Publisher: Legend Press
Calliope is a young schoolmistress in the village of Molyvos when Hitler’s army invades Greece in 1941. Recruited by the Germans to act as their liaison officer, Calliope’s wartime duties bring her into close contact with Lieutenant Lorenz Umbreit, the Wehrmacht commander.
Apples, a common New England crop, have been called the United States' most endangered food. The iconic Texas Longhorn cattle is categorized at critical risk for extinction. Unique date palms, found nowhere else on the planet, grow in California’s Coachella Valley, but the family farms that caretake them are shutting down. Apples, cattle, dates?these are foods that carry significant cultural weight. But they’re disappearing. In Endangered Eating, culinary historian Sarah Lohman draws inspiration from the Ark of Taste, a list compiled by Slow Food International that catalogues important regional foods. She travels the country learning about the distinct ingredients at risk of being lost: in Hawaii, she learns the stories behind heirloom sugarcane; in the Navajo Nation, she assists in the traditional butchering of a Navajo Churro ram; in the Upper Midwest, she harvests wild rice; in the Pacific Northwest, she spends a day reefnet fishing; on the Gulf Coast, she devours gumbo made with filé powder; in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, she tastes America’s oldest peanut. She learns from those who love these rare ingredients: shepherds, fishers, farmers, scientists, historians, and activists. And she tries her hand at raising these crops and preparing these dishes. Animated by stories yet grounded in research, Endangered Eating gives listeners the tools to support community organizations and producers that work to preserve local culinary traditions and rare, cherished foods.Show book
Ancient Egypt was a civilization deeply rooted in religion, where gods and goddesses played an essential role in shaping daily life, governance, and the afterlife. The Egyptian pantheon was vast, with deities representing natural forces, human emotions, and cosmic order. These gods were not distant or abstract figures but were actively involved in the lives of the people, influencing everything from the flooding of the Nile to the fate of the soul after death. The Egyptians believed that by honoring their gods through rituals, prayers, and temple offerings, they could maintain harmony in the universe. One of the defining aspects of Egyptian religion was its polytheistic nature. Unlike monotheistic faiths, which center around a single divine being, the Egyptians worshipped hundreds of gods, each with unique attributes, symbols, and responsibilities. Some, like Ra, the sun god, were powerful and widely revered, while others, such as Taweret, the hippo goddess of childbirth, had more specialized roles. Many deities evolved over time, merging with others or taking on new characteristics as different cities and dynasties rose to prominence. This fluidity allowed Egyptian religion to remain relevant for over three thousand years. The gods were not only worshipped in grand temples but were also deeply integrated into the personal lives of the people. Pharaohs were believed to be divine or semi-divine figures, ruling as representatives of the gods on Earth. Priests conducted elaborate ceremonies in temple complexes dedicated to major deities, ensuring their favor and protection over the land. Ordinary Egyptians also kept small shrines in their homes, prayed to household gods for blessings, and wore protective amulets bearing sacred symbols. Magic and mythology were intertwined with religious practice, with spells and sacred texts often invoking the names of gods for healing, guidance, and protection.Show book
This book deals with the vast and lovely area lying to the north and west of Fort William, and going up through the Highlands as far as Ullapool. It is a land of still unspoiled loveliness, of mountain, loch and silver sand. It is a vast, quiet land of peace and grandeur. Atkinson will take you along General Wade's military roads, incorporating the splendour of Eilean Donan Castle, Ardnamurchan Point and the delightful fishing port of Mallaig. Legend, history and vivid description are combined to make this book essential to all who visit this Highland wonderland.Show book
Egyptian civilization, one of the oldest in human history, made extraordinary contributions to various fields of knowledge, particularly science and mathematics. These innovations, which spanned thousands of years, helped shape the development of ancient society and continue to influence modern science and mathematics. In ancient Egypt, knowledge was not merely a tool for survival but an integral part of their spiritual and practical lives. From monumental structures like the pyramids to advancements in medicine and astronomy, Egyptian science and mathematics were not just theoretical pursuits; they were embedded in the daily lives of the people and their understanding of the world around them. The ancient Egyptians developed a deep understanding of the natural world, building complex systems of mathematics and science that were essential for both practical and religious purposes. The sciences of astronomy, engineering, and medicine, along with an elaborate system of mathematics, formed the backbone of their civilization. These scientific endeavors were often linked to the Egyptians' strong religious beliefs, which saw the cosmos, time, and the earth as interconnected and governed by divine forces. This understanding led to the creation of highly sophisticated technologies and systems, such as the construction of the pyramids, the development of early medicine, and the creation of accurate calendars for agricultural and religious purposes.Show book
A Waterstones Best History Book of the Year The bestselling history of the North of England as told through the lives of its inhabitants. ‘Entertaining’ The Times ‘Definitive’ The Mirror ‘Highly readable’ Financial Times A work of unrivalled scale and ambition, Northerners is the defining biography of northern England. This authoritative new history of place and people lays out the dramatic events that created the north – waves of migration, invasions and battles, and transformative changes wrought on European culture and the global economy. In a sweeping narrative that takes us from the earliest times to the present day, the book shows that the people of the north have shaped Britain and the world in unexpected ways. At least six Roman emperors ruled from York. The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria was Europe’s leading cultural and intellectual centre. Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes, deserves to be as famous as Boudica. Neanderthals and Vikings, Central European Jews, African-Caribbeans and South Asians, have all played their part in the making and remaking of the north. Northern writers, activists, artists and comedians are celebrated the world over, from Wordsworth, the Brontes and Gaskell to LS Lowry, Emmeline Pankhurst and Peter Kay. St Oswald and Bede shaped the spiritual and cultural landscapes of Britain and Europe, and the world was revolutionised by the inventions of Richard Arkwright and the Stephensons. The north has exported some of sport’s biggest names and defined the sound of generations, from the Beatles to Britpop. Northerners also shows convincingly how the past echoes down the centuries. The devastation of factory and pit closures in the 1980s, for example, recalled the trauma of William the Conqueror’s Harrying of the North. The book charts how the north-south divide has ebbed and flowed and explores the very real divisions between northerners, such as the rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire. Finally, Brian Groom explores what northernness means today and the crucial role the north can play in Britain’s future. As new forces threaten the fabric of the UK again, this landmark book could scarcely be more timely. This historical masterpiece by Brian Groom is a top pick for those who appreciate a deep dive into the social fabric of northern England. It's not just an autobiography of a region, but a travel through time, revealing the popular narratives and untold stories that have shaped its identity. For fans of Rick Broadbent (Jessica Ennis), Tom Holland (The Rest is History), Simon Jenkins (The Celts), Andy Burnham (Head North), and Ian Mortimer (Medieval Horizons). HarperCollins 2022Show book
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD THE ULTIMATE TRIVIA COLLECTION FROM THE MOVIE DIRECTED BY QUENTIN TARANTINO CREATED BY FILM TRIVIA METAVERSE ABOUT THE FILM Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a 2019 film directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in 1969 Los Angeles, it follows Rick Dalton, a fading TV star, and his loyal stunt double, Cliff Booth, as they navigate the rapidly changing Hollywood landscape. The story intertwines their lives with that of Sharon Tate, a rising star, and the looming influence of the Manson Family. The film blends nostalgia for the golden age of Hollywood with dark satire, exploring themes of friendship, fame, and the shifting nature of the entertainment industry, all within Tarantino's trademark mix of humor and tension. TRIVIA SAMPLES: “Brad Pitt improvised the line, "You're Rick fucking Dalton! Don't you forget that." He based this on advice he received from an actor during the early 1990s.” “The film's producers faced challenges when trying to convince Hollywood Boulevard vendors to allow them to fit their storefronts with 1960s-style facades. Surprisingly, after filming concluded, many of the vendors asked if they could leave the period facades in place, as they had grown to prefer the vintage look.” “Margot Robbie, who plays Sharon Tate, wore some of Sharon Tate's actual jewelry, which was lent to her by Tate’s sister, Debra Tate.”Show book
