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  Mexico - Historical Milestones...

  Anya Solace

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  Mexico’s history is a fascinating blend of ancient civilizations, colonial rule, and modern economic evolution. Situated at the crossroads of North and Central America, the country has played a crucial role in shaping regional and global events. From the sophisticated societies of the Mayans and Aztecs to the dramatic upheavals brought by Spanish colonization, each era has left an indelible mark on Mexico’s cultural and economic landscape. This book explores key milestones that have defined Mexico’s development and the economic transformations that continue to shape its future.  
  The origins of Mexico’s rich history begin with its diverse geography, which has influenced the rise of powerful civilizations. The Aztecs, with their vast empire and advanced societal structures, left behind a legacy of engineering, agriculture, and governance that still resonates today. Similarly, the Mayans developed sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems, highlighting the intellectual achievements of pre-Columbian Mexico. These civilizations thrived for centuries before encountering the seismic changes that came with European arrival.  
  The Spanish conquest in the early 16th century marked a profound turning point. Hernán Cortés and his forces, aided by superior weaponry and alliances with indigenous groups, dismantled the Aztec Empire and imposed colonial rule. Spain’s domination reshaped Mexico’s social, economic, and political structures. The encomienda system placed indigenous populations under harsh labor conditions, while the introduction of Catholicism and European traditions altered local customs and belief systems. Despite the oppression, Mexico’s indigenous and mestizo populations adapted, creating a unique cultural fusion that remains a defining aspect of the country’s identity. 

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  The Corfu Trilogy - My Family...

  Gerald Durrell

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  National Bestseller: The complete trilogy that inspired Masterpiece production The Durrells in Corfu in one volume. The tales of a naturalist and his family, who left England for the Greek island of Corfu—where they interacted with fascinating locals of both human and animal varieties—these memoirs have become beloved bestsellers and inspired the delightful series that aired on PBS television.   Included in this three-book collection are:  My Family and Other Animals: Ten-year-old Gerald Durrell arrives on sun-drenched Corfu with this family and pursues his interest in natural history, making friends with the island’s fauna—from toads and tortoises to scorpions and geckos—while reveling in the joyous chaos of growing up in an unconventional household.  Birds, Beasts and Relatives: Written after a boyhood spent studying zoology, this memoir is part nature guide, part coming-of-age tale, and all charmingly funny memoir.  The Garden of the Gods: In the conclusion of the trilogy, Durrell shares more tales of wild animals and his even wilder family, including his mother, Louisa, and his siblings Lawrence, Leslie, and Margo, in the years before World War II.   “[Durrell’s] books have an unfailing charm. . . . It is a tribute to his skill that one never tires of his accounts” (Chicago Tribune).  This ebook features an illustrated biography of Gerald Durrell including rare photos from the author’s estate.  

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  The Khmer Empire - History of...

  Kelly Mass

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  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 site of Angkor, in modern-day Cambodia, which worked as the Khmer capital throughout the empire's prime time, is maybe its most long-lasting tradition. The stunning Angkor structures, like Angkor Wat and Bayon, attest to the Khmer Empire's incredible strength and wealth, remarkable art and culture, architectural strategy, visual accomplishments, and the series of belief systems that it bought from in time. Angkor was the world's biggest pre-industrial cosmopolitan center between the 11th and 13th centuries, according to satellite photography. 
  Let’s learn more about what we know about the happenings in this vast empire from so long ago.

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  The Most Fascinating Man in the...

  John Harpoon

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  Peter Freuchen was born on February 2, 1886, in the small town of Nykøbing Falster, Denmark. Raised in a well-off family, his early life was marked by an environment that fostered curiosity and exploration. From a young age, Freuchen exhibited a strong interest in adventure and the natural world. He was inspired by his father, a civil engineer, and his mother, who instilled in him a love for literature and storytelling. These early experiences would play a crucial role in shaping his adventurous spirit and intellectual curiosity, which would define much of his later life. 
  Freuchen's education was broad and varied. Initially attending school in his hometown, he soon showed an aptitude for science and geography. However, his desire to explore the world beyond the classroom eventually led him to study at the University of Copenhagen, where he focused on medicine and natural sciences. Although Freuchen did not complete his medical degree, his time at the university was pivotal in forming his understanding of the natural world and fostering his interest in Arctic exploration. 
  During his student years, Freuchen was drawn to the literature of explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. These accounts of Arctic adventures ignited a deep passion in him to experience such feats firsthand. While still a young man, he decided to leave behind his academic pursuits and embark on an adventure that would change his life forever. At the age of 22, Freuchen sailed to Greenland, where he would spend the next several years of his life living among the Inuit people. It was here that Freuchen learned the skills necessary to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. His time in Greenland was not just a physical trial but also an intellectual journey, as he immersed himself in the culture, language, and survival techniques of the Inuit.

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  The Mythology of the Incas -...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  The mythology of the Incas is a fascinating tapestry of gods, legends, and rituals that shaped the spiritual and cultural identity of one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas. Unlike written traditions found in other ancient cultures, Incan mythology was passed down orally, with each generation preserving and refining the stories that explained the origins of the world, the forces of nature, and the role of human beings in the cosmos. These myths were deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the Inca people, influencing everything from their agricultural practices to their political structures.  
    
  At the heart of Incan mythology was a complex belief system that divided the universe into three realms: Hanan Pacha, the upper world of the gods; Kay Pacha, the earthly realm of humans; and Uku Pacha, the underworld where spirits and ancestors resided. These realms were connected by sacred mountains, rivers, and celestial bodies, all of which were considered divine. The gods of the Incan pantheon, led by Viracocha, the supreme creator, played a central role in shaping the world and maintaining balance within these realms. Inti, the sun god, was revered as the divine ancestor of the ruling class, while Pachamama, the earth goddess, was honored for providing sustenance and fertility.  
    
  Rituals and ceremonies were essential to maintaining harmony between the natural and supernatural worlds. The Inca performed elaborate festivals, such as Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, to honor their deities and ensure the continuation of prosperity. Priests and oracles played a crucial role in interpreting the will of the gods, often conducting sacrifices—both animal and human—as acts of devotion and appeasement. Sacred sites, including Coricancha in Cusco and Machu Picchu, served as centers of worship where offerings were made to the gods. 

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  Why You Should Go to Milan

  Mark Ferdinand

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  Milan isn’t just Italy’s fashion capital—it’s a city where style meets substance. From the awe-inspiring spires of the Duomo to the quiet beauty of hidden courtyards, Milan blends centuries of history with modern vibrancy. This book takes you beyond the catwalks and shopping streets to uncover its world-class art, unforgettable food culture, and buzzing neighborhoods that locals love. 
  Whether you’re drawn to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, the glamour of La Scala, or simply the joy of an aperitivo at sunset, Milan offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Mark Ferdinand invites you to see why Milan should be on your travel list—and how to savor it like a true insider.

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