Other books that might interest you

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  Adventures in Morocco - From the...

  Alice Morrison

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  TV presenter, writer and adventurer Alice Morrison gives her own unique and personal insight into Morocco, the place she's made her home. 
   
  When Alice Morrison headed out to Morocco, it was to take on one of the most daunting challenges: to run in the famous Marathon des Sables. Little did she expect to end up living there. But once she settled in a flat in Marrakech, she was won over by the people, the spectacular scenery and the ancient alleyways of the souks. Soon she was hiking over the Atlas mountains, joining nomads to sample their timeless way of life as they crossed the Sahara desert, and finding peace in a tranquil oasis. 
   
  Despite more than 10 million tourists coming to Morocco each year, there are remarkably few books about its people, their customs and the extraordinary range of places to visit, from bustling markets to vast, empty deserts. Alice makes sure she samples it all, and as she does she provides a stunning portrait of a beautiful country. As a lone woman, she often attracts plenty of curiosity, but her willingness to participate - whether thigh deep in pigeon droppings in a tannery or helping out herding goats - ensures that she is welcomed everywhere by a people who are among the most hospitable on the planet.  
   
  Alice came to fame with her BBC2 series Morocco to Timbuktu, and now she joins the ranks of great travel writers who can bring a country vividly to life and instantly transport the reader to a sunnier place. If you're thinking of going to Morocco, or you want to recall your time there, Adventures in Morocco is the ideal audiobook.

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  Ancient Egyptian Gods - From Ra...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  Ancient Egyptian civilization was deeply intertwined with religion, and at the heart of their belief system was a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses. These deities were more than just figures of worship; they shaped every aspect of daily life, from the rising of the sun to the passage into the afterlife. Unlike many modern religions, Egyptian theology was fluid, allowing gods to merge, evolve, or take on different roles depending on the time and region. This dynamic belief system gave rise to a rich mythology that endured for thousands of years.   
  The gods of Egypt were not distant, abstract beings but rather personal and deeply involved in the world. They governed nature, oversaw justice, protected the people, and maintained cosmic balance, known as *ma’at*. The concept of *ma’at* was central to Egyptian religion, representing order, harmony, and truth. It was the gods' duty to uphold *ma’at* against chaos, often personified by Set, the god of disorder and storms. This cosmic struggle played out in myths, particularly in the tales of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, which symbolized the eternal battle between good and evil, life and death.  
  Temples were the primary centers of worship, serving as both religious and political institutions. Each major city had its patron deity, and grand temples were built to honor and house these gods. Priests conducted daily rituals, offering food, incense, and prayers to ensure divine favor. Unlike in many other religions, common Egyptians were not allowed direct access to the inner sanctums of temples, where the gods' statues resided. Instead, they worshipped through prayers, festivals, and personal altars in their homes. 

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  Imperial Chinese Foundations -...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The story of China's imperial unification represents one of history's most consequential political transformations. "Imperial Chinese Foundations: Uniting the Land" explores the three dynasties that forged China's imperial system—a political structure that would endure for over two millennia. 
  The brief but revolutionary Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) ended centuries of warring states by conquering all rivals under the leadership of the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Through military might, standardized writing, currency, measurements, and a unified legal code, the Qin created China's first centralized bureaucratic empire—though their harsh Legalist policies triggered rebellion after the emperor's death. 
  The Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE) consolidated imperial rule through a more pragmatic blend of Confucian ideology and centralized governance. Under Emperor Wu's dynamic leadership, the Han expanded Chinese territory, opened the Silk Road, established the civil service examination system, and created cultural and political institutions that would define Chinese civilization for millennia. 
  As power shifted to the Eastern Han (25-220 CE), the dynasty initially flourished before facing mounting challenges from natural disasters, court intrigues, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Yet even as political cohesion weakened, this period saw remarkable innovations—including paper, the seismograph, and advances in mathematics and medicine—while Buddhism began its profound influence on Chinese civilization. 
  Through examining these three foundational dynasties, we witness the birth and evolution of the imperial Chinese state that would serve as a template for governance across East Asia and continue to influence Chinese identity into the modern era.

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  75 Men A Shipwreck and Me

  Catherine Bailey

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  Seventy-Five Men, A Shipwreck and Me is the true story of a daring race to recover a treasure trove of silver from a torpedoed wreck lying one-and-a-half miles beneath the Indian Ocean. The quest unites seventy-five seasoned seafarers, each skilled in navigating the ocean’s mysteries. However, they face an unexpected challenge: adapting to Catherine, an English woman aboard their converted drill ship. 
   
  “Catherine Bailey’s true story of a salvage expedition to the Indian Ocean is a vivid account of her own experience aboard a salvage vessel, the only woman in a large crew of hard men hungry to locate a vast fortune of sunken treasure. Told with energy, wit and unflappable composure, 
  Bailey’s account of the voyage is by turns exhilarating, comic and fraught with tension. A marvellous account of an extraordinary adventure.”
   
  – Patrick McGrath, author of Asylum and Martha Peake.

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  Mallorca on a Budget - Save at...

  Erika Mizzi

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  A compact travel guide tailored for budget-conscious travellers - whether you are a solo adventurer, a couple or a family looking to explore the wonderful Spanish island of Mallorca. The book includes: 
  · Tips and information: Methods to save money when booking your trip and while travelling, along with general information on Mallorca and its activities. 
  · Handpicked accommodation options: Suggested accommodation, including several surprisingly affordable stays in stunning old buildings with Gothic, Renaissance or Baroque architectural features. 
  · Cultural events and festivals: Events, including 7 of the most popular free festivals. Most are religious feasts of cultural significance, with various activities organised for the celebration. Additionally, there are music, wine and historical festivals listed. 
  · Activities for all: A comprehensive list of free and paid activities including cultural and historical places of interest, outdoor activities, as well as activities suitable for families with children, with prices included. 
  · Local markets: The best and most popular markets organised in various villages across Mallorca. Each entry includes information on the days of the week when they are organised and the goods sold.  
  · Hiking routes: Suggested areas for hiking for those who enjoy the outdoors in the most picturesque countryside areas. 
  · Restaurants: Inexpensive restaurants in the popular tourist hot spots of Cala Millor, Magaluf, Sóller, Port de Sóller, Port de Alcúdia, Port de Pollença, Palma de Mallorca, Palmanova and Santa Ponsa. 
  · Coloured images: Including many beautiful locations in Mallorca

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  Egyptian Dynasties - The...

  Omar Khalil

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  The Early Dynastic Period marks the beginning of ancient Egyptian civilization, a time when the foundations of one of history’s most remarkable cultures were laid. Spanning approximately from 3100 to 2686 BCE, this period is characterized by the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under a single ruler, leading to the establishment of the first dynasties and the concept of pharaonic rule. 
  The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt is often attributed to King Narmer, a powerful ruler who is believed to have brought the two regions together. The famous Narmer Palette, an ancient ceremonial artifact, depicts Narmer wearing the crowns of both Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolizing his authority over the unified land. This pivotal moment not only marked the creation of a centralized state but also set the stage for the development of a dynastic tradition that would persist for millennia. The consolidation of power allowed the pharaohs to wield significant control over the land, fostering political stability and cultural coherence. 
  The role of Narmer and the early pharaohs was instrumental in shaping the governance and societal structure of ancient Egypt. As divine rulers, these early kings were seen as earthly embodiments of the gods, responsible for maintaining ma'at, the concept of cosmic order and balance. This religious authority legitimized their political power and reinforced their role as mediators between the divine and mortal worlds. During this period, the pharaohs established court systems, oversaw the construction of monumental architecture, and promoted the development of writing, which became crucial for record-keeping and administration.

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