Other books that might interest you
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Norwegian Trivia Book -...
Alex Anderson
Did you know Norway, like Sweden, has a unique law, "Freedom to Roam," that allows you to hike, camp, or ski on any public land, swim in public lakes, and access all beaches? This includes freely picking as many mushrooms, flowers, and berries as you want! Norway is often considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with its fjords dotting the landscape and the wondrous beauty of the Northern Lights, but Norway has a lot more to offer than nature. In this Norwegian Trivia Book, you'll get a bunch of interesting trivia and fun facts about Norway, divided into four broad categories:Norwegian culture and society.Norwegian history.Norwegian geography.Trivia about Norway's tourist attractions (perfect for you if you plan to visit Norway!). Be ready to learn some fun facts about Norway that will impress your friends and family!
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Pandya Empire - Tamil Kingdoms...
Rolf Hedger
The Pandya dynasty was one of the most ancient and influential Tamil kingdoms of South India, with origins deeply rooted in both history and legend. The earliest references to the Pandyas appear in Tamil Sangam literature, which dates back over two thousand years. These texts describe the Pandyas as powerful rulers of Madurai, a city that would become the cultural and political heart of their kingdom. The dynasty’s history is intertwined with mythology, particularly in Tamil literary traditions that claim the Pandyas descended from the gods. Some legends suggest that the first Pandya king was Kulasekara Pandya, a ruler said to be divinely blessed by Lord Shiva himself. Historically, the Pandyas are believed to have established their rule as early as the 6th century BCE, although their presence likely predates this period. The Sangam Age, which spanned from roughly 300 BCE to 300 CE, marks the first well-documented era of Pandya rule. During this time, the kingdom flourished due to its strong trade networks, military strength, and patronage of Tamil poets and scholars. The Pandyas ruled alongside the Chola and Chera dynasties, forming a triad of powerful Tamil polities that competed for dominance in South India. These three kingdoms frequently engaged in alliances, conflicts, and shifting power dynamics that shaped the region’s history. The early Pandyas built their capital in Korkai, an important port city known for its pearl fisheries and maritime trade. However, as their kingdom expanded, Madurai became the political and cultural center of their rule. The Pandyas were known for their patronage of literature and arts, particularly the Tamil Sangam assemblies, where poets and scholars composed some of the most revered works in Tamil history. This period saw the flourishing of Tamil culture, with kings promoting literary works that detailed heroism, love, and governance.
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The Other Side of the Tiber -...
Wallis Wilde-Menozzi
A moving and illuminating memoir about a singular woman's relationship with a fascinating and complex countryA fresh, nuanced perspective on a profoundly perplexing country: this is what Wallis Wilde-Menozzi's unique, captivating narrative promises—and delivers.The Other Side of the Tiber brings Italy to life in an entirely new way, treating the peninsula as a series of distinct places, subjects, histories, and geographies bound together by a shared sense of life. A multifaceted image of Italy emerges—in beautiful black-and-white photographs, many taken by Wilde-Menozzi herself—as does a portrait of the author. Wilde-Menozzi, who has written about Italy for nearly forty years, offers unexpected conclusions about one of the most complex and best-loved countries in the world. Beginning her story with a hitchhiking trip to Rome when she was a student in England, she illuminates a passionate, creative, and vocal people who are often confined to stereotypes. Earthquakes and volcanoes; a hundred-year-old man; Siena as a walled city; Keats in Rome; the refugee camp of Manduria; the Slow Food movement; realism in Caravaggio; the concept of good and evil; Mary the Madonna as a subject—from these varied angles, Wilde-Menozzi traces a society skeptical about competition and tolerant of contradiction. Bringing them together in the present, she suggests the compensations of the Italians' long view of time. Like the country, this book will inspire discussion and revisiting.
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Istanbul Travel Guide -...
Captivating Travels
Unlock Istanbul's Secrets: Maps, Stunning Pictures, and Easy QR Codes for a Seamless Adventure Packed with 70+ stunning images and maps and 40+ QR codes, this guide makes exploring Istanbul effortless and unforgettable. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this book provides everything you need to uncover the city's Byzantine wonders, Ottoman splendor, and hidden gems. Stop searching through endless guidebooks! This guide offers more than just tourist hotspots—it's your key to understanding Istanbul's rich history, local culture, and unique charm. What's Inside: - Explore Istanbul's Culture and History: Dive into the city's captivating past and learn how to navigate it like a local. - Master Airport Navigation: Seamlessly manage your journey through Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) with detailed tips. - Discover Iconic European Landmarks: Visit must-see districts like Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Fatih, home to world-renowned sites like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. - Experience the Asian Side's Charm: Wander through Kadıköy and Üsküdar, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the Princes' Islands. - Curated Itineraries: Choose from thematic trips tailored to foodies, history buffs, or adventure seekers, with ready-to-use plans for 3, 4, or 5 days. - Day Trips Beyond the City: Explore mesmerizing spots just a few hours away, such as Bursa, Edirne, and Sapanca. - Easy Turkish Survival Phrases: Learn key phrases to shop, dine, and explore confidently. Why This Guide Is Essential: - Maps: Navigate every corner of Istanbul with ease. - Stunning Pictures: Visualize your destinations before you arrive. - 40+ QR Codes: Instantly access directions, schedules, and additional resources to simplify your trip. Click "Add to Cart" and let this guide lead you to the trip of a lifetime. With this book in hand, Istanbul will feel like a home away from home.
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Cambodia - History of Angkor Wat...
Kelly Mass
Learn more about the history of those countries. The topics addressed will be these: Angkor Wat-- The temple was built as the state temple for the Khmer Empire at the demand of Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaodharapura (, contemporary Angkor), the Khmer Empire's capital. It was constructed in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, but by the end of the century, it had been changed to a Buddhist temple. Angkor Wat is a fascinating structure, dating back hundreds of years, and it’s impressive how much of it has remained intact. The Khmer Empire--Historians describe Cambodia as the Khmer State or the Angkorian Empire (Khmer:) from the 9th century to the 15th century, when it was a Hindu/Buddhist empire in Southeast Asia. The empire, which developed from the old societies of Funan and Chenla, governed and/or "vassalized" the majority of mainland Southeast Asia and parts of Southern China, covering from the suggestion of the Indochinese Peninsula northward to modern-day Yunnan province in China, and from Vietnam westward to Myanmar. The Khmer Empire was greater at its peak than the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire) that existed at the exact same period. The Siamese-- Siam was just a much different name for what's now referred to as Thailand. The Siamese are the people who live there, though they're never ever called as such any longer. Thailand is a fascinating country, with its own culinary arts, culture, history, royalty, infrastructure, and influence on the world. To learn more about these “Thai” people before they were called Thai, when they were Siamese, is to learn about those people’s roots.
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My African Conquest - Cape to...
Julia Albu
‘Next year I’m going to be 80 years old. My car will be 20 years old. Together we’ll be 100. We’re going to drive to Cairo.’ ‘And what route are you going to take?’ ‘I have no idea. I think I’ll keep to the right.’ When 80-year-old Julia Albu calls in to her favourite radio show with a zany, half-baked idea, she has no idea that it will lead her to the adventure of a lifetime. From helping push a 30-year-old Toyota bakkie up a precipitous mountain pass in Malawi to being ‘adopted’ by the riotous ex-pat South African community in Dar es Salaam and being fed mildly hallucinogenic ‘herbs’ by her Ethiopian driver-guide, nothing deterred 80-year-old Julia Albu from her quest to drive through Africa from the Cape to Cairo. She and her 20-year-old Toyota Conquest, Tracy – a personality in her own right – travelled through 10 African countries, from South Africa to Egypt (and beyond). Julia was accompanied by a series of companions who added texture to her travels: three of her four grown-up children, her son-in-law, and at least one person who began as a complete stranger and ended up as a friend for life. Reminiscing about her long and interesting life along the way, and maintaining a bright and upbeat outlook regardless of the circumstances, Julia proves that you’re never too old to tackle that bucket list.
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