Social and cultural history Books

Book SynopsisIn 1834, Lord Melbourne spoke the words that epitomised the British government's attitude towards its own involvement in the arts: 'God help the minister that meddles with Art'. However, with the outbreak of World War II, that attitude changed dramatically when 'cultural policy' became a key element of the domestic front. Not only a propaganda tool, it aimed to boost morale and prevent a wartime cultural blackout. "The Arts as a Weapon of War" traces the evolution of this policy from the creation of the Committee for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts, in 1939, to the drafting of the Arts Council's constitution in 1945. From the improvement of the National Gallery to Myra Hess' legendary concerts during the blitz, Jorn Weingartner provides a fascinating account of the powerful policy shift that laid the foundations for the modern relationship between government and the arts.Table of ContentsI. Introduction II. The political reasons for state neutrality in the sphere of arts in Great Britain III. The cultural elites and state intervention IV. Indicators of extended state influence on the arts V. The Cultural Blackout and the Phase of the ‘Welfarist Approach’ VI. John Meynard Keynes and the ‘standard approach’: CEMA’s policy from January 1942 to September 1944 VII. From CEMA to the Arts Council of Great Britain, September 1944 to June 1945 and beyond VIII. Conclusion and Outlook

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an original perspective on the West's most enduring social and cultural institution. The author covers all the vital themes contributing to the modern Christmas: its Anglo-German origins and the idea of the bourgeois Christmas expressing family virtues; the need for a touchstone with the past in an age of rapid expansion and thus the myth of Merrie England; and the revival of English music: in short, all the elements making up the modern Christmas.Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements Introduction The Englishness of Christmas John Bull and the Christmas Pantomime The Christmas Carol Revival and the English Musical Renaissance Christmas in the British Empire The BBC and the Broadcasting of the English Christmas Cinema and Representations of the English Christmas The English Christmas and the Growth of a Shopping Culture Epilogue: The English Christmas from 1953 to the Present Day Conclusion Appendix Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisI.B.Tauris in association with the Iran Heritage Foundation Of profound importance in late antiquity,the Sasanian Empire is almost completely unknown today,except as a counterpoint to the Roman Empire.What are the reasons for this ignorance and why does the Sasanian Empire matter? In this brilliant and highly readable new history Touraj Daryaee fills a huge gap in our knowledge of world history.He examines the Sasanians'complex and colourful narrative and demonstrates their unique significance,not only for the development of Iranian civilisation but also for Roman and Islamic history. The Sasanians were the last of the ancient Persian dynasties and are best known as the preeminent practitioners of the Zoroastrian religion.From its foundation by Ardashir I in 224 CE, the Sasanian Empire was the dominant force in the Middle East for several centuries until its last king, Yazdgerd III, was defeated by the Muslim Arabs,whose horsemen swept away his seemingly far more powerful empire in the 7th century.Theirs was the first post Hellenic civilisation in the Near East to operate on an imperial scale and its sphere of influence and contact was unparalleled-from India to the Levant and from the Arabian Peninsula to the Caspian Sea. In this concise yet comprehensive new book,Touraj Daryaee provides an unrivalled account of Sasanian Persia.Drawing on extensive new sources he paints a vivid portrait of Sasanian life and unravels the divergent strands that contributed to the making of this great Empire:religion-not just Zoroastrianism but also Manichaeaism;the economy;administration;the multiple languages and their literature as well as the Empire's often neglected social history. Daryaee also explores - for the first time in an integrated book on the Sasanians-their descendants'attempts for more than a century after their defeat to establish a second state and reveals how their values and traditions have endured,both in Iranian popular culture and in the literary tradition of the Persian language and literature,to the present day. Sasanian Persia is a unique examination of a period of history that still has great significance for a full understanding of modern Iran.Trade Review'Touraj Daryaee synthesizes a new generation of Sasanian scholarship to present the first single volume study of such important history-important not only for understanding Iranian,but Roman and early Islamic histories as well.' Gene Garthwaite, Professor of History,and Jane and Raphael Bernstein Professor of Asian Studies,Dartmouth College, New Hampshire 'Touraj Daryaee is a well-known scholar of Sasanian history and religious texts who knows the subject well and has published widely in his field. This will be a useful publication for scholars and everyone interested in Sasanian history.' Vesta Sarkhosh Curtis,Curator,The British Museum 'Touraj Daryaee's Sasanian Persia is far more detailed than all previous work on the subject,with a multitude of new materials and sources.It is a masterpiece of research and will be the last word on Sasanian Iran in all of its aspects-from political history to religion, society and commerce.' Richard N. Frye,Emeritus Professor of Iranian Studies,Harvard University 'The publication of Touraj Daryaee's book is a cause for much satisfaction. He is a leading scholar of his subject,which he tackles very successfully.' David Morgan,Emeritus Professor of History,University of WisconsinTable of ContentsI. The Political History of ?r?n and an-?r?n II. The Society of ?r?nšahr III. Religions of the Empire: Zoroastrians, Manichaeans, Jews and Christians IV. Languages and Textual Remains of the Citizens V. The Economy and Administration of the Er?nšahr Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe concept of a ‘Renaissance’ in the arts, in thought, and in more general culture North of the Alps often evokes the idea of a cultural transplant which was not indigenous to, or rooted in, the society from which it emerged. Classic definitions of the European ‘Renaissance’ during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries have seen it as what was in effect an Italian import into the Gothic North. Yet there were certainly differences, divergences and dichotomies between North and South which have to be addressed. Here, Malcolm Vale argues for a Northern Renaissance which, while cognisant of Italian developments, displayed strong continuities with the indigenous cultures of northern Europe. But it also contributed novelties and innovations which often tended to stem from, and build upon, those continuities. A Short History of the Renaissance in Northern Europe – while in no way ignoring or diminishing the importance of the Hellenic and Roman legacy – seeks other sources, and different uses of classical antiquity, for a rather different kind of ‘Renaissance’, if such it was, in the North.Trade ReviewA must-read book for all those interested in the history of culture, and [it] would be great news [for it] to be translated in [other] languages ... so that it could be accessible to a greater number of readers * Medievalia (Bloomsbury Translation) *Table of ContentsTimeline List of Illustrations Introduction Chapter 1: What was the 'Northern Renaissance'? Chapter 2: Realism and the Visual Arts Chapter 3: Humanism in the North Chapter 4: The Old and the New Devotion Chapter 5: The Impact of Print Chapter 6: Wisdom, Folly and the Darker Vision Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe process of creating and reflection upon autobiographical memory is an everyday practice that is typical within the human experience. When music becomes integrated into personal memories, an invitation to remember is provided through both purposeful listening activities and incidental engagement with music in the everyday. The result is a metaphorical canon of music that accompanies life experiences. The Lifetime Soundtrack investigates musically motivated autobiographical memories as they relate to the lifetime soundtrack in order to provide further understanding of their occurrence, nuance, emotionality, and function for individuals. Drawing on in-depth discussions with younger and older adults, each chapter reflects on a common theme or aspect of musically motivated memory. People, places, and eras feature frequently, with memories of childhood, family, past romantic relationships, and the major and minor events occurring within them acting as prime sites for memory and music interaction. The book also considers the ways in which musically memory may manifest differently for trained musicians, for whom music represents both leisure and work. Forging a broad foundation in an overlooked area, this study brings together sociological views on the personal use of music and existing ideas on the workings of human memory. At the same time, it aims to fortify the concept of the Lifetime Soundtrack as a sociological concept with broad application in future research. In so doing, the book highlights the significance of music-enhanced reflection as a tool for the composition of meaning within everyday life.

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Book SynopsisFor sceptics, angels may be no more than metaphors: poetic devices to convey, at least for those with a religious sensibility, an active divine interest in creation. But for others, angels are absolutely real creatures: manifestations of cosmic power with the capacity either to enlighten or annihilate those whose awestruck paths they cross. Valery Rees offers the first comprehensive history of these beautiful, enigmatic and sometimes dangerous beings, whose existence and actions have been charted across the eons of time and civilization.Whether exploring the fevered visions of Ezekiel and biblical cherubim; Persian genii; Arab djinn; Islamic archangels; the austere and haunting icons of Andrei Rublev; or Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire and the more benign idea of the watchful guardian angel, the author shows that the ubiquity of these celestial messengers reveals something profound, if not about God or the devil, then about ourselves: our perennial preoccupation with the transcendent.Trade Review'Whether as mediators between the divine and human, or involved in the complex intertwining of good and evil, angels form a central part of human culture. In her fascinating book, From Gabriel to Lucifer, Valery Rees offers her readers a tantalising glimpse of the multi-faceted role angels have played in religion and history. She thereby helps restore to a more prominent position this much-neglected feature of human experience.' - Christopher Rowland, Dean Ireland's Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford, and author of Blake and the Bible 'Our fascination with angels and the angelic seems to go from strength to strength, and in her readable new book Valery Rees provides a lively and engaging account of why that is. Thoughtful and intelligent throughout, From Gabriel to Lucifer is a thorough and thought-provoking guide to the role of angels in many of the world's religions and cultures.' - Oliver Leaman, Professor of Philosophy and Zantker Professor of Judaic Studies, University of Kentucky 'This work of deep learning traces the idea of angelic beings through the history of the religions of the Book, and the cultures from which they emerged. Speculations so widespread and of such duration and elaboration plainly represent some general need or intuition; the book is an angel in itself, bringing us a message about human attempts to imagine and comprehend the mysterious universe we live in.' - Jill Paton Walsh, CBE, author of Knowledge of Angels (shortlisted for the Booker Prize, 1994) 'I very much enjoyed Valery Rees' From Gabriel to Lucifer. It is a terrific read: an absorbing account of angels across world history, ancient and modern. The author manages to find comparisons and connections in civilisations which appear to be quite different, and presents what could seem as merely antique speculations in a fresh and most thoughtful way. She gives us visions of worlds in which angels played their part as much as we now reckon that particles do today. She brings to life an aspect of our past often forgotten or dismissed but compellingly relevant to the worldview of those who lived only a few centuries ago.' - Melvyn Bragg

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Book SynopsisThe enigmatic and richly illustrative tarot deck reveals a host of strange and iconic mages, such as The Tower, The Wheel of Fortune, The Hanged Man and The Fool: over which loom the terrifying figures of Death and The Devil. The 21 numbered playing cards of tarot have always exerted strong fascination, way beyond their original purpose, and the multiple resonances of the deck are ubiquitous. From T S Eliot and his 'wicked pack of cards' in "The Waste Land" to the psychic divination of Solitaire in Ian Fleming's "Live and Let Die"; and from the satanic novels of Dennis Wheatley to the deck's adoption by New Age practitioners, the cards have in modern times become inseparably connected to the occult. They are now viewed as arguably the foremost medium of prophesying and foretelling. Yet, as the author shows, originally the tarot were used as recreational playing cards by the Italian nobility in the Renaissance. It was only much later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, that the deck became associated with esotericism before evolving finally into a diagnostic tool for mind, body and spirit. This is the first book to explore the remarkably varied ways in which tarot has influenced culture. Tracing the changing patterns of the deck's use, from game to mysterious oracular device, Helen Farley examines tarot's emergence in 15th century Milan and discusses its later associations with astrology, kabbalah and the Age of Aquarius.Trade Review`Deeply researched and elegantly written, Farley’s is by far the most important contemporary contribution to the academic study of the Tarot. No serious work in the history of Western Esotericism will be able to ignore the author’s ground-breaking study. Engrossing and fascinating’ - Philip C Almond, Emeritus Professor of Studies in Religion, University of Queensland, 'Helen Farley takes the reader deep into the diverse worlds of late Renaissance Italy, Enlightenment France, Victorian England and New Age America - and a host of other milieux - in her impressive study of tarot symbolism. She offers a comprehensive yet detailed study of the changing imagery in the cards as they emerged from their evolving historical contexts. Rarely does a book offer such a wealth of information over such a broad span of time in a way that does justice to its subject: but Farley accomplishes her task with thoroughness and diligence. A Cultural History of Tarot makes a welcome and valuable contribution to the body of recent scholarship on the history of esotericism. More than that, it provides a roadmap to show how scholars of art and culture can engage meaningfully with the fascinating esoteric strands of Europe's past.' - Christina Oakley Harrington, Proprietor, Treadwell's Bookshop, LondonTable of ContentsIntroduction Origins and Antecedents Renaissance Italy and the Emergence of Tarot An Alternative Explanation of Tarot Symbolism The Transformation of Tarot into an Esoteric Device Across the Channel to England Tarot and the New Age Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisIn the closing decades of the nineteenth century, John and Flora Baird set up their home in Ayrshire, Scotland, and built a thriving farm and a successful family. But the story didn't end there. Each of the Baird sons carried on the legacy of their father, meeting the challenges and opportunities of the new century in their own way. This is the story of John, who grew a burgeoning farming business and was known as a man 'with golden hands', and of Andrew, who took his inherited farm and bred a coveted, world-famous herd of cows and bulls. It is also the story of Hugh, who followed the promises of a land of 'milk and honey' in Canada, and set up his own roots there and of Gilbert, who enlisted to fight in the First World War and saw its horrors first-hand. The Sons of the Farmer is an intricately researched, warmly told narrative of the Baird family as they grew and established their own legacies in Scotland, England, and Canada, set against the tumultuous backdrop of early twentieth century history.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Baird Family Trees Maps; Glossary of Scottish words; Chapter 1 1902; Chapter 2 1903; Chapter 3 1905; Chapter 4 1906; Chapter 5 1910; Chapter 6 1912; Chapter 7 1914; Chapter 7 1915; Chapter 9 1916; Chapter 10 1917; Chapter 11 1918; Chapter 12 1919; Chapter 13 1920; Chapter 14 1921; Chapter 15 1922-1927; Chapter 16 1928-1932; Chapter 17 1933-1936; Chapter 18 1937-1940; Chapter 19 1941-1946; Chapter 20 1947-1965; epilogue; List of Fictional Characters; appendices: Copies of original documents

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Book SynopsisFarming and family life are at the heart of this delightful memoir set in the Sussex countryside. From 1949 to 1997, Frithwood Farm was the cherished home of the Lerwill family: Berns and Consuelo, and their three children Hugh, Rhona and Angela. Although an idyllic location for the youngsters to grow up in, it was hard work for their parents as they tended the land and cared for the animals - as well as their own brood. Reflecting on those years, youngest daughter Angela has vividly chronicled many of her own - and others - favourite recollections. Told with humour and honesty, this detailed account also provides a fascinating insight into the immense changes that were happening in British farming. Big business would soon dominate agriculture. Small farms were being swept away or swallowed up by larger enterprises, and the Lerwills faced a constant struggle to maintain Frithwood and their livelihood. In addition to family, farming and country life, Angela recalls friends, neighbours and animals, together with significant moments, and highlights of the rural year. Colourful descriptions of flora, fauna and the glorious Sussex landscape further enhance the reminiscences. Elements of social, family and agricultural history are interwoven to create a charming and realistic portrait of British rural life, that has now, sadly, been lost forever. Foreward by Graham Harvey (Former Agricultural Story Editor for The Archers);Table of ContentsForeword by Graham Harvey; Preface; Introduction; Early Days; Working The Land; Struggling Away; Life indoors; Neighbours And Others; Adversane To woodlands Lane; Strong Legs Essential; Friends That Neigh; Having Fun; Changing Environment; Old Age Descends; Other People's Memories; Glossary; Acknowledgements; Afterword; Appendices; Appendix A:; Family Group Sheet for William Lerwill; Appendix B:; Family Group Sheet for Walter Sidney Lerwill; Appendix C:; Family Group Sheet for Thomas Howe Elliott; Appendix D:; Schedule of Sale; Appendix E:; Geographical Position of Frithwood Farm; Appendix F:; Layout of Farm Buildings; Appendix g:; Architectural Description of Farmhouse; Appendix H:; Favourite Sayings and Expressions; Appendix I:; Rhona and Angela's Prayers; Appendix J:; List of Pulborough Market Attendees; Appendix K; Ten Things Angela Loved About Her Parents;

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Book SynopsisGermany, spring 1945. Hitler is dead and his armies crushed. Across the conquered Reich, cities lie devastated by Allied saturation bombing; their traumatised populations, exhausted and embittered by defeat, face a future of acute privation and hardship. Such was the broken state of the nation in which a British civilian and military force arrived in the spring and summer of 1945. Their zone of occupation was the northern and northwestern part of Germany, the country’s former industrial heartland. Their task? To build democracy from the ruins of Hitler’s Reich, and, having defeated Nazism on the battlefield, to ‘win the peace’ by eradicating Nazism from German hearts and minds. As well as offering a vivid narrative of the British occupation in political and military terms, from the Potsdam Conference to the Berlin Airlift, Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans explores the day-to-day experiences of the ordinary Britons who worked for the Control Commission for Germany between 1945 and 1949. Some reconstructed bridges and schools, supervised the destruction of military matériel and brought fugitive Nazis to justice; while others became entangled in black marketeering, corruption and sexual scandal. In time, they would find themselves on the front line of the Cold War, as irreconcilable tensions divided Europe between East and West.Trade ReviewImmensely readable ... Cowling expertly navigates his narrative through a post-war Europe of conflicting ideas, difficult decisions, brilliant minds and flawed people -- Katja Hoyer * Daily Telegraph *Candid and illuminating -- Richard Overy * Literary Review *Very readable ... The real strength of the book is in the tiny details that Cowling's painstaking research uncovers -- Glenda Cooper * Mail on Sunday *A gripping account of the post-war period detailing life in the British Zone. The Allies may have won the war but with Germany in ruins and millions homeless, hopeless and starving, would they win the peace? * Julia Boyd, author of A Village in the Third Reich *An endlessly wonderful evocation of the post-War years when we tried, despite the chaos of the times, understandably bitter feelings, and ruinous expense, to create a new, democratic Germany, even as our Empire crumbled around us. It may not have been our finest hour - yet, to the infinite benefit of Europe, we really did win the peace. A clear, grand idea mixed with unforgettable new details make this unputdownable. * James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of Germany *An excellent, vivid, readable social history of the British and their Zone in Post-War Germany. * Giles MacDonogh *The British occupation of Germany after 1945 was sometimes shameful, sometimes heroic, but often just chaotic. Cowling’s brilliantly researched book reveals it all, and must surely become the standard work on the subject. * Keith Lowe *Meticulously researched and skilfully written, Daniel Cowling’s narrative evokes a shattered post-war world in which British men and women were given the herculean task of rebuilding a democratic Germany. As they sought to round-up ex-Nazis, racketeers and corrupt officials, some found themselves drawn to an underworld rife with crime, drunkenness and sex. A ground-breaking account of a little-known period. * Giles Milton, author of Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare *

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