Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Wei Shu and Wu - The Three...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The fall of the Han Dynasty marked the end of one of China’s longest and most influential imperial reigns, setting the stage for the chaotic period of the Three Kingdoms. While the dynasty had enjoyed centuries of stability and prosperity, internal corruption, weak leadership, and external rebellions steadily eroded its power. By the late second century AD, the once-mighty Han court was little more than a battleground for rival factions, warlords, and opportunists seeking to seize control. 
  One of the first major signs of decline was the increasing corruption within the imperial court. Eunuchs, who had gained substantial influence over the young emperors, manipulated state affairs for personal gain. As these power struggles intensified, competent officials and generals were sidelined or purged, leaving the empire vulnerable to both internal unrest and external threats. The weakening of central authority allowed regional governors and warlords to act with growing independence, further fragmenting the empire. 
  Amidst this political turmoil, a major peasant uprising erupted in 184 AD—the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Led by Zhang Jue, a Taoist healer who promised salvation through divine intervention, the rebellion quickly spread across northern and central China, drawing hundreds of thousands of followers. Although the Han government eventually crushed the revolt, the effort severely drained the empire’s resources and exposed its inability to maintain control. The rebellion’s suppression also elevated the status of military commanders, many of whom would later become the powerful warlords who divided the empire.

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  Book of Longing

  Anonimo

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  “Book of Longing has exceptional range. It is clear yet steamy, cosmic yet private, both playful and profound.”—New York Times 
  Leonard Cohen wrote the poems in Book of Longing—his first book of poetry in more than twenty years after 1984's Book of Mercy—during his five-year stay at a Zen monastery on Southern California's Mount Baldy, and in Los Angeles, Montreal, and Mumbai. This dazzling collection is enhanced by the author's playful and provocative drawings, which interact in exciting, unexpected ways on the page with poetry that is timeless, meditative, and often darkly humorous. 
  An international sensation, Book of Longing contains all the elements that have brought Cohen's artistry with language worldwide recognition.

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  Popcorn with the Pope - A Guide...

  Michael Ward, David Paul Baird,...

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  In 1995—one hundred years after the birth of cinema in Paris—a Vatican-appointed commission compiled a list of forty-five significant films. The entries vary widely, ranging from light-hearted favorites like The Wizard of Oz to challenging arthouse features such as The Seventh Seal.  This list, released under Pope St. John Paul II, was an important milestone in the dialogue between the Church and the wider culture. Yet for many Catholics and cinephiles alike, it remains undiscovered or unclear. What was the list for? And why did the commission choose these particular titles? In this groundbreaking study, David Paul Baird, Andrew Petiprin, and Michael Ward walk readers through the entire Vatican List, film by film. The authors show that its aim was not to serve as a “best-ever” register, nor as an anthology of approved works; rather, it was to guide people in an appreciation of cinema as an artistic language and a bearer of spiritual and moral messages. In addition to theologically and historically informed commentary, each chapter includes film stills, quotations, fun facts, and questions for further reflection and discussion. Elevated yet entertaining, Popcorn with the Pope is perfect for anyone interested in delving deeper into a Christian approach to movies. 

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  Marlon Brando in Private - 'I...

  George Englund

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  'Riveting' Kirk DouglasFrom his first Oscar, Marlon Brando built an impenetrable fortress around his private life: unauthorised releases—or snapshots of him, even by friends—were forbidden. George Englund was Brando's closest friend for almost fifty years and the last person to visit him before his death. Based on deeply personal stories from the death of their sons to Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe, he draws Brando's life as only they knew it. A young actor emerges who was beautiful in every way; driven by his instinctive talent to break new ground, athletic, muscular, seductive, intelligent and generous. And, from early on, seeds of self-destruction began to grow.

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  Struggle Against

  Gary Llama

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  This audiobook takes the listener on the journey of punk rocker Gary Llama's teenage years as singer and guitarist of the punk band 500$Fine.From playing shows at age 14, to writing and recording their own music, to becoming active in the punk and activist scenes in Richmond, Virginia, this book tells a tale of kids trying to make a positive impact on the world, while being challenged at every step. Then, when a tragic death occurs, trying to honor their friend's life.This audiobook takes the listener through a story of pursuing your dreams, fighting for what you believe in, and ultimately, trying to process the life and death of a kid's best friend.

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  The Legends of the Samurai -...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  The samurai have long stood as symbols of discipline, honor, and martial prowess, their legends woven into the very fabric of Japan’s history. Emerging as a distinct warrior class in the Heian period, the samurai gradually rose to power, shaping the political and social landscape of feudal Japan for centuries. Their influence extended beyond the battlefield, deeply embedding itself in Japanese culture, philosophy, and even governance. While many envision the samurai as noble warriors upholding a strict moral code, the reality of their existence was far more complex—marked by fierce loyalty, political intrigue, and the constant struggle for survival.  
    
  At the heart of samurai life was Bushidō, the Way of the Warrior, a code that dictated their principles and behavior. Bushidō emphasized values such as loyalty, honor, self-discipline, and an unwavering acceptance of death. While often romanticized, this code was not a singular, rigid doctrine but rather an evolving philosophy influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. Some samurai embodied these ideals to the fullest, becoming paragons of virtue, while others used their martial skills for personal gain, engaging in deception, betrayal, and ruthless ambition. The reality of the samurai was one of contradiction—both noble protectors and fierce conquerors, loyal vassals and rebellious warlords.  
    
  As the samurai class grew in power, their stories became legendary, passed down through generations in both historical records and folklore. Figures like Miyamoto Musashi, the undefeated duelist, or the 47 Ronin, who avenged their fallen lord, continue to capture the imagination of people worldwide. Yet, separating historical fact from myth can be challenging. Many tales have been embellished over time, transformed into romanticized narratives that obscure the grittier truths of samurai life.

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