Other books that might interest you

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  Folk Music - A Bob Dylan...

  Greil Marcus

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  Acclaimed cultural critic Greil Marcus tells the story of Bob Dylan through the lens of seven penetrating songs 
   
  “Marcus delivers yet another essential work of music journalism.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 
   
  “Further elevates Marcus to what he has always been: a supreme artist-critic.”—Hilton Als 
   
  Across seven decades, Bob Dylan has been the first singer of American song. As a writer and performer, he has rewritten the national songbook in a way that comes from his own vision and yet can feel as if it belongs to anyone who might listen. 
   
  In Folk Music, Greil Marcus tells Dylan’s story through seven of his most transformative songs. Marcus’s point of departure is Dylan’s ability to “see myself in others.” Like Dylan’s songs, this book is a work of implicit patriotism and creative skepticism. It illuminates Dylan’s continuing presence and relevance through his empathy—his imaginative identification with other people. This is not only a deeply felt telling of the life and times of Bob Dylan, but a rich history of American folk songs and the new life they were given as Dylan sat down to write his own.

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  Early Chinese Dynasties - The...

  Rolf Hedger

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  In the fertile valleys along the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, where mist clings to rugged mountains and flows through ancient bamboo forests, the foundations of one of humanity's most enduring civilizations were laid thousands of years ago. "Early Chinese Dynasties: The Dawn of Chinese Civilization" invites readers on a captivating journey through three formative dynasties that shaped the cultural, political, and philosophical landscape of China for millennia to come. 
  The semi-legendary Xia Dynasty emerges from the shadows of prehistory as China's first hereditary state, traditionally dated to the third millennium BCE. While archaeological evidence remains elusive, the stories of Yu the Great taming floods and establishing systems of governance provided the foundational mythology for Chinese civilization. Here, we explore both the historical debates surrounding the Xia and the archaeological discoveries at sites like Erlitou that may represent this elusive first dynasty. 
  With the Shang Dynasty, we step onto firmer historical ground. From their capital cities at Zhengzhou and later Anyang, Shang kings presided over a sophisticated bronze-working civilization that developed China's earliest known writing system. The oracle bones—animal scapulae and turtle shells inscribed with divination records—offer unprecedented insights into the religious practices, military campaigns, and royal genealogies of this brilliant Bronze Age society. The magnificent ritual bronze vessels they created, with their intricate designs and ceremonial significance, remain among humanity's greatest artistic achievements. 
  The Zhou Dynasty—China's longest-lasting royal house—would build upon these foundations while introducing revolutionary concepts that would define Chinese civilization for thousands of years.

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  Edo Period - Tokugawa Rule...

  Rolf Hedger

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  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.

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  A Book of Noises - Notes on...

  Caspar Henderson

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  Sound shapes our world in invisible but profound ways, and here Caspar Henderson brings his characteristic curiosity, knowledge and sense of wonder to the subject to take us on an exhilarating journey through the heard universe. 
  A Book of Noises gathers together sounds from the cosmos, the natural world, the human world, and the invented world, and contains quiet pockets of silence. From the vast sound of sand in the desert to the tuneful warble of a songbird, to the meditative resonance of a temple bell and the improvisational melodies of jazz, this is a celebration of all things auricular. 
  The preface is read by Cerys Matthews, and the rest of the book by the author

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  Soundseeing Rome - audioguide Rome

  Sander Hamburger, : Wendy Caris

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   SoundSeeing Rome 
  Experience Rome with your personal audio guide. Experience ancient Rome with your personal SoundSeeing audioguide. SoundSeeing gives you extensive information about this centuries-old monumental city's 15 greatest places of interest. Listen to the exciting and authoritative description of the attractions on your MP3 or CD player. You are presented with a fascinating explanation complete with sound effects and music. The stories provide you with detailed cultural, historical, and architectural information. You can listen to SoundSeeing Rome at your own pace, whenever you like. So listen and let yourself be carried away by this unique listening guide to Rome. You can listen to the SoundSeeing high points, listed below, while you are at each location.

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  Decoding the Hidden Messages of...

  Graham Everly

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  Decoding the Hidden Messages of the Universe 
  ⭐⭐ Simplified Audio Guide ⭐⭐ 
  Are you seeking to deepen your understanding of our interconnected reality and unlock profound insights? Do you need a comprehensive guide filled with all the necessary elements to decode the hidden messages of the universe? 
  Your search ends here! 
  This guide serves as your definitive companion for expanding your knowledge, applying your skills, and engaging in hands-on exploration. With it, you're geared for success. 
  Updated to reflect the latest methodologies and discoveries. 
  Key features of this enriched guide: 
  - Profound insights into our interconnected reality 
  - Detailed explanations of complex universal concepts 
  - Effective strategies for decoding and understanding hidden messages 
  Our guide stands out through comprehensive coverage, essential for mastering the content. Concepts aren't merely skimmed; they are delved into with precision. 
  Please note that this guide is not affiliated with any official scientific or research entity and is purely an independent resource for your benefit. 
  Designed with a clear structure and easy-to-understand language, *Decoding the Hidden Messages of the Universe* ensures smooth transitions between topics. Say goodbye to dense jargon and welcome clear, precise, and technically accurate content. 
  So, why wait? Click the BUY NOW button, secure your guide, and begin your journey to unlocking the profound insights of our interconnected reality today!

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