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  Qin Dynasty - The Birth of China...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Qin state emerged as a formidable power during the turbulent Warring States period (475–221 BCE), a time when rival kingdoms vied for dominance over China. Originally a small and relatively minor state located in the western regions, Qin gradually expanded its influence through strategic warfare, strong leadership, and administrative reforms. Unlike some of the more culturally refined states in the east, Qin was often perceived as a land of rugged warriors and strict discipline, an image that ultimately worked in its favor. 
  One of the key figures in Qin’s rise was Duke Xiao (r. 361–338 BCE), who implemented sweeping reforms with the help of his advisor Shang Yang. Shang Yang, a staunch advocate of Legalism, introduced policies that emphasized merit-based governance, agricultural development, and a powerful military structure. His reforms transformed Qin into a highly efficient and centralized state, strengthening its ability to compete with and eventually surpass its rivals. While Shang Yang's policies greatly benefited Qin, they also led to significant social hardships, as strict laws and severe punishments were imposed to maintain order. 
  Militarily, Qin adopted advanced tactics and weaponry, incorporating iron tools and crossbows that gave its armies a technological edge. The state also developed a well-organized conscription system, ensuring a steady supply of disciplined soldiers. Unlike some of the fragmented alliances among other states, Qin’s centralized command structure allowed for swift and decisive military campaigns. Under leaders such as King Huiwen and later King Zhaoxiang, Qin expanded its territory, securing vital strategic locations that set the stage for its final conquest.

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  The Italian Soul - How to Savor...

  Judith Valente

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  The Italian Soul is a pilgrimage of the heart, a journey toward change that will allow its readers to approach life with a more contemplative stance and recreate a sense of la dolce vita—the sweet life—wherever they might be. The Italian Soul offers practical guidance into how we can transport a taste of the Italian “good life” into our own homes. Additionally, it explores the contemplative practices and attitudes that seem to come naturally to a people who have made an art of living and working joyfully. A cross between a travel dispatch and a spirituality guide for seekers who eschew traditional religious practices but are yearning for ways to bring more balance, sanity, and a greater sense of the transcendent into their daily lives. Written by veteran journalist Judith Valente, who has lived and traveled extensively in Italy, The Italian Soul shares personal stories and insights into the Italian way of life, focusing on the attitudes, traditions, and practices that make the people of Italy role models for experiencing delight amid the demands and distractions of ordinary living. Readers will feel as though they are walking along, peering into windows, glimpsing activities as they unfold. The Italian Soul is a book for lovers of Italy, those considering visiting Italy for the first time, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the art of living joyfully. The Italian Soul will share how Italians:Have a deep appreciation for quality and aesthetics Value slowness and savor the little moments in lifeShow a strong sense of community and make room for leisure and personal careHonor their dead and have a deep respect for traditionFind beauty in the everyday and are able to laugh at themselvesThe Italian Soul is a book that will change the way you look at life. It is a book that will inspire you to live more joyfully and to savor the simple things.

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  Taisho Era - Democracy and...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Taisho Era (1912–1926) marked a period of transition in Japan, bridging the highly centralized and authoritarian rule of the Meiji period with the growing democratic movements that characterized the early 20th century. Emperor Taisho ascended to the throne following the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912. Unlike his predecessor, who had been a strong and active ruler, Emperor Taisho was frail and suffered from chronic illness, which significantly limited his ability to govern. As a result, political power gradually shifted away from the emperor and toward elected officials and political parties, paving the way for what would become known as "Taisho Democracy." 
  At the dawn of the Taisho Era, Japan stood at a crossroads between tradition and modernization. The country had rapidly industrialized during the Meiji period, transforming from a feudal society into a modern industrial state. However, with this modernization came social and political unrest. As Japan’s economy expanded, so too did the urban population, leading to the rise of a new middle class that demanded greater political participation and social change. The oligarchic rule of the genrō—elder statesmen who had dominated Meiji politics—faced increasing pressure from political parties, intellectuals, and the general public. 
  The political landscape of early Taisho Japan saw significant changes, including the growing influence of elected politicians. The 1912–1913 Taisho Political Crisis was a defining moment in this shift. When Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi refused to increase military funding, the army resigned in protest, forcing him to step down. This led to widespread public outrage and a movement advocating for the power of elected officials over military and oligarchic influence. In 1913, the Katsura Tarō government collapsed due to public demonstrations, highlighting the rising political consciousness of the people.

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  The Other Side of the Tiber -...

  Wallis Wilde-Menozzi

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  A moving and illuminating memoir about a singular woman's relationship with a fascinating and complex countryA fresh, nuanced perspective on a profoundly perplexing country: this is what Wallis Wilde-Menozzi's unique, captivating narrative promises—and delivers.The Other Side of the Tiber brings Italy to life in an entirely new way, treating the peninsula as a series of distinct places, subjects, histories, and geographies bound together by a shared sense of life. A multifaceted image of Italy emerges—in beautiful black-and-white photographs, many taken by Wilde-Menozzi herself—as does a portrait of the author. Wilde-Menozzi, who has written about Italy for nearly forty years, offers unexpected conclusions about one of the most complex and best-loved countries in the world.     Beginning her story with a hitchhiking trip to Rome when she was a student in England, she illuminates a passionate, creative, and vocal people who are often confined to stereotypes. Earthquakes and volcanoes; a hundred-year-old man; Siena as a walled city; Keats in Rome; the refugee camp of Manduria; the Slow Food movement; realism in Caravaggio; the concept of good and evil; Mary the Madonna as a subject—from these varied angles, Wilde-Menozzi traces a society skeptical about competition and tolerant of contradiction. Bringing them together in the present, she suggests the compensations of the Italians' long view of time. Like the country, this book will inspire discussion and revisiting.

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  Rude Talk in Athens - Ancient...

  Mark Haskell Smith

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  In ancient Athens, thousands would attend theatre festivals that turned writing into a fierce battle for fame, money, and laughably large trophies. While the tragedies earned artistic respect, it was the comedies—the raunchy jokes, vulgar innuendo, outrageous invention, and barbed political commentary—that captured the imagination of the city.The writers of these comedic plays feuded openly, insulting one another from the stage, each production more inventive and outlandish than the last, as they tried to win first prize. Of these writers, only the work of Aristophanes has survived and it’s only through his plays that we know about his peers: Cratinus, the great lush; Eupolis, the copycat; and Ariphrades, the sexual deviant. It might have been the golden age of Democracy, but for comic playwrights, it was the age of Rude Talk.Watching a production of an Aristophanes play in 2019 CE and seeing the audience laugh uproariously at every joke, Mark Haskell Smith began to wonder: what does it tell us about society and humanity that these ancient punchlines still land? When insults and jokes made thousands of years ago continue to be both offensive and still make us laugh?Through conversations with historians, politicians, and other writers, the always witty and effusive Smith embarks on a personal mission (bordering on obsession) exploring the life of one of these unknown writers, and how comedy challenged the patriarchy, the military, and the powers that be, both then and now. A comic writer himself and author of many books and screenplays, Smith also looks back at his own career, his love for the uniquely dynamic city of Athens, and what it means for a writer to leave a legacy.

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  Tarascan Empire - The Fierce...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Tarascan Empire flourished in the rugged and resource-rich region of western Mexico, primarily in what is now the state of Michoacán. Unlike the arid landscapes of central Mexico dominated by the Aztecs, the Tarascan homeland was defined by volcanic highlands, fertile valleys, and vast lakes, particularly Lake Pátzcuaro, which played a central role in their civilization. The geography of this region not only shaped their way of life but also provided a natural defense against external threats, including the expansionist ambitions of the Aztecs. 
  The varied landscape of Michoacán consisted of towering mountains, deep forests, and fertile plateaus. This diverse terrain allowed the Tarascans to develop a robust agricultural system, cultivating maize, beans, squash, and chili peppers, which formed the foundation of their diet. The presence of rivers and lakes further supported fishing and provided fresh water, making settlements around these water bodies highly strategic. Lake Pátzcuaro, in particular, was not only an economic and social hub but also held deep religious significance. It was believed to be the gateway to the underworld in Tarascan mythology, reinforcing its central role in spiritual life. 
  Natural resources played a crucial role in the rise of the Tarascan Empire. The region was rich in minerals, especially copper and obsidian, which were vital for both tools and weaponry. Unlike the Aztecs, whose military strength relied on wooden clubs and stone blades, the Tarascans developed advanced metalworking techniques, producing copper axes, bronze weapons, and intricate ornaments. This technological advantage gave them a distinct edge in warfare and trade, allowing them to maintain independence from their more dominant neighbors.

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