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  Ancient Greece’s Most Famous...

  Editors Charles River

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  In ancient Greece, “no other practice was so universal than the consultation of oracles.” These holy sites were found in 260 locations around the Greek-speaking world, and they were considered the “most satisfactory means of ascertaining the future.” These sanctuaries were “set apart from the profane, ordinary world” and were in the beginning restricted to natural locations where the divine was thought to be “especially present.” They were set aside for special spiritual functions, and a state of purity was generally required of its participants. A historical tendency toward providing haven for criminals was based on the fear of shedding blood in a holy place, and the “fear that the evil magic would emanate from his curse.” 
  The Oracle of Delphi was one of the greatest religious institutions in Greece and one which played a significant role not only in the formation and collective decisions of Hellenic localities and city-states but also in the personal lives of Greeks known and unknown. The site was dedicated to the god Apollo, and the Greeks believed the god spoke his oracles through his prophetess known as the Pythia. The judgments and decisions rendered by the oracle were so important to the Greeks that they often put them above all other interests, even security threats posed by the likes of the Persians, and Delphi was popular even amongst outsiders. Many authors of antiquity mention the oracle for one reason or another, and there even survive epigraphic collections that preserve the god’s words on stone. 
  The Oracle of Dodona was the oldest of all, and it was one of the few dedicated to Zeus and his consort goddess Dione. The oracular utterances heard at the oracles are generally referred to as “smokiness” in Greek, but at Dodona, the answers came in natural sounds and other peripheral phenomena.

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  The Passenger: California

  Passenger The

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  The best new writing, photography, art, and reportage from and about California—in the “rich and engrossing” series for travelers and armchair travelers (Times Literary Supplement). 
   
  From the Gold Rush to Hollywood’s golden age to the rise of Silicon Valley, California has long stood as the brightest symbol of the American dream. In recent years, however, the country’s mainstream media has been declaring with increasing frequency—and thinly veiled schadenfreude—the “end of California as we know it.” 
   
  The pessimists point to rising inequality, racial tensions, and the impact of climate change as evidence that the Californian dream has been shattered. Between extreme heat, months-long droughts, devastating wildfires, and rising sea levels, looking at California is like watching the trailer for what awaits the world if we don’t act to reduce global warming. Faced with these pressures, more and more Californians are leaving the state, leading to an unprecedented decline in population that could change the cultural and political balance of power in the country at large. 
   
  That said, demographic decline and climate disasters don’t tell the whole story of one of the most dynamic and diverse states in the Union—one that continues to drive technological and political innovation and define the evolution of work, food, entertainment, and social relations. This volume offers a fascinating picture of California in all its complexity and contradictions—an attempt to understand the laboratory where much of the world’s future continues to be written—with pieces including: 
   
  Growing Uncertainty in the Central Valley by Anna Wiener • How Does It Feel to Be a Solution? by Vanessa Hua • The Burning of Paradise by Mark Arax • Plus: direct democracy and unsustainable development, the rise of the “land back” movement, the cultural renaissance of Los Angeles in defiance of rampant gentrification, and much more . . .  
   
  “The Passenger readers will find none of the typical travel guide sections on where to eat or what sights to see. Consider the books, rather, more like a literary vacation.” —Publishers Weekly

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  Sultan in Oman

  Jen Morris

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  In 1955 the winds of change were beginning to blow across the Sultanate of Oman, a hitherto truly medieval state. Rumours of subversion mingled with the unsettling smell of oil to propel the Sultan on a royal progress across the desert hinterland, from his southern capital of Salala to the northern capital of Muscat. It was an historic journey – the first crossing of the Omani desert by motorcar. Jan Morris accompanied His Highness Sultan Said bin Taimur as a professional observer, and was inspired by the experience to write her major work of imperial history, the Pax Britannica trilogy.

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  Sir Where's 'Toilet?

  John Meadows

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  A further collection of entertaining short stories to complete the author’s trilogy of world-wide adventures. His intriguing tales are spiced with lively encounters and astute observations, full of humor and wit. His fascinating historical facts are particularly enlightening, and will have you saying, "Really? I didn’t know that." Each story will leave you wanting more: Teachers' ghostly prank with a bizarre twist. Sampling local whiskey at a village distillery on the fabled Mekong river in Laos. Two cultures collide when Russian rugby league players invade Wigan, and to complete his experiences, he was proclaimed Emperor of China.

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  Egypt Travel Guide - Captivating...

  Captivating Travels

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  Experience Egypt Like a Local with a Travel Guide that Includes Maps, Over 120 Images, and More than 90 QR Codes
   
  Step into the captivating land of pharaohs and pyramids with this colorful and expertly crafted Egypt travel guide. Featuring detailed maps, images, and interactive QR Codes, this book is your key to unlocking an unforgettable Egyptian adventure. Whether you have a short three-day visit or an immersive two-week exploration planned, this guide provides everything you need to discover Egypt's most iconic landmarks, alongside the authentic stories, local flavors, and hidden gems that most tourists overlook.
   
   What's Inside: 
  
  - Top Ancient Sites:  Explore the majestic Great Pyramids, the awe-inspiring Luxor Temple and Abu Simbel, and the legendary Valley of the Kings. 
  - Egypt's 20 Best Photo Spots:  Capture every breathtaking moment with our curated list of the most photogenic locations. 
  - Smart Itineraries:  Discover expertly designed itineraries tailored to various travel styles and durations. 
  - Effortless Navigation:  Learn how to get around Egypt easily with local insights and convenient interactive QR codes. 
  - Where to Stay:  Find the best accommodations in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, Siwa, and beyond. 
  - Immerse in Egyptian Culture:  Gain a detailed understanding of local customs, dress codes, dining etiquette, and tipping practices. 
  - Uncover Hidden Gems:  Venture off the beaten path to discover serene oases, authentic Bedouin villages, and ancient monasteries. 
  - Savor Local Flavors:  Discover must-try Egyptian dishes and learn how to eat like a true local. 
  - Bonus Phrases:  Connect with locals using our exclusive chapter of practical Egyptian Arabic phrases. 
  - And much, much more! 
   
  Perfect for Every Traveler:
  Whether you're a curious first-timer, an independent solo explorer, a couple seeking a cultural immersion, or a dedicated history enthusiast ready to tick off your bucket list, this book seamlessly adapts to your unique travel style. It's the ultimate companion for travelers who crave a deeper, more authentic experience, providing the visuals, practical tools, and insider knowledge to make it happen. 
  
  Get Ready to Discover Egypt!
  From the magical sunrise casting its golden light over the Pyramids to the tranquil sunset painting the Nile in vibrant hues, Egypt is ready to captivate your senses—and this book is your essential key to unlocking all its wonders. 
  
  Add to Cart now and embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of one of the world's most extraordinary destinations. 

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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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