her only other novel, published in 2015 after its rediscovery. The Land of Sweet Forever combines Lee's never-before-seen short stories and published nonfiction in a volume offering an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice. Covering territory from the Alabama schoolyards of Lee's youth to the luncheonettes and movie houses of midcentury Manhattan, The Land of Sweet Forever invites still-vital conversations about politics, equality, travel, love, fiction, art, the American South, and what it means to lead an engaged and creative life. This collection comes with an introduction by Casey Cep, Harper Lee's appointed biographer, which provides illuminating background for our reading of these stories and connects them both to Lee's life and to her two novels. Combining Lee's early short fiction and later nonfiction, The Land of Sweet Forever offers an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice.

From the two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, bestselling historian, and author of Our First Civil War comes “a historical spellbinder” (The Christian Science Monitor) about a trio of political giants in nineteenth-century America—and their battle to complete the unfinished work of the Founding Fathers and decide the future of our democracy. In the early 1800s, three young men strode onto the national stage, elected to Congress at a moment when the Founding Fathers were beginning to retire to their farms. Daniel Webster of Massachusetts, a champion orator known for his eloquence, spoke for the North and its business class. Henry Clay of Kentucky, as dashing as he was ambitious, embodied the hopes of the rising West. South Carolina's John Calhoun, with piercing eyes and an even more piercing intellect, defended the South and slavery. Together these heirs of Washington, Jefferson and Adams took the country to war, battled one another for the presidency and set themselves the task of finishing the work the Founders had left undone. Their rise was marked by dramatic duels, fierce debates, scandal and political betrayal. Yet each in his own way sought to remedy the two glaring flaws in the Constitution: its refusal to specify where authority ultimately rested, with the states or the nation, and its unwillingness to address the essential incompatibility of republicanism and slavery. They wrestled with these issues for four decades, arguing bitterly and hammering out political compromises that held the Union together, but only just. Then, in 1850, when California moved to join the Union as a free state, "the immortal trio" had one last chance to save the country from the real risk of civil war. But, by that point, they had never been further apart. Thrillingly and authoritatively, H. W. Brands narrates an epic American rivalry and the little-known drama of the dangerous early years of our democracy.

From New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy and USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen comes the first in a new hockey romance series: a spin-off of their wildly successful Him and Us books. *** When Jess Canning is tasked with hosting her brother's wedding, sparks fly between her and the best man she hooked up with in a one-time mistake last spring. Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody (nobody!) can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs. Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honuor and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score. But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy times with a giant man-child. Such as: will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man? Warning: Do not read while sipping hot liquids. Or cold ones. Or while sitting anywhere laughter would be inappropriate. Contains hot but hilarious hockey players, puppies and a snarky pair of underwear. Tropes Hockey Romance Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity Bad Boy Romance More from Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen: Him Us Good Boy Stay

Meet the heroines who don''t wait at home while boys have all the adventures ... This beautifully illustrated collection brings together a selection of classic children''s stories, retold by Samantha Newman. These narratives from around the world showcase strong, charismatic, independent female protagonists who know their own minds, and make their own decisions. Inside you will meet Dorothy Gale, who freed faraway Oz from a terrible tyrant; Hua Mulan, who became a mighty warrior, legendary throughout ancient China; clever and powerful goddess Athena of Greek myth, who went toe-to-toe with Poseidon; and many more. These women strike out on their own with self-confidence, imagination, wit, and courage. They live without restraint or narrowly defined roles. Inspire the world-changing women of the future to dream big, by fueling their imaginations with relatable and aspirational role models. Featuring magical full-colour illustrations by Khoa Le, this book belongs on every girl''s bookshelf; ideal for children aged 8+. Stories include: Gerda and the Snow Queen (Denmark) Hua Mulan, the Noble Warrior (China) Heidi''s New Adventures (Switzerland) Alice in Wonderland (UK) Dorothy''s Adventure in Oz (USA) The Tale of Athena''s Great Contest (Greece) Hinemoa''s Great Swim (Maori, NZ) Chimidyue and the Butterfly (Colombia/Venezuela) The Tale of Kind Elena and Lazy Anca (Romania) The Tale of Odette the Swan Maiden (Germany) Lykke, the Little Mermaid (Denmark) Guimara, the Giant Princess (Brazil) The Maiden and the Falcon (Russia) Celine''s Best Cake (France) Princess Kaguya''s Great Adventure (Japan) ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Publishing''s Inspiring Heroines series retells classic children''s stories, showcasing strong female protagonists who strike out against adversity and smash stereotypes. Featuring enchanting full-colour illustrations by Khoa Le, these empowering tales will inspire young readers to dream big.

Order now to receive a collector's edition, UK first print run only. The New York Times bestseller from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, a posthumous collection of newly discovered writing, offering a fresh perspective on the remarkable literary mind behind To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman. Featuring an introduction by Casey Cep, Harper Lee's appointed biographer. 'Written with all of Lee's character and descriptive brilliance.' The Times 'A new window into one of America's literary icons.' i Paper Harper Lee remains a landmark figure in the American canon - thanks to Scout, Jem, Atticus, and the other indelible characters in her Pulitzer-winning debut, To Kill a Mockingbird; as well as for the darker, late-'50s version of small-town Alabama that emerged in Go Set a Watchman, her only other novel, published in 2015 after its rediscovery. The Land of Sweet Forever combines Lee's never-before-seen short stories and published nonfiction in a volume offering an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice. Covering territory from the Alabama schoolyards of Lee's youth to the luncheonettes and movie houses of midcentury Manhattan, The Land of Sweet Forever invites still-vital conversations about politics, equality, travel, love, fiction, art, the American South, and what it means to lead an engaged and creative life. This collection comes with an introduction by Casey Cep, Harper Lee's appointed biographer, which provides illuminating background for our reading of these stories and connects them both to Lee's life and to her two novels. Combining Lee's early short fiction and later nonfiction, The Land of Sweet Forever offers an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice. Praise for The Land of Sweet Forever and Harper Lee: 'Thrilling ... helps explain how the little girl from South Alabama Avenue turned herself into a bestselling author.' Guardian 'Cast[s] a new light on the literary giant.' Sunday Times 'Unmistakably Lee' The Telegraph

From His Holiness the Dalai Lama and award-winning Mutt’s cartoonist Patrick McDonnell comes a stunning, powerful, and poignant work on healing our planet, rebuilding our connection with nature, and nurturing compassion for one another in today’s chaotic world "The most original, entertaining, and enlightening book I have ever seen…A blueprint for how we should live, with love, compassion, and humour." — Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace At the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamsala, India, an unusual visitor has arrived. His Holiness interrupts his morning meditation to greet a troubled Giant Panda who has travelled many miles to see him. Welcoming him as a friend, His Holiness invites the Panda on a walk through a cedar forest. There in the shadow of the Himalayas, surrounded by beauty, they discuss matters great and small… With a galvanizing message about the future of our planet—text by His Holiness accompanied by McDonnell’s masterful illustrations—Heart to Heart calls for a Compassionate Revolution, reminding us that “we are indeed all members of a single family, sharing one little house.” Told with whimsy, wisdom, and warmth, this beautiful book is deceptively simple in its approach and all the more powerful for it, as it elegantly and decisively conveys a message of joy, hope and change. Through exquisite illustrations and thoughtful narrative, this gem of a book invites readers to reconnect with their role as caretakers of the earth, offering both practical insights and moments of quiet reflection. A keepsake and a guide for living with purpose and kindness, Heart to Heart shows us all how small acts of care and kindness can create a profound impact on our world. “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday, and one is called Tomorrow.”

USA TODAY BESTSELLER • ECPA BESTSELLER • An empowering girlfriend’s guide to a purpose-driven life, from the young entrepreneur and rising star behind SoulScripts and the SHE Podcast “This book will meet you right where you are with a giant hug while also giving you a little kick in the pants.”—Audrey Roloff, New York Times bestselling coauthor of A Love Letter Life, founder of Always More, cofounder of Beating50Percent Does it ever seem like you still have to find your purpose or that you’re stuck with “unfigured-out dreams”? Do you feel the pressure to prove yourself or worry about what others will think? You are not the only one. From accidentally starting a small business instead of using her college degree, to embarrassing herself onstage in front of thousands, to wasting time worrying about what others think or say, Jordan Lee Dooley knows exactly how that feels—and she’s learned some important lessons about living a purposeful life along the way. An influential millennial widely recognized for her tagline turned international movement, “Your Brokenness is Welcome Here;” Jordan has become a go-to source that women around the world look to for inspiration in their faith, work, relationships, and everyday life. Now, in this approachable but actionable read that’s jam-packed with practical tools, Jordan equips you to • tackle obstacles such as disappointment, perfectionism, comparison, and distraction • remove labels and break out of the box of expectations • identify and eliminate excuses and unnecessary stress about an unknown future • overcome the lie that you can’t live your God-given purpose until you reach a certain goal or milestone If you ever feel you need to shift your mindset but don’t know how, this book will help you overcome shame, practice gratitude, and redefine success.

Order now to receive a collector's edition, UK first print run only. The New York Times bestseller from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, a posthumous collection of newly discovered writing, offering a fresh perspective on the remarkable literary mind behind To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman. Featuring an introduction by Casey Cep, Harper Lee's appointed biographer. 'Written with all of Lee's character and descriptive brilliance.' The Times 'A new window into one of America's literary icons.' i Paper Harper Lee remains a landmark figure in the American canon - thanks to Scout, Jem, Atticus, and the other indelible characters in her Pulitzer-winning debut, To Kill a Mockingbird; as well as for the darker, late-'50s version of small-town Alabama that emerged in Go Set a Watchman, her only other novel, published in 2015 after its rediscovery. The Land of Sweet Forever combines Lee's never-before-seen short stories and published nonfiction in a volume offering an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice. Covering territory from the Alabama schoolyards of Lee's youth to the luncheonettes and movie houses of midcentury Manhattan, The Land of Sweet Forever invites still-vital conversations about politics, equality, travel, love, fiction, art, the American South, and what it means to lead an engaged and creative life. This collection comes with an introduction by Casey Cep, Harper Lee's appointed biographer, which provides illuminating background for our reading of these stories and connects them both to Lee's life and to her two novels. Combining Lee's early short fiction and later nonfiction, The Land of Sweet Forever offers an unprecedented look at the development of her inimitable voice. Praise for The Land of Sweet Forever and Harper Lee: 'Thrilling ... helps explain how the little girl from South Alabama Avenue turned herself into a bestselling author.' Guardian 'Cast[s] a new light on the literary giant.' Sunday Times 'Unmistakably Lee' The Telegraph

From His Holiness the Dalai Lama and award-winning Mutt’s cartoonist Patrick McDonnell comes a stunning, powerful, and poignant work on healing our planet, rebuilding our connection with nature, and nurturing compassion for one another in today’s chaotic world "The most original, entertaining, and enlightening book I have ever seen…A blueprint for how we should live, with love, compassion, and humour." — Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace At the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamsala, India, an unusual visitor has arrived. His Holiness interrupts his morning meditation to greet a troubled Giant Panda who has travelled many miles to see him. Welcoming him as a friend, His Holiness invites the Panda on a walk through a cedar forest. There in the shadow of the Himalayas, surrounded by beauty, they discuss matters great and small… With a galvanizing message about the future of our planet—text by His Holiness accompanied by McDonnell’s masterful illustrations—Heart to Heart calls for a Compassionate Revolution, reminding us that “we are indeed all members of a single family, sharing one little house.” Told with whimsy, wisdom, and warmth, this beautiful book is deceptively simple in its approach and all the more powerful for it, as it elegantly and decisively conveys a message of joy, hope and change. Through exquisite illustrations and thoughtful narrative, this gem of a book invites readers to reconnect with their role as caretakers of the earth, offering both practical insights and moments of quiet reflection. A keepsake and a guide for living with purpose and kindness, Heart to Heart shows us all how small acts of care and kindness can create a profound impact on our world. “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday, and one is called Tomorrow.”

Get to know more than 100 of the world's favourite dinosaurs and other prehistoric life forms with this essential illustrated introduction. This must-have first book on dinosaurs and other ancient creatures is filled with beautiful illustrations and storybook text on every page, perfect for early readers who want to know more about the life that once roamed our planet. The Bedtime Book of Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life includes the earliest life that appeared in the ocean, to the giant dinosaurs, and the wonderfully weird mammals that followed them. Children aged 3-5 can discover a huge variety of organisms that are shown within the three chapters, which cover the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. With old favourites, such as Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops, as well as new discoveries, including Yi and Changmiania, there is something for every young fan of the primeval world. Inside the pages of this exciting dinosaur book, you'll find: - An introduction to the essential information about each prehistoric species in a friendly, accessible way. - Beautiful and accurate illustrations combined with introductory reference text about a wide variety of dinosaurs and other ancient plants and animals. - Engaging text for young children that can be read aloud - perfect for parents, carers, and children to enjoy at bedtime. - A one-hit introduction to prehistoric life, featuring more than 100 animals - an essential addition to every 3-5 year old's library. This exciting dinosaur guide helps to develop an early understanding of the prehistoric world for little ones and clearly explains the key features of each animal or plant, as well as how to say their names. A timeless gift book, this is a must-have for parents, carers, and educators who want to introduce core dinosaur knowledge at a young age in a fun and engaging way.

From New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy and USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen comes the first in a new hockey romance series: a spin-off of their wildly successful Him and Us books. *** When Jess Canning is tasked with hosting her brother's wedding, sparks fly between her and the best man she hooked up with in a one-time mistake last spring. Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody (nobody!) can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs. Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honuor and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score. But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy times with a giant man-child. Such as: will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man? Warning: Do not read while sipping hot liquids. Or cold ones. Or while sitting anywhere laughter would be inappropriate. Contains hot but hilarious hockey players, puppies and a snarky pair of underwear. Tropes Hockey Romance Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity Bad Boy Romance More from Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen: Him Us Good Boy Stay

"Johnston's debut will keep readers on the edge of their seats as the heroes get themselves into one scrape after another. It has a hint of Battlestar Galactica, but with giant reptilian aliens. Johnston, with skillful plotting and impeccable world building, takes the tale of Tajen and his crew searching for home and shapes it into an unforgettable journey." - Booklist The Remembrance War Book 1 Eight hundred years ago, the Zhen Empire discovered a broken human colony ship drifting in the fringes of their space. The Zhen gave the humans a place to live and folded them into their Empire as a client state. But it hasn't been easy. Not all Zhen were eager to welcome another species into their Empire, and humans have faced persecution. For hundreds of years, human languages and history were outlawed subjects, as the Zhen tried to mold humans into their image. Earth and the cultures it nourished for millennia are forgotten, little more than legends. One of the first humans to be allowed to serve in the Zhen military, Tajen Hunt became a war hero at the Battle of Elkari, the only human to be named an official Hero of the Empire. He was given command of a task force, and sent to do the Empire's bidding in their war with the enigmatic Tabrans. But when he failed in a crucial mission, causing the deaths of millions of people, he resigned in disgrace and faded into life on the fringes as a lone independent pilot. When Tajen discovers his brother, Daav, has been killed by agents of the Empire, he, his niece, and their newly-hired crew set out to finish his brother's quest: to find Earth, the legendary homeworld of humanity. What they discover will shatter 800 years of peace in the Empire, and start a war that could be the end of the human race. FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launching in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

Get ready to enter a world on the brink of battle, filled with gods, magicians, dragons, giants - and experience an epic love story . . . 'Exciting, interesting, captivating and a little bit steamy!' reader review 'A fantasy series not to be missed. Myths, legends, action, romance, family loyalty and suspense all rolled into one amazing series of books!' reader review 'This was an amazing book, the story was breathtaking and the characters engaging!' reader review .................................. In a land where magic is might, Catalia Fisa is the mightiest of them all . . . Catalia Fisa, Lost Princess, has been running from destiny her whole life. Yet deep down, she has always believed that the prophecy shadowing her every step is inescapable: her unimaginable power will bring unfathomable disaster. But now her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. Although it may be that this, even with all her power, is still the one battle she cannot win, Cat's determined not to go down without a fight. As the realms descend into all-out war, Cat knows she must embrace the power at her command. With Griffin by her side and Gods willing, perhaps she can emerge victorious in this fiery forging of a new Kingdom. .................................. 'Breath of Fire is a heart-pounding and joyous romantic adventure that swept me away. Amanda Bouchet's talent is striking' Nalini Singh 'Absolutely fabulous. I didn't want to put [Breath of Fire] down. Amanda Bouchet is now on my auto-buy list! I highly recommend her books to my readers and to anyone looking for a great blend of fantasy and romance.' C.L. Wilson 'This book is utterly breathtaking!' Darynda Jones 'A Promise of Fire made me laugh out loud more than once' Thea Harrison Read the rest of The Kingmaker Chronicles! A Promise of Fire (Book 1) Breath of Fire (Book 2) Heart on Fire (Book 3) A Curse of Queens (Book 4)

2024 Reprint of the 1958 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition and not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. In this pioneering work, David Bakan challenges the popular view of Freud as an entirely secular intellectual, schooled in modern culture rather than Jewish traditions. Bakan contends that the father of psychology was profoundly influenced by mystic lore about which he appeared to know very little -- and which represents the antithesis of scientific method.This work is based on the premise that Freudian psychoanalytic theory is largely rooted in the Jewish religion, particularly the mysticism of the kabbala. In a fascinating interpretation of the blend of personality and cultural history, Bakan explains how Freud's Jewish heritage contributed, either consciously or unconsciously, to his psychological theories. The author employs Freud's own distinction between being a Jew and the acceptance of Jewish doctrine to demonstrate the effect of Jewish mysticism in the formation of Freud's technical genius.With its focus on the ways in which Freud was and was not Jewish, this study offers a model example of the problem of Jewish identity -- as embodied by one of the giants of modern science, who professed to be both "infidel" and "Jew." -- Amazon.com Contents: The problem of the origins of psychoanalysis -- Hypotheses relating the origins of psychoanalysis to Freud's personal life -- Psychoanalysis as a problem in the history of ideas -- Anti-semitism in Vienna -- The general question of dissimulation -- Did Freud ever dissemble? -- Freud's positive identification as a Jew -- Freud's relationship to Fliess and his other Jewish associates -- Early Kabbala -- Modern Kabbala -- The Zohar -- The Chmielnicki period -- Jewish self-government -- The Sabbatian episode -- The Frankist episode -- Chassidism -- The Moses of Michelangelo -- Some relevant biographical items -- Moses and Monotheism -- a book of double content -- Moses as an Egyptian -- Moses was killed by the Jews -- Freud's messianic identification -- Introduction -- The transition -- The hypnosis and cocaine episodes -- The discovery of the transference -- The "Flectere ..." of the interpretation of dreams -- Freud's paper on demoniacal possession -- The composition of the interpretation of dreams -- Accretion of meanings to the devil image -- The problem of scholarship -- Techniques of interpretation -- Sexuality -- Heimlichkeit.

Both a revelatory, insight-filled playbook for doing business in China and a probing look at why the country, despite the challenges it faces, still possesses unrivaled prospects for growth and entrepreneurial opportunity-by two leaders who, over the course of decades, have taken turns helming McKinsey's China-based management consulting. In just forty years, China has transformed from a closed economy into a global powerhouse. Riding the tailwinds of its massive labor supply, aggressive infrastructure investment, and ingrained work ethic, the nation became a haven of opportunity. However, more recently, shifting demographics, less torrid growth, and an increasingly complex geopolitical environment have caused some to wonder: Where lies the next China? The authors of this book have a bold and unequivocal answer: the next China is still China. There is no substitute for the Chinese market. China accounts for a staggering 30% of global manufacturing and 18% of global GDP, surpassing the European Union and trailing only the United States. With nearly five million STEM graduates each year (more than the total number of US degree graduates across all fields!), China is well-positioned in an era of technological automation, artificial intelligence, and data-powered innovation. However, the strategies that once propelled businesses to success in China are no longer sufficient. A new playbook is needed. The Next China Is Still China will answer a range of provocative questions, including: * Will China with its aging population fall into a Japan-style stagnation, or can it maintain its superpower trajectory? * What is exciting about the country's vaunted "China speed," and how can multinationals continue leveraging it for outsized profits? * What is the key to pleasing China's "hyper-switching" consumers who have little brand loyalty? * Amid rising nationalism and geopolitical risk, should global firms rethink their China presence or, instead, double down? * As America's tech giants make massive investment in AI, can China's fast-adapting innovation ecosystem keep up? The Next China Is Still China upends conventional wisdom, providing fresh actionable strategies for winning in the years ahead.

A revelatory, insight-filled playbook for doing business in China and a probing look at why the country, despite the challenges it faces, still possesses unrivaled prospects for growth and entrepreneurial opportunity—by two leaders who, over the course of decades, have taken turns helming McKinsey’s management consulting practice in China. In just forty years, China has transformed from a closed economy into a global powerhouse. Riding the tailwinds of its massive labor supply, aggressive infrastructure investment, and ingrained work ethic, the nation became a haven of opportunity. However, more recently, shifting demographics, less torrid growth, and an increasingly complex geopolitical environment have caused some to wonder: Where lies the next China? The authors of this book have a bold and unequivocal answer: the next China is still China. There is no substitute for the Chinese market. China accounts for a staggering 30% of global manufacturing and 18% of global GDP, surpassing the European Union and trailing only the United States. With nearly five million STEM graduates each year (more than the total number of US degree graduates across all fields!), China is well-positioned in an era of technological automation, artificial intelligence, and data-powered innovation. However, the strategies that once propelled businesses to success in China are no longer sufficient. A new playbook is needed. The Next China Is Still China will answer a range of provocative questions, including: -Will China with its aging population fall into a Japan-style stagnation, or can it maintain its superpower trajectory? -What is exciting about the country’s vaunted “China speed;” and how can multinationals continue leveraging it for outsized profits? -What is the key to pleasing China’s “hyper-switching” consumers who have little brand loyalty? -Amid rising nationalism and geopolitical risk, should global firms rethink their China presence or, instead, double down? -As America’s tech giants make massive investment in AI, can China’s fast-adapting innovation ecosystem keep up? The Next China Is Still China upends conventional wisdom, providing fresh actionable strategies for winning in the years ahead.

Is your roleplaying in a rut? Flip the table and try something new! Proactive roleplaying will re-energize your players - and your game.Most adventures in traditional TTRPGs start out the same way: Something bad happens and your players have to muster their courage to stand against it. Whether it's rescuing the little dog that was kidnapped by the local troll, stopping an assassination attempt at the archduke's wedding or recruiting an army to disrupt the construction of a world-ending ritual site, the party will always find a way to save the day. After all, what kind of heroes would they be if they let the dog, duke or entire population die? Saving the day is fun, but it starts to get repetitive after a while. If you're using a "bad guys try to do stuff, good guys try to stop them" engine to drive all your sessions, you're taking all the agency out of your players' hands. Bad stuff happens, good people have to try to stop it, roll, rinse, repeat.There's a better way to play (and prep) your sessions. The Game Master's Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying shows you how to convert your TTRPG gameplay from predictable action/reaction cliches to player-driven narratives that put all the choices (and most of the prep work) in the hands of your players. The goals are theirs. The decisions are theirs. Everything that happens in the world you're building together occurs not because you planned it, but because the PCs are following their own paths, rather than Game Master breadcrumbs, to the scene of the next adventure. The proactive approach ensures every battle has tension, every faction has a function and every session is high-stakes (and an absolute blast), putting the players and their characters in the driver's seat so you can sit back and simply put giant goal- (and soul-) crushing roadblocks in their way.You'll also find:. Foreword by Ginny Di with an afterword by Jeff Ashworth. Writer's block-breaking charts. Case studies from decades of sessions.

The second book in the best-selling, award-winning ‘Bear and the Piano’ trilogy. The first book in the trilogy - The Bear and the Piano - has sold over 120,000 copies in the UK and won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Illustrated Book Category for 2016 Hector and his dog Hugo have made music together through good times, bad times and even some crazy times. But when Hugo learns to play the fiddle, and gets the chance to play with Bear’s Big Band, Hector’s jealousy gets the better of him. Can Hector swallow his pride and learn to be happy for his friend? Set in New Orleans with a new cast of animal musicians, this big-hearted sequel to the best-selling The Bear and the Piano teaches that friendship, like good music, lasts forever . BBC Music Magazine - 'Litchfield's warm, richly coloured images are filled with gentle humour, while he packs plenty of emotion and nuance into his succinct text- and music as a starring role.' The Daily Mail - ‘Litchfield’s stunning illustrations conjure up the twinkling lights and sombre shadows of New Orleans, beautifully reflecting the joy and melancholy that offset each other in this touching story. Another guaranteed bestseller from this remarkable artist.’ The Daily Mail, 'Best Christmas Books' - 'Loyalty and friendship underpin this touching story from the wonderful David Litchfield...Litchfield’s captivating rendition of New Orleans’ lights and sombre shadows reflects joy and melancholy to stunning effect.’ The Bookseller, 'Editor's Choice' - 'A big-hearted sequel starring a new cast of animals musicians...this captures all the warmth and charm of the original, with show stopping cityscapes and heartfelt emotion.’ The Bookseller, 'Season's Highlights' - ‘Completely charming tale of friendship and music.’ **Don't miss David Litchfield's other books: The Bear and the Piano [1] The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle [2] The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert [3] Grandad's Secret Giant Lights on Cotton Rock

The second book in the best-selling, award-winning ‘Bear and the Piano’ trilogy. The first book in the trilogy - The Bear and the Piano - has sold over 120,000 copies in the UK and won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Illustrated Book Category for 2016 Hector and his dog Hugo have made music together through good times, bad times and even some crazy times. But when Hugo learns to play the fiddle, and gets the chance to play with Bear’s Big Band, Hector’s jealousy gets the better of him. Can Hector swallow his pride and learn to be happy for his friend? Set in New Orleans with a new cast of animal musicians, this big-hearted sequel to the best-selling The Bear and the Piano teaches that friendship, like good music, lasts forever . BBC Music Magazine - 'Litchfield's warm, richly coloured images are filled with gentle humour, while he packs plenty of emotion and nuance into his succinct text- and music as a starring role.' The Daily Mail - ‘Litchfield’s stunning illustrations conjure up the twinkling lights and sombre shadows of New Orleans, beautifully reflecting the joy and melancholy that offset each other in this touching story. Another guaranteed bestseller from this remarkable artist.’ The Daily Mail, 'Best Christmas Books' - 'Loyalty and friendship underpin this touching story from the wonderful David Litchfield...Litchfield’s captivating rendition of New Orleans’ lights and sombre shadows reflects joy and melancholy to stunning effect.’ The Bookseller, 'Editor's Choice' - 'A big-hearted sequel starring a new cast of animals musicians...this captures all the warmth and charm of the original, with show stopping cityscapes and heartfelt emotion.’ The Bookseller, 'Season's Highlights' - ‘Completely charming tale of friendship and music.’ **Don't miss David Litchfield's other books: The Bear and the Piano [1] The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle [2] The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert [3] Grandad's Secret Giant Lights on Cotton Rock