Search results for ""spark""
Random House USA Inc Bucket List Europe: From the Epic to the Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences
Whether you want to drink wine in the Bordeaux region of France, eat a Sacher torte in a Viennese cafe, walk through the ruins of Pompeii, party at Oktoberfest in Munich, or soak in the Northern Lights in Iceland, Fodor's travel experts all across Europe are here to help! Fodor's Bucket List Europe: From Epic to Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences guidebook is packed with carefully curated musts to help you check your European dream to-dos off your travel wishlist and discover quirky and cool extras along the way. It's everything you need to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and brag about!This brand-new title has been designed with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos.Fodor's Bucket List Europe travel guide includes: 500+ MUSTS COVERING every major European country: 40 countries in all EPIC and OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH selections in every country so that you can be sure you cover the classics and find some surprises, too COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK in each region from quintessential local specialties to local favorites, as well as must-try ice cream, fruit, locally brewed beers, wines, and unique dishes. GREAT ITINERARIES help you make the most of your time whether you're planning a two-week tour of France or an extended itinerary to hit every country in Eastern Europe. Combine recommended touring plans to create that epic European trip filled with Bucket List attractions, food, photo-ops, and fun COOL PLACES TO STAY from historic hotels to the best BnBs and inns. LOCAL WRITERS to make sure you get the best on-the-ground advice on how and when to visit find the under-the-radar gems DOZENS OF MAPS to help orient you in each country and region INCLUDES: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey Planning on visiting more of Europe? Check out Fodor's Essential France, Fodor's Essential Scandinavia, Essential Italy, and Essential Spain.*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!
£19.99
Simon & Schuster Watergate: A New History
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * “Do we need still another Watergate book? The answer turns out to be yes—this one.” —The Washington Post * “Dazzling.” —The New York Times Book Review From the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Plane in the Sky, comes the first definitive narrative history of Watergate—“the best and fullest account of the crisis, one unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)—exploring the full scope of the scandal through the politicians, investigators, journalists, and informants who made it the most influential political event of the modern era.In the early hours of June 17, 1972, a security guard named Frank Wills enters six words into the log book of the Watergate office complex that will change the course of history: 1:47 AM Found tape on doors; call police. The subsequent arrests of five men seeking to bug and burgle the Democratic National Committee offices—three of them Cuban exiles, two of them former intelligence operatives—quickly unravels a web of scandal that ultimately ends a presidency and forever alters views of moral authority and leadership. Watergate, as the event is called, becomes a shorthand for corruption, deceit, and unanswered questions. Now, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Garrett M. Graff explores the full scope of this unprecedented moment from start to finish, in the first comprehensive, single-volume account in decades. The story begins in 1971, with the publication of thousands of military and government documents known as the Pentagon Papers, which reveal dishonesty about the decades-long American presence in Vietnam and spark public outrage. Furious that the leak might expose his administration’s own duplicity during a crucial reelection season, President Richard M. Nixon gathers his closest advisors and gives them implicit instructions: Win by any means necessary. Within a few months, an unsteady line of political dominoes are positioned, from the creation of a series of covert operations code-named GEMSTONE to campaign-trail dirty tricks, possible hostage situations, and questionable fundraising efforts—much of it caught on the White House’s own taping system. One by one they fall, until the thwarted June burglary attracts the attention of intrepid journalists, congressional investigators, and embattled intelligence officers, one of whom will spend decades concealing his identity behind the alias “Deep Throat.” As each faction slowly begins to uncover the truth, a conspiracy deeper and more corrupt than anyone thought possible emerges, and the nation is thrown into a state of crisis as its government—and its leader—unravels. Using newly public documents, transcripts, and revelations, Graff recounts every twist with remarkable detail and page-turning drama, bringing readers into the backrooms of Washington, chaotic daily newsrooms, crowded Senate hearings, and even the Oval Office itself during one of the darkest chapters in American history. Grippingly told and meticulously researched, Watergate is the defining account of the moment that has haunted our nation’s past—and still holds the power to shape its present and future.
£15.29
John Wiley & Sons Inc Adventure Amazon Activity Guide, Activity Guide
In this exciting activity, participants face a simulated "jungle survival." They must reach agreement in this imaginary setting in order to succeed, and they learn why consensus produces the best decisions. "You are a volunteer on an expedition to South America to study the tropical flora. Your base camp is a small village near the river city of Manaus, Brazil. Today is a free day and you and a few other expedition members have decided to visit, unannounced, a mutual friend who is working as a medical assistant in a remote village in the Amazon. Because there is no road, you hire a small plane to fly you over the rain forest jungle to reach your destination and return. Before you left the airport in Manaus, the pilot filed details of your flight plan with local authorities, as required. The plane took off as soon as the rain had stopped early this morning...."—excerpted from Adventure in the Amazon When the plane makes an emergency landing in the jungle, participants need to decide which of 15 items on the plane—including tallow candles, a pistol, safari hats, and other objects—would be most essential to their survival. First, as individuals, participants rate the 15 items. Then participants collaborate as a group and attempt to decide on the best course of action. When they cooperate, they experience the spark of synergy as never before! Use this gripping simulation to: Improve decision-making skills Enhance problem-solving abilities Strengthen group cooperation Show groups the power of synergy?and much more! The Leader?s Guide includes everything one needs to know about conducting this activity—including preparation, facilitation, and follow-up instructions. The activity leader does not need to be a skilled facilitator. Any team member, team leader, or manager can conduct the activity. No one wants to write a team "pep talk" that could fall flat. Human resource professionals, team leaders, and managers piloting a team development effort, will want to conduct this refreshing activity with their groups and teams in any work setting. Get one copy of the Activity booklet for each participant! What is a consensus activity? A consensus activity is an experiential learning activity in which participants are faced with a simulated problem. Participants receive a series of questions that require them to decide on a course of action. First, participants answer these questions individually. Then they collaborate and make collective judgments. When the "answers" to the questions are revealed, the collective judgments are usually superior to those arrived at individually. Why conduct a consensus activity? A consensus activity is the most powerful introduction to the concept of synergy. Plus these activities are fun and irresistibly involving! Groups are greater than the sum of their parts. Each member of a group has a small piece of knowledge. When group members exchange these "fragments," they find that collectively they have a huge body of knowledge. Therefore, they are almost always more successful when they heed advice and solicit opinions. Groups or teams that experience a consensus activity become more collaborative, more productive?and smarter!
£19.99
Headline Publishing Group A Very Merry Bromance: It's the most Bromantic time of the year!
If you love Ali Hazelwood, Sally Thorne and Helen Hoang, you'll LOVE Lyssa Kay Adams!'The most inventive, refreshing concept in rom-coms!' Entertainment Weekly The Bromance Book Club was one of Bustle's '21 Rom-Coms To Give You Warm And Fuzzy Feelings All Season Long'!Raves for The Bromance Book Club:'A you're-gonna-burn-dinner book because you will not want to put it down. Laugh out loud with tons of heart, this is an absolutely adorable must read' AVERY FLYNN'A delight! . . . I raced to finish this book, but still never wanted it to end!' ALEXA MARTIN'A delightful, fast-paced read with the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud and swoony moments - every town should have a Bromance Book Club' EVIE DUNMORE'It is the reading aloud in this story that ultimately wins my heart, and shows that everything worth knowing can be learned from romance' KC DYER.......................................'Tis the season to take out the mistletoe - and for a second chance at love.Country music's golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love-him-and-leave-him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to make music, with only the Bromance Book Club standing between him and self-pity. It's hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to pay rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family makes her an offer that could help, she can't say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of their whiskey brand. No big deal . . .Colton agrees to consider Gretchen's offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, he's determined to prove there's still a spark between them. But can Gretchen and Colton overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together?.......................................Readers are LOVING the Bromance Book Club series!'Five stars for this sweet, sexy, funny read''Wow! What to say about this book? It was everything and more . . . I loved absolutely everything about this book' 'Sweet and heartfelt and lovely. Vlad is just an absolute love and I could read about him being in love in every book!''This book was the full package. Amazing plot, great characters, sexual chemistry, heart, humour, vulnerability . . . A masterclass on romance novel construction' 'Heartfelt, sweet, emotional and tender . . . I can't get enough of this group of friends and I can't wait for the next addition!''I adored this book so much and flew through it so fast because I was loving it so much. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times . . . I just loved being back in this world with these characters so much!''Perfect for the summer holidays. An absolute feel-good romance with plenty of heart, laugh-out-loud scenes, and vulnerable yet strong characters. I couldn't put this book down'Don't miss any of the charming and swoonworthy Bromance Book Club reads!The Bromance Book ClubUndercover BromanceCrazy Stupid BromanceIsn't It Bromantic?A Very Merry Bromance
£9.99
Hodder & Stoughton Stars in an Italian Sky: A sweeping and romantic multi-generational love story from bestselling author of The Light We Lost
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost comes a sweeping and achingly romantic story of the course of fate, the meaning of family and the power of love. . . Italy, 1946The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor belong to opposing worlds. But when they set eyes on each other, an undeniable spark ignites a passionate relationship. Until shifts in political power force them to commit what the other believes is a betrayal, and their bright future together is shattered.New York, 2017Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither fits the other's family, they have always felt like a perfect match. Then Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass's grandmother to pose for a painting, past and present collide to reveal a secret that changes everything . . .***Readers have fallen in love with this story . . .'What a BEAUTIFUL story! Jill Santopolo has totally outdone herself!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Anyone who has grown up with a close bond to their grandparents and their roots, should read this. Warning, keep tissues handy!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The Italian version of The Notebook . . . a beautiful story that will break your heart but also make you smile' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Another fabulous novel by Santopolo. She knows how to you draw you into her novels and I am always invested in her characters' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐***Authors have fallen in love with this story . . .'A gorgeous, epic novel . . . Jill Santopolo writes heartbreak like no other' Emily Giffin, author of Meant to Be'A shimmering love story for the ages. Stars in an Italian Sky is about the course of fate, the meaning of family and the power of love. Bellissima!'Adriana Trigiani, author of The Good Left Undone'Woven together as intricately as the fine fabrics of the Genoese tailor shop where the star-crossed lovers meet . . . A poignant tale of love, loss, class, and fate, infused with the hopefulness of true love written in the stars'Kristin Harmel, author of The Book of Lost Names and The Winemaker's Wife'A spellbinding, deeply compassionate story centered around the fraught legacy of a pair of young lovers. Sensual, heartfelt, and incredibly moving, Santopolo's latest will bring you to tears'Fiona Davis, author of The Magnolia Palace'I was swept away by Stars in an Italian Sky, Jill Santopolo's charming novel of love, both lost and found'Lisa Scottoline, author of Loyalty'Filled with pathos, longing and romance, this book is a love letter to the human heart, and a testimony to the timelessness of true and lasting love'Allison Pataki, author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post'A warm, poignant story of enduring love and loss, spanning generations and set against the background of post WWII Italy'Rhys Bowen, author of The Tuscan Child and The Venice Sketchbook'Powerful, emotional, and steeped in beauty and romance, Stars in an Italian Sky is a breathtaking tale of star-crossed lovers that stretches across generations. A sweeping story brimming with passion'Ann Mah, author of The Lost Vintage and Jacqueline in Paris
£19.79
Baker Publishing Group Create Anyway – The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood
Motherhood and creativity can coexist. You have creative dreams swirling in your heart, but pursuing them while changing diapers and managing the carpool schedule feels impossible. You have no time. No space. You can mother, or you can create. You certainly can't do both (right?!). But what if you could pursue your God-given creative gifts alongside motherhood, for the enrichment of both experiences? What if you stopped viewing creativity as a selfish act, and started to see it as essential to your own flourishing as a mother? This book is a much-needed permission slip to do just that--through the pictures you take, the stories you write, the meals you make, the music you play, the gardens you grow. In this unforgettable book filled with rich storytelling and stunning photographs, writer and mother Ashlee Gadd helps you set aside the guilt and discover the sacred connection between creating and mothering. One-part commissioning, one-part pep talk, Create Anyway will propel you forward with a renewed sense of energy, purpose, and enthusiasm for stewarding the creative dreams God has planted in your heart--right alongside the diapers and carpool. Here's to creating in the margins of motherhood. Here's to creating anyway. Praise for Create Anyway "If you've ever felt like your creative energy and your motherhood were at odds, Create Anyway will be a balm to your soul."--Ruth Chou Simons, mom to six boys, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and founder of gracelaced.com "Create Anyway is an anthem, an invitation, a spark that will light a fire in your heart."--Gretchen Saffles, founder of Well-Watered Women and bestselling author of The Well-Watered Woman "If you're looking for a manual to help you reclaim the sacred slowness of motherhood and creativity, pick this one up today."--Hannah Brencher, author of Fighting Forward and Come Matter Here "The stories and wisdom in Create Anyway will inspire you to prioritize and delight in making art, not in spite of motherhood, but because of it."--Laura Wifler, author, podcaster, and cofounder of Risen Motherhood "I cried tears of release throughout this book. It's dreamy and gorgeous and raw, and I feel as if I can finally exhale after two long, hard years."--Leslie Means, creator of Her View From Home "Part pep talk, part permission slip, this beautiful book honors both the mothering journey and our God-given desires to create."--Kayla Craig, author of To Light Their Way and creator of Liturgies for Parents "Create Anyway is a compassionate call to be enchanted by the ordinary and see the beauty right where you belong."--Rachel Marie Kang, founder of The Fallow House and author of Let There Be Art "If you've ever questioned your value or worth in the long season of mothering little ones, I highly recommend this book! It feels like letting go and coming home at the same time."--Anjuli Paschall, author of Stay and Awake "Ashlee drops breadcrumbs of hope, confirming that we are not alone in the messy margins and perhaps instead of waiting for 'perfect' we have permission to lean in and make something beautiful right there."--Jena Holliday, artist, author, and founder of Spoonful of Faith
£21.99
Johns Hopkins University Press Is Cancer Inevitable?
How can new understandings about cancer cell interactions help doctors better control, and eventually cure, cancer?Cancer is a formidable enemy. In fact, people born in America since 1960 face a one in two chance of being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. However, there's growing evidence that fewer cancers will be death sentences for patients. New approaches and understandings are transforming the medical world, increasing success rates for remissions, disease management, and cures. Dr. Ashani Weeraratna is at the forefront of this new level of care. In Is Cancer Inevitable?, Weeraratna—a pioneering melanoma researcher whose work explores the role aging plays in cancer cells' spread and drug resistance—gives readers an inside look at several of the latest cancer advances. Detailing the actions that are reducing the disease's impact and exploring what the future may hold, she explains how the molecular mechanisms involved in metastasis and the cells' microenvironments influence cancer's development and progression. Over the years, she writes, our understanding of how cancer cells move throughout the body, change as they plant themselves in the body's microenvironments, and even communicate with one another have led to major insights about how cancer works. With compelling detail, she takes us inside her lab, revealing how new insights are leading to major breakthroughs, even among patients with Stage IV cancer. She also explains how age-related changes in the microenvironment contribute to multiple aspects of melanoma formation and development. Such scholarship, she argues, is moving us toward a day when more patients will be declared cancer-free. An inspiring and deeply personal book, Is Cancer Inevitable? offers readers newfound hope.Features• Explores key insights and studies developed in recent years that have greatly influenced the world of cancer research, including how aging microenvironments within our bodies encourage metastasis and therapy resistance• Guides readers through Dr. Ashani Weeraratna's personal story of coming to the United States from Lesotho at the age of 17 and rising to become one of the pioneers in her field• Brings readers inside Weeraratna's lab, describing both the processes and the missions of her work • Raises awareness about how cancer works within the body and what any patient or family encountering the disease needs to understand—while also offering them hope based on new and forthcoming diagnostic and treatment methods• Outlines why we will never control—let alone cure—cancer if we don't find a common purpose and come together in collaboration, inviting the greatest minds from around the world to participate in finding and implementing solutionsJohns Hopkins WavelengthsIn classrooms, field stations, and laboratories in Baltimore and around the world, the Bloomberg Distinguished Professors of Johns Hopkins University are opening the boundaries of our understanding of many of the world's most complex challenges. The Johns Hopkins Wavelengths book series brings readers inside their stories, illustrating how their pioneering discoveries benefit people in their neighborhoods and across the globe in artificial intelligence, cancer research, food systems' environmental impacts, health equity, science diplomacy, and other critical arenas of study. Through these compelling narratives, their insights will spark conversations from dorm rooms to dining rooms to boardrooms.
£14.00
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Knowledge Encyclopedia Earth!: Our Exciting World As You've Never Seen It Before
Explore planet Earth like you've never known before with this perfect children's encyclopedia for a young explorer.Forming part of a fantastic series of kid's educational books, this bold and brilliant kid's encyclopedia uses ground-breaking CGI imagery to reveal the world as you've never seen it before. Informative, diverse in subject matter, easy-to-read and brimming with beautiful graphics, young learners can explore the incredibly detailed cross-sections and cutaways that reveal the inner workings of the world around them, featuring floods, hurricanes, volcanoes, deserts and more.This charming children's encyclopedia opens the world in new ways:- Packed with facts, charts, timelines, and illustrations that cover a vast range of topics. - Encompassing a visual approach with illustrations, photographs and extremely detailed 3D CGI images.- Crystal clear text distills the key information.- DK's encyclopedias are fact-checked by subject experts to offer accuracy beyond online sources of information.Knowledge Encyclopedia: Earth! covers everything you need to know about Earth in glorious technicolour detail alongside easy explanations and fun facts to spark young minds to find out about our planet and how it works. The perfect encyclopedia for children aged 9-12, ideal for inquisitive minds, young learners can discover an array of fascinating facts, such as what's inside Earth, and why is it so hot under the surface? How did our planet come about, and what did it look like in the beginning? How are mountains formed and why are forests important? What happens when glaciers melt and how can we stop climate change? Encourage youngsters to explore habitats and ecosystems - inside caves, among enormous redwoods, on the savannahs, or deep down under the oceans. This extraordinary encyclopedia fuels your imagination using its jaw-dropping visual approach to explain everything from what keeps Earth in its place to the great diversity of plants, animals, and people who live on it, why it is unique and how it is changing.Explore, Discover And Learn!DK's Knowledge Encyclopedia: Earth uncovers the marvels of our world in unprecedented detail and with stunning realism. Encompassing engaging facts about Earth, including a closer look at nature, diving into the human body, the amazing world of science and our world's history, you can spend quality time exploring the our universe with your children, accompanied by impressive visuals to engage their senses. A must-have volume for curious kids with a thirst for knowledge, this enthralling encyclopedia is structured in such a way that your child can read a bit at a time, and feel comfortable to pause and ask questions. Doubling up as the perfect gift for young readers, who are always asking questions about our planet! At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. This thrilling kid's encyclopedia is part of the Knowledge Encyclopedia educational series. Celebrate your child's curiosity as they complete the collection and discover diverse facts about the world around them. Dive into the deep blue with Knowledge Encyclopedia Ocean! Travel back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth with Knowledge Encyclopedia Dinosaur! And hone your knowledge on how the human body works with Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! Whatever topic takes their fancy, there's an encyclopaedia for everyone!
£18.00
Little, Brown Book Group The Last Romeo: A BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick
Pre-order the new sharp, hilarious Justin Myers novel, LEADING MAN, now!'If you liked Bridget Jones's Diary, try this' BBC News*****James is 34 and fed up. His six-year relationship with Adam has imploded, he hates his job making up celebrity gossip, and his best friend Bella has just announced she's moving to Russia.Adrift and single in loved-up London, James needs to break out of his lonely, drunken comfort zone. Encouraged by Bella, he throws himself headlong into online dating, blogging each encounter anonymously as the mysterious Romeo.After meeting a succession of hot/weird/gross men, James has fans and the validation he's always craved. But when his wild night with a closeted Olympian goes viral and sends his Twitter-fame through the roof, James realises maybe, in the search for happy-ever-after, some things are better left un-shared. Seriously, wherefore art thou Romeo . . . From Justin Myers, author of sensational blog The Guyliner, this razor-sharp and cringingly candid account of one man's quest for The One is as sad, fearless and funny as dating itself.*****'If you liked Bridget Jones's Diary, try this' BBC News'So funny and sharp, yet tender and emotional too. I loved it!' Jill Mansell'I adored The Last Romeo . . . funny, clever and warm' Adam Kay, author of This is Going to Hurt'Funny, smart, tart' Russell T Davies, creator of BBC drama Torchwood'A savagely funny and poignant journey' Red Magazine'A frothy and insightful debut . . . an all-too-recognisable tale of the horrors and joys of attempting to find that special someone' Emerald Street'A razor-sharp tale, with fabulously drawn characters, crackling dialogue, real emotional heft and a wonderfully acerbic turn of phrase. Great fun' Sunday Mirror'A book we can all relate to . . . Myers' original take on modern dating is refreshing and timely' GQ'Myers has a wonderful style... [his] lines are sharp enough to murder' Independent'Sex and the City meets Bridget Jones's Diary in this sharp and pacey queer rom-com gone wrong for the digital age' Attitude'We can't remember the last time there was this much buzz in the literary world over a same-sex love story' Indy100'It's Bridget Jones meets Gossip Girl, and if you loved those, you'll adore this' Look Magazine'Insightful, heartfelt and witty' Laura Jane Williams'Myers is a natural raconteur and The Last Romeo is replete with the sharp wit and tenderness that made The Guyliner such a success' Sydney Morning Herald'What would you get if you were to combine Adrian Mole and almost any Marian Keyes novel? Justin Myers's brilliant debut novel and its lead, James' Sunday Times South Africa'Extremely funny, with real heart, depth and resonance' Daisy Buchanan'Warm, witty, wicked and wonderful . . . What an amazing debut' John Marrs, author of The One'Justin's writing is razor-sharp and so funny . . . I inhaled it in one sitting' Francesca Hornak, author of Seven Days of Us'Hilarious and insightful, The Last Romeo is the perfect blend of heart, spark and snark' Isabel Costello, Literary Sofa'Predictably wise, beautifully written and enormous fun' Marina O'Loughlin
£9.99
Human Kinetics Publishers Dance Integration: 36 Dance Lesson Plans for Science and Mathematics
Do you want to . . . • create a rich and vibrant classroom environment? • stimulate your students’ minds in multiple ways? • transform your teaching through incorporating the arts in your mathematics and science curriculums? Then Dance Integration: 36 Dance Lesson Plans for Science and Mathematics is just the book for you! The dance lesson plans in this groundbreaking book infuse creativity in mathematics and science content. Students will gain a wealth of critical knowledge, deepen their critical-thinking skills, and learn to collaborate and communicate effectively. Written for K-5 teachers who are looking for creative ways to teach the standards, Dance Integration will help you bring your mathematics and science content to life as you guide your students to create original choreography in mathematics and science and perform it for one another. In doing so, you will help spark new ideas for your students out of those two curriculums —no more same-old same-old! And in the freshness of these new ideas, students will increase comfort in performing in front of one another and discussing performances while deepening their understanding of the core content through their kinesthetic experiences. The creative-thinking skills that you will teach through these lesson plans and the innovative learning that dance provides are what set this book apart from all others in the field. Dance Integration was extensively field-tested by authors Karen Kaufmann and Jordan Dehline. The book contains these features: • Instructions on developing modules integrating mathematics and science • Ready-to-use lesson plans that classroom teachers, physical education teachers, dance educators, and dance specialists can use in teaching integrated content in mathematics and science • Tried-and-true methods for connecting to 21st-century learning standards and integrating dance into K-5 curriculums This book, which will help you assess learning equally in dance, science, and mathematics, is organized in three parts: • Part I introduces the role of dance in education; defines dance integration; and describes the uses, benefits, and effects of dance when used in tandem with another content area. • Part II offers dance and mathematics lessons that parallel the common core standards for mathematics. • Part III presents dance and science learning activities in physical science, life science, earth and space sciences, investigation, experimentation, and technology. Each lesson plan includes a warm-up, a developmental progression of activities, and formative and summative assessments and reflections. The progressions help students explore, experiment, create, and perform their understanding of the content. The plans are written in a conversational narrative and include additional notes for teachers. Each lesson explores an essential question relevant to the discipline and may be taught in sequence or as a stand-alone lesson. Yes, Dance Integration will help you meet important standards: • Common Core State Standards for Mathematics • Next Generation Sciencce Standards • Standards for Learning and Teaching Dance in the Arts More important, this book provides you with a personal aesthetic realm in your classroom that is not part of any other school experience. It will help you bring joy and excitement into your classroom. And it will help you awaken a community of active and eager learners. Isn’t that what education is all about?
£36.00
Open University Press Social Work, Poverty and Social Exclusion
What do we mean by the terms "poverty" and "social exclusion" in 21st century Britain? What impact do continuing austerity measures have on low-income families? How can social workers support and empower service users to escape poverty? An understanding of social division, social exclusion, and poverty is fundamental to the ethos of social work. This book relates poverty and social exclusion to social work practice, offering a fresh approach to the challenges social workers face in helping clients out of poverty.The book begins by examining the challenges posed by growing poverty set against cuts in services and tightening eligibility criteria. The book argues that the impact social exclusion and poverty has on service user's lives requires social workers to gain a greater awareness of both concepts and their relationship to social work practice. Chapters consider topical issues such as the role poverty plays in child protection issues, and the dilemmas social workers face in working with asylum seekers. A theme of the book is inequalities in health: that most service users suffer more illness, disability and premature death, because they are poor and excluded. Focused on what social workers can do in their practice to address social exclusion, the book supports students in developing relationship-based and community-oriented approaches that can actively alleviate poverty.Key features of the book include: Numerous quotations and vignettes give insights into social workers' and service users' real experiences. "What Do You Think?" exercises encourage students to actively engage with the issues and think critically about their understanding of poverty. Reflective questions are included to spark lively debate around ethics, beliefs and values. This book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate social work students at all levels. It will also be a key resource for sociology and social policy students seeking an understanding of poverty."Dave Backwith's new book should be required reading for every social work student, as well as by managers, policy makers and experienced practitioners."Paul Bywaters, Professor of Social Work, Coventry University"Dave Backwith provides social work with a strong values-based argument for politically engaged practice to address poverty and social exclusion. The book is informed by ecological and health inequalities perspectives and with chapters on children and families, older people and mental health, should be essential reading for all social workers."Kate Karban, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Bradford, Co-convenor, Social Work and Health Inequalities Network, 2010-2014"This book provides a comprehensive review of theory, research and policy on poverty and social exclusion. It identifies the forces which have narrowed social work's responses to poor people, and how practice could become more generous and imaginative."Bill Jordan, Professor of Social Work, Plymouth University, UK"Dave Backwith has successfully argued that social workers need to practice with a full appreciation of the impact of poverty and social exclusion on the people who need their assistance. This is, as he argues, essential for all areas of social work. His book therefore represents essential reading for all connected to the delivery of social work, students, practitioners and managers alike."Mark Lymbery, University of Nottingham, UK
£29.99
Little, Brown Book Group The Challenge Culture: Why the Most Successful Organizations Run on Pushback
'The Challenge Culture is a must-read for employers and employees alike, and promises to get ideas for long-term success percolating.' - Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group'Nigel's career, vision and humanity are very refreshing' - Claude Littner, former Chief Executive of Tottenham Hotspur and author of Single-Minded: My Life in BusinessChallenge is essential for survival and sustained success in today's volatile world.We live in an era when successful organisations can fail in a flash. But they can cope with change and thrive by creating a culture that supports positive pushback: questioning everything without disrespecting anyone.Nigel Travis has forty years of experience as a leader in large and successful organizations, as well as those facing existential crisis - such as Blockbuster as it dawdled in the face of the Netflix challenge. In his ten years as CEO and Chairman of Dunkin' Brands, Travis fine-tuned his ideas about the challenge culture and perfected the practices required to build it. He argues that the best way for organisations to succeed in today's environment is to embrace challenge and encourage pushback, rather than reject them. Everyone - from the newest recruit to the senior leader - must be given the freedom to speak up and question the status quo, must learn how talk in a civil way about difficult issues, and should be encouraged to debate strategies and tactics - although always in the spirit of shared purpose. How else will new ideas emerge? How else can organisations steadily improve?Through colourful story-telling, with many examples from his own experiences - including his leadership in turning around the fear-ridden culture of Leyton Orient Football Club -Travis shows how to establish a culture that embraces challenge, achieves exceptional results, and ensures a prosperous future.PRAISE FOR THE CHALLENGE CULTURE:'Nigel Travis has hit the nail on the head. Collective brilliance can only come from challenge and he proves this throughout his own leadership journey. Entertaining, edifying and exactly right.' -- Manley Hopkinson FRSA FRGS, author of Compassionate LeadershipWomen, especially young women, in today's world need to understand the importance of challenging authority and speaking up to share their point of view. The Challenge Culture brilliantly explains how to do it. (Nicole Lapin, author of Boss Bitch and Rich Bitch)'A must read for all people leading organizations in these turbulent times!' (Larry Bossidy, former chairman and CEO of Honeywell International, coauthor of Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done)'This book not only takes you inside [Nigel's] businesses, but inside the mind that challenged them to thrive. If you can use 20% of what he's suggesting, you'll be ahead of the game. Use 40% and you can blow the doors off.' (Mark Goldstein, former chief marketing officer of BBDO Worldwide)'Dissent is not disloyalty but can be the spark for innovation and the safeguard for integrity. ... Conformity kills creativity and subverts justice and The Challenge Culture is the antidote to a contagion of conformity across sectors.' (Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld, Lester Crown Professor of Leadership Practice, Yale School of Management)
£13.99
QuestFriendz SuperQuesters: The Case of the Great Energy Robbery
Discover your inner superhero in the further adventures of the intrepid SUPERQUESTERS! Ada Twist, Scientist meets PJ Masks in this unique, interactive adventure book series expertly designed to develop children's STEM skills in immersive ways never done before. When Leo's mum challenges Leo, Lilli and Bea to figure out how to power a model airplane using a special biofuel that can be made from an ingredient in their very own garden, the trio start investigating and return to Questland in search of a solution. Upon arrival, they discover that the evil Lord Grumble is up to his dastardly tricks, stealing energy throughout Questland from the sun, wind, water, animals and crops, and sending it back to his secret hideout on Black Rock Island. Adventure and excitement await as the friends work together to crack this latest case, while defeating Lord Grumble and his pesky Snapettes. This unique interactive story with hands-on activities is expertly designed in line with the Key Stage 1 Computing, Maths and Science National Curriculum to help children develop their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills in innovative new ways. Children develop over 13 STEM skills including problem solving, coding, sequencing and algorithms as they complete each interactive quest... and discover their inner superhero along the way. Motivating and empowering, each book features over 100 reusable stickers including magical charm rewards and a reward chart to help children mark their progress and celebrate success. To support grown-ups, spark children's curiosity and bring the adventure further to life there's a 'how to use this book' guide, glossary and answer page, plus free additional hands-on activities and further learning resources to download at: www.questfriendz.com If you're a superhero enthusiast, love learning through play or enjoy books such as Ada Twist, Scientist, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Look Up! and the Fantastically Great Women series, you'll LOVE this! It's time to Read, Quest, Learn! Also available in the series: SuperQuesters: The Case of the Missing Memory - Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2023: Children's Book of the Year - STEM category SuperQuesters: The Case of the Stolen Sun SuperQuesters: The Case of the Angry Sea - coming in 2024 'A sure fire hit at home or at school and a brilliant example of learning though play!' - Joy Court, LoveReading editorial expert “A fun, interactive book for inquisitive minds” - Konnie Huq, STEM advocate and author of Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World “I loved it because it was adventurous, magical and it made learning fun!” - Toppsta.com "Another fun and inclusive STEM adventure to get little coders thinking and tapping into their problem-solving skills!" - Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Never Teach a Stegosaurus To Do Sums “I loved it!...creative, eye-catching, thought provoking and interactive” - Dr Jo Montgomery, Dr Jo Science 'Buckle up for a mind expanding, brain boggling adventure...this book is guaranteed to ignite a quest for knowledge in even the most reluctant scholar' - WRD Magazine 'The blend of storytelling, STEM and interesting activities is genius…my class absolutely loved it!' - Erin Lyn Hamilton, children’s librarian and book blogger 'This is a book I wish I had had when I was young. Perfect for reluctant readers and makes a perfect addition to any lower primary school classroom or library.' - SLA School Librarian of the Year 2018, Emma Suffield
£7.99
Human Kinetics Publishers Teaching Healthy Lifestyles in Middle School PE: Strategies From an Award-Winning Program
Western society’s tendency toward unhealthy lifestyles is well documented. Physical education can be a powerful resource in resisting this trend, helping children build healthy habits that extend not only beyond the classroom but beyond their school years as well. For years, author Crystal Gorwitz has been at the forefront of a wave of healthy changes by developing a high-quality physical education curriculum: Her school has won a PEP grant and two NASPE STARS School awards, and she was honored as NASPE’s National Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2004. She shares her award-winning experience in Teaching Healthy Lifestyles in Middle School PE: Strategies From an Award-Winning Program. This guide offers • sample unit plans that pave the way for students to make healthy, lasting changes; • ideas for adding spark to your lessons and including more content on fitness, wellness, and lifestyle; • tips for using heart rate monitors and pedometers in your physical education curriculum; • ideas for working with colleagues, administrators, parents, businesses, and other organizations to enhance and support your physical education program; • strategies for building wellness programs for staff and after-school and summer programs for kids; and • ideas for authentic assessment that focus on measures of students’ health. The first chapter describes how you can embark on the PATH to teach the highest-quality physical education program. The four letters of PATH represent proven teaching strategies that will help you emphasize healthy lifestyles in your program: Planning. Learn how you can set goals for making the changes you want to see in your program and designing your curriculum in thoughtful ways to achieve those goals. Activity. Simply moving is a key to a healthy lifestyle! You can reduce standing-around time in your gym and get students active in measurable ways. Technology. Heart rate monitors and pedometers offer new and exciting ways to get kids interested in their health and bring life to your gym. Harmony. Discover how reaching out to others can enhance your program and extend its success far beyond the gym walls. Each chapter begins and ends with applications of PATH to the chapter’s topic, and sidebars throughout each chapter called Ideas That Work further apply PATH concepts to the content. High-quality education requires high-quality assessment, so chapter 2 is full of advice on designing authentic assessments that give you meaningful information about your students’ health. It also includes sample assessments you can use as a guide in designing your own. No matter how solid a program is, it won’t be successful if the students don’t find it fun and exciting. That’s why chapters 3 and 4 are filled with ideas on enhancing your fitness instruction with lively activities. Chapter 5 focuses on incorporating heart rate monitors and pedometers in your classes, which is not only fun for kids but also gives them an accurate view of how sedentary or active they are. But this book doesn’t stop with great ideas for your class curriculum; it shows how you can extend healthy lifestyles beyond the classroom. In chapter 6 you learn how to inspire school staff to adopt healthier habits, and chapter 7 outlines how to create after-school programs and design incentives for students to stay active in the summer months. Teaching Healthy Lifestyles in Middle School PE is the resource you need to lead the way to healthy change throughout your school. Through the book’s expert guidance, you will be empowered to improve your program, get your students involved in fun activities now, and start them on a path of fitness for life.
£23.99
Dialogue The Selfless Act of Breathing
A heartbreaking, lyrical story for all of those who have fantasised about escaping their daily lives and starting over.Michael Kabongo is a British-Congolese teacher living in London on the cusp of two identities. On paper, he seems to have it all - he's loved by his students, popular with his colleagues, and enjoys the pride of his mother who emigrated from the Congo. But behind closed doors, he's been struggling with the overwhelming sense that he can't improve the injustices he sees - from his efforts to change the lives of his students, to his attempts to transcend the violence that marginalises young Black men around the world.Then Michael suffers a devastating loss, and his life is thrown into a tailspin. As he struggles to find a way forward, memories of his fathers' violent death, the weight of being a refugee, and an increasing sense of dread threaten everything he's worked so hard to achieve.Longing to escape the shadows in his mind and start anew, Michael decides to spontaneously pack up and go to America, the mythical 'land of the free,' where he imagines everything will be better, easier - a place where he can become someone new, someone without a past filled with pain. On this transformative journey, Michael travels from New York City to San Francisco, partying with new friends, sparking fleeting romances, and splurging on big adventures.In the back of his mind, Michael has a plan: follow his dreams until the money in his bank account runs out, and then he will decide if his life is truly worth living...Written in spellbinding prose, with Bola's trademark, magnetic storytelling, The Selfless Act of Breathing is a heart-wrenching and deeply emotional novel about mental health, masculinity and the power of love. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Milk and the works of Derek Owusu.What people are saying about The Selfless Act of Breathing:'Well, wow. The writing in this book was so lyrical and beautiful... I really couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days... The last page had me on the verge of tears.' NetGalley Reviewer'I knew from the opening that this book was going to break my heart. Breathless and gripping, it is a masterclass in empathy.' Yvonne Battle-Felton'Heartfelt and searing... Devastating and insightful... Readers will be swept up in the sheer beauty of Bola's writing.' The i'Possessed by a daring turn of phrase and at times a beautifully powerful sense of personal poignancy... Should be pushed into the hands of friends accompanied by the question: do you feel this too?' Big Issue'Absolutely stunning.' Elizabeth Day'I loved this book - I lost my whole day reading - just couldn't bear to put it down!' NetGalley Reviewer'Wonderfully tender... Bola's vulnerable, delicate writing conveys so much truth and heart about the quiet pain in our hearts.' Nikesh Shukla'Arresting... Important and emotive... Powerfully raw.' Guardian'A bold work with a broad scope, bravely tackling masculinity, hopelessness and despair with force and directness.' Okechukwu Nzelu'A beautiful, absorbing read. By turns searing and quietly devastating.' Irenosen Okojie'An emotive, brave novel that ultimately holds out the prospect of salvation, without sacrificing any of its power.' Daily Mail'Providing a spark of hope.' Observer'Narrated with haunting lyricism... An intimate journey through the darkest of human impulses to the gleaming flickers of love and radical hope.' Susan Abulhawa'Bola's insightful, intimate and lyrical work has been entrancing readers... Reminiscent of Paul Beatty and Ralph Ellison.' The Bookseller
£8.99
Dialogue The Selfless Act of Breathing
A heartbreaking, lyrical story for all of those who have fantasised about escaping their daily lives and starting over.Michael Kabongo is a British-Congolese teacher living in London on the cusp of two identities. On paper, he seems to have it all - he's loved by his students, popular with his colleagues, and enjoys the pride of his mother who emigrated from the Congo. But behind closed doors, he's been struggling with the overwhelming sense that he can't improve the injustices he sees - from his efforts to change the lives of his students, to his attempts to transcend the violence that marginalises young Black men around the world.Then Michael suffers a devastating loss, and his life is thrown into a tailspin. As he struggles to find a way forward, memories of his fathers' violent death, the weight of being a refugee, and an increasing sense of dread threaten everything he's worked so hard to achieve.Longing to escape the shadows in his mind and start anew, Michael decides to spontaneously pack up and go to America, the mythical 'land of the free,' where he imagines everything will be better, easier - a place where he can become someone new, someone without a past filled with pain. On this transformative journey, Michael travels from New York City to San Francisco, partying with new friends, sparking fleeting romances, and splurging on big adventures.In the back of his mind, Michael has a plan: follow his dreams until the money in his bank account runs out, and then he will decide if his life is truly worth living...Written in spellbinding prose, with Bola's trademark, magnetic storytelling, The Selfless Act of Breathing is a heart-wrenching and deeply emotional novel about mental health, masculinity and the power of love. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Milk and the works of Derek Owusu.What people are saying about The Selfless Act of Breathing:'Well, wow. The writing in this book was so lyrical and beautiful... I really couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days... The last page had me on the verge of tears.' NetGalley Reviewer'I knew from the opening that this book was going to break my heart. Breathless and gripping, it is a masterclass in empathy.' Yvonne Battle-Felton'Heartfelt and searing... Devastating and insightful... Readers will be swept up in the sheer beauty of Bola's writing.' The i'Possessed by a daring turn of phrase and at times a beautifully powerful sense of personal poignancy... Should be pushed into the hands of friends accompanied by the question: do you feel this too?' Big Issue'Absolutely stunning.' Elizabeth Day'I loved this book - I lost my whole day reading - just couldn't bear to put it down!' NetGalley Reviewer'Wonderfully tender... Bola's vulnerable, delicate writing conveys so much truth and heart about the quiet pain in our hearts.' Nikesh Shukla'Arresting... Important and emotive... Powerfully raw.' Guardian'A bold work with a broad scope, bravely tackling masculinity, hopelessness and despair with force and directness.' Okechukwu Nzelu'A beautiful, absorbing read. By turns searing and quietly devastating.' Irenosen Okojie'An emotive, brave novel that ultimately holds out the prospect of salvation, without sacrificing any of its power.' Daily Mail'Providing a spark of hope.' Observer'Narrated with haunting lyricism... An intimate journey through the darkest of human impulses to the gleaming flickers of love and radical hope.' Susan Abulhawa'Bola's insightful, intimate and lyrical work has been entrancing readers... Reminiscent of Paul Beatty and Ralph Ellison.' The Bookseller
£13.49
Human Kinetics Publishers The Sport Business Handbook: Insights From 100+ Leaders Who Shaped 50 Years of the Industry
If you love sports and are fascinated by business dealings in this trillion-dollar global industry, then this is the anthology you’ve been waiting for. The Sport Business Handbook: Insights From 100+ Leaders Who Shaped 50 Years of the Industry provides insider perspectives from more than 100 of the biggest names in the sport business industry. Plentiful examples and stories, including insiders’ views of major sports deals, make this book a bible of information for those looking to begin or advance a career in the field or for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes intricacies of sport business. Editor Rick Horrow, an internationally known sport business and sport law expert who has been the architect of more than 100 deals worth more than $20 billion, has teamed up with renowned sport business scholar and practitioner Rick Burton and author Myles Schrag to assemble one of the most unique sport books ever published. You will be both informed and entertained by the personal insights of prominent sport business leaders, including league commissioners such as Gary Bettman, Don Garber, and Paul Tagliabue; team owners such as Jerry Colangelo and Tom Ricketts; executives such as Larry Lucchino and Pat Williams; administrators such as Joe Castiglione and Deborah Yow; professional athletes such as Scott Hamilton and Cal Ripken Jr.; and media personalities such as Jay Bilas and Ann Meyers Drysdale. This all-star team also includes legendary Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski as the foreword author.The Sport Business Handbook gives you guidance for everything from the basics of breaking into the sport industry to the intricate skills required to become an industry giant: Consider the role you want to play, what your values are, and how you can set yourself up for success in the industry. Understand the value of brand management and the opportunities for those with strong knowledge and skills in this area. Embrace technology and use the power of modern media to guide your organization toward its goals. Master leadership skills by establishing a framework for thinking and behaving as a leader at all times. Each chapter addresses a specific topic and weaves in story-like sidebars that share rare glimpses into professional dealings in sport. These 80-plus sidebars include “Game Changer” sidebars, which describe pivotal moments that influenced sport leaders as they strived for success, and “360” sidebars, which present alternative perspectives so all viewpoints are explored in finding best practices. Instructors who adopt the text will have access to an instructor’s guide that includes links to online video and audio clips that tie in directly to book topics, along with a “Breakthrough Moments” list of the 50 most significant events, chosen specifically to supplement the book’s content with societal context and historical depth. These additional tools feature questions and activities to spark classroom discussion and facilitate an enhanced learning experience for students. Nowhere else will you find such a comprehensive guide with practical advice and personal stories from the biggest names in the industry. The Sport Business Handbook is an engaging, informative book that will help you discover your strengths and develop your skills so you can become one of the leaders to shape the sport business industry for the next 50 years.
£34.00
Little, Brown Book Group The Summer of Serendipity: The magical feel good perfect holiday read
'Wonderfully romantic, full of mystery and magic. I fell in love with Ballykiltara!' - Cathy BramleyYou'll find a warm welcome in this magical story from Ali McNamara, bestselling author of Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van and From Notting Hill with Love, Actually-------------------------------------One summer, property seeker, Serendipity Parker finds herself on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, hunting for a home for a wealthy Irish client. But when she finds the perfect house in the small town of Ballykiltara, there's a problem; nobody seems to know who owns it.'The Welcome House' is a local legend. Its front door is always open for those in need of shelter, and there's always a plentiful supply of food in the cupboards for the hungry or poor. While Ren desperately tries to find the owner to see if she can negotiate a sale, she begins to delve deeper into the history and legends that surround the old house and the town. But for a woman who has always been focussed on her work, she's remarkably distracted by Finn, the attractive manager of the local hotel.But will she ever discover the real truth behind the mysterious 'Welcome House'? Or will the house cast its magical spell over Ren and help her to find true happiness?------------------------------------------'Breathtakingly scenic, full of love, friendship, romance, magic... made me want to move to Ballykiltara right away' - Alex Brown, author of The Secret of Orchard CottageWhat readers are saying about The Summer of Serendipity'A really heartwarming novel' - The Booktrail'Make sure you pack it into your case for any summer trips you might be planning' - t*rexes and tiaras'A magical read full of mystery, romance and mythical Irish charm. This summery novel will make you look at your own life with new eyes and see that spark of magic in the stories that surround you every day' - Laura Bambrey Books'A book guaranteed to lift your spirits this summer' - charlenejess.wordpress.com'A lovely, warm and sweet read' - Bleach House Library'This book entranced and mystified me. I was desperate to discover the secret of the welcome house, just as much as Ren was. The book pulled me in and its mixture of fun and folklore kept me turning pages till the end' - Rachale's Reads'An enticing novel, bringing together a wonderful story, filled with friendly, realistic characters, gorgeous scenery, and a little bit of magic' - Whispering Stories'Another warm and funny love story from Ali and I highly recommend escaping with it this summer' - One More Page'This book is perfect if you are looking for a summer read for the holiday you're about to take or if you simply want to escape to Ireland for a while from the comfort of your armchair or garden lounger. Ali's writing is welcoming, warm and romantic. I love her and I adored this book (if you couldn't tell already.)' - Novel Kicks'Everything you need for a holiday read... it's humorous, it's magical and it's so full of delightful charm that you can't help but enjoy it!' - The Quiet Knitter'I had a feeling I would fall in love with this tale and that's exactly what I did!' - Fiction Dreams'I loved this book from start to finish' - Kelly's Book Corner'A magical and charming read, rich in scenery and community that'll make you fall in love' - Samantha Kilford'A charming and engaging read' - Cosmochicklitan'A lovely summer read...a gentle, rather charming book' - The Literary Shed'The perfect summer read' - Fabulous Book Fiend
£9.99
The University of Chicago Press The Child: An Encyclopedic Companion
Informed parents know there is an abundance of information about children and child development available on the Internet, but can they trust that the content they find is authoritative? Professionals who work with children know where to find research relevant to their specialty, but where can they go to find reliable information on other related disciplines? "The Child" offers both parents and professionals access to the best scholarship from all areas of child studies - and from all regions of the world - in a remarkable one-volume reference. This encyclopedic companion brings together contemporary research on children and childhood from pediatrics, child psychology, childhood studies, education, sociology, history, law, anthropology, and other related areas - in sum, more than five hundred articles, all written by experts in their fields and overseen by noted anthropologist Richard A. Shweder. Each entry begins with a concise and accessible synopsis of the topic at hand. For example, the entry on 'adoption' begins with a general definition, followed by a detailed look at adoption in different cultures and at different times, a summary of the associated mental and developmental issues that can arise, and an overview of applicable legal and public policy both within the United States and elsewhere. Within the scope of a few pages, readers encounter a wide range of information and perspectives on this complex and fascinating topic. Entries also include multiple cross-references to guide readers toward related topics within the volume and suggestions for further reading. While many of the entries address universal, biological facts about children - most fetuses suck their thumbs, for example, and most babies develop musical rhythm by seven months - they also consider the many worlds of childhood within the United States and around the globe. Alongside the topical articles, "The Child" includes more than forty 'Imagining Each Other' essays, which focus on the experiences of particular children in different cultures. In 'Work before Play for Yucatec Mayan Children', for example, readers learn of the work responsibilities of some modern-day Mexican children, while in 'A Hindu Brahman Boy Is Born Again', they witness a coming-of-age ritual in contemporary India. This is the best scholarship from a wide range of disciplines, including: anthropology; child development; childhood studies; education; History; Law; Literature; Pediatrics; Psychology; public policy; religion; and, Sociology. Compiled by some of the most distinguished child development researchers in the world, "The Child" will broaden the current scope of knowledge on children and childhood. It is an unparalleled resource for parents, social workers, researchers, educators, and others who work with children, and will spark a necessary discussion about children and childhood around the world. Offering a unique global perspective - selections from the 'Imagining Each Other' essays include: Growing Up Hearing in a Deaf Family; Formality and Fun in Kinship Relations among the Gusii; Educated at Home in the United States; Children as Family Caregivers in Mexico; On Infants Sleeping Alone; The Luminous Books of Childhood; Trial by Fire: Emotional Socialization among Canadian Inuit; The Parenting Style of a Turkish Reformer; Memories of Childhood on an Israeli Kibbutz; Summer Camp for Diabetic Children: A Stigma-Free Zone; An African American Grandmother Combats Racial Hatred; Early Childhood Education in Japan; and, A Refugee's Childhood in the West Bank.
£80.00
City Lights Books Stars Seen in Person: Selected Journals of John Wieners
A contributor to Donald Allen's seminal New American Poetry anthology, John Wieners was on the periphery of many of the twentieth century's most important avant-garde poetry scenes, from Black Mountain and the Boston Renaissance to the New York School and the SF Renaissance. Having achieved cult status among poets, Wieners has also become known for the compelling nature of his journals, a mixture of early drafts of poems, prose fragments, lists, and other fascinating minutiae of the poet's imagination. Stars Seen in Person: Selected Journals of John Wieners collects four of his previously unpublished journals from the period between 1955 and 1969. The first journal depicts a young, openly gay, self-described "would-be poet" dashing around bohemian Boston with writer and artist friends, pre-drugs and pre-fame. By the last book, decimated by repeated institutionalization (the first for drug-related psychosis, the rest the consequence of the first) and personal tragedies, Wieners is broken down and in great pain, but still writing honestly and with detail about the life he's left with. These journals capture a post-war bohemian world that no longer exists, depicted through the prism of Wieners' sense of glamour. Praise for Stars Seen in Person: "Like Rimbaud in Season in Hell, or Baudelaire with Intimate Journals, there's an unguarded spark and trust in John Wieners because impulse and imagination reign supreme. In 1955 he writes, "I shall try the only true thing I want to do. I shall go to my poems." Predating The Hotel Wentley Poems, moving through Ace of Pentacles, and ushering us into his life before Nerves, Stars Seen in Person further illuminates John as our future/former best unkept secret."--Micah Ballard "Thanks to Michael Seth Stewart's editorial legerdemain, at long last we have the magnificent John Wieners here before us, in his full undressed splendor: poet, stargazer, philosopher, shaman, flaneur, survivor. His journals----an inspiring monument, filled with taut provocations and purple illuminations----are valuable as cultural history, as lyric performance, as uninhibited autobiography, and as a motley, genre-defying epitome of gesamtkunstwerk aesthetic possibilities that seem as fresh and enticing as anything being dreamt up today." --Wayne Koestenbaum "These pages of notebooks and poetry--so exhaustively exhumed and returned to light and breath--are equivalent to Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, but in reverse. John Wieners (forever young) evolved through his prose notes towards a sustained poetics of adolescence, holding that tormented phase on a long unyielding band-wave, resisting the sop of adult living with all his might and undergoing the inevitable punishments that such persistence brings."--Fanny Howe "John Wieners remains one of the best poets of my generation. His work & life continue to influence younger poets. These journals reveal his deep commitment to poetry & the poem; they contextualize his constant questing & devotion to the art. I knew John during many of the periods his journals cover &, as always, remain amazed & moved by his deeply examined honesty & purity."--David Meltzer John Wieners studied with Charles Olson at Black Mountain College, and later edited the small magazine Measure. He lived for a year and a half in San Francisco, where he wrote his breakthrough book, Hotel Wentley Poems (1958). In the early seventies he settled into an apartment on Boston's Beacon Hill, where he lived and wrote until his death in 2002.
£12.99
Random House USA Inc Fodor's Bucket List USA: From the Epic to the Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences
Whether you want to camp in the Grand Canyon, eat an authentic cheesesteak in Philly, walk through a sunflower field in Kansas, party at Mardi Gras, or take in the Aurora Borealis in Alaska, Fodor’s travel experts all across the United States are here to help! Fodor’s Bucket List USA: From Epic to Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences guidebook is packed with carefully curated musts to help you check your dream USA to-dos off your travel wishlist and discover quirky and cool extras along the way. It’s everything you need to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and brag about! This brand new title has been designed with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos.Fodor’s Bucket List USA travel guide includes: 500+ MUSTS COVERING ALL 50 STATES EPIC and ECCENTRIC selections in every state so that you can be sure you cover the classics and find some surprises, too COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK in each region from quintessential local specialties to local favorites, as well as must-try state candy, fruit, locally brewed beers, wines, and unique local ice-cream flavors GREAT ITINERARIES help you make the most of your time whether you’re planning a two-week tour of New England or an extended itinerary to hit all the National Parks. Combine multiple smart two-week itineraries to create that epic USA trip filled with Bucket List attractions, food, photo-ops, and fun COOL PLACES TO STAY from historic hotels to the best airbnbs and campgrounds to more unique offerings like cave lodges, lighthouses, treehouses, yurts, trailers, and hobbit homes. LOCAL WRITERS to make sure you get the best on-the-ground advice on how and when to visit find the under-the-radar gems 10 REGIONAL MAPS to help orient you in each state and region, plus travel times by car and train to help plan your time INCLUDES: the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, Denali National Park, Niagara Falls, the Freedom Trail, the Golden Gate Bridge, Carlsbad Caverns, Death Valley, Napa Valley, Charleston, Las Vegas, Broadway, Los Angeles, Miami, Burning Man, Mardi Gras, Fall Foliage, the Northern Lights, San Antonio Missions, Walt Disney World, Great Smoky Mountains, Arlington National Cemetery, Nashville, the Joshua Tree, Road to Hana, the Appalachian Trail, Gateway Arch, Napa Valley, Kennedy Space Center, Shenandoah National Park, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Glacier National Park, Taos Pueblo, Minnesota Lakes, Fenway Park, Pacific Coast Highway, and so much more Planning on visiting more of the USA? Check out Fodor’s Complete National Parks of the USA, Fodor’s Best Weekend Road Trips, and Fodor's Best Road Trips in the USA.*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!
£19.99
DK Knowledge Encyclopedia Planet Earth!: Our Exciting World As You've Never Seen It Before
Explore planet Earth like you’ve never known before with this perfect children's encyclopedia for a young explorer.Forming part of a fantastic series of kid's educational books, this bold and brilliant kid's encyclopedia uses ground-breaking CGI imagery to reveal the world as you've never seen it before. Informative, diverse in subject matter, easy-to-read and brimming with beautiful graphics, young learners can explore the incredibly detailed cross-sections and cutaways that reveal the inner workings of the world around them, featuring floods, hurricanes, volcanoes, deserts and more.This charming children’s encyclopedia opens the world in new ways, with: - Packed with facts, charts, timelines, and illustrations that cover a vast range of topics. - Encompassing a visual approach with illustrations, photographs and extremely detailed 3D CGI images.- Crystal clear text distills the key information.- DK's encyclopedias are fact-checked by subject experts to offer accuracy beyond online sources of information.SI Knowledge Encyclopedia: Planet Earth! covers everything you need to know about Earth in glorious technicolor detail alongside easy explanations and fun facts to spark young minds to find out about our planet and how it works. The perfect encyclopedia for children aged 9-12, ideal for inquisitive minds, young learners can discover an array of fascinating facts, such as what’s inside Earth, and why is it so hot under the surface? How did our planet come about, and what did it look like in the beginning? How are mountains formed and why are forests important? What happens when glaciers melt and how can we stop climate change? Encourage youngsters to explore habitats and ecosystems – inside caves, among enormous redwoods, on the savannahs, or deep down under the oceans. This extraordinary encyclopedia fuels your imagination using its jaw-dropping visual approach to explain everything from what keeps Earth in its place to the great diversity of plants, animals, and people who live on it, why it is unique and how it is changing.Explore, Discover And Learn!DK's SI Knowledge Encyclopedia: Planet Earth uncovers the marvels of our world in unprecedented detail and with stunning realism. Encompassing engaging facts about Earth, including a closer look at nature, diving into the human body, the amazing world of science and our world’s history, you can spend quality time exploring the our universe with your children, accompanied by impressive visuals to engage their senses. A must-have volume for curious kids with a thirst for knowledge, this enthralling encyclopedia is structured in such a way that your child can read a bit at a time, and feel comfortable to pause and ask questions. Doubling up as the perfect gift for young readers, who are always asking questions about our planet! At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. This thrilling kid’s encyclopedia is part of the SI Knowledge Encyclopedia educational series. Celebrate your child’s curiosity as they complete the collection and discover diverse facts about the world around them. Dive into the deep blue with SI Knowledge Encyclopedia Ocean! Travel back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth with Knowledge Encyclopedia Dinosaur! And hone your knowledge on how the human body works with SI Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! Whatever topic takes their fancy, there’s an encyclopaedia for everyone!
£24.70
Canelo An Escape to Remember: The perfect feel-good romance
She needed a getaway. What she found was a home.When Louise surprises her boyfriend by returning early from a work trip, safe to say she wasn’t expecting to see him in flagrante with another woman. Heart-torn and vowing to stay away from men, when Louise’s next project involves restoring an ageing hotel in Italy, she leaps at the chance to get away.Managed by a crew of sextagenarians, the Grand Hotel del Monferrato needs all the love and care Louise can give it. But it’s hard to stay focused on the job when her thoughts keep straying to Vito, the reclusive and mysterious neighbour.With his tragic past and her no-romance policy, Louise knows they can’t have a future. Yet something keeps pulling the two together…A beautiful romance set in the hills of Turin, perfect for readers of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.Praise for An Escape to Remember ‘The story was compelling and entertaining, I rooted for the characters and liked the storytelling. Highly recommended.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Another superb read by the wonderfully talented T.A Williams. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Italy, this story is rich in both landscape and romance. Louise is a wonderful leading lady who…was a pleasure to get to know during this story. ’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘These books always spark joy! It has been wonderful escaping to Italy this week. The descriptions are always mesmerising and so detailed...a really gorgeous read that I would highly recommend.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘T.A. Williams has done it again! What a talent for creating stories that are heart-warming and uplifting. I love these stories set in Italy, with believable characters and lush settings. Can't wait to read the next one!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘What a beautiful book. I'm a sucker for romance and this one pulls on the heart strings in every direction. I couldn't recommend this book more!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A really lovely, safe and gentle read. If you're looking for an escapist, uplifting read, this one's for you. The writing is as beautiful as the Italian setting. I will be recommending it to friends. Five stars.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘T. A. Williams once again proves why he is the king of Italian set romance! Another simply triumphant story from one of my favourite authors to escape with.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A beautiful easy read that would be good to take on holiday…I really enjoyed the story, the setting, and the descriptions of food.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I simply love this author's books, and this one is no different. I am once again blown away by the ability of a book to draw me in so deep that I read it in one sitting.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A brilliant story…the food descriptions were amazing. A jolly enjoyable read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘What a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the wonderful characters along the way. Written really well and kept me up reading!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
£8.99
Random House USA Inc Fodor's The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA: All 63 parks from Maine to American Samoa
Whether you want to hike through the jaw-dropping scenery of Acadia, see rare wildlife and natural wonders in Yellowstone, or go river-rafting in the Grand Canyon, the local Fodor’s travel experts in all the National Parks are here to help! Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This brand new title has been designed with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos.Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA travel guide includes: AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time MORE THAN 70 DETAILED MAPS to help you navigate confidently COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, activities, and more PHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Ultimate Experiences,” “Best Campgrounds,” “Best Lodges,” and more TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, art, architecture, geography and more SPECIAL FEATURES on “Exploring the Colorado River,” “What to Watch and Read Before You Visit,” and “Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: Acadia National Park, Arches National Park, Badlands National Park, Big Bend National Park, Biscayne National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Congaree National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park, Denali National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Everglades National Park, Gates of the Arctic & Kobuk Valley National Park, Gateway Arch National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Great Basin National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, Isle Royale National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Katmai National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, National Park of American Samoa, New River Gorge Park and Preserve, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, Saguaro National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Shenandoah National Parks, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Virgin Islands National Parks, Voyageurs National Parks, White Sands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park Planning on spending more time in any of the states? Check out Fodor’s Arizona and the Grand Canyon, Fodor’s California, Fodor's Colorado, Fodor’s Florida, Fodor’s Essential Hawaii, Fodor’s Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, Fodor's U.S. & British Virgin Islands, Compass Yellowstone National Park, Compass Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, and Fodor's InFocus Smoky Mountains.*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!
£18.99
Human Kinetics Publishers Physical Best: Physical Education for Lifelong Fitness and Health
Physical educators play a critical role in shaping the health and fitness of America’s youth—and Physical Best, Fourth Edition, is the resource that will help them achieve success in that role.Physical Best, developed by experts identified by SHAPE America, has long been the standard in the field for health-related fitness education, and this latest rendition is the best and most complete package yet: A comprehensive, three-in-one resource. The entire Physical Best program was previously spread over three books (Physical Education for Lifelong Fitness, Physical Best Activity Guide—Elementary Level, and Physical Best Activity Guide—Middle and High School Levels). It now is offered in one all-inclusive resource to reinforce the scope and sequence of the program so teachers can see what comes before and after the grade levels they teach. Updated material to address standards. All chapters and activities are updated to address SHAPE America’s National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education. Teachers can be confident they are measuring student progress effectively. New or revised chapters. Teachers will benefit from the new information on the latest research, technology, power training, professional development, best practices, and more. An attractive four-color layout. The text now features four-color illustrations. A web resource that includes K-12 activities. With previous editions, the activities were housed in two separate books, one for elementary teachers and one for middle and secondary teachers. Now, all activities are on the accompanying web resource, where teachers can sort the activities by standard, grade, outcome, and skill and then use them on a mobile device or download and print them. Most activities are supported by ready-to-use reproducible forms such as handouts, assessments, posters, and worksheets. Other useful web ancillaries include an instructor guide to help teachers deliver effective lessons, a test package that teachers can use to create various types of tests and quizzes, and a presentation package that offers slides with key points and graphics from the book. Physical Best meets needs on many levels. For veteran teachers, it outlines strategies for emphasizing health-related fitness in their existing programs. New teachers will benefit from the specific examples from master teachers and be able to use this guidance for creating an effective fitness education program. For teacher education programs, it provides an overview of current research, trends, and best practices in health-related fitness. And for district coordinators, it reinforces professional development training and continued education. This latest edition of the official SHAPE America resource is organized into four parts: Part I offers an in-depth look at physical activity behavior and motivation and explores basic training principles. An expanded chapter on nutrition covers the foundations of a healthy diet and reflects the most up-to-date USDA guidelines. Part II examines health-related fitness concepts: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, flexibility, and body composition. The text supplies tips for addressing each fitness component within a program. Part III presents strategies for integrating health-related fitness education throughout the curriculum, employing best teaching practices, and being inclusive in the gym, on the field, and in the classroom. In part IV, readers study assessment and learn assessment strategies for effective teaching and health-related programming. They discover how to collect and use assessment results and how to assess fitness concept knowledge. Physical Best helps teachers impart the skills and knowledge that students need to become physically literate—the first step to leading healthier, less stressful, and more productive lives. It details best practices, provides current content, and shows how to integrate health-related fitness education into an existing curriculum. It helps students meet standards and grade-level outcomes. It can help spark student interest in lifelong physical activity. And it will help teachers be the best physical educators they can be as they shape the future health of the nation.
£58.50
Cambridge Scholars Publishing Daniel-François-Esprit Auber: Zerline
Daniel-François-Esprit Auber (1782–1871) was long considered one of the most typically French as well as one of the most successful of the opera composers of the 19th century. Although musically gifted, he initially chose commerce as a career, but soon realized that his future lay in music. He studied under Cherubini, and it was not long before his opéra-comique La Bergère Châteleine (1820), written at the age of 38, established him as an operatic composer. Perhaps the greatest turning point in Auber’s life was his meeting with the librettist Eugène Scribe (1791–1861), with whom he developed a long and illustrious working partnership that only ended with Scribe’s death. Success followed success; works such as Le Maçon (1825) and La Muette de Portici (1828) brought Auber public fame and official recognition. In 1829 he was appointed a member of the Institut, in 1839 Director of Concerts at Court, in 1842 Director of the Conservatoire, in 1852 Musical Director of the Imperial Chapel, and in 1861 Grand Officer of the Légion d’Honneur.Auber seems to have been fated to live in revolutionary times; during his long life no less than four revolutions took place in France (1789, 1830, 1848, 1870). Auber’s famous historical grand opera La Muette de Portici (also known by its hero’s name as Masaniello) is perhaps unsurprisingly based on revolution, depicting the 1647 Neapolitan uprising against Spanish rule. It is a key work in operatic history, and has a revolutionary history itself: it was a performance of this work in Brussels in 1830 that helped spark the revolution that led to the separation of Belgium from Holland. It was a revolution that hastened Auber’s death at the old age of 89. He died on 12 May 1871 as a result of a long illness aggravated by the privations and dangers of the Siege of Paris. He had refused to leave the city he had always loved, even after his house had been set on fire by the petroleurs et petroleuses. In a twist of fate, a mark had been placed on the house of the composer of Masaniello, the very voice of Romantic liberty!Auber’s overtures were once instantly recognizable, favourites of the light Classical repertoire. His gracious melodies and dance rhythms had a huge influence, both on piano and instrumental music, and on the genre of Romantic comic opera, especially in Germany. Musical tastes and fashions have changed, and contemporary audiences are more accustomed to the heavier fare of verismo, Wagnerian transcendentalism, and twentieth-century experimentalism. The operas themselves, apart from Fra Diavolo (1830), are seldom performed, yet Auber’s elegant, delicate and restrained art remains as appealing to the discerning listener as ever it was.Zerline, an opera in three acts with libretto by Eugène Scribe, was first performed at the Académie nationale de musique (Salle de la rue Le Peletier) on 16 May 1851. The scene is set in Palermo, during the Restoration. The Prince of Roccanera, married to the sister of the King, has a supposed niece, Gemma. She is really his daughter by Zerline, an orange-seller. The latter was abducted by pirates, and having returned to Palermo after many trials, now meets her daughter, assuming the role of her aunt. She learns that Gemma loves a young naval officer, Rodolphe, but that the Prince’s wife wishes Gemma to marry the King’s cousin, much against the girl’s wishes. In the third act, Zerline, already alerted to an intrigue compromising to the two young lovers, is able to safeguard their integrity and bring about their union.The action is better suited to a vaudeville than an opera, and the scenario has little innate interest. The role of Zerline was devised especially for the great contralto Marietta Alboni (1823–94), the first role she created. The B-flat major overture immediately establishes the family nature of the drama, with its parable of past sins, social disparity and all-conquering maternal love.There is allusion to the Sicilian setting in the two opening choruses of act 1 which are dominated by barcarolle rhythms in establishing the couleur locale. Alboni’s magnificent talent added great value to the light music written by Auber for this slight canvas. The work consequently contains many pieces of a purely virtuoso nature. Among them are the grand air d’entrée “Ô Palerme! ô Sicile!”, the thematically central canzonetta “Achetez mes belles oranges”, and the duet for soprano and contralto “Quel trouble en mon âme” in act 1. It is as though the Italian setting of the story and the Italian origins of the prima donna caused Auber to look to his early love for Rossini, and his enduring attachment to Italian musical forms and local colour (as in Fiorella, La Muette de Portici, Fra Diavolo, Actéon, La Sirène, Zanetta and Haydée).The vocal part of Zerline is a conscious re-creation of the old Rossini mode, and her various solos are written in the style of the virtuoso contralto of the opera seria, obviously with a contemporary Gallic fleetness all Auber’s own. The Grand Air demonstrates all the features.The original cast was: Merly (Roccanera); Mlle Marietta Alboni (Zerline); Mlle Maria-Dolorès-Bénédicta-Joséphine Nau (Gemma); Aimès (Rodolphe); Mlle Dameron (the Princess of Roccanera); and Lyons (the Marquis of Bettura). The work was only performed 14 times in Paris, with no reprise. It was translated into Italian, and produced in Brussels (in French) and London (in Italian).
£35.99