Search results for ""author dungeons"

Spring, 1523. Henry VIII readies England for war with France. The King’s chief minister, Cardinal Wolsey, prepares to open Parliament at Blackfriars. The eyes of the country turn towards London. But all is not well in Wolsey’s household. A visiting critic of the Cardinal is found brutally slain whilst awaiting an audience at Richmond Palace. He will not be the last to die. Anthony Blanke, trumpeter and groom, is once again called upon to unmask a murderer. Joining forces with Sir Thomas More, he is forced to confront the unpopularity of his master’s rule. As the bodies of the Cardinal’s enemies mount up around him, Anthony finds himself under suspicion. Journeying through the opulence of More’s home, the magnificence of Wolsey’s York Place, and the dank dungeons of London’s gaols, he must discover whether the murderer of the Cardinal’s critics is friend or foe. With time running out before Parliament sits, Anthony must clear his name and catch the killer before the King’s justice falls blindly upon him.

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Bondage—you’ve seen it on streams and in movies, but not like this! Fifty Shades may have shown you rope, but steel chain gives you more control and power over your partner as a Top. As a Bottom, you can achieve that helpless and submissive space you’ve been seeking. Immobilizing a body with leather cuffs, shackles, and chain can establish the kind of dominance you’re looking for in the BDSM lifestyle. Whether you want to be exposed for sex, or impress others in the dungeon, this how-to guide will teach you the basics of chain bondage techniques for any body type or gender whether you are straight, gay, queer, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, or nonbinary. The Art of Chain: A Guide to Steel Restraint features the fundamentals of chain bondage and practical step-by-step instructions with over 200 detailed pictures to show how to accomplish bondage goals, and features sexy ideas for the bedroom without having to tie any knots. With heavy metal bondage you can add temperature play to make things hot or cold until you have your partner begging. Challenge your definitions of traditional bondage. If chains and whips excite you, then this book is for you!

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'A fast-paced, page-turning ride. Hugely entertaining' John Gwynne'A dark and lush epic fantasy brimming with magical creatures and terrifying evil . . . Readers of George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss will find much to enjoy here' BooklistThe magic has returned . . . and so have the monsters. Devin Eveson is a Soulkeeper, traveling through remote villages as a priest and healer. But when a mysterious black water washes over the world, the veil is torn, flooding the land with ancient magic and forgotten races. And not all the creatures that have reawakened remember humanity fondly. As the land grows increasingly dangerous and chaotic, Soulkeepers are turning up dead. Devin must set aside his words of peace and accept his new role: slayer of monsters and protector of the human race.Soulkeeper is the start of a thrilling new fantasy series from USA Today bestseller David Dalglish - think The Witcher meets Dungeons and Dragons.'Amazing action sequences, cool magic systems, terrifying monsters' Fantasy Book Critic'A rich and intriguing world' KirkusBooks by David Dalglish:The Keepers seriesSoulkeeperRavencallerVoidbreakerThe Shadowdance seriesA Dance of CloaksA Dance of BladesA Dance of MirrorsA Dance of ShadowsA Dance of GhostsA Dance of ChaosThe Seraphim seriesSkybornFirebornShadowborn

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While Audrey yearns for new adventures, her brother Oliver dreams of hidden treasures. When the twins explore different biomes, they find plenty of both in 5-Minute Adventures for Minecrafters, an all-new series of stories for Minecrafters that can be read in 5 minutes! In Extreme Stories from the Extreme Hills, Audrey and Oliver collect many treasures—and mini adventures. For every dangerous hike up a rocky cliff, there’s a waterfall roaring back down. Each dungeon hides a treasure chest—but also a monster spawner! As the mobs get deadlier, the stakes grow higher. The twins hope to make it back to Birchtown with their treasures in hand. Will the next ravine lead to riches or to a river of hot lava? There’s only one way to find out. These five-minute stories promise plenty of twists and turns—and surprise endings. In 5-Minute Adventures for Minecrafters: Extreme Stories from the Extreme Hills, the twins explore one of the Overworld’s most treacherous terrains, one exciting step at a time.

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A hilarious tale of butlers, love and battles!Since the tender age of nine, Hayate Ayasaki has busted his behind at various part-time jobs to support his degenerate gambler parents. And how do they repay their son’s selfless generosity? By selling his organs to the yakuza to cover their debts! But fate throws Hayate a bone…sort of. Now the butler of a wealthy young lady, Hayate can finally pay back his debts, and it’ll only take him 40 years to do it.Whatever problems this manga runs up against, the solution is always the same: add more girls! Hayate’s recent castle dungeon crawl (don’t ask) has introduced him to Konoha, who has a thousand problems, but getting guys’ attention ain’t one. This spells trouble for all the girls with crushes on Hayate. But things aren’t any easier for the girls without crushes on him, as Saki accidentally reveals her feelings for Wataru, and Chiharu accidentally reveals her double life

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A student pedals an old Ukrainian bicycle between striking factories delivering bulletins in the tumultuous first days of the Polish Solidarity movement; a shepherd watches, unseen, as a strange figure disembarks from a pirate ship to bury a chest on the beach; a prisoner in a Berber dungeon recounts his life's story--the failed pursuit of the world's very first language--by scrawling in the sand on his cell floor. The characters in this mesmerizing short story collection find themselves, willingly or not, at the heart of epic narratives. Against such backdrops as the Baltic coast, Kashubian folklore, Chinese mysticism, and the 9/11 attacks, this book centers around the vision of the refugee: be it the Chechen woman carrying her newborn child across the Polish border, the survivor of the Gulag reappearing on his friends' doorstep, or the stranger who befriends the sole resident of a ghostly Mennonite village in the final days of World War II. Offering insight into Polish and Jewish sociopolitical history, this collection is written in the style and traditions of Polish literature.

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For eons, King Oblivion, Ph.D., was one of the most ruthless supervillains the world has ever known. As the CEO of the ISS (International Society of Supervillains) for half a century, he was personally responsible for numerous nefarious acts, including Nixon’s presidential election, stealing the country of Japan, Star Wars: Episode I–III, and Milli Vanilli, just to name a few.Since his untimely (and inexplicable) passing, Matt D. Wilson, who was found rotting in one of Oblivion’s numerous dungeons, has discovered in his giant lair (located in the Earth’s mantle) what seems to be the early workings of the villain’s ultimate manifesto. Though in-depth research (and paper cuts), Wilson reviewed endless documents and has compiled numerous unedited chapters, email correspondences, and various threats which combine tell the “life story” of this anti-hero.Supreme Villainy is an intimate look into the mastermind who once ruled the globe with an iron fist (and ray gun). For the first time ever, readers will learn of his birth (which has never been noted on record), rise to power, and domination of the world as we know it today. Revealed inside are never-before-seen notes, interviews, and personal letters which, now collected, show a glimpse into the once-infamous villain’s uncompleted manuscript, and maybe a hint into who the real man was behind that horrible mask.

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Hollywood, the late 1930s. Raymond Chandler writes detective stories for pulp magazines, and drinks more than he should. Boris Karloff plays monsters in the movies, and is a genial, cricket-playing member of the British filmland colony on the shores of the Pacific. Both understand that these streets are dark with something more than night. Together, these English public school men in exile investigate mysterious matters in a town run by human and inhuman monsters. Under Home House, the mock gothic mock mansion of a film mogul, is a mad science dungeon just like in the movies - where an experiment has gone dangerously wrong, or even more dangerously right. Fiery death spills onto Sunset Boulevard. John Devlin, an investigator for the District Attorney's office who scores high on insubordination, and Laurel Ives, a woman with as many lives as a cat and names to match, barely escape Home House. Fired by the DA, Devlin enlists Ray and Billy - Raymond Chandler and William Pratt (Boris Karloff) - to work the case, which threatens to expose Hollywood's most horrific secrets. These people will find out more than they should about the way this town works. And about each other. And, oh yes, monsters aren't just for the movies

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"The Bird is Her ReasonThere are some bodies that emergeinto desire as a godrises from the sea, emotion andmemory hang like dripping clothes - thiswant is likeentering that heated redon the mouth of a Delacroix lion,stalwart, always that redwhich makesmy teeth ache and my skin feela hand that has never touched me,the tree groaning outside becomesa man who knocks on my bedroom window,edge of red on gold fur,the horse, the wildflip of its head, the rake of clawsacross its back, the unfocussed,swallowed eye.""Rare High Meadow of Which I Might Dream" is a book haunted by the afterlife of medieval theology and literature yet grounded in distinctly modern quandaries of desire. Connie Voisine's female speakers reverberate with notes of Marie de France's tragic heroines, but whereas Marie's poems are places where women's longings quickly bloom and die in captivity - in towers and dungeons - Voisine uses narrative to suspend the movement of storytelling. For Voisine, poems are occasions for philosophical wanderings, extended lyrics that revolve around the binding and unbinding of desire, with lonely speakers struggling with the impetus of wanting as well as the necessity of a love affair's end. With fluency, intelligence, and deeply felt emotional acuity, "Rare High Meadow of Which I Might Dream" navigates the heady intersection of obsessive love and searing loss.

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Spine-chilling monsters, magical weapons, ferocious dragons and a fabulous prizethis book has it all! Do you dare to face the perils and claim the prize? Open this book and find out. Your destiny awaits you!On every page of Origami Monsters & Magic you'll encounter unexpected activities and instructions to make an entire world of enchanted paper models. And by folding these, you will help keep the dark forces of magic at bay as you battle an army of supernatural creatures and zombies!Origami Monsters & Magic comes with a checklist for kids to record their achievements as they level-upfrom adventurer to knight to master to hero! Young folders ages 10 and up will have great fun following the narrative in the book as they use origami to defeat imps in the Magical Forest, conjure defenses in the School of Magic, prepare weaponry in the Armory, do battle in the Graveyard and ultimately defeat a fearsome foe hoarding a valuable prize in the Dungeon!The 53 eerie, otherworldly origami models i

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Virginia St. George—of the dragon-slaying St. George dynasty—has the brains and bloodline that define her family’s legacy, but she’s never been good at following in their footsteps. She doesn’t have the powerful magic every St. George is born with or the sword-wielding skills of the paladins—like her sister, Celeste—who bravely combat their fire-breathing foes. Even worse, a past tragedy has left Virginia with a crippling fear of dragons…and facing arranged marriage to an aging nobleman eager for heirs. But when Celeste is kidnapped by an infamous dragon clan, Virginia must make a daring rescue and defy the fear that has tormented her for years. Virginia can’t do it alone, and her only ally is the notorious criminal she’s freed from her family’s dungeon. Who better to guide her into the dragons’ lair than one of their own? To save her flesh and blood, Virginia will risk her life—even if her first quest proves her final undoing.

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The end is near! The Voltarian terrorists have won! Earth is history! But dont believe everything you read. Or hear. Or see. Because the road to victory is paved with bad intentionsand lies, betrayal and deception are all in play. So who are the players in this treacherous game ? Countess Krak: victim of a spectacular kidnapping, she is bound for a distant dungeon where she faces a venomous fate Royal Officer Jettero Heller: convinced the Countess is dead and overcome by grief, he is holed up in a Connecticut roadhouseand standing square in an assassins crosshairs Soltan Gris: together with a young temptress named Teenie Whopper, he undertakes a drug-fueled voyage across the Atlantic. But the journeys about to be cut short, as he goes from getting stoned with Teenie to nearly getting stoned to death in Turkey So who is in command? Who is the puppet master pulling the strings? And, finally, is there any hope for planet Earth? The answers lie at the end of an extraordinary VOYAGE OF VENGEANCE.

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Return to the world of Valeron in another astounding adventure. Deeper and more complex than THE LEGION OF SHADOW, the options available to your hero are exciting, carefully planned and beautifully written. The Heart of Fire is awakening, and only you can save the world ...You are a prophet, both gifted and cursed by your strange powers. Imprisoned in the infamous dungeon of the inquisition, you are tormented by visions of a nightmarish future. No-one has ever escaped. Doomed to live out your days in chains and darkness, a twist of fate provides you with a chance for freedom - to take on a new identity and start a new life. But no matter where you go, where you hide, you can never escape the haunting images of your own prophecy ... Is it possible to outwit destiny and change the future? You decide in this epic fantasy adventure - the highly-anticipated follow-up to the bestselling gamebook The Legion of Shadow. Every decision you make will have an impact on the story - and, ultimately, your fate.

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Dive deep into the history of the world’s most popular fantasy RPG livestream with the cast of Critical Role in this definitive guide featuring never-before-seen illustrations and photos.From its unassuming beginnings as a casual home game between friends to the role-playing phenomenon it is today, Critical Role has become the stuff of legend. These pages chronicle how a circle of friends who all happen to be talented voice actors built the most-watched tabletop role-playing livestream of all time.Discover dazzling new illustrations and richly written insights into the locations, characters, and adventures featured in the hundreds of episodes across Critical Role’s two campaigns, Vox Machina and the Mighty Nein. Go behind the scenes with archival photos and exclusive interviews with Dungeon Master Matt Mercer and the entire Critical Role cast as they explore their characters’ most triumphant moments and darkest hours. And celebrate the massive community of Critters who support and expand the show’s world through a highlighted tour of the crafts, cosplay, and art they create every day. Featuring a foreword from Felicia Day, lush illustrations, and the inside story you won’t find anywhere else, this book is your indispensable guide to Critical Role. The adventure begins!

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Journey across the world and throughout history to discover the world's best and most unusual castles, and learn about their features, from the tallest turrets to the dingiest dungeons. Find out how castles have changed over time and what happened to the people who lived in them.A glimpse into the history of different castles around the world, the dramatic battles to conquer them, and the weapons that defended and defeated them.Travel through time and venture into the wonderful world of castles, from the extravagant châteaux of France, to the impenetrable fortresses of Japan.Find out why castles were built and witness some of the most famous sieges in history. Trek across the world to visit castles perched on perilous clifftops and exotic islands. Meet the medieval rulers who built the grandest castles and forts, and the modern tycoons who splashed out money trying to replicate them.Discover why the spiral staircases in castles always turned clockwise, and why their toilets always smelled so bad! And learn about the great lengths that prisoners would go to in order to escape...This children's book takes you on an immersive adventure to a collection of castles each beautifully illustrated at a particular moment in history. See the world's best castles from a range of viewpoints, whether you are standing next to samurai warriors waiting to attack, or castle jesters entertaining the king. Castle is a fact-packed, modern look at a classic topic.

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Since its beginnings as a series of stories told to Kenneth Grahame’s young son, The Wind in the Willows has gone on to become one of the best-loved children’s books of all time. The timeless story of Toad, Rat, Mole, and Badger has delighted readers of all ages for more than eighty years.Friendly Rat, mild-mannered Mole, wise Badger, and kind—but conceited—Toad all live on the banks of the Thames. While Mole and Rat are content to go out in a row boat or travel the roads in a caravan, Toad prefers the excitement of motor cars. He’s already wrecked seven! While his friends try to keep him out of trouble, his passion for cars eventually results in his being caught and kept prisoner in the remotest dungeon of the best-guarded castle in all the land. Somehow, he has to escape and get home but what will he find when he gets there? The Wind in the Willows is a book for those “who keep the spirit of youth alive in them; of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, winter firesides.” So, wrote Kenneth Grahame of his timeless tale of Rat, Mole, Badger, and Toad.

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Asa Akira (28) has already had an extremely unusual life. Educated at the United Nations International School in Manhattan, she soon was earning a good living by stripping and working as a dominatrix at a sex dungeon. Akira has now built up a reputation for being of the most popular, hardworking, and extreme actors in the business, winning dozens of awards for her 330+ movies, including her #1 bestselling series "Asa Akira Is Insatiable". In Insatiable, Akira recounts her extraordinary life in chapters that are hilarious, shocking, and touching. In a wry, conversational tone, she talks about her experiences shoplifting and doing drugs while in school, her relationship with other porn stars (she is married to one) and with the industry at large, and her beliefs about women and sexuality. Insatiable is filled with Akira's unusual and often highly amusing anecdotes, including her visit to a New Hampshire sex shop run by a mother and son. In a world where porn is increasingly becoming part of the mainstream, Akira is one of very few articulate voices writing from the inside. She something important, controversial, and astonishingly interesting to say about sex and its central role in our culture.

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Guía ilustrada te trasladará a los mundos legendarios y mágicos de Dungeons & Dragons. En ella encontrarás entradas únicas para algunos de sus monstruos más siniestros, sucios y memorables. Con increíbles ilustraciones y conocimientos expertos sobre algunos de los monstruos más peligrosos de D&D, la guía destaca las bestias que asustan, emocionan y causan problemas a los aventureros, desde las criaturas que viven bajo tierra, hasta las que habitan en el desierto y los boneyards o salen disparadas.Encontrarás información sobre el tamaño de cada monstruo, su nivel de peligro y consejos sobre cómo sobrevivir a un encuentro. El punto de entrada perfecto para los jóvenes fanáticos de la fantasía ansiosos por convertirse en aventureros de D&D, este libro también presenta historias introductorias de "Encuentro" para que los lectores puedan practicar las habilidades de resolución de problemas que necesitarán para luchar contra estos monstruos cuando jueguen una aventura de D&D propia.Dir

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Do you rule the realm of disorganization, clutter, and chaos? Are you constantly battling to get things done? Are you ready to give up and toss your day planner into the dungeon (otherwise known as your closet)? If so, you might just be The Queen of Distraction. And whether or not you’ve been formally diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you probably already know that something’s got to give.The Queen of Distraction presents practical skills to help women with ADHD achieve focus and balance in all areas of life, whether it’s at home, at work, or in relationships. Psychotherapist Terry Matlen delves into the feminine side of ADHD—the elements of this condition that are particular to women, such as: relationships, skin sensitivities, meal-planning, parenting, and dealing with out-of control hormones. In addition, the book offers helpful tips and strategies to get your symptoms under control, and outlines a number of effective treatment options for you to pursue.From getting dressed in the morning, to making it to a job interview, to planning dinner—sometimes just getting through the day can be an ordeal for a woman with ADHD. If you’ve been accused of getting lost in your own world, maybe it’s time to make a change. If you’re ready to start getting organized and stop leaving your groceries in the car, this book can help. It’s more than just a survival guide; it’s an ADHD how-to to help you thrive!

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The Mythical Game Master JournalWhether you’re an improviser or a planner (or a mix of both), a game master needs a journal to keep track of all the details Dungeon Masters must know to keep their campaigns moving along seamlessly and satisfyingly. Look no further, for Game Master's Tome is the ultimate game master journal for you! Stay organized for your campaign game. This journal keeps you organized by boosting your creative thinking and providing space for tracking unfolding plots, character developments, and your personalized fantasy lands.The game master is the manager of worlds. With all the combat fought, encounters had, and characters met in one campaign, it’s difficult to keep track of it all, but that’s the job of the game master, the ruler of the tabletop RPG. Inside this game master journal you’ll find: Questions to help you nail down your settings, NPCs, bad guys, and more Plenty of space for planning adventures and developing the plot of your mystic quests Sections for tracking long campaigns, characters and their moral alignments​​, dragon lore, and all other important, magical details Sections for the game master to explore the development of their fictional worlds, test out plot points, and get creative with their storytelling If you liked The Book of Holding, The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters, or The Worldbuilder’s Journal of Legendary Adventures, you’ll love Game Master's Tome.

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Continue to follow along in the story of Jesus' Silent Years as He reaches the lowest point in His life.He hits bottom. He’s imprisoned and sexually abused in a Roman dungeon. He learns to mourn and fight new battles, within and without. Claudia, the friend who adores him and who he loves, is exiled in the Adriatic. She follows a parallel course of growing through suffering while longing for Jesus. Both continue to mature by failing, falling, and then rising again, stronger.In Jesus’ Silent Years: Parable Jesus matures through temptation, doubt, and longing. He follows the classic path of the hero—beginning in an unremarkable mudhole, unknown and undistinguished, innocent and naïve, in Foundations. He steadily moves down into the mainstream of growing up— leaving home, wrestling with his own unique God-man identity. Suffering and loss carve out an interior life for him, in Parable and Journey. Finally, he shows us all how to listen to the world of spirit—adorned with the jewels of wisdom, compassion, and courageous vulnerability—in Homecoming.

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Techniques of Pleasure is a vivid portrayal of the San Francisco Bay Area’s pansexual BDSM (SM) community. Margot Weiss conducted ethnographic research at dungeon play parties and at workshops on bondage, role play, and flogging, and she interviewed more than sixty SM practitioners. She describes a scene devoted to a form of erotic play organized around technique, rules and regulations, consumerism, and self-mastery. Challenging the notion that SM is inherently transgressive, Weiss links the development of commodity-oriented sexual communities and the expanding market for sex toys to the eroticization of gendered, racialized, and national inequalities. She analyzes the politics of BDSM’s spectacular performances, including those that dramatize heterosexual male dominance, slave auctions, and US imperialism, and contends that the SM scene is not a “safe space” separate from real-world inequality. It depends, like all sexual desire, on social hierarchies. Based on this analysis, Weiss theorizes late-capitalist sexuality as a circuit—one connecting the promise of new emancipatory pleasures to the reproduction of raced and gendered social norms.

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Full of winding tunnels and fearsome magical traps for intruders, the tower of the reclusive spellbinder princess is usually impossible to breach—apart from tonight. Once every ten years the gates of the Locked Keep open for the masquerade ball, and it’s your one chance to get inside. Choose to sneak, charm or fight your way up to the room of confiscated magical objects at the top of her tower, where there is something you desperately want…Welcome to Into the Tower, a fantasy heist where the reader chooses their path, trying to make their way through magic, monsters, and perils to the top of the mysterious spellbinder princess’s tower. Into the Tower expands on the world of Into the Dungeon, bringing even more excitement and adventure from award-winning writer and artist Hari Conner. If you survive your journey up the tower, you can find out the secrets of the princess’s past and why she locked herself away, become one of the monsters slowly consuming humanity, lose yourself forever in the source of all magic, destroy the world—or even, on the right path, change it for the better.

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A fortress is only as strong as its walls and towers, and it's here that many battles for a castle's control are won or lost. Flip-Tiles: Fortress Walls & Towers Expansion provides beautifully illustrated 6 by 6 map tiles that can be used to expand your fortress with a variety of defensive walls, stairways, watchtowers, and more. Inside, you'll find 24 richly crafted, double-sided map tiles. This expansion set, along with Pathfinder Flip-Tiles: Fortress Starter Set, allows you to create fortress maps quickly! So stop your sketching and start your flipping today. The Fortress Walls & Towers Expansion Set includes:Defensive Walls Stairs and Rubble Tower Rooftops Archer Posts Fortress Entrances Open CourtyardSuitable for experienced GMs and novices alike, this product fits perfectly into any Game Master's arsenal. Wet, dry, and permanent markers erase from the tiles! These double-sided dungeon tiles come in convenient packaging for easy storage. Add some peril to your

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The 1980s saw the peak of a moral panic over fantasy role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons. A coalition of moral entrepreneurs that included representatives from the Christian Right, the field of psychology, and law enforcement claimed that these games were not only psychologically dangerous but an occult religion masquerading as a game. Dangerous Games explores both the history and the sociological significance of this panic. Fantasy role-playing games do share several functions in common with religion. However, religion as a socially constructed world of shared meaning can also be compared to a fantasy role-playing game. In fact, the claims of the moral entrepreneurs, in which they presented themselves as heroes battling a dark conspiracy, often resembled the very games of imagination they condemned as evil. By attacking the imagination, they preserved the taken-for-granted status of their own socially constructed reality. Interpreted in this way, the panic over fantasy-role playing games yields new insights about how humans play and together construct and maintain meaningful worlds. Laycock's clear and accessible writing ensures that Dangerous Games will be required reading for those with an interest in religion, popular culture, and social behavior, both in the classroom and beyond.

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The first book to use subversive sexuality as a lens through which to provocatively view opera in the 21st century. Imagine Armida, Handel’s Saracen sorceress, performing her breakneck coloraturas in a black figure-hugging rubber dress, beating her insubordinate furies into submission with a cane, suspending a captive Rinaldo in chains from the ceiling of her dungeon. Mozart’s peasant girl Zerlina, meanwhile, is tying up and blindfolding her fiancé to seduce him out of his jealousy of Don Giovanni. And how about Wagner’s wizard, Klingsor, ensnaring his choir of flower maidens in elaborate Japanese rope bondage? Opera, it would appear, has developed a taste for sadomasochism. For decades now, radical stage directors have repeatedly dressed canonical operas—from Handel and Mozart to Wagner and Puccini, and beyond—in whips, chains, leather, and other regalia of SM and fetishism. Deviant Opera seeks to understand this phenomenon, approaching the contemporary visual code of perversion as a lens through which opera focuses and scrutinizes its own configurations of sex, gender, power, and violence. The emerging image is that of an art form that habitually plays with an eroticization of cruelty and humiliation, inviting its devotees to take sensual pleasure in the suffering of others. Ultimately, Deviant Opera argues that this species of opera fantasizes about breaking the boundaries of its own role-playing, and pushing its erotic power exchanges from the enacted to the actual.

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THE TOP 10 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Unforgettable' Mary Beard'They cut her hair before they dragged her to the place of sacrifice. Her mouth was gagged to stop her cursing her father, her cowardly, two-tongued father. Nonetheless, they heard her muffled screams.'On the day of his daughter's wedding, Agamemnon orders her sacrifice. His daughter is led to her death, and Agamemnon leads his army into battle, where he is rewarded with glorious victory. Three years later, he returns home and his murderous action has set the entire family - mother, brother, sister - on a path of intimate violence, as they enter a world of hushed commands and soundless journeys through the palace's dungeons and bedchambers. As his wife seeks his death, his daughter, Electra, is the silent observer to the family's game of innocence while his son, Orestes, is sent into bewildering, frightening exile where survival is far from certain. Out of their desolating loss, Electra and Orestes must find a way to right these wrongs of the past even if it means committing themselves to a terrible, barbarous act.House of Names is a story of intense longing and shocking betrayal. It is a work of great beauty, and daring, from one of our finest living writers.'A masterpeice' Daily Telegraph'Devastatingly human ... hauntingly believable' Guardian 'A celebration of what novels can do' Observer

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Fantasy art, that colorful blend of myth, muscle and sexy maidens, took off in 1923 with the launch of Weird Tales magazine, was reinvigorated in the 1960s with The Lord of the Rings, Conan the Barbarian paperbacks with Frank Frazetta covers, and the late ’60s emergence of fantasy psychedelia. It went big in the ’70s with the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, the brilliant French magazine Métal Hurlant, and the first Star Wars film. The number of active artists peaked in that decade, but a new generation of fans discovered the genre through fantasy trading card games in the ’90s, leading to a massive interest in the art form today. Frank Frazetta’s oil paintings—when they infrequently come to market—have sold for more than $ 5 million in recent years. Fans line up at Comic-Cons to meet Boris Vallejo, Rodney Matthews, Greg Hildebrandt, Michael Whelan, and Philippe Druillet, and memorialize dead icons HR Giger, Jeffrey Catherine Jones, and Frazetta. Imagine how eagerly they’ll welcome TASCHEN’s History of Fantasy Art, including all the artists listed above and more. This monster-sized tome features original paintings, contextualized by preparatory sketches, sculptures, calendars, magazines, and paperback books for an immersive dive into this dynamic, fanciful genre. Insightful bios go beyond Wikipedia to give a more accurate and eye-opening look into the life of each artist. Complete with tipped-in chapter openers, this collection will reign as the most exquisite and informative guide to this popular subject for years to come.

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*Join Harry Potter on the magical journey of a lifetime in the second book in J.K. Rowling’s multi-award-winning series. Harry Potter’s summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors – and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone … Dobby’s sinister predictions seem to be coming true. J.K. Rowling’s internationally bestselling Harry Potter books continue to captivate new generations of readers. Harry’s second adventure alongside his friends, Ron and Hermione, invites you to explore even more of the wizarding world; from the waving, walloping branches of the Whomping Willow to the thrills of a rain-streaked Quidditch pitch. This gorgeous hardback edition features a spectacular cover by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, plus refreshed bonus material, allowing readers to learn about wand woods and get to know the many members of the Weasley family. Perfect for anyone who’s ready to lose themselves in the biggest children’s books of all time. DUELLING - DUNGEONS - DARK ARTS Seven magical stories, one epic adventure. *Please note: The book cover and spine design you receive may vary slightly from the image shown.

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Rumour has it that something is amiss at the castle and Elvie, a princess and now a fully-fledged dragon rider is to investigate using the secret passageways in the castle. Zuth, her dragon partner will be high in the sky ready to give her aid should she need it. In the depths of the dungeons in the castle, she is shocked to find someone who desperately needs rescuing – someone she knows very well. Flint, her friend, another dragon rider who used to be a servant at the castle is disturbed to hear that Elvie might be going into danger without him, however he is very surprised when he is sent away on his own mission without his dragon, Astaria but riding Rufus, a young and untested dragon who is actually bonded with Brutus, Elvie’s stepbrother. This is to be a learning curve for the two of them but, of course their journey does not run as smoothly as expected when they come under attack and Rufus is pierced by a poisoned dart. The story moves swiftly on to the stunning mirrored ballroom in the castle. Elvie accompanied by Brutus is invited to attend a masked ball, something which has not occurred for years and years. The question is: is it a trap? Can Elvie make the most of this opportunity to investigate further into the troubles at the castle and should she trust Brutus? What is it that the dark elves are searching so eagerly for in the forest and who is behind the troubles? Could it be the evil Blackheart? Why are the dark elves massing around a small lake between the two dragonholds? Who is friend and who can be trusted? Read on and find out!

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When Udderly Delightful Ice Cream shop manager Riley Rhodes is summoned to Penniman’s Moy Mull Castle, it’s the cherry on top of a successful summer season. The gothic pile built by an eccentric New England Gilded Age millionaire has been transformed into a premiere arts colony by Maud Monaco, a reclusive former supermodel. As part of Moy Mull’s Fall Arts Festival, Maud is throwing a fantasy ice cream social and hires Riley to whip up unique treats to celebrate the opening of an exhibit by Adam Blasco, a photographer as obnoxious as he is talented. As Penniman fills up with Maud’s art-world friends arriving for the festival, gossip swirls around Blasco, who has a dark history of obsession with his models. Riley’s curiosity and instincts for sleuthing – she was a CIA librarian – are piqued, and she wonders at the hold the cold-hearted photographer has over the mistress of Moy Mull. But when Adam is suddenly found dead behind the locked door of Moy Mull’s dungeon, Riley realises there’s more than one suspect who’d wanted put the malicious photographer on ice.

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The remarkable and shocking true account of the kidnap of Natascha Kampusch in 1998, who shares her deeply moving story. On 2 March 1998 ten-year-old Natascha Kampusch was snatched off the street by a stranger and bundled into a white van. When she emerged from her prison eight years later, her childhood had gone. In 3,096 Days Natascha tells her incredible story for the first time: her difficult childhood, the day of her abduction, her imprisonment in a five-square-metre dungeon, and the mental and physical abuse she suffered from her abductor, Wolfgang Priklopil. A story about the triumph of the human spirit, 3,096 Days describes how, in a situation of almost unbearable hopelessness, she learned how to manipulate her captor and, against inconceivable odds, she managed to escape unbroken.'A brilliantly insightful dissection of her years in captivity' Jon Ronson, Guardian 'An excellent book' Kathryn Hughes, Mail on Sunday 'Remarkable - not just for Kampusch's account of her ordeal but as a testament to her indomitable spirit' Daisy Goodwin, Sunday Times

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From the soaring castles of Sleeping Beauty to the bloody battles of Game of Thrones, from Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings to mythical beasts in Dungeons & Dragons and from Medieval Times to the Renaissance Faire to Disneyland, the Middle Ages have inspired artists, playwrights, filmmakers, gamers, and writers for centuries. Indeed, no other historical era has captured the imaginations of so many creators. This volume aims to uncover the many reasons why the Middle Ages have proven so flexible-and applicable-to a variety of modern moments from the eighteenth through the twenty-first century. These "medieval" worlds are often the perfect ground for exploring contemporary cultural concerns and anxieties, saying much more about the time and place in which they were created than they do about the actual conditions of the medieval period. With 140 color illustrations, from sources ranging from thirteenth-century illuminated manuscripts to contemporary films and video games, and a preface by Game of Thrones costume designer Michele Clapton, The Fantasy of the Middle Ages will surprise and delight both enthusiasts and scholars. This title is published to accompany an exhibition at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center from June 21-September 11, 2022.

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Set deep underground in a sunken city, a young wizard and his two companions embark on a journey to escape the clutches of an evil cult.Dig is having a very bad day. His bag is broken, he can't catch a break at the local market, and just when things are looking up, he's kidnapped by a couple of Blood Cultists and taken to the underground city that serves as their base, where he'll make a tasty human sacrifice for an unspeakably horrible monster. Thrown into a dungeon, he's left to feel sorry for himself.But his new cellmates, Iana and Crina, are ecstatic about Dig's appearance. He's a wizard, which means he knows magic, which means he can help get them all out of this terrible sunken city for good! If Iana can get her hands on a sword, and Crina can remember the way to the giant tower that leads to the surface, then everything will go smoothly.That is, until the Blood Cultists catch up with them, and Dig's magical abilities are put to the ultimate test. Because Dig's been keeping a secret. And if it's found out... he may never see the surface again.

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As games grow more complex and gamers' expectations soar, the discipline of game systems design becomes ever more important. Game systems designers plan a game's rules and balance, its characters' attributes, most of its data, and how its AI, weapons, and objects work and interact. Introduction to Game Systems Design is the first complete beginner's guide to this crucial discipline. Writing for all aspiring game professionals, even those with absolutely no experience, leading game designer and instructor Dax Gazaway presents a step-by-step, hands-on approach to designing game systems with industry-standard tools. Drawing on his experience building AAA-level game systems (including games in the Star Wars and Marvel franchises), Gazaway covers all this, and more: Exploring the essentials of game design and its emerging subdisciplines Asking the essential questions at the heart of all design Getting started with modern game system design tools, including the spreadsheets most professionals now use Creating systems and data from a blank page Populating and quantifying a world of data into a game Tuning and balancing game systems Testing game systems and data Leveraging communication, psychology, and rewards within your games Balancing game probability within systems Whether you're a college freshman entering a game design program, an indie developer using Unreal or Unity, a Dungeon Master, or anyone who wants to really understand modern games, this guide will help you get where you want to go.

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Trapped in the DarkWhen the heroes seek an expert to translate an ancient, eldritch tablet, a sinister cult strikes from out of the shadows, intent on destroying the relic and all who know of its existence. After facing off against these zealots and deciphering the tablet, the heroes learn of another deep-sun locale called Ezorod-and the evil elder entity that has focused its attention there. The heroes quickly discover that the tablet is both a map and a key to Ezorod, allowing them to enter and explore this weird and lightless oubliette. There they will encounter ghastly creatures and uncover sophisticated technology that could advance sun-diving by light-years. But even if the PCs manage to escape the deadly solar dungeon, they'll be forced to wonder about the malevolent being they have unleashed upon the galaxy-even as they receive a mysterious message heralding a future confrontation!This volume of Starfinder Adventure Path continues the Dawn of Flame Adventure Path and includes:• “The Blind City,” a Starfinder adventure for 7th-level characters, by Ron Lundeen.• A peek into several cults of the galaxy, along with a cult hunter character theme, by Lyz Liddell.• A catalog of strange gear from across known space, including bizarre artifacts, by Leo Glass.• An archive of fiery threats-some of which burn both the body and the soul-from cruel dimensional shamblers to the mischievous magmins, by David Gregoire, Violet Hargrave, and Ron Lundeen.• Deck plans and statistics for an efreeti warship and a survey of a world in the Vast that shines its own light into the void, both by Ron Lundeen.

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Dive deep into the history of the world's most popular fantasy RPG livestream with the cast of Critical Role in this definitive guide featuring never-before-seen illustrations and photos.From its unassuming beginnings as a casual home game between friends to the role-playing phenomenon it is today, Critical Role has become the stuff of legend. These pages chronicle how a circle of friends who all happen to be talented voice actors built the most-watched tabletop role-playing livestream of all time.Discover dazzling new illustrations and richly written insights into the locations, characters, and adventures featured in the hundreds of episodes across Critical Role's two campaigns, Vox Machina and the Mighty Nein. Go behind the scenes with archival photos and exclusive interviews with Dungeon Master Matt Mercer and the entire Critical Role cast as they explore their characters' most triumphant moments and darkest hours. And celebrate the massive community of Critters who support and expand the show's world through a highlighted tour of the crafts, cosplay, and art they create every day.Featuring a foreword from the cast, lush illustrations, and the inside story you won't find anywhere else, this book is your indispensable guide to Critical Role.The adventure begins!

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FINALIST FOR THE 2022 LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD FOR LESBIAN MEMOIR'A muscular, canny memoir . . . I couldn't put it down. What a fucking gorgeous book' CARMEN MARIA MACHADO'Entertaining' New York Times'Absolutely not to be missed' Vogue'A gripping story' EsquireChris Belcher appeared destined for a life of conventional femininity after she took first place in an infant beauty contest - a minor glory that followed her around her small, working-class town in rural West Virginia. But when she came out as queer, the conservative community that had once celebrated its prettiest baby turned on her.A decade later, living in Los Angeles and trying to stay afloat during a PhD program, Belcher plunges into a double life as both student and sex worker, branding herself as L.A.'s Renowned Lesbian Dominatrix. As she moves between the embodied world of the pro-domme and the abstract realm of academia, she discovers how lessons from the classroom can apply to the dungeon and vice versa.In this searingly funny and perceptive memoir, we see through eyes of a dominatrix-turned-academic how power, shame and desire can be explored and subverted.

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In The Book of Fun, Polygon co-founder Russ Frushtick divulges the hidden backstories and fascinating facts about your favorite video games, theme parks, festivals, sports, and more. With 80+ digestible, entertaining entries, it's not just fodder for your next dinner party -- you might also discover your next great pastime, be it jousting, stunt acting, cheese rolling, or Swedish Bunny Hopping.For fans of pop-history, pop-science, and the many things mankind has invented to waste time, The Book of Fun explores:* Board Games: The world's oldest tabletop games (Senet, Go, Chess) and its most enduringly popular (Monopoly, Dungeons & Dragons, Settlers of Catan)* Toys: The history of your favorite playthings, like Barbie, Beanie Babies, Slinky, Furby, and LEGO* Video Games: The console wars of the '90s, the birth of game streaming, and unexpected Pokémon Go consequences* Theme Parks: Stories behind Coney Island's Cyclone, Disneyland's opening-day woes, and the bizarre parks built in a nuclear power plant and a Soviet bunker* Sports: The most fascinating athletic endeavors across the globe, from gladiatorial battles to Lucha Libre, pumpkin boat racing, and sumo wrestling* Stunts: Harry Houdini, Evel Knievel, Jackie Chan, and the incredible stunt artists you may not know* Festivals: From Carnival celebrations around the world to the stories of Woodstock, Burning Man, and a Spanish baby-jumping festival* Dressing Up: The origins of jesters, Halloween, cosplay, drag queen style, and more.* Roadside Attractions: Wacky spectacles like the 65-foot-tall Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, the Mystery Hole in West Virginia, and the Cabazon Dinosaurs in California

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Explore the world of Tyler Jacobson and find yourself lost in a fascinating culmination of cinematic moments frozen in time. The Art of Tyler Jacobson invites you to explore every aspect of this quintessential artist’s career. This treasure trove covers everything from works created during Tyler’s youth, to thesis work made during his college years and continues into every aspect of his professional life. Examples shown include paintings done for books, advertising and editorial purposes, and most notably for the gaming industry. Included are finished works done in digital and traditional methods while also revealing rare sketches and concept art. In addition, Tyler offers exclusive insight as he shares background stories to key pieces found in these pages. Immerse yourself in Tyler’s world, where you can find cinematic moments frozen in time. He builds new worlds with the help of his science background and interest in how things work combined with his passion for fantasy. Tyler has a highly sought out ability to design and create everything from new cultures, environments, weapons and tapestry to clothes and more. He is also well known for his mood plates, as he establishes the overall feeling and tone of the world being built. Tyler loved playing Dungeons & Dragons when he was younger, which sparked his initial interests and career toward being an artist. With this book, Tyler hopes to share his thought processes and his love of storytelling.

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Brian Posehn is a successful and instantly recognizable comedian, actor, and writer. He also happens to be a giant nerd. That's partly because he's been obsessed with such things as Dungeons & Dragons, comic books, and heavy metal since he was a child; the other part is because he fills out every bit of his 6'7'' frame. Brian's always felt awkward and like a perpetual outsider, but he found his way through the difficulties of growing up by escaping into the worlds of Star Wars, D&D, comics, and by rocking his face off. He was a nerd long before it was cool (and that didn't help his situation much), but his passions proved time and again to be the safe haven he needed to persevere and thrive in a world in which he was far from comfortable.Brian, now approaching middle age with a wife, child, and thriving career, still feels like an outsider and is as big a nerd as ever. But that's okay, because in his five decades of nerdom he's discovered that the key to happiness is not growing up. You can be a nerd forever and find success that way because, somehow along the way, the nerds won.Forever Nerdy is a celebration of growing up nerdy and different. This isn't Brian's life story, just some bizarre and hilarious stories from his life, along with a captivating look back at nearly fifty years of nerd culture. Being a nerd hasn't always been easy, but somehow this self-hating nerd who suffered from depression was able to land his dream job, get the girl, and learn to fit in. Kind of. See how he did it while managing to remain forever nerdy.

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*Join Harry Potter on the magical journey of a lifetime in the second book in J.K. Rowling’s multi-award-winning series. Harry Potter’s summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors – and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone … Dobby’s sinister predictions seem to be coming true. J.K. Rowling’s internationally bestselling Harry Potter books continue to captivate new generations of readers. Harry’s second adventure alongside his friends, Ron and Hermione, invites you to explore even more of the wizarding world; from the waving, walloping branches of the Whomping Willow to the thrills of a rain-streaked Quidditch pitch. This gorgeous paperback edition features a spectacular cover by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, plus refreshed bonus material, allowing readers to learn about wand woods and get to know the many members of the Weasley family. Perfect for anyone who’s ready to lose themselves in the biggest children’s books of all time. DUELLING - DUNGEONS - DARK ARTS Seven magical stories, one epic adventure. *Please note: The book cover and spine design you receive may vary slightly from the image shown.

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An action-packed fantasy following a crew of mercenaries on an epic quest. Full of mystery, battles and magic, this is perfect for fans of David GemmellChronicles of the Raven: OneELITE, UNSTOPPABLE ... AND HIRED TO DO THE UNTHINKABLEThe Raven are an elite. Formed of six men and an elf, they're swords for hire in the wars that have torn their land apart. For years their only loyalty has been to themselves, and to their code.But that time is coming to an end. The Wytch Lords have escaped and The Raven find themselves fighting for the Dark College of magic, on a mission which soon becomes a race for the secret location of Dawnthief. It's a spell - one created to end the world - and there's a danger that someone is going to use it ...Readers love Dawnthief:'Barclay writes with power, pace and a wonderful sense of humour' David Gemmell'This book was great, it had magic and swords and the old fashioned dungeons and dragons feel to it that I was craving' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'It's tense, a lot, because no one is safe. There's plenty of action and intrigue' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'The characters were loveable and I loved the fact that they weren't perfect, as in they made mistakes in how they fought and they got hurt' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'This was one hell of a ride! . . . Without a doubt, The Raven are some of the most colourful, engaging characters I've ever had the pleasure of traveling with' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Barclay writes an exciting, action-packed story, with intelligent world-building and a fresh, believable magic system' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Some say the great mystery of how one can live in two worlds at once died with Thomas Hunter many years ago. Still others that the gateway to that greater reality was and is only the stuff of dreams. They are all wrong. Rachelle Matthews, who grew up in the small town of Eden, Utah, discovered just how wrong when she dreamed and awoke in another world. There she learned that she was the 49th Mystic, the prophesied one, tasked with finding five ancient seals before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, the world will forever be locked in darkness. In The 49th Mystic, Rachelle found the first three of those five seals through great peril and mind-altering adventure. But two seals remain hidden and the fate of both worlds hangs in their balance. As Rachelle Matthews sits deep in a dungeon, Vlad Smith is just getting started. Thomas Hunter's world is about to be turned inside out. The mystics say that there is no defense against the Fifth Seal--but finding it will cost Rachelle everything. So begins the final volume of high stakes in one girl's quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward. Ready? Set? Dream.

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Two years before the events of Stranger Things Season 4, Eddie Munson-Hellfire Club leader, metalhead, and Hawkins outcast-has one shot to make it big. Hawkins, Indiana-for most, it's simply another idyllic, manicured all-American town. But for Eddie Munson it's like living in a perpetual Tomb of Horrors. Luckily, he only has a few more months to survive at Hawkins High. And what is senior year, really, but just killing time between Dungeons & Dragons sessions with the Hellfire Club and gigs with his band?It's at the worst dive bar in town that Eddie meets Paige, someone who has pulled off a freaking miracle. She escaped Hawkins and built a wickedly cool life for herself working for a record producer out in Los Angeles. Not only is she the definition of a badass-with a killer taste in music-she might be the only person that actually appreciates him as the bard he is instead of the devil incarnate. But the best thing? She's offering a chance for him to make something of himself, and all he needs is to get her a demo tape of Corroded Coffin's best songs.Just one problem: Recording costs money. Money Eddie doesn't have. But he's willing to do whatever it takes: even if that means relying on his old man, Al Munson. His dad just stumbled back into his life, with another dubious scheme up his sleeve, and yet Eddie knows this is his only option to make enough dough in enough time. It's a risk, but if it pays off he will finally have a one-way ticket out of Hawkins.Eddie can feel it: 1984 is going to be his year.

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A fast-food chain once tried to compete with McDonald’s quarter-pounder by introducing a third-pound hamburger—only for it to flop when consumers thought a third pound was less than a quarter pound because three is less than four. Separately, a rash of suicides by teenagers who played Dungeons and Dragons caused a panic in parents and the media. They thought D&D was causing teenage suicides—when in fact teenage D&D players died by suicide at a much lower rate than the national average. Errors of this type can be found from antiquity to the present, from the Peloponnesian War to the COVID-19 pandemic. How and why do we keep falling into these traps?James C. Zimring argues that many of the mistakes that the human mind consistently makes boil down to misperceiving fractions. We see slews of statistics that are essentially fractions, such as percentages, probabilities, frequencies, and rates, and we tend to misinterpret them. Sometimes bad actors manipulate us by cherry-picking data or distorting how information is presented; other times, sloppy communicators inadvertently mislead us. In many cases, we fool ourselves and have only our own minds to blame. Zimring also explores the counterintuitive reason that these flaws might benefit us, demonstrating that individual error can be highly advantageous to problem solving by groups. Blending key scientific research in cognitive psychology with accessible real-life examples, Partial Truths helps readers spot the fallacies lurking in everyday information, from politics to the criminal justice system, from religion to science, from business strategies to New Age culture.

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Follow a party of adventurers and color in their journey as they visit taverns, fight off monsters, and save the day in this coloring book-meets-RPG adventure made just for tabletop RPG players.Düngeonmeister: The Goblin Quest Coloring Book is filled with coloring pages based on classic fantasy tabletop adventures, with playable game elements to inspire your next quest. The coloring pages follow a party of heroes as they travel through their game world, encountering monsters, ambushes, and other adventures while trying to put a stop to an evil dragon plaguing the area. Meanwhile, setting intros and interactive random table elements give players the information necessary to run the setting as a small campaign. This fantasy art features a diverse set of character archetypes and species, fantastical locations, and magical treasures. Fantasy settings are filled with a variety of colors and textures, magical creatures, and varied biomes to keep your colored pencils busy and your creativity flowing.

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Inspired by the groundbreaking A History of the World in 100 Objects, this book draws on the unique collections of The Strong museum in Rochester, New York, to chronicle the evolution of video games, from Pong to first-person shooters, told through the stories of dozens of objects essential to the field’s creation and development.Drawing on the World Video Game Hall of Fame’s unmatched collection of video game artifacts, this fascinating history offers an expansive look at the development of one of the most popular and influential activities of the modern world: video gaming.Sixty-four unique objects tell the story of the video game from inception to today. Pithy, in-depth essays and photographs examine each object’s significance to video game play—what it has contributed to the history of gaming—as well as the greater culture.A History of Video Games in 64 Objects explains how the video game has transformed over time. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of intriguing topics, including: The first edition of Dungeons & Dragons—the ancestor of computer role-playing games The Oregon Trail and the development of educational gaming The Atari 2600 and the beginning of the console revolution A World of Warcraft server blade and massively multiplayer online games Minecraft—the backlash against the studio system The rise of women in gaming represented by pioneering American video game designers Carol Shaw and Roberta Williams’ game development materials The prototype Skylanders Portal of Power that spawned the Toys-to-Life video game phenomenon and shook up the marketplace And so much more! A visual panorama of unforgettable anecdotes and factoids, A History of Video Games in 64 Objects is a treasure trove for gamers and pop culture fans. Let the gaming begin!

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