Verlag: Imagination Books
Spring - Nature Through Watercolors A wonderful collection of beautiful watercolor paintings, showcasing the sublime, wild and amazing power of this season through the beauty of the brush stroke...Get it now!
Do you like scary movies? Have you ever wondered why? In Nightmare Fuel, Nina Nesseth explores the strange and often unexpected science of fear through the lenses of psychology and physiology. How do horror films get under our skin? And why do we keep coming back for more? Horror films promise an experience: fear. But how exactly do filmmakers pull this off? The truth is, there's more to it than just loud noises and creepy images. With the affection of a true horror fan and the critical analysis of a scientist, Nesseth explains how audiences engage horror with both their brains and bodies, and teases apart the elements that make horror films tick. Nightmare Fuel covers everything from jump scares to creature features, serial killers to the undead, and the fears that stick around to those that fade over time. With in-depth discussions and spotlight features of some of horror's most popular films—from classics like The Exorcist to modern hits like Hereditary—and interviews with directors, film editors, composers, and horror academics, Nightmare Fuel is a deep dive into the science of fear, a celebration of the genre, and a survival guide for going to bed after the credits roll.Zum Buch
The Xia Dynasty is often considered the first dynasty of China, marking the transition from a prehistoric era dominated by tribal alliances to a structured monarchy. However, much of what is known about the Xia comes from ancient texts written centuries later, blurring the line between history and legend. At the heart of this foundation myth is Yu the Great, a figure credited with taming the catastrophic floods that once plagued the Yellow River region. According to traditional accounts, China before the Xia was ruled by the Five Emperors, semi-mythical sages who brought order and knowledge to early societies. The final ruler of this period, Emperor Shun, recognized Yu for his brilliance and appointed him to control the devastating floods that had threatened agricultural settlements for generations. Unlike his predecessors, who attempted to block or divert the waters, Yu devised a system of dredging and canal-building that allowed the floodwaters to drain naturally into rivers and the sea. His efforts reportedly took over a decade, during which he traveled across the land, surveying the terrain and directing large-scale labor projects. His selfless dedication won him the admiration of the people, and his success in flood control cemented his reputation as a leader with the Mandate of Heaven. The concept of the Mandate of Heaven, though later fully developed under the Zhou Dynasty, has its roots in the Xia period. It suggested that rulers were chosen by divine will and that their legitimacy depended on their ability to maintain order and prosperity. Yu's ability to tame the floods demonstrated both his virtue and his right to rule. Upon Emperor Shun’s abdication, Yu became the first king of the Xia Dynasty, establishing a hereditary monarchy that would continue for generations.Zum Buch
Cities define the lives of all those who call them home: where we go, how we get there, how we spend our time. But what if we rethink the ways we plan, live in, and move around our cities? What if we didn't need a car to reach the grocery store? What if we could get back the time we would have spent commuting and put it to other uses? In this fascinating, carefully researched and reported book, longtime Financial Times journalist Natalie Whittle investigates the 15-minute city idea—its pros, cons, and its potential to revolutionize modern living. From Paris, Melbourne, and Rotterdam to Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tempe, Arizona, cities worldwide are being guided by the 15-minute city's ideals—with varying results. By looking at these examples, Whittle considers: ● what really happens when a city expands bike lanes and pedestrian areas—and disincentivizes long commutes ● which approaches to building affordable housing are actually effective ● how neighborhoods of varying wealth are affected by 15-minute city policies This timely book serves as a call to reflect on our cities and neighborhoods—and it outfits us with insights on how to make them more sustainable, safe, and welcoming.Zum Buch
An inspirational and practical guide to the potential of heat tools for textile artists. Soldering irons, heat guns and household irons can add texture and variety to textile work – whether it's hand embroidery, machine embroidery, quilting or felting. Stunning work can be produced with a variety of materials: hot and cold foiling; painted and plain Bondaweb (fusible webbing) on wood, paper, fabric and pelmet Vilene; making beads from synthetic fabrics, Tyvek and Kunin felt; melting and distorting plastic bags and cellophane; working in three dimensions; and embossing powders. With step-by-step instructions, full health and safety advice and stunning photography, this is an important book for all textile artists. Following on the bestselling Fusing Fabric and Surfaces for Stitch, it demonstrates the latest techniques wanted by all those involved in textiles. Back in paperback for 2018.Zum Buch
The Ming Dynasty, one of China's most influential and enduring dynasties, emerged in the aftermath of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty’s decline. It was a period marked by great transformation, political consolidation, and cultural revival. The dynasty's establishment under Zhu Yuanzhang, later known as Emperor Hongwu, signified the restoration of Han Chinese rule and the reinforcement of Confucian governance. Through military conquest, administrative reforms, and strategic centralization of power, the Ming Dynasty laid the foundation for a strong and prosperous China. The fall of the Yuan Dynasty was driven by internal corruption, economic mismanagement, and widespread discontent. Mongol rulers faced difficulties controlling the vast empire, and their reliance on foreign administrators alienated the native Chinese population. Heavy taxation and frequent natural disasters exacerbated social unrest, leading to a series of revolts across the country. Among these rebellions, the Red Turban Rebellion, a movement rooted in peasant uprisings and religious discontent, played a crucial role in undermining Yuan authority. It was within this turbulent period that Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk turned military leader, rose to prominence. His leadership and military strategies enabled him to unify rebel factions and ultimately overthrow the Mongols in 1368, marking the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Upon ascending the throne, Emperor Hongwu sought to consolidate power and rebuild a nation weakened by war and misrule. His first priority was to eliminate threats to his rule, which led to purges against those he suspected of disloyalty. To prevent a recurrence of Yuan-era administrative failures, he restructured the government, reducing the influence of court eunuchs and emphasizing Confucian ideals in governance. He also reinstated the civil service examination system, ensuring that officials were selected based on merit rather than birthright.Zum Buch
The #1 New York Times Bestseller As Taylor releases her 11th album, THE TORTURED POET’S DEPARTMENT, catch up on the full story of Taylor Swift’s stratospheric rise to fame; all any dedicated Swifty needs to know about the pop superstar who’s taking over the world A small-town girl with incredible talent – and the strength and determination to realise her dream – Taylor Swift has gone from America’s sweetheart to global megastar. But how did she get there? And how has she coped with the realities of fame? Fully updated in fascinating detail, Taylor Swift: The Whole Story explores Taylor’s musical evolution and her status as a fearless businesswoman operating on her own terms. From her early beginnings in Pennsylvania to the challenges she faced on the road to success, and from her relationships with Harry Styles, Joe Alwyn and Travis Kelce to her record-breaking Eras tour, this is the unmissable account of Taylor’s journey to world domination. This autobiography, a Sunday Times bestseller, delves into the history of Taylor's rise in the arts and entertainment industry, highlighting her evolution as a musician and composer. It's a must-read for individuals interested in the performing arts and the stories behind the success of global megastars. For fans of Chloe Govan (Maroon 5), Tom Jones (Over the Top and Back), Alan Sugar (Unscripted), and Caroline Sullivan (Taylor Swift). HarperCollins 2024Zum Buch
