Other books that might interest you

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  English Journey: ‘The finest...

  J. B. Priestley

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  ‘The finest book ever written about England and the English’ Stuart Maconie 
  ‘J. B. Priestley is one of our literary icons of the 20th Century and it is time that we all became re-acquainted with his genius.’ Dame Judi Dench 
  Three years before George Orwell made his expedition to the far and frozen North in The Road to Wigan Pier, celebrated writer and broadcaster JB Priestley cast his net wider, in a book subtitled ‘a Rambling but Truthful Account of What One Man Saw and Heard and Felt and Thought During a Journey Through England During the Autumn of the Year 1933.’ Appearing first in 1934, it was a huge and immediate success. Today, it still stands as a timeless classic: warm-hearted, intensely patriotic and profound. 
  An account of his journey through England – from Southampton to the Black Country, to the North East and Newcastle, to Norwich and home – English Journey is funny and tender. But it is also a forensic reading of a changing England and a call to arms as passionate as anything in Orwell’s bleak masterpiece. Moreover, it both captured and catalysed the public mood of its time. In capturing and describing an English landscape and people hitherto unseen, writing scathingly about vested interests and underlining the dignity of working people, Priestley influenced the thinking and attitudes of an entire generation and helped formulate a public consensus for change that led to the birth of the welfare state. 
  Prophetic and as relevant today as it was nearly ninety years ago, English Journey is an elegant and readable love letter to a country Priestley finds unfathomable. 
  Priestley's English Journey is a special exploration of Britain, a top choice for those who appreciate travelogues and social history. His essays are a testament to his deep affection for his homeland, marking this book as one of the best in non-fiction. 
  For fans of Rory Stewart (The Marches), Maggie O'Farrell (I Am, I Am, I Am), and Marion Turner (The Wife of Bath). 
  HarperCollins 2023

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  The Han Dynasty - Golden Age of...

  Jun Liu

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  The Han Dynasty, one of the most influential periods in Chinese history, emerged from the collapse of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BCE. After years of harsh rule under Qin Shi Huang, widespread unrest and rebellion led to the fall of the Qin. In the power vacuum that followed, Liu Bang, a commoner-turned-military leader, rose to prominence and ultimately established the Han Dynasty. His leadership and political acumen laid the foundation for a dynasty that would last over four centuries, shaping China’s governance, culture, and identity. 
  Liu Bang, later known as Emperor Gaozu, was originally a minor official under the Qin. Unlike his aristocratic rivals, he came from humble origins, making him a unique figure in Chinese history. As the Qin administration crumbled due to heavy taxation and forced labor policies, numerous factions vied for control. The most significant of these was the Chu-Han Contention, a prolonged struggle between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, a powerful general of noble descent. Liu Bang, known for his ability to rally support from various social classes, ultimately defeated Xiang Yu at the Battle of Gaixia in 202 BCE. This victory marked the official beginning of the Han Dynasty, with Liu Bang declaring himself emperor. 
  Once in power, Liu Bang sought to distance his rule from the harsh legalist policies of the Qin. He adopted a more lenient and pragmatic approach, blending Confucian ideals with centralized governance. Although he retained elements of Qin’s bureaucratic structure, he reduced the severity of laws and punishments, earning the trust of the people. To ensure stability, he granted land and titles to his loyal followers, creating a semi-feudal system that allowed regional kings to govern under the central authority of the emperor. This balance between centralization and decentralization was a defining characteristic of early Han rule.

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  Sherpa Hospitality as a Cure for...

  Mark Horrell

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  The heroic story of how Sherpas stood up and took control of their destiny 
  Ever since Europeans started exploring the world’s highest mountains and trying to reach their summits in the early 20th century, Sherpas have been an integral part of mountaineering expeditions to the Himalayas. In this anthology curated from his popular Footsteps on the Mountain blog, Mark Horrell explores the evolution of Sherpa mountaineers, from the porters of early expeditions to the superstar climbers of the present day. 
  Writing with trademark warmth and humour, he starts by bringing to life the Sherpa characters of the early days, describing their customs and superstitions, and putting their contributions and achievements into context. 
  In the deeply personal second section of the book, he covers some of the conflicts of the 21st century, when a series of high-profile controversies highlighted the tensions between Sherpas and western climbers on Everest. He was a witness to a devastating avalanche in the Khumbu Icefall that killed 16 Nepali mountain workers and led to a labour dispute, and he describes the events that followed from a commercial client’s perspective. 
  In the final section of the book, he brings the story up to date and looks to the future, as Sherpas have moved out of the limelight of westerners, running successful mountaineering expedition companies and becoming celebrated climbers in their own right.

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  German Short Stories for...

  Language Mastery

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  STOP TRANSLATING IN YOUR HEAD—START THINKING IN GERMAN 
  You've tried apps. You've downloaded grammar guides. You've even watched German shows with subtitles. 
  But when someone actually speaks to you in German? Blank stare. Awkward smile. "Uh... sprechen Sie Englisch?" 
  Sound familiar? 
  Here's what nobody tells you: You don't need more grammar rules. You need to hear how Germans actually talk. 
  That's exactly what "German Short Stories for Beginners" gives you—over 100 real conversations Germans use every single day, wrapped in stories that actually stick in your brain. 
  Inside this audiobook: 
  ✓ Real dialogues from cafés, trains, shops—not textbook scenarios nobody uses 
  ✓ Stories that hook you so you'll actually finish (unlike that dusty workbook on your shelf) 
  ✓ Grammar that clicks naturally—no boring drills, just context that makes sense 
  ✓ Comprehension checks so you know you're getting it right 
  ✓ Vocabulary lists of words Germans use constantly (not "the elephant is blue") 
  Whether you're preparing for a trip to Munich, connecting with German relatives, or relocating to Berlin—this audiobook meets you where you are. 
  No shame if you're starting from zero. No pressure to memorize conjugation tables. Just press play during your commute, workout, or coffee break. 
  The secret? Your brain absorbs language through stories and context—the same way you learned English as a kid. Not through rules and drills, but through listening and repetition that doesn't feel like work. 
  Stop saying "someday I'll learn German." 
  That trip won't wait. Those relatives won't be around forever. That job opportunity in Berlin? Someone else will take it. 
  CLICK "BUY NOW" AND START YOUR FIRST STORY TODAY. YOUR FUTURE GERMAN-SPEAKING SELF WILL THANK YOU.

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  Why You Should Go to Cairo

  Mark Ferdinand

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  Cairo is a city where ancient wonders and modern life blend seamlessly along the banks of the Nile. Towering pyramids and mysterious sphinxes stand as reminders of Egypt’s legendary past, while bustling bazaars, lively cafés, and a vibrant cultural scene showcase its thriving present. 
  Mark Ferdinand takes you through the marvels of Egypt’s capital: gazing at the Great Pyramid of Giza, exploring treasures in the Egyptian Museum, wandering the historic lanes of Islamic Cairo, and experiencing the colorful chaos of Khan el-Khalili market. Whether you’re chasing history, adventure, or the simple joy of watching the sun set over the Nile, Cairo is a city that will ignite your imagination and stay with you forever.

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  Limitless: 9 Pillars to Unlock...

  Mitchell Hutchcraft

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  One man. 12,000KM. A triathlon to the top of the world – and a roadmap to redefining your own impossible. 
  In 2024, former Royal Marine Mitchell Hutchcraft attempted what no human had ever dared: a 12,000km triathlon from the UK to the top of the world. 
  He swam the English Channel. He cycled solo across Europe. He ran through India. Then he climbed Everest – standing 29,032 feet above where his journey began. Some people spend their entire lives in pursuit of just one of these goals. Mitch did it all in just 240 days. 
  Limitless is the gripping account of that record-breaking expedition. But this isn’t just another adventure story – it’s a raw and unflinching account of what drives us to the edge and what we discover when we get there. Mitch confronts his grief, battles his own mind, and reveals the cost of chasing a dream that terrifies him. 
  This book will change how you see your own limits. 
  Drawing from extreme endurance and his military experience, Mitch delivers practical tools and mindset shifts that work in the real world. Whether you're facing a career crossroads, a personal crisis, or simply know you're capable of more – Limitless will help you meet yourself where you are, challenge the boundaries you've been told to accept, and unlock the extraordinary potential you didn't know you had.

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