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The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London
by Christopher SkaifeThe first behind-the-scenes account of life with the legendary ravens at the world’s eeriest monumentThe 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.A rewarding, intimate, and inspiring partnership has developed between the ravens and their charismatic and charming 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, and the tricks they play on us, Skaife shows who the Tower’s true guardians really are―and the result is a compelling and irreverent narrative that will surprise and enchant.
Concepción Arenal: La caminante y su sombra
by Anna CaballéLa biografía definitiva de la madre del feminismo español. De una inteligencia fuera de lo común, Concepción Arenal fue la pensadora española más importante, original y adelantada a su tiempo del siglo XIX, y la de mayor proyección internacional. Dedicó su vida a la defensa de la mujer, la reforma penal y la causa obrera. Esta biografía reconstruye por primera vez su trayectoria vital, sus aspiraciones y sus aciertos. Al igual que ocurre con la vida de Goethe, su biografía se podría dividir en dos épocas muy marcadas: una juventud nerviosa, sensible y arrogante, con dificultades para encontrar el equilibrio entre la razón y el temperamento, y una madurez donde la escritora, pensadora y activista se atrevería a grandes cosas. Su matrimonio la ayudó a canalizar su extraordinario vitalismo, pero la muerte temprana de su marido potenció las sombras que viajaban con ella: un íntimo sentimiento de desdicha que Arenal proyectaría en el mundo que la rodeaba. Sin embargo, eso no menoscabó su defensa de los más necesitados y sus ansias de mejorar la sociedad, lo que la llevó al límite de sus fuerzas. Pocos la escucharon, y menos todavía la leyeron. Sin embargo, su voz, que ella percibía perdida en el desierto, estéril, fue la más poderosa de su siglo.
Low Level Hell: A Scout Pilot in the Big Red One
by Hugh MillsThe aeroscouts of the 1st Infrantry Division had three words emblazoned on their unit patch: Low Level Hell. This was the perfect definition of what these pilots experienced as the ranged the skies of Vietnam. Mills tells the combat experiences of these aviators.
Confessions of a Meddlesome Economist
by Ian HarperIan Harper just cannot stop meddling. During his 35-year career as a professional economist, he has worked with governments, banks, corporates and leading professional services firms at the highest level. Whether it be reviewing Australia’s competition policy, Victoria’s state finances or chairing the Australian Fair Pay Commission, he acts out of a passionate belief that economists can actually be useful.Ian’s career in economics has enabled him to participate in some of the most important debates over the future of Australia and influence some of the nation’s most talented emerging leaders. In Confessions of a Meddlesome Economist, the long-awaited revised and updated edition of his prize-winning book Economics for Life, published in 2011, Ian revisits some old debates and introduces new ones – including the purpose of place – all in the context of his professional life. There is no trace of self-indulgence or self-congratulation in this narrative, rather a thoughtful account of choices, successes and disappointments.The aim the same: to illustrate the power of good economics to improve people’s material lives and the power of the Christian faith in helping this practising economist keep his professional life in proper perspective.
Arde la vida: ¿Hasta cuándo vas a tener miedo?
by Magalí TajesArde la vida es una obra transformadora que conquistó el corazón de más de cien mil lectores alrededor del mundo y seguirá haciéndolo. ¿Te animás a ser parte de esta historia? Arde la vida no es un libro, es un incendio. Es un despertar, una búsqueda, una herida abierta en la identidad. Es un golpe en el estómago y el suspiro que sigue a una carcajada infinita. Es un secreto a voces contado al oído de un extraño. ¿Qué disfraz te protege de los otros? ¿Qué soledades te rompieron? ¿Quién va a estar para vos cuando se haga de noche? Arde la vida no es un libro, es un abrazo a tiempo. Es la inocencia perdida, un espejo delator, un refugio en medio de una tempestad. Y abriga. Pero también quema. A cuatro años de su publicación, esta edición actualizada, con nuevos relatos e ilustraciones, te invita a explorar tus emociones más profundas, a perder el miedo, a detener el tiempo y jugar a ser otro, más libre, más suelto, más curioso, menos adulto. Arde la vida es una obra transformadora que conquistó el corazón de más de cien mil lectores alrededor del mundo y seguirá haciéndolo. ¿Te animás a ser parte de esta historia?
Martropía: Conversaciones con Spinetta
by Juan Carlos DiezConvertido en un objeto de culto, este libro reúne incontables horas de conversaciones que durante cinco años mantuvieron el Flaco Spinetta y Juan Carlos Diez. El fruto de esos encuentros es esta hoja de ruta arbitraria que nos permite asomarnos al universo de este artista singular. Con más de treinta y cinco años de trayectoria y cerca de cuarenta discos grabados (en grupo o como solista), Luis Alberto Spinetta es sin lugar a dudas uno de los representantes más significativos de la música popular argentina. Creador de letras de hondo lirismo y compositor que abreva en las armonías del jazz y en la esencia melódica de Buenos Aires, Spinetta es también uno de los integrantes más destacados de esa generación mítica que dio vida al rock nacional. Sus influencias musicales, sus vivencias y sensaciones, sus obsesiones, su música y sus pensamientos sobre la realidad de hoy conviven con Castaneda y El Bosco, Jimi Hendrix y Los Beatles, Artaud y Bataille, Piazzolla y el capitán Beto. La discografía completa y una selección de letras de canciones, que incluye tres temas inéditos, integran esta obra ineludible para quienes quieran conocer en profundidad al artista y para todos aquellos que, conociéndolo, busquen reconocerse en su trayectoria. La crítica ha dicho... «Una suerte de mapa cósmico del universo de Spinetta.»Juan Rapacioli, Télam «Un libro destinado a conmover.»Cristian Vitale, Página/12 «Luis Alberto Spinetta fue un artista de notables condiciones que lo hicieron único. Martropía refleja esto con amplitud y especial sensibilidad.»Rodolfo García, músico e integrante de Almendra y Los Amigo. «En este preciso momento hay dos cosas muy importantes para hacer: una es escuchar algún temita de Luis Alberto y la otra leer estas conversaciones entre Juan Carlos y el propio Flaco.»Hugo Fattoruso «Llegué a casa y no pude parar de leerlo, lo devoré. Martropía es realmente profundo, abordando múltiples aspectos de la vida de Luis tanto en el plano personal como en lo referente a su obra.»Sergio Verdinelli, baterista de la banda de Spinetta
Los dueños de la pelota: Clubes, dinero y política. Los personajes más poderosos del deporte en la Argentina
by Federico YañezA partir de la semblanza de un grupo de personajes fundamentales -y de la investigación de prácticas de clubes, sindicatos y comisiones directivas-, el periodista Federico Yáñez ensaya un cuadro integral del lugar que ha alcanzado en los últimos años el deporte, como foco de un enorme poder económico y plataforma de lanzamiento de carreras políticas. En otras palabras, nos cuenta quiénes son en la Argentina los dueños de la pelota. El deporte se ha convertido en un foco de poder muy grande en los últimos años. Los triunfos en mundiales y juegos olímpicos les han permitido a muchos dirigentes escalar gracias a los éxitos de los atletas que conducen. El caso más resonante es el de Mauricio Macri, quien -tras doce años como presidente de Boca- ganó la jefatura de gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y ocho años después, la presidencia de la nación. El deporte no solo abre las puertas de una carrera política sino también es un refugio en donde encontrar una legitimación social que no se tiene, como le ha pasado a Hugo Moyano en Independiente, donde logró cautivar a la esquiva clase media. Las comisiones directivas de federaciones y clubes están plagadas de políticos, sindicalistas y empresarios que, no conformes con el poder que manejan, buscan más o buscan mejor. En la actualidad, dirigir River o Boca es más importante que dirigir un ministerio. Conducir la AFA habilita el manejo de sumas económicas mayores que las de muchas grandes empresas. Y ser campeón en un mundial puede ser más fuerte a nivel popular que ganar una elección presidencial. La industria del deporte administra alrededor de setecientos mil millones de dólares a nivel global y su potencial de expansión parece ilimitado. Un triunfo deportivo le permite a un dirigente pasar de ser un ferretero a "vicepresidente del mundo", como le gustaba decir a Julio Humberto Grondona. La dirigencia hace posible el acceso a un poder inusitado, aferrarse al que ya se tiene, ampliarlo y fortalecerlo. Gremialistas, empresarios, exdeportistas y dirigentes políticos confluyen en un libro que se pregunta quiénes son hoy en la Argentina los dueños de la pelota: -Agustín Pichot: vicepresidente de World Rugby-Carlos Mac Allister: secretario de Deportes-Fernando Aguerre: presidente de la ISA (International Surfing Association)-Gerardo Werthein: titular del Comité Olímpico Argentino-Horacio Muratore: presidente de la FIBA (Federación Internacional de Baloncesto)-Matías Lammens: presidente de San Lorenzo, extesorero de la AFA-Pepe Sánchez: presidente de Bahía Basket-Rodolfo D'Onofrio: presidente de River-Víctor Blanco: presidente de Racing, exdirector de Selecciones Nacionales-Chiqui Tapia: presidente de la AFA, expresidente de Barracas Central-Daniel Angelici: presidente de Boca-Hugo Moyano: presidente de Independiente y titular de la CGT Azopardo
Panfleto: Erótica y feminismo
by María MorenoArtículos, crónicas y ensayos antipatriarcales de la más conspicua e irreverente feminista argentina contemporánea. Autora fundamental de la crónica, el microensayo y la literatura del yo, es en Panfleto, sin embargo, que María Moreno revela el más persistente de sus intereses intelectuales, políticos, literarios y críticos. Publicados a lo largo de cuarenta años en revistas y diarios de circulación y suerte diversa, estos artículos pueden leerse no solo como "cuadernos de aprendizaje", sino como bitácora de un movimiento que se volvió masivo y como un manifiesto insurgente y solidario. «A finales de los años ochenta y noventa yo me intoxicaba con las importaciones teóricas de las feministas de la nueva izquierda que releían en la estructura de la familia en el capitalismo la sevicia del trabajo invisible, de las estructuralistas de la diferencia que inventaban un Freud a su favor y de las marxistas contra el ascetismo rojo. No leía, volaba. (...) Es decir, escribía animada por lo que iba aprendiendo, relacionando o imaginando que inventaba, sola y exaltada. Porque no recuerdo que supiera quiénes me leían, a quiénes me dirigía», declara. Recuperados como corpus, estos textos sobre erótica y feminismo van hoy al encuentro de millones de activistas, de militantes, de rebeldes. «Somos muchos los que consideramos a María Moreno la mejor cronista argentina de todos los tiempos y una de las voces documentales más lúcidas de la lengua, entre otras hipérboles razonables.»Jorge Carrión, The New York Times «La verdad de Moreno es una norma de estilo, de un gran estilo plebeyo.»Carlos Pardo, Babelia «Hija de una época violentísima y canalla, María Moreno es una de las escritoras latinoamericanas que más me han impresionado últimamente.»Christopher Domínguez Michael «La escritura es para María Moreno la versión amorosa de lo que eran para Foucault los archivos judiciales del siglo XVIII: el lugar problemático donde "los irrescatables" -MM dixit- son interrogados y hablados, pero así y todo hacen oír, acaso por única vez, algo parecido a una voz, una voz hecha de todo lo que nadie quiere escuchar, lo que se ningunea por idiota o irrelevante, lo que se rechaza por defectuoso, balbuceante o excéntrico.»Alan Pauls
Losers: Historias de famosos perdedores del rock
by Maximiliano PoterMaxi Poter (re)descubre a esos músicos a los que el destino les jugó una broma pesada que los dejó en el backstage de la gloria. Los artistas que -por azar, tragedias, desencuentros, traiciones, pifies, pelotas en el palo, confusiones y tropiezos cósmicos- se quedaron viendo la consagración desde afuera. Alguna vez The Police fue un desastroso cuarteto. Los Rolling Stones eran seis, pero a uno lo echaron por "feo". En varios países, los Beatles fueron John, Paul, George y un tal "Jimmie". Kiss tuvo un guitarrista con artrosis y Led Zeppelin casi elige al cantante más desafortunado del mundo. La biografía de los más grandes íconos del rock está llena de ilustres desconocidos que, por diversas razones, se quedaron al borde de la fama y hoy son ocultas notas al pie de mitos y leyendas. Maximiliano Poter (re)descubre y (re)valoriza a los otros "Pete Best" de la historia: esos músicos que aun teniendo todo lo que hace falta (talento, carisma, atractivo, dedicación, oportunismo, contactos y hasta la imprescindible "suerte") se quedaron en el backstage de la gloria. Losers reúne las maravillosas y agridulces vidas de esos desdichados que son parte fundamental de la crónica universal del rock pero que -por azar, tragedias, peleas, traiciones, pifies, confusiones, macanas, pelotas en el palo y hasta injusticias cósmicas- no recibieron su merecida consagración. Estos son los más exitosos "casi famosos".
Hambre de Lobo. Mi biografía: Gustavo Fernández por Sebastián Torok
by Sebastian TorokCuando tenía un año y medio, Gusti Fernández sufrió un infarto medular que lo dejó parapléjico. Creció en una familia de deportistas y practicó desde chico en su silla básquet y tenis. Demostró rápidamente su enorme talento y llegó a ser el número 1 del tenis adaptado mundial. En este libro, su historia conmovedora y épica. Con prólogo de Rafael Nadal. "No cambio volver a caminar por todo lo que me pasó en mi vida deportiva y familiar". La sentencia, por cruda que suene, ilustra a la perfección a Gustavo Fernández, el Lobito. Con sólo un año y medio, sufrió un infarto medular, lesión que padece una persona de cada seis millones en todo el mundo. Aquello fue un golpe durísimo para una familia que respira deporte y que hasta recurrió a brujos para intentar que Gusti caminara. Sin embargo, en vez de crecer entre angustias y frustraciones, el cordobés potenció sus sentidos, blindó su valor, luchó contra los prejuicios, naturalizó la discapacidad, se formó como atleta de elite, llegó a la cima mundial del tenis adaptado y hasta asombró a Novak Djokovic durante una tarde en París. "La mayoría de los tenistas sobre silla de ruedas no quieren ni compasión, ni privilegios. Disfrutan y quieren competir con todas las de la ley y que los traten igual que a cualquier otro tenista, que, en definitiva, es lo que son: tenistas [...] En cuanto a Gustavo, solamente me queda felicitarlo y animarlo para que siga con ese espíritu arrollador", así describió Rafael Nadal a un deportista que no deja de asombrar y de ofrecer enseñanzas.
Mark Twain Made Me Do It and Other Plains Adventures
by Bryan L. JonesMark Twain Made Me Do It and Other Plains Adventures is a collection of humorous essays portraying western Nebraska life and culture of the 1950s. Anecdotes on small-town baseball and the polio epidemic of 1952 provide a historic backdrop to the story of a wide-eyed boy exploring the limits of his universe. The adventures of a Twain-inspired raft trip down the South Platte and Sputnik-inspired homemade rockets mirror a society of seemingly settled lifestyles and frenzied technological advances. Family travels, holidays with Grandpa and Grandma, and marvelous creations like his sister’s stories of Susabelle and the magic Band-Aids weave a splendid tale. But Jones’s world is not one of sentimental nostalgia; running battles with town bullies, sobering encounters with religious buffoons, and an impressive collection of pedagogues specializing in violent corporal punishment capture the earthy essence of a world now largely disappeared.
Left to the Mercy of a Rude Stream: The Bargain That Broke Adolf Hitler and Saved My Mother
by Stanley A. GoldmanSeven years after the death of his mother, Malka, Stanley A. Goldman traveled to Israel to visit her best friend during the Holocaust. The best friend’s daughter showed Goldman a pamphlet she had acquired from the Israeli Holocaust Museum that documented activities of one man’s negotiations with the Nazi’s interior minister and SS head, Heinrich Himmler, for the release of the Jewish women from the concentration camp at Ravensbrück. While looking through the pamphlet, the two discovered a picture that could have been their mothers being released from the camp. Wanting to know the details of how they were saved, Goldman set out on a long and difficult path to unravel the mystery. After years of researching the pamphlet, Goldman learned that a German Jew named Norbert Masur made a treacherous journey from the safety of Sweden back into the war zone in order to secure the release of the Jewish women imprisoned at the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Masur not only succeeded in his mission against all odds but he contributed to the downfall of the Nazi hierarchy itself. This amazing, little-known story uncovers a piece of history about the undermining of the Nazi regime, the women of the Holocaust, and the strained but loving relationship between a survivor and her son.
Forget Sorrow: An Ancestral Tale
by Belle Yang“A healing portrait drawn in epic ink strokes.”—Elle When Belle Yang was forced to take refuge in her parents’ home after an abusive boyfriend began stalking her, her father entertained her with stories of old China. The history she’d ignored while growing up became a source of comfort and inspiration, and narrowed the gap separating her—an independent, Chinese-American woman—from her Old World Chinese parents. In Forget Sorrow, Yang makes her debut into the graphic form with the story of her father’s family, reunited under the House of Yang in Manchuria during the Second World War and struggling—both together and individually—to weather poverty, famine, and, later, Communist oppression. The parallels between Belle Yang’s journey of self-discovery and the lives and choices of her grandfather, his brothers, and their father (the Patriarch) speak powerfully of the conflicts between generations—and of possibilities for reconciliation. Forget Sorrow demonstrates the power of storytelling and remembrance, as Belle—in telling this story—finds the strength to honor both her father and herself.
Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis
by Edgar Harrell David HarrellJuly 30, 1945--The USS Indianapolis and its 1,196-man crew is making its way toward a small island in the South Pacific. The ship is sailing unescorted, assured by headquarters the waters are safe. It is midnight, and Marine Edgar Harrell and several others have sacked out on deck rather than spend the night in their hot and muggy quarters below. Fresh off a top-secret mission to deliver uranium for the atomic bombs that would ultimately end World War II, they are unaware their ship is being watched. Minutes later, six torpedoes are slicing toward the Indy . . . <p><p> For five horrifying days and nights after their ship went down, Harrell and his shipmates had to fend for themselves in the open seas. Plagued by dehydration, exposure, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks, their numbers were cruelly depleted before they were miraculously rescued. This is one man's story of courage, ingenuity, and faith in God's providence in the midst of the worst naval disaster in U.S. history.
Nazi Father, Jewish Son
by Lázaro Droznes Melanie MareckiThis dramatic fiction is an incredible history based on the true story of the son of a German official of Wehrmacht, who was recognized for his bravery in the Second World War. It is the story of the son who converted to Judaism, abandoned Germany and went to Israel to become an Israeli citizen, and whose participation in the Liberian War and confrontation with the Palestinians place him in the same situation that his father must have experienced 40 years earlier, the type of dilemma that every soldier must face: Are all orders licit and should they always be obeyed? What is the limit of proper obedience? Does military discipline deprive the soldier of his moral and ethical views? Does all responsibility depend on the highest level of military hierarchy or is it shared by the intermediaries? This story confirms what the Greeks already knew: no one can avoid his own destiny. Regardless of what we do, it always finds us.
Gauguin's Intimate Journals
by Paul GauguinRevealing documents, reprinted from rare, limited edition, throw much light on the painter's inner life, his tumultuous relationship with van Gogh, evaluations of Degas, Monet, and other artists; hatred of hypocrisy and sham, life in the Marquesas Islands, much more. 27 full-page illustrations by Gauguin. Preface by Emil Gauguin.
The Story of Joan of Arc
by E. M. Wilmot-BuxtonInspiring story of a 15th-century farm girl who answered a divine call to drive the English from France. The miraculous story of the Maid of Orleans unfolds from her early childhood and the touching story of the "Voices," to the battles she led and the splendid march to Rheims.
Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing
by Kay A. HaringIconic pop artist Keith Haring comes to life for young readers in this picture book biography lovingly written by his sister <P><P>This one-of-a-kind book explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds light on this important artist’s great humanity, his concern for children, and his disregard for the establishment art world. Reproductions of Keith's signature artwork appear in scenes boldly rendered by Robert Neubecker. This is a story to inspire, and a book for Keith Haring fans of all ages to treasure.
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow
by Daniel WallaceHow did a child from another planet named Kal-El become farm boy Clark Kent? What happened to his planet and family? What powers does he possess and what are his weaknesses? Who are his most trusted allies and fearsome foes? In this biography--complete with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and fact boxes--young readers will delight in learning the complete history of Metropolis's fearless protector.
Vincent van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist
by Jan Greenberg Sandra JordanVincent van Gogh-- one of the 19th century' s most brilliant artists-- will forever be remembered as the Dutchman who cut off his ear. But this incident only underscores the passion that consumed him-- a passion that, when he took up painting at age 27, infused his work. Whether painting a portrait, a landscape, or a still life, van Gogh sought to capture the vibrant spirit of his subject. It didn't matter that others found his work too unconventional. Van Gogh persevered. And as he moved from the cold climate of Holland to balmy southern France, he pioneered a new technique and style. In a career spanning only a decade, van Gogh painted many great works, yet fame eluded him. This lack of recognition increased his self-doubts and bitter disappointments. Today, however, van Gogh stands as a giant among artists.<P><P> [This text is listed as an example that meets Common Core Standards in English language arts in grades 6-8 at http://www.corestandards.org.]<P> Winner of the Sibert Honor
The Annotated Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant
by Ulysses S. Grant Elizabeth D. SametWith kaleidoscopic, trenchant, path-breaking insights, Elizabeth D. Samet has produced the most ambitious edition of Ulysses Grant’s Memoirs yet published. One hundred and thirty-three years after its 1885 publication by Mark Twain, Elizabeth Samet has annotated this lavish edition of Grant’s landmark memoir, and expands the Civil War backdrop against which this monumental American life is typically read. No previous edition combines such a sweep of historical and cultural contexts with the literary authority that Samet, an English professor obsessed with Grant for decades, brings to the table. Whether exploring novels Grant read at West Point or presenting majestic images culled from archives, Samet curates a richly annotated, highly collectible edition that will fascinate Civil War buffs. The edition also breaks new ground in its attack on the “Lost Cause” revisionism that still distorts our national conversation about the legacy of the Civil War. Never has Grant’s transformation from tanner’s son to military leader been more insightfully and passionately explained than in this timely edition, appearing on the 150th anniversary of Grant’s 1868 presidential election.
Smoky the Brave: How a Feisty Yorkshire Terrier Mascot Became a Comrade-in-Arms during World War II
by Damien LewisThe extraordinary, touching true story of Smoky, the smallest--and arguably bravest--dog of World War IIIn February 1944, as Japanese military advances threatened to overwhelm New Guinea, a tiny, four-pound Yorkshire Terrier was discovered hiding in the island's thick jungles. A total mystery as to her origins, she was adopted by US Army Air Force Corporal William "Bill" Wynne, an air-crewman in a photo reconnaissance squadron, becoming an irreplaceable lucky charm for the unit. When Smoky saved Wynne's life by barking a warning of an incoming kamikaze attack, he nicknamed her the "angel from a foxhole." Smoky's exploits continued when she jumped for the unit in a specially designed parachute and famously joined the aircrews flying daring sorties in the war-torn skies. But her most heroic feat was running a cable through a seventy-foot pipe no wider than four inches in places to enable critical communication lines to be run across an airbase which had just been seized from the enemy, saving hundreds of ground-crew from being exposed to enemy bombing.In recognition of her efforts, Smoky was awarded eight battle stars. Smoky the Brave brings to vivid life the danger and excitement of the many missions of World War II's smallest hero.
It's Up to You, Abe Lincoln (It's Up to You)
by Leila Hirschfeld Tom HirschfeldHistory gets hilarious in this interactive Abraham Lincoln biography that will have readers laughing while they learn. Perfect for readers of Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales.Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest presidents of all time. But what did it take to rise from frontier poverty? To lead his country through the Civil War? To alter the course of history forever?Father-daughter team Tom and Leila Hirschfeld's tongue-in-cheek biography explores ten crucial decisions in one amazing life. With over one hundred pieces of archival and original art, fun facts, sidebars, historical trivia, and more, this book follows Abe's footsteps through the close calls that defined his leadership and shaped America as we know it today."Be a best friend and give this book to someone who has not read it." -Kirkus, Starred review
Never Grow Up
by Jackie ChanEveryone knows Jackie Chan. Whether it’s from Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, The Karate Kid, or Kung Fu Panda, Jackie is admired by generations of moviegoers for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, and mind-bending stunts. In 2016—after fifty-six years in the industry, over 200 films, and many broken bones—he received an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime achievement in film. But at 64 years-old, Jackie is just getting started. Now, in Never Grow Up, the global superstar reflects on his early life, including his childhood years at the China Drama Academy (in which he was enrolled at the age of six), his big breaks (and setbacks) in Hong Kong and Hollywood, his numerous brushes with death (both on and off film sets), and his life as a husband and father (which has been, admittedly and regrettably, imperfect). Jackie has never shied away from his mistakes. Since The Young Master in 1980, Jackie’s films have ended with a bloopers reel in which he stumbles over his lines, misses his mark, or crashes to the ground in a stunt gone south. In Never Grow Up, Jackie applies the same spirit of openness to his life, proving time and time again why he’s beloved the world over: he’s honest, funny, kind, brave beyond reckoning and—after all this time—still young at heart.
Albert Gore, Sr.: A Political Life (Politics and Culture in Modern America)
by Anthony J. BadgerIn chronicling the life and career of Albert Gore, Sr., historian Anthony J. Badger seeks not just to explore the successes and failures of an important political figure who spent more than three decades in the national eye—and whose son would become Vice President of the United States—but also to explain the dramatic changes in the South that led to national political realignment.Born on a small farm in the hills of Tennessee, Gore served in Congress from 1938 to 1970, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate. During that time, the United States became a global superpower and the South a two party desegregated region. Gore, whom Badger describes as a policy-oriented liberal, saw the federal government as the answer to the South's problems. He held a resilient faith, according to Badger, in the federal government to regulate wages and prices in World War II, to further social welfare through the New Deal and the Great Society, and to promote economic growth and transform the infrastructure of the South.Gore worked to make Tennessee the "atomic capital" of the nation and to protect the Tennessee Valley Authority, while at the same time cosponsoring legislation to create the national highway system. He was more cautious in his approach to civil rights; though bolder than his moderate Southern peers, he struggled to adjust to the shifting political ground of the 1960s. His career was defined by his relationship with Lyndon Johnson, whose Vietnam policies Gore bitterly opposed. The injection of Christian perspectives into the state's politics ultimately distanced Gore's worldview from that of his constituents. Altogether, Gore's political rise and fall, Badger argues, illuminates the significance of race, religion, and class in the creation of the modern South.