Regional / International studies Books

Book SynopsisA selection of source readings on history, society, politics, education, philosophy, and religion in the Land of the Rising Sun. This work includes: readings on early and medieval Shinto and on the tea ceremony, readings on state Buddhism and Chinese political thought influential in Japan, and sections on women's education.Trade ReviewThe long awaited second edition, with new contributions reflecting who's who in the field, adds new readings and revisions for a more balanced perspecitve... Sources lives again as a useful introduction that "lets the Japanese speak for themselves." Religious Studies Review I am a fan of Volume One of Sources of Japanese Tradition... The daunting task of revisiting such a classic was skillfully handled by the editors. Japanese Journal of Religious StudiesTable of ContentsPart 1: Early Japan 1. The Earliest Records of Japan 2. Early Shinto 3. Prince Shotoku and His Constitution 4. Chinese Thought and Institutions in Early Japan 5. Nara Buddhism Part 2: Mahayana Universalism and the Sense of Hierarchy 6. Saicho and Mt. Hiei (Ryusaku Tsunoda and Paul Groner) 7. Kukai and Esoteric Buddhism 8. The Spread of Esoteric Buddhism 9. The Vocabulary of Japanese Aesthetics I 10. Amida, the Pure Land, and the Response of the Old Buddhism to the New 11. New Voices of History (Paul Varley) 12. The Way of the Warrior (Paul Varley) 13. Nichiren: The Sun and the Lotus (Philip Yampolsky) 14. Zen Buddhism (William Bodiford) 15. Shinto in Medieval Japan 16. The Vocabulary of Japanese Aesthetics II 17. Women's Education 18. Law and Precepts for the Warrior Houses (Paul Varley) 19. The Regime of the Unifiers (Jurgis S. A. Elisonas)

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Book SynopsisA collection of English-language readings on Japan. Containing materials on history, society, politics, education, philosophy, and religion, this book features an introduction to Japanese civilization. It covers the Tokugawa period to 1868 and addresses the spread of neo-Confucianism and Buddhism and the initial encounters of Japan and the West.Table of ContentsPreface Explanatory Note Chronology Contributors Part V. Japan, Asia, and the West 35. The Meiji Restoration, by Fred G. Notehelfer 36. Civilization and Enlightenment, by Albert Craig 37. Popular Rights and Constitutionalism, by James Huffman 38. Education in Meiji Japan, by Richard Rubinger 39. Nationalism and Pan-Asianism 40. The High Tide of Prewar Liberalism, by Arthur E. Tiedemann 41. Socialism and the Left, by Andrew Barshay 42. The Rise of Revolutionary Nationalism, by Marius Jansen 43. Empire and War, by Peter Duus Part VI. Postwar Japan 44. The Occupation Years, 1945-1952, by Marlene Mayo 45. Democracy and High Growth, by Andrew Gordon Part VII. Aspects of the Modern Experience 46. The New Religions, by Helen Hardacre 47. Japan and the World in Cultural Debate 49. Thinking with the Past: History Writing in Modern Japan, by Carol Gluck Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFeatures source readings on history, society, and thought in China. This book aims to bring together source texts from more than three centuries of Chinese history, with opening essays by China authorities providing context for readers not familiar with the period in question. It covers Sino-Western contacts in the 17th century.Trade ReviewIf I were asked to recommend only one book for anyone who wishes to know something about Chinese culture, I would name, with a moment of hesitation, this new edition of Sources of Chinese Tradition. -- Ying-shih Yu, Gordon Wu 1958 Professor of Chinese Studies and professor of history, Princeton UniversityTable of Contents5. The Maturation of Chinese Civilization and New Challenges to Chinese Tradition 25: The Chinese Tradition in Retrospect Huang Zongxi's Critique of the Chinese Dynastic System Waiting for the Dawn: A Plan for the Prince On the Prince On Ministership On Law Establishing a Prime Minister Schools The Selection of Scholar-Officials, Part 2 Lo Liuliang's Radical Orthodoxy Commentaries on the Four Books Principle in the Mind-and-Heart Principles, Desires, and Rites The Neo-Confucian Critique of Dynastic Rule Government: From the Top Down or Ground Up? Late Confucian Scholarship: Wang Fuzhi, by Ian MacMorran Cosmological Foundations Wang's "Revision" of Orthodox Neo-Confucianism Historical Trends The Justification of Social and Cultural Divisions The Preservation of Chinese Political and Cultural Integrity Gu Yanwu, Beacon of Qing Scholarship True Learning: Broad Knowledge and a Sense of Shame Preface to Record of the Search for Antiquities On the Concentration of Authority at Court On Bureaucratic Local Administration, ca. 1660, by William Rowe The Han Learning and Text Criticism Dai Zhen and Zhang Xuecheng, by Lynn Strure Dai Zhen's Text-Critical Moral Philosophy, by L. Strure Letter to Shi Zhongming Concerning Scholarship, by L. Strure Letter in Reply to Advanced Scholar Peng Yunchu, by John Ewell Zhang Xuecheng's Philosophy of History, by L. Strure "Virtue in the Historian" "Virtue in the Writer" Women's Learning, by Susan Mann Cui Shu and the Critical Spirit Foreword to the Essentials of the Record of Beliefs Investigated Han Learning and Western Learning The Qing Version of Neo-Confucian Orthodoxy Village Lectures and the Sacred Edict The Sacred Edict 26: Popular Values and Beliefs, by David Johnson Ensemble Performance Ritual A Procession on the Birthday of the Sanzong God The Great Sai Ritual of Zhangzi County, Shanxi The Refining Fire Ritual of Shenze Village, Zhejiang The Attack on Hell, a Popular Funeral Ritual, by John Lagerwey Opera Mulian Rescues His Mother Guo Ju Buries His Son Solo Performances Verse "Woman Huang Explicates the Diamond SItra" "Song of Guo Mountain" Prose Sacred Edict Lecturing Chantefable "The Precious Scroll [Baojuan] on the Lord of the Stove" Written Texts Scriptures "The True Scripture of the Great Emperor" Tracts Selections from The Twenty-four Exemplars of Filial Piety 27: Chinese Responses to Early Christian Contacts, by David Mingello Li Zhizao: Preface to The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven Xu Guangqi: A Memorial in Defense of the [Western] Teaching Yang Guangxian's Critique of Christianity Yang Guangxian: I Cannot Do Otherwise, by Budeyi, John D. Young Zhang Xingyao and the Inculturation of Christianity An Examination of the Similarities and Differences Between the Lord of Heaven Teaching [Christianity] and the Teaching of the Confucian Scholars 28: Chinese Statecraft and the Opening of China to the West Chen Hongmou and Mid-Qing Statecraft, by William Rowe On Substantive Learning On Universal Education On Women's Education On the Duties of an Official On Governance by Local Elites Statecraft in the Grain Trade and Government-Controlled Brokerages, by Pierre-Etienne Will A Memorial on Grain Prices, the Grain Trade, and Government-Controlled Brokerages Hong Liangji: On Imperial Malfeasance and China's Population Problem, by K. C. Liu Letter to Prince Cheng Earnestly Discussing the Political Affairs of the Time, 1799 China's Population Problem The Deterioration of Local Government The Roots of Rebellion Gong Zizhen's Reformist Vision, by K. C. Liu On the Lack of Moral Fiber Among Scholar-Officials Institutional Paralysis and the Need for Reform The Scholar-Teacher and Service to a Dynasty Respect for the Guest Wei Yuan and Confucian Practicality, by K. C. Liu The Learning of Statecraft Wei Yuan: Preface to Anthology of Qing Statecraft Writings, by Huangchao jingshi wenbian Criteria for Anthology of Qing Statecraft Writings Learning and the Role of Scholar-Officials On Governance, by Philip Kuhn The Pursuit of Profit On Institutional Progress in History On Merchants and Reform On Taxation and the Merchants On Reform of the Tribute-Rice Transport System, 1825 On Reform of the Salt Monopoly The Western Intrusion Into China The Lesson of Lin Zexu Letter to the English Ruler Letter to Wu Zixu on the Need for Western Guns and Ships Wei Yuan and the West Preface to Military History of the Qing Dynasty (Shengwujixu), 1842, by K. C. Liu Preface to Illustrated Gazetteer of the Maritime Countries 29: The Heavenly Kingdom of the Taipings The Book of Heavenly Commandments, by Tiantiao shu A Form to Be Observed in Repenting Sins The Ten Heavenly Commandments A Primer in Verse, by Youxue shi Praising God Praising Jesus Christ Praising Parents The Imperial Court The Way of a King The Way of the Minister The Way of the Family Paradise The Taiping Economic Program The Principles of the Heavenly Nature, by Tianqing daolishu 6. Reform and Revolution 30: Moderate Reform and the Self-Strengthening Movement, by K. C. Liu Feng Guifen: On the Manufacture of Foreign Weapons On the Adoption of Western Learning Principle Versus Practicality? The Self-Strengtheners' Rebuttal, 1867 Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang: On Sending Young Men Abroad to Study Xue Fucheng: On Reform Zhang Zhidong: Exhortation to Learn United Hearts The Three Mainstays or Bonds Rectifying Political Rights Following the Proper Order [On Reform] 31: Radical Reform at the End of the Qing Wang Tao on Reform Yan Fu on Evolution and Progress, by Don Price "On Strength" Kang Youwei and the Reform Movement Confucius As a Reformer How Confucius Founded His Teaching in Order to Reform Institutions The Six Classics Were All Written by Confucius to Reform Institutions The Three Ages The Need for Reforming Institutions The Grand Commonality [The Historical Evolution of] Democracy, from Less to More, Presages One World If We Wish to Attain One World of Complete Peace-and-Equality, We Must Abolish the Family The Abolition of Boundaries Conservative Reactions, by Chester Tan Chu Chengbo: Reforming Men's Minds Comes Before Reforming Institutions Zhu Yixin: Fourth Letter in Reply to Kang Youwei Ye Dehui: The Superiority of China and Confucianism, by Tan Sitong The Study of Humanity Reform Edict of January 29, 1901, by Douglas Munay Liang Qichao Renewing the People The Meaning of "Renewing the People" On Public Morality On Progress "The Consciousness of Rights", by Peter Zarrow "The Concept of the Nation", by P. Zarrow Liang Qichao and the New Press, by Joan Judge Inaugural Statement for the Eastern Times, by Shibao, J. Judge Advocates of Script Reform, by Victor Mair Song Shu: Illiteracy in China Lu Zhuangzhang's Attempt at Romanization Shen Xue's Universal Script Wang Zhao's "Mandarin Letters" Zhang Binglin's Revolutionary Nationalism, by P. Zarrow Letter Opposing Kang Youwei's Views on Revolution 32: The Nationalist Revolution Sun Yat-sen and the Nationalist Revolution Hu Hanmin "The Six Principles of the People's Report" 1. Overthrow of the Present Evil Government 2. Establishment of a Republic 3. Land Nationalization Sun Yat-sen The Three People's Principles The Principle of Democracy The People's Livelihood The Three Stages of Revolution Democracy and Absolutism: The Debate Over Political Tutelage Luo Longji: What Kind of Political System Do We Want? Jiang Tingfu: "Revolution and Absolutism" Hu Shi: "National Reconstruction and Absolutism" 1. Is Absolutism a Necessary Stage for National Reconstruction? 2. Why Did Centuries of Absolute Government Fail to Create a National State in China? Chiang Kai-shek: Nationalism and Traditionalism Chiang Kai-shek: Essentials of the New Life Movement The Object of the New Life Movement The Content of the New Life Movement Conclusion China's Destiny Social Effects [of the Unequal Treaties] Moral Effects Psychological Effects The Decisive Factor in China's Destiny Jiang Jingguo (Chiang Ching-kuo): The Republic of China in Taiwan The Evolution of Constitutional Democracy in Taiwan Implementing "The Three People's Principles" 33: The New Culture Movement, by Wing-tsit Chan The Attack on Confucianism Chen Duxiu: "The Way of Confucius and Modern Life" The Literary Revolution Hu Shi: "A Preliminary Discussion of Literary Reform" Chen Duxiu: "On Literary Revolution" Hu Shi: "Constructive Literary Revolution Literature of National Speech" A National Speech of Literary Quality The Doubting of Antiquity Gu Jiegang: Preface to Debates on Ancient History (1926) A New Philosophy of Life Chen Duxiu: The True Meaning of Life Hu Shi: "Pragmatism" The Pragmatism of James The Fundamental Concepts of Dewey's Philosophy The Debate on Science and the Philosophy of Life Zhang Junmai: "The Philosophy of Life" Ding Wenjiang: "Metaphysics and Science" Wu Zhihui: "A New Concept of the Universe and Life Based on a New Belief" Hu Shi: Science and Philosophy of Life The Controversy Over Chinese and Western Cultures Liang Qichao: "Travel Impressions from Europe" Liang Shuming: Chinese Civilization vis-...-vis Eastern and Western Philosophies Reconstructing the Community Hu Shi: Our Attitude Toward Modern Western Civilization Sa Menwu, He Bingsong, and Others: Declaration for Cultural Construction on a Chinese Basis Hu Shi: Criticism of the "Declaration for Cultural Construction on a Chinese Basis" Radical Critiques of Traditional Society, by Peter Zarrow He Zhen: "What Women Should Know About Communism" Women's Revenge Han Yi: "Destroying the Family" 34: The Communist Revolution The Seedbed of the Communist Revolution: The Peasantry and the Anarcho-Communist Movement, by Peter Zarrow Liu Shipei: "Anarchist Revolution and Peasant Revolution" Li Dazhao: The Victory of Bolshevism Mao's Revolutionary Doctrine "Report on an Investigation of the Hunan Peasant Movement" "The Question of Land Redistribution" The Chinese Revolution and the Chinese Communist Party The Mass Line On New Democracy The Dictatorship of the People's Democracy 35: Chinese Communist Praxis Liu Shaoqi: How to Be a Good Communist Mao Zedong: The Rectification Campaign Report of the Propaganda Bureau of the Central Committee on the Zhengfeng Reform Movement, April 1942 Wang Shiwei: "Wild Lily" Liu Shaoqi: On Inner-Party Struggle Mao Zedong: Combat Liberalism Mao Zedong: On Art and Literature Wang Shiwei: "Political Leaders, Artists" Ding Ling: "Thoughts on March 8, 1942" 36: The Mao Regime Establishment of the People's Republic Mao Zedong: "Leaning to One Side" Mao Zedong: "Stalin Is Our Commander" Guo Moruo: Ode to Stalin"Long Live Stalin" on his seventieth birthday 1949, by Chao-ying Fang Ji Yun: "How China Proceeds with the Task of Industrialization" (1953) Li Fuqun: "Report on the First Five-Year Plan for Development of the National Economy of the People's Republic of China in 1953-1957, July 5 and 6, 1955" Changes in Mid-Course Mao Zedong: "The Question of Agricultural Cooperation," July 31, 1955 Mao Zedong: "On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People" Liu Binyan: A Higher Kind of Loyalty Intellectual Opinions from the Hundred Flowers Period Mao Zedong: Remarks at the Beidaihe Conference, August 1958 Peng Dehuai: "Letter of Opinion" to Mao Zedong on the Great Leap Forward, July 1959 Wu Han: "Hai Rui Scolds the Emperor," June 19, 1959 The Cultural Revolution The Sixteen Points: Guidelines for the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong "What Have Song Shuo, Lu Ping, and Peng Peiyun Done in the Cultural Revolution?" Red Guard Memoirs Wang Xizhe, Li Zhengtian, Chen Yiyang, Guo Hongzhi: "The Li Yi Zhe Poster," November 1974 7. The Return of Stability and Tradition 37. Deng's "Modernization" and Its Critics, by (R. Lufrano) The Turn to Stability and Modernization Zhou Enlai: "Report on the Work of the Government," delivered on January 13, 1975, at the First Session of the Fourth National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China CommuniquC of the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, December 22, 1978 Yu Qiuli: "The Relationship Between Politics and Economics" "Uphold the Four Basic Principles," Speech by Deng Xiaoping, March 30, 1979 "Building Socialist Spiritual Civilization," letter from Li Chang, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to a member of the Party Central Committee, December 1980 Office of the CCP Dehong Dai Nationality and Qingbo Autonomous Zhou Committee: "Several Questions in Strengthening and Perfecting the Job Responsibility Systems or Agricultural Production," November 7, 1980 Early Critiques of the Deng Regime Publication Statement, Beijing Spring Magazine, January 1979 Wei Jingsheng: The Fifth ModernizationDemocracy, 1978, by (Kristina Torgeson) Democracy or New Dictatorship, Explorations, March 1979 Wall Poster from the April Fifth Forum Hu Ping: "On Freedom of Speech," written for his successful 1980 campaign to become Beijing University's delegate to the Haidian District People's Assembly Wang Ruoshui: "Discussing the Question of Alienation" Wang Ruoshui: "In Defense of Humanism" Assessing the New Policies Deng Xiaoping: "Build Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" Chen Yun: Speech given at the Chinese Communist National Representative Conference, September 23, 1985 New Demands for Change and Democracy Fang Lizhi: Democracy, Reform, and Modernization Fang Lizhi: "Reform and Intellectuals," talk given in 1986 Fang Lizhi: "The Social Responsibility of Today's Intellectuals," speech given at Beijing University, November 4, 1985 Li Xiaojiang: "Awakening of Women's Consciousness" The New Authoritarianism Wu Jiaxiang: "An Outline for Studying the New Authoritarianism," May 1989 Rong Jian: "Does China Need an Authoritarian Political System in the Course of Modernization?" May 1989 Yan Jiaqi: "How China Can Become Prosperous" 38. Twentieth-Century Christianity in China, by Julia Ching Ma Xiangbo Religion and the State, by Ruth Hayhoe Religion and Culture, by R. Hayhoe Zhao Zichen "Present-Day Religious Thought and Life in China" Leadership and Citizenship Training Wu Yaozong "The Present-Day Tragedy of Christianity" "The Reformation of Christianity" The Christian Manifesto Wang Mingdao We, Because of Faith Wu Jingxiong: Christianity and Chinese Tradition "Beyond East and West" "The Lotus and the Mud" 39: Reopening the Debate on Chinese Tradition The New Confucians Xiong Shili, by Tu Weiming Manifesto for a Reappraisal of Sinology and the Reconstruction of Chinese Culture Mou Zongsan's Confucian Philosophy, by John Berthirong The Sensitivity and Steadfastness of Humaneness (ren) Feng Youlan: "Chinan Ancient Nation with a New Mission" The Continuing Critique of Tradition Bo Yang: "The Ugly Chinaman" Sun Longji: "The Deep Structure of Chinese Culture" Su Xiaokang and Wang Luxiang: "River Elegy," a television documentary Li Zehou: "A Reevaluation of Confucianism", by Woeilien Chong Gu Mu: Confucianism as the Essence of Chinese Tradition

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Book SynopsisThe seminal work that has redefined our understanding of colonialism and empire, with a preface by the author''Stimulating, elegant and pugnacious'' Observer''Magisterial'' Terry EagletonIn this highly-acclaimed work, Edward Said surveys the history and nature of Western attitudes towards the East, considering orientalism as a powerful European ideological creation - a way for writers, philosophers and colonial administrators to deal with the ''otherness'' of eastern culture, customs and beliefs. He traces this view through the writings of Homer, Nerval and Flaubert, Disraeli and Kipling, whose imaginative depictions have greatly contributed to the West''s romantic and exotic picture of the Orient. Drawing on his own experiences as an Arab Palestinian living in the West, Said examines how these ideas can be a reflection of European imperialism and racism. ''Beautifully patterned and passionately argued''New Statesman''Very exciting ... his case is not merely persuasive, but conclusive'' John Leonard, New York Times

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Book Synopsis"A comprehensive primer on the development of these Asian tigers."—Noam Lupu, San Francisco Chronicle

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Book SynopsisTrade Review'What remains to be said about cities when the planet is completely urbanized? This astonishing new Handbook seeks answers in the megacity-regions of the world, especially in the burgeoning urban constellations of eastern Asia. The book's diverse and topical chapters help planners and decision-makers, and ultimately inhabitants, to ''find their bearings'' in the unmoored vastness of a planet of megacities.' --Roger Keil, York University, Canada'The book fulfills a very timely mission: to reveal just how complex, varied, and multi-scaled the global urban reality has become - and is still becoming. The authors provide an antidote to simplifying notions about cities and megacities, updating our understanding of urban forces and dynamics, so that we might act upon them more effectively.' --Jeb Brugmann, Founder, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Germany and author, Welcome to the Urban RevolutionThe Handbook of Megacities and Megacity-Regions provides a much needed assessment of 21st century urbanization, especially with its attention to the scale and density that characterizes todays cities. Its nuanced discussion of how to define megacities and megacity-regions is an important contribution to our understanding of one of the most critical megatrends of our times.' --Eugenie L. Birch, University of Pennsylvania, USTable of ContentsContents: 1 Megacities, megacity-regions, and the endgame of urbanization 1 André Sorensen and Danielle Labbé PART I THE CONCEPTUAL CHALLENGES OF MEGACITIES 2 Thinking about mega-conurbations and planning 21 John Friedmann 3 City limits: bounding and unbounding in conceptualizing the megacity 33 Michael Leaf 4 Urbanization and developmental pathways: critical junctures of urban transition 47 André Sorensen 5 El Monstruo : reflections on catastrophic metaphors about Mexico City 65 Julie-Anne Boudreau and Felipe de Alba PART II MEGA-URBAN GOVERNANCE 6 Urban governance of megacities: searching for the collective actor 78 Christian Lefèvre 7 Powerful states, weak states: understanding coercion and neglect in the governance of Marcos-era Manila 92 Nancy Kwak 8 Actors and shifting scales of urban governance in India 101 Loraine Kennedy 9 The incomplete and paradoxical ‘neoliberal turn’ in Mumbai 119 Marie-Hélène Zérah 10 Nurturing neighbourhoods to sustain quality of life in megacities and large city regions: an interdisciplinary reflection on planning for sustainable and socially just cities from Chile 134 Lake Sagaris, María Inés Arribas, María Inés Solimano, Sonia Reyes-Paecke and Juan Carlos Muñoz PART III MEGA-URBAN PATTERNS, FORMS AND PLANNING APPROACHES 11 Urban containment policies for megacities: the case of Beijing 153 Haoying Han 12 East Asian megacities: the view from the periphery 169 Douglas Webster and Jianyi Li 13 On the road again: the geography and characteristics of American commuter megaregions 188 Alasdair Rae and Garrett Dash Nelson 14 The West African corridor from Abidjan to Lagos: a megacity-region under construction 206 Armelle Choplin and Alice Hertzog 15 Cities: growing threats, growing opportunities 223 Daniel Hoornweg and Kevin Pope PART IV MEGA-URBAN LIFE SPACES AND LIVEABILITY 16 Navigating the extensiveness of Jakarta 234 AbdouMaliq Simone 17 Poverty in a wealthy megacity: stories from Tokyo’s alleys after the bubble burst 245 Heide Imai 18 Flooding as emotional politics in the Mexican megacity-region 261 Felipe de Alba PART V MEGA-URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES 19 Measuring progress toward sustainable megacities 278 Iain D. Stewart, Chris A. Kennedy and Angelo Facchini 20 Megacities at risk: the climate–energy conundrum 292 William E. Rees 21 Future megacity-regions and heatwave exposure 309 Peter J. Marcotullio, Carsten Keßler and Balázs M. Fekete 22 Megacity in the delta: managing water in Jakarta 327 Christopher Silver PART VI MEGA-URBAN ECONOMICS, REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY 23 Rethinking megacity-region development: the land–infrastructure– finance nexus as political project 345 Gavin Shatkin 24 The process of metropolization in megacity-regions 360 Rodrigo Cardoso and Evert Meijers 25 The emergence and economic restructuring of two global super megacity-regions in China: comparing the Pearl River and Yangtze River Deltas 376 Anthony G. O. Yeh, Xingjian Liu, Jili Xu and Mengdi Wu 26 The financialization of real estate in megacities and its variegated trajectories in East Asia 395 Natacha Aveline-Dubach Index 411

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Book Synopsis“Magnificent [and] wondrous.” The Spectator "Rich and illuminating." Literary Review "Phenomenally accurate." History Today "Stunning." The Morning Star "Sweeping." The New European "A wonderful book." Current World Archaeology "In a class of its own." The Caspian Post A landscape of high mountains and narrow valleys stretching from the Black to the Caspian Seas, the Caucasus region has been home to human populations for nearly 2 million years. In this richly illustrated 2-volume series, historian and explorer Christoph Baumer tells the story of the region’s history through to the present day. It is a story of encounters between many different peoples, from Scythians, Turkic and Mongol peoples of the East to Greeks and Romans from the West, from Indo-European tribes from the West as well as the East, and to Arabs and Iranians from the South. It is a story of rival claims by Empires and nations and of how the region has become home to more than 50 languages that can be heard within its borders to this very day. This first volume charts the period from the emergence of the earliest human populations in the region – the first known human populations outside Africa - to the Seljuk conquests of 1050CE. Along the way the book charts the development of Neolithic, Iron and Bronze Age cultures, the first recognizable Caucasian state and the arrival of a succession of the great transnational Empires, from the Greeks, the Romans and the Armenian to competing Christian and Muslim conquerors. The History of the Caucasus: Volume 1 also includes more than 200 full colour images and maps bringing the changing cultures of these lands vividly to life.Trade ReviewBaumer sets out the wonders of the past, sometimes doing so valley by valley… This is a real treat: a rare book whose images do justice to the text and vice versa. I cannot recommend it highly enough. -- Peter Frankopan * The Spectator *This grand and encyclopedic volume will surely become the standard work on this beguiling and important region. -- Bijan Omrani * Literary Review *The Caucasus has long attracted mountain climbers, bird watchers and lovers and medieval architecture: its appeal, thanks to Baumer’s book, will reach a wider audience, from tourists to academics who want to study languages of a region that Arabs called ‘the Mountain of Tongues’. The first volume takes us from the dawn of history to the 11th century. It is a miracle of both concentration and clarity. -- Donald Rayfield * History Today *The largely unknown and historically neglected Caucasus emerges as a land of never-ending fascination… This is writing on a vast his­torical scale… Filled with awe-inspiring photography, clear and relevant maps, useful timelines and pic­tures of hundreds of artefacts. -- Steve Andrew * The Morning Star *Sweeping [and] beautifully illustrated. * The New European *To perform a historical survey of such a long time span, from prehistory to the collapse of the Soviet Union, of a region containing several dozen nations and intersecting with so many of the great world empires would seem to be a foolhardy undertaking… [Baumer] pulls this off through dogged erudition and enthusiasm for his subject. * Asian Review of Books *This huge sweep of history is handled deftly and intelligently through Baumer’s vivid and lucid prose and the accompaniment of magnificent photographs, many taken by the author, which amply illustrate the archaeological discoveries through the ages, from ruined fortifications to wondrous works of art… A wonderful book full of great scholarship. -- John Hare * Current World Archaeology *“Lavishly illustrated with the author’s colour photos taken on various visits to the region over the past decade, the heavy gloss paper gives the feel of a coffee table book. However, the content is that of a rich, old-school history text, fact-heavy and chronologically ordered with a suitably bewildering cast of kings and battles… Baumer’s work [is] in a class of its own.” -- Mark Elliot * The Caspian Post *While the book would be worth having for the images alone, the text provides a mostly reliable overview of the vast sweep of human history in the Caucasus and adjacent regions from the earliest signs of hominin habitation more than 1,7 million years ago up to the 13th century. * Iran and the Caucasus *Impressively informative, profusely illustrated, exceptionally well organized and presented, History of the Caucasus: At the Crossroads of Empires by historian Christoph Baumer is an extraordinary work of regional history that will have enormous appeal for the non- specialist general reader and the academician alike—making this an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, community, college, and university library Asian history collections in general, and supplemental curriculum studies reading lists in particular. * Midwest Book Review *Baumer's book is a milestone in the long, complex and hitherto obscure history of the Caucasus: he deals adroitly and convincingly with questions of palaeontology, archaeology, myth, legend as well as the historical records to be retrieved from Armenian, Georgian, Latin and Greek sources. He shows due scepticism about national legends and etymological claims. Baumer writes with admirable clarity. His book is magnificently illustrated, and all the reader can want is for volume 2, covering the next thousand years, to appear as soon as possible. * Professor Donald Rayfield, Emeritus Professor of Russian, Queen Mary University of London, UK *A fascinating book with glorious photography. * Irish Tech News *Table of ContentsI At the edge of Europe and Asia - An Introduction 1. A Time of Conflict 2. A Special Geography 3. Peoples and Languages 4. Objectives and Sources II The Formation of the Landscape and Early Humans of the Palaeolithic 1. The Origin of the Caucasus Mountains and the History of the Adjacent Seas - Black Sea and Caspian Sea Excursus: Did the Flood take place near the Black Sea? 2. Homo Georgicus: First Early Humans Outside Africa 3. Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens in the North and South Caucasus III Prehistoric Cultures: From the Neolithic to the Iron Age 1. The Southern Caucasus 1.1 The Shulaveri-Shomu-Aratashen culture 1.2 The Chalcolithic cultures of Sioni and Leila Tepe 1.3 The Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age Kura-Araxes Culture 1.4 The Kurgan Cultures of the Middle Bronze Age Excursus: The invention of wheel and cart 1.5 Late Bronze Age and Iron Age 1.6 Early Tribal Organizations, War Alliances and Confederations 1.7 The Colchis in Prehistoric Times 2. The Northern Caucasus 2.1 Chalcolithic Settlements and Early, Flat Tumuli 2.2 The Early Bronze Age Cultures of Maikop 2.3 The Middle and Late Bronze Age Dolmen Culture 2.4 The Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Pri-Elbrus Culture IV. A First Caucasian state, Greek Empires and Northern Equestrian Peoples 1. Urartu/Biainili: The First Caucasian State 1.1 The Creation of Biainili 1.2 Biainili Struggles with Assyria for Supremacy in the Middle East 1.3 Rise of Assyria and Weakening of Biainili 1.4 Biainili's Decline 2. Equestrian Peoples from the North and Greek Trading Colonies 2.1 The Cimmerians 2.2 Immigrant Scythians and Autochthonous Maiotes 2.3 Greek Emporia in the North-western Caucasus 2.4 Sarmatians, Alans and the Hun Invasion V. The South Caucasus under Achaemenid Sovereignty, Armenian Kingdoms and Pontos 1 The Achaemenid Sovereignty 2 The Hellenization of the Colchis 3. Early Kingdoms of Armenia 3.1 Armenian Dynasties of the Orontides/Yervanduni and Early Artaxiad 3.2 Tigranes the Great, Pontos and the Mithridaic Wars Excursus: The eight deities of the Armenian pantheon 3.3 Late Artaxiad: Armenia between Rome and Parthia 3.4 Roman Patronage of Pontos VI Roman-Parthian Condominiums in the South Caucasus 1. Comments on Early Historiography in the Southern Caucasus 2. The Kingdom of Kartli (Iberia) and Lazica 2.1 Legendary Ancestors and the Parnavazids 2.2 Iberia in the Orbit of Rome 3. Caucasian Albania in pre-Islamic Time 4. Armenia 4.1 Armenia as a Roman-Parthian Condominium 4.2 Armenia between Sasanid and Roman Sovereignty VII The Introduction of Christianity as a State Ideology and the Political Division of the South Caucasus 1. Legends of Apostolic Missionary Work 2. Armenia and the Tradition of Gregori the Enlightener 2.1 Syrian-Mesopotamian and Greek-Cappadocian Impulses 2.2 King Trdat IV and Gregori the Illuminator 2.3 Characteristics of Early Armenian Christianity 2.4 A power struggle between King and Catholics and the division of Armenia Excursus: Mesrop Mashtots and the invention of the Armenian script 3. Kartli: From King Mirian III to the Abolition of the Monarchy 3.1 The Legend of St. Nino and the Christianization of Kartli 3.2 Kartli Under Persian Sovereignty 4 The Conversion of Albania and the Apostolic Church of Caucasian Albania 5 Lazica and a First Christianization of the North Caucasian Alans 5.1 The Lazican Wars 5.2 The Christianization of Lazica, Alania and Svanetia and the veneration of military saints 6. The Persian Hegemony in Armenia, Georgia and Albani 7. The Alienation Between the Caucasian Church Hierarchies VIII Between Caliphate, Byzantium and Khazars 1. Southern Caucasian Principalities under Islamic Rule until the Battle of Bagravand in 772 2. The Rise of the Bagratid dynasties 2.1 The Emergence of the Armenian Kingdom Excursus: Paulikians and Tondrakians 2.2 The Formation of the Georgian Kingdom of Sakartvelo 3. The Empire of the Khazars in the Northern Caucasus 4. The Kingdom of Alanya in the North-western Caucasus 5. Muslim Dynasties of Albania and the Invasion of the Seljuks 5.1 The Sayids 5.2 The Sallarids 5.3 The Rawwadids 5.4 The Shaddadids 5.5 The Yazidids and Hashimids 6. The Kingdoms of Armenia, Byzantium and the Seljuk Conquest 6.1 The Armenian Kingdoms 6.2 The Byzantine Annexation of Armenia 6.3 The Seljuks Conquer Armenia 6.4 Ani under the Rule of the Shaddadids IX. Outlook Appendices I. Population statistics by country II Ancient established languages of the Caucasus by language families III Chronology of the most important Caucasian dynasties Notes Bibliography List of Maps Photo credits Acknowledgements Index Concepts People Places

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Book SynopsisA bold call for the American Left to extend their politics to the issues of Israel-Palestine In this major work of daring criticism and analysis, scholar and political commentator Marc Lamont Hill and Israel-Palestine expert Mitchell Plitnick spotlight how one-sided pro-Israel policies reflect the truth-bending grip of authoritarianism on both Israel and the United States. Except for Palestine argues that progressives and liberals who oppose regressive policies on immigration, racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and other issues must extend these core principles to the oppression of Palestinians. In doing so, the authors take seriously the political concerns and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians, demonstrating the extent to which U.S. policy has made peace harder to attain. They also unravel the conflation of advocacy for Palestinian rights with anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel. Hill and Plitnick provide a timely and essential intervention by examining multiple dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conversation, including Israel’s growing disdain for democracy, the effects of occupation on Palestine, the siege of Gaza, diminishing American funding for Palestinian relief, and the campaign to stigmatize any critique of Israeli occupation. Except for Palestine is a searing polemic and a cri de coeur for elected officials, activists, and everyday citizens alike to align their beliefs and politics with their values.Trade ReviewPraise for Except for Palestine:Winner of the Palestine Book Awards” Counter Current Award“A remarkable little book. . . . Except for Palestine should be read by anyone interested in events in Israel/Palestine—and obviously in particular, anyone claiming to be progressive and liberal.”—Palestine Chronicle “[A] principled cri de coeur to progressives everywhere. . . . Except for Palestine is a crucial and ultimately hopeful tool that better equips progressives to combat injustices within their own political circles.”—Mondoweiss“For too long, many have championed the rights and liberties of oppressed peoples here and abroad, but remained silent on Palestinian freedom, or even worse, supported U.S. policies that render Palestinian humanity and suffering invisible. This clear and courageous book is a clarion call for moral integrity and political consistency.”—Cornel West, Union Theological Seminary“Hill and Plitnick deliver a thoughtful and incisive analysis of how progressive commitments to racial and social justice are undermined by the ‘Palestinian exception.’ Building the civil rights movement for the twenty-first century in America requires an international intersectionality that necessarily includes advocating for the rights and dignity of Palestinians and Israelis alike. Except for Palestine is timely and vital.”—Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Michigan’s 13th Congressional District“Except for Palestine calls on progressives to apply the same principles to Israel-Palestine that they apply to the U.S. It’s a simple, radical, and deeply important argument, which anyone who cherishes justice should not ignore.”—Peter Beinart, author of The Crisis of Zionism “Hill and Plitnick have produced a timely and powerful indictment of decades of U.S. policy exceptionalizing Israel at the expense of progressive values. Their thorough examination of American progressives’ intellectual and moral hypocrisy when it comes to defending Palestinians’ human rights, civil rights, and right to challenge Israeli occupation is a valuable resource.”—Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace“This book explores some of the most fundamental contradictions confronting liberal spaces in the U.S. and makes a powerful case for the progressive core values of humanity, justice, and dignity to finally include the Palestinian people.”—Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights“Except for Palestine cogently explores the reasons for the silence of so many progressives and liberals when it comes to the unceasing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people. Hill and Plitnick dismantle one by one the arguments used to justify this shameful silence, and in doing so provide an eloquent, balanced, and hard-hitting analysis of why ending an egregious exception to accepted norms of justice and equality is so imperative.”—Rashid Khalidi, author of Brokers of Deceit: How the U.S. Has Undermined Peace in the Middle East“A timely and compelling treatise on the moral failings of U.S. policy and American politics in relation to Israel/Palestine.”—Khaled Elgindy, Responsible Statecraft “An accessible, in-depth analysis that takes U.S. politics to task for normalising both Israel’s colonial violence and, as a result, the oppression of the Palestinian people.”—Middle East Monitor

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Book Synopsis''Manu was seated, when the great seers came up to him: Please, Lord, tell us the Laws of all the social classes, as well as of those born in between...''The Law Code of Manu is the most authoritative and the best-known legal text of ancient India. Famous for two thousand years it still generates controversy, with Manu''s verses being cited in support of the oppression of women and members of the lower castes. A seminal Hindu text, the Law Code is important for its classic description of so many social institutions that have come to be identified with Indian society. It deals with the relationships between social and ethnic groups, between men and women, the organization of the state and the judicial system, reincarnation, the workings of karma, and all aspects of the law.Patrick Olivelle''s lucid translation is the first to be based on his critically edited text, and it incorporates the most recent scholarship on ancient Indian history, law, society, and religion. ABOUT THE SERIES: Fo

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Book SynopsisA collection of primary readings on the social, intellectual, and religious traditions of China, this text provides a resource for scholars and students and an introduction for general readers.Table of ContentsPart 1. The Chinese Tradition in Antiquity 1. The Oracle-Bone Inscriptions of the Late Shang Dynasty, by David N. Keightley 2. Classical Sources of Chinese Tradition, by Burton Watson, David S. Nivison, Irene Bloom 3. Confucius and the Analects, by Irene Bloom 4. Mozi: Utilitarianism, Uniformity, and Universal Love, by Burton Watson 5. The Way of Laozi and Zhuangzi 6. The Evolution of the Confucian Tradition in Antiquity 7. Legalists and Militarists Part 2. The Making of a Classical Culture 8. The Han Reaction to Qin Despotism 9. Syncretic Visions of State, Society, and Cosmos, by Harold Roth, Sarah Queen, Nathan Sivin 10. The Imperial Order and Han Syntheses 11. The Economic Order, by Burton Watson, Wm. Theodore deBary 12. The Great Han Historians, by Burton Watson Part 3. Later Daoism and Mahyana Buddhism in China 13. Learning of the Mysterious, by Richard John Lynn, Wing-tsit Chan, Irene Bloom 14. Daoist Religion, by Franciscus Verellen, Nathan Sivin, et al. 15. The Introduction of Buddhism, by Leon Hurvitz, Tsai Heng-ting 16. Schools of Buddhist Doctrine, by Leon Hurvitz, Burton Watson, Daniel Stevenson, George Tanabe, Wing-Tsit Chan 17. Schools of Buddhist Practice, by Leon Hurvitz, Daniel Stevenson, Philip B. Yampolsky, Chun-fang Yu Part 4. The Confucian Revival and Neo-Confucianism Social Life and Political Culture in the Tang The Confucian Revival in the Song Neo-Confucianism: The Philosophy of Human Nature and the Way of the Sage Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucian Program, by Wm. Theodore deBary Ideological Foundations of Late Imperial China, by Wm. Theodore deBary, Edward Farmer, John Dardess Neo-Confucian Education, by Wm. Thedore deBary Self and Society in the Ming Glossary Bibliography Pinyin to Wade-Giles Romanization Chart Index

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Book SynopsisIn this history of Japanese involvement in northeast China, the author argues that Japan's military seizure of Manchuria in September 1931 was founded on three decades of infiltration of the area. This incremental empire-building and its effect on Japan are the focuses of this book.Trade ReviewLurking behind the deceptively specialist title of this monograph lies an important and engaging book...In the described historical events, Japan found itself pulled deeper and deeper into a quagmire that led to a disastrous war. Matsusaka uses a chronological approach to examine the roles of the Foreign Ministry, the Army, and the South Manchuria Railway. The result casts great light on a crucial phase of Japanese imperial history while at the same time enthralling the reader with a tale to compete with a good novel. -- R. B. Lyman Jr. * Choice *

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Book SynopsisThis collection of seminal primary readings in the social, intellectual, and religious traditions of Korea from the sixteenth century to the present day lays the groundwork for understanding Korean civilization and demonstrates how leading intellectuals and public figures in Korea have looked at life, the traditions of their ancestors, and the world they lived in.Trade ReviewAn invaluable guide for students of Korea in any discipline as well as for scholars and students of East Asia for many years to come. Journal of Asian Studies A monumental accomplishment. Korean StudiesTable of Contents4. Middle and Late Choson Introduction 20: Politics 21: Education Local Education Women's Education Family Instructions Etiquette and Household Management 22: Reform Proposals Land Reform Currency and a Growing Market Economy Technology 23: The Encounter with the West The Western Calendar Criticism of Catholicism The Persecution of Catholicism 24: Society Community Compacts Slavery Secondary Sons Inheritance Practices Government Corruption Popular Unrest 25: Culture and National Identity New Perspectives on History Literature, Music, and Song 26: Neo-Confucian Philosophy The Horak Controversy The Continuing Debate Over Principle and Material Force Wang Yang-ming in Korea 5. The Modern Period Introduction 27: Domestic Disquiet and Foreign Threats Internal Reforms Under the Taewongun Western Incursions 28: Negative Responses to Western Civilization The Emergence of the Tonghak Religion The Defense of Confucian Orthodoxy 29: Development of Enlightenment Thought Learning from the West Leaders of the 1884 Coup 30: The Tonghak Uprisings and the Kabo Reforms The 1894 Uprisings Reforms from Above, 1894--1895 31: The Independence Club and the People's Assembly The Independent and the Independence Club Demands for Democratic Reform 32: Patriotic Movements The Righteous Army Movement The Patriotic Enlightenment Movement Establishing Relations with Foreign Countries 33: National Culture During the Colonial Period The Study of Korean History The Study of the Korean Language and Hangul Development of New Literature Developments in Religion 34: The Nationalist Movement The March First Movement Strategies for Regaining National Independence Demand for International Recognition 35: The Communist Movement Radical Political Organizations Communist Military Organizations 36: Korea Since 1945 Liberation and Division Korean War Politics and Economy in South Korea North Korea Two Koreas Foreign Relations Religions Education Kim Ku and Korean Nationalism Pak Chonghui and Economic Development in South Korea Kim Chiha and Protest Against Authoritarian Rule Ham Sokhon and the Suffering of Korea Songch'ol and the Great Debate in Korean Buddhism Kim Ilsong [Kim Il Sung] and Chuch'e (Juch'e) Thought in North Korea Dialogues Between North and South Korea Kim Taejung [Kim Daejung] and his Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in South Korea

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Book SynopsisAn interdisciplinary collection of essays on the history of political and cultural ties between Africa and Russia/the Soviet Union.

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Book SynopsisEurope – and the question of whether to stay in or leave – has dominated British politics for the last three years. Yet how much do you really know about the Continent?From the Ice Age to the Cold War, from Reykjavik to the Volga, from Minos to Margaret Thatcher, Norman Davies tells the entire story of Europe in a single volume. Discover the most ambitious history of the continent ever undertaken.‘Any European or world citizen should read this… History that illuminates the present day’ Big IssueTrade ReviewAny European or world citizen should read this… History that illuminates the present day -- T. S. Learner * Big Issue *Books of real quality and importance are rare. Norman Davies's history of Europe is one of them. It is a brilliant achievement, written with intelligence, lucidity and a breathtaking width of knowledge... This is a book everyone should read -- A. C. Grayling * Financial Times *A noble monument of scholarship, and all the more noble because it is so full of surprise and feeling... There are superb assessments of vastly daunting subjects -- Jan Morris * Independent *Monumental, authoritative... A book for enquiring minds of all ages, it will answer hundreds of enquires and provoke thousands more -- Noel Malcolm * Sunday Telegraph *No history of Europe in the English language has been so even-handed in its treatment of east and west... Strong characterisation, vivid detail, trenchant opinions, cogent anaylsis all make this tremendous reading * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisGlobalization, it seems, has propelled the world's uber-wealthy to new heights of power and money, with tremendous repercussions for the other 99.9 percent of us. At a time when neoliberalism has propelled the world into a new Gilded Age, with rising inequality everywhere, an aggressive class war being waged by the wealthy, and billionaires inserting themselves bluntly into the political arena, understanding the behavior and spatiality of the super-rich has acquired a pressing urgency. This volume offers a richly textured suite of essays concerning how the super-rich have restructured local places, transforming landscapes as varied as London and Kentucky, Ireland and St. Barts, as well as domains as varied as art, thoroughbred horses, and housing.'- Barney Warf, University of Kansas, US'The world's super-rich, made up of just 11 million people, have access to about US$42.0 trillion of wealth. These are people who each have a spare million of 'liquid' wealth. Their wealth is roughly equal to two thirds of global GDP. They own most of everything. As the editor of this books states '. . . library shelves and the pages of journals remain largely devoid of geographical work on the super-rich a startling lacuna this volume sets out to fill'. The super-rich now own most of the planet. During the last year their share fell slightly. Times may be changing. Now is the time to begin to study the super-rich in detail, especially if you are worried about where all the wealth has gone.'- Danny Dorling, University of Sheffield, UKThis timely and path-breaking book brings together a group of distinguished and emerging international scholars to critically consider the geographical implications of the world's super-rich, a privileged yet remarkably overlooked group.Emerging from this unique collection is an enlightening picture of the influence of the super-rich over a diverse range of affairs, extending from the shape of urban and rural landscapes to the future of art history. By concentrating on those at the apex of the economic pyramid, this book provides valuable insights to the institutions, practices and cultural values of our society, as well as allowing us a more comprehensive view of the consequences of global capitalism. Presenting case studies from across the globe from Singapore to St Barts, London to Lexington - the spatial and cultural span of the book is wide-ranging and diverse.This truly unique book will prove a fascinating read for academics, researchers and students in the fields of geography, regional and urban studies, sociology, political science and development studies.Contributors: J.V. Beaverstock, S. Chauvin, B. Cousin, M. Fasche, S.J.E. Hall, I. Hay, P. McGuirk, P. McManus, L. Murphy, C. Paris, C.-P. Pow, S.M. Roberts, R.H. Schein, J.R. Short, T. Wainwright, K. Wilkins, M. WoodsTrade Review‘The twelve chapters chart the global geography of the super-rich and provide an effective sociocultural framework for understanding and analyzing the practical economics of wealth at work, home, and play. In doing so, the authors articulate a new geography of abundance (p. 7) and globalization that heretofore has remained hidden behind the gates of country clubs, secure doors of skyboxes, and the confines of elite auction houses. . . In sum, the collection is solid and well thought out. Indeed, Hay has marshaled a collection that succinctly demonstrates the ways in which the culture, economics, and politics of the super-rich drive globalization.’ -- Jay D. Gatrell, Journal of Regional Science‘Globalization, it seems, has propelled the world’s uber-wealthy to new heights of power and money, with tremendous repercussions for the other 99.9 percent of us. At a time when neoliberalism has propelled the world into a new Gilded Age, with rising inequality everywhere, an aggressive class war being waged by the wealthy, and billionaires inserting themselves bluntly into the politicalf arena, understanding the behavior and spatiality of the super-rich has acquired a pressing urgency. This volume offers a richly textured suite of essays concerning how the super-rich have restructured local places, transforming landscapes as varied as London and Kentucky, Ireland and St. Barts, as well as domains as varied as art, thoroughbred horses, and housing.’ -- Barney Warf, University of Kansas, US‘The world’s super-rich, made up of just 11 million people, have access to about US$42.0 trillion of wealth. These are people who each have a spare million of “liquid” wealth. Their wealth is roughly equal to two thirds of global GDP. They own most of everything. As the editor of this books states “. . . library shelves and the pages of journals remain largely devoid of geographical work on the super-rich – a startling lacuna this volume sets out to fill”. The super-rich now own most of the planet. During the last year their share fell slightly. Times may be changing. Now is the time to begin to study the super–rich in detail, especially if you are worried about where all the wealth has gone.’ -- Danny Dorling, University of Sheffield, UKTable of ContentsContents: Foreword: From Kosrae to Kensington: Uncovering Cartographies of Abundance Iain Hay 1. Establishing Geographies of the Super-Rich: Axes for Analysis of Abundance Iain Hay 2. Economic Wealth and Political Power in the Second Gilded Age John Rennie Short 3. Overseeing the Fortunes of the Global Super-Rich: The Nature of Private Wealth Management in London’s Financial District Jonathan V. Beaverstock, Sarah J.E. Hall and Thomas Wainwright 4. ‘The World Needs a Second Switzerland’: Onshoring Singapore as the Liveable City for the Super-Rich Choon-Piew Pow 5. ‘Super-Rich’ Irish Property Developers and the Celtic Tiger Economy Laurence Murphy and Pauline McGuirk 6. The Homes of the Super-Rich: Multiple Residences, Hyper-mobility and Decoupling of Prime Residential Housing in Global Cities Chris Paris 7. A Study of the Dominance of the Super-Wealthy in London’s West End During the Nineteenth Century Kathryn Wilkins 8. The Elite Countryside: Shifting Rural Geographies of the Transnational Super-Rich Michael Woods 9. The Super-Rich, Horses and the Transformation of a Rural Landscape in Kentucky Susan M. Roberts and Richard H. Schein 10. The Sport of Kings, Queens, Sheiks and the Super-Rich: Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing as Leisure for the Super-Rich Phil McManus 11. Making Art History – Wealthy Private Collectors and Contemporary Visual Art Melanie Fasche 12. Islanders, Immigrants and Millionaires: The Dynamics of Upper-Class Segregration in St. Barts, French West Indies Bruno Cousin and Sébastien Chauvin Index

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Book SynopsisWhat’s happening in Ireland? Behind the triumphalist headlines of the boom, there are changes going on – in the way people work, speak, eat, even the way they think – that cannot be quantified by statistics nor squared with the hollow cliché of the Celtic Tiger. She Moves through the Boom is a book about these intangible changes, and it paints a picture the newspapers and tourism propagandists are missing. Ann Marie Hourihane talks to working mothers, Mullingar wine importers, the organizer of a rural water scheme, shop assistants, a Nigerian preacher, teenaged removal men, and other exemplary – because ordinary – members of Irish society. These people aren’t talking about the boom; they’re living it, sometimes without even noticing, and they speak its languages – of social liberation, stubborn tradition, banal consumerism, and others. She Moves through the Boom presents a quirky, kaleidoscopic view of contemporary Ireland. By turns hilarious and dark, it is a fascinating snapshot of a singular moment in our history.

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Book SynopsisGoes behind the scenes in two urban luxury hotels to give a picture of the workers who care for and cater to wealthy guests. This work offers an analysis of what the luxury service consists of, how managers organize its production, and how workers and guests negotiate the inequality between them.Table of ContentsContents Acknowledgments Introduction: Luxury Service and the New Economy 1. "Better Than Your Mother": The Luxury Product 2. Managing Autonomy 3. Games, Control, and Skill 4. Recasting Hierarchy 5. Reciprocity, Relationship, and Revenge 6. Producing Entitlement Conclusion: Class, Culture, and the Service Theater Appendix A: Methods Appendix B: Hotel Organization Appendix C: Jobs, Wages, and Nonmanagerial Workers in Each Hotel: 2000--2001 Notes References Index

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Book SynopsisP'ansori, the traditional oral narrative of Korea, is sung by a highly trained soloist to the accompaniment of complex drumming. In the first book-length treatment in English of this art form, Pihl traces its history from roots in shamanism and folktales through its 19th-century heyday and discusses its evolution in the 20th century.Trade ReviewThis book is a welcome addition to the slowly growing number of monographs on Korean culture. "P'ansori," a form of Korean vocal narrative, is an ancient tradition which has received considerable attention recently…this book is an excellent monograph on an aspect of Korean musical culture and is to be recommended to…anyone who is interested in East Asian culture and music. -- James H. Grayson * Asian Affairs *

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Book SynopsisThe authors analyze the social, cultural, and political meaning attached to the cult of Confucius; its history; the legends, images, and rituals associated with it; the power of the descendants of Confucius; the main temple in the birthplace of Confucius; and the contemporary fate of temples to Confucius.

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Book SynopsisHerausgegeben von Barbara Hoster, Roman Malek und Katharina Wenzel-Teuber Der vorliegende Band stellt erstmals die im Shanghaier Exil (1940-1949) entstandenen Holzschnitte von David Ludwig Bloch gesammelt vor. Der seit seiner Kindheit gehorlose Kunstler (geb. 1910) stammt aus dem oberpfalzischen Floss. 1940 floh er, wie Tausende anderer europaischer Juden, vor den nationalsozialistischen Juden-verfolgungen in die ostchinesische Hafenstadt Shanghai. Trotz der schwierigen Lebensbedingungen als Fluchtling schuf David Ludwig Bloch dort ein reichhaltiges Werk von fast 300 Holzschnitten.

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Book SynopsisIn 2009 Beppe Grillo, a well-known Italian comedian, established the Five Star Movement with the aim of sending a handful of citizens to municipal councils to act as the watchdog of a professional political class often perceived as corrupt and self-interested. However, in the Italian general elections of February 2013, despite still largely being considered a small protest movement, the party gained the undisputed role of leading political actor gaining just under 9 million votes and sending 163 Deputies and Senators to the Italian parliament. The birth and rapid rise of the Five Star Movement represents an electoral earthquake with no parallels in Italy and the whole of post-1945 Western Europe and a phenomenon likely to shape the Italian political scene for many years to come. Drawing on an extensive array of data and face-to-face interviews, this volume offers an empirically grounded explanation of the surprising electoral success of the Five Star Movement and presents a realistic pTrade Review’The Five-Star Movement is one of the most interesting political phenomena in contemporary Europe. Filippo Tronconi has put together a fine volume that looks in detail at the factors underpinning the remarkable success of this movement. It is essential reading not only for those interested in Italy, but for all students of party politics.’ Duncan McDonnell, Griffith University, Australia ’The Five Star Movement of Beppe Grillo was the great surprise of the 2013 elections in Italy. Understanding what kind of "political animal" it is, and what its future role in Italian politics will be is a major puzzle for Italy watchers. The book edited by Filippo Tronconi is the best guide so far for anyone seriously interested in understanding this new phenomenon.’ Maurizio Cotta, University of Siena, Italy '... is there something so special about M5S (Movimento 5 Stelle) that accounts for its unprecedented success? Using a wide range of research tools the contributors to this volume offer a comprehensive approach to the party, describing and often deconstructing the characteristics and paradoxes that account for its unexpected popularity that could eventually determine its future political viability. ... a comprehensible guide to the rise of the M5S and an essential reading for those interested not only in Italian politics, but also in anti-system, Euro-sceptic and populist movements in Europe.' LSE Review of BooksTable of ContentsIntroduction, FilippoTronconi; Chapter 1 Beppe Grillo and the Movimento 5 Stelle, RinaldoVignati; Chapter 2 The Organization of the Movimento 5 Stelle, RinaldoVignati; Chapter 3 Between Blog, Social Networks and Territory, Maria ElisabettaLanzone, FilippoTronconi; Chapter 4 The Electoral Base, AndreaPedrazzani, LucaPinto; Chapter 5 From ‘Citizens’ to Members of Parliament, LucaPinto, AndreaPedrazzani; Chapter 6 An Internet-Fuelled Party? The Movimento 5 Stelle and the Web, LorenzoMosca, CristianVaccari, AugustoValeriani; Chapter 7 The Movimento 5 Stelle and Social Conflicts, LorenzoMosca; Chapter 8 A Vote(r) Like Any Other? Exploring the Protest Component in the Vote for the Movimento 5 Stelle, GianlucaPassarelli, DarioTuorto; Chapter 9 Beyond Protest, PasqualeColloca, PiergiorgioCorbetta; Chapter 10 Conclusion, FilippoTronconi;

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Book SynopsisLebanon seems a country in the grip of permanent crisis. In recent years it has suffered blow after blow, from Rafiq Hariri’s assassination in 2005, to the 2006 July War, to the current Syrian conflict, which has brought a million refugees streaming into the country. This is an account not just of Lebanon’s high politics, with its endless rows, walk-outs, machinations and foreign alliances, but also of the politics of everyday life: all the stresses and strains the country’s inhabitants face, from electricity black-outs and uncollected rubbish to stagnating wages and property bubbles. Andrew Arsan moves between parliament and the public squares where protesters gather, between luxury high-rises and refugee camps, and between expensive nightclubs and seafront promenades, providing a comprehensive view of Lebanon in the twenty-first century. Where others have treated Lebanon’s woes as exceptional, a by-product of its sectarianism and particular vulnerability to regional crises, Arsan argues that there is nothing particular about Lebanon’s predicament. Rather, it is a country of the age—one of neoliberal economics, populist fervour, forced displacement, rising xenophobia, and public disillusion. Lebanon, in short, offers us a lens through which to look on our times.Trade Review'In writing such a wide-ranging and impassioned book, Arsan has made a significant contribution to scholarship on Lebanon. In particular, his work succeeds in searching out the ‘now’ of lived experience, drawing on art, social media, journalism, interviews and personal experience. Thoroughly recommended and highly gripping, the general reader and the specialist both have something to gain by reading Lebanon: A Country in Fragments.' -- Asian Affairs Journal

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Book SynopsisDespite a decade of rapid economic development, China’s western borderlands have experienced a wave of ethnic unrest not seen since the 1950s. Through on-the-ground interviews and firsthand observations, this volume creates an invaluable record of the conflicts and protests as they have unfolded—the most extensive chronicle of events to date.Trade ReviewEthnic unrest in Tibet and among the Uyghurs in Xinjiang is very much in the news and is a subject of great academic and public interest. It is hard to research because the Chinese government limits access to these areas. Nonetheless, these resourceful and courageous scholars have managed to access these regions, find out what is troubling the ethnic minority residents there, and assess how deep the trouble is. -- Andrew J. Nathan, coauthor of China's Search for SecurityEthnic Conflict and Protest in Tibet and Xinjiang is a terrific book. Ten experts take a balanced and clear-eyed view of the conditions and politics behind the recent wave of ethnic unrest in China. It should be required reading for those who would understand the interlocking causes of conflict, including decision makers in Beijing. -- June Teufel Dreyer, author of China's Political SystemThese studies of contemporary China's relations with the Tibetans and the Uyghurs offer insights on a wide variety of issues, including the Chinese state's policies toward Buddhism and Islam, the causes of conflicts between China and these so-called minority nationalities, the government's economic policies and the ensuing environmental effects, and the possible economic synergies between Chinese and Tibetan and Uyghur entrepreneurs. The authors differ in their opinions about the future, with some providing negative predictions while others are more optimistic, but each furnishes informed analyses. -- Morris Rossabi, author of The Mongols and The Mongols and Global HistoryThese essays provide detailed study of ethnopolitics in contemporary China based on solid fieldwork and scholarly analysis of regional peculiarities and standardizing policies. -- Tsering Shakya, coauthor of The Struggle for TibetHighly recommended. * Choice *A welcome contribution to the field and essential reading for specialists, policy makers, and graduate students interested in these important regions. * Journal of Asian Studies *An excellent resource: the contributions are consistently strong and empirically rich, and examine a wide range of complementary features of society across the two autonomous regions. * International Affairs *A short review cannot do justice to the subtlety of the arguments in this volume, which will be of interest to anyone seeking lucid, innovative explanations of politics, economy, and society in Xinjiang and Tibet. . . . This volume is a model for productive cross-regional scholarship and demonstrates the value of combining deep area knowledge with disciplinary rigor. * Pacific Affairs *A useful and timely contribution to our understanding of these complex and important regions. -- Michael Dillon * Ethnic and Racial Studies *This is an excellent and well researched book. -- Colin Mackerras, Department of International Business and Asian Studies, Griffith University Brisbane, Australia * Journal of Contemporary Asia *This well presented and important collection of chapters explores aspects of the recent and continuing disturbances in Tibet and Xinjiang based upon research undertaken by academics at various stages in their careers. * Asian Affairs *The body of research produced is undoubtedly of a very high standard, and makes a valuable contribution to the study of the ongoing conflicts in Xinjiang and Tibet. * Asian Review of Books *An important and highly useful book. * BizIndia *A much-needed contribution to the canon of literature on interethnic relations in China. * A much-needed contribution to the canon of literature on interethnic relations in China. *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Understanding the Current Wave of Conflict and Protest in Tibet and Xinjiang, by Ben Hillman1. Unrest in Tibet and the Limits of Regional Autonomy, by Ben Hillman2. Propaganda in the Public Square: Communicating State Directives on Religion and Ethnicity to Uyghurs and Tibetans in Western China, by Antonio Terrone3. Discussing Rights and Human Rights in Tibet, by Françoise Robin4. The Chinese Education System as a Source of Conflict in Tibetan Areas, by Clémence Henry5. Lucrative Chaos: Interethnic Conflict as a Function of the Economic "Normalization" of Southern Xinjiang, by Thomas Cliff6. Environmental Issues and Conflict in Tibet, by Yonten Nyima and Emily T. Yeh7. Fringe Existence: Uyghur Entrepreneurs and Ethnic Relations in Urban Xinjiang, by Tyler Harlan8. Prosperity, Identity, Intra-Tibetan Violence, and Harmony in Southeast Tibet: The Case of Gyalthang, by Eric Mortensen9. Interethnic Conflict in the PRC: Xinjiang and Tibet as Exceptions?, by James LeiboldContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisMohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar traces half a century of shifting Islamist doctrines, demonstrating that religious narratives in Iran can change rapidly, frequently, and dramatically in accordance with elites’ threat perceptions. Religious Statecraft constructs a new picture of Iranian politics in which power drives Islamist ideology.Trade Review[An] important and innovative book....a new take on an old puzzle. -- Ray Takeyh * Survival *A welcome new study on Iranian politics and the complex relationship between religion and state since the country's 1979 revolution. * Digest of Middle East Studies *Tabaar depicts Ayatollah Khomeini's nimble ability to tailor religious and nationalist ideology to outmaneuver the Shah, the Iranian Left, and factional opponents. Though unabashed in arguing that political expediency has determined the regime's selections from its toolkit of revolutionary religious doctrine, Religious Statecraft subtly portrays how factions struggle not so much to "tell people what to think" as "what to think about." -- Jack Snyder, Columbia UniversityContinually changing narratives—based on individual, factional, or regime interests rather than on any consistent or immutable commitment to Islamic teachings and principles—define the ebbs and flows of Iran’s postrevolutionary politics. As Tabaar puts it, ‘there is no such thing as political Islam. There is, however, a politics of Islam.’ Through meticulous and extensive use of official, semiofficial, independent, and oppositional media, both in Iran and abroad, Religious Statecraft illustrates and persuasively proves this argument. -- Ali Banuazizi, Boston CollegeThe politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been characterized by ideological inconsistency from its beginning. But Tabaar goes beyond describing the way in which leaders change core ideas. He advances a provocative argument that ideology does not guide decision making directly. Instead, leaders mold their principles to meet the political needs of the moment, restrained not by the contents of those ideas but largely by the need to mobilize followers. -- Nathan J. Brown, George Washington UniversityThe author constructs a refreshing, if somewhat dense and detailed, picture of Iranian politics in which power drives Islamist ideology. * Choice *The main thrust of the book is important and worth repeating, considering the world we live in. A misunderstanding of how the Iranian political system works might lead to adoption of policies by powerful regional and global actors with irreparable outcomes. * Middle East Journal *An important and timely contribution...It ought to be on the reading list of any policy maker who wants to better understand the Islamic Republic's foreign policy. * Perspectives on Politics *This book can be of value to a variety of readers. Obviously scholars and students of Iran and Middle East politics will benefit from its insights, as will those scholars of religion and international relations to whom the above theoretical insights apply. But the book could easily be used in courses on a variety of topics in international security, from nuclear proliferation to revolutions. Finally, while I may have preferred more theoretical discussions, the focus on empirics and avoidance of jargon will make this book accessible for non-academics with an advanced interest in Iran. * Terrorism and Political Violence *As historians and foreign policy scholars continue to study Iran’s recent modern era especially since the Green movement, Tabaar’s groundbreaking work describing internal factional conflicts and religious narrative creation will come into an even clearer view. Furthermore, while Tabaar’s book focuses largely on internal Iranian dynamics, its insights within the context of politics, religion, and ideology are applicable across many academic disciplines. * H-War *Stand[s] out among the existing studies of the Islamic Republic and its supposedly unfathomable political behavior. * American Historical Review *Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction: The Politics of Islam1. The Factional Causes and Religious Consequences of Politics2. A Shi’a Theory of the State3. The “Islamic” Revolution4. Institutionalizing Velayat-e Faqih5. The Hostage Crisis: The Untold Account of the Communist Threat6. Religion and Elite Competition in the Iran–Iraq War7. The Metamorphosis of Islamism After the War8. The Factional Battle Over Khomeini’s Velayat-e Faqih9. Media, Religion, and the Green Movement10. Historical Revisionism and Regional Threats11. The Domestic Sources of Nuclear PoliticsConclusionNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisOn 10 August 1519, five ships departed from Seville for what was to become the first circumnavigation of the globe. Linked by fame to the name of its captain, Magellan, much of the expedition is known through the travelogue of one of the few crew members who returned to Spain, Antonio Pigafetta. A narrative and cartographic record of the journey (including 23 hand-drawn watercolour charts) from Patagonia to Indonesia, from the Philippines to the Cape of Good Hope, Pigafetta''s The First Voyage around the World is a classic of discovery and exploration literature. This volume is based on the critical edition by Antonio Canova. It includes an extensive introduction to the work and generous annotations by Theodore J. Cachey Jr who discusses the marvelous elements of the story through allusions to Magellan''s travels made by writers as diverse as Shakespeare and Gabriel García Márquez. However, Cachey is careful to point out that Pigafetta''s book is far from just a marvTable of ContentsIntroduction Bio-bibliographical Note Note on the Text and Translation Chronology of the Voyage THE FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisLove, corruption, violence and the dangerous politics of aid in the Sudan, by an exciting new writer.Emma McCune's passion for Africa, her unstinting commitment to the children of the Sudan, and her striking glamour set her apart from other aid workers the moment she arrived in southern Sudan. But no one was prepared for her decision to marry a local warlord a man who seemed to embody everything she was working against and throw herself into his violent quest to take over southern Sudan's rebel movement.At once a disturbing love story and a penetrating examination of the Sudan, Emma's War charts the process by which Emma's romantic delusions led to her descent into the hell of Africa's longest running civil war.Trade Review‘One of the best (books) I have ever read on the difficult relationship between the developed world and the Third World. An eye-opener. Scroggins is as brave as her subject…she has written a wonderful and challenging book.’ William Shawcross, Sunday Times ‘A wonderful book and a gripping history of the Sudan which doesn’t shrink the complexities.’ Observer ‘Scroggins is to be congratulated for making the story of McCune’s ill-fated foray into Africa such a good read.’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Deborah Scroggins’ analysis provides sharp relevance. It is the story both of a woman and a strange and sorrowful world.’ Sunday Independent ‘Remarkable…it has the feel of an epic tale, taking in the tragedy of Sudan…Scroggins steers a tight path between writing this book as an account of her own fascination with Sudan and as the story of McCune’s life.’ New Statesman ‘Her biography is a painstaking and loving portrait of this remarkable woman.’ Evening Standard ‘Deborah Scroggins has a sharp eye. “Emma’s War” is about the politics of the belly, and what happens when the fat white paunch meets the swollen stomachs of the hungry in Africa. It is a sorry story, but Ms Scroggins tells it awfully well.’ Economist ‘Part history, part biography and part Scroggins’ own memoir, “Emma’s War” offers an enthralling, accessible account of Sudan’s most recent history.’ Sunday Business Post

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Book SynopsisA vividly written and timely polemic tackling the burning injustices shaping British society today.Intelligently written and powerfully argued.' Paul MasonWitty, scathing, and entertaining.' Danny DorlingJournalist Sam Bright is a Northerner living in London. He is just one of the millions of people clinging on to the coattails of the capital, sucked in by the prospect of opportunities that the rest of the United Kingdom does not enjoy.Our capital is a vast melting pot of languages, cultures, and ideas, and rightly celebrated for it. For many, though, there is no other option. The only place to access the opportunities this country offers is London. Banking, law, politics, advertising, architecture, the arts and the media are all concentrated here. It is almost impossible to reach the heights of any profession without joining the grey hoards queuing for the next tube. As the economic, political, and cultural epicentre of the country, Fortress London acts more like a renaissance city-stTrade Review‘A northerner’s blast against the bloated capital. … Successful books have good timing, and Bright’s challenge to Labour has a keener edge after local elections in which the party advanced further in London but stood still in many other places.’ The Times ‘Witty, scathing, and entertaining. Sam Bright sums up what it would take to begin to turn England from London and its hinterland, into a country where everyone matters.’ Danny Dorling, author of Inequality and the 1% ‘A well informed polemic from a new voice on the left. Bright deftly weaves together his own experience as a Northerner in the capital with a mass of useful data on Britain’s grotesque regional inequality.’ David Goodhart, author of Head Hand Heart ‘Intelligently written and powerfully argued, Fortress London is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how power and wealth has been amassed by Britain’s new oligarchy, and what we might do to solve it.’ Paul Mason, author of Postcapitalism ‘A passionately written tour of the damaging social and economic consequences of yawning regional inequalities and an over-dominant capital. Required reading for anyone wanting to understand how London divides us, and what we should do about it.’ Rob Ford, author of Brexitland ‘A brilliant book.’ Owen Jones ‘Sam Bright is one of the best reporters of his generation.' John Sweeney 'I've been really impressed by Sam's work – persistently finding story after story exposing wrongdoing and hypocrisy at the highest level. A name to watch.’ Carole Cadwalladr ‘A new and vital force in journalism, Bright’s well-crafted investigations and political scoops have already won him plaudits. His reports have forced government ministers on to the defensive and left the mainstream media trailing in his wake, playing desperate catch up.’ Matthew Wright

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Book SynopsisIn this riveting account of an area of Appalachia known as the Quiet Zone where cell phones and WiFi are banned, journalist Stephen Kurczy explores the pervasive role of technology in our lives and the innate human need for quiet.“Captures the complex beauty of a disconnected way of life.” —The NationWith a new afterword to the paperback editionDeep in the Appalachian Mountains lies the last truly quiet town in America. Green Bank, West Virginia, is a place at once futuristic and old-fashioned: It’s home to the Green Bank Observatory, where astronomers search the depths of the universe using the latest technology, while schoolchildren go without WiFi or iPads. With a ban on all devices emanating radio frequencies that might interfere with the observatory’s telescopes, Quiet Zone residents live a life free from constant digital connectivity. But a community that on the surface seems idyllic is a place of contradictions, where the provincial meets the seemingly supernatural and quiet can serve as a cover for something darker.Stephen Kurczy embedded in Green Bank, making the residents of this small Appalachian village his neighbors. He shopped at the town’s general store, attended church services, went target shooting with a seven-year-old, square-danced with the locals, sampled the local moonshine. In The Quiet Zone, he introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters. There is a tech buster patrolling the area for illegal radio waves; “electrosensitives” who claim that WiFi is deadly; a sheriff’s department with a string of unsolved murder cases dating back decades; a camp of neo-Nazis plotting their resurgence from a nearby mountain hollow. Amongst them all are the ordinary citizens seeking a simpler way of living. Kurczy asks: Is a less connected life desirable? Is it even possible?The Quiet Zone is a remarkable work of investigative journalism—at once a stirring ode to place, a tautly wound tale of mystery, and a clarion call to reexamine the role technology plays in our lives.Trade Review"An expressionistic new work of nonfiction. Part folk history, part gonzo travelogue, The Quiet Zone colorfully annotates an elaborate contradiction: a last bastion of the disconnected world. ... Kurczy finds high drama and dark secrets in the woods, but he also captures the complex beauty of a disconnected way of life that is dying out at an alarming rate. ... A time capsule of a not-so-distant past, of an approach to life that is rapidly slipping from collective memory." — The Nation “[Readers] needing a reminder of the simple pleasure of reconnecting with real people in real life will enjoy the journey.” — Nir Eyal, New York Times Book Review "Kurczy's deep reporting uncovers... strange things in these hills. ... What makes this book formidable is Kurczy's relentless investigating." — USA Today "What a fascinating book! This corner of America is unique for its electromagnetic silence—but once Stephen Kurczy starts looking he finds that it's unique in other ways too. The Quiet Zone will live on in your memory." — Bill McKibben, New York Times bestselling author of The End of Nature "[A] fascinating, deeply reported and slightly eerie look at an unusual corner of America. ... With compassion and a journalist's eye [Kurczy] delivers a compelling portrait." — BookPage (Starred Review) “Captivating. … A multilayered illustration of a unique community where things aren’t always what they seem.” — Kirkus Reviews "A vividly written book that captures an unusual place with a story-teller's touch, perfectly timed to this moment of confronting our complicated relationships to technology." — ELIZABETH CATTE, author of What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia "A quest for our most precious substance—peace and quiet—leaps with exuberant aplomb in to the murk of American kookery—electrosensitives, Nazis, unsolved murders—and reveals that simplicity is far more complicated, far more weird and wonderous, than the self-proclaimed #simplelife." — MARK SUNDEEN, author of The Man Who Quit Money and The Unsettlers "Colorful. ... Kurczy succeeds in unlocking many secrets of this insular community." — Publishers Weekly “Cleareyed and compassionate. … Surprising and deeply enlightening” — Shawangunk Journal "An engaging and sympathetic study of the myriad people who call this unique place home." — Booklist "An enthralling story." — The Parkersburg News and Sentinel (West Virginia) "Readers discover a corner of America relatively untouched by technology's influence. ... The Quiet Zone is more than just a celebration of one of the few quiet places the world might offer those seeking refuge from a tech-driven world: It is a celebration of the unique people and fortitude that shapes an area most outsiders would overlook. ... Gives voice to many memorable people. ... One of the many beauties of Kurczy’s book is the respect and admiration the author gives the people of Pocahontas County." — Southern Review of Books "Gripping." — Daily Mail (UK) "A captivating read. ... A remarkable work of deep reporting." — Engineering & Technology Magazine (UK)

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Book SynopsisIn time for the federal election that promises to be a referendum on Stephen Harper's tenure, Party of One is a scathing look at the majority government of a prime minister determined to remake Canada.     In Party of One, investigative journalist Michael Harris closely examines the majority government of a prime minister essentially unchecked by the opposition and empowered by the general election victory of May 2011. Harris looks at Stephen Harper's policies, instincts, and the often breathtaking gap between his stated political principles and his practices.     He argues that Harper is more than a master of controlling information; he is a profoundly anti-democratic figure. In the F-35 debacle, the government's sin wasn't only in keeping the facts from Canadians, it was in inventing them. He illustrates how Harper has made war on every independent source of information in Canada since coming to power. H

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Book SynopsisThis collection of Abiola Irele's essays examines African literary traditions in the broad sense, and places the work of individual authors in context. Irele presents critical readings of the works of Chinua Achebe, Kamau Braithwaite, Amadou Hapae Ba, and Amadou Kourouma, among others.Trade ReviewAn interesting collection of essays...Well worth the reading time. * African Studies Review *Table of Contents1: The African Imagination 2: Orality, Literacy, and African Literature 3: African Letters: The Making of a Tradition 4: Dimensions of African Discourse 5: A Study in Ambiguity: Amadou Hampaté Bâ's The Fortunes of Wangrin 6: Narrative, History and the African Imagination: Amadou Kourouma's Monnè, outrages et défis 7: The Crisis of Cultural Memory in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart 8: The Return of the Native: Edward Kamau Brathwaite's Masks 9: A National Voice: The Poetry and Plays of John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo 10: Parables of the African Condition: The New Realism in African Fiction Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis study argues that American artistry in the 1960s can be understood as one of the most vital and compelling interrogations of modernity. The author posits that the legacy of slavery has made African-Americans among the most incisive critics and celebrants of the "Enlightenment inheritance".Trade ReviewThe Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts movement are celebrated as critical moments of racial nationalism and cultural awakening. Questioning the critical consensus about this narrative, however, James Hall reframe[s] these two literary periods in light of transnational and anti-modernist paradigms ... provocative [study] disturbing to our common sense about these seminal eras. * American Literature *Hall deftly restores a fuller voice to sixties artists too often straightjacketed within an obligatory hermeneutics of racial protest. * American Literature *James C. Hall invites us to revise our thinking about the 1960s in this thoughtful and generative study of the extraordinary efflorescence of poetry, fiction, autobiography, music, and painting that emerged out of that decade's African American freedom movement ... thoughtful, subtle, and persuasive. * The Journal of American History *

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Book SynopsisHere is one of the most important surviving works of pre-Columbian civilization, Rabinal Achi, a Mayan drama set a century before the arrival of the Spanish, produced by the translator of the best selling Popol Vuh. The first direct translation into English from Quiché Maya, based on the original text, Rabinal Achi is the story of city-states, war, and nobility, of diplomacy, mysticism, and psychic journeys. Dennis Tedlock''s translation is clear and vivid; more than that, it is rooted in an understanding of how the play is actually performed. Despite being banned for centuries by Spanish authorities, it survived in actual practice, and is still performed in the town of Rabinal today. Tedlock provides an introduction and commentary that explain the historical events compressed into the play, the Spanish influence on the Mayan dramatic tradition, and the cultural and religious world preserved in this remarkable play.Trade ReviewI highly recommend this book not only to historians and other scholars, but also to the educated reader interested in the Mayas and other native peoples around the world. It is a fascinating read backed by serious scholarship. * Robert Carmack, Hispanic American Historical Review *

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Book SynopsisBierhorst traces the principle myths from tribe to tribe in seven carefully mapped regions of South America. This book includes samples from mythological stories and some chapters are devoted to special topics such as myth and politics. Bierhorst introduces readers to the female creators of the northern Andes, the male gods of the Ancient Incas, and the shameless tricksters Sun and Moon.The book includes notes, a pronunciation guide, index, maps, and photos. The new afterword focuses on the durability of Indian mythology and the abundant material increasingly available since the mid 80s. Bierhorst offers new information on previously obscure tribes on the mythological map.Trade Review"One of the finest popular works in anthropology and science....The concepts are profound, yet accessible."--The New York Times Book Review "An intriguing, complex tapestry of living folklore."--Booklist "A well-organized, coherent overview."--Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe appearance of religion as a category describing a set of practices and beliefs allegedly an aspect of all cultures dates only from the modern period, emerging as Europe expanded trade abroad and established its first colonial relations in the 17th and 18th centuries. The invention of Hinduism can be seen in the encounter between modernity''s greatest colonial power, Britain, and the jewel of her imperial crown, India. This encounter was deeply shaded by the articulation and development of the concept of religion, and it produced the now common idea that Hinduism is a religion. The Bengal Presidency, home of Calcutta - the capital of colonial India and center of economic gravity in the eastern hemisphere - emerged as the locus of ongoing and direct contact between Indians and colonial officials, journalists, and missionaries. Drawing on a large body of previously untapped literature, including documents from the Church Missionary Society and Bengali newspapers, Brian Pennington offeTrade ReviewPennington gives us an insightful, creative, judicious, critical, and honest book that goes a long way to restoring some balance into the discussion about colonialism and Hinduism. I cannot recommend this book enough. * Carl Olson, International Journal of Hindu Studies *

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Book SynopsisThe Curse of Caste is the earliest published novel by an African American woman yet to be discovered.Trade Review"The groundbreaking research and expert criticism conducted by Andrews and Kachun is re-shaping scholarly discussion of The Curse of Caste itself and early African American literature in general."- Willie J. Harrell Jr., Southern Quaterly "This text enlightens today's reader in matters of representations of race, African American women's authorial venues, and the readership of newspapers during Reconstruction. The editing is careful and clear. Essential."--F. Martin, Choice "This text enlightens today's reader in matters of representations of race, African American women's authorial venues, and the readership of newspapers during Reconstruction. The editing is careful and clear. Essential."--F. Martin, Choice "The Curse of Caste; or The Slave Bride, is believed by some scholars to be the first novel ever published by an African-American woman. Whatever the case, "The Curse of Caste" provides insights into contemporary attitudes about black women's sexuality and miscegenation."--Dinitia Smith, The New York Times "This republication of Julia C. Collins' Civil-War era novel represents a remarkable act of literary recovery. Collins' work and the invaluable supporting material accompanying it here deeply enrich our understanding of American life during her turbulent times."--Dickson D. Bruce, Jr., University of California, Irvine, author of The Origins of African American Literature, 1680-1865 "Following the precedent set by Harriet Wilson's Our Nig, Julia Collins' The Curse of Caste is a compelling, imaginative rendering of the intersections of race and class at the close of the Civil War. William Andrews is the leading scholar of 19th century African American literature, and the work of Andrews and Mitch Kachun on The Curse of Caste is a model of judicious and sensitive editing."--Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Harvard UniversityTable of ContentsForward by Frances Smith Foster Editors' Introduction Notes to Introduction Editorial Note by Anne Bruder The Curse of Caste; or The Slave Bride, 1865 Two Alternate Conclusions to The Curse of Caste The Essays of Julia C. Collins, 1864-1865 Reading Group Guide Notes Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a systematic account of the role of the personal spiritual ideal of wu-wei--literally no doing, but better rendered as effortless action--in early Chinese thought. Edward Slingerland''s analysis shows that wu-wei represents the most general of a set of conceptual metaphors having to do with a state of effortless ease and unself-consciousness. This concept of effortlessness, he contends, serves as a common ideal for both Daoist and Confucian thinkers. He also argues that this concept contains within itself a conceptual tension that motivates the development of early Chinese thought: the so-called paradox of wu-wei, or the question of how one can consciously try not to try. Methodologically, this book represents a preliminary attempt to apply the contemporary theory of conceptual metaphor to the study of early Chinese thought. Although the focus is upon early China, both the subject matter and methodology have wider implications. The subject of wu-wei is relevant to aTrade Review"The scope of Slingerland's discussion and his mastery of the relevant scholarship make the book a useful and learned introduction to early Chinese thought."--Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies"Slingerland shows that wu-wei is a much richer and more pervasive notion than anyone has ever imagined. His work will convince even the most entrenched skeptic that it is an important and often neglected concern of just about every major religious thinker in traditional China."--Philip Ivanhoe, author of Confucian Moral Self Cultivation and Ethics in the Confucian Tradition"Edward Slingerland is one of a group of exciting and creative young scholars revolutionizing the study of Chinese history, culture, and religion by applying the recently developed tools of cognitive analysis, especially conceptual metaphor analysis. Effortless Action is a remarkable work that explores the meaning of the crucial concept of wu-wei in a depth never before achievable, showing how Chinese metaphorical thought forms a nexus around this most central of ideas. If you care about China, about its culture, history, and religion, you will find this book extremely enlightening. And if you are a humanist seeking a deeper understanding of culture and history, this book will open up new worlds to you."--George Lakoff, Professor of Linguistics, University of California, Berkeley

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