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      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        December 1999

        Celtic Identity and the British Image

        by Murray Pittock

        This work explores the idea of the Celt and the definition of the so-called "Celtic Fringe" over the last 300 years. It is an in-depth study of the literary and cultural representation of Ireland, Scotland and Wales over this period, and is based on a wide-ranging grasp of issues of national identity and state formation. The idea of the Celt and Celticism is once again highly fashionable. Is there such a common Celtic heritage? What is the place of the "Celtic Fringe" in British identity? Pittock begins by assessing the term "Celtic" itself, by questioning its validity, going on to examine its historic uses and heroic notions of Scotland's past. The Celtic Revival of the late 19th century is examined in detail together with its impact on Irish nationalism. Pittock asks how far the "Celtic" experience in Britain can be described as a colonial one, and examines the importance of the Celtic languages in preserving a sense of identity. Contemporary issues such as the literary language of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the growth of modern Scottish nationalism are also considered. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Literature & Literary Studies
        October 2024

        The Legacy of John Polidori

        The Romantic Vampire and its Progeny

        by Sam George, Bill Hughes

        John Polidori's novella The Vampyre (1819) is perhaps 'the most influential horror story of all time' (Frayling). Polidori's story transformed the shambling, mindless monster of folklore into a sophisticated, seductive aristocrat that stalked London society rather than being confined to the hinterlands of Eastern Europe. Polidori's Lord Ruthven was thus the ancestor of the vampire as we know it. This collection explores the genesis of Polidori's vampire. It then tracks his bloodsucking progeny across the centuries and maps his disquieting legacy. Texts discussed range from the Romantic period, including the fascinating and little-known The Black Vampyre (1819), through the melodramatic vampire theatricals in the 1820s, to contemporary vampire film, paranormal romance, and science fiction. They emphasise the background of colonial revolution and racial oppression in the early nineteenth century and the cultural shifts of postmodernity.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        July 1999

        Witchcraft, magic and culture 1736–1951

        by Owen Davies

        The only serious study of witchcraft and magic from 1736 to 1951 Brings together matters ranging from upper class spiritualism to rural witchcraft in an exciting and intellecually stimulating way Essential reading for all social historians and all h. . . . ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Literature & Literary Studies
        June 2021

        Tales of magic, tales in print

        by Willem De Blecourt

      • Trusted Partner
        Literature & Literary Studies
        December 2023

        Bulletin of the John Rylands Library 99/2

        by Stephen Mossman, Cordelia Warr

        The John Rylands Library houses one of the finest collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives in the world. The collections span five millennia and cover a wide range of subjects, including art and archaeology; economic, social, political, religious and military history; literature, drama and music; science and medicine; theology and philosophy; travel and exploration. For over a century, the Bulletin of the John Rylands Library has published research that complements the Library's special collections. The editors invite the submission of articles in these fields and welcome discussion of in-progress projects.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        March 2012

        John Hume and the revision of Irish nationalism

        by P. J. McLoughlin

        The book, available at last in paperback, explores the politics of the most important Irish nationalist leader of his generation, and one of the most influential figures of twentieth-century Ireland: the Nobel Peace Prize winner, John Hume. Given his central role in the reformulation of Irish nationalist ideology, and the vital part which he played in drawing violent republicanism into democratic politics, the book shows Hume to be one of the chief architects of the Northern Ireland peace process, and a key figure in the making of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. At the same time, it considers Hume's failure in what he stated to be his foremost political objective: the conciliation of the two communities in Northern Ireland. The book is essential reading for specialists on Irish history and politics, but will also be of interest to academics and practitioners working in other regions of political and ethnic conflict. In addition, it will appeal to readers seeking to understand the crucial role played by Hume in modernising Irish nationalist thinking, and bringing peace to Northern Ireland. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Children's & YA

        The Candy Guild (1). The Magic Pact

        by Tanja Voosen/ Viktoria Gavrilenko

        The most magical adventure since the discovery of chocolate! Do you believe in magic and miracles? Everyone in the little town of Belony takes magic and miracles for granted – everyone except Elina, who thinks it’s all a load of nonsense. That is, until her nervous neighbour Charlie happens to get hold of a bar of chocolate that has a very strange effect on her. Suddenly Elina is convinced that Charlie has fallen under a spell. Of all people, it’s shy Robin who comes to the girl’s rescue. He is a member of a Candy Guild family – people who have the ability to create magic sweets that will help others. This is how he knows that only the mysterious Candy Guild can lift the curse on Charlie. With a suitcase full of magic sweets, the three of them set out on a dangerous quest. Because not everyone keeps to the pact that magic sweets should only be used to do good… The Candy Guild. The Magic Pact is the first in a new series of magic-fantasy books for children of 9+ - as enchanting as chocolate and as wild as a Christmas cracker!

      • Trusted Partner
        Children's & YA

        Lilo of Dark Castle. No Magic Allowed! (3). Party at Highhorror Castle

        by Anna Lott/ Sabine Sauter

        The Dark Castle family receives an invitation to a party at Highhorror Castle. Lilo and Miss Rüdiger are immediately eager to go. And of course Luisa should go with them. But humans are strictly forbidden to set foot in Castle Highhorror. “Who cares?”, say Lilo and Luisa, and at first everything seems fine: Luisa gets in as a perfect witch. But then the girls learn about a protective magic spell which covers the whole of the castle: unauthorized beings will be turned for ever into stone… Only a secret book of magic spells can save Luisa now!

      • Trusted Partner
      • Trusted Partner
        Children's & YA

        The Little Owl Witch (2). Full Moon Magic at Midnight

        by Katja Alves/ Marta Balmaseda

        Exciting new adventures in the Enchanted Forest. The mighty tree witches send out invitations to take part in the great Witch Competition, which is only held once every hundred years. The prize is a superb extra magical power. Just the thing for a young owl witch like Petunia, think the seven litte owls, and so they secretly enter their witch for the competition. There is just one catch: whoever comes last in solving the extremely difficult magic problems must hand over her witch’s broomstick. Oh dear! The trouble is, all the other witches are very old and are real experts in the art of magic… Fortunately, and as always, Petunia can rely on her little owls!

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        February 2017

        Scottishness and Irishness in New Zealand since 1840

        by Angela McCarthy, Andrew Thompson, John M. MacKenzie

        This book examines the distinctive aspects that insiders and outsiders perceived as characteristic of Irish and Scottish ethnic identities in New Zealand. When, how, and why did Irish and Scots identify themselves and others in ethnic terms? What characteristics did the Irish and the Scots attribute to themselves and what traits did others assign to them? Did these traits change over time and if so how? Contemporary interest surrounding issues of ethnic identities is vibrant. In countries such as New Zealand, descendants of European settlers are seeking their ethnic origins, spurred on in part by factors such as an ongoing interest in indigenous genealogies, the burgeoning appeal of family history societies, and the booming financial benefits of marketing ethnicities abroad. This fascinating book will appeal to scholars and students of the history of empire and the construction of identity in settler communities, as well as those interested in the history of New Zealand.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        February 2017

        Servants of the empire

        The Irish in Punjab 1881–1921

        by Patrick O'Leary, Andrew Thompson, John M. MacKenzie

        Punjab, 'the pride of British India', attracted the cream of the Indian Civil Service, many of the most influential of whom were Irish. Some of these men, along with Irish viceroys, were inspired by their Irish backgrounds to ensure security of tenure for the Punjabi peasant, besides developing vast irrigation schemes which resulted in the province becoming India's most affluent. But similar inspiration contributed to the severity of measures taken against Indian nationalist dissent, culminating in the Amritsar massacre which so catastrophically transformed politics on the sub-continent. Setting the experiences of Irish public servants in Punjab in the context of the Irish diaspora and of linked agrarian problems in Ireland and India, this book descrides the beneficial effects the Irish had on the prosperity of India's most volatile province. Alongside the baleful contribution of some towards a growing Indian antipathy towards British rule. Links are established between policies pursued by Irishmen of the Victorian era and current happenings on the Pakistan-Afghan border and in Punjab.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        October 2023

        The illusion of the Burgundian state

        by Élodie Lecuppre-Desjardin, Christopher Fletcher

        On 25 January 1474, Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy, appeared before his subjects in Dijon. Robed in silk, gold and precious jewels and wearing a headpiece that gave the illusion of a crown, he made a speech in which he cryptically expressed his desire to become a king. Three years later, Charles was killed at the battle of Nancy, an event that plunged the Great Principality of Burgundy into chaos. This book, innovative and essential, not only explores Burgundian history and historiography but offers a complete synthesis about the nature of politics in this region, considered both from the north and the south. Focusing on political ideologies, a number of important issues are raised relating to the medieval state, the signification of the nation under the 'Ancien Regime', the role of warfare in the creation of political power and the impact of political loyalties in the exercise of government. In doing so, the book challenges a number of existing ideas about the Burgundian state.

      • Trusted Partner
        Business, Economics & Law
        November 2024

        The Island Book of Records Volume II

        1969-70

        by Neil Storey

        The second volume of this highly collectable series, covering the pivotal years of 1969-70. The Island Book of Records Volume II documents the years 1969-70, during which Island sought to build on its success with the Spencer Davis Group by seeking out new British rock talent. By the end of the period, Island was emerging as a major British label, one that could boast releases from Jethro Tull, Nick Drake, King Crimson, John and Beverley Martyn, Fairport Convention and Cat Stevens. Featuring material from recent interviews and from media interviews of the time, and including a comprehensive discography of 45s, The Island Book of Records Volume II is lavishly illustrated with gig adverts (very many at venues that no longer exist), concert tickets, flyers, international LP variants, labels, LP and 45 adverts and other ephemera collector's dream.

      • Trusted Partner
        Literature & Literary Studies
        July 2009

        John Ashbery and American Poetry

        by David Herd

        starting point. David Herd sets out to provide readers with a new critical language through which they can appreciate the beauty and complexity of Ashbery's writing. Presenting the poet in all his forms -avant-garde, nostalgic, sublime and camp - the book argues that the perpetual inventiveness of Ashbery's work has always been underpinned by the poets desire to write the poem fit to cope with its occasion. Tracing Ashbery's development in the light of this idea, and from its origins in the dazzling artistic environment of 1950's New York, the book evaluates his poetry against the aesthetic, literary and historical backgrounds that have informed it. The story of a brilliant career, and a history of the period in which that career has taken shape, John Ashbery and American Poetry provides a compelling account of Ashbery's importance to Twentieth Century Literature. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        July 2021

        Kleine Feuerwehr. Drunter und drüber

        by Fox & Sheep, Thies Schwarz

        Begleite Familie Knister auf ein aufregendes neues Abenteuer in „Kleine Feuerwehr. Drunter und drüber“, dem zweiten Band der beliebten Kinderbuchreihe, inspiriert von der erfolgreichen Kinder-App von Fox & Sheep. Dieses Mal erwartet die Familie Knister hochspannende Gäste aus China: eine Feuerwehrmannschaft! Doch die Überraschung ist groß, als die Besucher aus Fernost ganz anders aussehen, als man es erwartet hätte. Sind das wirklich Feuerwehrleute? Ohne gemeinsame Sprache entsteht ein buntes Durcheinander, das Familie Knister und ihre Gäste von einem verrückten Abenteuer ins nächste führt. Witzige Missverständnisse und spannende Herausforderungen warten auf die ungewöhnliche Truppe, die trotz aller Unterschiede zeigt, wie Freundschaft und Zusammenarbeit Barrieren überwinden können. Thematisiert die Begegnung zwischen unterschiedlichen Kulturen auf humorvolle Weise und hebt die Bedeutung von Offenheit und Verständnis hervor. Abenteuerliche Reise voller unerwarteter Wendungen, die Jung und Alt gleichermaßen begeistert. Integrierte Bastelbögen laden zum kreativen Spielen ein. Kinder können ihr eigenes Feuerwehrauto bauen und eine Feuerwache gestalten, um die Geschichte lebendig werden zu lassen. So lassen sich Sprachbarrieren überwinden: Charaktere finden trotz fehlender gemeinsamer Sprache Wege, miteinander zu kommunizieren und zu kooperieren. Reich illustrierte Seiten und ausklappbare Elemente fördern die Vorstellungskraft und Kreativität junger Leser. Eine Geschichte, die zeigt, wie wichtig es ist, einander zu helfen, zusammenzustehen und gemeinsam Lösungen zu finden.

      • Trusted Partner
        Literature & Literary Studies
        January 2023

        The gift of narrative in medieval England

        by Nicholas Perkins

        This invigorating study places medieval romance narrative in dialogue with theories and practices of gift and exchange, opening new approaches to questions of storytelling, agency, gender and materiality in some of the most engaging literature from the Middle Ages. It argues that the dynamics of the gift are powerfully at work in romances: through exchanges of objects and people; repeated patterns of love, loyalty and revenge; promises made or broken; and the complex effects that time works on such objects, exchanges and promises. Ranging from the twelfth century to the fifteenth, and including close discussions of poetry by Chaucer, the Gawain-Poet and romances in the Auchinleck Manuscript, this book will prompt new ideas and debate amongst students and scholars of medieval literature, as well as anyone curious about the pleasures that romance narratives bring.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        January 2025

        Framing

        The social art of influence

        by Mikael Klintman

        A smart, incisive toolkit for understanding how the framing of information influences the way we think about it. In today's chaotic media landscape, working out who and what to believe is a daunting task. Lies and misinformation are only part of the problem - often the way a story is presented has just as much effect on us as what the story is. In Framing, sociologist Mikael Klintman offers a cutting-edge toolkit for exposing and analysing the rhetoric that saturates our everyday lives. Combining insights from the social sciences, economics and evolutionary biology, he lays out a four-part approach to understanding how information is 'framed' for us, built around the key elements of texture, temperature, position and size. Demonstrating this approach through an array of real-world examples, from climate change denial to the subtle messaging of caviar ads, Klintman reveals how canny communicators mislead us without relying on overt deception. At the same time, he probes the deeper evolutionary and cultural roots of our susceptibility to frames.

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