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  Mussolini in Myth and Memory -...

  Paul Corner

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  Mussolini has rarely been taken seriously as a totalitarian dictator; Hitler and Stalin have always cast too long a shadow. But what was a negative judgement on the Duce, considered innocuous and ineffective, has begun to work to his advantage. As has occurred with many other European dictators, present-day popular memory of Mussolini is increasingly indulgent; in Italy and elsewhere he is remembered as a strong, decisive leader. Mussolini in Myth and Memory argues against this rehabilitation, documenting the inefficiencies, corruption, and violence of a highly repressive regime and exploding the myths of fascist good government. But this short study does not limit itself to setting the record straight; it seeks also to answer the question of why there is nostalgia for dictatorial rule. Linking past history and present memory, Corner's analysis constructs a picture of the realities of the Italian regime and examines the more general problem of why, in a moment of evident crisis of western democracy, people look for strong leadership and take refuge in the memory of past dictatorships. If, in this book, Fascism is placed in its totalitarian context and Mussolini emerges firmly in the company of his fellow dictators, the study also shows how a memory of the past, formed through reliance on illusion and myth, can affect the politics of the present.

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  The Olive Branch from Palestine

  Jerome M. Segal

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  The Olive Branch from Palestine provides a new narrative of the Palestinian effort to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and offers a bold plan for ending this conflict today, a proposal that focuses on Palestinian agency and the power of the Palestinians to bring about the two-state solution, even in the absence of a fully committed Israeli partner. In part 1, Jerome Segal provides an analytical and historical study of the 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence, a remarkable act of unilateral peacemaking through which the PLO accepted the legitimacy of the 1947 Partition Resolution and thereby redefined Palestinian nationalism. In part 2, he proposes a new strategy in which, outside of negotiations, the Palestinians would advance, in full detail, the end-of-claims/end-of-conflict peace plan they are prepared to sign, one that powerfully addresses the Palestinian refugee question and is supported by the refugees themselves yet does not undermine Israel as a Jewish-majority state. Extended Edition with Maps

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  The Case of the Married Woman -...

  Antonia Fraser

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  Caroline Norton dazzled nineteenth-century society with her vivacity, her intelligence, her poetry, and in her role as an artist's muse. After her marriage in 1828 to the MP George Norton, she continued to attract friends and admirers to her salon in Westminster. Most prominent among her admirers was the widowed Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne. 
   
   
   
  Racked with jealousy, George Norton took the Prime Minister to court, suing him for damages on account of his adultery with Caroline. A dramatic trial followed. Despite the unexpected and sensational result—acquittal—Norton was still able to legally deny Caroline access to her children. He also claimed her income as an author for himself, since the copyrights of a married woman belonged to her husband. 
   
   
   
  Yet Caroline refused to despair. Beset by the personal cruelties perpetrated by her husband and a society whose rules were set against her, she chose to fight. She channeled her energies in an area of much-needed reform: the rights of a married woman and specifically those of a mother. She campaigned tirelessly, achieving her first landmark victory with the Infant Custody Act of 1839. Provisions which are now taken for granted owe much to Caroline, who was determined to secure justice for women at all levels of society from the privileged to the dispossessed.

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  The Mindset Revolution - (3...

  Michael Sloan

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  The Mindset Revolution by Michael Sloan is an empowering guide that unifies three transformative approaches to reshape your life. This comprehensive volume combines the wisdom of Sloan's three previous works into a singular, dynamic resource. 
  In "The Art of Problem Solving 101," Sloan takes you on a journey to unlock your innate problem-solving abilities. This part of the book is not just about solving problems but transforming you into a problem solver who embraces adversity and develops resilient strategies for any challenge. It's an inspiring guide for those ready to approach life with a solution-focused mindset. 
  "The Art of Thinking Big" expands your horizon, urging you to break free from limited thinking. Sloan teaches you how to cultivate a grand vision for your life and to set and achieve ambitious goals. This section is a call to action for anyone who has ever felt constrained by their own doubts or societal norms, providing practical steps to build a life that aligns with your most aspirational dreams. 
  Lastly, "Positive Thinking with Action" shifts the focus from external challenges to internal narratives. Sloan addresses the toxic patterns of negative thinking and guides you through transforming these into positive, actionable thoughts. This section is crucial for anyone seeking to live a more optimistic and fulfilling life, offering concrete strategies to replace cynicism with positivity.

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  Those About To Die

  Daniel P. Mannix

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  Putting the games in the context of Rome's rise and dramatic fall, Mannix captures all the history, planning, and savage pageantry that went into creating the first spectator sports. 
   
   
   
  The games began in 238 BC as nearly county fair–like entertainment, with trick riding, acrobats, trained animals, chariot racing, and athletic events. The contests then evolved into slave fights thanks to wealthy patricians Marcus and Decimus Brutus, who wanted to give their father an unforgettable funeral by reviving an old tradition. What the brothers wrought, Rome devoured, demanding even greater violence to satisfy the bloodlust of the crowd. Architectural wonders in themselves, massive arenas like Circus Maximus and the Colosseum were built, able to host sea battle reenactments on actual water. Successful gladiators found fame, fortune—and freedom. 
   
   
   
  But as Rome begin to fall in the fifth century, so did the games, devolving into nothing more than pointless massacres. In the end, millions of humans and animals were sacrificed in barbaric displays. What were once ceremonies given in honor of gods met an inglorious fate, yet they still captivate the imagination of people today. 
   
   
   
  Contains mature themes.

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  History of Israel - History of...

  Kelly Mass

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  This book consists of three titles: 
  Canaanites - During the late 2nd millennium BC, Canaan was a Semitic-speaking civilization located in the Ancient Near East. The region held significant geopolitical importance, especially during the Late Bronze Age Amarna Period in the 14th century BC, when it became a crossroads for major empires. The Egyptian, Hittite, Mitanni, and Assyrian Empires all had areas of interest that converged or overlapped in Canaan, making it a key territory for trade, warfare, and cultural exchange. Much of our understanding of Canaan comes from archaeological excavations at sites such as Tel Hazor, Tel Megiddo, En Esur, and Gezer, where remnants of ancient Canaanite life have been uncovered. 
  History of Jerusalem - Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. Over the course of its existence, it has been invaded 52 times, seized and regained 44 times, besieged 23 times, and destroyed twice. The oldest portion of the city dates back to the 4th millennium BCE, making it not only a significant historical center but also a symbol of resilience and conflict. Its role in the ancient world has been central to the development of various cultures, religions, and empires that have passed through the region, contributing to its complex and contested history. 
  History of the Jews - Jewish history is a rich tapestry woven over millennia, shaped by the development of a people, their religion, and their culture as they interacted with various civilizations, faiths, and cultures. The earliest reference to Israel can be found on the Merneptah Stele, dated to between 1213–1203 BCE, marking the first historical mention of the ancient Israelite people. However, the religious and cultural narrative of the Jews stretches far earlier.

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