SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES DEBUT FICTION PRIZE 2022 FINALIST FOR THE BARNES & NOBLE DISCOVER PRIZE 2022 FINALIST FOR THE URSULA LE GUIN PRIZE FOR FICTION 2022 WATERSTONES AND ESQUIRE BEST BOOKS OF 2022 'Haunting and luminous . An astonishing debut' - Alan Moore, creator of Watchmen and V for Vendetta 'A powerfully moving and thought provoking read. At times sublime, strange and deeply human' Adrian Tchaikovsky, bestselling author of the Children of Time series Siberia, 2031. After a virus, unearthed from melting permafrost, unleashes a deadly plague upon humanity, those left alive are forced to adapt to a new world, and do so in myriad moving and inventive ways. Among those adjusting to this new normal are an aspiring comedian, employed by a theme park designed for terminally ill children, who falls in love with a mother trying desperately to keep her son alive; a scientist who, having failed to save his own son from the plague, gets a second chance at fatherhood when one of his test subjects - a pig - develops human speech; and a widowed painter and her teenage granddaughter who must set off on cosmic quest to locate a new home planet. A story of unshakeable hope that seamlessly crosses literary lines, How High We Go in the Dark follows a cast of intricately linked characters spanning hundreds of years as humankind endeavours to restore the delicate balance of the world. Wonderful and disquieting, dreamlike and all too possible. [How High We Go in the Dark] reaches far beyond our stars while its heart remains rooted to Earth, and reminds us that our wellbeing depends on the wellbeing of our world - Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree

The Turkic languages are spoken today in a vast geographical area stretching from southern Iran to the Arctic Ocean and from the Balkans to the great wall of China. There are currently 20 literary languages in the group, the most important among them being Turkish with over 70 million speakers; other major languages covered include Azeri, Bashkir, Chuvash, Gagauz, Karakalpak, Kazakh, Kirghiz, Noghay, Tatar, Turkmen, Uyghur, Uzbek, Yakut, Yellow Uyghur and languages of Iran and South Siberia. The Turkic Languages is a reference book which brings together detailed discussions of the historical development and specialized linguistic structures and features of the languages in the Turkic family. Seen from a linguistic typology point of view, Turkic languages are particularly interesting because of their astonishing morphosyntactic regularity, their vast geographical distribution, and their great stability over time. This volume builds upon a work which has already become a defining classic of Turkic language study. The present, thoroughly revised edition updates and augments those authoritative accounts and reflects recent and ongoing developments in the languages themselves, as well as our further enhanced understanding of the relations and patterns of influence between them. The result is the fruit of decades-long experience in the teaching of the Turkic languages, their philology and literature, and also of a wealth of new insights into the linguistic phenomena and cultural interactions defining their development and use, both historically and in the present day. Each chapter combines modern linguistic analysis with traditional historical linguistics; a uniform structure allows for easy typological comparison between the individual languages. Written by an international team of experts, The Turkic Languages will be invaluable to students and researchers within linguistics, Turcology, and Near Eastern and Oriental Studies.

Bloomsbury presents The Sisterhood Rules, written and read by Kathy Lette. 'With her renowned clever wit and masterful (mistress-ful) wordplay, Lette delights us all yet again. Read this and know you are in the hands of a wise feminist who makes you laugh out loud!' Suzie Miller, award-winning author of PRIMA FACIE The Sisterhood Rules: 1. Never let a man come between you 2. Share all your secrets 3. Live life to the fullest - girls just wanna have fun For twin sisters Isabel and Verity, the sisterhood rules were shattered when Verity had an affair with Izzy's husband. Unforgivable, right? Devastated by her sister's betrayal, Izzy casts Verity into social Siberia. But when their mother goes missing, Verity and Izzy are forced to come together again to find her. And then the estranged sisters' problems only get bigger. Their mother has a new younger lover and where there's a will… he'd clearly like to be in it. Can they stop their mother making a dreadful mistake? And in doing so find a way to bury the pain of the past? Full of laugh-out-loud humour and devastating pathos, Kathy Lette's brilliant new novel takes us on a roller-coaster ride which proves that from pain comes healing, from honesty comes forgiveness, and that nothing is more important than your sisters. PRAISE FOR KATHY LETTE: 'Deliciously rude and darkly funny' Nicole Kidman 'Unputdownable' Stephen Fry 'Kathy's wit and clarity feel timely and necessary' Isla Fisher 'The thinking lady's hornbag' Kath and Kim 'Had me laughing out loud from page one' Adam Hills 'I loved every fierce, frothy line of feminist inspiration' Tina Brown

This study deals with the anthropology of the deportation trauma as experienced by the Kalmyks (1943-1956) and how it affects national identification. It shows the stigmatisation of Kalmyk identity in the years of deportation and response of the ethnic group to deprivation. The ever changing discourse of the Kalmyk issue, and political use of the trauma also receive attention. The study is innovative in Russian anthropology as it is the first anthropological study of the Kalmyk deportation as well as of the consequences of the trauma, and as it provides comparative insight by making use of similar experience of deprivation of other ethnic groups. The monograph contains a valuable corps of sources, especially oral, including analyses of folk songs and oral narratives. The novelty of the study also lies in that it applies gender methodology to the analysis of adaptation of men and women to extreme conditions of life and considers gender-specific differences in mechanisms of memory, recollection and oral narration. The monograph closes a gap in the study of collective and individual strategies of survival in conditions of deportation in Siberia and Central Asia. It demonstrates the existence of stigmatised ethnicity in the USSR. Among the conclusions the author arrives are that the Buddhist tradition played an important role in the way historic trauma was perceived by the Kalmyks, and that there was a factor of phenotypic difference leading Kalmyks in extreme conditions to strive to “dissolve” in the social environment using every chance to prove loyalty to the state. This left little chance for specific Kalmyk cultural features to resurge outside the home sphere. There is evidence that the trauma is something most Kalmyks have overcome. Its still deliberate accentuation appears to be pragmatically aimed into the future.

Exklusives 3D-Poster des Phillip Island Circuit – Ein Meisterwerk australischer Motorsportkultur Willkommen auf Phillip Island, Australien, wo die raue Küstenlandschaft der Bass Strait auf den adrenalingeladenen Nervenkitzel des Motorsports trifft. Dieses detailgetreue 3D-Modell des legendären Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit fängt die unvergleichliche Dynamik und den Charme der Strecke ein – ein absolutes Highlight für Motorsportfans und Sammler. Eine Strecke voller Kontraste und Emotionen Der Phillip Island Circuit besticht durch seine außergewöhnliche Kombination aus spektakulärer Küstenkulisse, schnellen Geraden und der legendären Highspeed-Kurve Doohan Corner. Jedes Detail dieser ikonischen Strecke, von der berühmten Lukey Heights bis hin zur rasanten Siberia-Passage, wurde mit höchster Präzision in unserem 3D-Poster eingefangen. Erleben Sie die Spannung, die jeden Zentimeter dieser Strecke durchdringt, und tauchen Sie ein in die einzigartige Atmosphäre, die Phillip Island zu einem weltberühmten Motorsportort macht. Nachhaltigkeit und Innovation im Rennsport Unser exklusives Poster wird mittels modernster 3D-Drucktechnologie aus recyceltem Plastik gefertigt. Dieser umweltfreundliche Produktionsansatz spiegelt unser Engagement für Nachhaltigkeit wider, ohne dabei Kompromisse bei der Detailtreue und Qualität einzugehen. So verbinden wir Tradition mit Innovation und bringen ein Stück moderner Rennsportgeschichte in Ihr Zuhause. Hochwertiger Holzrahmen – Eleganz für Ihr Ambiente Das 3D-Poster wird in einem robusten Holzrahmen präsentiert, der dem Kunstwerk eine edle und zeitlose Note verleiht. Eine schützende Glasfront sorgt für eine klare, ungestörte Sicht auf die faszinierenden Details des Phillip Island Circuit und macht das Poster zu einem echten Blickfang – egal, ob im Wohnzimmer, Büro oder in Ihrer persönlichen Rennsportgalerie. Phillip Island – Ein Symbol australischer Rennsporttradition Dieses 3D-Poster ist mehr als nur ein Dekorationsstück – es ist eine Hommage an die Leidenschaft und den Pioniergeist des australischen Motorsports. Es fängt die Emotionen und den Nervenkitzel unvergesslicher MotoGP- und Superbike-Rennen ein und bringt die beeindruckende Atmosphäre der australischen Küste in Ihr Zuhause. Highlights: Größe: A4 Material: Hochwertiges 3D-gedrucktes Modell mit originalen Höhenunterschieden Rahmen: Stabiler Holzrahmen für eine elegante Präsentation Schutz: Glasfront für klare und ungestörte Sicht Druckqualität: Premium gedrucktes Poster in 300 DPI für gestochen scharfe Details Nachhaltigkeit: Verwendung von recyceltem Plastik für den 3D-Druck Einzigartigkeit: Detailgetreues Abbild des Phillip Island Circuit, ideal für Motorsportfans und Sammler Erleben Sie die Faszination des Phillip Island Circuit und holen Sie sich ein Stück australischer Rennsportgeschichte in Ihr Zuhause – ein Kunstwerk, das Tradition, Innovation und pure Leidenschaft miteinander vereint.

"Compelling and utterly fascinating…drifts far into the mysterious lives of Anastasia Romanov and Anna Anderson."-Lisa Wingate, author of Before We Were Yours In an enthralling new feat of historical suspense, Ariel Lawhon unravels the extraordinary twists and turns in Anna Anderson's 50-year battle to be recognized as Anastasia Romanov. Is she the Russian Grand Duchess or the thief of another woman's legacy? Countless others have rendered their verdict. Now it is your turn. Russia, July 17, 1918: Under direct orders from Vladimir Lenin, Bolshevik secret police force Anastasia Romanov, along with the entire imperial family, into a damp basement in Siberia where they face a merciless firing squad. None survive. At least that is what the executioners have always claimed. Germany, February 17, 1920: A young woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Anastasia Romanov is pulled shivering and senseless from a canal in Berlin. Refusing to explain her presence in the freezing water, she is taken to the hospital where an examination reveals that her body is riddled with countless, horrific scars. When she finally does speak, this frightened, mysterious woman claims to be the Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia. Her detractors, convinced that the young woman is only after the immense Romanov fortune, insist on calling her by a different name: Anna Anderson. As rumors begin to circulate through European society that the youngest Romanov daughter has survived the massacre, old enemies and new threats are awakened. With a brilliantly crafted dual narrative structure, Lawhon wades into the most psychologically complex and emotionally compelling territory yet: the nature of identity itself. The question of who Anna Anderson is and what actually happened to Anastasia Romanov creates a saga that spans fifty years and touches three continents. This thrilling story is every bit as moving and momentous as it is harrowing and twisted.

**NOW AN AMAZON PRIME TV SERIES STARRING CHRIS PRATT** 'A propulsive and compulsive series. Jack Carr's James Reece is the kind of guy you'd want to have in your corner. A suspenseful and exhilarating thrill-ride. Jack Carr is the real deal' Andy McNab Deep in the wilds of Siberia, a woman is on the run, pursued by a man harboring secrets - a man intent on killing her. Half a world away, James Reece is recovering from brain surgery in the Montana wilderness, slowly putting his life back together with the help of investigative journalist Katie Buranek and his longtime friend and SEAL teammate Raife Hastings. Unbeknown to them, the Russian mafia has set their sights on Reece in a deadly game of cat and mouse. In his most visceral and heart-pounding thriller yet, Jack Carr explores the darkest instincts of humanity through the eyes of a man who has seen both the best and the worst of it. Praise for Jack Carr: 'This is seriously good . . . the suspense is unrelenting, and the tradecraft is so authentic the government will probably ban it - so read it while you can!' Lee Child 'Carr writes both from the gut and a seemingly infinite reservoir of knowledge in the methods of human combat. Loved it!' Chris Hauty 'With a particular line in authentic tradecraft, this fabulously unrelenting thrill-ride was a struggle to put down' Mark Dawson 'Gritty, raw and brilliant!' Tom Marcus 'So powerful, so pulse-pounding, so well-written - rarely do you read a debut novel this damn good' Brad Thor 'A powerful, thoughtful, realistic, at times terrifying thriller that I could not put down. A terrific addition to the genre, Jack Carr and his alter-ego protagonist, James Reece, continue to blow me away' Mark Greaney 'Thrilling' Publishers Weekly

By the mercy of God I am a Christian, by my deeds a great sinner, by calling a homeless wanderer of the lowliest origins, roaming from place to place. Here, see my belongings: a bag of dry crusts on my back and the Holy Bible in my breast pocket; that's it. In 1884 there appeared in Russia a slim volume containing four short tales. They told of a pilgrim, a lone wanderer, led by his quiet curiosity and a deep spiritual longing to undertake a lifelong journey across the land. A folk hero, a figure familiar from the works of Tolstoy and Leskov, this gentle pilgrim and his simple story would soon travel the world - and would even, much later, traverse the pages of JD Salinger's Franny and Zooey as the 'small pea-green cloth-bound book' that Franny keeps close in her handbag. The pilgrim's ancient journey takes him from a city monastery through forests, fields and the steppes of Siberia. He walks by day and by night, through rains and summer months, finding food and shelter where he can. Along the way, he encounters priests and professors, convicts, nuns and beggars, a tipsy old man in a soldier's greatcoat, from whom he slowly gathers great stores of wisdom and experience. But at the heart of his journey is his time spent praying as he journeys on alone, discovering the peace and consolation that come of constant prayer and silent contemplation. Simple and sincere, The Way of a Pilgrim paints an enduring picture of a life of detachment through wandering and prayer. And, as the pilgrim makes his way through the wilds, he invites us to travel with him, along an ancient path into an immense, mystical landscape.

Issue 10, IV-2024 of Journal of Ethnic Microhistory is devoted to an attempt of the German registered association Training and Research Center ETHNOS to cinematize the novel "Our Courtyard" by Hugo Wormsbecher - the classic of the Russia-German literature. Hugo (Gustavovich) Wormsbecher was born in 1938 in the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of the Volga Germans. In 1941, he was exiled to Siberia, where he grew up. He worked as a turner, electrician, in a topographical expedition in the semi-deserts of Kazakhstan and in the Alatau Mountains, then - as a teacher, a staff of the editorial boards of the newspapers "Freundschaft" (Friendship) in Zelinograd, "Neues Leben" (New Life) and the editor-in-chief of the almanac "Heimatliche Weiten" (The Vastnesses of Homeland) in Moskau. "Hugo Wormsbecher's story "Our Courtyard," which was written in 1969 and appeared in the almanac "Heimatliche Weiten" in Moscow in 1984, can be considered a pioneering achievement in Russian-German literature. With the story "Our Courtyard" Hugo Wormsbecher has created an outstanding text that belongs in the canon of German and Russian literature. I would like to support the attempt to film the text in every respect. It would be a major undertaking and would enrich the collective memory in every way." (Prof. Dr. Carsten Gansel) Hugo Wormsbecher has been in the midst of the movement of the Russia-Germans for their rehabilitation since 1963. After the liquidation of the Volga German Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and the deportation of all Russia-Germans - the group of the Russia-Germans activists emerged; it moved from silent patience and individual initiatives to the collective action to rehabilitate Russia-Germans and to restore their statehood. Hugo Wormsbecher was one of the founders of the society "Wiedergeburt" (Rebirth), of the International Association of the Russia-Germans, and of the Federal Cultural Autonomy of the Russia-Germans

Across Asia’s sacred rivers, silent temples and glowing horizons, this collection captures moments of devotion, wilderness and human spirit. From monks at sunrise to timeless faces and vast landscapes, each image invites stillness and reflection. A visual journey through color, culture and contemplation – intimate, powerful and deeply atmospheric, with poetic depth and luminous authenticity. High-quality wall calendar with 12 beautiful images We care about the environment. We avoid overproduction and thus significant amounts of waste as we produce our calendars via print-on-demand in the markets we operate in. This means we can keep our transport routes short and ensure climate-conscious logistical processes.14 Pages Consisting of 1 Cover 12 Months 1 Index Page I Cardboard Spine at the Back. Illustrations: January: Violet dusk over silent horizon – Koh Samui, Thailand February: Whispers of color in sacred garden – Ubud, Bali March: Ancient blessing in emerald stillness – Ubud, Bali April: Colorful harbor at tranquil sunset – Ko Chang, Thailand May: Wild taiga – Close to Baikal Lake, Siberia, Russia June: Tender bond in flowing waters – Pinnawala, Sri Lanka July: Everyday strength in motion – Jaipur, India August: Curious temple guardian – Taung Kalat, Myanmar September: Joyful sadhu at the ganges – Varanasi, India October: Contemplation by the ganges – Varanasi, India November: Monks at sacred sunrise – Angkor Wat, Cambodia December: Roots reclaiming ancient stone – Ta Prohm, Cambodia QUALITY - High-quality photo calendar with 12 beautiful images on light-resistant paper, robust spiral binding. PERFECT GIFT - calendars for friends and family, for children, all ages and all occasions, from Christmas to birthdays and everything in between. LOTS OF CHOICE - Wall calendars in different sizes (DIN A4 and DIN A3), for any topic and personal taste, featuring photography, painting and illustrations. A soulful journey through Asia. von Autor(in): Aria-Elena Leon.

Across Asia’s sacred rivers, silent temples and glowing horizons, this collection captures moments of devotion, wilderness and human spirit. From monks at sunrise to timeless faces and vast landscapes, each image invites stillness and reflection. A visual journey through color, culture and contemplation – intimate, powerful and deeply atmospheric, with poetic depth and luminous authenticity. Premium high-gloss art print in museum quality. To ensure that the sheets of paper hang smoothly on the wall, this high-quality calendar has innovative insert pockets. They protect the large sheets from humidity effects. Paper is a natural material. The fibres react to fluctuations in the room climate. The tuck-in corners should therefore not be removed. Our environment is important to us, which is why we rely on individual production in Germany (Made in Germany) with high-quality materials. 14 Pages Consisting of 1 Cover 12 Months 1 Index Page I Cardboard Spine at the Back. Illustrations: January: Violet dusk over silent horizon – Koh Samui, Thailand February: Whispers of color in sacred garden – Ubud, Bali March: Ancient blessing in emerald stillness – Ubud, Bali April: Colorful harbor at tranquil sunset – Ko Chang, Thailand May: Wild taiga – Close to Baikal Lake, Siberia, Russia June: Tender bond in flowing waters – Pinnawala, Sri Lanka July: Everyday strength in motion – Jaipur, India August: Curious temple guardian – Taung Kalat, Myanmar September: Joyful sadhu at the ganges – Varanasi, India October: Contemplation by the ganges – Varanasi, India November: Monks at sacred sunrise – Angkor Wat, Cambodia December: Roots reclaiming ancient stone – Ta Prohm, Cambodia PREMIUM COLLECTION - Brilliant photo calendar with 12 beautiful motifs, high-gloss art print in museum quality. QUALITY - high-quality materials, sturdy back cover with 2 innovative insert pockets for optimum presentation on the wall. PERFECT GIFT - calendars for friends and family, for children and adults, young and old, for Christmas, birthdays or in between. A soulful journey through Asia. von Autor(in): Aria-Elena Leon.

"Compelling and utterly fascinating…drifts far into the mysterious lives of Anastasia Romanov and Anna Anderson."-Lisa Wingate, author of Before We Were Yours In an enthralling new feat of historical suspense, Ariel Lawhon unravels the extraordinary twists and turns in Anna Anderson's 50-year battle to be recognized as Anastasia Romanov. Is she the Russian Grand Duchess or the thief of another woman's legacy? Countless others have rendered their verdict. Now it is your turn. Russia, July 17, 1918: Under direct orders from Vladimir Lenin, Bolshevik secret police force Anastasia Romanov, along with the entire imperial family, into a damp basement in Siberia where they face a merciless firing squad. None survive. At least that is what the executioners have always claimed. Germany, February 17, 1920: A young woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Anastasia Romanov is pulled shivering and senseless from a canal in Berlin. Refusing to explain her presence in the freezing water, she is taken to the hospital where an examination reveals that her body is riddled with countless, horrific scars. When she finally does speak, this frightened, mysterious woman claims to be the Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia. Her detractors, convinced that the young woman is only after the immense Romanov fortune, insist on calling her by a different name: Anna Anderson. As rumors begin to circulate through European society that the youngest Romanov daughter has survived the massacre, old enemies and new threats are awakened. With a brilliantly crafted dual narrative structure, Lawhon wades into the most psychologically complex and emotionally compelling territory yet: the nature of identity itself. The question of who Anna Anderson is and what actually happened to Anastasia Romanov creates a saga that spans fifty years and touches three continents. This thrilling story is every bit as moving and momentous as it is harrowing and twisted.

The New York Times’ “Your Quarantine Reader” Bustle’s “16 Novels About Viral Outbreaks To Make You Feel Less Alone” The Hollywood Reporter’s “8 Pandemic-Themed Books to Read Amid Coronavirus” Refinery29’s “Books That Hit A Little Too Close To Home During The Pandemic” SYFY.com’s “Eight SFF Novels You Shouldn’t Miss This March” Station Eleven meets Never Let Me Go in this debut novel set in an unsettling near future where the dead can be uploaded to machines and kept in service by the living. In the wake of a highly contagious virus, California is under quarantine. Sequestered in high rise towers, the living can’t go out, but the dead can come in—and they come in all forms, from sad rolling cans to manufactured bodies that can pass for human. Wealthy participants in the “companionship” program choose to upload their consciousness before dying, so they can stay in the custody of their families. The less fortunate are rented out to strangers upon their death, but all companions become the intellectual property of Metis Corporation, creating a new class of people—a command-driven product-class without legal rights or true free will. Sixteen-year-old Lilac is one of the less fortunate, leased to a family of strangers. But when she realizes she’s able to defy commands, she throws off the shackles of servitude and runs away, searching for the woman who killed her. Lilac’s act of rebellion sets off a chain of events that sweeps from San Francisco to Siberia to the very tip of South America. While the novel traces Lilac’s journey through an exquisitely imagined Northern California, the story is told from eight different points of view—some human, some companion—that explore the complex shapes love, revenge, and loneliness take when the dead linger on.

Issue 10, IV-2024 of Journal of Ethnic Microhistory is devoted to an attempt of the German registered association Training and Research Center ETHNOS to cinematize the novel "Our Courtyard" by Hugo Wormsbecher - the classic of the Russia-German literature. Hugo (Gustavovich) Wormsbecher was born in 1938 in the Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic of the Volga Germans. In 1941, he was exiled to Siberia, where he grew up. He worked as a turner, electrician, in a topographical expedition in the semi-deserts of Kazakhstan and in the Alatau Mountains, then - as a teacher, a staff of the editorial boards of the newspapers "Freundschaft" (Friendship) in Zelinograd, "Neues Leben" (New Life) and the editor-in-chief of the almanac "Heimatliche Weiten" (The Vastnesses of Homeland) in Moskau. "Hugo Wormsbecher's story "Our Courtyard," which was written in 1969 and appeared in the almanac "Heimatliche Weiten" in Moscow in 1984, can be considered a pioneering achievement in Russian-German literature. With the story "Our Courtyard" Hugo Wormsbecher has created an outstanding text that belongs in the canon of German and Russian literature. I would like to support the attempt to film the text in every respect. It would be a major undertaking and would enrich the collective memory in every way." (Prof. Dr. Carsten Gansel) Hugo Wormsbecher has been in the midst of the movement of the Russia-Germans for their rehabilitation since 1963. After the liquidation of the Volga German Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and the deportation of all Russia-Germans - the group of the Russia-Germans activists emerged; it moved from silent patience and individual initiatives to the collective action to rehabilitate Russia-Germans and to restore their statehood. Hugo Wormsbecher was one of the founders of the society "Wiedergeburt" (Rebirth), of the International Association of the Russia-Germans, and of the Federal Cultural Autonomy of the Russia-Germans

Bloomsbury presents Russia Starts Here: Real Lives in the Ruins of Empire, written and read by Howard Amos 'A different level of insight to anything I've read for a long time about Russia.' - Sophy Roberts, author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia 'Exquisitely observed.. Full of empathy, Amos refuses easy stereotypes.' - Tom Parfitt, author of High Caucasus 'Truly kaleidoscopic and unique in its reach, this is a superbly written and unusual book' - Caroline Eden, author of Cold Kitchen Returning to an overlooked region on the edge of Russia, Howard Amos sets out on a quest to understand the country he once called home. On Russia's European borderlands, people live their lives among the ruins of successive empires. Pskov, an old Slavic land of forgotten stories and faded waysides, has weathered the tides of history. Once a thriving nexus of trade and cultural exchange, today it is one of the poorest and most rapidly depopulating places of this vast nation. To understand the darkness that has captured Russia, Howard Amos journeys through a landscape of small towns, re-wilding fields and dilapidated churches. This is a lyrical portrait of Russia where it meets NATO and the EU – a place of frontiers and boundaries that reveals unfamiliar and uncomfortable truths. In a country where history has been erased, manipulated and marginalised, the voices Howard Amos spotlights are a powerful antidote against forgetting. From the last inhabitants of a dying village to the long-term residents of a psychiatric hospital and a museum curator fighting local opposition to chronicle Pskov's forgotten Jewish heritage, Howard Amos uncovers compelling stories that are shaped by violence, tragedy and loss. He also encounters some of the powerful men who have loomed over Pskov leaving a troubling legacy in their wake, from far-right politicians to Putin's personal priest.

Across Asia’s sacred rivers, silent temples and glowing horizons, this collection captures moments of devotion, wilderness and human spirit. From monks at sunrise to timeless faces and vast landscapes, each image invites stillness and reflection. A visual journey through color, culture and contemplation – intimate, powerful and deeply atmospheric, with poetic depth and luminous authenticity. High-quality wall calendar with 12 beautiful images. We care about the environment. We avoid overproduction and thus significant amounts of waste as we produce our calendars via print-on-demand in the markets we operate in. This means we can keep our transport routes short and ensure climate-conscious logistical processes. 14 Pages Consisting of 1 Cover 12 Months 1 Index Page Cardboard Spine at the back Illustrations: January: Violet dusk over silent horizon – Koh Samui, Thailand February: Whispers of color in sacred garden – Ubud, Bali March: Ancient blessing in emerald stillness – Ubud, Bali April: Colorful harbor at tranquil sunset – Ko Chang, Thailand May: Wild taiga – Close to Baikal Lake, Siberia, Russia June: Tender bond in flowing waters – Pinnawala, Sri Lanka July: Everyday strength in motion – Jaipur, India August: Curious temple guardian – Taung Kalat, Myanmar September: Joyful sadhu at the ganges – Varanasi, India October: Contemplation by the ganges – Varanasi, India November: Monks at sacred sunrise – Angkor Wat, Cambodia December: Roots reclaiming ancient stone – Ta Prohm, Cambodia QUALITY - High-quality photo calendar with 12 beautiful images on light-resistant paper, robust spiral binding with hanger. PERFECT GIFT - calendars for friends and family, for children, all ages and all occasions, from Christmas to birthdays and everything in between. LOTS OF CHOICE - Wall calendars in different sizes (DIN A4 and DIN A3), for any topic and personal taste, featuring photography, painting and illustrations. A soulful journey through Asia., author: Aria-Elena Leon.

My name is Anastasia. The history books say I died. They don’t know the half of it. Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them, and he’s hunted Romanov before. Nastya’s only chances of saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her. That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other. Praise for Romanov: "I am obsessed with this book! A magical twist on history that will have Anastasia fans wishing for more. I loved every detail Brandes wrote. If you love magic and Imperial Russia, you want Romanov on your shelf!" — Evelyn Skye "Romanov will cast a spell on readers and immerse them in a history anyone would long to be a part of." — Sasha Alsberg "If you think you know the story behind Anastasia Romanov, think again! The perfect blend of history and fantasy, Romanov takes a deeper look at the days leading up to the family’s tragedy, while also exploring the possibilities behind the mysteries that have long intrigued history buffs everywhere. Brandes weaves a brilliant and intricate saga of love, loss, and the power of forgiveness. Prepare to have your breath stolen by this gorgeous novel of brilliant prose and epic enchantment." — Sara Ella Full-length historical fantasy Includes discussion questions for book clubs Paperback contains special bonus chapter

SHORTLISTED FOR THE PUSHKIN HOUSE PRIZE 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE SALTIRES DEBUT NON-FICTION PRIZE 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE SHERBORNE PRIZE FOR TRAVEL WRITING 2026 'A different level of insight to anything I've read for a long time about Russia.' - Sophy Roberts, author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia ' Exquisitely observed.. Full of empathy, Amos refuses easy stereotypes. ' - Tom Parfitt, author of High Caucasus Returning to an overlooked region on the edge of Russia, Howard Amos sets out on a quest to understand the country he once called home. On Russia's European borderlands, people live their lives among the ruins of successive empires. Pskov, an old Slavic land of forgotten stories and faded waysides, has weathered the tides of history. Once a thriving nexus of trade and cultural exchange, today it is one of the poorest and most rapidly depopulating places of this vast nation. To understand the darkness that has captured Russia, Howard Amos journeys through a landscape of small towns, re-wilding fields and dilapidated churches. This is a lyrical portrait of Russia where it meets NATO and the EU - a place of frontiers and boundaries that reveals unfamiliar and uncomfortable truths. In a country where history has been erased, manipulated and marginalised, the voices Howard Amos spotlights are a powerful antidote against forgetting. From the last inhabitants of a dying village to the long-term residents of a psychiatric hospital and a museum curator fighting local opposition to chronicle Pskov's forgotten Jewish heritage, Howard Amos uncovers compelling stories that are shaped by violence, tragedy and loss. He also encounters some of the powerful men who have loomed over Pskov leaving a troubling legacy in their wake, from far-right politicians to Putin's personal priest.

Dostoevsky was the son of a doctor. His parents were hard-working, religious people but poor. His first work, "Poor Folk," was published by the poet Nekrassov, and he found himself an instant celebrity. A brilliant career seemed opened to him, but in 1849 he was arrested and condemned to death. A member of a group of young men who met to read Fourier and Proudhon, he was accused of "taking part in conversations against the censorship... and of knowing of the intention to use a printing press." After eight months' in jail, he was taken to the Semyonovsky Square to be shot. Suddenly the troops beat a tattoo; they were unbound, and informed that his Majesty had spared their lives. The sentence was commuted to hard labor -- four years of penal servitude in Siberia, where he began "Dead House," and some years in a disciplinary battalion. In 1864 he lost first wife and his brother Mihail. He was in terrible poverty, yet he took upon himself the payment of his brother's debts. Weighed down by debt, he wrote at heart-breaking speed, and is said never to have corrected his work. The later years of his life were much softened by the tenderness and devotion of his second wife. In June 1880 he made his famous speech at the unveiling of the monument to Pushkin in Moscow and was received with demonstrations of love and honor. A few months later he died. He was followed to the grave by a vast multitude of mourners. He is still probably the most widely read writer in Russia. In the words of a Russian critic, "He was one of ourselves, a man of our blood and our bone, but one who has suffered and has seen so much more deeply than we have his insight impresses us as wisdom... that wisdom of the heart which we seek that we may learn from it how to live."

My name is Anastasia. The history books say I died. They don’t know the half of it. Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them, and he’s hunted Romanov before. Nastya’s only chances of saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her. That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other. Praise for Romanov: "I am obsessed with this book! A magical twist on history that will have Anastasia fans wishing for more. I loved every detail Brandes wrote. If you love magic and Imperial Russia, you want Romanov on your shelf!" — Evelyn Skye "Romanov will cast a spell on readers and immerse them in a history anyone would long to be a part of." — Sasha Alsberg "If you think you know the story behind Anastasia Romanov, think again! The perfect blend of history and fantasy, Romanov takes a deeper look at the days leading up to the family’s tragedy, while also exploring the possibilities behind the mysteries that have long intrigued history buffs everywhere. Brandes weaves a brilliant and intricate saga of love, loss, and the power of forgiveness. Prepare to have your breath stolen by this gorgeous novel of brilliant prose and epic enchantment." — Sara Ella Full-length historical fantasy Includes discussion questions for book clubs Paperback contains special bonus chapter