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Third Girl from the Left
by Christine Barker&“A beautifully written memoir of life on the Broadway stage at the onset of the 1980s AIDS epidemic . . . Compelling, and remarkably hopeful.&” —Mara Liasson, National Political Correspondent, NPR A moving, real-life account of making it as a dancer in New York City, embracing the changing faces of love and family, and being at ground-zero for one of the most fatal epidemics of modern times . . . Wanting to be a dancer while growing up in a large military family made Christine Barker somewhat of a black sheep, but she followed her dreams to New York City, where—in a moment of almost unbelievable good fortune—she was chosen for the London cast of A Chorus Line. London, and then New York, in the seventies and eighties opened up Christine&’s world. The creativity, culture, and nightlife were intoxicating, enough so to compel her older brother Laughlin to join her. Once there, the divorced father, veteran, and corporate lawyer met rising fashion star Perry Ellis. Romance and success soon followed—as well as rumors of a devastating new disease . . . Broadway&’s theater community is ravaged by loss as the AIDS epidemic takes hold, and Christine is shocked by the toll it&’s taken on her inner circle. Holding on tight to friends and loved ones left behind, the crisis becomes a crucible moment for her family and for all of society. And Christine is once again forced to go her own way to make sense of the tragedy.
Perón: A Biography
by Joseph A. PageThis biography recounting the Argentinean president&’s rise, fall, and remarkable return to power is &“a formidable achievement&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). Latin America has produced no more remarkable or enduring political figure than Juan Perón. Born to modest circumstances in 1895 and trained in the military, he rose to power during a period of political uncertainty in Argentina. A shrewd opportunist who understood the needs and aspirations of the country&’s workers, Perón rode their votes to the presidency and then increased their share of the nation&’s wealth. But he also destroyed the independence of their unions and suppressed dissent. Ousted in a coup in 1955, Perón wandered about Latin America and finally settled in Spain, where he masterminded an astonishing political comeback that climaxed in his reelection as president in 1973. Joseph A. Page&’s engrossing biography is based upon interviews, never-before-inspected Argentine and US government documents, and exhaustive research. It spans Perón&’s formative years; his arrest and dramatic rescue by the descamisados in 1945; his relationship with the now mythic Evita; the violence and mysterious murders that punctuated his career; his tragic legacy, personified by his third wife, Isabel, who assumed the presidency after his death under the influence of a Rasputin-like astrologer; and the continuing appeal of Perónism in Argentina. In addition, Page&’s study of Argentine-American relations is particularly penetrating—especially in its description of the struggle between Perón and US ambassador Spruille Braden. &“It would probably take a novel stamped with the surrealistic genius of a Gabriel García Márquez to render all the madness, perverse magic and tragedy of Juan Domingo Perón and his Argentina. But Joseph A. Page has come up with the next best option. . . . A clearly written, definitive study.&” —The New York Times Book Review
Charles de Gaulle: A Biography
by Don CookFrom one of America&’s longest-serving foreign correspondents, a biography of France&’s controversial politician and statesman. The first major biography of Charles de Gaulle written from an American perspective, this book offers a compelling assessment of the French army officer, politician, and statesman. Author Don Cook, former bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, delineates de Gaulle&’s obsession with power and how the military man rose to leadership in the years following the fall of France during the Second World War. Recounting de Gaulle&’s triumphant quest to find dignity and independence for France, Cook masterfully brings to life one of Europe&’s most influential leaders of the twentieth century.
My Journey to Lhasa: The Personal Story of the only White Woman Who Succeeded in Entering the Forbidden City
by Alexandra David-Néel<p>This early-twentieth-century adventure travel memoir by a female explorer is “the sort of thriller yarn that keeps you up all night and is too soon over” (Ms.).<p> <p>In this extraordinary mix of travelogue and autobiography, Madame Alexandra David-Néel details her 1923 expedition to Lhasa as the first Western woman to enter Tibet’s Forbidden City. Recounting how she traveled with her adopted son, posing as a beggar and relying on her fluency in Tibetan dialects and culture, David-Néel relates a story of survival among harsh conditions and the ever-present danger of being discovered as a white woman, as well as her triumphant meeting with the Dalai-Lama. A compelling narrative by an adventurer, explorer, and passionate student of Buddhism, My Journey to Lhasa is an inspiring work of travel literature by a remarkable woman.<p>
The Olive Farm Series: The Olive Farm, The Olive Season, and The Olive Harvest (The Olive Farm Series)
by Carol DrinkwaterThe acclaimed actress and author recounts her new life on a French olive farm, in this collection of three &“good-humored and well-written&” memoirs (The Washington Post).The Olive Farm After falling in love with Provence, actress Carol Drinkwater and her film-producer fiancé, Michel, decide to purchase an abandoned farm near Cannes. Inspired but inexperienced, they begin fixing up the ten-acre property as they meet quirky locals, puzzle through France&’s legal bureaucracy, and explore nearby Mediterranean islands.The Olive Season As newlyweds Carol and Michel settle into marriage, they experience the glamor of southern France with its aristocratic dinner parties and the world-renowned Cannes film festival—as well as the dirt-caked, sunbaked life of farmers. Carol also shares her hopes and fears as she anticipates motherhood in this alternately entertaining and emotionally poignant memoir.The Olive Harvest When Carol and Michel return to Provence, they face a season of great difficulty. The farm is suffering from drought, and wild boars have been destroying the fences. But there are bigger problems to come when an accident in Monte Carlo leaves Michel barely functional. As he recuperates, Carol must face challenges of all kinds—and hope that in the end, nature will provide.
Heist: The True Story of Lightning Lee Murray and the World's Biggest Cash Robbery
by Howard SounesA detail-driven account of how a gang of criminal misfits pulled off the world&’s biggest cash robbery, from the bestselling author of true crime classic Fred & Rose. The target was a regional counting house for the Bank of England, a fortified concrete bunker located within a triangle of police stations, one only three hundred yards away. When former UFC cage fighter Lightning Lee Murray discovered that this cash centre held hundreds of millions of pounds, he assembled a team of mates including a mechanic, a roofer, and a used car dealer. A hairdresser made disguises for the men so they could pass off as police officers. In an Ocean&’s Eleven–style robbery, the gang succeeded in hauling away a lorry-load of cash—a staggering £53 million (worth $87 million at the time)—a world-record sum. That&’s when their problems began. By turns thrilling and hilarious, Heist is the compelling true story of this mind-blowing crime, including background on Lee Murray, the build-up to the heist, the robbery itself, and its aftermath. The subject of Catching Lightning, as seen on SHOWTIME.
This Woman: Myra Hindley’s Prison Love Affair and Escape Attempt
by Howard SounesThe true account of the scandalous affair between one of Britain&’s most notorious murderers, Myra Hindley, and a prison guard—and their jailbreak plot to run away together. Myra Hindley was convicted in 1966, with her boyfriend Ian Brady, of what became known as the Moors Murders. Between July 1963 and October 1965 the couple sexually assaulted and killed five children and teenagers. Four bodies were buried on the moors near Manchester, and a tape recording was played in court of one child begging Hindley for their life. Hindley became an icon of evil, but in 1973, in London&’s Holloway prison, one woman fell in love with her. Hindley was a highly intelligent woman capable of charming anyone. Desperate to regain her freedom, she convinced an infatuated prison guard named Patricia Cairns, a former Carmelite nun, that she was a reformed woman who wanted to return to the Catholic church. Believing Hindley was sincere, yet had no chance of parole, Cairns plotted to break Hindley out of prison. This riveting story is told in vivid detail based on prison records and new interviews with former prison staff, inmates, and even the women&’s accomplice. Interspersed with powerful accounts of the Moors Murders, This Woman reveals Hindley&’s complex character and fiendish powers of manipulation—skills she used to lure children to their deaths in the 1960s, and used again to try to escape from prison.
Condor: An E-book Original Story (Mysterious Profiles #25)
by James GradyDecades after his adventure in the classic Six Days of the Condor, the eponymous spy reflects on his life while awaiting his next target in this tense novella. Ronald Malcolm, codename Condor, is still in the spy game. He may be older now, but in a world where hardly anybody sees anybody, nobody sees old. He&’s the perfect choice to sit in New York City&’s Penn Station and wait for what he calls &“the killing train.&” And while he waits for someone to take a life, he reflects on his own life. He wonders what has brought him to this moment. He looks back over memories of his childhood, his recruitment to the CIA, and that bloody day at the American Literary Historical Society that changed everything for him. But he must be careful not to get too lost on memory lane. The clock is ticking, and targets are on the move. He can&’t afford to get caught with his head in the clouds . . .Praise for James Grady &“A chilling novel of top security gone berserk . . . Breakneck . . . Not a slow minute.&” —Library Journal on Six Days of the Condor &“Grady&’s writing has changed dramatically over the years, evolving into a literary, impressionistic style . . . [It] is a perfect fit for the aging, unhinged, yet still-lethal Condor. This is an author writing at the top of his, or anyone else&’s, game.&” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Condor: The Short Takes
Ben Kincaid: Three Ben Kincaid Stories (Mysterious Profiles #14)
by William BernhardtThe &“master of the courtroom drama&” offers a behind-the-scenes look at his New York Times–bestselling legal thriller series (Library Journal). In 1991, William Bernhardt&’s novel, Primary Justice, introduced his character Ben Kincaid to the world. The fictional Oklahoma City lawyer has come a long way since his days as a junior associate at a high-powered law firm. In this essay, Bernhardt guides readers through Ben&’s journey in the long-running series, discussing everything from the development of his character to what&’s next for Ben. Bernhardt also talks about his experience working as a lawyer, getting started as an author, doing research, and navigating the publishing world. Fans of the New York Times–bestselling series won&’t want to miss this fascinating exposé.
Repairman Jack (Mysterious Profiles)
by F. Paul WilsonThe New York Times–bestselling author of The Keep tells the real and fictional origins of the mysterious man who battles criminals and the supernatural. In 1984, Repairman Jack debuted in F. Paul Wilson&’s horror thriller The Tomb. Jack would go on to star in twenty-three novels, ten short stories, and a graphic novel. But how did the antithesis of James Bond and Jason Bourne get his start in the battle between good and evil? In this essay, Wilson lets his readers in on how his beloved hero came to be. Wilson begins his personal story after he scored a hit with The Keep, when he found his inspiration for his next book in a dream. He discusses selecting and researching a monster, as well as developing Jack, his supporting cast, and settling on a villain. He also shares how the first title in the series came to be—it wasn&’t always The Tomb. Wilson closes with Jack&’s fictional backstory and his thoughts on Jack&’s potential future—if there is one . . .Praise for Repairman Jack &“One of the all-time great characters in one of the all-time great series.&” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series &“Repairman Jack is one of the most original and intriguing characters to arise out of contemporary fiction in ages. His adventures are hugely entertaining.&” —Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Strangers
Rebel King: The Making of a Monarch
by Tom BowerThis unauthorized biography of King Charles III follows his twenty-year struggle with his public image in the wake of Diana&’s death. Numerous challenges face King Charles III as he succeeds his mother to the throne of the United Kingdom. While Elizabeth II had a long history of uniting her people, Charles has always been less popular and often divisive. Following Princess Diana&’s death, his approval rating plummeted to four percent—the lowest for any royal in recent times. Charles&’s public support improved following his marriage to Camilla, but how was he able to turn things around? And what sort of monarch will he be? In Rebel King, investigative journalist and historian Tom Bower chronicles two dramatic decades of King Charles&’s life. He examines Charles&’s battle for rehabilitation after Diana&’s death and his refusal to obey the public&’s expectations of a future king. This book gathers testimonies from more than 120 individuals, many of whom served the royals for long periods and with great distinction. The result reveals dramatic secrets and offers an unrivalled, intimate portrait of the man, the heir, and the making of a king. Previously published as Rebel Prince.Praise for Rebel King &“A devastating book by Britain&’s top investigative author.&” —Daily Mail &“Explosive . . . delves inside the bizarre, ultra luxury world of Prince Charles.&” —The Sun &“There is more than enough carping, cosseting and cattiness here to satisfy any appetite for royal intrigue.&” —The Sunday Times
Gloria Steinem: Her Passions, Politics, and Mystique
by Sydney Ladensohn SternIncludes a new afterword: A &“richly detailed&” biography of the iconic feminist based on interviews with friends, family, colleagues, and Steinem herself (The Washington Post). Going beyond Gloria Steinem&’s public persona, this biography provides an in-depth portrait of the famed activist—covering her family of origin, Smith College education, travels in India, founding of Ms. magazine, and much more—drawn from fifty hours of interviews with Steinem, as well as conversations with more than two hundred people in her life. &“Stern&’s biography is sympathetic but critical about the woman who was once perhaps the foremost figure of American feminism. . . . Follows its subject from her childhood with a mentally ill mother and ne&’er-do-well father through her rise in the women&’s movement.&” —The New York Times Book Review &“Feminist icon, goddess, social climber, bunny—who is Gloria Steinem? All of the above, according to [this] serious new biography. . . . A real look at Steinem off the public platform.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“Avoiding esoteric psychological or feminist theorizing, Stern still provides a clear context for Steinem&’s development both as a public figure and as an exemplar of the movement that seeks to have women define themselves as autonomous individuals.&” —Library JournalIncludes photographs
Pulitzer
by W. A. SwanbergFrom the National Book Award–winning author, an absorbing biography of the esteemed editor, publisher, power broker, and rival to William Randolph Hearst. An eccentric genius, Joseph Pulitzer immigrated to the United States to fight in the Civil War—despite barely speaking English. He would soon master the language enough to begin a successful newspaper career in St. Louis, become a fierce opponent to William Randolph Hearst, and, eventually, found the Columbia School of Journalism. A Hungarian born into poverty, Pulitzer epitomized the American Dream by building a fortune. But he also suffered: going blind in the middle of his career, experiencing extreme mood swings, and developing an intense irritability that made everyday life difficult to tolerate. In this book, W. A. Swanberg—a recipient of the prestigious prize named after Pulitzer—recounts the personal and professional life of the newspaper magnate, as well as his significant influence on American politics. Swanberg reveals how the New York World managed to balance admirably accurate reporting with popular appeal, and explores Pulitzer&’s colorful, contradictory character—courageous and self-pitying, dictatorial and generous. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent era, this is a portrait of an outsize personality by an author with a flair for both the big picture and small, fascinating detail.Includes photographs.Praise for W. A. Swanberg&’s biographies &“First-rate.&” —The New York Times on Citizen Hearst &“Engrossing.&” —Kirkus Reviews on Norman Thomas: The Last Idealist
Poor Man's Feast: A Love Story of Comfort, Desire, and the Art of Simple Cooking
by Elissa Altman&“[A] smart yet tender tale. . . . Sometimes heartbreaking, often hilarious . . . one of the finest food memoirs of recent years.&” —The New York Times Book Review For a woman raised by a weight-obsessed mother and a father who rebelled by sneaking his daughter out to lavish meals at such fine dining establishments as Le Pavillon and La Grenouille, food could be a fraught proposition. Not that this stopped Elissa Altman from pursuing a culinary career. Everything Elissa cooked was inspired by the French haute cuisine she once secretly enjoyed with her dad, from the rare game birds she served at extravagant dinner parties held in her tiny New York City apartment to the eight timbale molds she purchased from Dean & Deluca, just so she could make her food tall. All that elegance was called into question when Elissa fell in love with Susan, a small-town woman whose idea of fine dining was a rustic meal served on her best tag sale TV tray. Susan&’s devotion to simple living astounded Elissa, even as it changed the way she thought about food—and the family who taught her everything she understood about it—forever. Based on the James Beard Award–winning blog and filled with twenty-six delicious recipes, Poor Man&’s Feast is one woman&’s achingly honest, often uproarious journey to making peace with food and finding lasting love. &“A brave, generous story about family, food, and finding the way home.&” —Molly Wizenberg, New York Times–bestselling author of A Homemade Life &“Luminous writing.&” —Publishers Weekly &“Reminiscent of Elizabeth David, M. F. K. Fisher, A. J. Liebling . . . reflective of Laurie Colwin and her praise of simple, home-cooked, &‘real&’ food.&” —New York Journal of Books &“A beautiful story.&” —Deborah Madison, James Beard Award–winning author of Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone
My Life at the Wheel: Toward a Memoir
by Lynne Sharon SchwartzFrom an &“American literary treasure&” comes this humorous collection of essays on writing, friendship, family, and aging in an increasingly complex world(Publishers Weekly). In this diverting anthology, National Book Award finalist Lynne Sharon Schwartz explores the connections and complications of a life rich with travel, fascinating people, and writing. Her body of work includes acclaimed novels, poetry, essays, memoirs, and English translations of Italian books. With biting wit, My Life at the Wheel dissects the trials of Schwartz&’s recovery from major surgery; reveals her quest for hope and healing in the wake of the 9/11 attacks; comically muses on her fear of driving and her discovery of an &“unknown&” book by Henry James; and weaves colorful stories of hours spent arguing, drinking, and smoking with friends in a neighborhood bar in her native New York City. Her personal narratives range from riotous reflections on finding her calling to be an author, to the challenges of writing while raising children, and from a daughter struggling to understand her parents through adolescent eyes to an aging woman grappling with her own mortality. Relentlessly candid and often painfully funny, Schwartz fearlessly probes life&’s most difficult truths, as she willingly confronts the complexities of growing older in a rapidly changing world.Praise for the writing of Lynne Sharon Schwartz &“[Schwartz&’s]insights are at once sympathetic and drenched with irony.&” —The New York Times &“Reading Schwartz is like a pleasurable visit with a thoughtful and articulate friend.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“I can think of no other contemporary writer who writes so well.&” —Los Angeles Review of Books
Star Trek Memories
by William Shatner Chris KreskiThe star of the legendary sci-fi franchise shares the ultimate &“Captain&’s Log&” in this classic behind-the-scenes memoir. A living pop culture legend and one of Hollywood&’s most enduring stars, William Shatner will forever be associated with the role of James T. Kirk, captain of the starship Enterprise and hero of the sci-fi series Star Trek. Beginning in 1966, Star Trek offered something entirely new to prime time TV audiences. Though it suffered from shaky ratings throughout its run, the show became a global pop culture phenomenon, as well as a billion-dollar entertainment juggernaut. In Star Trek Memories, Shatner offers fans his personal insights and recollections of the show&’s creation. He covers everything from the drama behind its most unforgettable episodes, to its outsized cultural influence and groundbreaking vision of the future. Star Trek Memories includes more than 120 photographs and illustrations.
Star Trek Movie Memories
by William Shatner Chris KreskiThe legendary Captain Kirk takes readers behind the scenes of the long-running movie franchise from the first feature film to Star Trek: Generations. In this jam-packed memoir, William Shatner picks up where he left off with Star Trek Memories, recounting in equally intriguing detail what went into the making of the first six Star Trek movies, while including on-the-scene reporting from the set of Star Trek: Generations. Shatner discloses all of the creative turmoil, backstage politics, and production challenges that permeated every one of the movies. And with unflinching candor, he reveals the accumulated personal grudges that haven&’t mellowed with the passage of time. Drawing on in-depth interviews as well as Shatner&’s private reminiscences, the book recounts how Kirk&’s love interest in Star Trek IV began as a role for Eddie Murphy; the creative and production nightmares of Star Trek V; and the rewarding experience of the &“classic&” crew passing the torch to Patrick Stewart and the cast of The Next Generation. Star Trek Movie Memories contains more than one hundred photographs and illustrations.
Cruel Crossing: Escaping Hitler Across the Pyrenees
by Edward StourtonA chronicle of the perilous European mountain escape route used during World War II, with epic stories from survivors and their families. After the Nazi invasion of Belgium in 1940, an underground network was established to help British servicemen escape German-occupied Europe. As the war progressed, others began using the secret route as well, traveling to the south of France, over the Pyrenees mountains, and into neutral Spain. The Chemin de la Liberté runs forty miles across the central Pyrenees. Since 1994, it has been hiked each July to commemorate those who made the courageous journey during the Nazi occupation of France. BBC Radio presenter Edward Stourton made the trek in 2011, and from his fellow hikers, he uncovered amazing stories of wartime bravery and perseverance. In Cruel Crossing, Stourton draws on interviews with survivors, as well as family members of those who were there, to paint a history of this little-known aspect of World War II. It is colored by tales of hardship from soldiers trapped behind enemy lines, persecuted Jews fleeing Hitler and Vichy France, and bold resistance fighters aiding their escape. There are scrambles across rooftops in the dead of night, drops from speeding trains, treachery, murder, romance, and of course, heroism. These personal stories offer a dramatic and moving trip through the past, preserving the memories of those who endured so much to gain back their freedom.Praise for Cruel Crossing &“Stourton writes evocatively and with sensitivity of the people who made the arduous trek. . . . An engaging collection of tales.&” —Daily Express &“In Mr. Stourton&’s hands, the Pyrenees become a grim amphitheatre for heroism and betrayal, collusion and rebellion. . . . Cruel Crossing recaptures much of the adventure and the fun, as well as the horror and the bitterness, as it brilliantly conjures up the voices of the past.&” —Country Life &“Heart-breaking and breath-taking . . . thoroughly moving and very readable.&” —Simon Mawer, author of The Glass Room &“An important book packed with poignant stories, remarkable characters and uncomfortable truths.&” —Clare Mulley, author of The Spy Who Loved
Diary of a Dog Walker: Time Spent Following a Lead
by Edward StourtonA British journalist muses on his life and canine-related topics while walking his dog, in this book inspired by his popular newspaper column.If you are accompanied by a dog, you can talk to anyone, and anyone can talk to you—about anything. After being dismissed from his job as a radio presenter, Edward Stourton had plenty of time to walk his English Springer Spaniel, Kudu, in London&’s Battersea Park. Stourton found himself contemplating a variety of dog-associated questions like How well does he really know Kudu?; Can our dogs know us?; Do they understand what ownership is?; How loyal are they really?; and Do they know guilt? Then he began examining more complex subjects—art, sexual politics, war, government, philosophy, and life in general—from the amusing perspective of a man walking his dog. In Diary of a Dog Walker, Stourton shares excerpts from his columns, full of insights gained from his adventures with Kudu, as well as anecdotes from his personal life. It adds up to a wise and witty read perfect for dog-lovers everywhere.Praise for Diary of a Dog Walker &“Utter magic. Edward Stourton is civilized, charming, and writes like an angel. The dogs all spring to life but this is a gorgeous book for everybody—not just for dog lovers. I love it.&” —Jilly Cooper, author of the Rutshire Chronicles &“The sort of book that might convert even a cat-lover to the charm of canine company.&” —The Mail on Sunday &“A thoroughly enjoyable ramble through a diverse selection of topics which range from dogs of war and dog fighting to presidential pets and choosing the right name. . . . In turn serious, funny, sad and light-hearted; it&’s a perfect mixture which is just right for the bedside table.&” —Karen Bush, author of The Dog Expert
In the Footsteps of Saint Paul
by Edward StourtonA layman reflects on the life and legacy of the influential apostle as he retraces Paul&’s footsteps through the old Roman Empire in this biography. Regarded by many as the founder of organized Christianity, Saint Paul the Apostle is a contradictory figure. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul persecuted Christians, and it is believed he even enthusiastically attended Saint Stephen&’s stoning. After his conversion, he began his ministry, traveling the Roman Empire and writing famous letters that are some of the earliest Christian documents. But who was he really? In this book, British radio presenter and journalist Edward Stourton recounts his own journey to real sites from St. Paul&’s life. He begins with Paul&’s birthplace of Tarsus and continues all the way to Paul&’s martyrdom in Rome more than sixty years later. With detailed research, Stourton contemplates the apostle&’s experiences, education, and background, as well as his relevance to contemporary political and social issues. Ultimately, he transforms St. Paul from an elusive New Testament figure into a flesh and blood man with a passion for his beliefs.
Our Man in Panama: The Shrewd Rise and Brutal Fall of Manuel Noriega
by John DingesA &“carefully researched&” account of the rise and fall of notorious dictator Manuel Noriega—and America&’s role in both (The Washington Post). Written by a prize-winning NPR veteran who spent years covering Latin America, this blend of biography, history, and political reporting details the events that lead to the American invasion of Panama. &“Describes in considerable detail the fascinating and appalling relationship between Noriega and the U.S. government. Much of this material was derived from previously classified documents, supplemented by Congressional hearings and interviews. [John] Dinges has taken great care to verify his sources; hearsay, gossip, and questionable testimony is not presented here . . . Highly recommended.&” —Library Journal &“Most of the action takes place in Panama, of course, but it is still very much a Washington story. Few of the characters, from President Bush on down, emerge with dignity intact.&” —The New York Times &“One of the best analyses of American foreign policy failures in Panama.&” —The New Republic A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
The Oaken Heart: The Story of an English Village at War
by Margery AllinghamWorld War II on the home front: &“Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society or James Herriot will enjoy this unique historical account.&” —Library Journal This remarkable firsthand account—from the acclaimed Golden Age mystery author—was written to let people know how the Second World War affected ordinary English country people. The Oaken Heart is Margery Allingham&’s tribute to the resiliency and determination of the people of Tolleshunt D&’Arcy, the Essex village where she lived and nicknamed &“Auburn&” in her manuscript. Allingham, already a successful mystery author in 1939, was at work on the Albert Campion novel Traitor&’s Purse. The first hint of war was felt in the alarm of a radio announcer&’s voice, and Allingham put down her pen as her peaceful corner of the world braced for sending its men into battle, and even possible invasion. As villagers rallied around the cause—supporting each other and their country—Allingham found herself acting as the local billeting officer and first aid organizer. She writes of the sacrifices of farmers, the mistrust of politics, the grim acceptance of rationing, the bombing of London. And through it all, the never-ending hope for peace. The Oaken Heart captures the personal and universal toll of war, far from the front lines, written by a woman whose own quest for justice jumped from the page to the streets where she lived. &“Engrossing and moving.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“Her record of the events and people of this fraught wartime period is rendered with the skill found in the best of her fictional writing . . . remains an insight into another facet of a remarkable talent.&” —Crime Time
Baltic Countdown: A Nation Vanishes
by Peggie BentonA firsthand account of Latvia during World War II: &“A British diplomat&’s wife&’s beautifully observed eye-witness account of the Soviet occupation.&” —Condé Nast Traveler With her husband in the British Foreign Service, Peggie Benton had already lived through the Nazi invasion of Austria in 1938 and had settled comfortably into the day-to-day life of Riga, the capital of Latvia. But the country&’s uneasy history with Russia and tensions brewing with Germany just prior to the outbreak of World War II meant their peace was not to last. In this compelling memoir, Benton captures both the small details of life in the city—the markets, the winter customs, the Baltic character—and the terrifying moments during the evacuation of Baltic Germans and the Soviet invasion that left the couple homeless and with an uncertain fate. Their world comes crashing down during the chaos of war, and the Bentons are forced to flee more than twenty-two thousand miles eastward across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway to Japan, then through Canada to England, crossing both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.Baltic Countdown is a tribute to the people of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—their resilience through the trials of history and their never-ending hope of independence. &“An engaging account in its own right . . . A bittersweet memoir of a city on the edge of disaster. Her compelling depiction of Riga and its inhabitants conjures up a world that is almost unknown in the West.&” —Studies in Intelligence, CIA journal
The Jacobite's Wife: A powerful and gripping historical drama based on true events
by Morag Edwards&“An impressive, lively narrative of a memorable woman who, aside from her one daring exploit, is lamentably little-known.&” —Historical Novels Review Jacobite sympathies stir powerful emotions, especially in a titled young man with little to occupy him. But Lady Winifred Nithsdale has already seen her mother, father, and brother imprisoned for their support of England&’s Catholic king. While she wants to be loyal, Winifred tries to protect her husband from imprisonment, or worse, the scaffold. But will she escape with her own life intact? Based on the true story of Winifred Maxwell, Countess of Nithsdale, and set in the early eighteenth century, this remarkable and powerful novel is rich in detail, character, and history. &“The extraordinary tale of an amazing woman.&” —Mari Griffith, author of Root of the Tudor Rose
The Questions That Matter Most: Reading, Writing, and the Exercise of Freedom
by Jane Smiley&“Clear, vibrant&” essays on reading and writing by the Pulitzer Prize–winning, New York Times–bestselling author: &“A reader feels smarter just taking it in&” (The Boston Globe). From the author of A Dangerous Business, A Thousand Acres, and Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel, this volume &“gathers essays (and two stories) composed with wit, enthusiasm, expertise, and candor&” (Booklist). Long acclaimed as a preeminent American novelist, Jane Smiley is also an unparalleled observer of the craft of writing. In this book, she offers penetrating essays on some of the aesthetic and cultural issues that mark any serious engagement with reading and writing. After a personal introduction tracing Smiley&’s migration from Iowa to California, she reflects on her findings in the literature of the Golden State, whose writers have for decades litigated the West&’s contested legacies of racism, class conflict, and sexual politics through their work. With meticulous attention, she also dives beneath surface-level interpretations of authors like Marguerite de Navarre, Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Willa Cather, Franz Kafka, Halldór Laxness, and Jessica Mitford. Throughout, Smiley seeks to think harder, and with more clarity and nuance, about the questions that matter most. &“Valuable . . . Smiley gives educators, readers, and writers much to discuss.&” —Library Journal (starred review) &“Her literary criticism . . . brims with the same keen observations, inquisitiveness, and humor as her novels. . . . Fleet-footed and smart, this delights.&” —Publishers Weekly