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  Out of Character: From Abigail’s...

  Alison Steadman

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  A Waterstones Best Book of 2024 
  'Marriage to Mike Leigh, the minutiae of working on Gavin and Stacey: it's a tribute to her range that there's something here to interest everybody' Telegraph 
  The first memoir from the national treasure, critically acclaimed actress and much-loved Gavin and Stacey star. 
  Candice Marie in Nuts in May. Beverly in Abigail’s Party. Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Betty in Fat Friends. Sue in Here We Go and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey – we can all name a beloved, iconic character brought to life by the magnificent Alison Steadman. 
  Growing up in post-war, working-class Liverpool, the young Alison – ever the entertainer – would address the world from the stage of her bedroom window, until she got a taste for performing in front of an actual audience at her progressive 1960s drama school. By the time she left, her mind was made up: she was going to be an actress! If only she could conquer the onstage giggling … 
  Always pushing boundaries – reclining naked on a sofa in her first role, embracing groundbreaking female characters from day one – Alison has deservedly found acclaim and recognition, succeeding in her TV and theatre career while juggling family life – a difficult feat for any working mother, but particularly for an actress in the twentieth century. 
  From the nervy Mrs Bennet to the robo-dancing Pam-el-aah, Alison has proved herself again and again to be a comedy genius. Here, with her distinctive warmth and humour, she vividly recalls all the must-read moments of a life spent in and out of character. 
  Alison Steadman's Out of Character is a top-notch autobiography that delves into her life in the world of television and theatre. It's a non-fiction masterpiece that showcases her journey from a young girl in Liverpool to a famous actress. 
  For fans of Judi Dench (Shakespeare), Vanessa Feltz (Vanessa Bares All), Miranda Hart (I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You), Jenny Eclair (Jokes, Jokes, Jokes), and Alan Bennett (Keeping On Keeping On). 
  HarperCollins 2024

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  Brassroots Democracy - Maroon...

  Benjamin Barson

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  Brassroots Democracy recasts the birth of jazz, unearthing vibrant narratives of New Orleans musicians to reveal how early jazz was inextricably tied to the mass mobilization of freedpeople during Reconstruction and the decades that followed. Benjamin Barson presents a "music history from below," following the musicians as they built communes, performed at Civil Rights rallies, and participated in general strikes. Perhaps most importantly, Barson locates the first emancipatory revolution in the Americas—Haiti—as a nexus for cultural and political change in nineteenth-century Louisiana. In dialogue with the work of recent historians who have inverted traditional histories of Latin American and Caribbean independence by centering the influence of Haitian activists abroad, this work traces the impact of Haitian culture in New Orleans and its legacy in movements for liberation.Brassroots Democracy demonstrates how Black musicians infused participatory music practice with innovative forms of grassroots democracy. Late nineteenth-century Black brass bands and activists rehearsed these participatory models through collective performance that embodied the democratic ethos of Black Reconstruction. Termed "Brassroots Democracy," this fusion of political and musical spheres revolutionized both. Brassroots Democracy illuminates the Black Atlantic struggles that informed music-as-world-making from the Haitian Revolution through Reconstruction to the jazz revolution. The work theorizes the roots of the New Orleans brass band tradition in the social relations grown in maroon ecologies across the Americas. Their fruits contributed to the socio-sonic commons of the music we call jazz today.

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  Nature’s Embrace of Tranquil...

  Molly Mey

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  Embrace Tranquility and Unlock Inner Balance 
  Step into a world where peace and renewal await. This book is a guiding light for anyone seeking calm, emotional healing, and a harmonious lifestyle. Designed to inspire mindfulness and serenity, it offers a seamless path to reduce stress and restore balance in every aspect of your life. 
  Rooted in the principles of natural energy renewal and mindful living, this book empowers readers to cultivate inner calm and a sense of purpose. Each page is filled with transformative practices and insights, encouraging personal growth while nurturing emotional resilience. Whether you're overcoming challenges or simply looking for a meaningful escape, this book provides the tools to embrace a more fulfilling and balanced way of life. 
  Through its thoughtful guidance, it illuminates the way to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level. The practices are crafted to help you foster emotional balance, find clarity, and bring harmony to your everyday experiences. It’s a celebration of tranquility and a roadmap to achieving holistic wellness. 
  Perfect for anyone on a journey of self-discovery or seeking a reprieve from life’s stresses, this book serves as a timeless companion. With its emphasis on natural pathways to inner peace, it inspires you to embrace stillness, cultivate mindfulness, and transform your life from within. 
  By immersing yourself in its teachings, you’ll uncover the wisdom and strength to live a life aligned with your deepest desires. This is your moment to embrace serenity, restore balance, and step into the life of calm and purpose you’ve always envisioned.

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  Delhi Sultanate - Muslim...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Delhi Sultanate was a defining era in Indian history, marking the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India. Its rise was shaped by a series of invasions, strategic conquests, and the formation of a centralized administration. The foundation of the Sultanate can be traced back to the late 12th century when Muslim forces, primarily from Central Asia, began making inroads into the Indian subcontinent. These incursions set the stage for a new political order that would influence the region for centuries. 
  One of the earliest significant Muslim invasions was led by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. Although he did not establish permanent rule, his raids weakened Indian kingdoms and demonstrated the vulnerability of the region. However, it was Muhammad Ghori in the late 12th century who laid the groundwork for the Delhi Sultanate. Unlike Mahmud, Ghori aimed for long-term control rather than mere plundering. His victory over Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 was a turning point, allowing Muslim forces to establish a foothold in northern India. 
  Following Ghori’s assassination in 1206, his general, Qutb al-Din Aibak, took control of his Indian territories and proclaimed himself the first Sultan of Delhi. Aibak, originally a slave who rose through the ranks, became the founder of the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty. He consolidated his rule by strengthening administrative structures and commissioning architectural marvels like the Qutb Minar, which symbolized the establishment of Muslim rule. However, his reign was short-lived, and his successor, Iltutmish, played a more crucial role in shaping the Delhi Sultanate into a powerful and stable empire.

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  Women’s Clothing And Fashion -...

  Owen Jones

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  In the vibrant tapestry of human expression, fashion serves as a dynamic medium through which individuals communicate their identities, aspirations, and creativity. For women, in particular, clothing is a canvas upon which they paint their unique stories. It reflects their evolving rôles, cultural influences, and personal preferences. ‘Women’s Clothing and Fashion’ embarks on a journey through this ever-changing landscape, offering insights into the artistry, trends, and cultural significance that define women’s fashion. 
  This book explores the variations of women’s attire. Through the chapters, we’ll navigate the nuances of dressing for various occasions, celebrating the power of fashion to empower, inspire, and express. 
  But ‘Women’s Clothing and Fashion’ is more than a historical account or a style guide. It’s an invitation to embrace the diversity and creativity that fashion offers, encouraging readers to curate wardrobes that not only reflect their personalities but also elevate their confidence. Whether one finds solace in timeless classics or delights in embracing the cutting-edge trends of the moment, this book celebrates the boundless possibilities that fashion presents. 
  Join us on this exploration of women’s clothing and fashion, where each page unfurls a new layer of understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. Let’s celebrate the artistry that we wear daily, recognizing that every outfit tells a story, and every woman is an artist in her own right.

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  The Courage of Johanna Bonger -...

  Davis Truman

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  The art world was forever changed with Vincent Van Gogh's emergence. His vivid, emotional paintings captured the attention and admiration of many, even as the artist struggled with mental illness and financial instability. But behind every great artist is often an equally great supporter, and for Vincent Van Gogh, that person was Johanna Bonger. 
  Johanna was more than Vincent's sister-in-law. She was a woman fiercely determined to champion Vincent's work, even when critics and collectors misunderstood or dismissed it. Her unwavering support was essential in preserving Vincent's legacy and securing his place in art. 
  "The Courage of Johanna Bonger: The Woman Who Made Vincent Van Gogh Immortal" is a tribute to the woman who played a pivotal role in shaping Vincent's artistic reputation. Through letters, personal accounts, and historical research, this book delves into Johanna's life, her unwavering commitment to Vincent, and the challenges and obstacles she faced. 
  From her liberal-minded upbringing to her eventual marriage to Theo van Gogh, this book explores Johanna's journey to becoming a driving force in preserving Vincent's legacy. The book also delves into Vincent's struggles with mental illness and how this impacted his relationships with others, including Johanna. 
  Through the lens of Johanna's story, "The Courage of Johanna Bonger" offers a fresh perspective on Vincent Van Gogh and the enduring impact of his work. It celebrates the power of dedication and the courage to stand by one's convictions, even in the face of opposition. Ultimately, this book is a tribute to a remarkable woman who played a crucial role in immortalizing Vincent Van Gogh.

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