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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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  Eastern Han Dynasty - Rebuilding...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Eastern Han Dynasty emerged from the chaos and turmoil that followed the collapse of Wang Mang’s Xin Dynasty. After usurping the Han throne in 9 CE, Wang Mang attempted radical reforms, including land redistribution and changes to the currency system. However, his policies destabilized the empire, leading to widespread discontent, natural disasters, and peasant uprisings. Among these, the most significant was the Red Eyebrows Rebellion, which contributed to the downfall of Wang Mang’s rule. In 23 CE, rebel forces stormed the capital, Chang’an, killing Wang Mang and leaving the empire in a state of disarray. 
  In the wake of this collapse, Liu Xiu, a distant relative of the former Han imperial family, seized the opportunity to restore Han rule. He first distinguished himself as a military leader, defeating rival factions and consolidating power. In 25 CE, he declared himself Emperor Guangwu and established the Eastern Han Dynasty, with Luoyang as its new capital. Unlike the Western Han, which had ruled from Chang’an, the relocation of the capital symbolized a fresh start, one that aimed to correct the failures of the past. 
  Emperor Guangwu’s early reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the empire and reestablish Han authority. He adopted a cautious approach to governance, reducing taxes and reviving Confucian principles to strengthen the legitimacy of his rule. Unlike Wang Mang’s drastic policies, Guangwu relied on gradual reforms to restore economic stability. He also worked to rebuild the imperial bureaucracy, appointing competent officials who could help him govern effectively. By reinforcing Confucianism as the guiding philosophy of the state, he sought to restore order and unity among the people.

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  Between the Sheets - True Tales...

  Madame Butterfly

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  This is the true story of a woman who discovered a fascinating new way of living, refreshingly different to the rat race she had become trapped in. This new world was full of machoism, sexism and a complete lack of political correctness. Brizo entered a world where she was constantly surprised that being her filthy and inappropriate self was instantly accepted and even welcomed. She had glided into the world of sailing. The rough and rugged unkempt sailor types kept her dripping wet both in and out of the water. While Brizo was frustrated with the sexism that exists on deck, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that women are respected for taking charge down below. She found herself in a world where women were given credit for having many lovers and for being assertive in the bedroom. I suppose when the ratio of men is so much higher than that of women, a sailor is grateful he's secured a mermaid on his hook.

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  Tremendous Trifles - "Perhaps...

  G K Chesterton

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  A wonderful and whimsical collection of short essays on everything from sketching on brown paper and building toy theatres to the nature of Englishness and faith."Tremendous Trifles contains simply some of the best essays Chesterton ever wrote. They originally appeared in the Daily News, which Chesterton contributed to from 1901 to 1913, and which explains why people bought that paper. Which is an idea so large it spills over into another essay, “A Piece of Chalk.” Here Chesterton describes how he has set out to do some drawing with his chalks, but is distressed to find that he has forgotten his white chalk. White is essential. White is a color. It is not merely the absence of color. It is “a shining and affirmative thing…it draws stars.” As white is to art, so is virtue to religion. Virtue is a positive thing; not merely “the absence of dangers or the avoidance of moral dangers…Chastity does not mean abstention from sexual wrong; it means something flaming, like Joan of Arc.”In this book, Chesterton looks at the ordinary, common things and asks us to see how extraordinary and uncommon they are. The things in his pockets, the objects in a railway station, the people in the street. With these simple, random things he can defend Christianity, Western Civilization and Democracy. “Whatever is it that we are all looking for?” he asks at the beginning of an essay entitled “A Glimpse of My Country.” He suggests that what we are looking for lies very close; we just don’t manage to see it. It is a theme throughout the book, and throughout Chesterton’s writings that what appears to be a trifle is actually tremendous. In the title essay Chesterton crystallizes this truth in a perfect sentence that would go on to be inscribed on buildings and quoted by popes: “The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder.”-- Dale Ahlquist, lecture for Chesterton University

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  Great Southern Land - one man...

  Mark DK Berry

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  In this captivating memoir, Mark, in the throes of a mid-life crisis, embarks on a solo cycling odyssey across Australia’s vast and unforgiving outback. Newly emigrated from the UK, he sets out to discover where this new life should begin. 
  Navigating barren landscapes, he confronts the harsh realities of the Australian wilderness while reflecting on life and the challenges of adapting to the environment. His journey unveils a profound appreciation of Aboriginal Australian culture and the struggles of early European settlers. 
  Through on-the-road philosophising, Mark contemplates the life he has left behind in England with the daunting task of starting anew in an unknown land. Music becomes his emotional anchor, providing solace during the most demanding stretches. 
  As he battles extreme heat, sleep deprivation, aloneness, and countless other dangers, his journey develops into a spiritual pilgrimage. Grappling with the monotony of modern life, the allure of the open road, and the elusive concept of freedom, Mark seeks direction and healing from his mid-life crisis. 
  As his funds dwindle, the journey culminates in hard-won insights, until Mark must make a final decision on where and how to begin his new life in Australia.

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  Writing Wrongly - The ongoing...

  Thomas Corfield

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  "When the whole world's against you, at least it's something to lean on." 
  When the worst writer in history self-publishes his books, the world of literature is decimated overnight. Illiteracy becomes something to aspire to and book burnings become rife. The publishing industry is left hemorrhaging credibility and teeters on the brink of collapse. Its recovery is not a matter of removing said books, or even destroying them: the same must be done to the mind responsible. 
  Thomas may be the worst writer to have ever lived, but if he’s not careful, he won’t be doing much of that, either. 
  This Sortabiography is the story of one writer against the entire publishing industry. There’s lots of swearing and temper tantrums, as well as a brand new psychiatric illness. There’s also an excellent café scene, which, although short, is worth mentioning. 
   “Dreadful. The title says it all. Except about it being dreadful. ” - Carmen Schneider. Acquisitions Editor, PBA. 
  “The publishing industry is in upheaval, it’s true. But this just rubs balsamic vinegar into its wounds and garnishes it with slices of turd.” – Robert Tasher. MD, Banquet Press. 
  “It’s ebooks like this that should have the internet banned.” - Malcolm Shrot-Faith, Literary Agent.

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