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  The Legends of Ancient China -...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  The mythology of ancient China is a vast and intricate tapestry woven from centuries of oral traditions, folklore, and philosophical beliefs. These myths have shaped the cultural identity of China, influencing everything from governance and moral values to artistic expressions and religious practices. Unlike the mythologies of ancient Greece or Norse traditions, which focus heavily on gods and heroic figures, Chinese mythology is deeply intertwined with cosmology, nature, and the balance of forces within the universe. From the creation of the world by the primordial being Pangu to the celestial hierarchy ruled by the Jade Emperor, these stories offer a window into how the ancient Chinese perceived their existence and the forces governing it.  
  Oral traditions played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of these myths. For generations, storytellers passed down tales of divine rulers, celestial beings, and powerful creatures, ensuring that the wisdom and values embedded in these narratives remained alive. Over time, these oral traditions were recorded in classical texts such as the *Shan Hai Jing* (Classic of Mountains and Seas), *Fengshen Yanyi* (Investiture of the Gods), and *Journey to the West*. These literary works not only compiled and expanded upon the myths but also integrated historical events and philosophical ideals, blurring the line between legend and reality. As a result, Chinese mythology became a living tradition, continuously evolving while retaining its fundamental themes.   
  One of the most remarkable aspects of Chinese mythology is its profound influence on Chinese culture. Mythological figures like the dragon and phoenix continue to be symbols of power and prosperity, appearing in imperial regalia, architecture, and festivals. The concept of the Mandate of Heaven, which legitimized dynastic rule, originated from mythological beliefs about divine approval.

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  Writing is Designing - Words and...

  Michael J. Metts, Andy Welfle,...

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  Without words, apps would be an unusable jumble of shapes and icons, while voice interfaces and chatbots wouldn't even exist. Words make software human-centered, and require just as much thought as the branding and code. This book will show you how to give your users clarity, test your words, and collaborate with your team. You'll see that writing is designing.

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  The Humbugs of the World - An...

  P. T. Barnum

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  P. T. Barnum, best-known for his own use of hoaxes in his popular Barnum & Bailey Circus, found that the use of hoaxes was acceptable when the audience was getting the entertainment they paid for. When it came to religious hoaxes, fraud, and swindling, Barnum was avidly against it. He even went so far as to offer $500 to any medium who could prove that they actually could reach the dead. In this exposé of humbugs and the scams they perpetuate, he goes after religious quacks, witches and sorcerers, and other forms of frauds in all walks of life. He discusses some of the most notable scams of the time and reveals the perpetrators as humbugs. In addition to scams, he also discusses business affairs and his own opinions of the current events of his time.

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  Dip My Brain in Joy: A Life With...

  Yvonne Innes

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  THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY OF NEIL INNES, SONGWRITING POWERHOUSE AND 'SEVENTH PYTHON', BY THE PERSON CLOSEST TO HIMNominated for the Chortle Comedy Awards 2025'A lovely writer and performer. A very sweet man, much too nice for his own good...' - John Cleese'He was a great writer and he was eccentric and he was clever without being pretentious' - Sir Michael PalinFew individuals have had such an impact on British culture over the past fifty years as the comedy and music icon Neil Innes.He was the songwriting powerhouse of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band. Beatles muse and collaborator. Injector of art college surrealism into 1960s TV comedy. Instigator of a revolution that led directly to Monty Python, the group he repeatedly joined on screen and stage. He was Ron Nasty, co-founder of the much-loved Rutles, the 'pre-fab four'. Accidental inventor of the phrase 'Cool Britannia'. Much-loved children's TV storyteller, thinker, maker, creator, undisputed national treasure and Britain's sweet idiot laureate. And through it all, Neil remained one of the kindest and brightest individuals in showbusiness. Musicians, comedians and fans alike loved being around Neil. He created music and joy and art wherever he went. And the person who loved having him round more than anybody else was Yvonne. Neil and Yvonne met at Goldsmiths College in the 1960s and they went on to walk hand-in-hand through life for over fifty years, until Neil's untimely death in 2019.This book is a heartfelt, eyewitness tale of the life of one of British culture's quiet geniuses. It is tribute to life inside the circus, with the gentlest and wisest of clowns.

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  The Legends of the Samurai -...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  The samurai have long stood as symbols of discipline, honor, and martial prowess, their legends woven into the very fabric of Japan’s history. Emerging as a distinct warrior class in the Heian period, the samurai gradually rose to power, shaping the political and social landscape of feudal Japan for centuries. Their influence extended beyond the battlefield, deeply embedding itself in Japanese culture, philosophy, and even governance. While many envision the samurai as noble warriors upholding a strict moral code, the reality of their existence was far more complex—marked by fierce loyalty, political intrigue, and the constant struggle for survival.  
    
  At the heart of samurai life was Bushidō, the Way of the Warrior, a code that dictated their principles and behavior. Bushidō emphasized values such as loyalty, honor, self-discipline, and an unwavering acceptance of death. While often romanticized, this code was not a singular, rigid doctrine but rather an evolving philosophy influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. Some samurai embodied these ideals to the fullest, becoming paragons of virtue, while others used their martial skills for personal gain, engaging in deception, betrayal, and ruthless ambition. The reality of the samurai was one of contradiction—both noble protectors and fierce conquerors, loyal vassals and rebellious warlords.  
    
  As the samurai class grew in power, their stories became legendary, passed down through generations in both historical records and folklore. Figures like Miyamoto Musashi, the undefeated duelist, or the 47 Ronin, who avenged their fallen lord, continue to capture the imagination of people worldwide. Yet, separating historical fact from myth can be challenging. Many tales have been embellished over time, transformed into romanticized narratives that obscure the grittier truths of samurai life.

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  Pearl Jam's Vs

  Clint Brownlee

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  Vs. is the sound of a band on fire. The same confluence of talent, passion, timing, and fate that made “grunge” the world’s soundtrack also lit a short fuse beneath Pearl Jam. The band combusted between late 1992 and mid-1994, the span during which they planned, recorded, and supported their sophomore record. The spotlight, the pressure, the pace—it all nearly turned the thriving act to ash.Eddie Vedder, the reluctant public face of the band, responded by lashing out lyrically. Jeff Ament, Mike McCready, and Stone Gossard, who beheld success with varying degrees of anxious satisfaction, attacked their instruments in solidarity. Dave Abbruzzese welcomed the rock-star lifestyle, and left his mark on the record with more than just potent percussion.Vs. roils with fury—and at times, gently steams—over the trappings of fame, human faults, and societal injustice. The record is a thrashing testament to Pearl Jam’s urgent creativity and greater-good interests, and the band’s logistical calculations behind it drew a career-defining line in the sand. It promised the world that Pearl Jam would neither burn out nor fade away. This book weaves research, little-known details, and band members’ memories into a definitive account of how Vs. set them on a path toward enduring integrity and relevance.

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