Other books that might interest you

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  Is That True Or Did You Hear It...

  David Sedgwick

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  What exactly is the purpose of the BBC nowadays - to entertain, educate and inform? But is that all? The broadcaster itself claims to be a fearless and independent provider of news tasked with ‘speaking truth to power’ – a true champion of the underdog. 
   
  However, as David Sedgwick reveals in his new book the reality is somewhat different: not only does the BBC diligently protect power from scrutiny, it attacks and attempts to discredit those who dare to challenge the status quo. 
   
  Formed in 1922 by the British establishment, the BBC has always been a reliable ally of ultra-wealthy and powerful interests. Indeed, the broadcaster occupies a pivotal position within an international corporate-political alliance which promotes only those narratives which consolidate the ‘global order.’ 
   
  Using multiple examples of BBC reporting, the author argues that the tax-payer funded broadcaster is a proxy which acts on behalf of a tiny, but very powerful clique - a role which compels it to pump out disinformation on an industrial scale, misleading all those who consume its content.

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  Ancestral Puebloans - The Cliff...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Ancestral Puebloans, once known as the Anasazi, were among the earliest inhabitants of the American Southwest, establishing complex societies that thrived in the arid landscapes of present-day Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Their origins trace back thousands of years to nomadic hunter-gatherers who gradually transitioned into settled agricultural communities. Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancestors of the Pueblo people descended from early groups who migrated into the region over 10,000 years ago, following game and adapting to the changing environment. 
  As these early populations settled, they developed strategies to cope with the harsh desert conditions. By around 2000 BCE, they had begun cultivating maize, a crop introduced from Mesoamerica, which allowed for more stable food sources and led to the formation of permanent villages. The adoption of agriculture marked a significant shift in their way of life, as they built storage pits for surplus grain and started domesticating turkeys for additional sustenance. Over time, these settlements expanded, and small familial clusters evolved into larger communities. 
  The Basketmaker period, beginning around 1200 BCE, represents a crucial stage in Ancestral Puebloan development. During this era, people lived in semi-subterranean pit houses, circular structures dug into the earth and covered with wooden frames and mud plaster. These early homes provided insulation against the region’s extreme temperatures. The Basketmakers were also known for their exceptional weaving and basketry skills, crafting intricate containers and sandals from yucca fibers and other natural materials. Pottery, which became a defining feature of Puebloan culture, gradually emerged during the later stages of this period, allowing for improved food storage and cooking techniques.

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  21-Hit Wonder - Flopping My Way...

  Sam Hollander

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  As one of the most renowned songwriters and producers in the game, Sam Hollander has had multi-platinum success writing and producing for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, Train, One Direction, Blink-182, Daughtry, Ringo Starr, Carole King, Gym Class Heroes, and many others. 
   
  But rising up the charts seemed, at many points in his career, highly unlikely. This is his story of failing his way to the top. 
   
  Sam Hollander has spent 30 years trudging through the peaks and valleys of a songwriting career. Before he was stacking Billboard hits, he was piling up bad luck, calamitous flops, false starts, and feeling like the world was moving on and up without him while he spun in place. Now he wears his failures like a badge of honor.  
   
  In 21-Hit Wonder, he’s collected anecdotes from his weird waltzes around the banquet of pop to help aspiring songwriters and other creatives learn about survival, endurance, scheming, hustle, and the importance of laughing even on the worst days of the journey. Music lovers spanning generations and genres will find stories about many of their heroes and industry icons.  
   
  21-Hit Wonder is one part chronicle of a songwriter’s storied career and another part love letter to anyone who has been counted out—from no-hit wonders and one-hit wonders to the novelties and the never-beens—and just needs a bit of inspiration to persevere. Sam’s inspiring story is proof that setbacks are just steps on the road to success.

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  The Blues - A Very Short...

  Elijah Wald

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  Praised as "suave, soulful, ebullient" (Tom Waits), Elijah Wald is one of the leading popular music critics of his generation. In The Blues, Wald surveys a genre at the heart of American culture. 
   
   
   
  It has been defined by lyrical structure, or as a progression of chords, or as a set of practices reflecting West African "tonal and rhythmic approaches," using a five-note "blues scale." He traces its roots in work and praise songs, and shows how it was transformed by such professional performers as W. C. Handy, who first popularized the blues a century ago. He follows its evolution from Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith through Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix; identifies the impact of rural field recordings of Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, and others; explores the role of blues in the development of both country music and jazz; and looks at the popular rhythm and blues trends of the 1940s and 1950s, from the uptown West Coast style of T-Bone Walker to the "down home" Chicago sound of Muddy Waters. Wald brings the story up to the present, touching on the effects of blues on American poetry, and its connection to modern styles such as rap. 
   
   
   
  As with all of Oxford's Very Short Introductions, The Blues tells you—with insight, clarity, and wit—everything you need to know to understand this quintessentially American musical genre.

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  Nature’s Sanctuary of Harmonious...

  Molly Mey

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  Discover Inner Peace and Deep Relaxation with Nature’s Sanctuary of Harmonious Birdsongs Over Peaceful Farm Meadows. This transformative book is designed to guide you on a journey toward stress relief and emotional healing through the beauty of nature. 
  Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of farm meadows, where the gentle presence of birds harmonizes with the tranquility of the surroundings. Mindfulness practices in nature will help you reconnect with your inner self, promoting a sense of calm and serenity in your daily life. Each chapter provides practical insights and techniques, empowering you to cultivate wellness and tranquility amidst the chaos of modern living. 
  Through nature meditation for stress relief, you will learn how to harness the therapeutic benefits of natural environments to soothe your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. This book is your ultimate guide to finding calmness and mindfulness, enabling you to create a peaceful sanctuary within yourself, regardless of your external circumstances. 
  Whether you seek relaxation techniques for inner peace or wish to explore the profound effects of emotional healing through nature, this book offers a comprehensive approach to achieving holistic well-being. Embrace the power of nature to transform your life and embark on a journey toward a more balanced, harmonious existence. 
  With Nature’s Sanctuary, you hold the key to unlocking a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. Take the first step toward a peaceful and fulfilling life today!

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  The Story of the Country House -...

  Clive Aslet

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  The fascinating story of the evolution of the country house in Britain, from its Roman precursors to the present 
   
   
   
  The Story of the Country House is an authoritative and vivid account of the British country house, exploring how they have evolved with the changing political and economic landscape. Clive Aslet reveals the captivating stories behind individual houses, their architects, and occupants, and paints a vivid picture of the wider context in which the country house in Britain flourished and subsequently fell into decline before enjoying a renaissance in the twenty-first century. The genesis, style, and purpose of architectural masterpieces such as Hardwick Hall, Hatfield House, and Chatsworth are explored, alongside the numerous country houses lost to war and economic decline. We also meet a cavalcade of characters, owners with all their dynastic obsessions and diverse sources of wealth, and architects such as Inigo Jones, Sir John Vanbrugh, Robert Adam, Sir John Soane and A. W. N. Pugin, who dazzled or in some cases outraged their contemporaries. The Story of the Country House takes a fresh look at this enduringly popular building type, exploring why it continues to hold such fascination for us today.

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