ALEXANDER ORLOV
F Bi's KGB General
by Edward Gazur
During 1938 at the height of the Spanish civil war , three star soviet general Orlov disappeared. He lived secretly for years in the US hiding from both the KGB and the FBI .In 1953 he came in from the cold and became and still is the highest ranking soviet intelligence officer ever to defect to the west. He brought with him the damning truth about Stalin's purges and the truth behind the communist regime. Who was this master spy? Was the man who revealed from released KGB files in the 1994 book titled,' deadly illusions' ? Gazur , veteran in east European counter espionage was assigned to Orlov in1971 and grew to know him and his wife maria well. He spent many hours talking to Orlov about his life and past encounters. He strongly believes Orlov had been unjustifiably maligned in the in the book on the basis of KGB disinformation. Gazur had kept silent after Orlov's death and now he felt that he had to put his side. This book is a narrative of his life based on the intimate conversations with Gazur.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ernest Hemingway
ERNEST HEMINGWAY
rediscovered
by
Norberto Fuentes
Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) is remembered by his good friends, writer Norberto Fuentes and photographer Roberto Sotolongo.
They recall the last twenty years of his glamorous life in an English text and photographs, many of which are published for the first time in full page and double spreads.
He is portrayed at home, traveling around the world on African Safaris and other holiday places, working on movie locations, and spending time with his friends, family and many associates.
The best selling author's most note worthy fiction includes ' for women the bell tolls, A farewell to arms, and the old man and the sea; he also penned short stories too.
rediscovered
by
Norberto Fuentes
Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) is remembered by his good friends, writer Norberto Fuentes and photographer Roberto Sotolongo.
They recall the last twenty years of his glamorous life in an English text and photographs, many of which are published for the first time in full page and double spreads.
He is portrayed at home, traveling around the world on African Safaris and other holiday places, working on movie locations, and spending time with his friends, family and many associates.
The best selling author's most note worthy fiction includes ' for women the bell tolls, A farewell to arms, and the old man and the sea; he also penned short stories too.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Fathers and sons
FATHERS AND SONS
the autobiography of a family
by Alexander Waugh
The Waugh family has been writing books since the nineteenth century.
Evelyn Waugh's father was a writer as was his brother Alec and his son Auberon.
In this remarkable history of the father and son relationships in his family, Evelyn Waugh's grandson exposes the fraught dynamic that has produced four generations of successful authors.
Spurned by his own father's untimely death, Alexander Waugh embarked on a search for identity, a quest for the universal laws that have governed fathers and sons through the ages.
It led him to some startling and unsavory facts about his fore bears and their behavior towards one another.
It is an entertaining and critical examination of an eccentric family, a study of birth and death of writers and writing in a frank and intimate memoir.
the autobiography of a family
by Alexander Waugh
The Waugh family has been writing books since the nineteenth century.
Evelyn Waugh's father was a writer as was his brother Alec and his son Auberon.
In this remarkable history of the father and son relationships in his family, Evelyn Waugh's grandson exposes the fraught dynamic that has produced four generations of successful authors.
Spurned by his own father's untimely death, Alexander Waugh embarked on a search for identity, a quest for the universal laws that have governed fathers and sons through the ages.
It led him to some startling and unsavory facts about his fore bears and their behavior towards one another.
It is an entertaining and critical examination of an eccentric family, a study of birth and death of writers and writing in a frank and intimate memoir.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Discovering Britain
COLLINS
DISCOVERING BRITAIN
ROAD ATLAS AND GUIDE
Britain is a beguiling group of islands, packed with mountains, moors, rivers, forests, and lakes brimming over with plants and wild life and enclosed by miles of beautiful coast lines.
Antiquities seems to have sprouted out of the ground to merge with the surrounding landscape: cathedrals, created by illusion, ancient castles placed in improbable positions, gardens, museums, theme parks and thousands of other places of entertainment, all a rich bounty for residents and visitors alike.
Th book locates, describes and identifies many places to visit in Britain and reminds us that getting out and about is not necessarily a summer activity.
We discover Britain by regions, finding information on over 1300 places to visit.
There are useful indices's, phone numbers and websites, route planning mapping, road mapping, urban area maps, central city maps to London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, and town and city maps ranging from Aberdeen and Bath to Worcester and York, and lastly an index to place names and places of interest.
The opening pages look at National nature reserves, areas of out standing natural beauty, geological sites and national parks, fields and hedge rows chalk downs and wood lands, sea cliffs and beach.
An out standing reference work.
DISCOVERING BRITAIN
ROAD ATLAS AND GUIDE
Britain is a beguiling group of islands, packed with mountains, moors, rivers, forests, and lakes brimming over with plants and wild life and enclosed by miles of beautiful coast lines.
Antiquities seems to have sprouted out of the ground to merge with the surrounding landscape: cathedrals, created by illusion, ancient castles placed in improbable positions, gardens, museums, theme parks and thousands of other places of entertainment, all a rich bounty for residents and visitors alike.
Th book locates, describes and identifies many places to visit in Britain and reminds us that getting out and about is not necessarily a summer activity.
We discover Britain by regions, finding information on over 1300 places to visit.
There are useful indices's, phone numbers and websites, route planning mapping, road mapping, urban area maps, central city maps to London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, and town and city maps ranging from Aberdeen and Bath to Worcester and York, and lastly an index to place names and places of interest.
The opening pages look at National nature reserves, areas of out standing natural beauty, geological sites and national parks, fields and hedge rows chalk downs and wood lands, sea cliffs and beach.
An out standing reference work.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Crusades
THE CRUSADES
by Robert Payne
In this masterly works , Robert Payne brings to life the crusades that founded vast kingdoms in Palestine nearly one thousand years ago.
This is a story of battles and valor , greed and piety, folly and baseness that mark the first major clash of Christianity and Islam.
Payne's book recreates two hundred years of crusader history with a blazing intensity that displays to the full his powers both as a scholar and story teller.
He covers all eight crusades in a magnificent sweep, from that of 1095 , inspired by Pope Urban II, to Louis I X's disastrous crusade of 1270.
This book is a major contribution to our understanding of the Middle Ages , and makes marvelous reading.
by Robert Payne
In this masterly works , Robert Payne brings to life the crusades that founded vast kingdoms in Palestine nearly one thousand years ago.
This is a story of battles and valor , greed and piety, folly and baseness that mark the first major clash of Christianity and Islam.
Payne's book recreates two hundred years of crusader history with a blazing intensity that displays to the full his powers both as a scholar and story teller.
He covers all eight crusades in a magnificent sweep, from that of 1095 , inspired by Pope Urban II, to Louis I X's disastrous crusade of 1270.
This book is a major contribution to our understanding of the Middle Ages , and makes marvelous reading.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Trafalgar
TRAFALGAR
by John Terraine
superbly illustrated book describing one of the most famous battles of all time, which shattered Napoleon's dream of invading the England.
Amplifying the details of the battle is a lengthy selection of contemporary eye witness accounts specially compiled for this book which paint a fresh picture of the maritime engagements of the Napoleonic wars.
This story is not just of the morning and afternoon in which Nelson and Colling wood smashed the combined fleets of France and Spain but also that of a complex campaign of which Trafalgar was the climax.
It shows the protagonists were not admirals Villeneuve and Nelson but Napoleon and the British naval tradition
by John Terraine
superbly illustrated book describing one of the most famous battles of all time, which shattered Napoleon's dream of invading the England.
Amplifying the details of the battle is a lengthy selection of contemporary eye witness accounts specially compiled for this book which paint a fresh picture of the maritime engagements of the Napoleonic wars.
This story is not just of the morning and afternoon in which Nelson and Colling wood smashed the combined fleets of France and Spain but also that of a complex campaign of which Trafalgar was the climax.
It shows the protagonists were not admirals Villeneuve and Nelson but Napoleon and the British naval tradition
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Battle of the Britain
BATTLE OF BRITAIN ILLUSTRATED
by Paul Jacobs and Robert Lightsey
“The battle of France is over. The battle of Britain is about to begin” - Churchill,
from his 'Finest hour' speech on 18th June 1940.
Below was a fire storm where once was London and in front were hundreds of Hitler's bombers and their fighter escorts bent on the destruction of Britain.
This is the dramatic chronicle of the events from 10th July to 31st October 1940, The Battle of Britain, when this was what confronted the young under trained pilots and crews of the RAF every day.
The product of the efforts of the two former RAF officers, an artist cum engineer and a pilot cum program manager, the book provides a unique amount of the most important battle of the history.
140 original art works in oil, ink and graphite depicting important moments, military perspectives on tactics and technology, illustrated time lines and technical drawings. A product of years of love, devotion, work and study.
by Paul Jacobs and Robert Lightsey
“The battle of France is over. The battle of Britain is about to begin” - Churchill,
from his 'Finest hour' speech on 18th June 1940.
Below was a fire storm where once was London and in front were hundreds of Hitler's bombers and their fighter escorts bent on the destruction of Britain.
This is the dramatic chronicle of the events from 10th July to 31st October 1940, The Battle of Britain, when this was what confronted the young under trained pilots and crews of the RAF every day.
The product of the efforts of the two former RAF officers, an artist cum engineer and a pilot cum program manager, the book provides a unique amount of the most important battle of the history.
140 original art works in oil, ink and graphite depicting important moments, military perspectives on tactics and technology, illustrated time lines and technical drawings. A product of years of love, devotion, work and study.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Carpets for the home
CARPETS FOR THE HOME
by Amicia de Moubray and David Black
A buyer's guide filled with artistic designs that is the ultimate window gazer's “How other people live?” hand book of interiors featuring: ancient, modern, oriental and western floor textiles and also wall hangings.
Different carpets help create the individual mod and style of a home, from rustic French farm house to spartan Manhattan loft.
Contemporary designers include Christopher Farr and Christine Vanderhurd, while oriental designs can be sought from modern companies such as Woven Legends.
This luxurious hand book gives plenty of advice for choosing and purchasing a carpet, care and repair, a glossary of terms, an international source directory of recommended dealers, a list of world wide and private collections
by Amicia de Moubray and David Black
A buyer's guide filled with artistic designs that is the ultimate window gazer's “How other people live?” hand book of interiors featuring: ancient, modern, oriental and western floor textiles and also wall hangings.
Different carpets help create the individual mod and style of a home, from rustic French farm house to spartan Manhattan loft.
Contemporary designers include Christopher Farr and Christine Vanderhurd, while oriental designs can be sought from modern companies such as Woven Legends.
This luxurious hand book gives plenty of advice for choosing and purchasing a carpet, care and repair, a glossary of terms, an international source directory of recommended dealers, a list of world wide and private collections
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
WARMLY INSCRIBED
Warmly inscribed:
The New England forager and other book tales;
by Lawrence and Nancy Gold stone,
Perfect bed time reader for all. Written by a husband and wife team. Both books collecting enthusiasts. This is a charming account of a personal tour of the Library of congress, where you will find more than 115 million volumes to be read. Like wise: the Folger library and the Beinecke, which is the Yale University's Rare Book and manuscripts library.
They recount the tale of the New England forger and discover just how valuable certain antiquated titles can be, such as $250 for a 1974 wall calendar, on which Michael Ondaatje used it for his family's routine appointments.
The New England forager and other book tales;
by Lawrence and Nancy Gold stone,
Perfect bed time reader for all. Written by a husband and wife team. Both books collecting enthusiasts. This is a charming account of a personal tour of the Library of congress, where you will find more than 115 million volumes to be read. Like wise: the Folger library and the Beinecke, which is the Yale University's Rare Book and manuscripts library.
They recount the tale of the New England forger and discover just how valuable certain antiquated titles can be, such as $250 for a 1974 wall calendar, on which Michael Ondaatje used it for his family's routine appointments.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
collections in museums etc.
COLLECTIONS IN MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND HISTORIC HOUSES
edited by Victoria Rowland
third edition 2004 of this splendid and definitive guide to the greatest treasures of the British and Irish museums, art galleries and the historic houses.
The collections featured are a recommendation of places to visit with an insight into the culture and history or cultural history, together with an indication of guided or private tours available, disabled access, gift shops, cafés and refreshments, restaurants and car parking, plus information on web sites, e mail addresses, opening times, admission, charges, and location.
Covering over 1600 collections on public display, with clear headings and lovely color photos. Organized by geographical area.
edited by Victoria Rowland
third edition 2004 of this splendid and definitive guide to the greatest treasures of the British and Irish museums, art galleries and the historic houses.
The collections featured are a recommendation of places to visit with an insight into the culture and history or cultural history, together with an indication of guided or private tours available, disabled access, gift shops, cafés and refreshments, restaurants and car parking, plus information on web sites, e mail addresses, opening times, admission, charges, and location.
Covering over 1600 collections on public display, with clear headings and lovely color photos. Organized by geographical area.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Medieval life and leisure
MEDIEVAL LIFE AND LEISURE
In the Devonshire hunting Tapestries
by Linda Woolley
Focusing on the four exceptional fifteenth century Devonshire hunting tapestries that are housed in the Victoria and Albert museum ; the only such tapestries to have survived.
These scenes depict a lost chivalric world in rich and fascinating detail from the late middle ages while hunting with the falcon or hounds was common place among the nobility of the Europe, providing rise to the saying 'The sport of Kings'. The tapestries were owned by the duke of Devonshire once upon a time, and they vividly record falcony, hunting for otter, boa, bear and deer; as well as the ransacking of a swan's nest for its eggs.
They also contemporary scholars much about human behavior of that time, what type of clothing had been worn, and other customs of those days.
In the Devonshire hunting Tapestries
by Linda Woolley
Focusing on the four exceptional fifteenth century Devonshire hunting tapestries that are housed in the Victoria and Albert museum ; the only such tapestries to have survived.
These scenes depict a lost chivalric world in rich and fascinating detail from the late middle ages while hunting with the falcon or hounds was common place among the nobility of the Europe, providing rise to the saying 'The sport of Kings'. The tapestries were owned by the duke of Devonshire once upon a time, and they vividly record falcony, hunting for otter, boa, bear and deer; as well as the ransacking of a swan's nest for its eggs.
They also contemporary scholars much about human behavior of that time, what type of clothing had been worn, and other customs of those days.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Old Crown Derby China works
OLD CROWN DERBY CHINA WORKS
The King Street factory
1849- 1935
by Robin Black wood and Cheryl Head
In the year of 1849 Sampson Hancock and five other partners established the 'King street works', which saved the production of Crown Derby china. When he died during the year of 1895, he had over seen the resurgence of the Crown Derby's prestige and popularity, and employed some of the best china painters, and he left behind a legacy of exquisite pottery, notably the Japanese, which are marvels of beauty and colors. They consisted of the deep Mazarin blue, red, green , and gold; which have made
Derby china famous all over the world.
Beginning with the history, the authors bring back 'King Street' to life again, linking the makers marks on the base of the china to the employees them selves, giving us their lives, families and the back grounds.
It is delightful to read the biography of a painter, potter or gilder; see the photographs of their work and then read the subsequent description of the piece, who owned it and where it ended up.
If you are not a collector already, you will get the itching to scour antique markets for lost pieces. Check the bases for a very rare mark: a black zeppelin under a gilded crescent moon.
During an air raid in 1916 one kiln was at a crucial stage in firing The staff left it as long as possible before extinguishing the fire. The following morning they removed what they presumed would be a ruined batch, only to find out that it has been fired perfectly.
So as to commemorate the event , the zeppelin mark was put on each piece.
The King Street factory
1849- 1935
by Robin Black wood and Cheryl Head
In the year of 1849 Sampson Hancock and five other partners established the 'King street works', which saved the production of Crown Derby china. When he died during the year of 1895, he had over seen the resurgence of the Crown Derby's prestige and popularity, and employed some of the best china painters, and he left behind a legacy of exquisite pottery, notably the Japanese, which are marvels of beauty and colors. They consisted of the deep Mazarin blue, red, green , and gold; which have made
Derby china famous all over the world.
Beginning with the history, the authors bring back 'King Street' to life again, linking the makers marks on the base of the china to the employees them selves, giving us their lives, families and the back grounds.
It is delightful to read the biography of a painter, potter or gilder; see the photographs of their work and then read the subsequent description of the piece, who owned it and where it ended up.
If you are not a collector already, you will get the itching to scour antique markets for lost pieces. Check the bases for a very rare mark: a black zeppelin under a gilded crescent moon.
During an air raid in 1916 one kiln was at a crucial stage in firing The staff left it as long as possible before extinguishing the fire. The following morning they removed what they presumed would be a ruined batch, only to find out that it has been fired perfectly.
So as to commemorate the event , the zeppelin mark was put on each piece.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Bone yard
BONE YARD
by Paul Johnston
It is 2020, the Edinburgh is the perfect city, an oppressive, crime free, independent city state. Previously presided over by the council of city guardians, there is now a new wave of ultra keen young guardians in charge, known as the iron boy scouts, who have tightened things up even more, leading to an under current of tension so electric, you can almost taste the ozone. The one activity they have yet to clamp down on entirely is the annual celebration of Hogmanay, and on new year's eve 2021, the Edinburgh tradition of getting absolutely slaughtered takes on a literal meaning for one poor soul.
The subversive PI Quintilian Dalrymple and side kick Davie are given the case, as the victim's nearest and dearest do not wants the guardians involved.
Dripping with satire and wit, this is a gruesome, powerful, fast paced thriller.
by Paul Johnston
It is 2020, the Edinburgh is the perfect city, an oppressive, crime free, independent city state. Previously presided over by the council of city guardians, there is now a new wave of ultra keen young guardians in charge, known as the iron boy scouts, who have tightened things up even more, leading to an under current of tension so electric, you can almost taste the ozone. The one activity they have yet to clamp down on entirely is the annual celebration of Hogmanay, and on new year's eve 2021, the Edinburgh tradition of getting absolutely slaughtered takes on a literal meaning for one poor soul.
The subversive PI Quintilian Dalrymple and side kick Davie are given the case, as the victim's nearest and dearest do not wants the guardians involved.
Dripping with satire and wit, this is a gruesome, powerful, fast paced thriller.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Grave secrets
GRAVE SECRETS
A novel
by Kathy Reich
for those who have not read the award winning Dr. Tempe Brennan stories, be warned that the author herself is a forensic anthropologist and well versed in the horrors of post mortem examinations. Gory details are her metier so her gripping murder mysteries are not for the faint hearted.
Whether digging a disintegrated corpse out of the nauseating gunge of a septic tank, extracting DNA from foetal bones or fighting off serial killers in Kung Fu style, this delectable, dauntless detective keeps her cool.
This particular series of murders is linked to ethnic cleansing in Guatemala.
A novel
by Kathy Reich
for those who have not read the award winning Dr. Tempe Brennan stories, be warned that the author herself is a forensic anthropologist and well versed in the horrors of post mortem examinations. Gory details are her metier so her gripping murder mysteries are not for the faint hearted.
Whether digging a disintegrated corpse out of the nauseating gunge of a septic tank, extracting DNA from foetal bones or fighting off serial killers in Kung Fu style, this delectable, dauntless detective keeps her cool.
This particular series of murders is linked to ethnic cleansing in Guatemala.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Autograph man
AUTOGRAPH MAN
by Zadie smith
Through London and then New York, searching for the only autograph that has ever mattered to him, Alex Li Tandem follows a paper trail through the mystical lure of kabbalah and Zen, past collectors, con men and interfering rabbis. His business is selling autographs, collecting them and occasionally faking them, all for a little piece of fame.
by Zadie smith
Through London and then New York, searching for the only autograph that has ever mattered to him, Alex Li Tandem follows a paper trail through the mystical lure of kabbalah and Zen, past collectors, con men and interfering rabbis. His business is selling autographs, collecting them and occasionally faking them, all for a little piece of fame.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mask of the night
MASK OF THE NIGHT
by Mary Ryan
When her father is killed in a freak accident, Jenny finds herself with only her grandfather and a portrait of her mother with which to face the new century .
She is alone at Klashane but soon discovers an old mask in the attic and with it a sinister stranger who visits her at night.
Sixty years later when Dee visits her at Klashane home she finds herself fascinated by the big ruined house down the Boreen and the mad man who haunts its grounds. In its ruins she discovers a carnival mask, a gold ring and a faded leather diary telling of the long dead lives. The passion and danger that she discovers through these finds links her not only jenny but to Klashanes past generations and across the seas and time from Venice to London to county cork
by Mary Ryan
When her father is killed in a freak accident, Jenny finds herself with only her grandfather and a portrait of her mother with which to face the new century .
She is alone at Klashane but soon discovers an old mask in the attic and with it a sinister stranger who visits her at night.
Sixty years later when Dee visits her at Klashane home she finds herself fascinated by the big ruined house down the Boreen and the mad man who haunts its grounds. In its ruins she discovers a carnival mask, a gold ring and a faded leather diary telling of the long dead lives. The passion and danger that she discovers through these finds links her not only jenny but to Klashanes past generations and across the seas and time from Venice to London to county cork
Monday, July 14, 2008
Avenger
AVENGER
by Frederick Forsyth
another block buster from the master thriller writer, his best in decades. Pure gold, says so , Publishers weekly.
Calvin Dexter is a fairly successful lawyer in New jersey but no ordinary man. Ricky Colenso volunteers a s an aid worker in Bosnia for the summer before college and disappears after a few weeks for good. There is a little hope for his family and the killer has also vanished. Can Cal Dexter uncover the truth of this seemingly straight forward case before the CIA find a way to stop that truth being known? To prevent Dexter, the avenger, who is a threat to the world peace. Forsyth at his conspiring and plot twisting best.
by Frederick Forsyth
another block buster from the master thriller writer, his best in decades. Pure gold, says so , Publishers weekly.
Calvin Dexter is a fairly successful lawyer in New jersey but no ordinary man. Ricky Colenso volunteers a s an aid worker in Bosnia for the summer before college and disappears after a few weeks for good. There is a little hope for his family and the killer has also vanished. Can Cal Dexter uncover the truth of this seemingly straight forward case before the CIA find a way to stop that truth being known? To prevent Dexter, the avenger, who is a threat to the world peace. Forsyth at his conspiring and plot twisting best.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Optimist's daughter
OPTIMIST'S DAUGHTER
by Eudora Welty
Welty won the Pulitzer prize of 1973 for this story about Laurel McKelva Hand who is in her forties and became a war widow. Years ago, she left the south but returns to New Orleans to be with her father as he under goes surgery for a little disturbance in his eye sight. Events lead her to spend time in her Mississippi child hood home with her step mother, a self absorbed younger woman, and comes to an under standing of the past, her parents, her marriage, and her self.
by Eudora Welty
Welty won the Pulitzer prize of 1973 for this story about Laurel McKelva Hand who is in her forties and became a war widow. Years ago, she left the south but returns to New Orleans to be with her father as he under goes surgery for a little disturbance in his eye sight. Events lead her to spend time in her Mississippi child hood home with her step mother, a self absorbed younger woman, and comes to an under standing of the past, her parents, her marriage, and her self.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Phantom museum
PHANTOM MUSEUM
by Hildi Hawkins and Danielle Olsen
Henry well come collected thousands of strange objects for his medical museum, and today they are stored in the vaults of a a west London store room. This extra ordinary and exciting anthology of short stories is inspired by objects from the collection. A stunning story: Body art: by A.S. Byatt, tells of Daisy Whimple, a cynical hippy type girl whose bungled abortion later leads her to attempt to bring brightness into the ward by decorating it. There she meets Dr. Beckett and becomes pregnant again by him. Will she have the baby and if she does, what will happen?
Five other stories are included as well as photos of a selection of those strange objects.
by Hildi Hawkins and Danielle Olsen
Henry well come collected thousands of strange objects for his medical museum, and today they are stored in the vaults of a a west London store room. This extra ordinary and exciting anthology of short stories is inspired by objects from the collection. A stunning story: Body art: by A.S. Byatt, tells of Daisy Whimple, a cynical hippy type girl whose bungled abortion later leads her to attempt to bring brightness into the ward by decorating it. There she meets Dr. Beckett and becomes pregnant again by him. Will she have the baby and if she does, what will happen?
Five other stories are included as well as photos of a selection of those strange objects.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sylvia and Ted
SYLVIA AND TED
by Emma Tennant
Through imaginative fiction Emma Tennant vividly evokes the social and literary circles in which Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes traveled. From the scarlet lipstick and head band Sylvia wore the night they first met, to the yards of red corduroy curtains left unfinished at her death, Emma Tennant constructs a ballad from unforgettable images that tap into our very nerve endings.
As Sylvia and Ted struggles to create both life and art, their duet becomes a duel, creating a powerful vortex of sensation and passion that draws every one into its path including Sylvia's darkly beautiful rival, Assia Wevil. These three talented yet tortured people deserve their place in the 20th century's most famous literary love affairs. This intensely poetic book breathe life into their characters
by Emma Tennant
Through imaginative fiction Emma Tennant vividly evokes the social and literary circles in which Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes traveled. From the scarlet lipstick and head band Sylvia wore the night they first met, to the yards of red corduroy curtains left unfinished at her death, Emma Tennant constructs a ballad from unforgettable images that tap into our very nerve endings.
As Sylvia and Ted struggles to create both life and art, their duet becomes a duel, creating a powerful vortex of sensation and passion that draws every one into its path including Sylvia's darkly beautiful rival, Assia Wevil. These three talented yet tortured people deserve their place in the 20th century's most famous literary love affairs. This intensely poetic book breathe life into their characters
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Orphan lamb
ORPHAN LAMB
by Ann Purser
Peggy Palmer at the post office stores watched as young Mandy and Robert Bates, newly married, run into tragedy and struggle. She sees the impact on the village when Nancy Bridget, blonde and leggy, arrives at the hall to take charge in the latest in the long line of Standings, and listens with amusement as Ivy, Ellen and Doris nick named 'the three witches of Ring ford', make their crabby comments on the village goings on. There is comedy, tragedy, joy and sorrow in this intimate community of a small English village.
by Ann Purser
Peggy Palmer at the post office stores watched as young Mandy and Robert Bates, newly married, run into tragedy and struggle. She sees the impact on the village when Nancy Bridget, blonde and leggy, arrives at the hall to take charge in the latest in the long line of Standings, and listens with amusement as Ivy, Ellen and Doris nick named 'the three witches of Ring ford', make their crabby comments on the village goings on. There is comedy, tragedy, joy and sorrow in this intimate community of a small English village.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Spinster of this parish
Spinster of this parish
by Ann Purser
Round Ring ford, a small and idyllic village, is Ivy's territory and none of its inhabitants escape her vigil at the window of Victoria Villa.
Robert Bates and his girl friend from the town , Mandy Butler, Choir master, Gabriella Jones and her way ward daughter Octavia , the standings at the hall and the Jerk ins's in the council houses all come under her watchful eyes.
As the farming year progresses, the harvest supper and Christmas concert are followed by a funeral and a village wedding.
Ivy weaves her web of cunning, not realizing that she too is caught in its sticky threads.
by Ann Purser
Round Ring ford, a small and idyllic village, is Ivy's territory and none of its inhabitants escape her vigil at the window of Victoria Villa.
Robert Bates and his girl friend from the town , Mandy Butler, Choir master, Gabriella Jones and her way ward daughter Octavia , the standings at the hall and the Jerk ins's in the council houses all come under her watchful eyes.
As the farming year progresses, the harvest supper and Christmas concert are followed by a funeral and a village wedding.
Ivy weaves her web of cunning, not realizing that she too is caught in its sticky threads.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Fifteen streets
FIFTEEN STREETS
by Catherine Cook son
When, John O'Brien fell in love with Mary Llewellyn, he knew there was a gulf between them that nothing could bridge. The gulf of the fifteen streets. Life in the fifteen streets was tough and it is a continual struggle for survival. Some families gave up and descended into a dismal state of constant poverty. Others like the O'Brien's fought grimly for a world they were only rarely allowed to glimpse.
by Catherine Cook son
When, John O'Brien fell in love with Mary Llewellyn, he knew there was a gulf between them that nothing could bridge. The gulf of the fifteen streets. Life in the fifteen streets was tough and it is a continual struggle for survival. Some families gave up and descended into a dismal state of constant poverty. Others like the O'Brien's fought grimly for a world they were only rarely allowed to glimpse.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
As meat loves salt
AS MEAT LOVES SALT
by Maria McCann
An Economist: 'Book of the year'.
This remarkable first novel recreates Cromwellian England in a way that few readers will forget.
Torn in two by the vicious civil war , this is an England of extra ordinary, never before seen bloody violence.
Among the soldiers traveling across the ravaged country from one battle to the next is Jacob Cullen, a former servant who dreams of a new life after the war.
However living as the new model army was living did unexpected things to many men, and he finds him self drawn into an obsession with Ferris, a fellow fighter. At a time this type of thing is a hanging offense, the men dessert from Cromwell's army, even that too a similarly punishable act.
McCann's depiction of an England beset by war , the gore, terror, and horrors of the battle field and the harrowing tale of the men on the edge of madness are by turns compelling and shocking. We feel the blood, sweat and tears of the protagonists and the disturbing images she unveils will linger in the memory.
A wrenching thriller, which describes individuals' madness in a nation gone mad.
by Maria McCann
An Economist: 'Book of the year'.
This remarkable first novel recreates Cromwellian England in a way that few readers will forget.
Torn in two by the vicious civil war , this is an England of extra ordinary, never before seen bloody violence.
Among the soldiers traveling across the ravaged country from one battle to the next is Jacob Cullen, a former servant who dreams of a new life after the war.
However living as the new model army was living did unexpected things to many men, and he finds him self drawn into an obsession with Ferris, a fellow fighter. At a time this type of thing is a hanging offense, the men dessert from Cromwell's army, even that too a similarly punishable act.
McCann's depiction of an England beset by war , the gore, terror, and horrors of the battle field and the harrowing tale of the men on the edge of madness are by turns compelling and shocking. We feel the blood, sweat and tears of the protagonists and the disturbing images she unveils will linger in the memory.
A wrenching thriller, which describes individuals' madness in a nation gone mad.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Bleak mid winter
BLEAK MIDWINTER, by Peter Millar, A Crackling thriller, Set in the Oxford back ground.
Rajiv Mahendra , trainee doctor at John Radcliffe hospital encounters a patient with symptoms which are horrifyingly familiar in India this disease known as the bubonic plague and the last time it occurred in a large scale in Europe, it wiped out one third of the entire population.Rajiv's friend , an American history student , Daniel Warren finds out about the patient and driven by morbid curiosity sneaks into the hospital so as to have look at the patient concerned. This had been discovered by a local news paper reporter from the local news paper. the reporter got wind of the story. Daniel wants her to be kept quiet, so Daniel reveals about the patient , that he had been working on a building site at a certain village which has been once called as Nether Ditch ford , where the entire population died of the same plague during the year 1349. could it be possible that there are plague bacterial spores which may have been roused from their dormant state?
Rajiv Mahendra , trainee doctor at John Radcliffe hospital encounters a patient with symptoms which are horrifyingly familiar in India this disease known as the bubonic plague and the last time it occurred in a large scale in Europe, it wiped out one third of the entire population.Rajiv's friend , an American history student , Daniel Warren finds out about the patient and driven by morbid curiosity sneaks into the hospital so as to have look at the patient concerned. This had been discovered by a local news paper reporter from the local news paper. the reporter got wind of the story. Daniel wants her to be kept quiet, so Daniel reveals about the patient , that he had been working on a building site at a certain village which has been once called as Nether Ditch ford , where the entire population died of the same plague during the year 1349. could it be possible that there are plague bacterial spores which may have been roused from their dormant state?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
John, The painter
JOHN THE PAINTER
the first modern terrorist
by Jessica Warner
Historian Simon Schama was more enthusiastic about his carefully researched work, describing it as a 'rich, ambitious history, executed in literary fire works : a small glory and a joy to read'.
This book's anti hero trained as a house painter but could not find work, so he tramped the country looking for work , his jobs became house breaking and pick pocketing. After a two years of spell in America, he became an impassioned supporter of the American Revolution.
His first act of terror , on returning to England in 1776 , was to try to burn down Portsmouth Dockyard . Unlucky for him , only the rope house was destroyed. Next, he set some fires in Bristol. The country was terrified and the news papers carried full of scare stories. Was he acting alone or part of a gang? Who were his American Masters? At the height of the scare , King George III was being briefed daily, and offered a huge reward for the miscreant;s capture.
The Bow street runners were sent in pursuit. Would the terrorist be caught or would the Royal dockyards be destroyed and the British war effort in America come to a grinding halt?
the first modern terrorist
by Jessica Warner
Historian Simon Schama was more enthusiastic about his carefully researched work, describing it as a 'rich, ambitious history, executed in literary fire works : a small glory and a joy to read'.
This book's anti hero trained as a house painter but could not find work, so he tramped the country looking for work , his jobs became house breaking and pick pocketing. After a two years of spell in America, he became an impassioned supporter of the American Revolution.
His first act of terror , on returning to England in 1776 , was to try to burn down Portsmouth Dockyard . Unlucky for him , only the rope house was destroyed. Next, he set some fires in Bristol. The country was terrified and the news papers carried full of scare stories. Was he acting alone or part of a gang? Who were his American Masters? At the height of the scare , King George III was being briefed daily, and offered a huge reward for the miscreant;s capture.
The Bow street runners were sent in pursuit. Would the terrorist be caught or would the Royal dockyards be destroyed and the British war effort in America come to a grinding halt?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Aubrey Beardsley
AUBREY BEARDSLEY
by Patrick Bade
Probably no artist made such an impact in such a short time. Aubrey Beardsley was only aged 25 when he died. Yet his works were already famous all over. He was hailed asa agenius. He was rebelling against materialism and morals thro his works. This artist ranked along side people such as Oscar Wilde, with him the artist shared a love and hate relationship. He was initially influenced by Pre Raphaelites and later developed his own technique, which owed much to the Japanese style - eschewing paint for pen and ink
by Patrick Bade
Probably no artist made such an impact in such a short time. Aubrey Beardsley was only aged 25 when he died. Yet his works were already famous all over. He was hailed asa agenius. He was rebelling against materialism and morals thro his works. This artist ranked along side people such as Oscar Wilde, with him the artist shared a love and hate relationship. He was initially influenced by Pre Raphaelites and later developed his own technique, which owed much to the Japanese style - eschewing paint for pen and ink
Aubrey Beardsley
AUBREY BEARDSLEY
by Patrick Bade
Probably no artist made such an impact in such a short time. Aubrey Beardsley was only aged 25 when he died. Yet his works were already famous all over. He was hailed asa agenius. He was rebelling against materialism and morals thro his works. This artist ranked along side people such as Oscar Wilde, with him the artist shared a love and hate relationship. He was initially influenced by Pre Raphaelites and later developed his own technique, which owed much to the Japanese style - eschewing paint for pen and ink
by Patrick Bade
Probably no artist made such an impact in such a short time. Aubrey Beardsley was only aged 25 when he died. Yet his works were already famous all over. He was hailed asa agenius. He was rebelling against materialism and morals thro his works. This artist ranked along side people such as Oscar Wilde, with him the artist shared a love and hate relationship. He was initially influenced by Pre Raphaelites and later developed his own technique, which owed much to the Japanese style - eschewing paint for pen and ink
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Allure
ALLURE
By Diana Vreeland
‘Allure is some thing that exists’, Diana Vreeland said, ‘It is some thing around you, like a perfume or a scent, it is like memory, it pervades.’ Diana Vreeland was not only a fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar and editor inn chief of Vogue or almost a decade and was also the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of arts costume institute.
She inspired the world of fashion for over 50 years until her death in 1989. This book is Vreeland’s personal selections of 164 images by some of the last century’s greatest photographers – among them are: Horst, De Meyer, Avedon, Beaton, Penn, and Steichen. Capturing the people and events that gave shape to the culture of an era, they feature personalities including: Garbo, Nureyev, Callas, and Queen Mary, the duchess of Windsor, Audrey Hepburn, and Josephine Baker. Vreeland goes far beyond them into the imaginative, gossipy world she knew so well.
By Diana Vreeland
‘Allure is some thing that exists’, Diana Vreeland said, ‘It is some thing around you, like a perfume or a scent, it is like memory, it pervades.’ Diana Vreeland was not only a fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar and editor inn chief of Vogue or almost a decade and was also the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of arts costume institute.
She inspired the world of fashion for over 50 years until her death in 1989. This book is Vreeland’s personal selections of 164 images by some of the last century’s greatest photographers – among them are: Horst, De Meyer, Avedon, Beaton, Penn, and Steichen. Capturing the people and events that gave shape to the culture of an era, they feature personalities including: Garbo, Nureyev, Callas, and Queen Mary, the duchess of Windsor, Audrey Hepburn, and Josephine Baker. Vreeland goes far beyond them into the imaginative, gossipy world she knew so well.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Essential Man Ray
ESSENTIAL MAN RAY
By Ingrid Schaffner
One of the essential series published b Harry N Abrams of New York , here we learn about the life and career of the Philadelphia born Dadaist-Surrealist photographer and painter Man Ray , whi began life as Emmanuel Rudinitsky in 1890 and died in Paris in 1976.
He delighted in shocking his viewers with works designed to”amuse, annoy, bewilder, and mystify”, we learn that the essence of the man and his work lies in surrealism , his art showing us the uncanny and disturbing in the every day life.
Although he liked to be known as a painter , his most striking images were made with the camera , and well women specifically was probably the biggest influence in his art.
By Ingrid Schaffner
One of the essential series published b Harry N Abrams of New York , here we learn about the life and career of the Philadelphia born Dadaist-Surrealist photographer and painter Man Ray , whi began life as Emmanuel Rudinitsky in 1890 and died in Paris in 1976.
He delighted in shocking his viewers with works designed to”amuse, annoy, bewilder, and mystify”, we learn that the essence of the man and his work lies in surrealism , his art showing us the uncanny and disturbing in the every day life.
Although he liked to be known as a painter , his most striking images were made with the camera , and well women specifically was probably the biggest influence in his art.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Discourses on Art
DISCOURSES ON ART
Sir Joshua Reynolds
.by Robert Wark
Sir Joshua Reynolds’ discourses on art ‘forms one of the most eloquent literary documents in the history of the European art. Composed as lectures to the students at the Royal Academy in the late eighteenth century, they both summarise the art theory of the previous 300 years and point towards the attitudes prevalent in the nineteenth century. His general topic is the education of the artist and he is concerned with the essentials of the problem he tackles: the purpose of art, the nature of the creative process and the artist’s relation to tradition. Long recognized as the fundamental text for the study of the eighteenth century English painting, this edition is generally considered to be the definitive.
Sir Joshua Reynolds
.by Robert Wark
Sir Joshua Reynolds’ discourses on art ‘forms one of the most eloquent literary documents in the history of the European art. Composed as lectures to the students at the Royal Academy in the late eighteenth century, they both summarise the art theory of the previous 300 years and point towards the attitudes prevalent in the nineteenth century. His general topic is the education of the artist and he is concerned with the essentials of the problem he tackles: the purpose of art, the nature of the creative process and the artist’s relation to tradition. Long recognized as the fundamental text for the study of the eighteenth century English painting, this edition is generally considered to be the definitive.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Seven pillars of wisdom
THE SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM
By T E Lawrence
As Angus Calder states in his introduction to this edition, seven pillars of wisdom is one of the major statements about the fighting experience of the First World War. Lawrence’s younger brothers, Frank and Will, had been killed on the western front in 1915 the book was written in between 1919 and 1926 and it tells of the vastly different campaign against Turks in the Middle East, one of which encompasses gross acts of cruelty and revenge and ends in a welter of stink and corpses in the disgusting hospital in Damascus
By T E Lawrence
As Angus Calder states in his introduction to this edition, seven pillars of wisdom is one of the major statements about the fighting experience of the First World War. Lawrence’s younger brothers, Frank and Will, had been killed on the western front in 1915 the book was written in between 1919 and 1926 and it tells of the vastly different campaign against Turks in the Middle East, one of which encompasses gross acts of cruelty and revenge and ends in a welter of stink and corpses in the disgusting hospital in Damascus
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Breaking into print
BREAKING INTO PRINT
Before and after the invention of the printing press
By Stephen Krensky
Up until the early 1400s, books were hand lettered by the monks using knife sharpened quills. They were so rare and valuable that they were chained to the shelves of monastery libraries. But, once the printing pres was available, the world of reading and access to information opened up to every one. For the first time explorers, scientists and writers could share their knowledge and the lives of people .every where were transformed.
Before and after the invention of the printing press
By Stephen Krensky
Up until the early 1400s, books were hand lettered by the monks using knife sharpened quills. They were so rare and valuable that they were chained to the shelves of monastery libraries. But, once the printing pres was available, the world of reading and access to information opened up to every one. For the first time explorers, scientists and writers could share their knowledge and the lives of people .every where were transformed.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wuthering heights
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
By Emily Bronte
The great story about two wild children growing up together on the wind swept moor. A forced separation leads to an unsuitable marriage and general instability. Death and madness follow on this.
By Emily Bronte
The great story about two wild children growing up together on the wind swept moor. A forced separation leads to an unsuitable marriage and general instability. Death and madness follow on this.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Light house to Monk's house
FROM THE LIGHT HOUSE TO MONK’S HOUSE
A guide to Virginia Woolf’s literary landscapes
By Katherine Hill Miller
Divided into five chapters, in each we are introduced to the book in question and the author’s circumstances while writing it. Then we are taken to the locations and given an interpretive guide, which relates the place to the work. We begin with St. Ives, Cornwall, where Virginia Woolf spent many childhood summers, and whose bay, beach and Victorian interiors provide the backdrop to the lighthouse. Then we visit London, in particular Kensington, where she grew up and which provides the centre stage in Mrs. Dalloway, then we are off to the grand country seat at Knoll in Kent, home of the Villa Sackville West , both her and the house being the chief inspirations of Orlando. It is Cambridge, our next stop, the setting for a room of one’s own and finally Rodmell in East Sussex, the location for Leonard and Virginia’s home Monica’s house and this is the location for ‘Between the acts’. Each chapter includes a traveler’s guide to the places featured in the books. How to hire a boat to get to the light house , tour Cambridge in Woolf’s foot steps etc. with the plenty of notes in it , this book is not only an essential introduction to her books, but also a fascinating tour around both the places and the author’s thinking process.
A guide to Virginia Woolf’s literary landscapes
By Katherine Hill Miller
Divided into five chapters, in each we are introduced to the book in question and the author’s circumstances while writing it. Then we are taken to the locations and given an interpretive guide, which relates the place to the work. We begin with St. Ives, Cornwall, where Virginia Woolf spent many childhood summers, and whose bay, beach and Victorian interiors provide the backdrop to the lighthouse. Then we visit London, in particular Kensington, where she grew up and which provides the centre stage in Mrs. Dalloway, then we are off to the grand country seat at Knoll in Kent, home of the Villa Sackville West , both her and the house being the chief inspirations of Orlando. It is Cambridge, our next stop, the setting for a room of one’s own and finally Rodmell in East Sussex, the location for Leonard and Virginia’s home Monica’s house and this is the location for ‘Between the acts’. Each chapter includes a traveler’s guide to the places featured in the books. How to hire a boat to get to the light house , tour Cambridge in Woolf’s foot steps etc. with the plenty of notes in it , this book is not only an essential introduction to her books, but also a fascinating tour around both the places and the author’s thinking process.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
King of Pirates
KING OF PIRATES
By Daniel Defoe
Following the success of Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe composed a further tale of high adventure at sea, “The King of Pirates”. In response to slanderous allegations accusing him of the worst possible deeds, rape murder and plunder beyond mere piracy, Captain Avery pens a reply seeking to exonerate him from all such charges. . He sees fit to provide a full account of life as a captain of a pirate ship and how he came to be proclaimed as the King of Madagascar. Yet far from being the archetypal, murderous villain, his letters reveal him simply to be a very lovable rogue, albeit one involved in buried treasure, surprise cargo and fortunes foul and fair
By Daniel Defoe
Following the success of Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe composed a further tale of high adventure at sea, “The King of Pirates”. In response to slanderous allegations accusing him of the worst possible deeds, rape murder and plunder beyond mere piracy, Captain Avery pens a reply seeking to exonerate him from all such charges. . He sees fit to provide a full account of life as a captain of a pirate ship and how he came to be proclaimed as the King of Madagascar. Yet far from being the archetypal, murderous villain, his letters reveal him simply to be a very lovable rogue, albeit one involved in buried treasure, surprise cargo and fortunes foul and fair
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Selected poems
SELECTED POEMS
By Peter Redgrove
Titles like ‘young woman with the hair of witches and no modesty and ‘The first Earth quake’ , the first time of which is ; ‘the birds squabbled and fell silent in their million trees like colleges of monks with their mean little ways and their beautiful song’. Wonderful images leap from the pages of this selection of works from ‘The collector’ 1959 to ‘assembling a ghost’ 1996. We can fully appreciate the elements of Red grove’s alchemy – the erotic change and sensuous vibrancy of his language, his wry and cordial humor, the strange, thrilling narratives and the constant clarity and freshness of the observing eye.
By Peter Redgrove
Titles like ‘young woman with the hair of witches and no modesty and ‘The first Earth quake’ , the first time of which is ; ‘the birds squabbled and fell silent in their million trees like colleges of monks with their mean little ways and their beautiful song’. Wonderful images leap from the pages of this selection of works from ‘The collector’ 1959 to ‘assembling a ghost’ 1996. We can fully appreciate the elements of Red grove’s alchemy – the erotic change and sensuous vibrancy of his language, his wry and cordial humor, the strange, thrilling narratives and the constant clarity and freshness of the observing eye.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Red Canary
RED CANARY
By Tim Birkhead
An unusual story about genetics with all its false starts, dashed hopes and achievements. In 1921 a 40 years old school teacher in Bremen heard a nightingale singing near the cathedral. But this was august and no one had ever heard a nightingale sing in the middle of town at that time of year. In fact the bird he had heard was extra ordinary, a special canary that Karl Reich, a bird keeper had engineered through a decade of dedicated breeding. With Reich’s knowledge of birds and the 40 years old Hans Duncker’s expertise in genetics , the two joined forces with an audacious plan to create a new kind of bird , called –Red Canary.
By Tim Birkhead
An unusual story about genetics with all its false starts, dashed hopes and achievements. In 1921 a 40 years old school teacher in Bremen heard a nightingale singing near the cathedral. But this was august and no one had ever heard a nightingale sing in the middle of town at that time of year. In fact the bird he had heard was extra ordinary, a special canary that Karl Reich, a bird keeper had engineered through a decade of dedicated breeding. With Reich’s knowledge of birds and the 40 years old Hans Duncker’s expertise in genetics , the two joined forces with an audacious plan to create a new kind of bird , called –Red Canary.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Medical oddities
MEDICAL CURIOSITIES
By Robert Young son
Here are the therapies involving bacon rashers, toads and other items, bizarre ailments as such fishy odor syndrome and colonic crunch, remarkable feats of the human body including clearing a blockage with a snake, improvised operations, quack cures, bleeding and purging, and other amazing medical ideas. The stranger cases in the medical profession, including fraudsters, fantasists, body snatchers, and those suffering from ‘intellectual deficit’ find their rightful place in this miscellany of medical oddities, horrors and humors.
By Robert Young son
Here are the therapies involving bacon rashers, toads and other items, bizarre ailments as such fishy odor syndrome and colonic crunch, remarkable feats of the human body including clearing a blockage with a snake, improvised operations, quack cures, bleeding and purging, and other amazing medical ideas. The stranger cases in the medical profession, including fraudsters, fantasists, body snatchers, and those suffering from ‘intellectual deficit’ find their rightful place in this miscellany of medical oddities, horrors and humors.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Mapping of the heavens
MAPING OF THE HEAVENS
By Peter Whitefield
Constellations were recorded in the Egyptian Tomb of Sett Ic, 1275 BC, and the ancient Chinese, Mayas, Indians, Greeks, Romans and Babylonians, all charted stars and produced Zodiacs and the infamous Farnese Atlas and Islamic Celestial Globe. Whitefield plots the course of man’s early learning through to today. During the middle ages he describes the imagery and scripts that adorned manuscripts, about the heavens and the frescos, paintings and tapestries that depicted man’s obsessions with the mysteries of the sky. He describes the classic age of star maps from the likes of Galileo, Kepler, Schoner, and Tycho, and the discovery in 1660 of the Copernican system which captured the universe’s true structure. Eighteenth century significantly expanded man’s understanding, when William Herschel discovering Uranus in 1781 and became the first man to enlarge the bounds of the solar system and grasp the true three dimensional form of the universe and map the milky way in 1785.
By Peter Whitefield
Constellations were recorded in the Egyptian Tomb of Sett Ic, 1275 BC, and the ancient Chinese, Mayas, Indians, Greeks, Romans and Babylonians, all charted stars and produced Zodiacs and the infamous Farnese Atlas and Islamic Celestial Globe. Whitefield plots the course of man’s early learning through to today. During the middle ages he describes the imagery and scripts that adorned manuscripts, about the heavens and the frescos, paintings and tapestries that depicted man’s obsessions with the mysteries of the sky. He describes the classic age of star maps from the likes of Galileo, Kepler, Schoner, and Tycho, and the discovery in 1660 of the Copernican system which captured the universe’s true structure. Eighteenth century significantly expanded man’s understanding, when William Herschel discovering Uranus in 1781 and became the first man to enlarge the bounds of the solar system and grasp the true three dimensional form of the universe and map the milky way in 1785.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mirror
MIRROR, MIRROR!
A history of the human love affair with reflections
By Mark Pondergrast
Out of all man’s inventions, the mirror is the one most closely associated with our consciousness. As the first technology for the contemplation of the self, its invention compliments one of the fundamental attributes that sets us apart from other animals – self awareness. It can surely be said to be the equal of the wheel in importance. Possibly more so as giant optically perfect mirrors now enable us to peer into the heavens, through the space and time back to the genesis of the universe. The Romans created mirrored rooms for their orgies and the ancient Aztecs created mirrors with which to light fires. What is the truth in the tale of Archimedes burning mirror and did it really set fire to a fleet of roman ships? Venetian mirror makers were compelled to live on a cloistered island, escape from which was punishable by death, and Isaac Newton blinded himself for days following experiments with mirrors and intense sunlight. Then we move into the present and the technology and skill which are required so as to produce the absolutely perfect reflectors for the biggest most powerful telescopes and of course when it does not quite works as happened with the Hubble’s mirror. A fascinating tale of how a reflective surface - which means nothing without an observer – has affected religion, science, psychology and the arts.
A history of the human love affair with reflections
By Mark Pondergrast
Out of all man’s inventions, the mirror is the one most closely associated with our consciousness. As the first technology for the contemplation of the self, its invention compliments one of the fundamental attributes that sets us apart from other animals – self awareness. It can surely be said to be the equal of the wheel in importance. Possibly more so as giant optically perfect mirrors now enable us to peer into the heavens, through the space and time back to the genesis of the universe. The Romans created mirrored rooms for their orgies and the ancient Aztecs created mirrors with which to light fires. What is the truth in the tale of Archimedes burning mirror and did it really set fire to a fleet of roman ships? Venetian mirror makers were compelled to live on a cloistered island, escape from which was punishable by death, and Isaac Newton blinded himself for days following experiments with mirrors and intense sunlight. Then we move into the present and the technology and skill which are required so as to produce the absolutely perfect reflectors for the biggest most powerful telescopes and of course when it does not quite works as happened with the Hubble’s mirror. A fascinating tale of how a reflective surface - which means nothing without an observer – has affected religion, science, psychology and the arts.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Precision trim carpentry
PRECISION TRIM CARPENTRY
By Rick Williams
Step by step color photos for these 20 projects some how make the tricky corners of carpentry seem utterly simple. Projects include a variety of doors and door casings painted or stained wainscot paneling, built in cabinets, shelves and parquet flooring. Author reveals secret of how to line u the corners of skirting boards so that there is no gap at the inter section and the same technique is applied to ceiling moldings. Installing an interior door can be a fiddly business but the author shows how to use a plumb line and spacer blocks for a perfect fit. The surface of the pre finished parquet flooring usually holds up well and the photos are invaluable for reassuring a DIY enthusiast that the floor really is supposed to look like that half way through. After the carpentry projects, a final home improvement focuses on the walls, introducing the technique of bag painting or rag rolling in UK parlance. A guide to wood working terms, adhesives, stains and top coats concludes.
By Rick Williams
Step by step color photos for these 20 projects some how make the tricky corners of carpentry seem utterly simple. Projects include a variety of doors and door casings painted or stained wainscot paneling, built in cabinets, shelves and parquet flooring. Author reveals secret of how to line u the corners of skirting boards so that there is no gap at the inter section and the same technique is applied to ceiling moldings. Installing an interior door can be a fiddly business but the author shows how to use a plumb line and spacer blocks for a perfect fit. The surface of the pre finished parquet flooring usually holds up well and the photos are invaluable for reassuring a DIY enthusiast that the floor really is supposed to look like that half way through. After the carpentry projects, a final home improvement focuses on the walls, introducing the technique of bag painting or rag rolling in UK parlance. A guide to wood working terms, adhesives, stains and top coats concludes.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Neem in Ayurveda
The book highlights the importance of the neem tree and its uses. ‘Neem in ayurveda’ is a useful source of information on the medicinal and therapeutic uses of neem, such as its external and internal uses, dental hygiene, fertility regulating materials, ophthalmic uses, treatment of contagious diseases, toiletries etc.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Mind travellers
MIND TRAVELLERS
By W.S.Ranasinghe, Writer of novels in Sinhala. This is his first novel in English.
He collected information on mental capabilities for nearly forty years. He has included material about mind training in this novel. Hence it is far more than a simple novel.
All those who are interested in mind power, spiritualism, meditation, contemplation could benefit from this book. This book has been published by: Sarvodaya – Visvalekha,
41, Lumbini Avenue, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. Priced Rs: 460/= (Sri Lankan currency)
By W.S.Ranasinghe, Writer of novels in Sinhala. This is his first novel in English.
He collected information on mental capabilities for nearly forty years. He has included material about mind training in this novel. Hence it is far more than a simple novel.
All those who are interested in mind power, spiritualism, meditation, contemplation could benefit from this book. This book has been published by: Sarvodaya – Visvalekha,
41, Lumbini Avenue, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. Priced Rs: 460/= (Sri Lankan currency)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Leather works
LEATHER WORK
Craft workshop
By Mary Maguire
Sheepskin slippers, Wall pockets, Cushion covers, keepsake wallet, coaster and napkin ring, Indian style stool, leather satchel, shopping bag and suede tassels; each project presented in an accessible step by step sequences, illustrated with color photos. It was not until the discovery of tanning in Ancient Egypt that we first had leather, a hard wearing preserved material and one of the earliest manufactured products. Today it is still essential to life, and our book provides a fresh look at a highly traditional craft. Twenty five practical and desirable designs written for all levels of leather workers. Three hundred specially commissioned photos.
Craft workshop
By Mary Maguire
Sheepskin slippers, Wall pockets, Cushion covers, keepsake wallet, coaster and napkin ring, Indian style stool, leather satchel, shopping bag and suede tassels; each project presented in an accessible step by step sequences, illustrated with color photos. It was not until the discovery of tanning in Ancient Egypt that we first had leather, a hard wearing preserved material and one of the earliest manufactured products. Today it is still essential to life, and our book provides a fresh look at a highly traditional craft. Twenty five practical and desirable designs written for all levels of leather workers. Three hundred specially commissioned photos.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Eternal Egypt
ETERNAL EGYPT
Master works of ancient art from the British museum
One of the greatest loan exhibitions ever to have been mounted from the collections of the British museum. Focusing on over three thousand years of Egyptian history and hundred and forty four diverse works including sculpture , relief, , Papyri, ostraca, jewellery, cosmetic objects and items of funerary equipment, the exhibition was loaned to America while the British museum under went extensive rebuilding. The catalogue presents the items in chronological order and begins with essays that overview the history and nature of Egyptian art as well as the development of the British Museum’s permanent collection.
Master works of ancient art from the British museum
One of the greatest loan exhibitions ever to have been mounted from the collections of the British museum. Focusing on over three thousand years of Egyptian history and hundred and forty four diverse works including sculpture , relief, , Papyri, ostraca, jewellery, cosmetic objects and items of funerary equipment, the exhibition was loaned to America while the British museum under went extensive rebuilding. The catalogue presents the items in chronological order and begins with essays that overview the history and nature of Egyptian art as well as the development of the British Museum’s permanent collection.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Street by street
AA STREET BY STREET
Sussex plus Haselemere
In theory, a pocket sized street map of your county may be a luxury but once you acquire one like that, you find your self wondering as to how you survived without it.
Superbly clear and well referenced these AA maps have a good overlap and are easy to join up for route planning purposes.
Ten of the area’s major towns are enlarged including: Brighton, Chi Chester, Bog nor, Crawley, East Bourne, and Worthing; and town centre maps show one way streets and parking.
The street index includes not only the map reference also the area post code too.
An extremely helpful extra, when street names are duplicated.
With indexes of towns and villages, schools, surgeries and sports centres too.
Sussex plus Haselemere
In theory, a pocket sized street map of your county may be a luxury but once you acquire one like that, you find your self wondering as to how you survived without it.
Superbly clear and well referenced these AA maps have a good overlap and are easy to join up for route planning purposes.
Ten of the area’s major towns are enlarged including: Brighton, Chi Chester, Bog nor, Crawley, East Bourne, and Worthing; and town centre maps show one way streets and parking.
The street index includes not only the map reference also the area post code too.
An extremely helpful extra, when street names are duplicated.
With indexes of towns and villages, schools, surgeries and sports centres too.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Salisbury
SALISBURY
The changing city
By Bruce Purvis
Originally a pre historic settlement, Salisbury has evolved over the centuries into a beautiful city, which has seen a myriad of changes. This look at the happenings and history, of the area embraces events such as the cholera outbreak in1849 which led to the provision of proper sewerage and water supplies, the arrival of the railways, marked by a banquet at the White hart hotel, and the meteoric rise of the 15th century Salisbury due to the wool trade The magnificent cathedral founded in 1220 took approximately a century to build, though it has had much additional and restoration work since. The final chapters include ‘Tours of the city’, comparing photos of the now and then.
The changing city
By Bruce Purvis
Originally a pre historic settlement, Salisbury has evolved over the centuries into a beautiful city, which has seen a myriad of changes. This look at the happenings and history, of the area embraces events such as the cholera outbreak in1849 which led to the provision of proper sewerage and water supplies, the arrival of the railways, marked by a banquet at the White hart hotel, and the meteoric rise of the 15th century Salisbury due to the wool trade The magnificent cathedral founded in 1220 took approximately a century to build, though it has had much additional and restoration work since. The final chapters include ‘Tours of the city’, comparing photos of the now and then.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Country houses
COUNTRY HOUSES OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALESBy Andrew GingerThis book is beautifully illustrated and offers concise appreciation of the country house, its history and the architecture. Divided into four sections. ‘Origins’ is 16 part exploration of the key aspects of these magnificent houses. From their architectural style and furnishings to below stirs, garden buildings, art and collections they house, continually changing social uses. Part II has four pages of maps. Pinpointing each of the houses in the gazetteer, showing principal roads.Part III ,gazetteer, is an alphabetical guide to 100 of the most outstanding country houses, together with the brief details of history and other features and also the directions for the visitors. Part IV is a kind of useful glossary of the architectural terms and a full index. Gorgeous color plates
Monday, April 21, 2008
Spirit of Penley
SPIRIT OF PENLEY
Twentieth century in photographs
By Derrick and Shirley Pratt
To open this book is to time travel back to the faces, fields, and buildings, that were Penley of the long past. When it was an ancient rural idyll, Penley through the war years, when it was thrust abruptly into the twentieth century, and its journey to the present day, “tale of two villages’, It documents the change from a little welsh agricultural back water. It is named after the seventh century king of the Mercians, Penda, to a sudden transformation in1942. At that time two huge United States army hospitals were built there. The village was filling up with vast number of strangers and a need for new and better roads was created. New industries and increased housing facilities too were required. The whole story is being told through the help of the photographs. Family groups whose ancestors have been Penley people for centuries. Farmers and neatly dressed children. The changing appearance of the pub. Dramatic building of the hospitals. Ranks of doctors and surgeons. Again in 1945 Polish army replaced the Americans. They were really making the little welsh village as their home. Compare the rather feudal rent dinners held in the pub. There the lady tenants were allowed but they had to eat separately from the men that meaning in the kitchen itself. After the integration of the Polish integration into the Penley life, running occupational therapy workshops in carpentry and cobbling kept the village well shod. The religious festivals and the dances they brought along with them and the Polskie echo.
Twentieth century in photographs
By Derrick and Shirley Pratt
To open this book is to time travel back to the faces, fields, and buildings, that were Penley of the long past. When it was an ancient rural idyll, Penley through the war years, when it was thrust abruptly into the twentieth century, and its journey to the present day, “tale of two villages’, It documents the change from a little welsh agricultural back water. It is named after the seventh century king of the Mercians, Penda, to a sudden transformation in1942. At that time two huge United States army hospitals were built there. The village was filling up with vast number of strangers and a need for new and better roads was created. New industries and increased housing facilities too were required. The whole story is being told through the help of the photographs. Family groups whose ancestors have been Penley people for centuries. Farmers and neatly dressed children. The changing appearance of the pub. Dramatic building of the hospitals. Ranks of doctors and surgeons. Again in 1945 Polish army replaced the Americans. They were really making the little welsh village as their home. Compare the rather feudal rent dinners held in the pub. There the lady tenants were allowed but they had to eat separately from the men that meaning in the kitchen itself. After the integration of the Polish integration into the Penley life, running occupational therapy workshops in carpentry and cobbling kept the village well shod. The religious festivals and the dances they brought along with them and the Polskie echo.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
scattered among the peoples
SCATTERED AMONG THE PEOPLES
The Jewish Diaspora in twelve portraits
By Allan Levine
Diaspora is derived from the Greek word for scattering and originally applied to any people exiled or resettled in the ancient world. More recently it has come to define the Jewish experience when King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians burned the Temple of Solomon in 586 BC sending the people of Judea into exile. This chronological look at twelve defining points in the Jewish history, from Seville in 1492to Kiev in 1967, is immensely readable and well researched. Scandal, fortunes made and lost assassination and tragedy - a very important addition to the understanding of the Jewish culture.
The Jewish Diaspora in twelve portraits
By Allan Levine
Diaspora is derived from the Greek word for scattering and originally applied to any people exiled or resettled in the ancient world. More recently it has come to define the Jewish experience when King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians burned the Temple of Solomon in 586 BC sending the people of Judea into exile. This chronological look at twelve defining points in the Jewish history, from Seville in 1492to Kiev in 1967, is immensely readable and well researched. Scandal, fortunes made and lost assassination and tragedy - a very important addition to the understanding of the Jewish culture.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Ladies in waiting
LADIES IN WATING
From the Tudors to the present days
By Anne Somerset
Drawn from variety of resources, including the diaries of Lady Anne Clifford, Lady Cowper, and Fanny Bumey. Fascinating expose of the lives of ladies in waiting may lead you to revise your ideas about what exactly went on in the exotic and eccentric world of the court. At a time when virtually every profession was an exclusively masculine preserve. The position of the lady in waiting on the queen was almost the only occupation that an upper class English woman could with propriety pursue. What is more, if they become royal mistresses, real power was within their grasp. Some, such as the rapacious Lady Castle Maine, amassed a fortune. Anne Boleyn lost her head. Even today the queen is assisted in the execution of her duties by a group of women whose duty is to provide her with companionship and support
From the Tudors to the present days
By Anne Somerset
Drawn from variety of resources, including the diaries of Lady Anne Clifford, Lady Cowper, and Fanny Bumey. Fascinating expose of the lives of ladies in waiting may lead you to revise your ideas about what exactly went on in the exotic and eccentric world of the court. At a time when virtually every profession was an exclusively masculine preserve. The position of the lady in waiting on the queen was almost the only occupation that an upper class English woman could with propriety pursue. What is more, if they become royal mistresses, real power was within their grasp. Some, such as the rapacious Lady Castle Maine, amassed a fortune. Anne Boleyn lost her head. Even today the queen is assisted in the execution of her duties by a group of women whose duty is to provide her with companionship and support
Thursday, April 17, 2008
last night dream
I was flying over the high hills and dales so fast and lot of birds of various kind were just following me in the sky. I was wondering as to what is happening. Although I was floating with the flowing winds, I have not stretched my arms or legs. What is this supposed to be? Only thing this was the dream I had last night. Can any one explain this please.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Edwardians
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THE EDWARDIANS
By Ray Matterslay
Contrast between the two ages was dramatic. After the earnestness and somberness of the later Victorian era and the Edwardian years, though brief, were light hearted, reflecting the character of the new king, Edward VII. He was 60 before he succeeded his mother and was ill prepared for the task as he was not groomed, for the role, the court too could not bring themselves, to contemplate Victoria’s death. This was a time of achievement. Man took to the air, motor cars became a common sight, great politicians evolved, novelists, artists, and musicians shone. The author has consulted unpublished diaries, and letters, in order to create this lively master piece of a very special period in Britain’s history.
By Ray Matterslay
Contrast between the two ages was dramatic. After the earnestness and somberness of the later Victorian era and the Edwardian years, though brief, were light hearted, reflecting the character of the new king, Edward VII. He was 60 before he succeeded his mother and was ill prepared for the task as he was not groomed, for the role, the court too could not bring themselves, to contemplate Victoria’s death. This was a time of achievement. Man took to the air, motor cars became a common sight, great politicians evolved, novelists, artists, and musicians shone. The author has consulted unpublished diaries, and letters, in order to create this lively master piece of a very special period in Britain’s history.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
CAESAR AGAINST THE CELTS
CAESAR AGAINST THE CELTS
This one takes the reader to each of the Caesar’s campaigns in ancient France, Britain and Germany. Describing Caesar’s battle on land and sea including the invasions of England. The bridge across the Rhine and sieges of numerous Celtic strongholds. Climax of his northern campaign occurred at Alesla in central France. Young Celtic warrior Vercingetorix commanding a great coalition of rebellious tribes finally surrendered to the Caesar after an epic siege. He was carted off to Rome in chains and put to death, after his opponent’s triumphant parade. Throughout the narrative are descriptions of the clothing, armour, weapons, and tactics, of the Caesar’s army as well as those of the Celtic tribes. The works also reflects on the results of modern archaeological, linguistic and historical research and also includes identifications of the sites of many battles, camps and sieges
This one takes the reader to each of the Caesar’s campaigns in ancient France, Britain and Germany. Describing Caesar’s battle on land and sea including the invasions of England. The bridge across the Rhine and sieges of numerous Celtic strongholds. Climax of his northern campaign occurred at Alesla in central France. Young Celtic warrior Vercingetorix commanding a great coalition of rebellious tribes finally surrendered to the Caesar after an epic siege. He was carted off to Rome in chains and put to death, after his opponent’s triumphant parade. Throughout the narrative are descriptions of the clothing, armour, weapons, and tactics, of the Caesar’s army as well as those of the Celtic tribes. The works also reflects on the results of modern archaeological, linguistic and historical research and also includes identifications of the sites of many battles, camps and sieges
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