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Iron, Steam & Money: The Making of the Industrial Revolution
by Roger OsborneIn late eighteenth-century Britain a handful of men brought about the greatest transformation in human history. Inventors, industrialists and entrepreneurs ushered in the age of powered machinery and the factory, and thereby changed the whole of human society, bringing into being new methods of social and economic organisation, new social classes, and new political forces. The Industrial Revolution also dramatically altered humanity's relation to the natural world and embedded the belief that change, not stasis, is the necessary backdrop for human existence.Iron, Steam and Money tells the thrilling story of those few decades, the moments of inspiration, the rivalries, skulduggery and death threats, and the tireless perseverance of the visionaries who made it all happen. Richard Arkwright, James Watt, Richard Trevithick and Josiah Wedgwood are among the giants whose achievements and tragedies fill these pages. In this authoritative study Roger Osborne also shows how and why the revolution happened, revealing pre-industrial Britain as a surprisingly affluent society, with wealth spread widely through the population, and with craft industries in every town, village and front parlour. The combination of disposable income, widespread demand for industrial goods, and a generation of time-served artisans created the unique conditions that propelled humanity into the modern world.The industrial revolution was arguably the most important episode in modern human history; Iron, Steam and Money reminds us of its central role, while showing the extraordinary excitement of those tumultuous decades.
Of The People, By The People: A New History of Democracy
by Roger Osborne'Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.'Churchill had more reason than most to rue the power of democracy, having been thrown out of office after leading Britain to victory in 1945. Democracy, when viewed from above, has always been a fickle master; from below it is a powerful but fragile friend.Most books on democracy focus on political theory and analysis, in a futile attempt to define democracy. Of The People, By The People takes the opposite approach, telling the stories of the different democracies that have come into existence during the past two and half millennia. From Athens to Rhaetia, Jamestown to Delhi, and Putney to Pretoria, the book shows how democratic systems are always a reflection of the culture and history of their birthplaces, and come about through seizing fleeting opportunities. Democracy can only be understood through the fascinating and inspiring stories of the peoples who fought to bring it about.
Public Service Logic: Creating Value for Public Service Users, Citizens, and Society Through Public Service Delivery (ISSN)
by Stephen OsborneThis book is based upon and extends the theoretical and empirical work of the author over the last decade. It integrates material deriving from his previous conceptual and empirical work in this field, together with new empirical evidence from emerging research. Public Service Logic challenges the product-dominant assumptions of the New Public Management (NPM) about the nature and management of public service delivery. Whilst the NPM has led to some important developments in public management, it has also had significant limitations and weaknesses. The book presents an alternative to this, as a framework for the future delivery and reform of public services globally. It draws upon the extant literature in the field of service management to argue for a Public Service Logic (PSL) for the delivery of public services. This situates public service delivery within the vibrant and influential field of service-dominant research and theory. It argues that effective public service management requires both that these services are understood as services not as products and that, consequently, public service management requires a focus on value creation as its over-arching rationale. The book presents a major new framework of value creation for public service delivery as a basis for public service reform, explores the role of service managers and staff and of citizens and service users in this value creation process, and evaluates the implications of this new framework for both the strategic and operational management of public service delivery, their performance management and the development and innovation of new forms of public services. It will be of interest to researchers and students in the fields of public management and public administration, as well as to policy makers and public service managers.
Song of Ireland
by Juilene Osborne-McKnightThe Sons of Mil long held the dream of the Island of Destiny close to their hearts. A dream perhaps, but to these restless, adventuring people it was a shining emerald prize to be won by those who were brave or foolhardy enough to sail to the very ends of the known world. For the Bard Amergin and his people that dream comes true. When they land safely on the shores of this enchanted isle, they know that they have won the favor of their gods. In joy, they begin to build their settlement. Soon it is clear that they are not alone in this green and pleasant land; their fellow inhabitants are the secretive Danu, a people who resonate power and mystery in abundance. As Amergin negotiates with the Danu so that both peoples may peacefully share the island's wealth, he sees their beauty, their wisdom, and their love for the land. And one more thing. Amergin's second sight shows him that the Danu are not human.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Fierce
by Kelly OsbourneThis no-holds-barred account of Kelly Obsourne's upbringing is as shocking as it is disarmingly funny. From stories about her father's alcoholism to pushing over portaloos on tour, Kelly unflinchingly deals with the extraordinary experiences that have made up her life so far:'Kelly Osbourne has written Fierce, a handbook for teenage girls/memoir of adolescence lived under very bright lights. After reading it, and her anecdotes about her mum's early experiments with home waxing, and her dad snipping off her thong, and Amy Winehouse complimenting her on her tits, and the confidence that comes with Vicodin, as well as the fact boxes with advice about bullying and hair straighteners, I like her very much.' Eva Wiseman, Observer
Survivor: From childhood abuse to a life of crime and prostitution
by Tara O’ShaughnesseyVictim. Prostitute. Gangster’s Wife. Survivor.Tara grew up in squalor on the island of Alderney. When she was only four, she was sexually abused by one of her mother’s many lovers, a horror that continued for five long years. As a teenager, desperate to escape the toxic environment at home, she fled to London – but was swiftly drawn into working as a prostitute. She became involved with some of London’s most notorious gangsters – even marrying one – but when she realised the danger she was inflicting on her children, she knew she had to find a way to get out. This is the inspiring story of one woman’s will to survive, and to fight for a better life.
Rock My Wedding: Your Day Your Way
by Charlotte O'SheaThe definitive guide to planning your perfect wedding day, from the UK's most-loved, and multi-award-winning wedding website and podcast - Rock My Wedding. With friendly advice, tips, ideas and stunning photography, it's the perfect pre-wedding purchase for any couple!'The UK's most influential brand in the wedding industry'- Conclusion from an independent study carried out by Universal McCann, one of the world's leading ad networks.'Absolutely brimming with wedding inspiration' -- ***** Reader review'Every fiancé/fiancée needs this masterpiece' -- ***** Reader review'Beautiful and inspiring' -- ***** Reader review'Full of inspiration - this book is one every fiancé/fiancée should own to help them create their perfect wedding day' -- ***** Reader review******************************************************************************************************Just like you, your wedding day will be personal, one-of-a-kind, and completely unique. We're not here to tell you what you should do to make your day perfect, only that you can do it.Covering floral décor, table plans, lighting, photography, venues, outfits, food - as well as much more - this is your one-stop-shop to planning the perfect wedding for YOU.With advice and guidance on the individual aspects to consider when planning your wedding day - from where to begin and recommended questions to ask your suppliers, to plenty of alternative décor ideas - we hope that you'll find inspiration, reassurance and a little bit of escapism in these pages as you embark on planning one of the most special and joyful days of your lives.
Blood on the Tracks 16 (Blood on the Tracks #16)
by Shuzo OshimiFrom the creator who brought you notable works such as The Flowers of Evil, Happiness, and Inside Mari, comes his latest suspense drama centering on the theme of a toxic parent.Dive into this latest thriller by master storyteller, Shuzo Oshimi."..if you enjoyed Oshimi's previous work with "Flowers of Evil", and you enjoy dark storylines with twisted characters, you'll no doubt enjoy "Blood on the Tracks"! Recommended!" - Neo Tokyo 2099The tale of Seiko&’s past draws to a close, and Seiichi is left with one central, burning question: &“Why did you &‘kill&’ me?&”Once that question has been answered, can some kind of relationship between mother and child be resurrected?The long night is over—now what will the dawn bring?
The Humor Habit: Rewire Your Brain to Stress Less, Laugh More, and Achieve More'er
by Paul OsincupDiscover and embrace the untapped power of your sense of humor In The Humor Habit: Rewire Your Brain to Stress Less, Laugh More, and Achieve More’er, veteran speaker, corporate trainer, and comedian Paul Osincup delivers a hilarious and effective new take on how to make yourself and your team more productive and resilient by focusing on the funny side of work and life. In the book, you’ll learn why humor isn’t an in-born quality you’re either born with or without. Instead, it’s a habit you can develop over time. You’ll find 100 ways to have more fun at work, methods to improve your resilience in dealing with adversity, and an explanation of the author’s “LAFTER” model that shows you how to leverage levity at work. You’ll also discover: The latest insights from contemporary positive psychology combined with timeless comedic techniques that enhance your wellbeing Strategies to help you battle “chronic seriousness,” a condition affecting virtually every professional, tradesperson, consultant, employee, manager, and business leader in the working world Ways to boost your team members’ brainpower and productivity using humorPerfect for managers, executives, team leads, directors, and other business leaders, The Humor Habit is the practical, hands-on guide to improved productivity that’s actually fun to read—and even more fun to implement.
Wisden's The Laws Of Cricket
by Don OslearWISDEN'S THE LAWS OF CRICKET sets out in full the text of the new laws of cricket, 42 in number (with permission of the MCC which own the copyright in them). For each law it provides a commentary covering the reasons for any changs, explaining the background, and highlighting how they are likely to affect the way the game is played at every level. Full discussion is devoted to the major contentious issues, such as the introduction of penalty runs for various misdemeanours, and the revisions to the 'no ball' law. Don Oslear, the distinguished umpire, has been intimately involved over several years in the process of drafting the new laws, and explains why they needed changing, what views his committe recieved from the governing bodies of all the cricketing nations and from players, spectators and the media, how these were resolved, and what effect they are expected to have on the future of the game. No one who plays cricket, or is seriously interested in the game, can afford to miss this book.
100 Ideas that Changed the World: Our Most Important Discoveries, Selected By Our Greatest Minds
by Jheni OsmanEvery once in a while, an idea comes along that makes the entire world sit up and take notice. From the earliest understandings of our place in the solar system, via Darwinism, DNA, neutrons and quarks, right up to the theories that are pushing the boundaries of our knowledge today, we are forever propelled forward by our most gifted scientific minds. In this fascinating book, former BBC Focus magazine editor Jheni Osman explores 100 of the most forward thinking, far-reaching and downright inspired ideas and inventions in history, each nominated by experts from all fields of science and engineering. With selections from established authorities such as Brian Cox, Patrick Moore, Richard Dawkins and Marcus du Sautoy, Osman covers topics as diverse as the Big Bang, vaccination, computing, radioactivity, human genomes, the wheel and many more. Each essay looks at the logic behind these great inventions, discoveries, theories and experiments, studying the circumstances that brought them into being and assessing the impact that they had on the world at large. An intriguing and thought-provoking collection, 100 Ideas that Changed the World offers us a glimpse into the minds behind history's greatest eureka moments.
Wicked Bones: Enemies to Lovers Witch Academy Romance (A Touch of Darkness #3)
by Candace Osmond Rebecca HamiltonIn the shadowed halls of Arcane Academy, Lydia Laveau stands at the crossroads of destiny…and deception.Following the revelations of the Conjuring test, Lydia is thrust into the spotlight, facing challenges darker than any spell. As questions swirl about her relationship with Anson and her connection to Nash, Lydia finds herself ensnared in a web of lies spun for protection—but whose?With the Midnight Circle drawing closer and the bond with her father revealing the heavy mantle of her heritage, Lydia must confront the possibility of leading a battle she never wished to fight. But the more she learns of Talia's past and the enigmatic red witches, the more Lydia questions the very fabric of her beliefs and the secrets that shape her world.Will Lydia's journey through shadowed corridors and darker magics forge a path to salvation for those she loves, or will the weight of secrets and the cost of power be too great a burden for the daughter of a Light High Priestess turned champion of the dark?Fans of DIVERGENT, HARRY POTTER, and A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES will devour this edgy paranormal academy series with a slow burn romance!Scroll up to one-click to continue the Touch of Darkness series with Book 3, Wicked Bones, today!
The Rise and Fall of Swedish Social Democracy
by Kjell OstbjergWhatever happened to the poster child of European social democracy?For a young generation of socialists, the Swedish experience has been an obvious reference and inspiration. But what remains of the Swedish model today is, in fact, a failed project in decline. This book is the first comprehensive study of the rise and fall of one of the most influential political movements of our time.Ostberg depicts the rise of one of the 20th century's best organized labor movements and Sweden's development from one of Europe's poorest countries to one of the richest and with the most extensive welfare. During the last 90 years, Sweden had a social democratic prime minister for 72 years, including a 44 year uninterrupted span. The Swedish model culminated in the 1970s. Under the pressure of wildcat strikes and new social movements, a highly competent Social Democratic government implemented unique social reforms mainly through a decommodified public sector. Many reforms had a distinct gender equality character. The Social Democratic-led trade union movement sought to take over control of Swedish companies through wage earners&’ funds. Was Sweden on its way to becoming a socialist country?Instead, Swedish Social Democracy quickly adapted to the economic and political conditions of the neoliberal counter-revolution. Today, large parts of the public sector have been privatized and social inequality has increased faster than in most other countries, despite social democratic governments in power. The Social Democratic party is being challenged by the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats as the largest labour party.Kjell Ostbjerg discusses the strength and weakness of the reformist strategy, the importance of class organizations and social mobilization and the struggle for power in the workplace, the influence of the labor bureaucracy, the role of women in the creation of the Swedish welfare society and the dependence of Social Democracy on the development of international capitalism.
Daily Readings from It's Your Time: 90 Devotions for Activating Your Faith, Achieving Your Dreams, and Increasing in God's Favor
by Joel OsteenDiscover how to turn every day into an opportunity with ninety inspirational daily readings from the New York Times bestseller It’s Your Time.It’s your time to declare your faith, to look for God’s favor, and to give control of your life to Him so that you can find fulfillment in His plans for you!In Daily Readings from It’s Your Time, pastor and #1 New York Times–bestselling author Joel Osteen helps you turn every day into an opportunity for a better life as you incorporate messages of hope and faith more deeply into everything you do. No matter where you stand today, this ninety-day devotional provides new approaches for transforming your life as Joel guides you with thought-provoking anecdotes, words of encouragement, and inspiring scripture. Based on It’s Your Time, this devotional centers on five encouraging themes:It’s time to believeIt’s time for favorIt’s time for restorationIt’s time to trustIt’s time to stretchHighlighting key stories from It’s Your Time, this devotional also supplies passages and daily thoughts that offer messages of faith, hope, and strength to help you rise above any circumstance so you can fulfill God’s best plan for your life. Joel offers assurance that God does not want you to merely survive challenging times. He wants you to thrive. When you give your life over to Him, God will send opportunities your way so you can soar to new heights of fulfillment.
Speak the Blessing: Send Your Words in the Direction You Want Your Life to Go
by Joel OsteenNew York Times bestselling author and pastor of Lakewood Church Joel Osteen shares how the power of our words can help create a better reality. Your words are like seeds. Every time you say them, they're taking root and growing. Are you planting good seeds? Are you seeing the increase, the health, the relationships, and the happiness you dream about? If not, check out what you&’re saying. Whether you realize it or not, the words you speak today are setting the direction for the rest of your life. In Speak the Blessing, New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen offers you unique insights into this profound truth: Your words have creative power. When you discover the power of speaking what God says about you, you give those words the right to come to pass. There is a miracle in your mouth. There is healing in your mouth, freedom in your mouth, and new levels in your mouth. But nothing happens until you speak the blessing. Your words become your reality. Start blessing your future today. Use the words you speak to unlock the power within and create the life you were designed to live. The life-changing possibilities are limitless.
The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications (The ParentData Series #4)
by Emily Oster Nathan FoxFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Expecting Better, a guide to navigating a second pregnancy when the first did not go as planned—with Dr. Nathan Fox, maternal fetal medicine specialistIn Expecting Better, Emily Oster revolutionized the pregnancy landscape with her data-driven approach. In the years since, she kept hearing questions from readers on how to approach a second pregnancy when the first has not gone as planned.While The Unexpected is a book that Oster hopes no one needs, the reality is that 50 percent of pregnancies include complications, a fact we don&’t talk about. Preeclampsia, miscarriage, hyperemesis gravidarum, preterm birth, postpartum depression: these are lonely experiences, and that isolation makes treatment harder to access—and crucial research and policy change less likely to happen.The Unexpected lays out the data on recurrence and treatments shown to lower or mitigate risk for these conditions in subsequent pregnancies. It also provides readers road maps to facilitate productive conversations with their providers, with insights from lauded maternal fetal medicine specialist Dr. Nathan Fox.By bridging the knowledge gap and making space for difficult conversations, The Unexpected promises to make the hardest parts of pregnancy a little bit less so.
The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications
by Emily Oster Nathan FoxFrom the New York Times bestselling author of THE FAMILY FIRM, comes a practical exploration on how second (and later) pregnancies can feel different to the first time around. On what can feel like uneven terrain, navigating or planning a pregnancy after complications can plunge you into an unfamiliar world of decision making; conversations with medical providers can be hard and scary, and with a lack of information given to you, it can feel like you aren't given any choices about what happens to you at all.Second pregnancies can present you with a whole new set of questions and perspectives on your experience, body and wellbeing.Will the experience of conception and pregnancy (good or bad) be the same this time around? How do you navigate pregnancy and birth with a child already around? Perhaps above all: how can you make the best decisions for yourself? THE UNEXPECTED will answer these questions, and many more.
Founding Grammars: How Early America's War Over Words Shaped Today's Language
by Rosemarie OstlerWho decided not to split infinitives? With whom should we take issue if in fact, we wish to boldly write what no grammarian hath writ before? In Founding Grammars, Rosemarie Ostler delves into the roots of our grammar obsession to answer these questions and many more. Standard grammar and accurate spelling are widely considered hallmarks of a good education, but their exact definitions are much more contentious - capable of inciting a full-blown grammar war at the splice of a comma, battles readily visible in the media and online in the comments of blogs and chat rooms. With an accessible and enthusiastic journalistic approach, Ostler considers these grammatical shibboleths, tracing current debates back to America's earliest days, an era when most families owned only two books - the Bible and a grammar primer. Along the way, she investigates colorful historical characters on both sides of the grammar debate in her efforts to unmask the origins of contemporary speech. Linguistic founding fathers like Noah Webster, Tory expatriate Lindley Murray, and post-Civil War literary critic Richard Grant White,all play a featured role in creating the rules we've come to use, and occasionally discard, throughout the years. Founding Grammars is for curious readers who want to know where grammar rules have come from, where they've been, and where they might go next.
The Intruder: A Crime Novel
by Håkan ÖstlundhThe Intruder is an unusual story about betrayal and dark secrets. The Andersson family is being sent scary letters without a sender's name. Who could possibly want to harm them?Gotland policeman Fredrik Broman and his colleagues take the threats seriously, but cannot rule out the possibility that it is all a tasteless joke. When the threats escalate and the couple's daughter disappears, all doubts vanish. This is for real. And it is only the beginning.When the police pressure the husband, a complicated family history is revealed. What really made him return to the small island after his successful career as an international photographer? Is it really someone nearby that wants to harm the family, or does the threat come from elsewhere?Acclaimed crime novelist Håkan Östlundh combines high literary quality with high-end suspense.
Heart of Darkness: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Invisible Universe (Princeton Science Library #148)
by Jeremiah P. Ostriker Simon MittonHumanity's ongoing quest to unlock the secrets of dark matter and dark energyHeart of Darkness describes the incredible saga of humankind's quest to unravel the deepest secrets of the universe. Over the past forty years, scientists have learned that two little-understood components—dark matter and dark energy—comprise most of the known cosmos, explain the growth of all cosmic structure, and hold the key to the universe's fate. The story of how evidence for the so-called "Lambda-Cold Dark Matter" model of cosmology has been gathered by generations of scientists throughout the world is told here by one of the pioneers of the field, Jeremiah Ostriker, and his coauthor Simon Mitton.From humankind's early attempts to comprehend Earth's place in the solar system, to astronomers' exploration of the Milky Way galaxy and the realm of the nebulae beyond, to the detection of the primordial fluctuations of energy from which all subsequent structure developed, this book explains the physics and the history of how the current model of our universe arose and has passed every test hurled at it by the skeptics. Throughout this rich story, an essential theme is emphasized: how three aspects of rational inquiry—the application of direct measurement and observation, the introduction of mathematical modeling, and the requirement that hypotheses should be testable and verifiable—guide scientific progress and underpin our modern cosmological paradigm.This monumental puzzle is far from complete, however, as scientists confront the mysteries of the ultimate causes of cosmic structure formation and the real nature and origin of dark matter and dark energy.
Can You Hear Me Now?: Part One (Can You Hear Me Now? Ser. #1)
by Annie O'SullivanFirst published as only parts of her life, this book brings together the full life story of the woman known as Annie O'Sullivan. Horribly abused at the hand of her father, it is a collection of essays that graphically recount memories of her life as a confused child and young adult as she careened through life without compass, to ultimately, and against all odds, prosper. Culminating in the event that brought a degree of closure to her torture, O'Sullivan brings the reader on an intimate life journey through the eyes of this child&’s misunderstanding, will to persevere and desire to seek goodness despite her circumstances.Terrifying, infuriating and uplifting, this book touches not only survivors; but parents, childcare workers and teachers; reminding us of the true vulnerability of children and our collective responsibility to protect them.
Eddie O'Sullivan: The Autobiography
by Eddie O'SullivanHear the story of the rise of one of Irish rugby's great outsiders and, ultimately, his crushing fall.As the longest-serving national coach in Irish rugby history, Eddie O'Sullivan produced a team that rose to third in the world rankings and laid down the standards for the team to fulfil its Grand Slam potential. Added to the three Triple Crowns he won in his six-year reign and the Corkman ought to enjoy legendary status in his homeland.Yet, few figures in Irish sport divide opinion quite like O'Sullivan. Ireland's abject performance at the '07 World Cup in France prompted extraordinary levels of criticism and precipitated O'Sullivan's fall.Here O'Sullivan talks candidly of the spectacular unravelling of confidence within probably the best Irish team in history; of the bizarre rumour mill that followed the Irish team through that World Cup; and takes us behind the scenes of a story that tossed an entire nation into mourning.From his relationships with his successor as Irish coach, Declan Kidney, and indeed his predecessor, Warren Gatland, to his early struggle for recognition in the Irish game when the absence of a traditional rugby background militated against him, O'Sullivan pulls no punches in this revelatory story about far more than rugby.
Poor: Grit, courage, and the life-changing value of self-belief
by Katriona O'SullivanThe No. 1 BestsellerBiography of the Year, Irish Book Awards 2023The Last Word Listeners' Choice Award, Irish Book Awards 2023'One of the best [books] I have read about the complexities of poverty . . . one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet' GuardianLike young girls everywhere Katriona O’Sullivan grew up bright, enthusiastic, curious. But she was also surrounded by abject poverty and chaos, and after she became pregnant and homeless at 15, what followed was five years of barely surviving. Yet today Katriona is an award-winning academic whose work explores barriers to education for girls like her.What set Katriona on this unexpected path were the mentors and supporters who truly saw her. The teachers who showed her how to wash in the school toilets or turned up at her door to convince her to sit at least one GCSE. The community worker who encouraged her to apply for training schemes. The friend who introduced Katriona to Trinity College’s access program while she was a cleaner. Simple acts that would help her turn her life around.Told with warmth, clarity and compassion – compassion for her parents, for her younger self, for others – Poor is both an astonishing personal testimony and an impassioned plea for the future of our children. ‘Powerful – Katriona is a legend’ Barry Keoghan‘Raw, passionate and resolutely honest – I’ll never forget it’ Annie Mac'Full of insight . . . so important' Fi Glover, Times Radio 'I read poor in one sitting I found it so compelling . . . moving, uplifting, brave, heroic' Nuala McGovern, Woman's Hour, BBC Radio Four'Moving, funny, brave and original - just like the author . . . absolutely incredible' Roísín Ingle, Irish Times Women's Podcast‘One of the books of the year’ Patrick Kielty, Late Late Show, RTÉ One'One of the most important books I have ever read … a beautiful telling of determination despite the odds' Lynn Ruane, Irish Times 'Fearless, funny and searingly honest' Adil Ray OBE'Raw and remarkable' Irish Independent 'A book of empowerment and hope' Patricia Scanlan ‘Remarkable . . . a vivid retelling of Katriona flourishing, despite her beginnings’ BBC News West Midlands
My Dad Is Ten Years Old
by Mark O'SullivanHis name is Jimmy. They told us not to call him Dad any more. It might freak him out.The accident changed everything. Once, my Dad was the perfect father. We were the perfect family. Now he's got the mind of a ten-year-old.From one crazy day to the next, we lose a little more of the man we knew and loved. And then a shocking discovery about his past makes us question everything . . .
Sonia: My Story
by Sonia O'SullivanSonia O'Sullivan is one of the greatest sporting figures Ireland has ever produced. In a career which saw her competing at the highest international levels for over a decade, she turned in world-class times in events ranging from the 1,500 metres to the marathon, capped by World Championship gold in the 5,000 metres in 1995 and Olympic silver in the same event in 2000. But her performances on the track are only part of the story of this passionate, sometimes fragile, and always compelling athlete.Now, Sonia tells the full story of her life for the first time - from her childhood in Cobh, Co. Cork, through her early successes on the track, to the highs of 1995 and 2000 and the low of the 1996 Olympics. Whether in triumph or in tears, Sonia has always been a uniquely fascinating - and mysterious - figure. This frank autobiography takes us behind the scenes of international athletics and behind the mask of a brilliant, vulnerable sportswoman.'As a story of dedication and perseverance finally rewarded, it's inspirational' Sunday Business Post'A cocktail of thrills, spills, heartache, near-things, personal tumult, and devastation. This is a book written from the heart' Irish Catholic'The candid nature of the book alone makes it a must-read for any Irish sports buff' Belfast News Letter