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The Home Bird: Creating joyful interiors where old meets new
by Elle Hervin'A must-have... at once visually breathtaking and inspiring' Paula Sutton @hillhousevintageDiscover the positive power of 'dopamine décor'.Achieve your dream home with this 7-step formula from Elle Hervin. Find inspirational colour palettes, learn how to transform ordinary corners into extraordinary spaces; marry old and new (while keeping things practical).The Home Bird invites readers into Elle's home, loved by more than one million followers on her Instagram @elle_the_home_bird and offers an intriguing tour of nine other beautiful and individual homes that embody the modern vintage look.
Finnish Sauna: Steam, Wood, Stone and How to Build Your Own
by Lassi A. LiikkanenAs the old Finnish proverb has it: First build the sauna. Then the house.More and more people around the world are rediscovering an ancient secret to wellbeing, relaxation and stress relief: the humble sauna. By gently raising the heart rate and relaxing muscles, the magical steam that rises from the heated stones - what Finns call löyly - has improved quality of life in the Nordic region for millennia.In this practical guide, leading global expert Lassi Liikkanen teaches us how to plan, build and maintain a new sauna, with detail on insulation, panelling, and bench construction, and uses the examples of an indoor electric sauna and an outdoor sauna cabin with a wood-burning heater. Along the way, you will learn the traditions and science of sauna, and for the first time Dr Liikkanen introduces his history of Finnish sauna as defined by four eras.Whether you're already planning to build your own, or just beginning to learn of the health benefits of sauna, this book is the perfect introduction to löyly and the very Finnish art of living well. Prepare to embrace the deep sense of calm and connection that comes from this simple marriage of steam, wood and stone.
A Pocket Guide to Vans (Pocket Guides to Fashion)
by Josh SimsIn this illustrated guide, bestselling style writer Josh Sims explores the Vans phenomenon from the brand's overnight success thanks to Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to its status as a style staple worn by the diverse likes of Justin Bieber and Iron Maiden.The shoes are beloved for their superior grip and endlessly customizable designs. And like skateboarding - an outsider sport gone global - it has ridden many ups and downs to become a cultural icon.
The Soup Solution
by Charlotte Pike'Classic and fresh ideas for the most comforting meal of all' Felicity CloakeIf you're cooking for one or for a crowd, if you want to eat more healthily, if you want to save money, energy or time...soup is the solution!As the #souptok trend on socials brings a new generation of chefs to seek out the perfect soup, food expert and former Chair of the Guild of Food Writers Charlotte Pike shares 80 sensational recipes that celebrate this versatile dish.From recipes you can make in 15 minutes to soups that are designed to fortify your health, every chapter in this book has been crafted to offer a solution to the daily challenges we face when it comes to putting food on the table. Chapters include:- Quick: Red Lentil, Lemon & Garlic; Miso with Udon, Edamame & Salmon; Foolproof Tomato- Budget: Cuban-inspired Black Bean; Lemon Orzo; Onion, Apple & Thyme- Just what the doctor ordered: 10-Vegetable Soup; Get Better Soon Chicken Soup; Beetroot, Ginger & Lime- Winter warmers: Ghanaian-inspired Sweet Potato, Ginger & Peanut; Bessara; Mexican-inspired Bean, Tomato & Lime Soup with Avocado & Totopos- Oven-baked: Roast Root Vegetable; Roast Pumpkin & Rosemary; Cumin and Honey-Roasted Carrot- Finishing touches: Fresh Pesto; Fougasse; Cheesy Wheaten FarlsEach recipe has been chosen because it tastes fantastic, whether it's for a kitchen supper for one or the first course at a dinner party. Made using easy-to-source ingredients and simple techniques, there's a soup for every occasion.Praise for The Soup Solution:'This is the book that everyone should have in their kitchens' Caroline Idiens'The kind of book to trust and spatter with use' Angela Clutton'This lovely book is a joyous source of original recipes' Jane Lovett'Thoughtfully designed, but simple and achievable soups' Ceri Jones
Press Start: The Complete History of Video Gaming From Mario to Minecraft
by Erwan CarioFULLY ILLUSTRATED AND UPDATED - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VIDEO GAMING HISTORY Pac-Man, Mario, Tomb Raider, The Sims, GTA, Minecraft, Fortnite... Video games are now one of the pillars of popular culture. This comprehensive, visually rich book chronicles the history of video games from their earliest roots in 1958 up to the present day, from simple pixels to the stunningly realistic visuals of modern blockbusters.Explore the evolution of the industry through the iconic artworks, stories, and characters that have defined gaming across generations. Rediscover the classics titles from Nintendo Switch's Animal Crossing and Zelda: Breath of the Wild, to Elden Ring and God of War on the Sony PlayStation 5, as well as a multitude of independent gems and record-breaking franchises.This newly updated edition highlights the standout games and key milestones over more than 50 years, diving into the creative and technological lore that have made video games what they are today. Filled with nostalgia, insights, and rich artwork, this book is a must-have for any video game fan, offering a captivating journey through the vibrant history of gaming and the titles that have captivated millions worldwide.
The Decadence
by Leon Craig'Lush, complex, and close to the bone, The Decadence filled me with horror in the best way'Krystelle Bamford, author of Idle Grounds'A genuinely creepy and evocative contemporary ghost story . . . this novel intrigues and unsettles'Sharlene Teo, author of Ponti'An exquisitely claustrophobic exploration of the places we do and don't belong . . . this is a triumph of the queer gothic'Jane Flett, author of FreakslawAt the height of lockdown, a group of flailing twenty-something friends makes an illicit break for freedom.A grand country house stands empty. Once the home of Theo's great uncle, it seems like the perfect place to get high and hang out in the spring sunshine, as they eschew adult responsibilities.Since meeting as teenagers, rifts have grown amongst the group. Even as they are determined to enjoy themselves, tensions cast shadows between them - politics, sex and lies. The house, too, has its own dark history and exudes a palpable sense of menace.Where do the drugs end and the supernatural begin? Will anger and jealousy tear the friends apart, or will it be more ominous forces? Their stay at Holt House will change them all . . .'The Decadence is both a deeply unnerving read and a sly commentary on the skeletons in Britain's closet'Victoria Gosling, author of Bliss & Blunder'Lush, sinister, and blackly funny ... Rich, intelligent prose underpins delicate exploration of some of our most profound moral quandaries'Kate Collins, author of A Good House for Children
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop: Curl up with this uplifting, cozy and hilarious winter read for 2025 (A Vintage Dress Shop Romance)
by Annie Darling'This cozy, heartwarming story is the literary equivalent of your favorite festive sweater - snug, sparkling, and just what you need for a feel-good escape' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A beautifully written story with twists and turns that makes for a book difficult to put down. A real page turner' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ❄️ 🧵Falling in love is never seamless...🧵❄️ Phoebe Baker has two passions in life: vintage dresses, and her French Bulldog, Coco Chanel. As the fierce and sassy manager of The Vintage Dress Shop, it's not only her job, but her calling to make sure everyone leaves her shop with their dream outfit. She doesn't need anyone or anything when she's in her frock heaven.When an incident between Phoebe and a customer goes viral and risks damaging the reputation of the shop, Phoebe's job is suddenly on the line.But Phoebe risks losing more than just her beloved shop; there's also Freddy, the shop's business advisor, who's had enough of being second best to a bunch of second-hand dresses.As Christmas approaches, can Phoebe stitch everything back together again, and open up her heart? ❄️☕ Grab a blanket and cup of hot cocoa, and curl up with Wrapped Up at The Vintage Dress Shop, a delightfully cozy and uplifting romance, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Cressida McLaughlin ☕ ❄️ EVERYONE ADORES ANNIE DARLING:'The sweetest, most delicious book . . . Such a gorgeous love story' Marian Keyes'A great holiday read' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The most uplifting, sumptuously indulgent, romantic joy of a book . . . It tugged all my heartstrings and held me captive until the last, perfect page' Cressida McLaughlin'Delicious storytelling' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Love everything Annie Darling writes' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Absolutely gorgeous, swoon worthy romance' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Suckers
by LeeSha ShayA love story with real bite . . . Following an incident that involved accidentally almost killing her best friend, 18-year-old Gabrielle is sent to stay with her grandmother in a Gothic castle in Whitby for the summer. There, Gabrielle befriends nice-guy Ethan, the handsome young builder renovating the castle. She has no choice but to ignore the attraction between them because Gabby has a secret: she has recently discovered that she's a soucouyant - a bloodthirsty vampire with fire powers from Caribbean lore. As Gabrielle struggles to control her thirst for blood, she joins a secret support group with other young vampires. Then she meets rebellious, self-loathing Alok, whose adoptive father leads a group of local vampire hunters. And Alok has a deadly secret of his own. Tensions between vampires and hunters rise as vicious attacks take the small seaside town by storm, and Gabrielle finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle. As worlds collide and secrets unravel, she must face the disastrous consequences of her actions . . . Darker than Twilight and sharper than Euphoria, this steamy vampire romantasy will have readers thirsting for more.
Finnish Sauna: Steam, Wood, Stone and How to Build Your Own
by Lassi A. LiikkanenAs the old Finnish proverb has it: First build the sauna. Then the house.More and more people around the world are rediscovering an ancient secret to wellbeing, relaxation and stress relief: the humble sauna. By gently raising the heart rate and relaxing muscles, the magical steam that rises from the heated stones - what Finns call löyly - has improved quality of life in the Nordic region for millennia.In this practical guide, leading global expert Lassi Liikkanen teaches us how to plan, build and maintain a new sauna, with detail on insulation, panelling, and bench construction, and uses the examples of an indoor electric sauna and an outdoor sauna cabin with a wood-burning heater. Along the way, you will learn the traditions and science of sauna, and for the first time Dr Liikkanen introduces his history of Finnish sauna as defined by four eras.Whether you're already planning to build your own, or just beginning to learn of the health benefits of sauna, this book is the perfect introduction to löyly and the very Finnish art of living well. Prepare to embrace the deep sense of calm and connection that comes from this simple marriage of steam, wood and stone.
Mandy is still a Banana
by Zoe ArenaMandy is a banana. A yellow, bendy, half-moon-shaped banana. The problem is, Mandy doesn't want to be a banana. She would rather be a prickly pineapple like Pedro, a round watermelon like Wilhelmina, or - frankly - ANYTHING other than a banana. It takes a plucky little blueberry called Blip to help Mandy focus on her 'haves' rather than her 'have-nots' and to celebrate what makes her so unique, so bendy, so brilliant and so absolutely, utterly . . . BANANA!A quirky celebration of learning to love the skin you're in, featuring an all-star cast of fruit-bowl friends. Heartwarming and funny in equal measure, Mandy is Still a Banana is guaranteed to be a hit with little ones and adults alike.
My Dad and the Toot that Shook the Galaxy
by Matt Coyne"One small toot for man, one giant butt-blast for man-kind."All aboard the Butt Force Two! Blast through the galaxy and back again in this TOOT-ally hilarious rhyming romp following the most destructive fart to ever be farted! When Eddie's dad lets off an EARTH-SHATTERING fart, they know it's about to take the universe by stinky storm. And only they can stop it . . .Get ready for a toot-acular, rip-roaring, out-of-this-world adventure to catch the powerful parp!Perfect for children (and adults) who love a little potty-humour! Written - but not inspired by - Matt Coyne, bestselling author and creator of the Man vs. Baby blog, with EXPLOSIVE artwork by Richard Merritt.The perfect gift for tooting dads everywhere!Praise for Matt Coyne:'A hero for dads everywhere' Daily Mirror'Very, very funny' This Morning
Love in a Time of Politics: A Memoir of Facing Loss and Finding Hope
by Katherine Zappone'Wise, moving, deeply honest.' MARY McALEESE'Tender, funny, humane - a memoir of the courage it takes to lead change.' EMILIE PINE'This is a love story that changed our country forever.' ALI HEWSONDuring her second year as an Irish government minister, Katherine Zappone's world was upended when her beloved wife, Ann Louise Gilligan, suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrhage. Their partnership had guided landmark Irish battles for marriage equality and reform of Ireland's constitutional ban on abortion. But their greatest challenge now lay before them.As Ann Louise fought for survival, Katherine was embroiled in the cut and thrust of modern Irish politics - including seeking justice for the forgotten children of Tuam, putting her at the heart of Ireland's reckoning with its past. All the while, she faced the quiet devastation of impending loss and, later, the grief that followed. Then, in 2021, came political controversy that would shake her to the core.Love in a Time of Politics is a story of enduring love between two trailblazing women, as well as a rare insider's account of political life in Ireland during a time of seismic social change. With honesty, warmth and wisdom, it reveals how compassion can shape policy, and how conviction can sustain even the most broken heart.
59 Minutes: The most unmissable and heart-wrenching ‘what would you do?’ thriller of 2025
by Holly Seddon'On another level! I read it so hard and so fast that the pages fell out. An unreal and unforgettable reading experience in every way' Lisa Jewell'Genuinely blew me away. What a novel!... Had me close to tears... Impossible to put down.' Clare Mackintosh'Will change the way you think about humanity... Bold as hell; it's going to take over the world.' Gillian McAllister'A gut punch of a novel.... I held my breath for most of it.' Jennie GodfreyIf you knew you had fifty-nine minutes until everything and everyone you love would be lost forever, what would you do with that time?It's an ordinary evening. People are coming home from work, cooking dinner for their children, cuddling on sofas with their lovers. And then the message arrives, shattering everyone's worlds:Missiles are set to destroy England in fifty-nine minutes. Everyone should seek immediate shelter.59 minutes follows the journey of three women trying to make it home to and protect their families. The journeys should be simple, but with a lost schoolchild seeking help, a teenage daughter suddenly going missing, and dangerous criminals on the prowl, there is peril at every corner.59 Minutes is a gripping, thought-provoking and gut-wrenching thriller perfect for fans of WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME, THE CHAIN and Lisa Jewell.Everyone is raving about 59 Minutes:'Mind-blowing... A tense, scary and heart-wrenching read with a twist I never saw coming... One of the most thought-provoking novels I've ever read. Don't read the reviews, read the book. This one is going to be huge.' Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Wow. Just wow... Beautifully written, fast-paced, tight knit with barely a moment to breathe. I devoured it in one sitting... This is, without doubt, one of the best thrillers I've ever read.' Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Oh my... What an absolute gem of a book. Highly original, definitely thought-provoking and absolutely gripping from start to finish. The twist in this is mind-blowing... genius... This book should be on everyone's TBR list. A massive 5⭐️' Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Grabs you by the throat and pulls you along through the narrative... A brilliant book about humanity and what truly matters at the most crucial of times. This deserves to be an absolute hit.' Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'I grew up in the 80s with constant nuclear war fear... I inhaled this book within 24 hours and absolutely loved it... Seddon's writing is so brilliant... 59 Minutes is smart and scary, gripping and heartbreaking. I hope it's going to be huge.' Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
True Spooky Stories (True Stories You'll Never Forget #3)
by Clive GiffordRead the real-life stories of some spooky happenings from around the world!Step into the world of the strange and supernatural. Discover the chilling secrets of ghostly visitors, alienencounters and haunted houses. From mummified bodies to samurai spirits and flying saucers, these uncanny true stories will send shivers down your spine.Includes a quiz and fun activities.This book retells some amazing and true spooky stories from around the world. Great for readers aged 9+ these real-life reads are gripping reads. The non-fiction stories are retold by experienced author, Clive Gifford, who knows how to tell a tale. Illustrated with black and white line drawings, this chapter book is perfect for engaging readers.Included at the back are some quizzes and extension activities such as comprehension questions and 'Think about...' ideas, as well as a glossary to help educators to make the most of the stories.
A Pocket Guide to Vans (Pocket Guides to Fashion)
by Josh SimsIn this illustrated guide, bestselling style writer Josh Sims explores the Vans phenomenon from the brand's overnight success thanks to Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to its status as a style staple worn by the diverse likes of Justin Bieber and Iron Maiden.The shoes are beloved for their superior grip and endlessly customizable designs. And like skateboarding - an outsider sport gone global - it has ridden many ups and downs to become a cultural icon.
The Decadence
by Leon Craig'Lush, complex, and close to the bone, The Decadence filled me with horror in the best way'Krystelle Bamford, author of Idle Grounds'A genuinely creepy and evocative contemporary ghost story . . . this novel intrigues and unsettles'Sharlene Teo, author of Ponti'An exquisitely claustrophobic exploration of the places we do and don't belong . . . this is a triumph of the queer gothic'Jane Flett, author of FreakslawAt the height of lockdown, a group of flailing twenty-something friends makes an illicit break for freedom.A grand country house stands empty. Once the home of Theo's great uncle, it seems like the perfect place to get high and hang out in the spring sunshine, as they eschew adult responsibilities.Since meeting as teenagers, rifts have grown amongst the group. Even as they are determined to enjoy themselves, tensions cast shadows between them - politics, sex and lies. The house, too, has its own dark history and exudes a palpable sense of menace.Where do the drugs end and the supernatural begin? Will anger and jealousy tear the friends apart, or will it be more ominous forces? Their stay at Holt House will change them all . . .'The Decadence is both a deeply unnerving read and a sly commentary on the skeletons in Britain's closet'Victoria Gosling, author of Bliss & Blunder'Lush, sinister, and blackly funny ... Rich, intelligent prose underpins delicate exploration of some of our most profound moral quandaries'Kate Collins, author of A Good House for Children
Press Start: The Complete History of Video Gaming From Mario to Minecraft
by Erwan CarioFULLY ILLUSTRATED AND UPDATED - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VIDEO GAMING HISTORY Pac-Man, Mario, Tomb Raider, The Sims, GTA, Minecraft, Fortnite... Video games are now one of the pillars of popular culture. This comprehensive, visually rich book chronicles the history of video games from their earliest roots in 1958 up to the present day, from simple pixels to the stunningly realistic visuals of modern blockbusters.Explore the evolution of the industry through the iconic artworks, stories, and characters that have defined gaming across generations. Rediscover the classics titles from Nintendo Switch's Animal Crossing and Zelda: Breath of the Wild, to Elden Ring and God of War on the Sony PlayStation 5, as well as a multitude of independent gems and record-breaking franchises.This newly updated edition highlights the standout games and key milestones over more than 50 years, diving into the creative and technological lore that have made video games what they are today. Filled with nostalgia, insights, and rich artwork, this book is a must-have for any video game fan, offering a captivating journey through the vibrant history of gaming and the titles that have captivated millions worldwide.
Devout and Defiant: How Pilgrims Shaped the Franco-German Borderlands in the Age of Revolutions (Studies in Early Modern German History)
by Kilian HarrerHow Catholic pilgrims in an era of revolution challenged state authority and redefined the practice of their faith In the days of the French Revolution, as zealous government officials sought to sweep away the vestiges of a less enlightened age, they made a concerted effort to clamp down on religious &“superstition&” and to fix modern territorial boundaries. Catholic pilgrims on the western edge of German-speaking Europe, however, refused to let worldly barriers stand in the way of their devotional practices. As Kilian Harrer reveals in this groundbreaking book, pilgrimage became a form of transgressive devotion that spurred religious renewal. By the hundreds of thousands, pilgrims exposed the limits of state authority as they traveled to shrines and holy sites across the borderlands that stretched from Luxembourg in the north to Alsace and Switzerland in the south. These Catholics evaded passport controls, crossed provocatively into Protestant territories, and went abroad to visit shrines beyond the reach of anticlerical officials. Pilgrims and pilgrimage organizers reshaped the politics of religion by grappling with shifting borders, dramatic regime change, and police repression. In the end, they reoriented Catholicism itself as they boldly confronted the state-led policing of borders and worship.
Scientific Methodology in Nineteenth Century Britain: Volume IV: Forces, Fields, and Energy: Physical Sciences (Nineteenth-Century Science, Technology and Medicine: Sources and Documents)
by Charles H. PenceThis collection of primary sources examines scientific methodology in Britain during the long nineteenth century. The nineteenth century begins with what was still a largely Newtonian perspective on the nature of matter and the physical world – Newtonian bodies moving through space, guided by a collection of forces, with gravity foremost among them. By the end of the century, physical science had refocused itself around the concept of energy, the first moves toward the understanding of atomic structure had been undertaken, and electricity and magnetism were understood in terms of fields of force. This volume examines primary sources related to the philosophy of the physical sciences, and will be of great interest to students of the history of philosophy and the history of science.
Cosmetics in Dermatology: A Problem-Based Approach
by Zoe Diana Draelos Matthew Michael DraelosCosmetics for skin, hair, and nails play a vital part in the management and treatment of many dermatological conditions; unfortunately, they may also at times be the cause of some dermatological problems. Dermatologists need to have a working knowledge of over-the-counter products to answer patient questions, make product recommendations to prevent disease recurrence, select products useful in disease maintenance, and enhance appearance. This text bridges the worlds of skin, hair, and nail care formulation, chemistry, ingredients, function, and utility for the physician.
The Research Impact Handbook
by Mark S. ReedThis important book will equip you with evidence-based tools you can use immediately to create a step change in your impact. Helping you recognise and demonstrate the wider benefits of your work, it will give you the practical knowledge and confidence to identify practical ways to maximise the impact of your research. Written by renowned impact expert Mark S. Reed, this third edition has been fully updated with the latest evidence and includes new material on the ethics of engagement and impact, using social media, and influencing policy. Offering strategies to effectively engage with diverse groups, the book features: Five principles to fast-track your impact and practical steps to make this happen. Tools and techniques for designing and facilitating workshops, driving impact online, presenting with impact, influencing policy and more. New ‘How To’ guides including how to evidence impacts from social media; capturing the impact of training; making podcasts, videos and infographics; designing projects for impact; starting newsletters; and developing an institutional impact strategy. Packed with practical tips, techniques, templates, case studies and stories, this book is essential reading for PhD students, independent researchers and academic staff at any career stage wanting a clear framework to fast-track the impact of their research.
Global Value Chains and Geopolitical Uncertainty: Disruption and Transformation
by Imran Ali William Ho Thanos PapadopoulosThis book offers a timely and insightful look at how political tensions, economic disruptions, and technological advances are reshaping the way goods and services move across borders. At a time when global trade faces mounting pressure, this book explores how businesses, governments, and communities can adapt to an increasingly uncertain world.Spanning diverse geographic areas and themes, the book delves into the evolving trade dynamics between developed and developing countries, the involvement of governments alongside international partnerships, as well as the impact of emerging digital technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence. Additionally, it addresses how companies are reevaluating their business models to enhance resilience, adopt sustainable practices, and meet rising demands for ethical conduct. Rich case studies from recent years bring these themes to life, highlighting real-world examples of innovation, adaptation, and strategic thinking.This volume serves as a vital resource for students, researchers, policymakers, and business executives aiming to comprehend and tackle the intricate challenges currently confronting global value chains. Whether engaged in international trade studies or overseeing a multinational enterprise, readers will find practical advice and forward-looking strategies essential for navigating a period characterized by transformation.
Rural Design for the Future
by Dewey ThorbeckDesign thinking and the problem-solving process of design is a strategic resource. Through creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship it can help communities optimize limited land and water resources in urban and rural landscapes. To address the problems facing communities, it connects human, animal and environmental health through design for both urban and rural regions.Rural Design for the Future provides a methodology for holistically crossing borders and connecting issues to nurture new design thinking and collaborative problem solving. It recognizes that human and natural systems are inextricably coupled and engaged in continuous cycles of mutual influence and response. It presents a process which provides an integrated system of human communities, plants and animals that meet the needs of people, the economy and the environment in the present, without compromising for the future. Following the author’s first book Rural Design, it discusses the development of community based rural design over the past decade, and expands on using the rural design process to cross national, state, county, township and city borders in order to make connections for better urban and rural futures for everyone.The book includes projects from around the world including many of the author’s sketches in black ink and watercolor of places that he and his wife have visited together. It will allow designers, architects, policymakers and citizens to envisage the solutions to some of the most pressing issues in rural design.
China’s Public Human Resource Management: Selecting for Fit in Civil Service Examinations (Routledge Advances in Management and Business Studies)
by Daan WangHow do governments select the right people for public service? This book examines the evolving logic of civil service recruitment in contemporary China, focusing on the balance between fairness, competence, and political loyalty. Through a detailed case study of Shenzhen, it offers rare insights into the workings of a highly standardized selection system.Spanning policy, practice, and perception, the book explores how China’s civil service examinations function in practice and whether they effectively match candidates with job and organizational requirements. Drawing on interviews with policymakers, examiners, and test designers, as well as a large-scale survey of civil servants, the study introduces a new theoretical concept—person–government fit—to explain hiring practices in state bureaucracies. It traces the historical development of the system, analyzes test content, and evaluates the outcomes of civil service selection using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Shenzhen, one of China’s most innovative and reform-oriented cities, serves as a revealing case to explore broader governance trends in the post-reform era. The book also offers a comparative perspective of the civil service examination in Hong Kong, providing practical lessons and policy improvements.This book will be valuable for scholars, students, and practitioners in public administration, political science, and Chinese studies. It offers a grounded, empirical look at how state capacity is built from the ground up and provides new tools for understanding recruitment and human resource management in the public sector.
The Diversity Paradox in International Education: A Critical Examination of Discourses of Difference (Routledge Research in the Sociology of Education)
by Lucy BaileyThis volume presents the first-known investigation of the so-called diversity paradox, positing that diversity has become a tool for distinguishing and legitimating the concept of educated Western elites, and arguing for a major reconceptualisation of diversity in different social and cultural contexts within international education.Drawing on extensive theorising and empirical studies of international school leadership, international school parents and pupils, institutional faculty, online sources and the author’s own wealth of experience teaching and leading in international contexts, the book investigates how this vision for education has emerged, contrasting it to both how education is seen in other parts of the world and how it has been conceptualised at other historical junctures. Exploring the positioning of teachers, academics and educational leaders in this discursive shift, chapters examine specific aspects of diversity, demonstrating how they have become areas of social conflict, serving to legitimise privilege in Western educational contexts while excluding other understandings of social cohesion and social inequalities. The book offers a novel approach to the analysis of international education by combining sociological and linguistic elements on which to base the argument.Ultimately critiquing diversity as a rhetorical device that perpetuates structural and systemic inequalities, the book explores how diverse perspectives can be brought to the discussion of diversity itself and will therefore appeal to scholars, postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of the sociology of education, international and comparative education, and higher education.