Other books that might interest you

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  The Station - Athos: Treasures...

  Robert Byron

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  The Station follows three high-spirited young men visiting the monasteries on Mount Athos in 1927. They examine treasures and sketch the courtyards and those who live in them. They swim ecstatically off the sparkling, deserted beaches, climb mountains, talk and share meals with monks and transcribe these conversations with relish.  For life is very different for a celibate hermit on Mount Athos. Time has no meaning: the Son of God, His Virgin Mother, the Angels and the Saints are all living creatures of flesh and blood, and the Pope is a heretic. This slim book was little short of revolutionary in its championing of Greek Orthodoxy and Byzantine civilization, reversing centuries of western prejudice. It was the first of Robert Byron's travel books, revealing the flashing wit, bravery, passion and astonishing powers of visual observation which made him such an exceptional witness.

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  Mapuche Empire - The Defenders...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The origins of the Mapuche people trace back thousands of years, long before the arrival of Europeans in South America. They are one of the most resilient and enduring indigenous groups in the region, with a deep-rooted history in present-day Chile and Argentina. Archaeological evidence suggests that their ancestors inhabited these lands for at least 2,000 years, developing a distinct culture shaped by the diverse landscapes of the Andean foothills, valleys, and coastal regions. 
  The name "Mapuche" itself reflects their strong connection to the land, as it derives from "mapu" (earth) and "che" (people), meaning "people of the land." This bond influenced their way of life, from agriculture to spiritual beliefs. They cultivated maize, potatoes, quinoa, and beans while also engaging in hunting, fishing, and gathering. Unlike some of the great civilizations of South America, such as the Inca or the Maya, the Mapuche did not build massive stone cities. Instead, they lived in small, scattered settlements made up of rucas, traditional thatched-roof houses constructed from wood and straw, designed to withstand the varied climate of their territories. 
  Language played a crucial role in shaping the Mapuche identity. They spoke Mapudungun, a unique language that remains central to their culture today. Unlike the Quechua language of the Andes, which spread widely due to the influence of the Inca Empire, Mapudungun remained relatively isolated, preserving its distinct linguistic structure. Oral tradition was the primary means of passing down knowledge, with elders recounting stories, myths, and historical events that shaped the collective memory of the Mapuche people.

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  Cycling London 4th Edition -...

  Tom Bogdanowicz

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  London Cycling Guide, 4th Edition is your complete, newly updated guide to life in the bike lane! Written by the author of London's most popular cycling blog, and using years of experience and contributions from readers, it offers more than 40 leisurely bike routes covering both inner and outer London. Each itinerary is described in detail with a series of points of interest also pinpointed on an accompanying route map, including cafes, shops, and other must-stop spots. Boxed information with each route features the start point, likely duration, and some suggestions for where to eat and drink along the way. The book also covers important practical information on cycling, such as choosing the right bike for your style of cycling, tips on urban cycling, social cycling, and cycling with children, guidance on security and insurance, and information on accessories and clothing. This best-selling guide to cycling in London is completely updated with new routes, maps, and photographs. 

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  Economic Crises in Argentina - A...

  Anya Solace

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  Argentina's economic history is a complex and dynamic narrative marked by periods of growth, instability, and deep financial crises. Understanding the evolution of Argentina’s economy requires an examination of its historical context, social dynamics, and key events that have shaped its economic trajectory. From its colonial beginnings to its role in the global economy today, Argentina's economy has been influenced by various internal and external factors, ranging from agricultural production and international trade to political movements and international debt. 
  At the time of its independence in 1816, Argentina had a relatively underdeveloped economy, largely reliant on agriculture, particularly the production of beef and grain. The country’s early economic struggles were compounded by frequent political instability and power struggles, which hindered the development of a cohesive economic strategy. The 19th century witnessed Argentina's agricultural sector become a central pillar of its economy, with exports to Europe fueling growth. However, the country faced several economic setbacks, including trade imbalances, debt accumulation, and conflicts over territorial disputes. 
  The 20th century brought about significant shifts in Argentina’s economic landscape. The country experienced a wave of industrialization, which was supported by government policies aimed at reducing dependency on foreign markets. However, despite periods of prosperity, Argentina’s economy remained vulnerable to global economic trends and the volatility of international trade. The early decades of the 20th century saw periods of rapid growth alongside recurring recessions, and in the mid-1900s, Argentina began experiencing the first of many major economic crises.

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  The Silk Road - Trade and...

  Jun Liu

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  The origins of the Silk Road trace back more than two thousand years, to a time when empires rose and sought to expand their influence through exploration, diplomacy, and commerce. The foundation of this vast trade network was laid during the Han Dynasty in China, around the 2nd century BCE. Under Emperor Wu of Han, the empire was looking to form alliances and open communication with regions to the west, particularly to counter nomadic threats like the Xiongnu. In pursuit of this goal, the emperor commissioned a young diplomat named Zhang Qian to journey westward, initiating one of the earliest formal missions that would lead to the opening of trade routes between East and West. 
  Zhang Qian’s expeditions proved to be pivotal. Although his initial mission was met with capture and delays, he eventually succeeded in reaching Central Asia and returning with valuable intelligence about distant peoples and lands. His reports detailed the cultures, resources, and military strength of regions far beyond China’s borders, sparking interest in trade and fostering diplomatic relationships. These journeys laid the groundwork for sustained interaction between distant civilizations and demonstrated the strategic and economic potential of linking east to west. 
  As the Han Dynasty expanded its territory and influence, it secured key routes and established military garrisons along the western frontier. These efforts ensured the safety of merchants and travelers, allowing goods to flow more freely across borders. The Silk Road was not a single road, but rather a network of interconnected paths that stretched from China through Central Asia, reaching all the way to the Mediterranean. It connected cities like Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an), Samarkand, and Antioch, forming a bridge between major civilizations of the time.

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  Ghosts of Boston - Haunts of the...

  Sam Baltrusis

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  It should come as no surprise that one of the nation's oldest cities brims with spirits of those who lived and died in its hundreds of years of tumultuous history. 
   
   
   
  Boston, Massachusetts, boasts countless stories of the supernatural. Many students at Boston College have encountered an unearthly hound that haunts O'Connell House to this day. Be on the watch for an actor who sits in on rehearsals at Huntington Theatre and restless spirits rumored to haunt Boston Common at night. From the Victorian brownstones of Back Bay to the shores of the Boston Harbor Islands, author Sam Baltrusis makes it clear that there is hardly a corner of the Hub where the paranormal cannot be experienced as he breathes new life into the tales of the long departed.

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