Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Columba

  Tim Clarkson

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  A biography that delves into the life and influence of the medieval Gaelic monk and missionary known as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.   Who was Saint Columba? How did this Irish aristocrat become the most important figure in early Scottish Christianity? In seeking answers to these questions, this book examines the different roles played by the saint in life and death, tracing his career in Ireland and Scotland before looking at the development of his cult in later times. Here we encounter not only Columba the abbot and missionary but also Columba the politician and peacemaker. We see him at the center of a major controversy which led to his excommunication by an Irish synod. We follow him then to Scotland, to Iona, where he founded his principal monastery. It was from this small Hebridean isle that he undertook missionary work among the Picts and had dealings with powerful warrior-kings. It was from Iona, too, that his cult was vigorously promoted after his death in 597, most famously by Abbot Adomnan, whose writings provide our main source of information on Columba’s career. The final chapters of the book look at the evolution of the cult of Columba from the seventh century onwards, examining the important roles played by famous figures such as Cináed mac Ailpin, and ending with a study of the image of the saint in modern Scotland.  Praise for the works of Tim Clarkson   “Tim Clarkson should be congratulated on producing a book which marries together painstaking and detailed research with common-sense and open-minded analysis. . . . The book that emerges succeeds in cutting through centuries of confusion and complexity in a way that is deeply impressive.” —Undiscovered Scotland on Scotland’s Merlin   “Very interesting and very readable.” —Facts and Fiction on The Picts: A History   “A valuable resource.” —Scottish Genealogist on The Picts: A History

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  Berezina - On Three Wheels from...

  Sylvain Tesson

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  “Hilarious, introspective, contemplative, professorial . . . the tale of a historical motorcycle tour quite unlike most any you will ever read.” —Ultimate Motorcycling 
   
  Lire Magazine Best Travel Book 
   
  Take four friends, put them on two Ural motorcycles (complete with sidecars), send them off on a 2,500-mile odyssey retracing history’s most famous retreat, add what some might consider an excessive amount of Vodka, and you’ve got Sylvain Tesson’s Berezina, a riotous and erudite book that combines travel, history, comradery, and adventure. 
   
  The retreat of Napoleon’s Grande Armée from Russia culminated, after a humiliating loss, with the crossing of the River Berezina, a word that henceforth became synonymous with unmitigated disaster for the French and national pride for the Russians. Two hundred years after this battle, Sylvain Tesson and his friends retrace Napoleon’s retreat, along the way reflecting on the lessons of history, the meaning of defeat, and the realities of contemporary Europe. A great read for history buffs and for anyone who has ever dreamed of an adventure that is out of the ordinary. 
   
  “Wonderfully mad.” —The Times 
   
  “The narration is wry and marked by a cheerful fatalism. Mr. Tesson is a witty and knowledgeable road companion.” —The Wall Street Journal 
   
  “From beginning to end, the story of Berezina is enthralling, funny, and terrifying. At the same time, it is magnificently written.” —RTL 
   
  “Berezina succeeds brilliantly as a sly commentary on—and a challenge to conventional thinking about—today’s contention between Russia and the EU, and the rutted habits of the popular Western mind.” —On the Seawall

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  Reagan: What Was He Really Like?...

  Curtis Patrick

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  Intimate behind-the-scenes recollections of Ronald Reagan by those who knew him during his early political career in California—photos included!   People often wonder: “What was Reagan like privately?” “How did he treat his children?” “How did he handle pressure?” “How did he handle danger?” “How did he treat his staff?” “How did he handle difficult, almost impossible to deal with, legislators?” This book collects reminiscences from those who were there, working in a wide variety of positions, recounting how the former actor, governor of California, and future president of the United States used humor to disarm his most ardent critics and tenacious opponents.   In this book, you’ll discover observations about the close bond between Ronald and Nancy Reagan; the gentlemanly character of the governor who “never equated disagreement with disloyalty;” the way Reagan thrived on being underestimated; the untold story behind the secret plan hatched by former Air Force Secretary Thomas C. Reed and a handful of dedicated insiders to launch Reagan’s unequivocal, arguably first campaign for President of the United States in 1968; and much more.

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  Voyage of the Beagle

  Charles Darwin

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  "Voyage of the Beagle" is a renowned travel memoir written by Charles Darwin, chronicling his five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle, which sailed from 1831 to 1836. The book provides a vivid account of Darwin's experiences, observations, and discoveries during the voyage, particularly focusing on the natural history, geology, and anthropology of the places he visited, including South America, the Galapagos Islands, Australia, and Tahiti.

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  Generally Speaking - All 33...

  Lawrence Block

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  For almost three years, novelist and short-story writer Lawrence Block's monthly column, "Generally Speaking," was one of the most popular features in Linn's Stamp News. A general collector of pre-1940 issues, Block had the entire world of stamps as his subject, and he turned in thirty-three columns before he decided it was time to stop. 
  But Keller, the author's fictional character, never lost his enthusiasm for philately. A wistful and introspective killer for hire, Keller rekindled a boyhood passion for stamps at the end of Hit Man, the first of a series of books about him. Like Block, Keller collects the whole world through philately's first century. (How's that for coincidence?) And the nature of his profession gives Keller more discretionary income than Block—and a lot more money to spend on stamps.

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  Buen Camino! Walk the Camino de...

  Peter Murtagh, Natasha Murtagh

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  Have you ever dreamed about walking the Camino de Santiago? Join Peter Murtagh, acclaimed Irish journalist, and his teenage daughter Natasha on their epic pilgrimage across the Way of St James and experience their life-changing adventure with them.If you've ever wondered what a hike of 900 miles involves, physically and emotionally, look no further than Buen Camino! You will be transported to Northern Spain, to bull-running and fiestas, to prayers and ancient Christian churches, to a gruelling trek that leads to a spiritual transformation. You'll meet a motley crew of Camino pilgrims, stay with Peter and Natasha in Spartan hostels, learn about the history of the Camino and, above all, laugh and cry with a loving father and daughter as they walk steps trod by thousands of religious travellers before them.Whether you're a seasoned 'peregrino' seeking to relive your glorious Camino days, a Camino novice looking for stories of Camino veterans or someone who's never even heard of the Camino, Buen Camino! is a must-read, full of drama, exhilaration, love, laughter and spiritual and emotional revelations.More than just a travelogue, Buen Camino! is the unique story of the shared emotional journey of a loving Irish father and daughter and of the deep family bond their shared journey of self-discovery forges. Be seduced by the spirit of the Camino and join Peter and Natasha as they follow the ancient route of Irish monks on pilgrimage and find a way of living in the world more simply.Light in weight, and available as an ebook, this is the perfect Camino companion. 'A lovely book for those who have done the Camino, or like me, are thinking of doing it'The Dubliner'An addictive, funny, heart-warming, informative read' The Irish Mail

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