Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Hoysala Empire - The...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Hoysala Empire was one of the most influential dynasties in South Indian history, known for its patronage of art, culture, and architecture. Flourishing between the 10th and 14th centuries, the empire left an indelible mark on the Deccan region, particularly in present-day Karnataka. The Hoysalas emerged as a powerful force after the decline of the Western Chalukyas, establishing their capital first at Belur and later at Halebidu. Their rule was characterized by military conquests, administrative efficiency, and an enduring legacy of architectural splendor that continues to captivate historians and art enthusiasts. 
  The origins of the Hoysala dynasty are traced to a chieftain named Sala, who, according to legend, was instructed by a Jain monk to kill a tiger that was attacking them. This act of bravery led to the adoption of the royal emblem depicting a warrior slaying a tiger, symbolizing the valor of the Hoysala rulers. Over the centuries, the dynasty expanded its influence through strategic alliances and military campaigns, gaining control over vast territories in the Deccan. Prominent rulers such as Vishnuvardhana and Veera Ballala II played a crucial role in consolidating the empire and fostering a rich cultural heritage. 
  A significant aspect of Hoysala rule was its deep connection with religious and artistic traditions. The dynasty was known for its support of Hinduism, Jainism, and, to some extent, Buddhism, leading to the construction of numerous temples and religious institutions. These temples were not just places of worship but also centers of learning and artistic expression. The Hoysalas employed skilled artisans and sculptors who developed a distinctive architectural style, characterized by intricate carvings, star-shaped temple layouts, and finely detailed sculptures depicting gods, celestial beings, and mythological narratives.

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  Hidden History of Long Island

  Richard Panchyk

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  Long Island's history is filled with fascinating firsts, magnificent mansions, and captivating characters. 
   
   
   
  From Glenn Curtiss, the first pilot to fly a plane on the island, to Earle Ovington, who carried the country's first airmail, the area has been known as the cradle of aviation. Millionaire William K. Vanderbilt's Long Island Motor Parkway, remnants of which still remain, was the nation's first highway. The desolate ruins of an exiled Albanian king's estate lie in the midst of the woods of the Muttontown Preserve. Captain William Kidd, pirate chaser turned pirate, is rumored to have buried treasure on the island. Richard Panchyk reveals the rapidly vanishing traces of Long Island's intriguing history.

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  Walter the Wanderer

  Pavlé Sabic

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  Dive into the heartwarming adventure of Walter the Wanderer, a curious Scottish otter with an open heart and a knack for bringing the world closer together. This delightful tale follows Walter as he journeys across vibrant landscapes and diverse cultures, teaching the timeless lessons of compassion, love, and the power of a simple hug. 
  Through his travels, Walter reminds us all to lead with love, embrace the beauty of diversity, and celebrate the extraordinary connections that make us human. Perfect for listeners of all ages, Walter the Wanderer inspires kindness, reciprocity, and a renewed appreciation for the planet we share. 
  Let Walter's story inspire you to open your heart, spread joy, and make the world a brighter place—one hug at a time. 
  The world needs this love, and Walter is here to share it.

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  Imperial Chinese Foundations -...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The story of China's imperial unification represents one of history's most consequential political transformations. "Imperial Chinese Foundations: Uniting the Land" explores the three dynasties that forged China's imperial system—a political structure that would endure for over two millennia. 
  The brief but revolutionary Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) ended centuries of warring states by conquering all rivals under the leadership of the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Through military might, standardized writing, currency, measurements, and a unified legal code, the Qin created China's first centralized bureaucratic empire—though their harsh Legalist policies triggered rebellion after the emperor's death. 
  The Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE) consolidated imperial rule through a more pragmatic blend of Confucian ideology and centralized governance. Under Emperor Wu's dynamic leadership, the Han expanded Chinese territory, opened the Silk Road, established the civil service examination system, and created cultural and political institutions that would define Chinese civilization for millennia. 
  As power shifted to the Eastern Han (25-220 CE), the dynasty initially flourished before facing mounting challenges from natural disasters, court intrigues, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Yet even as political cohesion weakened, this period saw remarkable innovations—including paper, the seismograph, and advances in mathematics and medicine—while Buddhism began its profound influence on Chinese civilization. 
  Through examining these three foundational dynasties, we witness the birth and evolution of the imperial Chinese state that would serve as a template for governance across East Asia and continue to influence Chinese identity into the modern era.

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  Camino de la Luna - Compassion...

  Pearl Howie

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  What is compassion? Something alive perhaps, that can only be understood in practice. So often confused with pity or the self-sacrificing impulse to take on another’s burden, to make things better, to fix. It takes strength and delicacy and it doesn’t mean giving away your life savings.Self compassion is sometimes the place between pushing through and giving up, the moment we can recognize our true needs, not our desires even if they’re for further suffering. Sometimes the moment we find self compassion is the moment we stop and walk away.  I had found forgiveness in Switzerland and now I was heading to friends in Rome before taking the leap to South East Asia, to Sri Lanka, to a new understanding of compassion and self compassion.The fourth in the Camino de la Luna series by Pearl Howie. From Genoa (or Genova), through Rome and on to Sicily, I finally make it back to London and from there continue falling forwards to South East Asia, hoping for a soft landing in Sri Lanka.It's in Sri Lanka that I open my heart and discover a new understanding of what compassion is…Perfect for those who enjoy an adventure travel story and want to know what it's really like to take off round the world with a rucksack.

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  All the Wide Border: Wales...

  Mike Parker

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  A Waterstones Travel Book of the Year 2023 
  A funny, warm and timely meditation on identity and belonging, following the scenic route along the England–Wales border: Britain’s deepest faultline. 
  There is a line on the map: to one side Wales, small, rugged and stubborn; on the other England, crucible of the most expansionist culture the world has ever seen. It is a line that has been dug, debated, defined and defended for twenty centuries. 
  All the Wide Border is a personal journey through the places, amongst the people, and across the divides of the border between England and Wales. Taking in some of our loveliest landscapes, and our darkest secrets, this is a region of immeasurable wonder and interest. It is here that the deepest roots and thorniest paradoxes of Britishness lie. The border between the countries, even as a concept, is ragged, jagged and many-layered. 
  Garlanded author Mike Parker has adored and explored these places his entire life. Born in England but settled in Wales, he finds himself typical of many in being pulled in both directions. His journey is divided into three legs, corresponding with the watersheds of the three great border rivers: the Dee in the north, the Severn in the centre, the Wye in the south. Neither quite England nor Wales, the furzy borderland he uncovers — the March — is another country. 
  Picking apart the many notions and clichés of Englishness, Welshness and indeed Britishness, Mike Parker plays with the very idea of borders: our fascination with them, our need for them, and our response to their power. In his hands, the England–Wales frontier is revealed to be a border within us all, and it is fraying, fast. 
  Mike Parker's All the Wide Border is a compelling exploration of the England-Wales border, blending history and social commentary in a series of insightful essays. This new addition to his collection of travelogues is a top pick for anyone interested in European history and culture. 
  For fans of Tom Bullough (Sarn Helen), Gavin Ortlund (Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn't), Tim Hannigan (The Granite Kingdom), Chloe Dalton (Raising Hare), and Samantha Harvey (The Shapeless Unease). 
  HarperCollins 2023

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