Other books that might interest you

• 

  Egyptian Warfare - Battles...

  Omar Khalil

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  In the earliest periods of Ancient Egypt, military organization was relatively simplistic, reflecting the needs of a society transitioning from small, independent communities to a unified state. During the Predynastic and Early Dynastic periods, military efforts were often led by local chieftains or emerging kings, whose power was consolidated through the control of small, regional armies. These early forces primarily consisted of able-bodied men called upon when conflicts arose, rather than a standing army.  
  The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer marked a significant turning point in the military structure. With this unification came the need for more organized military strategies to maintain control over the expansive territories. The pharaoh, regarded as both a political and military leader, played a central role in directing military campaigns and defending borders. Early depictions on palettes and reliefs show the pharaoh as a warrior, symbolizing strength and divine authority in battle. This image was crucial in asserting dominance and maintaining internal order. 
  Weapons used during this time were relatively basic, often crafted from stone, wood, and copper. Warriors wielded maces, spears, and simple bows, which were effective in close combat and hunting but limited in more advanced warfare. Shields made from animal hides provided some defense, but armor was scarce, as mobility remained more valued than heavy protection. Chariots, which would later become integral to Egyptian military prowess, had not yet been introduced, and combat primarily involved foot soldiers engaging in skirmishes.

  Show book

• 

  Riders of a Certain Age - Your...

  Fran Severn

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The fastest growing segment of the horse world is women mid-life and beyond. This thorough but light-hearted guide welcomes you to the equine life. Whether a newcomer to the world of hay and hoofs more someone who’s been in the saddle since childhood, you’ll find information about every aspect of the horse world. Riders of a Certain Age is full of wisdom and sound advice for people coming into horses as adults. It encourages us to keep riding forward at a point in life when others might expect us to whoa. From leasing to leakage, money to manure, this engagingly candid, comprehensive resource is an owner’s manual for reclaiming the right to indulge your horse-loving inner child. With carefully curated guidance collected over years of horsing around, Fran Severn presents you with tips, lessons, and advice as you begin enjoying a life with horses in it. 
  You’ll find information about: 
  -Getting into the saddle (or not, but still enjoying horses) 
  -Finding an instructor and being a good student 
  -Understanding and overcoming fear 
  -Riding with ‘replacement parts’ 
  -Dealing with the physical changes and challenges of our older bodies 
  -Learning the world of buying, leasing, and boarding horses 
  -Managing your ‘stable finances’ to pay for it all and still stay solvent

  Show book

• 

  Edo Period - Tokugawa Rule...

  Rolf Hedger

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The Edo period in Japan began with the dramatic rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which would bring over two centuries of relative peace and stability to the country. This transformation was not immediate but was set into motion by the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Ieyasu, a powerful daimyo and skilled strategist, emerged victorious in this decisive conflict, defeating rival factions and securing his dominance over the fractured Japanese landscape. This battle marked the end of the Warring States period, a time of nearly constant civil war, and laid the foundation for a new era of centralized feudal rule. 
  In 1603, Ieyasu was granted the title of shogun by the emperor, officially establishing the Tokugawa Shogunate. Although the emperor remained a symbolic figurehead, true political power rested with the shogun. Ieyasu’s government was based in Edo, a small fishing village that quickly developed into a sprawling political and economic center—modern-day Tokyo. From here, the Tokugawa clan implemented a system of governance that emphasized strict control, social hierarchy, and regional oversight. The shogunate devised a complex administrative structure that allowed it to maintain authority over hundreds of semi-autonomous domains ruled by daimyo, while ensuring loyalty through a combination of military strength, economic policy, and social regulation. 
  One of the key strategies used by Tokugawa Ieyasu to solidify his power was the creation of the han system. Under this arrangement, each daimyo governed a specific territory but was subject to strict oversight from the shogunate. The policy of sankin-kotai, or alternate attendance, required daimyo to spend alternating years in Edo, effectively draining their resources and keeping them under close surveillance. Their families were often kept in Edo as virtual hostages, ensuring obedience and discouraging rebellion.

  Show book

• 

  Gardening for Health -...

  Gertrude Harris

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Gardening has long been cherished as a relaxing and rewarding activity, but its benefits go far beyond simply beautifying outdoor spaces. In recent years, research has highlighted gardening as a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health. This book explores the therapeutic benefits of gardening, providing readers with techniques and strategies to harness the healing power of nature. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice, this guide will offer valuable insights into how gardening can enhance your well-being and help you cultivate a healthier, happier life. 
  The connection between nature and health is well-documented, and studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall wellness. Gardening, as a hands-on activity, not only allows individuals to interact with the natural world but also provides an opportunity for physical exercise, mindfulness, and social connection. The act of tending to plants can foster a sense of accomplishment, promote relaxation, and create a space for personal reflection. For many, gardening becomes a therapeutic practice that supports mental clarity and emotional balance. 
  In this book, we will explore the science behind gardening’s health benefits, from its ability to reduce anxiety and depression to its role in enhancing physical fitness. You will learn practical gardening techniques that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine, along with tips on creating your own therapeutic garden. We will delve into how gardening can be used as a form of therapy, from horticultural therapy to gardening for rehabilitation. Additionally, we will examine how gardening can be adapted for all ages and abilities, making it accessible to individuals in various stages of life and health.

  Show book

• 

  Dear Bill Bryson - Footnotes...

  Ben Aitken

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  An irreverent homage to the '95 travel classic, from the author of The Gran Tour 
   
  In 2013, travel writer Ben Aitken decided to follow in the footsteps of his hero - literally - and started a journey around the UK, tracing the trip taken by Bill Bryon in his classic tribute to the British Isles, Notes from a Small Island. 
   
  Staying at the same hotels, ordering the same food, and even spending the same amount of time in the bath, Aitken's homage - updated and with a new preface for 2022 - is filled with wit, insight and humour. 
   
  'It would be wrong to view this book as just a highly accomplished homage to a personal hero. Aitken's politics, as much as his humour, are firmly in the spotlight, and Dear Bill Bryson achieves more than its title (possibly even its author) intended.' Manchester Review

  Show book

• 

  Cars And Auto Accessories - The...

  Owen Jones

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  There are many types of cars, or automobiles, as some people like to call them. There are the ‘family’ types that facilitate our daily lives, and get us to work and the shops; then there are the work-horses, the vans, lorries and trucks, named after the animals that they replaced; and the dream cars... the Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Rolls-Royces and the like. However, a new class has arrived too – the hybrid  
  The conception of modern hybrid vehicles with their twin engines received a rather dubious first hearing by the automotive industry and the public. The cost was incredible, and the weight of two engines in one vehicle sounded unfeasible. We all know how that has turned out, but do you know how long mankind has actually been using hybrids? 
  It will probably surprise you to learn that hybrid vehicles were among the very first cars produced in the Nineteenth Century. However, they were not powerful, and mighty oil was looking for a niche. Oil, in the forms of petrol and diesel eventually shoved hybrids aside, and set the path for the automotive industry for 150 years. 
  As for auto accessories, it is in mankind’s nature to customise anywhere he spends a lot of time, such as the home, the workplace and, yes, even the car. We hang things from the rear view mirror, put items on the rear windscreen shelf, and add our favourite accessories to the dashboard. It has ever been thus. 
  I hope that you will find the information in this booklet helpful, useful and even profitable. It is relevant to the topics just mentioned, and organised into eighteen chapters of about five to six hundred words each. 
  I am certain that it will interest people who love cars and technology, and auto accessories. 
  As an added bonus, I am granting you permission to use the content on your own website or in your own blogs and newsletter, although you should rewrite them in your own words first.

  Show book