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The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London
by Christopher Skaife“Packed with insight and anecdote [this memoir] brings the Tower ravens to vivid life.” —George R .R. Martin, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of A Game of ThronesThe ravens at the Tower of London are of mighty importance: rumor has it that if a raven from the Tower should ever leave, the city will fall.The title of Ravenmaster, therefore, is a serious title indeed, and after decades of serving the Queen, Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife took on the added responsibility of caring for the infamous ravens. In The Ravenmaster, he lets us in on his life as he feeds his birds raw meat and biscuits soaked in blood, buys their food at Smithfield Market, and ensures that these unusual, misunderstood, and utterly brilliant corvids are healthy, happy, and ready to captivate the four million tourists who flock to the Tower every year.An intimate, and inspiring partnership has developed between the ravens and their human, the Ravenmaster, who shares the folklore, history, and superstitions surrounding the ravens and the Tower. Shining a light on the behavior of the birds, their pecking order and social structure, Skaife shows who the Tower’s true guardians really are—and the result is a compelling and irreverent narrative that will surprise and enchant.“An unending fount of raven lore.” —Petra Mayer, NPR“A beguiling, fascinating, and highly amusing account of the strangely magical birds.” —Helen MacDonald, The Atlantic“A natural storyteller, Skaife writes with affection and insight.” —PD Smith, The Guardian“Skaife] fill[s] in the story with scads of local color.” —Peter Lewis, The Boston Globe“Splendid.” —Booklist, starred review“A rollicking tale fit for nearly any armchair adventurer.” —Publishers Weekly
Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs
by Jamie LoftusA NEW YORK TIMES AND INDIE BESTSELLER!Part travelogue, part culinary history, all capitalist critique—comedian Jamie Loftus's debut, Raw Dog, will take you on a cross-country road trip in the summer of 2021, and reveal what the creation, culture, and class influence of hot dogs says about America now.A Best Book of the Year from NPR and Vulture. Featured in: NPR Weekend Edition • Bon Appétit • Oprah Daily • Glamour • NY Mag • Splendid Table • The Wall Street Journal • Eater • Betches • USA Today • Boston Globe • Eater • Slate • The Next Big Idea Club • Buzzfeed and more “Wise and funny” —ANDY RICHTER • “Revealing, funny, sad, horny, and insatiably curious” —SARAH MARSHALL • “A wild ride” —ROBERT EVANS • “Deeply incisive and hilariously honest” —JACK O’BRIEN • “Gonzo yet vulnerable” —GABE DUNN • “Hot dog Moby-Dick” —BRANSON REESE • “One of the freshest and most insightful new comedic voices of this decade.” —LINDSAY ELLIS Hot dogs. Poor people created them. Rich people found a way to charge fifteen dollars for them. They’re high culture, they’re low culture, they’re sports food, they’re kids' food, they’re hangover food, and they’re deeply American, despite having no basis whatsoever in America's Indigenous traditions. You can love them, you can hate them, but you can’t avoid the great American hot dog.Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs is part investigation into the cultural and culinary significance of hot dogs and part travelogue documenting a cross-country road trip researching them as they’re served today. From avocado and spice in the West to ass-shattering chili in the East to an entire salad on a slice of meat in Chicago, Loftus, her pets, and her ex eat their way across the country during the strange summer of 2021. It’s a brief window into the year between waves of a plague that the American government has the resources to temper, but not the interest.So grab a dog, lay out your picnic blanket, and dig into the delicious and inevitable product of centuries of violence, poverty, and ambition, now rolling around at your local 7-Eleven.The hardcover edition of Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs includes gorgeous endpapers, an illustrated case, as well as illustrations by the author throughout."Raw Dog will leave you nourished." —BuzzFeed"You will certainly never read a funnier book about taking a hot dog-themed road trip across America." —Glamour"A journey both silly and profound." —Vulture, Best Books of 2023At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Raw Spirit: In Search of the Perfect Dram
by Iain BanksA fascinating journey through Scotland's famous distilleries with legendary author Iain Banks No true Scotsman can resist the allure of the nation's whisky distilleries. In an absorbing voyage as interesting to non-drinkers as to true whisky connoisseurs, sci-fi and literary author Iain Banks explores the rich heritage of Scottish whisky, from the largest and most famous distilleries to the smallest, most obscure operations.Whisky is more than a drink: it's a culture, a binder that joins together people, places and products far across Scotland's rugged terrain. Switching from cars to ferries to bicycles, Banks crisscrosses his homeland, weaving an engrossing narrative from the strange people, fascinating traditions, and downright bizarre places he encounters on his journey down Scotland's great golden road.
Raymond (Images of America)
by Kristin Ozana DoyleThe winding Lamprey River snakes its way through many areas of Raymond and has played a dual role in the town's history, helping in times of fire and hindering in times of flood. Raymond began as a small farming village and grew over the years into abustling resort community. The town was a busy stop on the Boston and Maine Railroad line, and its accessibility aided the town in its expansion. Raymond has since evolved into a modern town witha strong sense of historical perspective. The vintage images in this book, culled from the collections of the Raymond Historical Society and numerous local residents, document the history of this constantly changing community.
RD Great American Road Trips Hidden Gems: Discover Insider Tips, Must See Stops, Nearby Attractions And More (RD Great American Road Trips)
by Reader'S DigestFirst-person accounts and gorgeous landscape photos paired with practical information and tips to help travelers make the most of their journeys through 39 special hidden gems found across the country.Discover the most beautiful places in America that you might never have heard of before. Hidden Gems features: engaging first-hand travel accounts; helpful advice about must-see spots, rest stops, and other ways to get the most out of your trip; and stunning images taken by many of America&’s best scenic photographers. Some spots offer activities for the more adventurous, such as rafting or mountain biking; others include suggestions for the more leisurely traveler who wants to stop and take in the views by the roadside. The small towns and people you encounter along the way will certainly be memorable. This book will help you set the agenda for your next getaway. So, get ready to jump in the car or RV and share these experiences with the ones you love! From the Organ Pipe Cactus in Arizona and Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan to Gullah Geechee in South Carolina and Litchfield Hills in Connecticut, these lesser-known scenic spots are definitely worth exploring! List of locations: WEST -Chugach National Forest, Alaska -Channel Islands National Park, California -Devils Postpile National Monument, California -Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California -Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh, Idaho -Lost River Range and Lemhi Mountain Range, Idaho -Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho -Valley of the Fire State Park, Nevada -Wallowa Lake State Park, Oregon -Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah -Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington -Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming SOUTHWEST -Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona -Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona -Verde Valley, Arizona -Northern Rio Grande, New Mexico -Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas MIDWEST -Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, Iowa -Flint Hills (Flint Hills Scenic Byway), Kansas -Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan -Arrowhead Region, Minnesota -Pipestone National Monument, Minnesota -Door County, Wisconsin -Iron and Ashland Counties, Wisconsin SOUTHEAST -Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway, Alabama -Newton County, Arkansas -Wakulla Springs, Florida -Red River Gorge Geological Area, Kentucky -Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana -Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina -Linville Gorge Wilderness, North Carolina -Gullah Geechee, South Carolina -Burke's Garden, Virginia -Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, West Virginia and Maryland NORTHEAST -Litchfield Hills, Connecticut -Birch Hill State Wildlife Area, Massachusetts -Tully Lake Recreation Area, Massachusetts -The Great Swamp, New York -Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Re-Investing Authenticity
by Anne Marit Waade Britta Timm KnudsenFrom the highly influential concept of 'staged authenticity' discussed by Dean MacCannell, to the general claim of longing for authenticity on behalf of all Western consumers, made by Joseph Pine and James Gilmore, it is obvious that the concept of authenticity is still worth considering. This ground-breaking book re-thinks and re-invests in the notion of authenticity as a surplus of experiential meaning and feeling that derives from what we do at / in places. In Re-investing Authenticity - Tourism, Place and Emotions international scholars representing a wide range of disciplines, examine contemporary performances of authenticity in travel and tourism practices: From cultural place branding to individual pilgrim performances; from intensified experiences of imaginary crime scenes to the rhetorical features of the encounter with the traumatic and; from photography performing memories of place to experiences of wilderness producing excitement, this book demonstrates how the feeling of authenticity within places is produced.
Reaching Chinese Worldwide
by Wright DoyleReaching Chinese Worldwide introduces the many ways in which Christians may communicate the truth and love of God in Christ to Chinese around the world. Drawing upon four decades of reading and experience, the author first lays a biblical foundation for cross-cultural witness, then briefly explores the various facets of ministry among Chinese: Preparation, Presence, Proclamation, Points of Contact, "Perfection" of Believers, Participation in the Body of Christ, Performance of Good Works, and Partnering with God.This nearly comprehensive survey contains both fundamental principles and practical suggestions useful for all those wanting to make a Christian impact on China.
Reader's Digest Great American Road Trips- National Parks (RD Great American Road Trips)
by Reader'S DigestFirst-person accounts and gorgeous landscape photos paired with practical information and tips to help travelers make the most of their journeys through more than 40 national parks.National parks are America&’s most-beloved treasures. The editors of Reader&’s Digest magazine reveal first-person accounts and gorgeous landscape photos paired with practical information and tips to help travelers make the most of their journeys through these unique areas. Included you&’ll find information on more than 40 national parks and incredible images from readers. Plus: • A historical introduction along with a national park timeline. • An illustrated map of each state for each national park story, pointing out the location of the park within the state with a marker. • Inspirational and gorgeous photos in gallery sections for each region to make this a terrific coffee table book or gift for travelers. • Then and now comparison photos of national parks. • Helpful added information, including possible rest stops, can&’t-miss area hot spots, fun facts, handy advice for planning ahead, possible side trips and nearby attractions. Whether you&’re an armchair traveler or ready to pack and roll, Great American Road Trips: National Parks has everything that you are looking for. List of parks covered: WEST Denali National Park, Alaska Joshua Tree National Park, California Lassen Volcanic National Park, California Pinnacles National Park, California Redwood National Park, California Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, California Yosemite National Park, California Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Glacier National Park, Montana Great Basin National Park, Nevada Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Canyonlands National Park, Utah Zion National Park, Utah Mount Rainier National Park, Washington North Cascades National Park, Washington Olympic National Park, Washington Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana SOUTHWEST Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Saguaro National Park, Arizona Big Bend National Park, Texas Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas MIDWEST Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Isle Royale National Park, Michigan Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota Badlands National Park, South Dakota Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin EAST Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas Canaveral National Seashore, Florida Everglades National Park, Florida Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky Acadia National Park, Maine Congaree National Park, South Carolina Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Virgin Islands National Park
Reading Expeditions: The Southeast
by Linda HoytThis guided tour helps students explore the Southeast, which includes the states of Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida. Students begin the tour looking at land and water features of the region--the Mississippi River and its delta, the Piedmont, Appalachian Mountains, and the coastal plains.
Reading Expeditions: The Northeast
by Linda HoytThe Northeast region of the United States includes Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and the District of Columbia. Land features of the Northeast region include coastal plains, rocky coastlines, and mountains. The Northeast economy depends heavily on the region's natural resources. Industries include shipping, timber, fishing, manufacturing, and tourism. Tourists to the Northeast region come to hike, swim, ski, camp, and to visit many historical and cultural sights, including the many Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C.
Reading Expeditions: The Midwest
by Linda HoytThe Midwestern region of the United States includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Readers learn why the Midwest is flat and familiarize themselves with other features of the landscape as they tour the Great Lakes, the Ohio and Missouri Rivers, the Great Plains, the Badlands, and Wind and Jewel Caves. Students learn that the economy of the Midwest consists of "belts" from the Corn Belt to the Dairy Belt to the Manufacturing Belt.
Reading (Fantastic Voyage)
by Scott ForesmanQuality literature, built-in skill instruction, and test preparation help every child become a successful reader who is prepared for state and national tests. The Grade 1 On-Level Readers provide six weeks of review for the skills previously covered in kindergarten.
Reading Mohamed Choukri’s Narratives: Hunger in Eden (Routledge Studies in Twentieth-Century Literature)
by Roger Allen Jonas ElboustyReading Mohamed Choukri’s Narratives presents an intricate exploration into the life and literary universe of Mohamed Choukri, a towering figure in 20th-century Moroccan literature. Known primarily for his groundbreaking autobiographical work "al-Khubz al-Ḥāfī" (For Bread Alone), Choukri's literary influence extends well beyond this single work. This book seeks to cast a light on his broader body of work, examining the cultural, societal, and personal influences that shaped his unique storytelling style. Through a deep analysis of his narratives, this text aims to unfold how Choukri portrayed the harsh realities he and others encountered, giving voice to the marginalized individuals and communities in Morocco.
Reading the Glass: A Sailor's Stories of Weather
by Elliot RappaportA fascinating insight into the science of weather and the strange, wild and wonderful world of life at sea.What's in a cloud? What separates a tropical storm from a winter blizzard? And what exactly is El Niño? Elliot Rappaport, a professional captain of traditional sailing ships, has spent three decades at sea, where understanding weather could be the difference between life and death. In Reading the Glass, he offers a sailor's-eye view of the moving parts of our atmosphere and unveils the larger patterns it holds: global winds, storms, air masses, jet streams, and the longer arc of our climate.Told through a series of tall ship voyages, Rappaport's narrative takes listeners from the icy seas of Greenland to the Roaring Forties, places where one can experience all four seasons in an hour. He navigates the turbulent waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, en route to storied port cities of the Mediterranean. In the vast tropical Pacific, he crosses the equator, where heat, moisture, and unsettled winds churn out powerful squalls, and drops anchor in isolated ports of call. He explores wide swathes of ocean to explain how the trade winds have carried ships westward for centuries, and how ancient Polynesian explorers pushed back the other way.Written in stunning prose, brimming with wisdom, curiosity, and humour, Reading the Glass brilliantly blends science and memoir to reveal how weather has shaped our oceans, our history, and ourselves.(P) 2023 Penguin Audio
Reading the Glass: A Sailor's Stories of Weather
by Elliot Rappaport'Brimming with knowledge and experience . . . delightful'TRISTAN GOOLEY, DAILY TELEGRAPH'A fabulous compendium of terror and disaster, expertise and courage'ADAM NICOLSON, author of The Seabird's Cry'Evokes panoramas of sea and land with confident flair'WALL STREET JOURNALWhat's in a cloud? What separates a tropical storm from a winter blizzard? And what exactly is El Niño? Elliot Rappaport, a captain of traditional sailing ships, has spent three decades at sea, where understanding weather is the difference between life and death.From the icy seas of Greenland to the turbulent waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, from the powerful squalls near the equator to the ancient Polynesian explorers who ventured eastward against trade winds, Reading the Glass combines science and memoir to reveal the remarkable story of how weather has shaped our oceans, our history and ourselves.'An extraordinary book by a modern-day Melville . . . I can't recommend this book highly enough'MARK VANHOENACKER, author of Skyfaring'A gripping account of what weather is, how it feels to be in the middle of it, and what we can expect going forward!'BILL MCKIBBEN, author of The End of Nature
Reading Tourism Texts
by Sabrina FrancesconiThis volume explores the relationship between tourism and travel texts and contemporary society, and how each is shaped by the other. A multimodal analysis is used to consider a variety of texts including novels, brochures, blogs, websites, radio commercials, videos, postcards and authentic tourist pictures and their meaning-making dynamics within the tourism discourse. The book looks at the ways in which these different texts have influenced how tourists and travellers have been viewed over time and how we envision ourselves as tourists or travellers. It puts forward multimodal analysis as the best framework for exploring the semiotic potential of these texts. Including examples from the UK, Malta, Canada, New Zealand, India, Jamaica and South Africa, this volume will be useful for researchers and students in tourism studies, communication and media studies and applied linguistics.
Reading's Big League Exhibition Games (Images of Baseball)
by Charles J. Adams III Brian C. Engelhardt Dr David VoigtWhile Reading may be known today for the Fightin' Phils, it has also been the site of 72 games played by 17 major-league franchises and barnstorming teams since 1874. Among the teams that have played in these exhibition games are the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals, along with appearances by baseball greats Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mike Schmidt, Ernie Banks, and Rogers Hornsby. Reading fans have looked on as both the 1906 Phillies and A's tried to catch a bunny on the field mid-game, cheered for Christy Mathewson's shutouts, sang "Happy Birthday" to Pete Rose, and watched "Shoeless" Joe Jackson hit a home run.
Readings in Russian Civilization Volume II: Imperial Russia, 1700–1917 (None Ser.)
by Thomas Riha"This new and enlarged version of Readings in Russian Civilization is the result of fairly extensive revisions. There are now 72 instead of 64 items; 20 of the selections are new. The first volume has undergone the least change with 3 new items, of which 2 appear in English for the first time. In the second volume there are 6 new items; all of them appear in English for the first time. The third volume has undergone the greatest revision, with 11 new items, of which 6 are newly translated from the Russian. It is the editor's hope that items left out in the new edition will not be sorely missed, and that the new selections will turn out to be useful and illuminating. The aim, throughout, has been to cover areas of knowledge and periods which had been neglected in the first edition, and to include topics which are important in the study of the Russian past and present. "The bibliographical headnotes have been enlarged, with the result that there are now approximately twice as many entries as in the old edition. New citations include not only works which have appeared since 1963, but also older books and articles which have come to the editor's attention."—From the Editor's Preface ". . . a judicious combination of seminal works and more recent commentaries that achieves the editor's purpose of stimulating curiosity and developing a point of view."—C. Bickford O'Brien, The Russian Review "These three volumes cover quite well the main periods of Russian civilization. The choice of the articles and other material is made by a competent and unbiased scholar."—Ivan A. Lopatin, Professor of Asian and Slavic Studies, University of Southern California
Ready to Come About
by Sue WilliamsThree hundred nautical miles from shore, I‘m cold and sick and afraid. I pray for reprieve. I long for solid ground. And I can‘t help but ask myself, What the hell was I thinking? When Sue Williams set sail for the North Atlantic, it wasn’t a mid-life crisis. She had no affinity for the sea. And she didn’t have an adventure-seeking bone in her body. In the wake of a perfect storm of personal events, it suddenly became clear: her sons were adults now; they needed freedom to figure things out for themselves; she had to get out of their way. And it was now or never for her husband, David, to realize his dream to cross an ocean. So she’d go too. Ready to Come About is the story of a mother’s improbable adventure on the high seas and her profound journey within, through which she grew to believe that there is no gift more precious than the liberty to chart one’s own course, and that risk is a good thing … sometimes, at least.
Real Castles around the World (Travel to...)
by DulingTake a trip around the world as you read about the most impressive castles ever built! Explore fierce fortresses, castles that have inspired stories, uniquely colorful castles, and the history behind them all as you Travel to… Real Castles Around the World!Part of the Travel to… Children’s Book Series, this 48-page nonfiction book explores castles both past and present, the kings that inhabited them, and knights that fought to protect them! Lower the drawbridge, cross the moat, and travel to real castles from all around the world as you learn about our magical history with fun-filled facts and vibrant photos.History Book Features:Before- and after-reading activitiesExtension activityGlossaryAbout Rourke Educational Media:We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!
The Real Crown Jewels of England: 100 Places That Make Us Great
by Clive Aslet'Written with both charm and elegance, The Real Crown Jewels of England is a triumphant tribute to some of England's original treasures . . . lovingly captures the magic of the places that underpin our national identity and is a chance to rejoice in that heritage' Countryside On 15 April 2019, Paris's beloved Notre Dame was ablaze. It shocked the world - a revered landmark, a national symbol, a manifestation of French identity was here today, gone tomorrow. Life is fragile. So are the buildings, monuments and landscapes that move us. The question 'what would you save if your house was on fire?' is a familiar parlour game. But what would you save if England was on fire? What are the places that we most cherish, that express qualities that are especially English?In this delightful celebration of the real crown jewels of England, Clive Aslet takes us on a journey of 100 places that make our country great. From ancient oaks and Devon lanes to war memorials and the BBC, the white cliffs of Dover to views of Durham from the train, Aslet lovingly captures the magic of the places that underpin our national identity.The Real Crown Jewels of England is both an invitation to rejoice in our common heritage, and to discover the world of astonishing beauty that lies just beyond your doorstep.'Clive Aslet has been an extraordinarily informed and influential standard-bearer for the cause of the countryside and Britain's heritage for many years' Max Hastings
Real Ghost Stories: Haunting Tales of the Paranormal from Across the World
by Jamie KingFilled with tales of ghosts and ghouls, poltergeists and other unexplained encounters, this bone-chilling compendium of paranormal phenomena is sure to haunt you long after you have turned the final page. But beware: after sampling these sinister histories, you might be too scared to close your eyes - no matter how much your body craves sleep.
Real Men Eat Puffer Fish: And 93 Other Dangerous Things To Consider
by Robert TwiggerThe Dangerous Book for Men, not boysEvery man has faced that emergency where a car needs to be broken into and hot-wired; just as every man needs to be able to mix the perfect dry Martini. The world is a dangerous and unpredictable place; a man never knows when he might be called upon to start a fire with just a coke can, win at croquet or drive a T34 tank.Twigger has plenty of experience of facing down bears, building coracles, swimming with sharks - now he shows every man how to cook a hedgehog, commit hara-kiri and land a Boeing 747.
A Real Newfoundland Scoff: Using Traditional Ingredients in Today's Kitchens
by Liz Feltham“Quite a tasty treat, replete with anecdotes from the author’s childhood and lots of culinary history and Newfoundland foodways.” —Atlantic Books TodayInspired by her desire to stay connected to the food of her home province, culinary writer Liz Feltham goes back to her roots to bring fresh and modern twists to favorite Newfoundland meals, or “scoffs.” A Real Newfoundland Scoff provides recipes using traditional ingredients from the sea, land, air, bakeshop, and bar to create non-traditional dishes. Above all, Liz encourages readers to use this cookbook as a guide to exploring, discovering, and creating new versions of their old Newfoundland favorites.Packed with fifty-six new recipes, thirty color photographs, and a guide for buying Newfoundland ingredients in Atlantic Canada, this cookbook will appeal to all Newfoundland chefs, traditional and adventurous alike.“Feltham, a trained chef, treats popular traditional Newfoundland foods with respect and imagination . . . [She] writes with a warm and friendly spirit in this attractive book with lovely photographs by Halifax’s Scott Munn. You’ll never look at Newfoundland cuisine the same again.” —Atlantic Books Today
Real Philly History, Real Fast: Fascinating Facts and Interesting Oddities about the City's Heroes and Historic Sites
by Jim MurphyPhiladelphia is known as the home of vibrant colonial history: the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and Independence Hall. But the City of Brotherly Love is also home to—and less well known for—its quirky history. The country’s first quarantine station was located here. One of Philly’s clocks has a face larger than Big Ben’s in London. And a unique skill of Black abolitionist James Forten saved him from a life of West Indian servitude (and “Forten” was not even his real name). In Real Philly History, Real Fast, Jim Murphy provides an original tour of the city. He highlights artistic gems including the Dream Garden Tiffany mosaic and Isaiah Zagar’s glittering Magic Gardens. He profiles intriguing historical figures from military leader Commodore Barry to civil rights heroes like Lucretia Mott. Murphy also explores neighborhoods from Chinatown to the Italian Market and the unique architectural details of Carpenters’ Hall and the PSFS building. Each chapter provides a pithy story about a historical person or site, along with bullet points featuring interesting oddities, and nearby attractions along with fun facts such as: Why there are so many churches? What is the Philadelphia Eagles’ connection to the U.S. Custom House? Which famous artist may have been Philadelphia’s first nude model? And where was the Liberty Bell secretly damaged? (We didn’t do it!) This is Philly history in bites that are as digestible as a soft pretzel with mustard.