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  Imperial China - Foundations of...

  Jun Liu

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  This book offers an in-depth exploration of three of the most influential dynasties in Chinese history: the Han, Qin, and Tang Dynasties. This book delves into the powerful legacies of these dynasties, each of which shaped China’s cultural, political, and social development in profound ways. The Qin Dynasty, under the leadership of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, is known for unifying China and initiating monumental infrastructure projects such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. The Han Dynasty, a golden age in Chinese history, expanded China’s borders, solidified Confucian ideals, and fostered the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road. Finally, the Tang Dynasty, often regarded as the most prosperous period in China’s imperial history, saw significant advancements in arts, culture, and governance. 
  In the Qin Dynasty, China was unified for the first time under a single ruler, marking the beginning of imperial rule. Emperor Qin’s centralization of power, creation of a standardized legal system, and the construction of defensive walls set the stage for the future of Chinese civilization. Although short-lived, the Qin Dynasty’s impact on Chinese governance and infrastructure would echo through the centuries.  
  Meanwhile, the Han Dynasty succeeded the Qin, ushering in an era of stability, economic prosperity, and cultural development. The Han established a strong bureaucracy and military, advanced in science and technology, and integrated Confucianism as the official philosophy, influencing Chinese society for over two millennia. 
  The Tang Dynasty, which followed the collapse of the Sui Dynasty, is celebrated for its cultural achievements, including the flourishing of poetry, painting, and literature. The Tang Empire expanded China's territory to its greatest extent, and its cosmopolitan capital, Chang'an, became a vibrant hub for international trade and cultural exchange.

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  Local Hero - Making a Scottish...

  Jonathan Melville

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  It's not a high concept movie, there's actually no story there really. It’s what happens in between the story that’s important' – Bill Forsyth  The story of an American businessman sent to buy the Scottish village of Ferness with the aim of turning it into an oil refinery, Local Hero is one of Scotland’s most beloved, and most misunderstood, films.  When Bill Forsyth’s incredible success with the low-budget That Sinking Feeling and Gregory’s Girl found him collaborating with Britain’s best-known film producer, David Puttnam, he soon found his independent ethos clashing with Hollywood’s desire for superstar actors and a happy ending.  Jonathan Melville checks into the MacAskill Arms and looks back at Bill Forsyth’s career with the help of new and archive interviews, before spending time with the cast and crew, including stars Peter Riegert and Denis Lawson, who made Local Hero on location in Houston and Scotland in 1982.  With access to early drafts of the Local Hero script (including hand-written notes) that reveal more about Mac and mermaids, excerpts from a previously unpublished interview in which Bill Forsyth explains why he refuses to call his film 'feel-good', and a look at long-lost deleted scenes with exclusive commentary from those involved, this is the definitive history of the Scottish classic.  ‘Genuine fairy tales are rare; so is film-making that is thoroughly original in an unobtrusive way. Bill Forsyth's quirky disarming Local Hero is both . . . it demonstrates Mr. Forsyth's uncanny ability for making an audience sense that something magical is going on, even if that something isn't easily explained’ – Janet Maslin, The New York Times  'Local Hero is kind of transcendent. It's poetic in a way that most films can't hope to be' – Frank Cottrell-Boyce  'Local Hero is one my favourite films of all time . . .  A timeless masterpiece' – Mark Kermode

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  Enchanting Tales

  Disney

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  "أكثر ما أحبه في العالم هو كتبي." - حسناء. ادخل إلى العالم السحري لأميرات ديزني مع مجموعة القصص الكلاسيكية هذه. مع 12 حكاية للاستمتاع بها ، شارك في المغامرة وتجربة وقت قصة ساحر.

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  Exploring Christian History

  Taurai Makadho

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  This audiobook is narrated by an AI Voice.   
  In 'Exploring Christian History', I aim to present a comprehensive and accurate account of the events, figures, and movements that have shaped Christianity throughout the centuries. While my own personal faith informs my interest in this subject, the contents of this book are not intended to proselytize or illustrate my own statement of faith. Rather, this work is a demonstration of a statement of facts, grounded in historical research and evidence-based scholarship. 
  My goal is to provide readers with a nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of Christian history, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges that have characterized this faith tradition. Through this exploration, I hope to shed light on the ways in which Christianity has evolved over time, influenced cultures, and impacted individuals and societies. 
  I believe that history is best understood when presented in an objective and impartial manner, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions and insights. To that end, I have strived to approach this subject with rigor, respect, and a commitment to accuracy, drawing on a wide range of primary and secondary sources. 
  It is my hope that 'Exploring Christian History' will serve as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the rich and complex heritage of Christianity, regardless of their own faith background or perspective."

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  Practicing Presence - A Mother's...

  Joy Prouty, JJ Heller

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  A Mother's Guide to Memorializing the Ordinary and Savoring the Present 
   
   
   
  As a mother, life often feels like it is passing by in a blur. You take countless pictures trying to freeze time and capture the memories, but in looking back find you barely even remember experiencing the moments. But what if there were a way to preserve your family's story while also becoming fully present within it? 
   
   
   
  Combining the science of memory preservation with photography principles, professional photographer Joy Prouty shows you how to exit survival mode and enter the present moment through the photos you're already taking. With the camera as your magnifying glass for meaning, you'll learn to let go of perfect pictures, embody self-compassion, and rewire your brain to experience more joy in the memories you are making right now. Through human stories and poetic motherly wisdom, Practicing Presence is your invitation to show up to the practice of fully living.

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  Mussorgsky in Words and Music

  Davinia Caddy

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  The Great Gate of Kiev resounds to the tumultuous bell rings that end Pictures an an Exhibition, one of the most magnificent and virtuosic of all piano pieces. However, to some of his contemporaries, Modest Mussorgsky was ‘insane’ and ‘a perfect idiot’. Born into a wealthy land-owning family, what drove this tormented man and why did he suffer psychological breakdowns and alcoholism? How did he achieve his command of the realist idiom in his stage works? Illustrated with some of Mussorgsky’s finest works, the biographical narrative includes excerpts from Songs and Dances of Death, Boris Godunov, A Night on the Bald Mountain and, of course, Pictures at an Exhibition.

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