Biographies & Memoirs

To travel the Silk Road, the greatest land route on earth, is to trace the passage not only of trade and armies but also of ideas, religions, and inventions. Making his way by local bus, truck, car, donkey cart, and camel, Colin Thubron covered some seven thousand miles in eight months—out of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkey—and explored an ancient world in modern ferment.

A father's diary, an artist's memoir. By the author of the best-selling Three Golden Keys. While my father was in China and Tibet, he kept a diary, which was later locked in a red box. We weren't allowed to touch the box. The stories I heard as a little boy faded to a hazy dream, and my drawings from that time make no sense. I cannot decipher them. It was not until I myself had gone far, far away and received the message from my father that I became interested in the red box again . . . In New York, Peter Sis receives a letter from his father. "The Red Box is now yours," it says. The brief note worries him and pulls him back to Prague, where the contents of the red box explain the mystery of his father's long absence during the 1950s. Czechoslovakia was behind the iron curtain; Vladimir Sis, a documentary filmmaker of considerable talent, was drafted into the army and sent to China to teach filmmaking. He left his wife, daughter, and young son, Peter, thinking he would be home for Christmas. Two Christmases would pass before he was heard from Vladimir Sis was lost in Tibet. He met with the Dalai Lama; he witnessed China's invasion of Tibet. When he returned to Prague, he dared not talk to his friends about all he had seen and experienced. But over and over again he told Peter about his Tibetan adventures. Weaving their two stories together - that of the father lost in Tibet and that of the small boy in Prague, lost without his father - Sis draws from his father's diary and from his own recollections of his father's incredible tales to reach a spiritual homecoming between father and son. With his sublime pictures, inspired by Tibetan Buddhist art and linking history to memory, Peter Sis gives us an extraordinary book - a work of singular artistry and rare imagination. This title has Common Core connections. Tibet Through the Red Box is a 1999 Caldecott Honor Book and the winner of the 1999 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Special Citation.

Hudson survived his perilous maiden voyage to his beloved China. With his heart set in determined obedience to God, and trusting the provision of the One who had called him, Hudson overcame persecution and almost overwhelming personal losses to bring God's truth to the "ripe harvest fields" of China.Today, Hudson Taylor's story continues to challenge and inspire believers young and old to carry the anchoring gospel message, regardless of personal trials or hardships, to those who are adrift and without hope (1832-1905).

Dr Goh Keng Swee was Singapore's first Minister for Finance from 1959 to 1965 who initiated Singapore's first industrial estate now known as Jurong Town. He was also the first and longest serving Defence Minister after Singapore became independent in 1965, responsible for building up the Singapore Armed Forces from scratch. Later he became Minister for Education in 1981 and revamped the education system to what it is today. Dr Goh was also concurrently Deputy Prime Minister from 1973 to 1984 during which time he set up the Monetary Authority of Singapore.While Dr Goh's public career and achievements are well documented in press reports and archival records as well as in photographs and speeches, what is missing is an insight and exposition of Dr Goh as an individual in his various roles. Goh Keng Swee: A Public Career Remembered seeks to provide this missing dimension of Dr Goh as a person to work for. Thirty-eight persons who had the opportunity of closely observing or working with Dr Goh have contributed their reflections and recollections of Dr Goh as a person, colleague and “boss”, to this book. They have given candid and personal pen portraits of an unusual leader and minister, revealing a glimpse of the working habits of Dr Goh not known to most people.Drawn from oral histories and recent interviews, these reminiscences have been chronologically arranged, from those who recalled what it was like to work alongside Dr Goh on the Malayan Forum in London in the early 1950s, through his various ministerial positions, to travelling with Dr Goh after he “retired” from politics in 1984. What emerges from these anecdotes of Dr Goh is that he could be an extremely demanding “boss”, who could also be very supportive of his subordinates. They show him to be a person with a very inquisitive and creative mind capable of making great leaps of lateral thinking, able to connect disparate ideas and data to propose new and innovative solutions to intractable policy problems. He was truly a Singaporean for all seasons.

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Ellen DeGeneres shares her hilarious take on everything from our most baffling human foibles–including how we behave in elevators, airplanes, and restrooms, and why we’re so scared of the boogeyman–to fashion trends, celebrity, and her secret recipe for Ellen’s Real Frenchy French Toast. Most of all, this witty, engaging book offers insights into the mind of one of America’s most beloved comics.…Dear Reader,I was awfully excited when I was asked to write a book. I was however, nervous. I was afraid I didn’t have anything important to say. But when I began writing, I realized that although I don’t know a lot about any one thing, I know a little about a whole bunch of baking a pie; dancing; curing the common cold; running the Iditarod–it’s all in the book. And I realized I notice things that maybe some people don’t notice (or they don’t notice that they don’t notice). That’s all in the book, too.

This lavishly illustrated book shows the extended Romanov family in formal and informal poses and traces the last days of a dynasty as well as the beginnings of commercial photography.

This book would be a good read for someone interested in gaining insight into the life of a powerful woman who made history. Madam Secretary combines personal anecdotes with a broader view of world events, providing a unique perspective that allows readers to witness the intersection of personal and public life. With its captivating storytelling, this memoir will leave you inspired and in awe of Madeleine Albright's journey.

Allen Shawn is afraid of many things, including heights, water, fields, parking lots, tunnels, and unknown roads. He avoids taking subways, using elevators, or crossing bridges—in short, he is agoraphobic, which means he is afraid of both public spaces and of any form of isolation. part memori, part scientific inquiry, part meditation, Wish I Could Be There is a brave book about the experience of being afraid.The search to understand his own crippling condition led Shawn into the world of people who study brains and human behavior; at the same time, he looked back to clues from his own childhood. He grew up in one of America's premier literary families; his father was William Shawn, editor of The New Yorker for thirty-five years, and his brother is the distinguished playwright and actor Wallace Shawn. He also has a twin sister who is autistic and who was sent to live in a special home when they were eight. His father led a double life that introduced strict taboos into the household.As he looks at his own life for the sources of his phobias, Shawn also talks to professionals who are trying to decode the ways the human brain—and mind—works. These include researchers who are mapping the physiology of fear and psychologists and psychiatrists still wrestling with the mystery of how we form and change our habits of thought and behavior. Shawn deftly moves back and forth between science and personal history as he tries to solve the psychological and biological puzzles that have plagued him for so long. In doing so, he offers poignant insights into the role of pain, the nature of fear, and the definition of normality. We can all find ourselves in some part of his story.Allen Shawn's droll, probing, and honest book explores the mystery of the many ways we become who we are, whether through our upbringing, our genetic makeup, or our own choices. From inside the isolation of fear, he confronts the universal struggle to face our demons.

Cycling the Great Divide…alone?The first thing you've got to ask yourself is: "What the hell am I doing?"At least, that's what Nathan was saying less than two miles into the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, when he encountered his first major problem and his first major decision: turn back to Banff, or press on?It was all uphill from there.As an amateur cyclist with no touring experience, Doneen pulls you into a world of erratic weather, cramped bivy sacks, and overwhelming solitude as he crisscrosses the Continental Divide on his way to the U.S.-Mexico border, bumping into Tour Divide racers, stumbling upon CDT hikers, and surprising all sorts of Rocky Mountain wildlife.With the help of some trail angels, kind strangers, and other adventurous spirits, Doneen teases apart his past while battling the personal assumptions and cultural expectations that have been steering his life…all while trudging through mud, swatting at insects, and slathering chamois crème on saddle sores.So are you ready for an adventure? Ready to get off the beaten path… the plotted course… that red line? Then join Nathan on The Divide.

Drawn from more than three decades of media coverage—print, electronic, and online—this tribute serves up the best, most thought-provoking insights ever spoken by Steve Jobs: more than 200 quotations that are essential reading for everyone who seeks innovative solutions and inspirations applicable to their business, regardless of size.Jobs, who passed away on October 5, 2011 at the age of 56, co-founded Apple in 1976. He stepped down from that role in August 2011, bringing an end to one of the greatest, most transformative business careers in history. Over the years, Jobs gave countless interviews to the media, explaining what he called “the vision thing”—his unmatched ability to envision, and successfully bring to the marketplace, consumer products that people find simply irresistible.Jobs made an indelible mark in multiple industries, and played an enormous role in creating others. Consider how Jobs and Apple shaped the following fields: personal computers (laptop and desktop), apps (for multiple electronic devices), computer animation (Pixar), music (iTunes), telecommunications (iPhone), personal digital devices (iPod), books (iBook), and, most recently, tablets (iPad). Jobs was the greatest business visionary of our era.I, Steve is the perfect gift or reference item for everyone interested in this great American original.

This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and works of one of the greatest English poets of the twentieth century. Auden's dedication to writing and his unrelenting curiosity about ideas make him a model of what it means to be a poet today. Davenport-Hines offers a fresh and convincing portrait of Auden's life, demonstrating how his works serve as a commentary on the cultural and spiritual attitudes of his time. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of Auden's inner and outer travels, this book will not disappoint.

Sex, intrigue and adultery in the world of high politics and huge wealth in late eighteenth-century England. Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, was one of the most flamboyant and influential women of the eighteenth century. The great-great-great-great aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, she was variously a compulsive gambler, a political savante and operator of the highest order, a drug addict, an adulteress and the darling of the common people.This authoritative, utterly absorbing book presents a mesmerizing picture of a fascinating world of political and sexual intrigues, grand houses, huge parties, glamour and great wealth – always on the edge of being squandered by the excesses and scandals of individuals.Georgiana’s extraordinary life has now been made into a major film - starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes - which is due for release in summer 2008.

In the Arena continues the story of Isobel Kuhn, begun in bestselling "By Searching." The title refers to the biblical idea that the Christian is on display, like someone condemned to die in the arena. Isobel was convinced that the trials of her life as a missionary were "arena experiences" which God used not to punish her but to reveal Himself. As she looked back on her life when dying of cancer, she felt that her most valuable lessons had been learned during times of trial.

The first Westerner to meet Mao Tse-tung and the Chinese Communist leaders in 1936, Edgar Snow came away with the first authorized account of Mao’s life, as well as a history of the famous Long March and the men and women who were responsible for the Chinese revolution. Out of that experience came Red Star Over China, a classic work that remains one of the most important books ever written about the birth of the Communist movement in China. This edition includes extensive notes on military and political developments in China, further interviews with Mao Tse-tung, a chronology covering 125 years of Chinese revolution, and nearly a hundred detailed biographies of the men and women who were instrumental in making China what it is today.

More About DaveA Man Named Dave is the conclusion to a trio of autobiographical books by Dave Pelzer, who to millions of readers of A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy has become an inspirational figure. A Child Called "It" is the gripping and harrowing account of Pelzer's abuse at the hands of his mother, beginning when he was four years old and continuing until teachers and neighbors were finally able to intervene and he was placed in foster care at age 12. The Lost Boy picks up where A Child Called "It" leaves off and details Pelzer's experiences in foster care and his difficulty navigating the "normal" world with the dark shadows of his abuse and of his mother's actual presence in his life looming over him.In this installment, Pelzer narrates his life from his enlistment in the Air Force at age 18 to the present day. While all three books show the consequences of profound cruelty with a frank immediacy and gut-wrenching, carefully chosen detail, they are -- as the subtitle of this final installment of the trilogy suggests -- ardently inspirational works. Pelzer's thematic focus is forgiveness and the ability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity. Pelzer demonstrates that it is possible to channel feelings and experiences of trauma into positive energy.Pelzer includes just enough flashback and summary material that the reader new to his work has a complete grasp of the scope of his mother's abuse and his experiences in foster care. And those fans who have read his previous work will find A Man Named Dave to be an essential, capping complement to A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy.A Man Named Dave describes Pelzer's more recent experiences and affords readers access to a more mature, gradually ripening adult perspective during Pelzer's agonizing struggle to confront the demons of his past and conquer them. To read all three works in sequence is, therefore, to experience a voyage from darkness with only a glimmer of hope to full illumination.Throughout A Man Named Dave, Pelzer carries with him a touchstone memory from his childhood, on which he ruminates and to which he returns in his most acute moments of distress. The memory is from his very early childhood, when he and his father had a tender talk alone during a family outing to the Russian River. This is an immensely precious memory for Pelzer, who has an abiding love for the father who mostly stood by or was absent during the long period of his mother's abuse. This treasured fragment from the past serves as a driving force in Pelzer's adult life -- he dreams of building a house on the Russian River and ultimately, living there with his father.Sadly, this is not to be. Pelzer joins the Air Force with the intention of becoming a firefighter, which, for a time, was his father's occupation as well, and while there, he writes letter after letter to his father, who responds only once, in a mostly illegible, scrawling letter that includes no return address. Pelzer fears that his father is lost to alcoholism and vagrant wandering. When Pelzer is finally alerted to the fact that his father is near death, he rushes to be with him. Pelzer's dying father is barely able to communicate, but in spending his final days by his father's side, Pelzer is able to begin to confront his childhood and to form a positive, productive link to his traumatic past. One of his father's final actions is to pass his cherished fire department badge on to his son.The death of Pelzer's father means that he must also confront his mother, who, though she would have little to do with her husband during his decline and death, makes her son feel ostracized and uncomfortable at the funeral. The full-grown Pelzer, an outwardly successful man in an Air Force uniform, must struggle to avoid becoming a craven boy in her presence once again. The narrative is punctuated with such excruciating encounters between Pelzer and his mother. Despite the fact that his mother no longer has any physical or legal power over him, Pelzer is still dominated by her presence. The scenes provide a telling portrayal of the consequences of childhood trauma and illustrate the almost epic immensity of Pelzer's ultimately successful struggle to overcome the legacy of his mother's abuse. Essential to this struggle is that Pelzer realizes despite the welling of powerful emotions inside of him, he must do all he can to not hate his mother or wreak vengeance on her in any form. If he is to "break the cycle" of abuse, he must confront his childhood and its effects on his adult life. It is this triumphal will -- to come to grips with his past and somehow transmute its effects on his character into a positive view of himself and the world he inhabits -- that forces Pelzer to seek out and speak with his mother despite his instinct to run from this past and hide it from others. In his depiction of himself as a young boy, Pelzer showed how he used indomitable spirit to triumph over tyranny. In A Man Named Dave, he will inspire most readers as he makes his voyage to adulthood and a fulfilling life -- all the while struggling with the legacy of his abuse. Part of this legacy is a difficulty with intimacy and attachment. Pelzer hides much of his past from his first wife, Patsy, and is unable to tell her he loves her. His self-doubt contributes to the tumult of their relationship, essentially a mismatch cemented by the discovery that Patsy is pregnant.Ultimately, the birth of his son, Stephen, is the final key to Pelzer's reconciliation with his past. Stephen is a constant reminder to Pelzer of the preciousness of life and the imperative of breaking the chain of abuse so that Stephen will grow up knowing abundant love. In order to provide this love to Stephen, Pelzer must learn to love himself as well.In a touching moment near the book's end, Pelzer walks with his son to the very spot where, as a child, he remembers walking with his own father many years ago and sharing in the natural splendor. The cycle of abuse has been broken, and Pelzer shares his quiet triumph not only with his son but also with his readers.—David S. Rosen

Interventions: A Life in War and Peace is the story of Annan’s remarkable time at the center of the world stage. After forty years of service at the United Nations, Annan shares here his unique experiences during the terrorist attacks of September 11; the American invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan; the war between Israel, Hizbollah, and Lebanon; the brutal conflicts of Somalia, Rwanda, and Bosnia; and the geopolitical transformations following the end of the Cold War. With eloquence and unprecedented candor, Interventions finally reveals Annan’s unique role and unparalleled perspective on decades of global politics.

A dual biography of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping draws from conversations with colleagues to present the people behind the political figures and, at the same time, creates a narrative history of twentieth-century China. Tour.

"More Than a Woman" is a must-read for any woman navigating the complexities of middle-age. Through honest and humorous anecdotes, Moran tackles tough questions about aging parents, teenage daughters, and personal identity. Her manifesto for change is a celebration of all those middle-aged women who keep the world turning.

In the tradition of the #1 best-seller SeinLanguage, Bantam Books proudly presents the first book by Paul Reiser, television's sharpest, funniest observer of love, marriage and other mysteries of life. A veteran comic performer, Reiser is best-known as the co-creator and star of the highly-rated NBC comedy, "Mad About You," which "Time" Magazine called "The season's best new sitcom"in its 1992 debut. Every Thursday night more than twenty million viewers watch as Paul Reiser reveals the most intimate and hilarious scenes of a marriage. Now for the first time, Reiser brings his trademark wit to the page in a book that will delight his eagerly-awaiting audience, and anyone else who has ever fallen in love--or tried not to. In Couplehood, a "New York Times" bestseller for more than 40 weeks, Reiser reflects on what it means to be half of a couple -- everything from the science of hand holding, to the technique of tag-team storytelling, to the politics of food and why it always seems to come down to chicken or fish.NBC's hit comedy, "Mad About You," has collected his comic observationsabout life and love in" Couplehood," a New York Times bestseller for morethan 40 weeks.In "Couplehood," Reiser reflects on what it means to be half of a couple-- everything from the science of hand holding, to the technique of tag-teamstorytelling, to the politics of food and why it always seems to come down tochicken or fish.Cited by "Time" magazine as "the season's best new sitcom" in its 1992debut,

Recommendation: - This memoir by Sidney Poitier is a captivating and inspiring read. Poitier's story takes us on a journey from poverty to success, breaking barriers along the way. His candid reflections on racism in Hollywood, consumerism, and the media provide thought-provoking insights. Through it all, Poitier maintains his integrity and shares the rewards of staying true to oneself. This book is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and the courage to follow their convictions.

This book is a compilation of some of Ng Yi-Sheng's best spoken word pieces — songs, diatribes and phantasmagorias — created for assorted poetry slams, readings and theatrical events between the years 1999 and 2016. Dealing with issues of politics, history, cultural identity and queer sexuality, these works show the writer at his most fearless, opinionated and dramatic — a complement to the subtler but similarly imaginative poems of his first collection of poetry, last boy.

The next wave: architecture's future stars (TASCHEN's 25th anniversary - Special edition) Who are the Norman Fosters, Richard Meiers, and Tadao Andos of tomorrow? Discover the next generation of designers who are already starting to shape the future of architecture for the new millennium, redefining the relationships between culture, environment, structure, and space. Taking their inspiration from visions of the future and traces of the past, these are the people who are defining the aesthetics of tomorrow's architecture. Some of the architects featured, such as Shigeru Ban of Japan and Ben van Berkel from Holland, have already gained critical acclaim for their work. The rest, such as Marc Barani and Aranda Pigem Vilalta, are waiting in the wings. This 25th anniversary edition is a special edition of 40 under 40!

A woman's gift is an inspiring collection of quotes on the tremendous part women play in the world. For a mother, daughter, friend or colleague. This small 240 page hardback book is in a hardback slip case.

The Tiger's Child is an inspiring and emotional journey of a teacher and her former student. Torey Hayden's dedication and unwavering support for Sheila's troubled past helps her transition into young adulthood. The book's unique feature is the portrayal of the challenges and beauty of the bond between teacher and student. It is recommended for readers who enjoy heartwarming and inspiring memoirs.

Uh-Oh is a heartwarming collection of short essays that encourages readers to enjoy the little things in life. From finding joy in simple pleasures, like good food and music, to uplifting personal anecdotes, Robert Fulghum's witty writing style and relatable stories make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a pick-me-up.

If you're engrossed by political histories and first-hand accounts of pivotal events, "Prisoner of the State" could speak volumes to you. Zhao Ziyang's secret journal offers a rare glimpse into the otherwise opaque world of Chinese politics, particularly surrounding the Tiananmen Square event. It's a window into the thoughts of a reformist leader and is bound to stir a mix of curiosity, empathy, and possibly outrage as you flip through the pages of recent history as experienced by someone on the inside.

Some Girls is a riveting memoir of Jillian Lauren and her life in the harem of Prince Jefri Bolkiah. This book is a unique and intriguing insight into the life that most of us can never even imagine. Jillian's writing style is honest and engrossing, and readers will find themselves lost in her story, feeling as though they are right there with her every step of the way. This book is highly recommended for those who are interested in true stories of resilience, strength, and survival.

Lee Kuan The Critical Years (1971–78) is a facsimile edition of Alex Josey’s second masterful account of Singapore’s formidable prime minister, first published in 1980 and simply titled Lee Kuan Yew Vol 2. In this volume, Josey tells the continuing story of Singapore’s remarkable development from the beginning of 1971 to the end of 1978. Read about Lee’s fears, hopes, triumphs and failures, his analytical judgements, his look into the future, his valuations and beliefs, his unswerving faith in the ability of the average Singaporean to understand what his prime minister is talking about, and his supreme confidence that Singapore will survive as an independent, if inter-dependent, sovereign state, and be successful.

Doctors is a great read for those interested in understanding how medicine has advanced through the centuries. Sherwin B. Nuland offers fascinating life portraits of some of the greatest medical innovators and pioneers, including Hippocrates and Andreas Vesalius. What makes this book unique is that it shows how these medical professionals were products of their own times and places, and how their work has influenced modern medicine. If you're interested in medical history or just curious about the development of medicine, this book is a must-read.

Despite great danger from the Nazis, she sought freedom for the Jews and became the heroine of Haarlem.

"Stories For My Mother" is a heartwarming collection of tales that will leave you feeling emotionally connected. Each story is carefully crafted and beautifully told, making it an ideal read for anyone looking to feel uplifted. The author's ability to weave together intricate narratives with relatable characters is unparalleled, making this a must-read for those who love stories that touch the heart.

The Greatest Adventure is a gripping true story that will take you on an epic journey around the world in a balloon. Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones's account of their 29,000-mile journey in the Breitling Orbiter 3 is full of adventure, courage, and determination. With freezing temperatures and daunting challenges, the book provides a vivid description of aeronautical challenges and human strength. A must-read for adventure seekers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

An indispensable reference for anyone who knows how to read—or wants to fool people into thinking they do— The Funny Thing Is... is sure to make you laugh.Ellen DeGeneres published her first book of comic essays, the #1 bestselling My Point...And I Do Have One, way back in 1996. Not one to rest on her laurels, the witty star of stage and screen has since dedicated her life to writing a hilarious new book. That book is this book.After years of painstaking, round-the-clock research, surviving on a mere twenty minutes of sleep a night, and collaborating with lexicographers, plumbers, and mathematicians, DeGeneres has crafted a work that is both easy to use and very funny. Along with her trademark ramblings, The Funny Thing Is... contains hundreds of succinct insights into her psyche and offers innovative features -More than 50,000 simple, short words arranged in sentences that form paragraphs.-Thousands of observations on everyday life—from terrible fashion trends to how to handle seating arrangements for a Sunday brunch with Paula Abdul, Diane Sawyer, and Eminem.-All twenty-six letters of the alphabet.

This book could be a good read for anyone interested in gaining insight into the mind of a successful investor and learning the principles that guided Warren Buffett's immense success. Packed with simple yet profound quotes, this book offers a glimpse into the timeless investing wisdom of one of the greatest investors of all time. Delve into his life philosophies and discover how they can be applied not only in the financial world but also in your own life.

Peter Popham's major new biography of Aung San Suu Kyi draws upon previously untapped testimony and fresh revelations to tell the story of a woman whose bravery and determination have captivated people around the globe. Celebrated today as one of the world's greatest exponents of non-violent political defiance since Mahatma Gandhi, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize only four years after her first experience of politics.In April 1988, Suu Kyi returned from Britain to Burma to nurse her sick mother but, within six months, found herself the unchallenged leader of the largest popular revolt in her country's history. When the party she co-founded won a landslide victory in Burma's first free elections for thirty years, she was already under house arrest and barred from taking office by the military junta.Since then, 'The Lady' has set about transforming her country ethically as well as politically, displaying dazzling courage in the process. Under house arrest for 15 of the previous 20 years, she has come close to being killed by her political enemies and her commitment to peaceful revolution has come at extreme personal cost.In November 2010, after fraudulent elections in which she played no part, Suu Kyi was again freed. She was greeted by ecstatic crowds but only time will tell what role this remarkable woman will have in the future of her country.

This book is a thrilling and captivating true story of survival that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. You'll be amazed by the strength and resilience of the characters as they face the most challenging circumstances in the unforgiving depths of the jungle. "Jungle" is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope and determination can lead to triumph. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys gripping adventure stories and tales of resilience.

Diego Rivera (1886–1957) is a loud presence on the art historical stage. With devout political principles and a turbulent romantic history, he was at once husband and paladin of Frida Kahlo, advocate and adversary of Stalin’s Soviet Union, and liberator and traitor of Leon Trotsky. Vibrant, graphic, and often monumental, Rivera’s paintings carry the same live political and passionate charge as his personal biography. Fusing European influences such as Cubism with a socialist ideology and an exaltation of Mexico’s indigenous and popular heritage, he created a new iconography for art history and for his country. He became one of the most important figures in the Mexican mural movement and won international acclaim for his public wall paintings, in which he presented a utopian yet accessible vision of a post-revolutionary Mexico. In 1931, Rivera was the subject of MoMA’s second ever monographic exhibition. This book explores the unique blend of influence and ideology which secure Rivera’s place as both a unique and a universal painter, bound to the particular turbulent experience of early 20th century Mexico, and yet preoccupied with subjects such as revolution and class inequity which continue to speak to us today. About the series Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art series a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance a concise biography approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions

A tiny, ebullient Jew who started as America's leading liberal and ended as its most famous judicial conservative. A Klansman who became an absolutist advocate of free speech and civil rights. A backcountry lawyer who started off trying cases about cows and went on to conduct the most important international trial ever. A self-invented, tall-tale Westerner who narrowly missed the presidency but expanded individual freedom beyond what anyone before had dreamed. Four more different men could hardly be imagined. Yet they had certain things in common. Each was a self-made man who came from humble beginnings on the edge of poverty. Each had driving ambition and a will to succeed. Each was, in his own way, a genius. They began as close allies and friends of FDR, but the quest to shape a new Constitution led them to competition and sometimes outright warfare. SCORPIONS tells the story of these four great justices: their relationship with Roosevelt, with each other, and with the turbulent world of the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. It also serves as a history of the modern Constitution itself.

Shipped from UK, please allow 10 to 21 business days for arrival. Good, 210 pages. Good clean condition.

Examined Lives offers a unique insight into the lives of twelve famous philosophers as they examined their lives and the world around them. This book offers a fresh perspective on what it means to live a good life, and the exploration of their struggles during times of political and religious turmoil provides a valuable lesson for readers. The anecdotes and storytelling style make for an engaging read, suitable for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

Citizen Soldiers opens on June 7, 1944, on the Normandy beaches, and ends on May 7, 1945. From the high command (including Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton) on down to the enlisted men, Stephen E. Ambrose draws on hundreds of interviews and oral histories from men on both sides who were there. He recreates the experiences of the individuals who fought the battles, the women who served, and the Germans who fought against us. Ambrose reveals the learning process of a great army -- how to cross rivers, how to fight in snow or hedgerows, how to fight in cities, how to coordinate air and ground campaigns, how to fight in winter and on the defensive, how citizens become soldiers in the best army in the world -- all from the point of view of the men. A masterful biography of the U.S. Army in the European Theater Of Operations, Citizen Soldiers provides a compelling account of the extraordinary stories of ordinary men in their fight for democracy.

From the reign of Alfred the Great - the first king of Wessex to call himself 'king of England' - in the 9th century, to the shock of Norman invasion in the 11th, and from the brutal vicissitudes of late medieval kingship to the comfortable ceremonial of modern-day constitutional monarchy, the story of England's kings and queens is to a large degree that of England herself. Kings and Queens of England offers readable profiles of 59 English monarchs from Harold II to Henry VIII, and from Ethelred the Unready to Elizabeth II. Each monarch is elegantly profiled and the impact of their rule on wider English history clearly and concisely described and analysed. For every king and queen there is a detailed timeline, and the narrative is further amplified by display quotations, feature boxes, panels of key biographical facts, and - last but not least - by 135 lavish full-colour images. Ian Crofton recounts a 1000-year tale of murder, invasion, usurpation, adultery, divorce, civil war and revolution in a manner that is as entertaining as it is informative. The Kings and Queens of England is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an illustrated account of the English monarchy from the Anglo-Saxon era to the present.

This book would be a good read for anyone who is curious about British food culture and wants to explore it with a touch of humor and eccentricity. Nigel Slater, through his witty and engaging writing style, celebrates both the glories and the embarrassing moments of the British at the table. You'll find yourself immersed in a delightful journey that unravels the essence of British cuisine and its idiosyncrasies, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the rich food traditions of the British Isles.

"Fans of Roald Dahl will enjoy this glimpse into his fascinating childhood, with many stories and experiences that shaped his life and inspired his writing. From his time in British boarding schools to his adventures with friends and family, readers will be captivated by Dahl's unique storytelling style and playful humor. This book is a must-read for both children and adults alike, showcasing the power of imagination and the importance of never losing sight of your inner child."

"1000 CEOs" is a must-read for aspiring business leaders who want to learn from the most successful CEOs in the world. The book offers profiles of 1000 CEOs, each with their own unique management styles and career paths, along with their highs, lows, and distilled wisdom. It is a comprehensive guide to understanding the world of business and finding the motivation and tools to succeed. The book is incisive, insightful, and inspiring, and will undoubtedly help readers gain a competitive advantage in their careers.

What is taste? Is it individual or imposed on us from the outside? Why are so many of us so intimidated when presented with the wine list at a restaurant? In The Accidental Connoisseur , journalist Lawrence Osborne takes off on a personal voyage through a little-known world in pursuit of some answers. Weaving together a fantastic cast of eccentrics and obsessives, industry magnates and small farmers, the author explores the way technological change, opinionated critics, consumer trends, wheelers and dealers, trade wars, and mass market tastes have made the elixir we drink today entirely different from the wine drunk by our grandparents.In his search for wine that is a true expression of the place that produced it, Osborne takes the reader from the high-tech present to the primitive past. From a lavish lunch with wine tsar Robert Mondavi to the cellars of Marquis Piero Antinori in Florence, from the tasting rooms of Chateau Lafite to the humble vineyards of northern Lazio, Osborne winds his way through Renaissance palaces, $27 million wineries, tin shacks and garages, opulent restaurants, world-famous chais and vineyards, renowned villages and obscure landscapes, as well as the great cities which are the temples of wine New York, San Francisco, Paris, Florence, and Rome. On the way, we will be shown the vast tapestry of this much-desired, little-understood who produces it and why, who consumes it, who critiques it? Enchanting, delightful, entertaining, and, above all, down to earth, this is a wine book like no other.

Award-winning reporter Jodi Kantor takes readers deep inside the White House in a portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama that will surprise even readers who thought they knew the two icons.  When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible. Then they moved in. In the Obamas, Jodi Kantor takes us deep inside the White House as they try to grapple with their new roles, change the country, raise children, maintain friendships, and figure out what it means to be the first black President and First Lady. The Obamas is filled with riveting detail and insight into their partnership, emotions and personalities, and written with a keen eye for the ironies of public life.