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  Osman I - Biography of the...

  Kelly Mass

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  Osman I, also known as Osman Ghazi, was the founder of the Ottoman dynasty and the ruler of the Kayi tribe, a key figure in the creation of one of history's most influential empires. The state he established, originally called the Ottoman Beylik or Emirate, grew from a small Turkmen principality in the late thirteenth century into a global power, dominating much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for centuries. While the empire he founded lasted until the end of World War I, the man himself remains shrouded in mystery. 
  Due to the scarcity of historical records from Osman’s lifetime, much of what is known about him is based on oral traditions and legends that developed long after his death. There are no known contemporary written sources from his reign, and the Ottomans themselves did not document his life until the fifteenth century, over a hundred years after he passed away. This gap in documentation has made it difficult for historians to separate fact from fiction, with some scholars even describing the period of Osman's life as a "black hole" of historical knowledge, unable to be reconstructed with certainty. 
  The traditional accounts of Osman’s ancestry trace his lineage to the Oghuz Turks, specifically the Kay tribe. However, many historians believe that the stories surrounding his ancestry were fabricated later to legitimize the Ottoman dynasty’s rule. These narratives were likely developed as the dynasty sought to strengthen its claim to power and emphasize its noble heritage.

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  The Basques - The Impressive...

  Kelly Mass

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  The Basques are an ethnic group indigenous to Southwestern Europe, distinguished by their unique genetic heritage, ancient language (Euskara), and distinct cultural practices. Their homeland, known as the Basque Country (Euskal Herria), spans both sides of the Pyrenees, covering areas in north-central Spain and southwestern France, and lies along the Bay of Biscay. Basque identity traces back to ancient populations, such as the Vascones and Aquitanians, resulting in a rich and enduring cultural legacy that remains highly distinctive even today. 
  In recent years, advances in genetic research have provided remarkable insights into Basque origins. A pivotal study published in 2015 revealed that the Basques are primarily descended from Neolithic farmers who arrived in the Iberian Peninsula thousands of years ago. These early agriculturalists intermingled with the local Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in the region but later became genetically isolated, diverging significantly from other European populations over millennia. This long-standing genetic isolation has likely contributed to the unique characteristics of the Basque people and their differentiation from surrounding groups.

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  The Midwest Survival Guide - How...

  Charlie Berens

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  Everything you need to know to survive in the greatest place on Earth 
  Have you ever had a goodbye lasting more than four hours? Do you lack the emotional capacity to say “I love you” so you just tell your loved ones to “watch out for deer”? Have you apologized to a stranger because she stepped on your foot? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re a Midwesterner—or a Midwesterner at heart.  
  Even if you answered no, you probably know someone who held the door for you from two football fields away. He likely waved at you and said, “Hey there,” like you organized the church bar crawl together. That was a Midwesterner in the wild. We understand that your interaction was strange—but it’s likely to get stranger. Don’t wait until they stick their head in your second-floor window to invite you over for a perch fry because they climbed on your roof to clean your gutters. There’s no need to pull the pepper spray; this species is helpful by nature. And the relationship could be very symbiotic—but only if you let it happen. And that’s where this book comes into play. 
  Inspired by my comedy tours across the Midwest and life growing up in Wisconsin, this book is an exploration into my favorite region on Earth. Some may think the Midwest is just a bunch of bland flyover states filled with less diversity than a Monsanto monoculture. But scratch that surface with your buck knife and you’ll find rich cultures and traditions proving we’re more than just fifty shades of milk.  
  So whether you’re a born-and-bred Midwesterner looking to sharpen your skill at apologies or a costal elite visiting the in-laws for the holidays, this book will help you navigate the Midwest, with everything from the best flannel looks to dating and mating rituals (yes, casserole is involved) to climbing the corporate corn silo to how to handle a four-way stop—and every backyard brat fry in between.  
  And for those of you who don’t like reading, don’t worry—we’ve got pictures! Toss in illustrations, sidebars, quizzes, and jokes worthy of a supper club stall and The Midwest Survival Guide is just the walleye-deep look into this distinctive, beautiful, and bizarre American culture you’ve been looking for. 
  Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

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  Perth - A Comprehensive Guide...

  John Hulbert

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  Former Provost, Dr John Hulbert, presents locals and visitors alike with a comprehensive guide to Scotland's newest city, Perth.
  
  
  
  Originally the capital of Scotland, Hulbert examines Perth's development as a major settlement in Scotland through to the present day.
  
  
  
  Closely examining each area of Perth, complete with pictures and maps throughout, Hulbert guides readers around the city, and looks at the history and the people that have contributed to Perth's success.

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  Egyptian Trade and Diplomacy -...

  Omar Khalil

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  Ancient Egypt’s prosperity and cultural richness were significantly shaped by its early trade networks and exchanges with neighboring regions. From the very beginnings of Egyptian civilization, trade played a crucial role in building economic strength and fostering diplomatic relationships. The development of trade networks allowed Egypt not only to obtain essential resources but also to influence and be influenced by surrounding cultures. 
  The origins of Egyptian trade practices can be traced back to the Predynastic period, when local communities exchanged goods such as pottery, beads, and tools. As Egyptian society evolved and centralized under powerful pharaohs, trade became more organized, enabling long-distance interactions. By the time of the Old Kingdom, Egypt had established a network of trade routes that stretched beyond its borders, connecting it to various civilizations across the ancient world. 
  One of the earliest and most vital trade routes was the Nile River, serving as a natural highway that facilitated the movement of goods and people. The Nile connected southern and northern Egypt while also linking the civilization to Nubia and further into sub-Saharan Africa. This route allowed the exchange of gold, ivory, ebony, and exotic animal products, which were crucial to the Egyptian economy and the creation of luxury goods. Additionally, maritime trade across the Red Sea connected Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula and even the distant lands of Punt, where incense, spices, and other valuable commodities were sourced.

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  Live Your Bucket List and...

  Julia Goodfellow-Smith

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  What’s on your bucket list?  
  Do you think about how extraordinary your life would be if you fulfilled those dreams?  
  It’s time to make "one day" today with Live Your Bucket List.  
  In Live Your Bucket List, Julia Goodfellow-Smith guides you through the proven process that will take you from dreaming to achieving. You’ll find steps to: Ignite your passion. Overcome obstacles including fear and lack of money and time. Plan to achieve your dream. Successfully implement your plans. Reflect on your achievements.  
  Each step of the process is detailed and accompanied by inspiring personal stories and key lessons from Goodfellow-Smith’s own journey to live her bucket list.  
  If bikepacking is on your bucket list, then combine Live Your Bucket List with Cycling King Alfred's Way in this box set.  
  What’s it really like to cycle King Alfred’s Way?  
  Julia Goodfellow-Smith was a non-cyclist just six weeks before she and her mountain biking friend Alison set off on this epic 350km route around southern England. Follow Julia’s sometimes bumpy journey from cycling novice to riding King Alfred’s Way itself.  
  In Cycling King Alfred’s Way, you’ll discover what each section of the route is like to cycle, as well as strategies to: Plan your adventure. Reach the top of hills without stopping or pushing. Carry on when things get tough.  
  Whether you’re an experienced cycle tourer or rookie, learn from Julia to make your next bikepacking adventure the best possible success.

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