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Small Apartment Hacks: 101 Ingenious DIY Solutions for Living, Organizing and Entertaining
by Jenna MahoneyHelpful tips, space-saving tricks, and DIY projects to help make a shoebox apartment beautifully functional. This handy guide enables readers to transform their tiny, shoebox apartment into a welcoming, delightful and adorable abode. The author&’s advice gives anyone the chance to have a stylish, space-savvy home by showing how to take advantage of every nook and cranny. Whether it&’s maximizing floor space with furniture arrangements like a lofted bed above a work area or inventive storage solutions like a dining table that stashes dishes, there is no space too small to be made posh by Small Apartment Hacks. LIVE LARGE • Hang hobby clutter like guitars or bikes on the wall as decoration • Mount side tables on wheels for easy rolling from bedside to sofa ORGANIZE SMART • Upcycle empty wine crates into stylish, stackable shoe cubbies • Line a room with high bookshelves for a ceiling-top library ENTERTAIN IN STYLE • Utilize kitchen space to make an impressive entrée—go potluck on the sides • Stash plants, lamps, and coffee tables in the bathtub to open up party space&“Heed Jenna Mahoney&’s advice. In her new book, Small Apartment Hacks, she dishes out genius ideas for optimizing tiny spaces.&” —Daily Candy
Worker-Mothers on the Margins of Europe: Gender and Migration between Moldova and Istanbul
by Leyla J. Keough“Unravels complex gendered moral economies that guide migratory practices and choices of female domestic workers from Gagauz Yeri to Istanbul.” —Olena Fedyuk, Anthropology of East Europe ReviewFollowing Moldovan women who “commute” for six to twelve months at a time to work as domestics in Istanbul, Worker-Mothers on the Margins of Europe explores the world of undocumented migrants from a postsocialist state. Leyla J. Keough examines the gendered moral economies that shape the perspectives of the migrants, their employers in Turkey, their communities in Moldova, and the International Organization for Migration. She finds that their socialist past continues to color how the women view their labor and their roles within their families, even as they are affected by the same shifts in the global economy that drive migration elsewhere. Keough puts scholarship on gender and migration into dialogue with postsocialist studies and offers a critical assessment of international anti-trafficking efforts.“Anyone interested in the phenomenon of migration, particularly the gender dynamics of international migration and the politics of ‘trafficking’ in an era of globalization, will find this book an invaluable contribution . . . This is ethnography at its best.” —Kristen Ghodsee, Bowdoin College
Birds & Blooms of the 50 States
by Dutch Door PressA beautifully illustrated compendium of state birds and flowers, plus history and trivia.This enchanting tour of America’s most cherished birds and flowers is an intimate collection of lovely images from the acclaimed letterpress studio Dutch Door Press. Each state’s emblematic flora and fauna are paired in winsome vintage-inspired compositions and accompanied by fascinating facts about the states, the plant and animal species, and how they came to symbolize their regions. From the quail and poppy of California to the bluebird and rose of New York, every page of this volume offers a visual treat filled with charm and nostalgia.
Sous Vide BBQ: Delicious Recipes and Precision Techniques that Guarantee Smoky, Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Every Time
by Greg MrvichLearn to make no-fail, mind-blowing barbeque with your sous vide in this cookbook full of tips, techniques, and recipes.Packed with helpful photos and step-by-step tutorials, this book shows how to use your sous vide’s precision temperature control to cook moist, flavorful meats every time. Then it goes further.Author Greg Mrvich reveals his proven techniques and secret tricks for juicy, tender meat with a crispy, caramelized bark and perfect, smoky flavor. With options for finishing outside in your smoker or on the grill, the book’s fifty recipes cover everything from backyard classics to gourmet creations, including:•Barbecue Beef Brisket•Cedar-Plank Chicken Breast•Carne Asada Tacos•Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs•Turkey Skillet Stew•Seared Wasabi Ginger Crusted Tuna•Santa Maria Tri-Tip
New German Cooking: Recipes for Classics Revisited
by Drew Lazor Jeremy Nolen Jessica Nolen“Paints a picture of a German cuisine that most of us had no idea existed: vibrant salads, light fish dishes, addictive vegetable sides . . .” —EpicuriousOne of The Washington Post’s “10 Best Cookbooks of 2015”Bright flavors. Fresh and healthful. These are not words we typically associate with German cuisine. But this beautifully packaged cookbook is not quite traditional. Featuring 100 recipes for familiar food re-envisioned to reflect the way we eat now, New German Cooking celebrates fresh vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices as obsessively as it does pork, pretzels, and beer. Chefs Jeremy and Jessica Nolen share recipes from their family table, inspired by their travels in Germany. Slow-braised meats, homemade pickles and preserves, hand-cut noodles, and vegetables every which way—the recipes in New German Cooking are entirely true to their roots, yet utterly unique. More than 40 full-color photographs and creative recipes for every meal occasion will satisfy food lovers far and wide.“New German Cooking ain’t yer oma’s cookbook. It’s better. With imagination and finesse, Jeremy and Jessica Nolen update classics and lighten, brighten, and most of all modernize German cooking, that most misunderstood of cuisines.” —Hank Shaw, James Beard Award–winning author “This inspiring read includes a mouthwatering combination of the familiar (Bavarian pretzels, beer cheese soup, bratwurst, and apple strudel) with modern riffs such as green asparagus and aged-gouda dip; roasted parsnip salad with hazelnuts and blue cheese; and a simple chicken braised in riesling with onion, leeks, garlic, and green grapes . . . [a] terrific update on an often-overlooked cuisine.” —Publishers Weekly
Welcome to the Club: 100 Parenting Milestones You Never Saw Coming
by Raquel D'ApiceFrom an Emmy Award–winning comedy writer: “An absolute must for every parent who needs to laugh so they don’t cry.” —Bunmi Laditan, author of Confessions of a Domestic FailureFrom the comedian behind the popular parenting blog The Ugly Volvo comes a refreshing spin on the baby milestone book. Instead of a place to lovingly capture the first time baby sleeps through the night, this book commemorates baby’s first poop explosion; first time baby says a word you didn’t want her to say; and first time you forget the details of childbirth enough to consider having a second kid.Accompanied by distinctive illustrations, these one hundred rarely documented but all-too-realistic milestones provide comfort, solidarity, and comic relief for exhausted and terrified new parents.
A Season in Queens: A Novel
by Joanne Dryansky Gerry DryanskySoldiers wounded in World War II return home in this “moving read full of compassion and resilience” (Tatiana de Rosnay, New York Times–bestselling author).1946. In Cambria Heights—an outlying working-class enclave of New York City—the people, having lived through years of calamitous losses and fears, are ready to revive the modestly idyllic life of their cherished little neighborhood. But their peace is imperiled . . . GIs are returning, and though their physical wounds may be healed, their emotional wounds fester. As the community grapples with a “communist threat” that forebodes another war, the worst polio epidemic in American history threatens to spread. And when an African American air ace and war hero looks for a place to call home, his very presence unearths the latent racism of his newfound neighbors.During this turbulent time, sixteen-year-old Erin Burke enters into a relationship with a disturbed veteran suffering from shellshock. When his sexual abuse leads to a botched, illegal abortion, Erin marries her memory to her imagination to portray A Season in Queens that will change her life forever.
Tales of India: Folktales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu
by Svabhu Kohli Viplov SinghTraditional Indian lore through the eyes of two artists. “Their collaboration is nothing short of phenomenal. The illustrations take you into another world.” —MediumA shape-shifting tiger and a pretentious rat.A generous goddess and a powerful demon.A clever princess and a prince who returns from the dead.This collection of sixteen traditional tales transports readers to the beguiling world of Indian folklore. Transcribed by Indian and English folklorists in the nineteenth century, these stories brim with wit and magic. Fans of fairy tales will encounter familiar favorites—epic quests and talking animals—alongside delightful surprises—an irreverent sense of humor and an array of bold, inspiring heroines. Each tale in this ebook comes alive alongside exquisite artwork by a pair of contemporary Indian artists.
Ghost Wave: The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth
by Chris Dixon“Takes us to a place of almost mythic power and tells a story that unfolds like a long ride on a killer wave . . . compellingly written.” —Sebastian Junger, New York Times–bestselling authorRising from the depths of the North Pacific lies a fabled island, now submerged just fifteen feet below the surface of the ocean. Rumors and warnings about Cortes Bank abound, but among big wave surfers, this legendary rock is famous for one simple (and massive) reason: this is the home of the biggest rideable wave on the face of the earth. In this dramatic work of narrative nonfiction, journalist Chris Dixon unlocks the secrets of Cortes Bank and pulls readers into the harrowing world of big wave surfing and high seas adventure above the most enigmatic and dangerous rock in the sea. The true story of this Everest of the sea will thrill anyone with an abiding curiosity of and respect for mother ocean.“A terrific, deeply researched tale about a truly wild place. You couldn’t make up Cortes Bank, or the characters who’ve tried to make it theirs.” —William Finnegan, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life“A first-rate account of an amazing phenomenon and the people who tried to conquer and exploit it. A great read.” —Winston Groom, New York Times–bestselling author of Forrest Gump“After reading Chris’ most excellent account of the monstrous waves of the mysterious Cortes Bank—the Bermuda Triangle of the Pacific—I never thought I would ever consider riding a wave like this. But after surviving a five-foot, head-first fall from the stage earlier this year, I think I might be ready.” —Jimmy Buffett
What They Didn't Teach You in Spanish Class: Slang Phrases for the Café, Club, Bar, Bedroom, Ball Game and More (Dirty Everyday Slang)
by Juan CaballeroLearn cool slang, funny insults and all the words you won’t find in a normal textbook in this guide to informal, conversational Spanish.You’ve taken Spanish lessons and learned all kinds of useful phrases. You know how to order dinner, get directions, and ask for the bathroom. But what happens when it’s time to drop the textbook formality? To really know a language, you need to know it’s bad words, too. You need this book.From common slang and insulting curses to explicit sexual expressions, this volume teaches the kind of Spanish heard every day across Latin America. Learn to sound like a native speaker with phrases like: • What’s up? ¿Qué tal?• What a hottie! ¡Que cuerazo!• Let’s pound these shots. Tráguemonos estos traguitos.• That ref sucks. Es una mierda ese árbitro/a.• I’m craving all-you-can-eat tacos. Me antoja un poco de taquiza libre.• Do you wanna hook up? ¿Quieres ligar?
Fresh from the Farmers' Market: Year-Round Recipes for the Pick of the Crop
by Janet Fletcher“A warm and charming book, where Fletcher’s passion for the produce gently shines . . . Meandering and passionate . . . like an afternoon at the market.” —Heavy TableIntroduction by Alice WatersSporting a gorgeous new cover, Fresh from the Farmers’ Market just got a little fresher. With more home cooks falling in love with the unbeatable flavor of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, there has never been a better time to serve fruits and vegetables at mealtime. This wonderfully useful cookbook is a celebration of market bounty with luscious color photographs and more than seventy-five mouthwatering recipes. Each delicious soup, salad, entrée, and dessert makes the most of the season’s best. James Beard Award–winning author Janet Fletcher guides shoppers through the market, sharing tips on selection and storage as well as advice from the farmers themselves, so readers can turn peak-season produce into delicious eating, year-round.“This newly published book is an indispensable companion for all farmer’s market fans and food lovers . . . It’s conveniently divided into seasons so a quick glance through the appropriate seasonal section, before you head off to the market, will give great inspiration for shopping.” —Ditty’s Saturday Market
Hand Made Baking: Recipes to Warm the Heart
by Kamran SiddiqiThis cookbook from the passionate baker is “a pleasure to read . . . an unpretentious, cheery collection designed to ‘convert fear-filled nonbakers to experts.’” —Publishers WeeklyKamran Siddiqi, the self-taught baker and talented young blogger behind the Sophisticated Gourmet, delivers simple yet sophisticated recipes in his first book—a collection of more than seventy-five of his favorite homemade sweets. Designed to entice new bakers with his infectious passion for baking (and sugar in all its glorious forms), the pages are filled with classic favorites like Cream Scones and Chocolate Cake as well as lesser-known indulgences such as Chocolate–Brown Sugar Pavlova and Pistachio Polvorones. Kamran also believes in baking as a form of therapy, which comes through in such soothing balms as his Heartbreak Chocolate Truffle Cookies. With glorious photographs of each and every treat, Hand Made Baking is perfect for aspiring home cooks with an eye for the elevated taste and beauty of all things hand made.“Hand Made Baking feels lovely and personal, like you’re peering into the kitchen of a friend who’s invited you over for cake and coffee . . . draws you in and compels you to head straight for the kitchen.” —Food Network
Cake Simple: Recipes for Bundt-Style Cakes from Classic Dark Chocolate to Luscious Lemon Basil
by Christie Matheson&“The 50 recipes cover the basics . . . but it also dances into less familiar territory . . . a bright, creative, well-edited little collection of recipes.&” —Kitchn Bundt-style cakes appeal to everyone busy home bakers appreciate how simple they are to make, and cake lovers adore the endless (and delicious!) variety of shapes and forms they can take. This collection of more than fifty recipes delivers retro fun with a sophisticated spin, offering everything from nostalgia-inducing classics and decadent indulgences to adorable minis and even vegan versions of this eponymous treat. Enticing photos throughout showcase these whimsical, irresistible desserts and will have anyone with sweet cravings begging for this circular sensation!&“In the most recent of Chronicle&’s gift-worthy single-subject cookbook comes a focus on Bundt cakes, by Matheson. With 50-plus recipes divided into four chapters for regular and mini-size cakes, this collection includes modern-day versions of classics.&” —Publishers Weekly
The Selected Letters of John Cage
by John CageThis annotated selection of more than five hundred letters by the groundbreaking composer and avant-garde icon covers every phase of his career. This volume reveals the intimate life of John Cage with all the intelligence, wit, and inventiveness that made him such an important composer and performer. The missives range from lengthy reports of his early trips to Europe in the 1930s through his years with the dancer Merce Cunningham. They shed new light on his growing eminence as an iconic performance artist of the American avant-garde. Written in Cage&’s singular voice—by turns profound, irreverent, and funny—these letters reveal Cage&’s passionate interest in people, ideas, and the arts. They include correspondence with Peter Yates, David Tudor, and Pierre Boulez, among many others. Readers will enjoy Cage's commentary about the people and events of a transformative time in the arts, as well as his meditations on the very nature of art. This volume presents an extraordinary portrait of a complex, brilliant man who challenged and changed the artistic currents of the twentieth century.
Southern Casseroles: Comforting Pot-Lucky Dishes
by Denise GeeWith these fifty-five satisfying recipes, this classic Southern comfort food brings the heartwarming flavor of home to any family meal or friendly gathering.This tantalizing cookbook brings the irresistible charm of Southern culture to the dinner table by way of mouthwatering casserole dishes. Denise Gee presents fifty-five beloved classic and contemporary casserole recipes bubbling with traditions that stretch from the Bayou to the lower Appalachian Mountains.To complement the chapters covering basics, easy recipes, party recipes, and side dishes, dozens of luscious photos showcase the delicious attributes of a perfect casserole. Southern Casseroles brings together the tried-and-true casseroles of the South and the endearing stories behind them.
General Erich Hoepner: A Military Biography (Die Wehrmacht im Kampf)
by Chales de BeaulieuWritten by Hoepner's chief of staff on the Eastern Front, this military biography of the German WWII general is available in English for the first time.This biography of Erich Hoepner was written by Walter Chales de Beaulieu, a general staff officer who fought alongside him. It examines his leadership of panzer formations in Poland in 1939, France in 1940, and Russia in 1941. Hoepner was one of the most competent tank commanders of World War II, playing a significant role in Germany’s early successes. As the commander of the XVI Panzer Corps in 1939, Hoepner carried out the main thrust towards Warsaw, reaching the outskirts of the city in only eight days. With the same formation, he fought the French Cavalry Corps in Belgium, partook in the encirclement of Allied forces near Dunkirk, and advanced southwards over the Weygand Line deep into French territory. In 1941, Hoepner became the commander of Panzer Group 4, the main attack formation for the advance on Leningrad. In this book, Walter Chales de Beaulieu provides insight into Erich Hoepner’s ability as a panzer commander, painting a picture of a man who was committed to the military profession.
The Who, the What, and the When: 65 Artists Illustrate the Secret Sidekicks of History
by Matt Lamothe Julia Rothman Jenny VolvovskiStories and portraits of sixty-five unsung heroes behind some of history’s greatest achievements in the arts, politics, science, and technology.Explore the secret stories of the individuals behind some of the most legendary figures in the arts, politics, science, and technology in this fascinating compendium of historical fact and biographical trivia. Learn about Michael and Joy Brown, who gifted Harper Lee a year’s worth of wages to help her write To Kill a Mockingbird. Meet Thomas A. Watson, the assistant who built the telephone Alexander Graham Bell invented. And read about Sam Shaw, the man whose iconic photographs helped make Marilyn Monroe the enduring legend she is today. Each individual’s incredible story is told by a noted historian and illustrated in a sumptuous portrait by one of today’s hottest artists. History has never been so captivating or looked so good.Featuring Artwork By:Wendy MacNaughtonSamantha HahnLaura CallahanThomas DoyleAnd Text by:Jessica Lamb-ShapiroMark BinelliManuel GonzalesJosh Vierteland many more . . . “Sixty-five illustrators and as many writers collaborated for these surprising, fun bios of history’s secret sidekicks, including Mrs. Warhola, who inspired her son Andy’s fascination with groceries.” —mental_floss magazine“A charmingly illustrated compendium of history’s most fascinating—and largely unknown—sidekicks.” —Entertainment Weekly
Bringing Home the Seitan: 100 Protein-Packed, Plant-Based Recipes for Delicious "Wheat-Meat" Tacos, BBQ, Stir-Fry, Wings and More
by Kris Holechek PetersThe popular cookbook author shares an expansive collection of exciting seitan recipes for hearty, healthy, mouthwatering meat-free meals.Whether you want to replicate a favorite meaty recipe from your past, make a meal that will please omnivores and herbivores alike or just want to try something new—seitan is what’s for dinner now! This cookbook is packed with plant-based, protein-rich recipes from No-Beef Tip Stew, Beer Brats and Pulled Pork-ish Sandwiches to Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Chorizo Tacos and Basic Wingz with BBQ Sauce. Cookbook author and vegetarian chef Kris Holechek Peters teaches you how to bake, steam, boil and cook your seitan to perfection with basic how-to recipes, as well as cruelty-free spins on classic dishes and scrumptious new eats.
Knit It!: Learn the Basics and Knit 22 Beautiful Projects
by Melissa LeapmanThe expert knitter and popular author teaches basic knitting skills and techniques with twenty-two fun and fashionable projects in this beginner’s guide.This inviting craft book lays the groundwork for a lifetime of knitting—no prior skills necessary! Melissa Leapman presents step-by-step instructions for all the essential skills, techniques, and abbreviations needed to get started knitting, plus clear how-to illustrations for visual learners. After mastering the basics, knitters are ready to start on the twenty-two featured projects, from cozy scarves and chunky sweaters to classic decor items like an ottoman pouf and irresistible hearts. With an inviting design, vibrant photographs, and bonus ideas for customizing each project, Knit It! will have crafters going from beginner to knitter in no time.
Vegan Beans from Around the World: 100 Adventurous Recipes for the Most Delicious, Nutritious, and Flavorful Bean Dishes Ever
by Kelsey Kinser“If you think you’re bored of beans, have no fear: with Kinser’s new book, you’ll learn how simple beans can make adventurous vegan meals.” —ParadeHearty, protein-rich and delicious, beans are the perfect base for countless delectable dishes. Bringing them all together in a single volume, Vegan Beans from Around the World covers every taste sensation, including:Boston Baked BeansSouthwestern ChiliMexican Refried BeansCuban Black BeansColombian Red BeansAfrican Curried Black-Eyed Pea & Coconut SoupGreek Lentil SaladTuscan White Bean SoupDutch Split Pea SoupSouth Indian Dal TadkaKorean Mung Bean SaladJapanese Red Bean Ice Cream“I love this cookbook . . . Easy recipes you can make without spending a fortune or an entire afternoon, and your family will actually want to eat them.” —That Was Vegan?“Vegan Beans from Around the World definitely gives you a variety of flavors and great combinations! . . . I definitely recommend the book to any cook, not just vegan cooking!”—Simply Today Life“If I had someone who was looking to take a step away from meat and dairy, I would definitely recommend this book to them.” —Holy Cannoli Recipes
From the Realm of a Dying Sun: The IV. SS-Panzerkorps in the Budapest Relief Efforts, December 1944–February 1945
by Douglas E. Nash Sr.“A veritable tour de force of Eastern Front armored combat replete with slashing counterattacks, defending to the last man, and overcoming odds.” —Mark J. Reardon, author of Victory at MortainOn Christmas Eve 1944, the men of the IV. SS-Panzerkorps and its two divisions—the 3rd SS Panzer Division “Totenkopf” and the 5th SS Panzer Division “Wiking”—were eagerly anticipating what the holiday would bring, including presents from home and perhaps sharing a bottle of schnapps or wine with their comrades.This was not to be, for that very evening, the corps commander, SS-Obergruppenführer Herbert Otto Gille, received a telephone call notifying him that the 35,000 men of his corps would begin boarding express trains the following day that would take them from the relative quiet of the Vistula Front to the front lines in Hungary, hundreds of kilometers away. Their mission: Relieve Budapest! Thus would begin the final round in the saga of the IV. SS-Panzerkorps. In Hungary, it would play a key role in the three attempts to raise the siege of that fateful city. Threatened as much by their high command as by the forces of the Soviet Union, Gille and his troops overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their attempts to rescue the city’s garrison, only to have their final attack called off at the last minute. At that moment, they were only a few kilometers away from the objective towards which they had striven for nearly a month. After the relief attempt’s failure sealed the fate of hundreds of thousands of Hungarians and Germans, the only course of action remaining was to dig in and protect the Hungarian oilfields as long as possible.
Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening: Month by Month
by Pat Welsh“Here is the southern California gardener’s calendar laid out with clarity and zest; no weasel words, no ifs and buts.” —Pacific HorticultureIn this completely revised and updated classic, beloved garden expert Pat Welsh shares how to garden the organic way. This edition includes forty color photographs; a simple month-by-month format that shows gardeners exactly what to do throughout the year; terrific advice on gardening with drought-tolerant and fire-resistant plants; and plenty of fresh information on organic soils, fertilizers, and pest control. Useful for newbies and seasoned green thumbs alike, Pat Welsh’s Southern California Organic Gardening is the indispensable guide for every Southern California gardener.
The Little Book of the Nativity
by Dominique FoufelleExplore the history and customs connected to the nativity of Jesus in this collection featuring colorfully illustrated lithographs.The perfect companion for Christmas festivities, this little book explores the rich history surrounding the nativity. Filled with more than seventy-five entries featuring fascinating details behind the story of Jesus’s birth, the crèche, the Magi, the Immaculate Conception, and so much more, these pages illuminate the many ways the first Christmas is celebrated throughout the world. Beautifully illustrated with vibrant lithographs taken from prayer books and missals, The Little Book of the Nativity is a joyful and charming treasure for a family to gather around year after year.
The Brave New World: A History of Early America
by Peter Charles HofferThe distinguished historian “does a remarkable job” with this lively and comprehensive textbook—now in a new, expanded edition (Daniel P. Kotzin, Teaching History).The Brave New World covers the span of early American history, from 30,000 years before Europeans ever landed on North American shores to creation of the new nation. With its exploration of the places and peoples of early America, this volume brings together the most recent scholarship on the colonial and revolutionary eras, Native Americans, slavery, politics, war, and the daily lives of ordinary people. The revised, enlarged edition includes a new chapter carrying the story through the American Revolution, the War for Independence, and the creation of the Confederation. Additional material on the frontier, the Southwest and the Caribbean, the slave trade, religion, science and technology, and ecology broadens the text, and maps drawn especially for this edition will enable readers to follow the story more closely. The bibliographical essay, one of the most admired features of the first edition, has been expanded and brought up to date.Peter Charles Hoffer combines the Atlantic Rim scholarship with a Continental perspective, illuminating early America from all angles—from its first settlers to the Spanish Century, from African slavery to the Salem witchcraft cases, from prayer and drinking practices to the development of complex economies, from the colonies’ fight for freedom to an infant nation’s struggle for political and economic legitimacy. Wide-ranging in scope, inclusive in content, the revised edition of The Brave New World continues to provide professors, students, and historians with an engaging and accessible history of early North America.
Investigating the Supernatural: From Spiritism and Occultism to Psychical Research and Metapsychics in France, 1853–1931
by Sofie Lachapelle“A convincing account of science’s flirtation with the marginal and the marvelous” from the author of Conjuring Science (Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences).Séances were wildly popular in France between 1850 and 1930, when members of the general public and scholars alike turned to the wondrous as a means of understanding and explaining the world. Sofie Lachapelle explores how five distinct groups attempted to use and legitimize séances: spiritists, who tried to create a new “science” concerned with the spiritual realm and the afterlife; occultists, who hoped to connect ancient revelations with contemporary science; physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists, who developed a pathology of supernatural experiences; psychical researchers, who drew on the unexplained experiences of the public to create a new field of research; and metapsychists, who attempted to develop a new science of yet-to-be understood natural forces.An enlightening and entertaining narrative that includes colorful people like “Allan Kardec”—a pseudonymous former mathematics teacher from Lyon who wrote successful works on the science of the séance and what happened after death—Investigating the Supernatural reveals the rich and vibrant diversity of unorthodox beliefs and practices that existed at the borders of the French scientific culture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.“What is science? . . . In her engaging book, Sophie Lachapelle probes for an answer by looking at the liminal realm between science and superstition and the attempt to render the supernatural explicable in naturalistic terms.” —Isis“A welcome addition to the growing literature on spiritism, occultism and physical research in modern France.” —French History