Situated on opposite flanks of Eurasia, ancient Mediterranean and Han-Chinese societies had a hazy understanding of each other's existence. But they had no grounded knowledge about one another, nor was there any form of direct interaction. In other words, their historical trajectories were independent. In recent years, however, many similarities between both cultures have been detected, which has energized the field of comparative history. The present volume adds to the debate a creative method of juxtaposing historical societies. Each contribution covers both ancient China and the Mediterranean in an accessible manner. Embarking from the observation that Greek, Roman, and Han-Chinese societies were governed by comparable features, the contributors to this volume explain the dynamic interplay between political rulers and the ruled masses in their culture specific manifestation as demos (Greece), populus (Rome) and min (China).
Realism has long been associated with the secular, but in early nineteenth-century England a realist genre existed that was highly theological: popular natural histories informed by natural theology. The Divine in the Commonplace explores the 'reverent empiricism' of English natural history and how it conceives observation and description as a kind of devotion or act of reverence. Focusing on the texts of popular natural historians, especially seashore naturalists, Amy M. King puts these in conversation with English provincial realist novelists including Austen, Gaskell, Eliot, and Trollope. She argues that the English provincial novel has a 'reverent form' as a result of its connection to the practices and representational strategies of natural history writing in this period, which was literary, empirical, and reverent. This book will appeal to students and scholars of nineteenth-century literature, science historians, and those interested in interdisciplinary connections between pre-
This book takes as its point of departure the observation that much of the critical discussion of the European political economy and the Eurozone crisis has focused upon an impending sense that solida
This little book has 365 pieces of advice, something for every life moment. Think of it like an oracle deck, a Magic 8 Ball, and an irreverent tarot reading all in one book.Have you ever needed an affirmation from someone who's been there? A too-real observation from your bestie? A calm voice to center your thoughts? Open this book of 365 pieces of advice to reveal what you need to hear right now.• Not sure what to do? Say yes to more cheese.• Feeling burned out? You are worth more than your productivity.• Need some uplifting words? Good news, you're perfect.Crack this book open at random or flip through the colorful pages until you find the one that feels right. Keep the words with you throughout the day. Come back to them for answers, a moment of clarity, or a quick chuckle.EASY INSPIRATION: Flip to a random page to find a dose of happiness, some kindness, or quirky quip to motivate you throughout the day.COLOFUL GIFT: A chunky package with colorful pages throughout, this book is per
Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, an exhilarating new thriller from the best-selling author of The Girl in the Spider’s Web―a murder investigation in which two unlikely allies race to uncover a shadowy international conspiracy.Professor Hans Rekke is a world authority on interrogation techniques, capable of dizzying feats of logic and observation. He was born into wealth and power and has a picture-perfect wife and daughter. But he also has a fragile psyche that falls apart under pressure. Micaela Vargas is a street-smart police officer, the daughter of Chilean political refugees, who grew up in the projects on the outskirts of Stockholm and has two brothers on the wrong side of the law. She is tenacious and uncompromising, and desperate to prove herself to her fellow cops. Micaela needs Hans’s unique mind to help her solve the case of a murdered asylum-seeker from Afghanistan. Hans needs Micaela to save him from himself. Together, they need to find the killer before they’re both silenced f
A compact, comprehensive guide to looking at stars and planets for readers from around the world.The clearest, most accessible guide to observing the night sky.Authoritative text, crystal-clear charts, and a systematic approach make the DK Handbook of Star and Planets the perfect beginner’s guide to the night sky. A highly visual introduction explains the basic concepts of astronomy and gives advice on the best methods and equipment for observation, including binoculars and telescopes. Each of the planets in the solar system is described and illustrated in detail, with images taken from space probes as well as from the ground, showing them as you can expect to see them. More than 160 star charts were made especially for this book by the Royal Greenwich Observatory. There is a separate, detailed chart for each of the 88 constellations, adding up to a complete atlas of the sky. The text for each constellation reveals its history and mythology and lists notable stars, galaxies, nebulae, a
Can you spot the difference? BRAIN FUN PICTURE PUZZLES CHRISTMAS elevates the fun-level of what’s considered a classic among puzzlers.Within these pages are several types of picture puzzles: Spot the difference; find one changed photo among six; reassemble a cut-up image; each presented in a variety of categories. Within each category, puzzles are presented in increasing difficulty levels. Alongside each, solvers can compare their time to that of expert puzzlers and check off each difference as they spot it. Researchers have shown that games like these keep your brain sharp, challenge your powers of observation and train your eye to notice the smallest of details. And, you'll have fun while reaping the benefits. It a win-win!
