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An original history of Russia's thousand-year past, tracing the forces and the myths that have shaped Putin's politics and rekindled the Cold War. Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped history. In the decades after the collapse of Soviet communism, the West convinced itself that liberal democracy would henceforth be the dominant, ultimately unique, system of governance - a hubris that shaped how the West would treat Russia for the next two decades. But history wasn’t over. Putin is a paradox. In the early years of his presidency, he appeared to commit himself to friendship with the West, suggesting that Russia could join the European Union or even NATO. He said he supported free-market democracy and civil rights. But the Putin of those years is unrecognisable today. The Putin of the 2020s is an autocratic nationalist, dedicated to repression at home and anti-Western militarism abroad. So, what happened? Was he lying when he proclaimed his support for freedom, democracy and friendship with the West? Or, was he sincere? Did he change his views at some stage between then and now? And if that is the case, what happened to change him?Putin and the Return of History examines these questions in the context of Russia’s thousand-year past, tracing the forces and the myths that have shaped Putin’s politics of aggression: the enduring terror of encirclement by outsiders, the subjugation of the individual to the cause of the state, the collectivist values that allow the sacrifice of human lives in battle, the willingness to lie and deceive, the co-opting of religion and the belief in Great Russia’s mission to change the world.
World-renowned historian Laurence Rees lays out a past that is also eerily a cautionary tale for our future if we are not careful How could the Nazis have committed the crimes they did? Why did they willingly – often enthusiastically – oversee mass murder? How did ordinary Germans tolerate the removal of Jewish people? And how do we ensure it never happens again? Bestselling author Laurence Rees combines history and the latest psychological research to help answer the most perplexing questions surrounding the Holocaust and the Nazi state. Through the lens of ‘twelve warnings’ – from talk about ‘them’ and ‘us’ to the escalation of racism – Rees delves into the darkness to explain how and why people were capable of such horrors.  Using previously unpublished testimony from former Nazis and cutting-edge psychological discoveries, THE NAZI MIND is a revelatory new way of understanding the most appalling crimes of the 20th century that highlights the warning signs we need to look out for in leaders today.
When psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso discovered her husband’s affair, her world fell apart. Searching for answers, she found no clear roadmap to help her heal — so she created her own. Now, as an infidelity expert, Lauren has guided countless individuals and couples through the devastation of infidelity and betrayal trauma. In Beyond Infidelity, she shares her powerful seven-step framework to help you move from heartbreak to healing.  You’ll learn how to:- Navigate the five stages of grief after betrayal- Release shame and self-blame that keep you stuck- Identify relationship patterns that may need to change- Recognise how defensiveness and avoidance block healing- Unlearn what no longer serves you and rebuild with strength and clarity. Through personal stories, therapeutic insight, and reflective exercises, Lauren shows that while infidelity can shatter your world, it can also become the catalyst for profound personal growth and emotional freedom.
Ideal for independent travellers, this guidebook to Andalucía, written by Spain experts, goes beyond the basics. It blends must-see sights with hidden gems and offers unmatched practical guidance for seamless planning and on-the-go exploration. Packed with in-depth advice often missing from other guides, it helps you navigate with ease. From using public transport to discovering the best dining, accommodations, and local experiences, this guide covers it all. Every detail you need for a smooth and enriching journey. Inside this Andalucía travel book, you'll find:- Regional deep dive - in-depth coverage of key areas with curated experiences and honest reviews- Itinerary samples - tailored plans for different trip lengths and travel styles- Practical information - essential tips on getting there, using public transport, avoiding crowds, saving time and money, and traveling responsibly- Expert recommendations - insider advice on the best places to eat, drink, stay, and enjoy nightlife or outdoor activities- Seasonal tips - when to go to Andalucía, climate details, and festival highlights to plan your perfect trip- Must-see pick - unmissable sights handpicked by our authors - Alcázar palace in Seville, Ronda, Gibraltar, flamenco, Alhambra palace in Granada, Mezquita in Córdoba, Parque Nacional de Coto de Doñana, Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Albaicín in Granada, Las Alpujarras, tapas bars, Sierra de Grazalema, Museo Bellas Artes in Seville, Cádiz, Cazorla Natural Park- Easy-to-use maps - colour-coded maps highlighting essential spots for dining, accommodation, shopping and entertainment- Cultural insights - engaging stories on local history, arts, and traditions for a deeper understanding of Andalucía- Language essentials - Spanish phrases and vocabulary to help you connect with locals- Inspiring travel photography - stunning full-color images capturing the essence of Andalucía, and fueling your wanderlust- Designed for comfort and sustainability - a velvet soft-touch cover for a secure grip and premium uncoated paper from responsibly sourced materials- Bonus eBook - free download with purchase for added convenience- Coverage includes: Málaga, Cádiz, Seville, Huelva, Córdoba, Jaén, Granada, AlmeríaTravel smart and experience Andalucía with confidence. Let this guide to Andalucía be your trusted companion to must-see sights, hidden gems, and local secrets for an unforgettable adventure.
Discover the Transformative Power of Creativity with Junk Journaling In this inspiring and heartfelt guide, author Francesca shares her personal journey of making junk journals, revealing how this simple yet profound practice can help you reconnect with your emotions, find inner peace, and bring more well-being into your life. #1 New Release in Book Making & Binding Book binding beginners and experts welcome. Whether you're new to book binding or an experienced crafter, this scrapbooking book is packed with simple yet powerful projects and prompts that will guide you from start to finish. Learn how to create a journal from scratch using recycled and affordable materials, transforming everyday items into a beautiful keepsake. You'll also explore the art of scrapbooking, mixed media art, and other creative techniques that turn your journal into a personal treasure. The ultimate book on book binding. Filled with scrapbook ideas, bookbinding techniques, and tips for creating your own unique scrapbooking journal, this book will inspire you to take action and start junk journaling with confidence. As you dive into the stories and exercises within, you'll feel a sense of connection, accomplishment, and inner peace. Let Junk Joy Journal be your guide to finding magic in the mundane and cherishing the beauty that already exists in your life. Inside, you’ll find: Creative fun by learning to make beautiful junk journals using recycled and affordable materials. Enhanced well-being by using journaling as a therapeutic outlet to reduce stress and overcome creative blocks. Personal growth and a sense of connection through guided prompts and personal stories that inspire self-discovery. MATERIALS IN IMAGES NOT INCLUDED
Forget everything you know about midlife. For too long, women have been led to believe that it’s a time of decline. On the contrary, it is a time of transformation and re-formation; a turning point when we can move towards a bigger and more magnificent future. Kate Muir is here to help you navigate this complex and wildly exciting time. As a writer, filmmaker and women’s health campaigner, she has produced two groundbreaking Channel 4 documentaries on the menopause that ignited a massive conversation in the UK. She is passionate about demystifying this key point in women’s lives. Kate draws upon scientific research, personal experience and the courageous and humorous stories of women to arm you with the knowledge you need to approach your second half with confidence, purpose and energy. She reveals how to have better sex, upgrade your relationships, love your microbiome, and much, much more. This is your time to reset, renew and refresh – so step into the next stage of your life!
This is the story of the fall of an Empire – and the rise of another. Who spread Christianity, how, and why? In her quest to find the answer, Professor Alice Roberts takes us on a gripping investigative journey. From a secluded valley in south Wales to the shores of Brittany; from the heart of the Roman Empire in a time of political turmoil to the ancient city of Corinth in the footsteps of the apostle Paul; from Alexandria in the fourth century to Constantinople. As the Roman Empire crumbled in Western Europe, a shadow of power remained, almost perfectly mapping onto its disappearing territories. And then, it continued to spread. Unearthing the archaeological clues and challenging long-established histories, Professor Roberts tells a remarkable story about the relationship between the Roman Empire and Christianity. Lifting the veil on secrets that have been hidden in plain sight, this story is nothing short of astonishing. Domination is a page-turning exploration of power and its survival.
From Rhonda Byrne, author of the global phenomenon The Secret and the New York Times Bestseller The Greatest Secret, comes Countdown to Riches — the book that can lead anyone to financial freedom. Financial struggle is caused by one thing—our thoughts. To have a rich life, you have to use your mind, the very thing that has previously kept money from you. You must free yourself once and for all of a scarcity mindset, which unfortunately plagues the majority of people. When your mind becomes wealthy, YOU become wealthy. Countdown to Riches reveals simple, proven wealth-attracting practices that are easily incorporated into daily life, and that will rapidly change the financial circumstances of anyone who applies them. In these pages, you will: Find 21 days of life-changing practices leading to financial freedom. Unlock the power of the mind to create a rich life in every sense. Adopting new habits that will create and maintain wealth. Learn profound wisdom about our world and how life really works.
Understand Bitcoin, Blockchains, and Cryptocurrency #1 Best Seller in Investing Derivatives and Natural Resource Extraction Industry, Futures Trading, Banks & Banking, Energy & Mining, Monetary Policy, and Computers & Technology There's a lot written on cryptocurrency and blockchains. But, for the uninitiated, most of this information can be indecipherable. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains provides a clear guide to this new currency and the revolutionary technology that powers it. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. Gain an understanding of a broad spectrum of Bitcoin topics including the history of Bitcoin, the Bitcoin blockchain, and Bitcoin buying, selling, and mining. Learn how payments are made, and how to put a value on cryptocurrencies and digital tokens. Blockchain technology.  What exactly is a blockchain, how does it work, and why is it important? The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains answers these questions and more. Learn about notable blockchain platforms, smart contracts, and other important facets of blockchains and their function in the changing cyber-economy. Things to know before buying cryptocurrencies. Find  trustworthy and balanced insights into Bitcoin investing and investing in other cryptocurrency. Discover the risks and mitigations, learn how to identify scams, and understand cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallets, and regulations. Learn about: Blockchain technology and how it works Workings of the cryptocurrency market Evolution and potential impacts of Bitcoin and blockchains on global businesses You’ve read books such as Blockchain Bubble or Revolution, Cryptoassets, Blockchain Technology Explained, Blockchain Revolution, The Bitcoin Standard, Mastering Bitcoin, or Bitcoin For Dummies, but to really understand the technology read The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains.
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING WINNER OF THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION Imagine you could hold a baby hare and bottle-feed it. Imagine that it lived under your roof and lolloped around your bedroom at night, drumming on the duvet cover when it wanted your attention. Imagine that, over two years later, it still ran in from the fields when you called it and snoozed in your house for hours on end. This happened to me. When Chloe, a city-dwelling professional with a high-pressure job, finds a newly born hare, endangered, alone and no bigger than her palm, she is compelled to give it a chance at survival - despite being the least likely caregiver to this wild animal. Raising Hare is the story of their journey together. It chronicles an extraordinary relationship between human and animal, rekindling our sense of awe towards nature and wildlife. Their improbable bond of trust reminds us that the most remarkable experiences, inspiring the most hope, often arise when we least expect them. This edition includes a moving new chapter
You can buy in the best behaviour tracking software, introduce 24/7 detentions or scream 'NO EXCUSES' as often as you want - but ultimately the solution lies with the behaviour of the adults. It is the only behaviour over which we have absolute control. Drawing on anecdotal case studies, scripted interventions and approaches which have been tried and tested in a range of contexts, from the most challenging urban comprehensives to the most privileged international schools, behaviour training expert and Pivotal Education director Paul Dix advocates an inclusive approach that is practical, transformative and rippling with respect for staff and learners. An approach in which behavioural expectations and boundaries are exemplified by people, not by a thousand rules that nobody can recall. When the Adults Change, Everything Changes illustrates how, with their traditional sanction- and exclusion-led methods, the 'punishment brigade' are losing the argument. It outlines how each school can build authentic practice on a stable platform, resulting in shifts in daily rules and routines, in how we deal with the angriest learners, in restorative practice and in how we appreciate positive behaviour. Each chapter is themed and concludes with three helpful checklists Testing, Watch out for and Nuggets designed to help you form your own behaviour blueprint. Throughout the book both class teachers and school leaders will find indispensable advice about how to involve all staff in developing a whole school ethos built on kindness, empathy and understanding. Suitable for all head teachers, school leaders, teachers, NQTs and classroom assistants in any phase or context, including SEND and alternative provision settings who are looking to upgrade their own classroom management or school behaviour plan. When the Adults Change Everything Changes was a silver winner 2017 Foreword INDIES Awards in the Education category. Named one of Book Authority's best education reform books of all time. Named one of Book Authority's best education books of all time.
Designed to be annotated twice a day for an entire year, this journal prompts you to set out with a positive mood each morning and reflect thankfully on the day’s events and emotions each evening. Take your time writing entries, savor every new experience, and enjoy the gifts that gratitude can bring to each moment. JOURNALING MADE EASY: With both morning meditations for setting daily intentions and evening reflections to capture positive moments throughout your day on each page, this journal makes it easy for you to consistently incorporate gratitude into your routine. Also included are spaces to reflect on the most impactful moments of your gratitude journey each month. CULTIVATE HEALTHY HABITS: Keeping a gratitude journal is an effective way to feel happier and more motivated in your day-to-day life. Let this journal encourage you to focus more on the things that add value to your life and less on those that drain you. DELUXE DESIGN: The beautiful pink textured paper cover, elegant rose gold foil accents, and satin ribbon page marker make this journal a joy to return to and a lasting keepsake. EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION: Add more inspiring journals from the Insight Editions Inner World series to your collection with Inner World Memory Journal: Reflect, Record, Remember, Balance: A Day and Night Reflection Journal, Kindness: A Day and Night Reflection Journal, Self Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal, and more!
Every night when I turn the lights out in my sixteenth-floor living room before I go to bed, I experience a shock of pleasure as I see the banks of lighted windows rising to the sky, crowding round me, and feel myself embraced by the anonymous ingathering of city dwellers. Set in New York, The Odd Woman and the City explores the rhythms, chance meetings, and ever-changing relationships of urban life that forge the sensibility of a fiercely independent woman who has lived out her conflicts, not her fantasies, in a city that has done the same. Running steadily through the book is Vivian Gornick’s animated exchange of more than twenty years with her best friend Leonard, as well as interactions with grocers, doormen, people on the bus, cross-dressers on the corner, and acquaintances by the handful. A narrative collage that includes meditative pieces on the evolution of friendship over the past two centuries, in this memoir we encounter Gornick’s rich relationship with the ultimate metropolis.
Become a Champion? is a practical and motivational guide dedicated to young football players, parents, and coaches. Through simple yet powerful principles, it helps young athletes develop not only their technical skills but also their mindset, discipline, resilience, and leadership. A concrete path to grow both as athletes and as individuals, turning dreams into achievable goals.
Academy Award-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins delves into his illustrious film and theatre career, difficult childhood and path to sobriety in his honest, moving and long-awaited memoir. Born and raised in Port Talbot – a small Welsh steelworks town – amid war and depression, Sir Anthony Hopkins grew up around men who were tough, to say the least, and eschewed all forms of emotional vulnerability in favor of alcoholism and brutality. A struggling student in school, he was deemed by his peers, his parents and other adults as a failure with no future ahead of him. But, on a fateful Saturday night, the disregarded Welsh boy watched the 1948 adaptation of Hamlet, sparking a passion for acting that would lead him on a path that no one could have predicted. With candour and a voice that is both arresting and vulnerable, Sir Anthony recounts his various career milestones and provides a once-in-a-lifetime look into the brilliance behind some of his most iconic roles. His performance as Iago gets him admitted into the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and places him under the wing of Laurence Olivier. He meets Richard Burton by chance as a young boy in his art teacher’s apartment, and later, backstage before a performance of Equus as an established actor meeting his hero. His iconic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter was informed by the creepy performance of Bela Lugosi in Dracula and the razor-sharp precision of his acting teacher. He pulls raw emotion from the stoicism of his father and grandfather for an unforgettable performance in King Lear. Sir Anthony also takes a deeply honest look at the low points in his personal life. His addiction cost him his first marriage, his relationship with his only child, and nearly his life – the latter ultimately propelling him toward sobriety, a commitment he has maintained for nearly half a century. He constantly battles against the desire to move through life alone and avoid connection for fear of getting hurt – much like the men in his family – and as the years go by, he deals with questions of mortality, getting ready to discover what his father called The Big Secret. Featuring a special collection of personal photographs throughout, We Did OK, Kid is a raw and passionate memoir from a complex, iconic man who has inspired audiences with remarkable performances for over sixty years.
London, the multifaceted metropolis on the River Thames, fascinates with its unique combination of historic architecture and modern lifestyle. From the majestic structures of Buckingham Palace to the dynamic streets of the East End, the city offers countless perspectives and motifs for photographers and art lovers. The vibrant culture, buzzing markets and impressive parks invite you to discover London's diversity in all its splendour. With his unique approach to photography, he creates colourful and contrasting images. Ramelli's work radiates a special energy and invites you to look at London from a new perspective. In his new book, the French city and landscape photographer Serge Ramelli impressively shows the beauty of London and his creative and inquiring mind drives him to constantly explore new techniques. This innovative spirit enables him to capture the splendour of urban landscapes in an impressive way. Text in English, German and French.
'Andy McGrath's in-depth biography covers Pogi’s meteoric rise, his victories and rivalries, while revealing more about the character behind the sporting domination' – Cyclist 'An immense champion, extraordinary' – Eddy Merckx 'He doesn't just win, he wins with excitement' – Mark Cavendish ‘The best bike rider that ever lived’ – Chris Boardman  Tadej Pogacar is not like any other professional cyclist. The Slovenian is a sporting phenomenon. He won almost everything there is to win in bike racing, has done so with breathtaking audacity and style – and all by the age of 26. This comprehensive biography follows his meteoric rise to the top, recounts his greatest race wins and rivalries, and reveals the character, motivation and skills that have led to his domination of elite cycling. Experienced cycling journalist Andy McGrath has documented the versatile superstar’s development from his victory in the Tour de l’Avenir in 2018 to his Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Il Lombardia and Tour of Flanders successes and his historic 2024 season, when he won cycling’s prestigious triple crown of the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championship road race. His victories include four Tours de France (2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025). McGrath explores how this diminutive child from a small, mountainous nation of Slovenia first took up the sport, his emerging talent as a teenager and the role played by his UAE Team Emirates-XRG coaches and management. He also gets the inside story from those close to him, trusted teammates and fierce adversaries. It is not only what Pogacar has won, but the manner in which he wins that also makes him so unique and popular. McGrath gets to the very heart of the cycling phenomenon that is ‘Pogi’ – and the fascinating young man behind the runaway success story.
Transform any space into a sleep sanctuary with this neuroscience-informed fragrance blend. Created by master perfumers in Provence—the world capital of fine fragrance—this exclusive mist combines refreshing watermelon and green apple top notes with calming violet and rose heart notes, anchored by soothing woods and amber. The result is a sophisticated, subtle aroma that signals your brain it's time to unwind without overwhelming your senses. SCENT PYRAMID Top Notes: Fresh Watermelon · Ripe Fig · Crisp Green Apple Heart Notes: Calming Violet · Soft Rose · Aquatic Jasmine Base Notes: Cedarwood · Grounding Mate · Amber · Gentle Musk THE SCIENCE OF SCENT AND SLEEP Your brain forms powerful associations between fragrances and states of mind. By consistently pairing this signature scent with your bedtime routine from The Sleep Plan, you create a neural shortcut to relaxation that becomes more effective with each use. This practice implements one of Christina's most powerful sleep tools—using sensory cues to trigger your natural sleep response. HOW TO USE Use generously every evening, about 15 minutes before going to bed. Mist pillows lightly from 20cm away Apply a gentle spray to sleepwear collar Release four pumps into bedroom air Begin your Sleep Plan wind-down ritual
In The Sleep Plan , sleep coach Christina presents an actionable, step-by-step approach to achieving the transformative sleep you deserve. Drawing from years of experience working with clients from all walks of life—from CEOs and entrepreneurs to new parents, from athletes to retirees—she shares the exact strategies that have helped countless individuals overcome sleep challenges and wake up feeling truly rejuvenated. This comprehensive guide introduces the 10 Golden Principles of Sleep, a proven framework that addresses every dimension of sleep health: from optimizing your sleep environment and managing light exposure to strategic nutrition, mindful movement, and evening wind-down routines. Rather than offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions, The Sleep Plan provides a customizable system you can adapt to your unique needs and circumstances. You'll discover: How to create the perfect sleep sanctuary for restorative rest The surprising connection between daytime habits and nighttime sleep quality Strategic approaches to caffeine, screen time, and evening nutrition Relaxation techniques that signal to your body it's time to sleep Specialized strategies for life's transitions: athletic training, pregnancy, menopause, and high-stress periods Solutions for couples with mismatched sleep styles Complete with practical exercises, client success stories, and a 6-week implementation plan, this book offers everything you need to transform your relationship with sleep. Whether you struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or simply don't feel rested despite adequate hours, The Sleep Plan provides the tools to reclaim your nights and revolutionize your days. It's time to wake up like never before. Your journey to better sleep—and a better life—starts here.
With over 2.5 million copies sold worldwide, Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple parable that reveals profound truths It is the amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish them and make them happy. Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life, for example a good job, a loving relationship, money or possessions, health or spiritual peace of mind. The maze is where you look for what you want, perhaps the organisation you work in, or the family or community you live in. The problem is that the cheese keeps moving. In the story, the characters are faced with unexpected change in their search for the cheese. One of them eventually deals with change successfully and writes what he has learned on the maze walls for you to discover. You'll learn how to anticipate, adapt to and enjoy change and be ready to change quickly whenever you need to. Discover the secret of the writing on the wall for yourself and enjoy less stress and more success in your work and life. Written for all ages, this story takes less than an hour to read, but its unique insights will last a lifetime. Spencer Johnson, MD, is one of the world's leading authors of inspirational writing. He has written many New York Times bestsellers, including the worldwide phenomenon Who Moved My Cheese? and, with Kenneth Blanchard, The One Minute Manager. His works have become cultural touchstones and are available in 40 languages.
*** Longlisted for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year 2025 *** Misogyny, conspiratorialism, surveillance, manipulation, fraud, and AI slop are drowning the internet. For the monopolists who dominate online - X, TikTok, Amazon, Meta, Apple - this is all part of the playbook. The process is what leading tech critic Cory Doctorow has dubbed 'enshittification'. First, the platform attracts users with some bait, such as free access; then the activity is monetized, bringing in the business customers and degrading the user experience; then, once everyone is trapped and competitors eradicated, the platform wrings out all the value and transfers it to their executives and shareholders. As a result, online public squares have become places of torment, and online retailers are hellish dumpster fires. The virtual gathering places where we once imagined the world's problems might be resolved are now a sewer of hatred and abuse - thoroughly enshittified. Doctorow enumerates the symptoms, lays out the diagnosis, and identifies the best responses to these diseased platforms: the monopolies online must be shattered. Companies too big to fail or to jail - and much too big to care - must be cut down to size. Only an attack on corporate power will permit effective regulation and real privacy. Tech unions must protect the workers who should, in turn, defend us against their bosses' sadism and greed. 
‘One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did’ Charlie Mackesy’s four unlikely friends are wandering through the wilds again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer. When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm? The hugely anticipated new book from Charlie Mackesy, revisiting the much-loved world of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – the bestselling adult non-fiction book of all time, with over ten million readers around the world.
A dazzling tour de force of epic royal history: a compulsive, unputdownable real-life thriller, a gripping portrait of ruthless power politics, and a study of British tyranny... written with the delicacy and elegance of one of Britain’s most brilliant historians at the top of her game' - Simon Sebag-Montefiore'If ever a book of history was blessed with contemporary relevance, this one is. The dumbfounding, delusional, narcissistic King Richard; the white-knuckle ride of Henry IV, dogged all the way by notions of illegitimacy. I feel these men could have been ripped from today’s headlines. The book’s great achievement is in the storytelling — the unfolding drama, the secrets of power and ambition so beautifully controlled in the telling. The Eagle and the Hart will be a non-fiction book of the year and will deserve the ovations it is certain to receive. When history is this gripping there’s nothing like it' - Andrew O'HaganRichard of Bordeaux and Henry Bolingbroke were first cousins, born just three months apart. Their lives were from the beginning entwined. When they were still children, Richard was crowned King Richard II with Henry at his side, carrying the sword of state: a ten-year-old lord in the service of his ten-year-old king. Yet, as the animals on their heraldic badges showed, they grew up to be opposites: Richard was the white hart, a thin-skinned narcissist, and Henry the eagle, a chivalric hero, a leader who inspired loyalty where Richard inspired only fear. Henry had all the qualities Richard lacked, all the qualities a sovereign needed, bar one: birth right. Increasingly threatened by his charismatic cousin, Richard became consumed by the need for total power, in a time of constant conflict, rebellions and reprisals. When he banished Henry into exile, the stage was set for a final confrontation, as the hart became the tyrant and the eagle his usurper. Helen Castor tells this story of one of the strangest and most fateful relationships in English history. It is a story about power, and masculinity in crisis, and a nation brought to the brink of catastrophe. At its heart, it is the story of two men whose lives were played out in extraordinary parallel, to devastating effect.
A moving new novel from the beloved author of Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven When he is eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try - for better or worse. He grows up correcting his mistakes and saving himself from adolescent embarrassments. He even takes foolishly dangerous risks, just to see what it's like to come close to death, before tapping back to safety. Eventually, Alfie turns his gift to his love life, studying his crushes and going back to make himself more appealing. In time, he falls deeply in love with Gianna, the woman he believes is the one. He seems to find contentment. But as the years pass, Alfie's eye begins to wander. Which is when he learns a lone caveat to his power: once he undoes a love, that person can never fall in love with him again. Knowing if he gives into to temptation, he will risk losing what he has with Gianna, Alfie makes a choice that changes his life forever. The book begins many years later, after an ailing Alfie is arrested for allegedly cheating and winning millions at a casino roulette wheel. As a curious detective interrogates him, he slowly uncovers Alfie's incredible story, and its most unlikely conclusion. In Twice, the world's favourite storyteller, Mitch Albom, is at the top of his powers. A love story that is enchanting, probing and clairvoyant in matters of the heart, Twice will make you think, weep and overflow with love from beginning to end.
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