Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Mysterious Chicago - History at...

  Adam Selzer

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  A historian shares strange-but-true stories of the city and its unsolved mysteries, from the nineteenth century to today. 
   
   
    
  From Chicago historian Adam Selzer, expert on all of the Windy City's quirks and oddities, comes a compelling anthology of forty unsolved mysteries from the 1800s to the modern day. Among many other topics, he explores what really started the great Chicago fire; who was the first "automobile murderer;" the identity of the Tylenol killer; and whether there was actually a vampire slaying at Rosehill Cemetery. 
   
   
    
  The result is both a colorful listen separating true crime from urban legend and an offbeat historical tour of this Midwestern metropolis, from the person behind the Mysterious Chicago blog, podcasts, and tours.

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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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  Maurya Empire - The Rise of...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Maurya Empire, one of the most significant dynasties in Indian history, emerged in the late 4th century BCE. Its foundations were laid by Chandragupta Maurya, who, with the guidance of his advisor Chanakya, overthrew the ruling Nanda dynasty and established a powerful empire. The rise of the Mauryas marked a turning point in Indian history, as they created a centralized and efficient administration that governed vast territories. 
  Before the Maurya Empire, the Indian subcontinent was fragmented into various kingdoms and republics. The dominant power during this time was the Nanda dynasty, which ruled over Magadha, a region in present-day Bihar. Though the Nandas controlled a significant portion of northern India, their rule was marked by heavy taxation and unpopular policies, which created discontent among the people and the military. This environment of dissatisfaction provided an opportunity for Chandragupta Maurya to challenge their authority. 
  Chandragupta’s rise to power is closely linked to Chanakya, a scholar and strategist who had been humiliated by the Nandas. Seeking revenge, Chanakya trained Chandragupta in statecraft, military tactics, and governance. With his mentor’s guidance, Chandragupta built an army and gradually expanded his influence. By allying with local rulers and gaining the support of disgruntled soldiers, he launched a successful campaign against the Nandas, eventually seizing control of Magadha around 321 BCE.

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  From Prosperity to Peril - The...

  Anya Solace

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  The economic history of Argentina is deeply rooted in its colonial past, which shaped much of the country’s early economic structures and patterns. Argentina, as part of the Spanish Empire, was initially regarded as a peripheral region, with its economic activities largely shaped by the colonial powers’ interests. The Spanish imposed a rigid economic system in which the colony’s natural resources were exploited to benefit Spain, primarily through the export of silver, agricultural products, and other raw materials. This colonial legacy set the stage for Argentina’s agricultural-based economy and influenced the development of land ownership patterns and labor systems that would persist well into the 19th century. 
  During the colonial period, the region that would become Argentina was an important supplier of agricultural products, such as cattle and grains, to the Spanish Empire. Large estates, known as estancias, were established, and much of the labor force was provided by indigenous peoples and African slaves. The development of these estates led to the establishment of an agrarian economy that would remain a cornerstone of Argentina’s economic identity. The concentration of land and wealth in the hands of a few, however, created significant economic inequalities that would become a recurring theme in Argentina’s history. 
  Following Argentina’s independence from Spain in 1816, the young nation faced significant challenges in establishing its economic identity. The economic institutions that had been put in place by the colonial powers were largely centered around the needs of the empire, and there was little infrastructure to support an autonomous economy. The new republic was faced with the task of building a functional economy that could support its growing population while integrating itself into the global economy.

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  Pardon My French - Food faux pas...

  Rachael Mogan McIntosh

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  At the school gate, when she accidentally kissed one new friend on the nose and called another a 'beautiful man-horse', Rachael realised that small-town France could hardly be more different to beach-side Australia. The smell of cigarettes replaced the tang of bone-broth and sprouted sourdough, the neighbours sometimes came to blows and under no circumstances would anyone 
  wear active wear in public. Ever. 
   
  Muddling through every interaction in terrible French pushed Rachael's family to their limits. Some days, everybody cried and ate their feelings with almond croissants. But the town of Sommières embraced these ragtag Australians, and the family fell in love with their temporary hometown and its outrageous gossip, cobblestoned beauty and kind, eccentric inhabitants.  
   
  Pardon My French is a candid, hilarious love letter to family life and France with three valuable lessons for overcoming adversity: make home a beautiful nest, lean into the tough lessons and look for the comedy in everything. 
   
  'Uproarious and deliciously wise… A pure delight.' TORI HASCHKA, A Recipe for Family

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  Patagonia Travel Guide 2022-2023

  Gerardo Bartolome

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  An updated travel guide, written by locals, thought out to be an important tool to plan a trip to Patagonia. Includes different ideas, combinations and itineraries according to the traveler's available time and budget as well as thorough useful information in addition to more than 90 inspiring photos and more than 40 incredible 360 pictures that take you to each place before actually going there. 
  A "must" to start an unforgettable trip with an unforgettable planning experience.

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