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Rome and Persia in Late Antiquity: Neighbours and Rivals
by Beate Dignas Engelbert WinterThe foundation of the Sasanian Empire in Persia in AD 224 established a formidable new power on the Roman Empire's eastern frontier, and relations over the next four centuries proved turbulent. This book provides a chronological narrative of their relationship, supported by a substantial collection of translated sources illustrating structural patterns. The political goals of the two sides, their military confrontations, and their diplomatic solutions are discussed, as well as the common interests between the two powers. Special attention is given to the situation of Arabia and Armenia, to economic aspects, the protection of the frontiers, the religious life in both empires and the channels of communication between East and West. Considerable attention is also paid to exploring the role played by the Sasanians in the history of the ancient Near East. The book will prove invaluable for students and non-specialists interested in late antiquity and early Byzantium.
Rough Ride: Behind the Wheel with a Pro Cyclist
by Paul KimmageAn eye-opening expose of and a heart-breaking lament for professional cyclingPaul Kimmage's boyhood dreams were of cycling glory: wearing the yellow jersey, cycling the Tour de France, becoming a national hero. He knew it wouldn't come easy, but he was prepared to put in the graft. The dedication paid off – he finished sixth in the World Championships as an amateur and in 1986, he turned professional.He soon discovered it wasn't about courage, training hours or how much you wanted to win. It was about gruelling defeats, total exhaustion, and drugs - drugs that would allow you to finish the race and start another day. Kimmage ultimately left the sport to write this book – profoundly honest and ground-breaking, Rough Ride broke the silence surrounding the issue of drugs in sport, and documents one man’s love for, and struggle with, the complex world of professional cycling. ‘A must read for any cyclist’ CyclistWINNER OF WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR
The Royal Highland Fusiliers: A Concise History
by Trevor RoyleThe Royal Highland Fusiliers came into being in 1959 as a result of the amalgamation of two regiments, both of which had strong connections with Glasgow and the west of Scotland: The Royal Scots Fusiliers, founded in 1678 by Charles Erskine, fifth Earl of Mar; and The Highland Light Infantry, or HLI, created in 1881 as a result of the amalgamation of the 71st Highlanders and the 74th Highlanders. Two distinctive infantry traditions can be found in the names of these regiments, which have helped to form the line infantry regiments of the British Army. Fusiliers were armed with the flintlock fusil instead of the more common matchlock musket, and light infantry came into being during the Napoleonic Wars to provide the army with a corps of skirmishing sharpshooters similar to Austrian and German Jäger troops.Amongst those who have served as fusiliers or light infantrymen are Hugh Trenchard, who became Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Winston Churchill and David Niven, who joined the HLI from Sandhurst in the inter-war years. All these traditions and personalities went into the making of a regiment whose name lives on in the 2nd battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, which was formed in 2006 as a result of the restructuring of the infantry regiments of the British Army.
Rubber Girl
by William DoughtyJill has an overwhelming fetish for rubber - the sight of it, the scent of it, the feeling of its texture around her skin, its aerodynamic and aesthetic qualities as a sensual fabric and second skin for her voluptuous body, as well as its flexible properties for restraint and bondage. And her neighbour Matt is drawn into her shiny latex orbit when she combines her love of rubber with his weakness for female domination. Kinky Sue, who has a crush on Jill, is the next to join in the perverse and rubbery games in an isolated country house in Dorset, equipped with stables. Together, they reach the very heights of rubber fetishism.
Rules for Saying Goodbye: A Novel
by Katherine Taylor"Kath is curious," observes her younger brother, Ethan, not without anxiety. She is thirteen; already everyone can see she's got her eye on bigger things than provincial Fresno can offer. Years in the glamorous chill of an East Coast prep school will introduce her to a razor-sharp sense of social distinction, cocaine "so good it's pink," and an indispensable best friend—all that she needs to prepare for life in Manhattan. There will be fourteen-dollar cocktails but no money for groceries; unsuitable men of enormous charm, and unsuitable jobs of no charm at all; and a wistful yearning for a transformation from someone of promise into someone of genius.In this deliciously witty and affecting debut novel, fiction winks at real life: Katherine Taylor is its muddled heroine, and also its author. Written in the tradition of Curtis Sittenfeld and Melissa Bank, with the gorgeous hues of a pile of Gatsby's shirts, Rules for Saying Goodbye is a bittersweet yet comic coming-of-age tale that has an unerring feel for the delights and malaises of a generation.
The Rules of Gentility: A Novel
by Janet MullanyRegency heiress Philomena Wellesley-Clegg has rather strong opinions about men and clothing. As to the former, so far two lords, a viscount, and a mad poet have fallen far short of her expectations. But she is about to meet Inigo Linsley, an unshaven, wickedly handsome man with a scandalous secret. He's nothing she ever dreamed she'd want—why then can she not stop thinking about how he looks in his breeches?A delightful marriage of Pride and Prejudice with Bridget Jones's Diary, Janet Mullany's The Rules of Gentility transports us to the days before designer shoes, apple martinis, and speed dating—when great bonnets, punch at Almack's, and the marriage mart were in fashion—and captivates us with a winsome heroine who learns that some rules in society are made to be broken.
Running Free: A Runner’s Journey Back to Nature
by Richard AskwithShortlisted for the 2015 Thwaites Wainwright prize for nature writing Richard Askwith wanted more. Not convinced running had to be all about pounding pavements, buying fancy kit and racking up extreme challenges, he looked for ways to liberate himself. His solution: running through muddy fields and up rocky fells, running with his dog at dawn, running because he's being (voluntarily) chased by a pack of bloodhounds, running to get hopelessly, enjoyably lost, running fast for the sheer thrill of it. Running as nature intended. Part diary of a year running through the Northamptonshire countryside, part exploration of why we love to run without limits, Running Free is an eloquent and inspiring account of running in a forgotten, rural way, observing wildlife and celebrating the joys of nature.An opponent of the commercialisation of running, Askwith offers a welcome alternative, with practical tips (learned the hard way) on how to both start and keep running naturally – from thawing frozen toes to avoiding a stampede when crossing a field of cows. Running Free is about getting back to the basics of why we love to run.
Sarah's Diary: An unflinchingly honest account of one family's struggle with depression
by Sarah Griffin'I was fourteen when I found my Dad trying to commit suicide in the garage. Sounds shocking doesn't it? But that was part of me, part of living with my Dad'Sarah's Diary is the very personal diary of Sarah Griffin - an ordinary teenage girl learning to deal with the ups and downs of family life. On the outside hers was like any other family, but behind closed doors lay a sad and lonely secret. Sarah's Dad had depression -- a condition we've all heard of but seldom discuss. Beautifully written, brutally honest, Sarah's story is compelling reading.
Saturnalia: (Falco 18) (Falco #18)
by Lindsey DavisOne of the stories from the bestselling historical fiction Falco series. It is the Roman holiday of Saturnalia. The days are short; the nights are for wild parties. A general has captured a famous enemy of Rome, and brings her home to adorn his Triumph as a ritual sacrifice. The logistics go wrong; she acquires a mystery illness - then a young man is horrendously murdered and she escapes from house arrest.Marcus Didius Falco is pitted against his old rival, the Chief Spy Anacrites, in a race to find the fugitive before her presence angers the public and makes the government look stupid. Falco has other priorities, for Helena's brother Justinus has also vanished, perhaps fatefully involved once more with the great lost love of his youth.Against the riotous backdrop of the season of misrule, the search seems impossible and only Falco seems to notice that some dark agency is bringing death to the city streets...
Saving Zoë: A Novel
by Alyson NoëlNOW ON NETFLIX!It's been one year since the brutal murder of her older sister, Zoë, and fifteen-year-old Echo is still reeling from the aftermath. Her parents are numb, her friends are moving on, and the awkward start to her freshman year proves she'll never live up to her sister's memory. Until Zoë's former boyfriend Marc shows up with Zoë's diary.At first Echo's not interested, doubting there's anything in there she doesn't already know. But when curiosity prevails, she starts reading, becoming so immersed in her sister's secret world, their lives begin to blur, forcing Echo to uncover the truth behind Zoë's life so that she can start to rebuild her own.Prepare to laugh your heart out and cry your eyes out in this highly addictive tale as Alyson Noël's Saving Zoë tackles the complicated relationship between two sisters and shows how the bond can endure long after one of them is gone.
Scandal!: An Explosive Exposé of the Affairs, Corruption and Power Struggles of the Rich and Famous
by Colin Wilson Damon WilsonWhat makes a good scandal? Money, politics and power, and a huge dose of media interest. Scandal reigns in the world of politics, celebrity, business, religion, royalty and art, and this book covers it all - from Watergate to Michael Jackson, Diana to Oscar Wilde. Distinguished writer Colin Wilson delves into the murky intrigues of British and American life to bring the most scandalous secrets to light.Containing brand new chapters on Michael Jackson, ENRON, the death of David Kelly, the Catholic Church sex scandals and the cash-for-honours scandal, and an updated chapter on OJ Simpson, here are the embarrassing true stories the rich and famous tried but failed to hide.
Scattered Leaves (Early Spring)
by V.C. AndrewsShe was supposed to be hidden away. But when the truth is exposed, she can't stay silent...After tragedy tears her family apart, Jordan March is shipped off by her domineering Grandmother Emma to live with Emma's long-forgotten sister. Shuttered in a rundown farmhouse, Aunt Frances is the strangest person Jordan has ever met. Why has Grandmother hidden away this fragile, harmless woman—did Frances grow up much too fast, like Jordan did? In the shadows of the farmhouse, Jordan is about to unearth the shattering truth—and the March family will never be the same...
School of Fortune
by Amanda Brown Janice WeberA fun, fresh frolic of a novel starring a spoiled but lovable Texas heiress out to reclaim her fortunePippa Walker's wedding was to be huge—Texas huge—complete with twelve bridesmaids under contract from Pippa's mother to stay lean and long-haired, gondolas flown in from Venice, A- and B- guest lists. But when Pippa finds out her handsome husband-to-be isn't what she thought, she bolts from her own wedding, shocking society and getting herself disinherited. The only way she can get a piece of the family fortune back is to earn a degree from a school. Any school. It's a tough assignment for a girl who dropped out of SMU after pledging Kappa Kappa Gamma and shopping at Neiman's for a year.But Pippa is nothing if not up for a challenge. Attracting one hilarious misadventure after another, she tries to earn her sheepskin at: driving school, matchmaking school, even a circus academy. It's only when she hits rock-bottom—The Mountbatten Savoy School of Household Management—that things begin to look up. But can she really be falling in love with a…valet?"Great, silly fun, guaranteed to be seen at a beach near you." - Kirkus Reviews
Sculthorpe: Man of Steel
by Paul SculthorpePAUL SCULTHORPE is the man who was born to be a superstar. Touted as a future Great Britain skipper before he even played his first game as a professional, he has more than lived up to the billing over the ensuing years.The only player to ever be named Man of Steel in successive years, the St Helens captain is arguably the most talented man to grace a rugby league field in modern times. Yet Sculthorpe did not always have his sights set on Challenge Cup and Grand Final glory. As a youngster he spent his time booting a football around with brother Lee - and actually had to be forced into playing his first game of rugby.From that moment a star was born, as he went on to captain every side he represented, even though he was often playing a year above his age group.Warrington were the first to spot that potential, snapping him up on schoolboy terms, and helping shape the greatest player in Super League history. When he went hunting a bigger stage, St Helens had no hesitation paying a world record £370,000 - a transfer fee that quickly looked a bargain.Since then various rugby union clubs have sounded out the chances of tempting him into a code switch, while the biggest names in Australia would love to take the prize Pom Down Under.Throughout it all Scully has stayed true to his roots, even though that loyalty was sorely tested when knee injuries led to a whispering campaign that he was finished.Now Sculthorpe lifts the lid on a remarkable career. The highs and the lows; the friendships and the fall-outs; and where he feels his future REALLY lies. It's a no-holds barred account of one man's incredible rise to the top - and the steely determination which keeps him there.
Sea Change: Britain's Coastal Catastrophe
by Richard GirlingWe have a special relationship with the sea. It is the single most powerful driver of our economy, our lifestyle and our politics. It affects what we eat, how we use the land, how we relate to our neighbours, how we travel, even the thickness of our coats. Yet we go on treating it, with childlike faith and unreason, as if we imagine it to be infinitely resourceful and endlessly forgiving. Sea Change addresses such issues as pollution by sewage, nuclear waste and dumping at sea; extinction of fish stocks; destruction of marine environment, impacts of climate change, coastal erosion and rising sea levels; decline of our seaside resorts; the failure of the 'integrated transport policy';and smuggling. In each case Girling questions: how did the situation arise? What are the consequences? What should be done? And what will happen when we fail? His unique voice blends horror, humour and 'just fancy that'; sifting for solutions in the sands, he is utterly compelling, entertaining and inspirational.
The Seafarer
by Conor McPhersonConor McPherson, who [turned] 35 in August, is one of the genuine treasures of the English-language theatre. It is absolutely intoxicating to ponder what he will give us in the future.”—Irish Echo “The unique and extraordinary aspect of McPherson’s writing is the way in which his characters reveal themselves in tiny details which almost imperceptibly build up an extensive picture of the past, present and future, not just of themselves but of Ireland.”—The Sunday Mail (London) Conor McPherson returns to his native Dublin for the setting of his new play, which he will direct in a much-anticipated production at London’s National Theatre in fall 2006. It is Christmas Eve, and James “Sharky” Harkin, erstwhile fisherman/van driver/chauffeur, gathers with friends at the dingy flat he shares with his blind brother to drink booze and play cards. As Christmas Eve becomes Christmas Day, the familiar-looking stranger Mr. Lockhart reminds Sharky of the bargain he made when they last met in prison—and Sharky suddenly finds himself playing a game with the stakes set at his soul. With this magnificently atmospheric new play, McPherson is once again set to enter his audience, this time with a new take on the Faustian theme. Conor McPherson was born in Dublin, where he still lives. His plays include This Lime Tree Bower, St. Nicholas, The Weir, Port Authority, Dublin Carol, and Shining City, which premiered on Broadway in spring 2006. One of Ireland’s leading playwrights, his work has been produced throughout the United Kingdom and the United States.
Searching For Tilly: A heart-warming and breathtaking novel of love, loss and discovery set in Cornwall – you’ll be swept away
by Susan SallisA delightfully touching and uplifting saga from the Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Sallis, perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Fiona Valpy and Rosamunde Pilcher.READERS ARE LOVING SEARCHING FOR TILLY!"I loved this story. Her style is flowing and she really knows how to make her characters come alive." - 5 STARS"This is one of the best books I have read, certainly another amazing one by Susan Sallis. It cleverly spans generations while pulling the generations together into one story. Mystery, with a touch of supernatural intrigue. Very clever, would read again. " - 5 STARS"Brilliant as usual" - 5 STARS*****************************************CAN REVELATIONS FROM THE PAST HELP THEM START A NEW LIFE?Three women came to the remote Cornish cottage that summer: Jenna, only twenty-six and grieving for the loss of the love of her life; her mother Caro, whose husband Steve had also died; and Laura, who had been married to Caro's beloved brother Geoff. The Widow's Cottage, the house where they were staying was called, and it was poignantly suitable.In that tiny Cornish community they discover strange memories of their ancestors, and especially of Tilly, Caro's mother, whose family history seemed to mirror so much of their own.They become swept up in the dramatic story of Tilly and her family, a story which takes them on an epic journey across the West Country and to the solution of an amazing family mystery.
The Secret Agent: With an Introduction by Giles Foden
by Joseph Conrad‘Spookily topical’ Guardian Read the world’s first political thriller.London is under threat. It has become a haven for political exiles and anarchists. Frequent bomb threats and disturbances interrupt the lives of the city's inhabitants, who live in fear of the terrorists in their midst. One such terrorist is Verloc. He is the secret agent who is given the mission to strike right at the heart of London's pride by blowing up Greenwich Observatory. But his decision to drag his innocent family into the plot leads to tragic consequences on a more personal than political level. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY GILES FODEN
A Secret Place
by Patricia RainsfordGina Brennan is on the run from a lot of things ... Especially prison. She and two cellmates have escaped and it looks like they're nearly home free. That's until wealthy solicitor Billy Hendrick has his brains blown out in his Lexus and the girls are seen running from the car.Although he's a cop, Rob O'Connell is also on the run ... His wife is in a coma and he’s ducking and diving to avoid the looming grief. He buries himself in the Hendrick investigation and the puzzle of what three young petty criminals could possibly have to do with the assassination.They should be enemies ... But they have more in common than they realize: Gina running from the law, Rob from the doctors, both from the pain of living and dying. They are so consumed with running neither understands that they're on a collision course ...Until it's too late.
The Secret Things of God: Unlocking the Treasures Reserved for You
by Henry CloudIn this Christian alternative to the phenomenal bestseller The Secret, acclaimed author Dr. Henry Cloud helps readers discover truths that make life work and show how faith can guide them in achieving their goals! The Bible claims that God has provided special truths that can change lives and uplift the spirit, but often those truths lie dormant and untapped within the soul. Offering a positive alternative to The Secret based on biblical scripture, Dr. Henry Cloud reveals that there is indeed a power of attraction ruling the universe—the attraction between God and his creation—and demonstrates how that power can shape our lives. With step-by-step practical instructions, this book teaches readers from all walks of life how to apply spiritual truths to real life. Even Christians who think they understand biblical truths often don&’t know how to use them. Chapters on happiness, relationships, purpose, and God, share secrets like, &“you attract to yourself relationships that fit you,&” &“whatever you put to use will grow,&” and &“there is no such thing as disconnected and happy.&” The Secret Things of God reveals profoundly simple secrets and gently guides readers toward unlocking the power of these truths in everyday life.
The Secrets of Aga Cakes
by Lucy YoungThis is the first ever cake book for Aga owners, all the lovely things cooks want to make but often find tricky to get right in the Aga. With 100 Aga recipes for large cakes, cupcakes, buns, muffins and traybakes, ranging from the classic to the contemporary, this baking book is perfect for both the keen cake baker and the complete beginner. There are ideas for celebration cakes, or simply fast cakes for the busy person, and even recipes that children will enjoy making themselves.Includes:Simple cakes: quick and easy traybakes, Swiss rolls, all-in-one cakes - ideal for beginnersChocolate cakes: anything and everything chocolate, brownies, chocolate roulade, death-by-chocolate - sumptuous delights that are equally good served as teatime cakes or dinner-party dessertsTraditional cakes: Victoria sandwich, Christmas cake, Simnel cake, Dundee cake, parkin, teabread, scones, plus old English regional classicsBaking with kids: fairy cakes, drop scones, Welsh cakes, flapjacks, cookies, fork biscuits - quick, easy and fun to makeCupcakes: beautiful little iced gems in a variety of colours and flavoursCoffee-shop cakes: to sup with a cappuccino, muffins, flavoured shortbread, banana loaf, gingerbreadThe healthy option: fruit bars, oatcakes, carrot cake, courgette buns, wholewheat cake, fat-free cakes - remove some of the guilt from cake baking!All recipes have Aga and conventional instructions. There is also advice about baking equipment and useful tips throughout, making cake baking in the Aga absolutely foolproof!
Selected Poems: Tennyson
by Alfred Lord TennysonTennyson's poetry epitomizes the Victorian age, for which he became a spokesman. His finest poems are often steeped in a sensuous melancholy, as in Maud, or are chivaric, heroic and allegorical, as in The Lady of Shalot and Morte d'Arthur.
Selected Stories
by D. H. LawrenceThis collection of short stories traces D. H. Lawrence's development as a writer. His early tales often draw on personal experiences, as in 'Odour of Chrysanthemums', a work he described as 'full of my childhood's atmosphere', while the horror of the First World War haunts 'England, My England'. Later stories, such as 'Things', powerfully express his evolving ideas about the duality of our lives. With their complex characters, these stories illuminate emotional lives and, above all, illustrate Lawrence's passionate belief about the destructive forces in modern society and their effect on love.With an Introduction by Louise Welsh and Notes by Sue Wilson
The Serial Killers: A Study in the Psychology of Violence
by Colin Wilson Donald SeamanAs the number of serial killers worldwide has risen steadily - from the emergence of Jack the Ripper in 1888 to Harold Shipman and Ivan Milat, the backpacker killer of the Australian outback - the need to understand mass murder is becoming more urgent. Using privileged access to the world's first National Centre for the Analysis of Violent Crime, Colin Wilson and Donald Seaman bring you this incisive study of the psychology of serial killers and the motives behind their crimes. From childhood traumas to issues of frustration, fear and fantasy, discover what turns an ordinary human being into a compulsive killer.
The Seven Ages of Woman
by Dr Rosemary LeonardThroughout our lives women face a range of particular health issues that can be both challenging and confusing. Now, in The Seven Ages of Woman, Dr Rosemary Leonard draws on her extensive experience as a family GP and media health adviser to distil the health knowledge we all need as women living in the 21st century. Practical and reassuring, this comprehensive guide offers invaluable advice on the...* EARLY CHILDHOOD YEARS - how to cope with your daughter's physical and emotional development and ease her journey from girlhood to womanhood... * REPRODUCTIVE YEARS - juggling career and family relationships - how best to care for your health (and sanity) during these challenging years... * PERIMENOPAUSAL AND MENOPAUSAL YEARS - a time of uncertainty for many - how to achieve a sense of balance and wellbeing during these years of transition... * ACTIVE RETIREMENT AND BEYOND - making the most of these 'freedom' years and how to stay active and independent for as long as possible...Drawing on conventional and proven complementary therapies, Dr Leonard explains how we can prevent and treat a range of conditions through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. She also provides tips on beauty and skincare that will help us all to look and feel our best - whatever our age. Replacing doubt and uncertainty with sound, trustworthy advice, this must-have guide provides women of all ages with the very latest information they need to make informed choices about health and wellbeing for themselves, their families and friends.