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The Last Fair Deal Going Down
by David RhodesThis novel from the acclaimed author of Driftless is “an arresting work about the salvation of a disintegrating Iowa family” (The New York Times).Survival has been the Sledge way since Reuben Sledge’s father first moved to Des Moines. Yet the family seems cursed, and one by one the Sledges are slipping away. Reuben’s oldest brother is hanged for the murder of his wife. Then another brother is committed to an asylum for spying on the woman he loves. But it’s the rape and disgrace of his beloved sister Nellie that drives Reuben into a deep despair. Into the depths of this depression wanders vulnerable, delightful Tabor, who sets Reuben alive with the promise of her love. When Reuben learns that Tabor has descended into the City, he determines, in a moment of panic, to enter and bring her out. Thus begins the novel’s second act, a harrowing journey through the horrors of the City and among a ghastly assemblage of dwellers who’ve crafted new lives for themselves in the underworld.“David Rhodes proves that there is still vigorous life in the dark Gothic roots of great American novels.” —The Tennessean
The Charles Dickens Collection Volume Four: Hunted Down, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and The Old Curiosity Shop
by Charles DickensThree tales that showcase the nineteenth-century novelist&’s famous flair for suspense and plot twists. This volume includes three titles by Victorian England&’s greatest storyteller. Hunted Down: The manager of a life assurance office finds his suspicions growing after becoming acquainted with a mysterious gentleman in this rare detective story by Charles Dickens. The Mystery of Edwin Drood: In this unfinished puzzler—the basis for the Broadway musical that won five Tony Awards—a young man disappears and it may be connected to the beautiful woman he was planning to marry. The Old Curiosity Shop: Little Nell&’s grandfather is determined to give her a better life, but his attempts lead to trouble, in this beloved classic. &“When it comes to walking the mean streets, Dickens could give modern genre authors the tour of their lives.&” —Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times
Simple Pleasures of the Kitchen: Recipes, Crafts & Comforts from the Heart of the Home
by Susannah SetonA collection of recipes, crafts, and activities to bring your family together in the kitchen, from the author of Simple Pleasures of the Garden. The kitchen really is the heart of the home. It&’s the first place family and friends gather, not only to prepare and eat food, but to chat, sip tea, snack on home-baked cookies, unwind after a tough day, and reconnect with loved ones. The latest in the Simple Pleasures series of books, Simple Pleasures of the Kitchen captures the essence of the kitchen. It offers a cornucopia of recipes, food-based crafts, food facts and tips, and family activities, as well as stories from kitchens around the world sure to warm anyone&’s heart, no matter what the weather. Organized by season, the book offers: Spring Flings, The Savor of Summer, Autumn&’s Abundance, and Cozying Up in Winter. Recipes include comforting mashed potatoes, fresh summer risotto, delicious meatloaf, and heart-warming brownies and popovers. The super-simple jam recipe will go great with popovers, or as a gift in jars you&’ve decorated yourself. You can satisfy your sweet tooth and your soul at the same time! Susannah Seton&’s Simple Pleasures books continually delight readers with their down-home recipes, crafts, and activities that bring the whole family together. Don&’t miss this one.&“This enchanting and entertaining book reminds us of the importance of these times, how the simplest of events and day-to-day activities all blend to create cherished memories.&”—Jonathon King, cofounder of Stonewall Kitchen, from the Introduction
The Best American Short Stories 2011: The Best American Series (The Best American Series)
by Geraldine Brooks, Heidi PitlorTwenty of the best American short stories of 2011, chosen by the New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Chord. The twenty tightly crafted stories collected here by Pulitzer Prize–winning author Geraldine Brooks are full of deftly drawn characters, universal truths, and often surprising humor. Richard Powers&’s &“To the Measures Fall&” is a comic meditation on the uses of literature in the course of a life. In the satirical &“The Sleep,&” Caitlin Horrocks puts her fictional prairie town to bed—the inhabitants hibernate through the long winter as a form of escape—while in Steve Millhauser&’s imagined town, the citizens are visited by ghostlike apparitions in &“Phantoms.&” Allegra Goodman&’s spare but beautiful &“La Vita Nuova&” finds a jilted fiancée letting her art class paint all over her wedding dress as a poignant act of release. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wryly captures the social change in the air in Lagos, Nigeria, in &“Ceiling,&” her story of a wealthy young man who is not entirely at ease with what his life has become. As Brooks perused these richly imagined and varied landscapes, she found that it was like walking into the best kind of party, where you can hole up in a corner with old friends for a while, then launch out among interesting strangers.The Best American Short Stories 2011 also includes contributions from: Megan Mayhew Bergman · Tom Bissell • Jennifer Egan • Nathan Englander • Ehud Havazelet • Bret Anthony Johnston • Claire Keegan • Sam Lipsyte • Rebecca Makkai • Elizabeth McCracken • Ricardo Nuila • Joyce Carol Oates • Jess Row • George Saunders • Mark Slouka
Along the Road: Notes and Essays of a Tourist (Paladin Bks.)
by Aldous HuxleyWitty and &“enchanting&” reflections on the experience of travel, with a focus on art, music, and literature, by the author of Brave New World (The Spectator). One of the most renowned and prolific writers of the twentieth century, Aldous Huxley produced not only dystopian fiction like Brave New World and philosophical memoirs like The Doors of Perception, but also insightful travel writing. Here, he discusses his visits to Italy, France, and other European destinations; reflects on cultural landmarks; and ruminates on the benefits and challenges of travel itself, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Europe of a century ago—and the mind of a remarkable author. &“As opposed to those who believe that the best picture is the most famous or expensive one, or the one that wins a prize, Huxley speaks for those prepared to spend contemplative time with works of art.&” —The Sydney Morning Herald
A Taste of Coral Gables: Cookbook and Culinary Tour of the City Beautiful
by Paola MendezThis ultimate foodie guide to the Florida city “features more than 70 restaurants, and the recipes reflect the diverse, multicultural culinary landscape” (Mitch & Mel Take Miami).A Taste of Coral Gables is brimming with all the great food and good vibes that make this sunny city in South Florida such a magnet for food lovers of all stripes. Filled with recipes, restaurant descriptions, menu highlights, chef profiles, wine pairings, and more, this one-stop resource on the Coral Gables food scene doubles as a restaurant guide and recipe resource to the best places the city has to offer.There are approximately seventy-five restaurants covered in the book, each with a two-page spread that contains color photographs, informative text on the origins and highlights of the restaurant, what makes it unique, and who the people are behind the restaurant’s unique atmosphere and cuisine. Each also features a recipe for one of the restaurant’s signature dishes for easy preparation at home.From such venerable dining establishments as the Palm d’Or at the Biltmore (haute cuisine in Old-World charm with New World sensibilities) to fun and funky specialty joints such as Ms. Cheezious (grilled cheese in every manner imaginable), to ethnic standouts such as Talavera (down-home Mexican), all bases are covered in this comprehensive culinary treasure trove paying homage to the “City Beautiful.”
The Purity Principle: Finding Authenticity in the Age of Deception
by Swami B. B. BodhayanInspired by the poetry of a great Hindu guru, the acarya of the Gopinath Gaudiya Math discusses the obstacles on the path to pure devotion.This book was inspired by Vaishnava Ke, the powerful poem of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, which identifies the mind’s myriad deviations and their essential remedies. It includes a translation and commentary on the poem by Swami Bodhayan, president and acarya of the Gopinath Gaudiya Math. Through these writings, the author illuminates the obstacles to pure devotion, and the magnanimous spiritual practices of Vaishnavism. With sublime qualities like humility and tolerance, one can chant the Lord’s holy names purely and live a progressive, joyful life of service. This helps the sincere practitioner to follow a devotional path without distraction. With clarity, humility, and precision, Swami Bodhayan explains the most basic and also profound issues which, when understood, can inspire the student to attain the confidence and focus needed to make steady progress on the path of bhakti.
The Pink Whisk Guide to Whisking: Brilliant Baking Step-by-step (The Pink Whisk Guide)
by Ruth ClemensThe bestselling author of Creative Éclairs and finalist on The Great British Bake Off shows step-by-step how to bake successfully, whatever the occasion. Divided into three technique sections—Creaming Methods, Whisked Cakes, and Melting Methods—Ruth Clemens&’s book will show you how to bake impressive celebration centerpieces, party cakes, birthday treats, or just feed your family a delicious dessert. Each recipe is detailed with techniques, hints, timings, shortcuts, and cheats, plus all the essential information needed to you to maximize your creativity and prove that baking is achievable and fun. Detailed step-by-step photography of nearly thirty mouthwatering projects make every technique easy to follow, whether you are a baking expert or a complete novice, so really can achieve the beautiful, finished product. Recipes include: swiss roll, angel cake and carrot cake.
Fabric Manipulation: 150 Creative Sewing Techniques
by Ruth SingerThe award-winning textile artist presents her modern approach to 150 fabric manipulation techniques in this fully illustrated sewing guide. In Fabric Manipulation, Ruth Singer presents the most in-depth and comprehensive guide to sculptural and embellishing effects since Collette Wolff&’s The Art of Manipulating Fabric. Divided into three sections—Pleat and Fold, Stitch and Gather, Apply and Layer—Fabric Manipulation teaches sewists of all skill levels 150 creative sewing techniques with clear instruction, photos, and hundreds of full color diagrams. Ruth explains her innovative variations on traditional fabric manipulation techniques such as pleating, folding, gathering, smocking, quilting, trapunto and applique. She also offers inspirational project ideas for accessories and home décor that demonstrate practical uses of fabric manipulation.
Ecothrifty: Cheaper, Greener Choices for a Happier, Healthier Life (Mother Earth News Books for Wiser Living)
by Deborah NiemannA guide to saving a fortune while saving the Earth, from the author of Homegrown & Handmade. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. Our grandmothers knew the importance of responsible, thrifty choices. But somewhere along the way we lost our way and succumbed to the belief that we can get everything for next to nothing, have it shipped halfway around the world and then—more often than not—just throw it away. This consumer binge is taking its toll. Diet and lifestyle-related illnesses are epidemic, our environment is awash in a sea of plastic, our climate is changing, and the cost of everything is skyrocketing with the price of oil. Are we doomed? No. We can make greener, healthier choices, and we can do it while saving money. Where to start? Ecothrifty is packed with simple, practical ideas and recipes to help you:· Make homemade products for cleaning and skin care · Grow your own food and cook more from scratch · Raise your family without lowering your standards A must-read for anyone who has ever wanted to live a greener life but thought that it would be too expensive, time-consuming, or difficult, this handy, complete guide will show you how small changes can have a huge environmental impact and save you thousands of dollars, all while improving your quality of life.&“I support and endorse this wonderful book, 100%!&” —Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmentalist&“Her advice does not come across as self-righteous or preachy, but more like insider tips from an experienced do-it-yourselfer.&” —Publishers Weekly
The Best of H. P. Lovecraft: The Best Weird Tales Of H. P. Lovecraft (Best Of Series)
by H. P. LovecraftSix timeless stories of supernatural terror and macabre imagination by &“the 20th century&’s greatest practitioner of the classic horror tale&” (Stephen King). H. P. Lovecraft&’s unique literary vision has influenced generations of authors whose work comprises its own subgenre: Lovecraftian horror. His legacy can be seen everywhere, from the HBO drama series Lovecraft Country to the enduring Cthulhu Mythos—a fictional universe first developed by Lovecraft in several of the stories included here. An essential collection for any horror fan, this volume presents some of Lovecraft&’s finest short fiction, including &“The Call of Cthuhlu,&” &“The Dunwich Horror,&” and &“The Shadow Over Innsmouth,&” among others.
Sanditon
by Jane AustenAn English coastal town is the setting for this unfinished novel, the inspiration for the ITV series, by the author of Pride and Prejudice.Believed to be influenced by a town visited by Jane Austen herself, Sanditon is the story of Mr. Parker, an ambitious man intent on building a seaside resort town that will attract fashionable society; of Charlotte Heywood, a beautiful young woman who finds herself invited to Sanditon through an accident of fate; Mr. Parker&’s extended family, including the handsome Sidney Parker and his three comical siblings; and the wealthy Lady Denham, who aims to marry off her impoverished nephew to an heiress from the West Indies. The final unfinished novel by Austen, Sanditon has inspired numerous adaptations and continuations, including the recent television series by prize-winning screenwriter Andrew Davies.
21 Sensational Patchwork Bags: From The Best-selling Author Of 21 Terrific Patchwork Bags
by Susan BriscoeThe quilter and author of 21 Terrific Patchwork Bags is back with stunning new quilted bag designs in this illustrated step-by-step project guide. Acclaimed quilt designer Susan Briscoe presents another twenty-one patchwork bag projects based on thirteen original designs. From exquisite evening bags to portfolios, saddle bags, backpacks, and more, each project is presented with step-by-step instructions, photographs, and piecing diagrams, allowing you to create your own unique and stylish accessories. Each bag is shown with variations in colorways and other possible adaptions to help you make it truly your own. A separate section covers patchwork techniques including cutting fabric strips, machine piecing patchwork and how to create patchwork blocks such as Seminole, triangle squares, flying geese, log cabin, as well as foundation piecing and crazy patchwork. Appliqué and quilting techniques are also covered, along with bag making techniques such as making straps, attaching bindings, inserting a zippers and linings, and adding pockets. You&’ll also find a library of decorative stitches for embellish your bags, advice on fabric color themes, and a library of patchwork blocks.
Walking for Fitness: The Beginner's Handbook
by Marnie Caron&“This book is a step-by-step guide to get you started and offers good advice on everything from the right shoes and diet to staying motivated.&” —Good Times Magazine Includes tips and walking programs by Olympian Lynn Kanuka Walking is the most popular physical activity in North America, and for good reason: it can be done by people of all ages and all levels of physical ability, the risk of injury is low, and it doesn&’t require a carload of expensive equipment. Best of all, brisk walking for just 30 minutes four times a week reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and other health problems. This comprehensive guide helps readers make the most of their walking. It offers two step-by-step programs developed by fitness professionals; advice on shoes, clothing, nutrition, and routes; tips on staying motivated and avoiding injury; stories from real-life walkers; and ways to include friends and family. Whether the goal is to return to activity, reduce the risk of illness and injury, or to minimize one&’s impact on the environment, this encouraging book helps readers put their best foot forward. &“Caron covers everything including the various health benefits, warming up and cooling down, and the right kinds of clothing and shoes. There&’s a list of reminders on how to incorporate walking into my daily routine . . . and a number of walker profiles. The profiles can be motivational and illustrate the reasons people have for walking and how it can be an important part of keeping fit.&” —Toronto Star
The Pine Island Paradox: Making Connections in a Disconnected World (The\world As Home Ser.)
by Kathleen Dean MooreCan the love reserved for family and friends be extended to a place? “Luminous essays” on nature and environmental stewardship (Booklist).Named one of the Top Ten Northwest Books of the Year by the OregonianIn this book, acclaimed author Kathleen Dean Moore, a winner of the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award for Holdfast, reflects on how deeply the environment is entrenched in the human spirit, despite the notion that nature and humans are somehow separate. Moore’s essays, deeply felt and often funny, make connections in what can appear to be a disconnected world. Written in parable form, her stories of family and friends—of wilderness excursions with her husband and children, camping trips with students, blowing up a dam, her daughter’s arrest for protesting the war in Iraq—affirm an impulse of caring that belies the abstract division of humans from nature, of the sacred from the mundane. Underlying these wonderfully engaging stories is the author’s belief in a new ecological ethic of care, one that expands the idea of community to include the environment, and embraces the land as family.“Stands with the best tradition of nature writing.” —The Oregonian
The Journey Within: Exploring the Path of Bhakti
by Radhanath SwamiThe New York Times–bestselling guide to balancing your life and finding answers to life’s questions through the ancient wisdom of yoga.With illuminating references to Western religions and ideologies, The Journey Within invites readers from all backgrounds to discover the simple truths that unite us. The mysteries of the soul have evaded mystics, sages, and gurus for centuries. Humanity has long yearned to discover the answer to our existence, and many spiritual traditions have evolved to provide those answers through sacred texts that facilitate journeys of transformation and discovery. Yet, never before have all of the spiritual traditions been distilled so simply into one easy-to-follow path—a path of love and devotion. In this follow-up to The Journey Home, world-renowned spiritual leader Radhanath Swami leads readers through the essential teachings of bhakti yoga. He draws from his personal experiences to demystify the ancient devotional path of bhakti, capturing its essence and explaining its simple principles for balancing our lives.His down-to-earth writing simplifies spiritual concepts and answers timeless questions in a heartfelt narrative that brings this sacred philosophy beautifully to life. What is love? What is the soul? Who is God? How can we live in the physical world without losing touch with the spiritual?In concise, approachable language, Radhanath Swami sheds light on how to answer these vital questions and offers solutions to life’s challenges with the simplest of resources. Reach beyond the material world and journey within to discover the beauty of the true self.“This book is a joyful way to move closer to the truth within you.” —Russell Brand, comedian, actor, author, activist
Knitted Animal Friends: Over 40 Knitting Patterns for Adorable Animal Dolls, Their Clothes and Accessories
by Louise Crowther&“Beautiful designs . . . children will love the whimsical results.&” —Publishers Weekly Learn to make an adorable collection of knitted animal toys with these new patterns by the author of My Knitted Doll, Louise Crowther. Louise brings her unique style of coordinated knitwear with cute colorwork details to this new collection of toy animal knitting patterns. There are a total of twelve knitted animals—each with their own unique personality and style. The animals all have the same basic body, with a few color variations and tail additions, so the clothes can be mixed and matched between them to create endless outfit possibilities. Choose your favorite animals and outfits and have fun making the perfect gift for friends and family.
Science and the Modern World: Lowell Lectures, 1925
by Alfred North WhiteheadThe famed mathematician and philosopher takes readers on a journey into a new scientific age, exploring topics from relativity to religion. Alfred North Whitehead, one of the great figures in the philosophy of science, wrote this prescient work nearly a century ago. Yet, in an era that has us reckoning with science and technology&’s place and meaning in our lives, it remains as relevant as ever. Science and the Modern World puts scientific discovery into historical and cultural context—exploring the effects of science and people on each other. &“It is a work not only of the first importance but also of great beauty. . . . Vivid writing.&” —Nature
The Ultimate History of the '80s Teen Movie: Fast Times At Ridgemont High ~ Sixteen Candles ~ Revenge Of The Nerds ~ The Karate Kid ~ The Breakfast Club ~ Footloose ~ Dead Poets Society ~ And Everything In Between
by James KingFor fans of The Movies That Made Us, a behind-the-scenes look at what went into making the favorite blockbuster films of the 1980s. A trip back to the era of troubled teens and awesome soundtracks; of Reagan, rap, and Ridgemont High; of MTV, VHS, and &“Axel F&”; of outsiders, lost boys, and dead poets; of Bill and Ted, Brooke Shields, and the Brat Pack; of three Porky&’s flicks, two Coreys, and one summer when &“Baby&” refused to be put in a corner.The Ultimate History of the &’80s Teen Movie goes behind the scenes of a genre where cult hits mingled with studio blockbusters, where giants like Spielberg and Coppola rubbed shoulders with baby-faced first-timers, and where future superstars Sean, Demi, and Tom all got their big break. Music, comedy, and politics all play a part in the surprisingly complex history of the &’80s teen movie. And while the films might have been aimed primarily at adolescents, the best tackle universal issues and remain relevant to all ages. From a late &’70s Hollywood influx to an early &’90s indie scene that gave youth cinema a timely reboot, film expert James King highlights the personal struggles, the social changes, and the boardroom shake-ups that produced an iconic time in movie history.&“Admirably opting for analysis over nostalgia and gossip, King examines the origin, production, and cultural afterlife of seemingly every youth-centric 1980s movie you've ever heard of and more . . . An excellent adventure through a distinct and genre-spanning era in cinema history. For casual movie fans and industry-minded cinephiles alike.&” —Library Journal
The Essential Jane Austen Volume Two: Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice
by Jane AustenThree classics about love, class, and social expectations by one of the greatest English authors of the nineteenth century. This collection of Jane Austen&’s novels includes three timeless classics.Persuasion: A woman is pressured by her family to end her engagement to a man of modest means—then meets him again years later, when both of their circumstances have changed.Northanger Abbey: A young woman besotted by gothic novels sees danger lurking everywhere, but she soon learns more about the perils of real life in this wise, satirical novel.Pride and Prejudice: The basis of countless film and television adaptations, Austen&’s tale of the Bennet family and Mr. Darcy is considered her masterpiece.
Gulag Literature and the Literature of Nazi Camps: An Intercontexual Reading (Jewish Literature And Culture Ser.)
by Leona TokerA literary scholar examines survival narratives from Russian and German concentration camps, shedding new light on testimony in the face of evil. In this illuminating study, Leona Toker demonstrates how Holocaust literature and Gulag literature provide contexts for each other, especially how the prominent features of one shed light on the veiled features and methods of the other. Toker&’s analysis concentrates on the narrative qualities of the works as well as how each text documents the writer&’s experience in a form where fictionalized narrative can double as historical testimony. Toker also views these texts against the background of historical information about the Soviet and the Nazi regimes of repression. Writers at the center of this work include Varlam Shalamov, Primo Levi, Elie Wiesel, and Ka-Tzetnik, and others, including Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Evgeniya Ginzburg, and Jorge Semprún, illuminate the discussion. Toker also provides context for references to potentially obscure historical events and shows how they form new meaning in the text.
The Origin of Names, Words and Everything in Between: (word Origins, Trivia Book For Adults, Funny Trivia, Origin Of Words) (Origin Of Names Ser.)
by Patrick FooteThe bestselling reference that, “from the casually curious to etymology junkies . . . will have something for everyone.” —William C. Fox of the YouTube channel The Exploration with William C. FoxWhat is something that literally everything in existence has in common? It all has a name! With The Origin of Names, Words and Everything in Between, you can learn the origins of these monikers. From countries and cities to toys and animals to even planets, learn the etymology of interesting words in a fun and entertaining way.Learning doesn’t have to be boring. With his fun sense of humor, Patrick Foote—of the YouTube channel Name Explain—explains each appellation with jokes and quips you’re bound to enjoy. Full of pictures and packed with great information, The Origin of Names, Words and Everything in Between does exactly what it says it does—it explains the origin of names in a fun and easy-to-digest way. After reading this book, you will:Know why, exactly, Russia is called RussiaBe able to entertain yourself and your friends with interesting fun factsDiscover the origins of the names of planets, animals, countries, and much more“Patrick has made me realize that even the most mundane and ubiquitous words can have an endlessly fascinating story. His whimsical and friendly tone also makes any topic entertaining and accessible. Hmm . . . now all of a sudden I would love for Patrick to explain ‘mundane,’ ‘ubiquitous’ and ‘whimsical!’” —Betty Chen of the YouTube channel ARTiculations
Hockey's Original 6: Great Players of the Golden Era
by Mike Leonetti&“Hockey historians will appreciate the precision action shots taken of the first cohort of NHL stars . . . a record of how hockey has evolved.&” —Winnipeg Free Press The hockey stars of the 1950s and &’60s—Rocket Richard, Gordie Howe, Dave Keon, Bobby Hull, Jean Beliveau, Terry Sawchuk, Tim Horton, and others—were some of the most passionate players in National Hockey League history. These skillful and often colorful athletes played exhilarating hockey and were national heroes in a time when only six teams and fewer than 150 players battled for the Stanley Cup. Hockey&’s Original 6 celebrates the most dynamic players and exciting moments of the era in more than 120 photographs from the legendary Harold Barkley Archives, including a number of never—or rarely seen—images. From 1942 until the early &’70s, Barkley was the Toronto Star&’s leading sports photographer. He pioneered the use of electronic flash to capture stop-action hockey, and his dramatic work—both black and white and vibrant color—define the pre-expansion period. Two informative essays by Mike Leonetti—hockey historian, archivist, and prolific sportswriter—set Barkley and the photos in context, and short image captions illuminate the players and their feats. The late hockey legend Jean Béliveau provides a personal and insightful foreword. &“Will take your breath away . . . a collection that captures players&’ grimaces, suture tracks, missing teeth and Brylcreem-lacquered hair; their primitive equipment, joy and considerable pain, even the depth of snow beneath their tubular-steel blades, the individual planks of lumber that were the arena boards, and the octagonal orange crests on the Tyer Rubber Co. pucks whose impact has smudged the fire-engine-red goalposts.&” —The Montreal Gazette
Once and Future Myths: The Power of Ancient Stories in Our Lives
by Phil CousineauThe bestselling author of The Art of Pilgrimage examines the connection mythology to contemporary life, and what that means for self-improvement.Author Phil Cousineau elucidates how myths are the stories of real life whether people are conscious of them as myths or not. He shows readers how, by becoming aware of myths in both their historical and present form, they can read the world better, with a deeper understanding of work, love, creativity, and spirituality. The book retells classic myths such as Eros and Psyche and provides new accounts of more contemporary mythmakers such as Jim Morrison and Vincent van Gogh, illustrating how these legends have affected history, culture, and individuals. The timelessness of myth is conveyed through Cousineau’s discussions of the mythology of travel, mentors, cities, baseball, and vampires.Praise for Once and Future Myths“A tantalizing, delightfully personal travelogue through the landscape of some of the modern myths that shape and misshape our lives.” —Sam Keen, author of Learning to Fly and Hymns to an Unknown God“Cousineau draws on his extensive work with Joseph Campbell to reveal mythic insights for everyday life. He finds openings in the tidy margins of experience to the enveloping intensity of the archetypal dimension.” —Jonathon Young, PhD, founding curator, Joseph Campbell Archives and Library“Cousineau proves himself to be a meaning-maker par excellence as he delves deeply into some of the major concerns of our age . . . . Cousineau enables us to understand myth as the soulful pulse underlying our deepest yearnings for meaning.” —Spirituality & Practice
The Best American Essays 2014 (The Best American Series)
by John Jeremiah SullivanThe acclaimed author of Pulphead collects &“21 of the year&’s most urgent and at times painfully truthful pieces of nonfiction published in the U.S.&” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). In our age of trigger warnings and jeopardized free expression, The Best American Essays 2014 does not shy away from shocking extremes, ambiguities, or dualities. As guest editor John Jeremiah Sullivan notes, the essay assumes many two-sided forms, and these diverse pieces capture all the conceptions of what an essay can be: the loose and the strict, the flourish and the finished, the try and the trial. Sullivan&’s choices embrace the high and the low, the memoirist&’s confession and the journalist s reportage, and all the gray area in between. From a hotel in Mongolia to a Clockwork Orange like Baltimore, from a Rome emergency room to Burning Man, these diverse pieces surprise and entertain, inform and titillate. The Best American Essays 2014 includes entries by Kristin Dombek, Dave Eggers, Leslie Jamison, Ariel Levy, Yiyun Li, Barry Lopez, Zadie Smith, Wells Tower, Emily Fox Gordon, James Wood, and others.