Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Pictures from Italy

  Charles Dickens

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  Who better to travel to Italy with than Charles Dickens? From the travails of 19th century travel to the wonder of discovering the great art of western civilization, all are brought to life with the characteristic humour, wryness, sentimentality, fervour and love that are poured into the best of the author’s fiction. 
  Modern readers will recognise many of Italy’s historical treasures that millions have enjoyed since Dickens described them over 150 years ago; in that sense surprisingly, little has changed.  
  What might be more interesting to us today are the nature and mechanics of tourism in 1846. So used are we to the relative comfort and speed of global transport that we forget the discomforts (and at times horrors) undertaken by those few that would endeavour to see the world in previous centuries. By comparison we journey at our leisure whereas Dickens’ journal is more the record of a pilgrim and pioneer.  
  Far be it from him however to dwell on the rigours of Victorian tourism, indeed he saves his pithiest wit for such times and is much more interested, as he always is, in the humanity of all he encounters.  
  His vibrant and colourful description of the Roman Festival is as joyful as his reserved observation of an execution is sombre and reserved. Dickens is not enamoured of all he experiences and is quick to let us know when he suspects sham commercialism, hypocrisy or injustice.

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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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  You and Me - Travel...

  Michael S. Ryan, Kristen Herrington

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  A fully immersive audiobook featuring original music and sound effects, “You and Me” is a laugh-out-loud compilation of travel stories written and narrated by husband and wife creatives, Michael S. Ryan and Kristen Herrington. From the textured rainforest of Costa Rica to the streets of Bangkok, this book is about the journey of falling in love, at times beautifully evocative and at others wildly amusing. The authors give tips for wary travellers, and show quite definitely how wandering down the street following your nose is better than following the guidebook every time. Ryan and Herrington are true adventurers unafraid of diving right into the spontaneity of the moment. They don their back packs to hike a volcano in flip-flops, sprint through airports, encounter foreign drug dealers and take you places you’ve never imagined. This book is a perfect fit for readers who want to learn the art of people-watching and get out of resorts and into the busy marketplace. It is a gem for anyone planning their first trip overseas or simply wanting to escape into the myriad of destinations without leaving their armchair.

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  Speak Darija - Master Moroccan...

  Abdelkhalak Chellak

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  SpeakDarija: Learn Moroccan Arabic for Everyday Conversations is your ultimate companion for unlocking the language of Morocco. 
    
  This guide gives you everything you need to start speaking with confidence. 
    
  Inside, you'll find clear and practical lessons—covering greetings, essential phrases, numbers, shopping, dining, directions, and daily interactions—so you can connect with locals in real-life situations. Each chapter introduces useful vocabulary and expressions, with explanations designed for travelers, students, and anyone eager to learn Darija. 
    
  This book also dives into Morocco's rich culture and traditions, helping you understand the context behind the words. Alongside language lessons, you'll discover insights into Moroccan customs, hospitality, food, and everyday life that will make your conversations more natural and meaningful. 
    
  Whether you're preparing for your first visit to Morocco, reconnecting with heritage, or simply curious about the language, SpeakDarija equips you with the tools to communicate, connect, and experience Morocco on a deeper level.

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  Mountainish

  Zsuzsanna Gahse

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  A narrator and her dog are criss-crossing the Swiss Alps. She travels with friends who share her interest in food, languages and their topographical contexts. They collect colours, even look for colourlessness, and develop the idea of a walk-in diary, a vain attempt to archive their observations.
  Gradually, other mountains appear in their observations and memories, as do the mountains of literature and art. Mountains may be sites of fear and awe, of narrow-mindedness, racism and ever-looming collapse; Alpine lodges may be places of hospitality, retreat and unexpected encounters; of nature under threat.
  In 515 notes, Zsuzsanna Gahse unfolds a finely woven interplay between her six characters while giving us a vivid panorama of mountain worlds, a multi-layered typology of all things mountainish.

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  Samurai

  Jodie Brooks

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  Samurai: From Feudal Warriors to the Fall of a Legend 
   Honor. Power. Betrayal. The true story behind the myth. 
  Step into the shadows of ancient Japan and uncover the riveting saga of the samurai, the elite warrior class whose fierce loyalty, deadly skill, and unbreakable code of honor shaped the destiny of an empire. 
  From their blood-soaked rise during the Heian period to their dominance under the shogunate and eventual downfall in the modern age, Samurai: From Feudal Warriors to the Fall of a Legend brings history to life like never before. Journey through epic battles, political intrigue, and the philosophical heart of bushidō, the soul of the samurai. 
  ✔Richly detailed and deeply researched 
   ✔Features legendary figures like Miyamoto Musashi, Oda Nobunaga, and Tokugawa Ieyasu 
   ✔Perfect for fans of military history, Japanese culture, and epic storytelling 
  Whether you're a seasoned historian or a curious reader, this book offers a gripping narrative that is both educational and unforgettable. Discover how these warrior legends lived, fought, and died, and why their legacy still captivates the world today. 
  Unlock the legend. Learn the truth. Become part of the story.

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