Sport Books

Book Synopsis'Psycho' is a word rarely bandied about in football today. There is no place on the pitch for player contact, let alone the sort of hard, robust tackling that could earn a player such a nickname. But 25 years ago, things were different. Only when players really overstepped the mark were their names added to the referee's little black book. And Pat Van Den Hauwe had a reputation as one of the hardest players in the game. In a career encompassing some 401 Football League appearances for Birmingham City, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall, he notched up two league titles and a European Cup Winners' Cup medal - but he also made his mark as one of the toughest and most feared defenders in the game. But Pat wasn't just a tough player on the pitch. The way he lived his life meant that he needed to be tough off the pitch as well. A 'hard nut' reputation invites people into your life who want to see how far they can push you - and Pat Van Den Hauwe attracted such people by the bus-load. This autobiography is not the usual collection of career memories from an ex-pro. It is probably the most explicit book ever written by a former footballer. Throughout his career, and long after he left the game, Pat Van Den Hauwe courted danger. In fact, he nearly paid the ultimate price for living life to the extreme. 'Psycho Pat': legend or madman? Read on and find out -

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Book SynopsisJimmy Case is best remembered for a spectacular FA Cup final goal and a deserved reputation as one of football's genuine hard men. But that does scant justice to a career that covered more than 700 appearances for 7 league clubs and did not end until he retired, through injury, at the age of 41. Raised on Merseyside, Jimmy began at his beloved Liverpool, becoming a key player in the all-conquering team of the late 1970s alongside stars like Kevin Keegan, John Toshack, Ray Clemence, Phil Thompson, Kenny Dalglish and his two great mates, Tommy Smith and Ray Kennedy. At Anfield, where he was signed by Bill Shankly and guided by Bob Paisley, Jimmy won a boxful of medals: four league titles, three European cups plus a host of other domestic honours which tell the truth about Jimmy Case - that he had much more than a tough tackle and a ferocious shot. As the man himself says, you couldn't get in that Liverpool team if you couldn't play.His ambition was to play his entire career at Liverpool but fate sent him on a different route: to Brighton, where he almost won the FA Cup; to Southampton, where he played more than 200 games; to Bournemouth; Halifax; Wrexham; and a single outing for Darlington. Along the way he came up against players like Andy Gray, Graeme Souness, David Speedie, Graeme Sharp and Norman Whiteside, often with painful results. Packed with incident and anecdotes, usually funny - but occasionally sad - this is the story of Jimmy Case, a true football legend.Trade Review"He is just the person you would want with you in the trenches in a war ... You'd look to your right and see "Jimmy Case." "Kevin Keegan"

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Book SynopsisYou can never take what you love too seriously and The Periodic Table of Football celebrates this fact.Welcome to The Periodic Table of Football. Instead of hydrogen to helium, here you’ll find Pelé to Sepp Blatter – 108 elements from the football pantheon arranged by their properties and behaviour on and off the pitch.This expert guide and accompanying poster spans over 150 years to offer an original perspective of the beautiful game.

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Book SynopsisJohn Terry, footballing legend and Chelsea hero, graduated from Chelsea youth academy to become an international star. His imposing strength, natural skill and bulldog spirit have made him the backbone of both Chelsea and England's staunch defences. Born in London, and raised through the Chelsea youth teams, Terry's extraordinary talent soon had him replacing World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf to become a first team favourite amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful. But Terry's progress has not all been plain sailing. In 2002, when he was on the verge of realising his dream of playing for England after some outstanding displays in the under-21 team, he was involved in an incident outside a nightclub. With his career in the balance, Terry battled back and, having been cleared of any charges, he became stronger than ever before. For years he was an indomitable force in the national side before retiring in 2012, having won 78 caps and appearing in two separate World Cups. He was even presented with the ultimate English honour when, in 2010, he captained his country during their World Cup campaign. Truly though, Terry is Chelsea through and through.Handed the captain's armband under Jose Mourinho's inspirational regime, backed by Roman Abramovich's formidable buying power, Terry is proof that some qualities simply can't be bought. His immense leadership skills have earned him the respect of his fellow pros and fans alike. With five FA Cups, four Premier Leagues - including an incredible 2014/15 campaign, and even a Champions League medal hanging in his trophy cabinet, John Terry must go down as one of the greatest Englishmen to ever play the game.

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Book SynopsisWINNER of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year 2023 WINNER of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022 WINNER OF THE TIMES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 A TIMES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 A WATERSTONES BEST SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 A DAILY MAIL SPORTS BOOK OF 2022 Cyclist Beryl Burton - also known as BB - dominated her sport much as her male contemporary Eddy Merckx, but with a longevity that surpasses even sporting legends like Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams and Sir Steve Redgrave. She was practically invincible in time trials, finishing as Best All-Rounder for 25 consecutive years and setting a world record in 1967 for the distance covered in 12 hours that beat the men. She won multiple world titles, even when the distances didn't play to her strengths. But her achievements were limited by discrimination from the cycling authorities, and by her strictly amateur status against state-sponsored rivals from Eastern Bloc nations. Yet she carried on winning, beating men and - infamously - competing against her own daughter, while working on a farm and running a household. Her motivation, sparked by appalling childhood illness, is as fascinating as her achievements are stunning. With access to previously unseen correspondence and photographs, and through extensive interviews with family, friends, rivals and fellow giants from across sport, acclaimed journalist Jeremy Wilson peels back the layers to reveal one of the most complex, enigmatic and compelling characters in cycling history. For the first time, he also provides the jaw-dropping answer to how fast she would still be on modern cycling technology. Long ignored by sporting history, Burton's life story - recently told by Maxine Peake in a stage and radio play - is finally getting the recognition she deserves.Trade ReviewThe least publicised, least rewarded great woman athlete ever to be disregarded by her own country. * The Times *The subtitle may not even be hyperbolic. Beryl Burton, an almost forgotten amateur cyclist who worked on a rhubarb farm in Yorkshire, was not simply the undisputed ruler of British women's cycling for 25 years, but also broke the men's record in a 12-hour time trial. Jeremy Wilson retrieves an astonishing life. -- Simon Kuper * Financial Times *To my mortification, I had not heard of Beryl Burton, so pretty much all the material in this was new to me. The subtitle - In Search of Britain's Greatest Athlete - is not hyperbolic: Burton dominated cycling, that most unforgiving of sports, in the 1960s, winning world championships on the road and the track, in 1967 setting a record for the 12-hour time trial (277.25 miles!) not beaten by a man for another two years. A phenomenon. -- Robert Crampton * The Times Best Sports Book of the Year 2022 *An incredible story about one of the greatest cyclists of all time * Irish Times *Britain's greatest ever cyclist is given the literary treatment she so richly deserves in Wilson's rigorously researched biography of the complex and enigmatic Beryl Burton. * Waterstones Best Books of 2022 *I simply cannot exaggerate how bloody great this book is and how inspiring Beryl's story is -- Emma Cole * Cyclist *My 97-year-old mother-in-law has no interest in cycling but picked it up from our kitchen table, took it home, and loved it! -- Alastair CampbellThe most comprehensive chronicle of its kind * Yorkshire Post *Remarkable -- Ilkley GazetteOne of the greatest figures in the history of British sport. -- Matthew SyedThe DiMaggio, the Muhammad Ali ... of British cycling. -- Gordon BurnA marvellous book. Gives a real insight into Beryl and the times. For the first time I feel like I really know her and questions have been answered. So wonderfully researched, so many things I didn't know! It really puts her on the roster of legends. -- Maxine PeakeLudicrously ahead of her time. Ruthless, relentless, brilliant, belligerent - and quite possibly the greatest Olympian Britain never had. What a story. -- Alistair Brownlee, author of Relentless: Secrets of the Sporting Elite and double Olympic championThe scale of unsung achievement is awe-inspiring. The finest Olympian we never had -- Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, 11 times Paralympic championJeremy Wilson finds the human heart of a story that gets more extraordinary as a unique athlete recedes into history. Very highly recommended. -- Richard WilliamsJeremy Wilson brings alive this extraordinary woman's achievements (and problems, too - she wasn't always the best mother) in this fabulous biography. -- Sports Books of the Year * Daily Mail *I had never realised the longevity and scale of achievement. I'm in awe. -- Dame Katherine GraingerWhat a story Wilson has uncovered. No one in the history of sport can have worked with quite the self-sacrificing single-mindedness ... a woman of thermonuclear levels of competitiveness -- Jim White * The Oldie *This is not a hagiography, and all the better for it. Wilson brings her personality to life, faults and all. Meticulously researched. Compelling -- Isabel Best, author of Queens of PainA beacon is a guiding light, or a warning signal... a fire in a high place. Beryl Burton was, and is, all of those things. Her flame burns all the brighter thanks to Jeremy's fine book. -- Carlton KirbyA beautiful book that tells us not just what she did, but who she truly was. -- Michael Hutchinson, author of FasterThis is an inspirational story that just had to be told. There are few athletes, male or female, that had the success and longevity of Beryl Burton - but for too long her name and achievements have remained in the shadows. No longer! This fabulous book brings the person and her phenomenal, groundbreaking achievements to light - I couldn't put it down. -- Chrissie Wellington, four times world Ironman champion:Subtle, full of insight, extensively researched and a joy to read -- Paul Jones, author of End to EndImpressively thorough ... worth every page * Road.cc *A superb book about someone who was great before her time * Pez Cycling News *A long overdue and remarkable biography of a remarkable cyclist -- Charlie Connelly * The New European *The fascinating [and] extraordinary story of Yorkshire's very own ... it is an excellent book [and] well worth a read * Cycling Europe Podcast *Jeremy Wilson provides a convincing case in his tribute to this elusive and remarkable figure -- Best Sport Books of the Year * The 42 *Charts the incredible story of cyclist Beryl Burton, who set a world record in 1967 and was Britain's best all-rounder for 25 successive years. Given her myriad achievements across several decades, it is surprising that Burton is relatively unknown among the wider public; this book aims to address that. -- Nathalie Issa * The Daily Telegraph *A fascinating book ... brilliant story [and] definitely well worth checking out. There's been many plaudits for Jeremy's amazing book, but a common thread that runs through them is how thoroughly well researched it is. -- Anthony Walsh and James Spender * Cyclist Magazine Podcast *Beryl is a worthy winner of the award, because it charts the most incredible of sporting endeavours and gradually reveals Burton to be both admirable and troubling ... it is not a book just for cycling enthusiasts. Burton would have stormed the Olympics had it allowed female cyclists to compete, and her story demanded the attention to detail that Wilson affords it. -- Alyson Rudd, chairwoman of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award * The Times Best Sports Book of The Year *Hands up if, like me, you had never heard of Beryl Burton. Shame on us. The truth is she was a cycling phenomenon [and] ferociously competitive Yorkshire girl, who swept the board in all the various British national championships. Jeremy Wilson brings alive this extraordinary woman's achievements (and problems, too - she wasn't always the best mother) in this fabulous biography. -- Roger Alton * Daily Mail *An incredible story about one of the nation's greatest-ever athletes that you probably haven't heard of - until now. * The Sport Review *The Telegraph chief sports writer Jeremy Wilson set out to learn more about Beryl Burton and at the end of a long investigative odyssey ended up convinced that Burton was the greatest athlete this country has ever produced. Who are we to argue? * Cycling Weekly Gift Guide *I loved it, as everyone else has [and] recommend people get it, read it cover to cover and be amazed by the life of Beryl Burton. * Spokesmen Cycling Podcast *

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Book SynopsisThis book is essential reading for those who are looking to expand their knowledge and for those who seek a more philosophical approach to this ancient craft. It starts as a journey of inquiry, reviewing the past and examining the present, objectively introducing to the reader the wider perspective of farriery; not just about ‘shoes on horses’ but as a benign manipulative therapy, which forms an integral part of the whole horse concept.

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Book SynopsisOriginal edition reissued in 2023 with new cover. This is a print on demand title and is not held in stock. The delivery leadtimes will be longer. This book looks at the science behind cricket – not just physics – explaining to the armchair fan and the sportsman alike how many different branches of science come together on a cricket field to produce the end result that is the game that we watch with such passion. This is done in a way that should be understandable to the intelligent layman and to people with a basic grounding in science, but illustrative to people with a deeper understanding of the principles involved.

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Book SynopsisOriginal edition reissued in 2023 with new cover. This is a print on demand title and is not held in stock. The delivery leadtimes will be longer. What if Einstein played rugby? Surely he'd offer useful tips and techniques to defeat the opposition? In this book, the world of physics joins forces with the world of rugby, to show you how to tackle harder, pass safer, run faster, and scrum better - all the things you need to do to win. Blending simple physics, the kind you meet in high school, with anecdotes and stories from the world of rugby, Trevor Lipscombe takes us on a journey from scrum ruck and maul, to the running and passing of the offence, the chasing and tackling of the defence, through the kicking of penalties, to dressing for success in scorching summer sevens or winning in the winter. For any rugby fan with a smattering of science, or any science buff who knows the rudiments of rugby, The Physics of Rugby should delight, entertain, and instruct.

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Book SynopsisOriginal edition reissued in 2023 with new cover. This is a print on demand title and is not held in stock. The delivery leadtimes will be longer. This book provides a fun introduction to the mathematics and physics needed to really understand scuba diving; it was written by an enthusiastic scuba diver, who is also a mathematician. The book is written for the lay person, and assumes only a willingness to express basic scientific relationships using mathematical equations. The book describes all of the basics regarding pressure, depth and density, covered more completely than in the typical open water diving course. But in addition, it looks at the mathematical background for dive tables and dive computers, tools divers use to avoid getting decompression sickness. The book explains the basic Haldane theory of nitrogen on-gassing and off-gassing, in more depth than is found in the popular literature. The book would appeal to divers interested in a bit more background that is available in the popular literature, and to people interested in how basic science and mathematics has a large impact on the sport of scuba diving. The book has been used as a textbook for a popular introduction to mathematical thinking.

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Book SynopsisWritten by the founder of The London School of Cycling. This essential book celebrates how cycling has changed the world – and the wisdom we can glean along the way from life on two wheels.As Einstein once said, ‘life is like riding a bicycle’. In this beautifully illustrated book, cycling expert Patrick Field reveals the lessons we can learn from the world of cycling, including the movers and shakers who created the cycling revolution, the best modern races, chases and riders of the twenty-first century, and incredible stories of people who have smashed down barriers on the road… and beyond. Once we learn how to ride, we never forget how to do it. This little book brings together over 60 vital life lessons inspired by the bike – from pushing yourself to the limit to learning to pace yourself and the importance of teamwork – and will show you that learning how to ride is, essentially, learning how to live. Packed with tips and tricks and combined with stunning illustrations from Harry Goldhawk, this is perfect for seasoned and new cyclists alike.

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Book SynopsisRide and Shine is a must read handbook for any budding Indoor Cycling Instructor. Izabela Ruprik grew up in Poland and enjoyed cycling like most young people. When she moved to the United Kingdom in 2000 she discovered and became obsessed with Salsa dancing. Some years later Izabela qualified as a Level Three Personal Trainer and started attending Indoor Cycling classes led by a friend who suggested she train to become an instructor herself. In her own words Isabela realised she had discovered; 'Her dream job'. Eight years and over 2,500 classes later she decided to write this book to help other would-be instructors. Ride and Shine is a complete guide for anyone wishing to step onto Izabela's pedals and become an Indoor Cycling Instructor, and covers everything from knowing what's best to wear, where to train to how to become qualified and find work. While there is lots of valuable technical information in the book about the latest equipment and training methods this is not a dry and boring textbook. Ride and Shine is a fascinating and amusing story of Izabela's life as an instructor, detailing both the highs and the lows. No two classes are the same and no group of cyclists are the same. She describes how to make classes beneficial for people with disabilities and special needs and how to handle cyclists with embarrassing problems!Trade ReviewIf you've ever wondered what it takes to be an Indoor Cycling Instructor, then this is the book for you. Full of brilliant insights and information, there are so many things you can take from Izabela's adventures to date.; Izabela uses her experiences to set you on the right road, so get on, clip in, and enjoy the ride! Stevie Barr - Indoor Cycling Instructor and Biomechanics Coach; Every indoor cycle instructor no matter their experience needs a tool box. Whether it be physical, psychological or creative. After all, the more tools an instructor has at their disposal the more creative the solution to the problem can be. This book is your tool box. Reach into it to find tools for any problem you maybe facing. Solved by someone who has ridden and coached through all of them. Neil Troutman, SCU International Manager and Content Creator at Stages Indoor Cycling, Founder of Velocity Indoor Cycling.; I wish there was a book like that out there when I was starting out as an instructor". Amanda-Jane Kershen, Body Balance, Zumba, RPM Elite Instructor and Stages Indoor Cycling Instructor.;Table of ContentsIntroduction; About Mex; Chapter 1 Confessions of a Cover Girl or Words of Wisdom for New Instructors; Chapter 2 Fiascos; Chapter 3 Keeping Track; Chapter 4 Health and Safety Concerns; Chapter 5 Instructors' Dilemmas; Chapter 6 Class Profiles; Chapter 7 Music; Chapter 8 How to Put Bums on Seats and Keep Your Classes Busy; Chapter 9 Teaching Styles; Chapter 10 Feedback Forms; Chapter 11 Keeping It Real; Chapter 12 Intensity; Chapter 13 Using Notes; Chapter 14 Motivating the Riders; Chapter 15 Special Populations; Chapter 16 Auditions; Chapter 17 Studio Logistics; Chapter 18 Gym Wear; Chapter 19 Hygiene in the Studio; Chapter 20 Say WHAT?!;

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Book SynopsisIn 1992, when Michael Rutter was just 20 years old, he followed in his dad's footsteps and began a career as a professional motorcycle racer. He has been racing ever since. This is his story of highs and lows, survival, luck and persistence, set against the raw, infectious atmosphere of the racing paddock. It is also a story of growing up with a global superstar for a Father; Tony Rutter. Read Michael's account of spending his childhood watching his dad's career - from fighting for world championships to fighting for his life after a devastating crash in 1985. Undeterred, Michael would go on to build his own career and forge his own unique path. This is the remarkable tale of how Michael has stayed competitive for 30 years, and stepped out of his 4-time world champion dads shadow to add his own name to the list of all time greats of the sport. Michael has started 431 British Superbike races, 20 World Superbike races, and 16 MotoGP races while also competing in road racing, where he has started 90 Isle of Man TT, 83 Northwest 200 and 24 Macau Grand Prix races. The Life of a Racer is a gripping journey into the mind and life of someone who was born in to the race paddock and who has been there ever since.Table of ContentsForeword ix. Iintroduction xiii. Chapter1; Montjuic Park 1. Chapter2; Dad 8. Chapter3; Blade 20. Chapter4; 1989-1992: the early years 32. Chapter5; 1993-1996: turning Pro 41. Chapter6; 1994: My First tt 58. Chapter7; 1997-1998: honda - Job for life 70. Chapter8; 1999: Grand Prix 86. Chapter9; 2000: Joey & DJ 99. Chapter10; 2001, 2007 and 2012: Right Bike, Wrong time 109. Chapter11; 2002 & 2003: Renegade 121. Chapter12; 2004 & 2005: hRc - Full Factory 136. Chapter13; 2006: hero to Zero 151. Chapter14; PR, Money and Fame 163. Chapter15; 2008: north West 200 Ducati 177. Chapter16; 2009: Going to the Pub 188. Chapter17; 2010 & 2011: last chances 199. Chapter18; tt Zero 209. Chapter19; 2013: honda legends World endurance 221. Chapter20; classic tt 233. Chapter21; Macau 241. Chapter22; 2014-2019: old Dog, new tricks 250. Chapter23; after the Flag 263.

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Book SynopsisIn this follow-up to his autobiography, Michael Rutter changes his focus and now reflects on his father's life - the victories, defeats, scrapes with the law and practical jokes. He also looks at his father's close brushes with death, including the horrific career-ending crash of 1985, and its aftermath. Tony Rutter (1942-2020) is best known for his four world TT-F2 championship wins, seven Isle of Man TT wins, nine North West 200 wins, and two British Championship titles during his twenty-two-year career - but the man himself has remained something of an enigma to everyone including his own son Michael, who himself went on to have a hugely successful career and keep the Rutter name alive in the world of motorcycle racing to the present day. Through his own memories, as well as those of longstanding teammates and friends, Michael pieces together his father's values, what mattered to him the most, his odd - sometimes maddening - traits. What unfolds is a profile of the man behind the incredible talent and singular focus of an elite racer. With a foreword by Carl Fogarty, this is the first-ever book about one of the finest racers in a great generation of racers, by those who knew and loved him the most.Table of ContentsContents Dedication vii Foreword by carl Fogarty MBe ix Introduction xiii Chapter 1: Giving up Chapter 2: From nobody to Somebody Chapter 3: Behind every Great Racer Chapter 4: We aren't normal Chapter 5: Endurance Chapter 6: World champion Chapter 7: 1985 Chapter 8: The Pull of the TT Chapter 9: Paying the Price Chapter 10: Remember to enjoy yourself Chapter 11: Respect Chapter 12: Friends Reunited Chapter 13: How Did i Get here? Chapter 14: A State of Mind Chapter 15: Tributes

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Book SynopsisSince its creation in South America, the popularity of futsal has exploded and is now enjoyed by around 60 million participants globally. Futsal has captivated audiences around the world, becoming one of the fastest growing sports. In response to this exponential growth, futsal has become a contemporary topic for academics and practitioners alike seeking to understand the sport. Unique to futsal is the deep fascination that exists both for futsal's value as an individual sport and for its huge potential to enhance soccer player development. Powerful anecdotal stories ignite intrigue to the massive potential of futsal to support soccer player development at all ages and levels. This lightning-fast small-sided game condenses the most exciting parts of soccer into a high tempo yet incredibly strategic sport. Futsal - The Perfect Game to Develop Soccer Skills brings together, for the first time, the scholarly, academic world and the practical applied settings in which futsal exists. Drawing on detailed research, the authors create an evidence-based argument for the inclusion of futsal in talent development programs for soccer, while exploring the nuances of its application with players in a practical setting. Futsal - The Perfect Game to Develop Soccer Skills is the perfect book to support stakeholders, technical directors and coaches, and to help educate a mixed audience from both academia and sports-practitioners at all levels.Table of ContentsList of Figures; List of Tables; Dedications; Forewords; Dr Christopher Carling - An Academic Perspective; Marc Carmona - A Coach's Perspective; Max Kilman - A Player's Perspective; Raoni Medina - A Player's Perspective; Preface; Author Backgrounds; Dr Christopher Yiannaki; Michael Skubala; Acknowledgements; Part a - the evidence; chapter 1 - What is Futsal? a Brief Background; chapter 2 - do Skills developed on the Futsal court transfer onto the Soccer Pitch?8; chapter 3 - the Physical demands of Futsal; chapter 4 - the technical and tactical demands of Futsal; chapter 5 - the Psychological demands of Futsal Performance; chapter 6 - the development of Social Skills in Futsal Players; chapter 7 - topics of Special interest - concussion and heading; chapter 8 - areas for Further research; Part B - the Practical delivery oF FutSal; chapter 9 - cultural comparisons from around the World: how do the Best Futsal nations deliver Futsal for Soccer development?; chapter 10 - Player development: a Framework to deliver Futsal; List of Abbreviations and Glossary; Epilogue; References

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