Other books that might interest you

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  Southern Song Dynasty - Art...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Southern Song Dynasty emerged in 1127 after the fall of the Northern Song to the Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty. This period marked a time of resilience, adaptation, and cultural flourishing, despite ongoing threats from external forces. The dynasty’s establishment in the southern region of China reshaped political, economic, and artistic developments that would leave a lasting impact on Chinese history. 
  Following the invasion of the Jin forces, the Song court was forced to abandon its northern capital, Kaifeng. The remnants of the ruling family, led by Emperor Gaozong, retreated southward, eventually establishing a new capital in Lin’an (modern-day Hangzhou). This move signified not only a geographical shift but also a fundamental transformation in governance and strategy. Without control over the traditional heartland of Chinese civilization, the Southern Song had to develop new approaches to survival and stability. The dynasty focused on strengthening its bureaucracy, relying on a sophisticated civil service system that emphasized merit and Confucian ideals. Unlike the Northern Song, which had struggled with military weaknesses, the Southern Song sought to bolster its defenses by investing in naval power and fortifications along the Yangtze River. 
  The loss of northern territories meant that the Southern Song had to rely heavily on its southern provinces, which were rich in agricultural resources and well-positioned for trade. The economy shifted toward maritime commerce, with ports such as Quanzhou and Guangzhou becoming vital centers for international trade. Merchants expanded connections with Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East, ensuring a steady flow of goods, wealth, and cultural exchanges. This economic shift allowed the Southern Song to sustain itself despite territorial losses and military pressures from the Jin and, later, the Mongols.

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  The Tombstone Express -...

  Steve Edwards

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  The public thinks he’s a motorcycle cop, but he’s a civilian, and an inexperienced rider at that. This new job as a police motorcycle escort for funeral processions is the best job he’s ever had, affording him respect and dignity that has so far eluded him. But can he make ends meet, pursuing his interest in bikes and cemeteries, leading to a better life? A colorful cast of characters help and hinder in his struggle to find meaning as they deliver the hearse and the deceased on its final journey to the grave. With constant reflections on mortality and a distinct sense of humor, Edwards tells his story with unflinching honesty and insight.

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  Just Go - A Globe-Trotting Guide...

  Drew Binsky

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  Travel YouTuber Drew Binsky, who has visited every country in the world, shares everything you need to know to go anywhere you want.  
   
  In 2021, Drew Binsky completed his 10-year journey to travel to every country in the world—all 197 of them. Now, for the first time, Drew reveals his wildest stories and best moments, even from places the United Nations deems the most “dangerous.” As you’ll discover with him as your guide, the world is more accessible than you think, and no matter where you’re from, people have more in common than they do differences.  
   
  Just Go offers readers the adventure of a lifetime, presenting not only the tricks Drew himself has used in his trips, but also the best-kept secrets from every corner of the world. Just Go is equally a practical handbook for globe-trotters and aspiring travelers as it is an intimate and heartwarming celebration of people and cultures across the globe. 
   
  In this fun and friendly guide, Drew will show you how to: 
  • Obtain visas for obscure destinations 
  • Make fast friends with trustworthy locals 
  • Navigate language barriers 
  • Share your journey and get started as a content creator 
  • Have the greatest adventure of your life 
   
  As one of the few people who traveled internationally in 2020, Drew witnessed and recorded the pandemic response in countries everywhere—and realized how crucial it is for the world to reconnect. Filled with stories and tips Drew has never before shared, this book will give you the tools and inspiration to get out there and just go wherever you want.

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  Five Seasons in Seoul

  Christine Newell

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  A life-changing year in South Korea. 
   
  Christine thought a year in South Korea would hit the pause button on her messy life. Her dad's death had left her anxious and depressed, and her career in musical theatre had reached a new low of shopping-centre kids' shows. When she found herself pulled over by the side of the road, dressed as a dinosaur and sobbing uncontrollably, it was clear something had to change. 
   
  A role with an experimental theatre company based in Seoul seemed the perfect way to put off dealing with her problems, at least for a year. But she soon found there's no running away from yourself. Travelling through South Korea, immersing herself in its culture and shifting her mindset along with the seasons, Christine discovered that sometimes the place you go to escape your life can hold the answers for how to heal it. 
   
  A heartfelt, sumptuous journey through one of the most fascinating cultures and landscapes on the planet, Five Seasons in Seoul is for armchair travellers and memoir lovers alike.

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  A Journey to the Western Islands...

  Samuel Johnson

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  In 1773, literary giant Samuel Johnson set off with his friend James Boswell on a tour of Scotland's remote Highlands and Western Isles. What followed was a vivid travelogue capturing the landscapes, people, and customs of a region on the brink of change. With wit, insight, and curiosity, Johnson reflects on everything from ancient clan traditions to the decline of the Gaelic language—offering a rare glimpse into 18th-century Scotland through the eyes of one of England's greatest minds.
  
  Part travel diary, part cultural critique, A Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland is both a historical snapshot and a thoughtful meditation on identity, society, and the passage of time.

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  Walkabout to Wisdom - Awakening...

  Lachlan Hughson

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  'An uplifting and inspiring book casting a net of ideas and insights as wide and challenging as its subject – the Australian Outback.' 
                                                                     James Harker-Mortlock, Australian Rural & Regional News 
    
  From the majesty of Uluru and its surrounding deserts to the rugged grandeur of the Kimberley and Pilbara landscapes, the Australian Outback inspires a deep connection with the timeless wisdom of the natural world. It is a place where this wisdom reveals itself in many ways, each day, when the walkabout soul allows themselves to be seduced by the wonder of this ancient land, and its physical and spiritual magnificence. 
  Walkabout to Wisdom, an evocative story of such a journey reintroduces us to the essence and importance of this natural wisdom, and its inherent capacity to teach and heal. With reviews from leading Australian environmentalists and authors, and a foreword from one of Australia's most respected songwriters, this story will leave you enchanted and enthralled so important is its heartfelt message today. 

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