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  The Tang Dynasty - Cultural...

  Jun Liu

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  The Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) emerged after the collapse of the short-lived Sui Dynasty, which had failed due to internal strife, heavy taxation, and forced labor projects that drained the empire’s resources. The fall of the Sui created a power vacuum, allowing various factions to vie for control. Amid this turmoil, Li Yuan, a former Sui general, led a successful rebellion and established the Tang Dynasty in 618 CE, taking the throne as Emperor Gaozu. His leadership set the foundation for one of China’s most influential and prosperous dynasties. 
  Emperor Gaozu focused on stabilizing the empire by reforming the government, lowering excessive taxes, and restoring order to a nation weakened by years of misrule. However, his reign was relatively short-lived as his son, Li Shimin, proved to be a more capable leader. In 626 CE, Li Shimin forced his father to abdicate and took the throne as Emperor Taizong. His ascension marked the true consolidation of Tang power and the beginning of an era of expansion, reform, and cultural advancement. 
  Under Emperor Taizong’s rule, the Tang Dynasty established a strong centralized government based on Confucian principles. He refined the imperial examination system, ensuring that officials were chosen based on merit rather than birthright. This system allowed for the creation of a competent and efficient bureaucracy, which would become a hallmark of Tang governance. Additionally, Taizong worked to solidify China’s borders by engaging in strategic military campaigns. His army pushed westward into Central Asia, securing control over key trade routes and strengthening the empire’s influence along the Silk Road. These military victories, combined with diplomatic relations with neighboring states, positioned the Tang Dynasty as a dominant force in East Asia.

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  Ancient America - Fifty...

  Kenneth L. Feder

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  Visit fifty amazing places highlighting indigenous peoples’ art, engineering, and more in “a thoroughly enjoyable guide to America’s prehistory.” ―American Archaeology   Well-traveled anthropologist Kenneth Feder invites readers to explore the stunning technological, architectural, engineering, and artistic achievements of America’s first peoples. Part travel guide, part friendly reference, Ancient America showcases fifty iconic and publicly accessible sites located across the contiguous United States, most in state and national parks—including monumental pyramids of earth, “castles” ensconced in cliff niches, and vast rock art galleries. Among the places profiled are:     Four World Heritage Sites (Chaco Canyon, NM; Mesa Verde, CO; Cahokia, IL; Poverty Point, LA)  Numerous Historic Landmarks and National Monuments (including Crystal River, FL; Town Creek Mound, NC; Casa Grande, AZ; and Hovenweep, UT)  Stunningly diverse sites ranging from Serpent Mound (OH) and Horsethief Lake (WA) to Canyon de Chelly (AZ) and Nine Mile Canyon (UT)    In addition to practical visitor information, Feder tells the fascinating stories of each site as revealed by archaeological research. Introductory chapters delve into the deep past of Native America; historical and cultural details as well as original photography round out the site entries.    “Sites are . . . ranked on a number of factors useful for visitors, including ‘Ease of Road Access,’ ‘Natural Beauty,’ ‘Kid Friendliness,’ and the overall ‘Wow Factor.’ . . . will inspire readers to visit places that will connect them to the early peoples of North America.” ―Booklist

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  History of Sweden: A Captivating...

  Captivating History

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  Did you know that Viking-age Swedes were the founding dynasty of what eventually became Russia? 
  In contrast to their Danish and Norwegian cousins, Swedish Vikings traveled east rather than west in search of riches, land, and power. The extensive river systems of Russia provided economic and military “super-highways” to the adventurers from the north, who journeyed down them all the way to the Black Sea and Constantinople in search of fame and riches. 
  The rise in TV shows and movies has renewed the people’s interest in Vikings, but the Swedish Vikings have been notably absent from these accounts. In Captivating History’s History of Sweden, you will learn more about these Swedish adventurers, along with other parts of Sweden’s fascinating history. 
  In this audiobook, you will discover:The Swedes’ fierce struggle to gain independenceThe “Father of Sweden,” King Gustav Vasa and his dynasty that spawned some of the greatest military minds in EuropeHow the Swedish Empire achieved success and expanded as far as North AmericaSweden’s revolutionary war tactics and how that led to victories on the battlefieldWhy Sweden adopted its famous policy of neutralityThe hero Raoul Wallenberg and his role in WWIIAnd much more! 
  Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the history of Sweden!

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  Two Old Fools Down Under - Old...

  Victoria Twead

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  When Vicky and Joe wave goodbye to their beloved Spanish village, they face their future in Australia with some trepidation. Now they must build a new life amongst strangers, snakes, and spiders the size of saucers. Accompanied by their enthusiastic new puppy, Lola, adventures abound, both heartwarming and terrifying. 
  Will the Two Old Fools embrace the Aussie way of life or is it time to stop gallivanting around the globe and return to Britain?

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  The Beaches of Scotland - A...

  Stacey McGowan Holloway

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  Scotland is renowned for its dramatic, fierce landscapes, but many people don't realise that some of the country's most exhilarating scenery rests on its coastline. The Beaches of Scotland by Stacey McGowan Holloway is a guide to over 150 hand-picked beaches around Scotland's coast, stretching from the mainland to the Outer Hebrides before sweeping north to Orkney and Shetland. These beaches offer something for everyone, from gentle sands which feel almost tropical to rugged coves which can only be accessed by kayak. 
  The selected beaches have not been chosen for purely aesthetic reasons: these locations offer some amazing opportunities for adventure. From surfing to snorkelling, kayaking, camping and cold-water swimming, this book travels from Kilmory Beach, with its views over the Paps of Jura, along single-track roads to Singing Sands on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. It takes you from Portabello on the edge of Edinburgh's bustling streets to Kervaig Beach in the far north-west, where the lucky visitor may spot seals or puffins. Experience Scotland at its wildest and most stunning at Achnahaird Bay, bask in the otherworldly sense that these remote beaches can inspire at Balnakeil, gaze in awe at the scenery you can't quite believe is real on Berneray's West Beach, or blow the cobwebs away as you wander along the sand of Dornoch in the far north-east. Whether you're after a thrilling day getting salt in your hair or a peaceful escape from responsibilities and worries, Scotland's coast has it all. 
  Featuring information on the facilities, access and activities that can be enjoyed at each beach, as well as custom mapping and stunning photography, The Beaches of Scotland is the perfect companion to your exploration of Scotland's stunning coastline.

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  License to Travel - A Cultural...

  Patrick Bixby

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  Discover the surprising global history of how the passport has shaped art, thought, and human experience to define the modern world. 
   
  License to Travel exposes the passport as both an instrument of personal freedom and a tool of government surveillance powerful enough to define our very humanity. 
   
  Patrick Bixby examines the passports of artists and intellectuals, ancient messengers and modern migrants to reveal how these seemingly humble documents implicate us in larger narratives about identity, mobility, citizenship, and state authority. 
   
  This concise cultural history:  
  • Takes the reader on a captivating journey from pharaonic Egypt and Handynasty China to the passport controls and crowded refugee camps of today. 
  • Connects intimate stories of vulnerability and desire with vivid examples drawn from world cinema, literature, art, philosophy, and politics 
  • Highlights the control that travel documents have over our bodies as we move around the globe. 
   
  With unexpected discoveries at every turn, from narrow escapes and new starts, tearful departures and hopeful arrivals, License to Travel shares some of our most memorable experiences involving the passport.

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