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  Historia Apollonii Regis Tyri

  Anonymous Anonymous

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  Apollonius of Tyre is the subject of an ancient short novella, popular during medieval times. Existing in numerous forms in many languages, the text is thought to be translated from an ancient Greek manuscript, now lost. The earliest manuscripts of the tale, in a Latin version, date from the 9th or 10th century; the most widespread Latin versions are those of Gottfried von Viterbo, who incorporated it into his Pantheon of 1185 as if it were actual history, and a version in the Gesta Romanorum. Shakespeare's play Pericles, Prince of Tyre was based in part on Gower's version, with the change of name probably inspired by Philip Sidney's Arcadia. Apollonius of Tyre was also a source for his plays Twelfth Night and The Comedy of Errors. (Summary by Wikipedia)

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  Dave Barry Is from Mars and Venus

  Dave Barry

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  Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author, and failed Wheel of Fortune contestant Dave Barry has questions—lots of them—and sets out to find the answers. If you've ever wondered things such as, “Just how does Oprah have the power to turn a 1957 Hotpoint toaster manual into a #1 bestseller?” or “What makes people want to eat animals they would never consider petting?” then this book is for you. Barry fans will appreciate this best-of collection of his syndicated columns since those likely went out with the recycled newspapers. And new, uninitiated but soon-to-be fans will discover Dave's wit brings a delicious train of chuckles as Dave explores what it's like to splash around with the U.S. synchronized swim team and relives the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving. Dave Barry proves that one man even in this incredibly complex global society using only his mind and the power of information can make a difference—by having the guts to answer the important questions we all have but don't have the time to answer.

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  The History of Tom Jones a...

  Henry Fielding

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  The classic work “hailed as one of the great comic novels of English literature and author Henry Fielding’s masterpiece” (HistoryNet.com).   Both a picaresque and Bildungsroman, The History of Tom Jones follows the life of its hero from his discovery as a foundling on the property of Squire Allworthy in England’s West Country to his banishment from the estate and subsequent journey to London to escape an arranged marriage. Tom’s many dalliances and misadventures throughout add to the charm of this bawdy romantic comedy.   Written in the eighteenth century, it is “a classic English novel that captures the spirit of its age and whose famous characters—Squire Western, the chaplain Thwackum, the scheming Blifil, seductive Molly Seagrim, and Sophia, Tom’s true love—have come to represent Augustan society in all its loquacious, turbulent, comic variety” (The Guardian, “The 100 Best Novels”).   “Incredibly complex, with a huge cast of characters, plot twists too numerous to relate and humor sharp enough to cut a finger.” —HistoryNet.com

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  The Message in the Bottle and...

  Walker Percy

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  Two fascinating philosophical inquiries from the “dazzlingly gifted” New York Times–bestselling and National Book Award–winning author of The Moviegoer (USA Today).   Winner of the National Book Award for The Moviegoer, the Southern writer Walker Percy possessed “an intellectual range and rigor few American novelists can match” (The New York Times Book Review). In these two provocative works, Percy manages to be perceptive and playful as he more directly explores the philosophical foundations of his groundbreaking fiction.  The Message in the Bottle: In these profound and passionate essays that “have a way of quickening the spirit and cleansing the sight,” Percy looks to language to answer the question of who we are as humans (The New Republic). He posits that the act of assigning meaning by naming things makes humans unique. Percy develops a theory of language through the example of Helen Keller being stimulated by the feel of water along with the sign for water, and explores questions such as why other animals don’t talk and why humans in technologically advanced, materially comfortable societies are so sad.   “A delight . . . a pleasure to read.” —Larry McMurtry, The Washington Post Book World  Lost in the Cosmos: “Charming, whimsical, slyly profound,” Lost in the Cosmos is a one-of-a-kind mix of self-help parody and philosophical speculation (The New York Times). Filled with quizzes, essays, short stories, and diagrams, Percy’s guide is a laugh-out-loud spin on a familiar genre that also pushes readers to serious contemplation of life’s biggest questions, such as: “Why is it no other species but man gets bored?” and “Explain why Moses was tongue-tied and stagestruck before his fellow Jews but had no trouble talking to God.”   “A mock self-help book designed not to help but to provoke; a chapbook to inveigle us into thinking about who we are and how we got into this mess.” —Los Angeles Times Book Review

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  99 Percent Perspiration - A...

  Jef Mallett

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  Here's a strip to savor, doubly immersed in squeaky cleanliness and a knowing grasp of second graders' cool universe."Frazz is fun. Frazz is cool. Frazz is . . . a hit! Take one successful and secure songwriter, put him on the steering end of a janitor's broom, and drop him into the world of elementary education. And with that, if Jef Mallett's calling the creative shots, you have the makings of one of the most flourishing new comic strips to come along in years.Frazz follows the life and loves of one Edwin Frazier, aka "Frazz," as he writes more best-selling lyrics, ponders the world's greatest literature and deepest mysteries with an 8-year-old genius, and interacts with the menagerie of other faculty and staff members. What results is a wild mix of witty observations and outright slapstick that amuses while causing you to see the world in a new light.99 Percent Perspiration is the second collection of this very popular strip that appears in more than 150 newspapers worldwide, including the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Chicago Tribune. Frazz was nominated in 2004 as one of the best comic strips of the year by the National Cartoonists Society. It has also received two Wilbur awards for ethics and values.

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  The Ultimate Guide to Being...

  Clark McGinn

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  What makes the Ultimate Scot? Is it the ability to identify a tartan pattern from 50 yards? Maybe it's being able to recite the two forgotten verses of Auld Lang Syne? Or perhaps it's knowing your single malt from a double malt? The Ultimate Guide to Being Scottish examines in hilarious detail the history, politics and traditions that make Scots great. Exploring the best of scottish culture, this book focuses on the celebrations that Scots have made their own, from Hogmanay to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Mixing fact and practical hints (like the ideal recipe for boiled sheep's head) with witty banter, The Ultimate Guide to Being Scottish is perfect for injecting Scotland's unique and beloved brand of merriment into life.

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