Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  75 Men A Shipwreck and Me

  Catherine Bailey

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  Seventy-Five Men, A Shipwreck and Me is the true story of a daring race to recover a treasure trove of silver from a torpedoed wreck lying one-and-a-half miles beneath the Indian Ocean. The quest unites seventy-five seasoned seafarers, each skilled in navigating the ocean’s mysteries. However, they face an unexpected challenge: adapting to Catherine, an English woman aboard their converted drill ship. 
   
  “Catherine Bailey’s true story of a salvage expedition to the Indian Ocean is a vivid account of her own experience aboard a salvage vessel, the only woman in a large crew of hard men hungry to locate a vast fortune of sunken treasure. Told with energy, wit and unflappable composure, 
  Bailey’s account of the voyage is by turns exhilarating, comic and fraught with tension. A marvellous account of an extraordinary adventure.”
   
  – Patrick McGrath, author of Asylum and Martha Peake.

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  The Western Xia Dynasty - The...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Western Xia Dynasty, founded by the Tangut people, emerged as a powerful and distinct kingdom in northwestern China during the 11th century. Its establishment marked the rise of a unique civilization that balanced influences from the Chinese, Tibetan, and Central Asian cultures while maintaining its own identity. The Tanguts, originally a nomadic group, gradually settled in the Ordos region and later expanded into the Hexi Corridor, an area of strategic importance due to its location along the Silk Road. 
  The dynasty was officially established in 1038 by Li Yuanhao, who declared himself emperor and adopted the title of the Great Xia. Li Yuanhao sought to solidify Tangut sovereignty by breaking free from the dominance of the Song Dynasty. To emphasize independence, he introduced significant reforms, including the creation of the Tangut script, a writing system distinct from Chinese characters, reinforcing cultural identity. Under his rule, Western Xia developed a centralized government, with administrative structures modeled in part after the Song system but adapted to suit Tangut traditions. 
  Expansion and military strength played crucial roles in the rise of the Western Xia. The Tanguts, skilled in cavalry warfare, built a formidable army that enabled them to challenge the Song Dynasty, the Liao Dynasty of the Khitans, and later, the Jin Dynasty of the Jurchens. Frequent conflicts with these neighboring states shaped Western Xia’s military strategies, leading to a highly fortified kingdom capable of defending its territory against multiple threats. While diplomacy was occasionally pursued, warfare was often the means through which the dynasty maintained its influence.

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  History of Colombia - An...

  Kelly Mass

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  Colombia’s history is marked by a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures and societies, which laid the foundations for the diverse nation that exists today. Long before the Spanish arrived in 1492, the region was home to advanced civilizations such as the Muisca Confederation, the Quimbaya Civilization, and the Tairona Chiefdoms. These indigenous groups thrived in Colombia's varied geography, establishing complex societies with sophisticated agricultural practices, intricate trade networks, and elaborate spiritual beliefs. 
  The Spanish conquest of the Americas brought significant change to the region. Following Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean, Spanish explorers began their colonization efforts. In 1538, the Spanish established Bogotá, which became the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. This vast colonial territory included what is now Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. The Spanish imposed their rule over the indigenous peoples, exploiting both the land and the labor of native communities, which would profoundly shape the future of the region.

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  Brazil - A Historical and...

  Anya Solace

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  Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, both in terms of land area and population. Its geographical diversity is staggering, stretching across the continent of South America and featuring a wide range of ecosystems, from the vast Amazon rainforest to the arid Sertão of the Northeast. The country’s geography is a crucial part of its identity, influencing the development of its people, culture, and economy. From the dense forests and sprawling wetlands to the mountainous regions and extensive coastline, Brazil’s landforms have played a significant role in shaping its history and societal structure. 
  The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is perhaps the most famous of Brazil’s natural wonders. Covering roughly 60% of Brazil’s territory, the Amazon Basin is home to an immense variety of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The region is not only rich in biodiversity but also plays a pivotal role in regulating the global climate. However, the Amazon has also faced threats over the years, including deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and illegal mining, leading to ongoing debates over conservation and development. 
  Brazil’s coastline, stretching over 7,000 kilometers, is another defining feature of its geography. Major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo sit along this coast, benefiting from access to international trade routes and abundant natural resources. The coastline also plays a crucial role in the cultural identity of the country, with Brazil’s famous beach culture, music, and cuisine often reflecting the coastal way of life. These cities and others in the coastal region became centers of economic activity during the colonial period and continue to be important hubs of commerce and industry.

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  The Adventure Gap - Changing the...

  James Edward Mills, Shelton Johnson

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  Features a new "where are they now" section, with updates about lives of expedition's original climbers and updated resources based on the "Anti-Racism in the Outdoors" (ARITO) guide. 
   
   
   
  Outdoor journalist James Edward Mills's book, The Adventure Gap, is a groundbreaking volume that is equal parts adventure story, history, and inspiration as it chronicles the first American all-Black summit attempt on Denali in 2013. Mills uses this momentous expedition as a jumping-off point to explore diversity in the outdoors, from Mathew Henson who stood at the North Pole in 1909 to contemporary adventurers such as polar explorer Barbara Hillary and rock climber Kai Lightner. 
   
   
   
  This tenth anniversary edition once again shares the compelling events that unfolded during Expedition Denali's summit bid. But it also provides fresh context: A new thought-provoking afterword by Mills examines what has evolved in and around the outdoor community since that effort. He highlights progress and inspiring stories, such as Full Circle Everest, an expedition led by Phillip Henderson that put an all-Black team on top of the world's highest peak. And he points to places where we can and should all strive for higher achievement. The Adventure Gap has become an essential text in outdoor education and inspiration—a story of our times, now more relevant than ever.

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  Driving Lessons - A Road Trip...

  Christopher B. Strain

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  In Driving Lessons, Christopher B. Strain sets out on a quintessential American road trip, exploring not just the roads and byways of the country but the road trip's place in American culture. Strain dives into the well of American travel writing, illuminating fascinating aspects of the road trip, such as how race, class, and gender shape the experiences of road trippers. 
   
   
   
  In the summer of 1998, amid a professional crisis of confidence, Strain settled on a plan to reconnect with both himself and the country he studies. He purchased a 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia van and set off on his own cross-country odyssey. In the weeks that followed, he ruminated on his own ongoing journey alongside great journeys from the past and how they reveal the heart of the traveler as well as the landscape of the nation. 
   
   
   
  Visiting archives and landmarks across the United States, Strain's journey became a parallel to the stories he studied—an opportunity to see and experience the cities, national parks, and monuments that define United States history. Driving Lessons is a compelling blend of literary analysis and memoir, offering listeners an insightful and heartfelt reflection on the enduring power of the American road trip.

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