Other books that might interest you

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  Creative Evolution

  Henri Bergson

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  Henri Bergson’s highly influential book, ‘Creative Evolution’ (‘Evolution Creatrice’, 1907) established a theory of evolution - called ‘Creative Evolution Theory’ - which gained a considerable following in the first half of the 20th Century. It also helped the author to win the Nobel Prize in 1927 for his work investigating the origins of biological information and divergence in the evolutionary process.  
   
  In this work, Bergson seeks an alternative explanation as to how new forms of life emerge compared to those prevailing at the time. This included both the ‘mechanistic’ or deterministic explanations of biological science on the one hand, and on the other the ‘finalist’ or strictly teleological explanation of those who believed in the hand of a ‘Creator’ or God, coordinating life in a divine plan. 
   
  Creative Evolution proposes a third explanation in what Bergson calls élan vital’ or ‘vital impetus’, a force that infuses all matter and drives it forward into an ever-changing and infinite variety of living forms. This appears as a vital impetus that can also be related to humanity’s own creative life force. Bergson’s book builds on his ‘Theory of Time’ as set forth in works such as ‘Matter and Memory’ and ‘Time and Free Will’.  In these works, and in the present volume, Bergson sees continuous ‘duration’ as real time, as opposed to the way in which time is divided up into measured units by the ‘organising’ mind of science. 
   
  Life, as we really experience it, is subject to constant change and our tendency to explain evolutionary change by looking only at ‘ends’ achieved rather than the processes by which they emerge, divorces us from the life force itself.  
   
  Instead, Bergson feels we need to reengage with our instincts as well as with our intelligence in order to understand the evolutionary process, as both co-exist to some extent within us, all forms of life having a common origin in that instinctual, innate knowledge of simpler life forms. Though these may be unconscious or semi-conscious, they are, in Bergson’s view, much more in touch with the ever-changing nature of real time than the analytical and rational knowledge of our species 
   
  As he writes:  “Our thought, in its purely logical form, is incapable of presenting the true nature of life, the full meaning of the evolutionary movement. Created by life, in definite circumstances, to act on definite things, how can it embrace life, of which it is only an emanation or an aspect?”  
   
  It is to attempt an answer to this question that ‘Creative Evolution’ directs its attention.

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  Furry Planet - A World Gone...

  Joe Strike

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  Furs are the creative subculture of people who identify with animals. You can find them at furry conventions, furfests, around the world—tens of thousands of people donning their most elaborate fursuit. In costume, at conventions, with friends or alone, furries unleash the animal within, letting their inner beasts roar and their inner cats purr, aware of the power—and joy—to be found in bringing forward one's animal side and encouraging others to do the same. 
   
   
   
  In Furry Planet, long-time furry Joe Strike dives deep into this compelling subculture to share its appeal. Strike and a wealth of interviewees trace the history of the subculture and its various iterations today, in the process covering conventions, media, art, storytelling, community resources, costume creation, and advice for newcomers, and addressing stigmas and misconceptions head on. 
   
   
   
  Furry Planet is sure to inform and delight the furry fandom and anyone who has ever been curious. Inside you'll find: 
   
   
   
  ● Insight into the natural human impulse to anthropomorphize animals 
   
   
   
  ● A fascinating history of furry fandom 
   
   
   
  ● A detailed look at furcons around the world 
   
   
   
  ● Inspiration for fursuit costume creation

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  Diego Maradona: A short...

  5 Minutes, 5 Minute Biographies,...

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  Diego Maradona, Argentinian football hero: Life and work in a short biography! Everything you need to know, brief and concise. Infotainment, education and entertainment at its best!

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  The Fright Before Christmas -...

  Jeff Belanger

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  Bronze Winner for Popular Culture, Foreword INDIEsStep into the dark roots of Christmas past where the Krampus punishes the bad boys and girls.Christmas time is truly the darkest and creepiest time of the year filled with devilish creatures lurking in the shadows waiting to get us. Best known is the Krampus who has been the subject of films and songs. There was a time in the late 1800s when people sent Krampus cards, not holiday greetings. There are other violent and dangerous monsters from all over northern climes who have been hunting naughty children for centuries. From shapeshifters to mountain trolls, to elves, to heavy-handed cohorts of Saint Nicholas, the Christmas holiday has been filled with ghosts and monsters ready to dole out punishment to those who need it.The Fright Before Christmas will delve into the folklore of Krampus and his friends with the elf-like Tomten and the goblinesque Karakoncolas. The Belsnickel is ready to hit us with his switch of sticks and Gryla may drag you back to her mountain lair. And watch out for the Yule Cat ready to pounce! These are just a few of the yuletide beasties coming for us in The Fright Before Christmas in the hope they can save us from ourselves.The folklore roots of Christmas under its many other guises (Yule, the Winter Solstice, Saturnalia) is examined in a different, darker light. The Winter Solstice is a time to be afraid. It’s the shortest day of the year. The longest night. In some parts of the world, the sun doesn’t rise at all. It’s dark, and we have to wonder if the sun will ever come back at all. Christmas has always been creepy and with The Fright Before Christmas you'll see the other side. This is a book for everyone who loves a little darkness around the holidays.Be good or the Krampus will get you!

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  Planes Trains and Toilet Doors:...

  Matt Chorley

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  ‘’F *** ing brilliant. I would describe it as like a bag of political nuts – moreish and fabulously salty’ JOE LYCETT  
  A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 
  Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors is an entertaining and original romp through the highs and lows of British political history and the unlikely locations that have decided our national fate. 
  Forget Westminster bust-ups and PMQs, some of the key events that have shaped modern British politics happened not in the cloisters of parliament or Downing Street’s many corridors of power, but in car parks, village halls and seaside resorts where the mundane have played host to the mighty. From Pitt the Younger’s Putney Heath duel to finding Margaret Thatcher a voice coach on a train, Harold Wilson’s ‘Scilly’ season holidays to John Major’s dental appointment clearing his path to No10 – these (and many more) are the places where chance meetings, untimely deaths and snap, sometimes daft, decisions changed the course of politics. 
  Matt Chorley has spent almost two decades covering Westminster, interviewing prime ministers, mocking ministers and chronicling the serious, and sometimes unintentionally absurd, events which act as unlikely turning points in the direction of a nation. Illustrated by award-winning political cartoonist Morten Morland, Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors combines Matt’s insider-knowledge, smart analysis and detailed research with his background in comedy to create an hilarious history of how politics actually happens. 
  Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors by Matt Chorley is a humorous and insightful commentary on the unexpected events and locations that have shaped Britain's political landscape. This non-fiction biography, which spans from the 21st century to the times of Pitt the Younger, is a top pick for anyone interested in the often absurd process of politics. 
  For fans of Rory Stewart (The Places In Between), David Kynaston (A Northern Wind), Chris Bryant (Code of Conduct), Tom Holland (Athelstan), and Wes Streeting (One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up). 
  HarperCollins 2023

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  Speed Reading - How To Read...

  Steve Collins

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  Do you ever wish you could read faster without forgetting what you just read? 
  In today’s information-overloaded world, mastering the art of speed reading isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower. 
  Speed Reading: How to Read Faster, Understand Better, and Retain More Information is your complete guide to unlocking your mind’s full reading potential. Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, this book teaches you how to absorb information quickly, boost comprehension, and remember what truly matters. 
  Inside, you’ll discover:The fascinating history and science of speed readingProven techniques to double or even triple your reading speedHow to improve focus and comprehension while reading fastThe most common bad reading habits—and how to fix themEasy exercises to train your eyes and brain for faster learningPractical tips to retain key ideas long after you finish reading 
  If you want to read smarter, learn faster, and retain more knowledge, this book will show you exactly how.

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