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Motherhood and Patriarchal Masculinities in Sixteenth-Century Italian Comedy
by Yael ManesExploring individual and collective formation of gender identities, this book contributes to current scholarly discourses by examining plays in the genre of 'erudite comedy' (commedia erudita), which was extremely popular among sixteenth-century Italians from the elite classes. Author Yael Manes investigates five erudite comedies-Ludovico Ariosto's I suppositi (1509), Niccolò Machiavelli's La Mandragola (1518) and Clizia (1525), Antonio Landi's Il commodo (1539), and Giovan Maria Cecchi's La stiava (1546)-to consider how erudite comedies functioned as ideological battlefields where the gender system of patriarchy was examined, negotiated, and critiqued. These plays reflect the patriarchal order of their elite social milieu, but they also offer a unique critical vantage point on the paradoxical formation of patriarchal masculinity. On the one hand, patriarchal ideology rejects the mother and forbids her as an object of desire; on the other hand, patriarchal male identity revolves around representations of motherhood. Ultimately, the comedies reflect the desire of the Italian Renaissance male elite for women who will provide children to their husbands but not actively assume the role of a mother. In sum, Manes reveals a wide cultural understanding that motherhood-as an activity that women undertake, not simply a relational position they occupy-challenges patriarchy because it bestows women with agency, power, and authority. Manes here recovers the complexity of Renaissance Italian discourse on gender and identity formation by approaching erudite comedies not only as mirrors of their audiences but also as vehicles for contemporary audiences' ideological, psychological, and emotional expressions.
Motherhood and Patriarchal Masculinities in Sixteenth-Century Italian Comedy
by Yael ManesExploring individual and collective formation of gender identities, this book contributes to current scholarly discourses by examining plays in the genre of 'erudite comedy' (commedia erudita), which was extremely popular among sixteenth-century Italians from the elite classes. Author Yael Manes investigates five erudite comedies-Ludovico Ariosto's I suppositi (1509), Niccolò Machiavelli's La Mandragola (1518) and Clizia (1525), Antonio Landi's Il commodo (1539), and Giovan Maria Cecchi's La stiava (1546)-to consider how erudite comedies functioned as ideological battlefields where the gender system of patriarchy was examined, negotiated, and critiqued. These plays reflect the patriarchal order of their elite social milieu, but they also offer a unique critical vantage point on the paradoxical formation of patriarchal masculinity. On the one hand, patriarchal ideology rejects the mother and forbids her as an object of desire; on the other hand, patriarchal male identity revolves around representations of motherhood. Ultimately, the comedies reflect the desire of the Italian Renaissance male elite for women who will provide children to their husbands but not actively assume the role of a mother. In sum, Manes reveals a wide cultural understanding that motherhood-as an activity that women undertake, not simply a relational position they occupy-challenges patriarchy because it bestows women with agency, power, and authority. Manes here recovers the complexity of Renaissance Italian discourse on gender and identity formation by approaching erudite comedies not only as mirrors of their audiences but also as vehicles for contemporary audiences' ideological, psychological, and emotional expressions.
A Mother's Gift
by Maggie HopeWhat will Katie do to keep her child?When Katie’s grandfather and her childhood sweetheart are both killed in a mining accident, she is devastated by grief.Matthew Hamilton, the unscrupulous owner of the mine, takes advantage of her distress in the most despicable manner. Thrown out by her grandmother, her reputation and nursing career in tatters, Katie finds herself facing a home for unmarried mothers. Only Hamilton offers her a way to keep her baby, but only if she forgoes her principles and becomes his mistress...
A Mother's Homecoming (Mills And Boon American Romance Ser.)
by Tanya MichaelsWelcome Home, Stranger For Pamela, returning to her sleepy Mississippi hometown means coming face-to-face with her past.
The Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England
by Jennifer HellerUsing printed and manuscript texts composed between 1575 and 1672, Jennifer Heller defines the genre of the mother's legacy as a distinct branch of the advice tradition in early modern England that takes the form of a dying mother's pious counsel to her children. Reading these texts in light of specific cultural contexts, social trends, and historical events, Heller explores how legacy writers used the genre to secure personal and family status, to shape their children's beliefs and behaviors, and to intervene in the period's tumultuous religious and political debates. The author's attention to the fine details of the period's religious and political swings, drawn from sources such as royal proclamations, sermons, and first-hand accounts of book-burnings, creates a fuller context for her analysis of the legacies. Similarly, Heller explains the appeal of the genre by connecting it to social factors including mortality rates and inheritance practices. Analyses of related genres, such as conduct books and fathers' legacies, highlight the unique features and functions of mothers' legacies. Heller also attends to the personal side of the genre, demonstrating that a writer's education, marriages, children, and turns of fortune affect her work within the genre.
The Mother's Legacy in Early Modern England
by Jennifer HellerUsing printed and manuscript texts composed between 1575 and 1672, Jennifer Heller defines the genre of the mother's legacy as a distinct branch of the advice tradition in early modern England that takes the form of a dying mother's pious counsel to her children. Reading these texts in light of specific cultural contexts, social trends, and historical events, Heller explores how legacy writers used the genre to secure personal and family status, to shape their children's beliefs and behaviors, and to intervene in the period's tumultuous religious and political debates. The author's attention to the fine details of the period's religious and political swings, drawn from sources such as royal proclamations, sermons, and first-hand accounts of book-burnings, creates a fuller context for her analysis of the legacies. Similarly, Heller explains the appeal of the genre by connecting it to social factors including mortality rates and inheritance practices. Analyses of related genres, such as conduct books and fathers' legacies, highlight the unique features and functions of mothers' legacies. Heller also attends to the personal side of the genre, demonstrating that a writer's education, marriages, children, and turns of fortune affect her work within the genre.
Mount of Knowledge, Sword of Eloquence: Collected Poems of an Ismaili Muslim Scholar in Fatimid Egypt (Ismaili Texts and Translations)
by M. AdraI.B.Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies A distinguished scholar, author and statesman, al-Mu'ayyad fi'l-Din al-Shirazi (c.997-1078 CE) lived during one of the most turbulent periods in Islamic history. The 11th century was characterized, among other things, by an acute struggle for supremacy between the Sunni and Shi'i branches of Islam, represented politically by the Abbasid and Fatimid caliphates. Al-Mu'ayyad was a Fatimid Ismaili da'i (missionary) who first rose to prominence in theservice of Abu Kalijar, the Buyid ruler of the Fars region in south-west Persia, which was then part of the Abbasid empire. Al-Mu'ayyad's proselytizing activities, however, incurred the hostility of the local political and religious establishment. After enduring much persecution, he was forced to flee his homeland for Fatimid Egypt, where he offered his services to the Imam-caliph al-Mustansir bi'llah.Despite initial setbacks, al-Mu'ayyad's outstanding intellectual and literary skills soon came to be recognized and he was appointed to important positions in the Fatimid administration. Eventually, he attained the highest ranks in the religious hierarchy, including that of chief da'i and director of the Dar al-'Ilm (House of Knowledge) academy in Cairo. During the twenty years he served in these positionsuntil his death at an advanced age, he won widespread acclaim for his scholarship and sagacity, as well as his authorship of a number of theological, devotional and literary works.The Diwan of al-Mu'ayyad al-Shirazi is notable for its exceptional poetic quality as well as a personal testimony of his career as a Fatimid da'i. Comprising a total of 62 qasidas (odes) of varying length, the Diwan covers a wide range of political and religious issues, from al-Mu'ayyad's intellectual disputations and personal experience of persecution to devotions in praise of the Prophet Muhammad and his family. In doing so, he provides a rare, first-hand description of some of the political and sectarian tensions that polarized the Muslim community of his time. Al-Mu'ayyad's poetry is rich in imagery, rhetorical techniques and symbolic allusions to the esoteric lore of the Fatimid Ismailis. This first complete English translation of the Diwan seeks to recapture some of the poetic power and flavour of what is undoubtedly one of the masterpieces of medieval Arabic literature.
Mountain Midwife (Mills & Boon Intrigue): Mountain Midwife
by Cassie MilesDanger in the Desert When Jaci finds a seemingly worthless scarab in a Cairo street, the timid librarian turns adventurer. But unless sexy OMEGA agent Deke can keep her safe, the consequences could be deadly – which means he’ll have to put his sizzling passion for her aside…
Mountain Ranger Recon (Brothers in Arms #2)
by Carol EricsonIan Dempsey knew he'd have a lot to answer for when he bumped into Meg, the wife he'd left behind to complete an undercover mission. Nearly three years had passed since he'd last seen her, but she was as beautiful as ever–and as angry.
A Mourning Wedding: A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery (Daisy Dalrymple #13)
by Carola DunnThe inimitable Daisy Dalrymple Fletcher and her husband Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher seem to get a reprieve from their sleuthing duties when they are invited to the wedding of their friend, Lucy Fotheringay.Lucy's grandfather is hosting the ceremony at his beautiful estate and so it promises to be a typical affair with hordes of gossipy aunts and other colourful, but not necessarily pleasant relatives. Daisy meets all these characters and observes the ensuing familial fraternization with a certain kind of amusing nonchalance. That is, until Lucy's great aunt is found strangled to death in her bed. Lucy, in the meantime, has arranged to meet her betrothed in the conservatory, but when she arrives she finds him trying to revive her uncle, who has died-or has he been murdered? And just like that a normally celebratory occasion turns suspicious.Now Daisy must sift through a throng of relatives-aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents- once wedding guests and now murder suspects. And she must find the killer quickly before another family member becomes a corpse.Critical Praise for The Daisy Dalrymple novels by Carola Dunn:"Replete with well-drawn characters, snappy dialogue and interesting plot twists...Easily the best entry in a charming series." Booklist on Mistletoe and Murder"The period sense remains vivid, the characterizations are excellent, and the mysteries are, if anything, more perplexing than ever." The Oregonian on Rattle His Bones"Daisy and her husband spring into action, surrounded by historical armaments, secret rooms, hidden treasure, and family secrets. For fans of British cozies and Dorothy Sayer's novels, this is a very inviting situation." Library Journal on Mistletoe and Murder"Styx and Stones is a swift, deeply enjoyable read. While Dunn's influences are many, she ultimately makes this territory her own." The Register-Guard "Reading like an Agatha Christie thriller, Rattle His Bones is a charming look at life after the first World War." Romantic Times "Dunn captures the melting pot of Prohibition-era New York with humorous characterizations and a vivid sense of place, and with careful plotting lays out an enjoyable tale of adventure." Publisher's Weekly on The Case of the Murdered Muckraker
Mr and Mischief: Mr And Mischief / The Darkest Of Secrets / The Undoing Of De Luca (The Powerful and the Pure #3)
by Kate HewittStep into a world of sophistication and glamour, where sinfully seductive heroes await you in luxurious international locations. Will love conquer…her boss?
Mr Bishop and the Actress: A Raucous Regency Read
by Janet MullanyWhat could be more important than a lady's reputation?Although initially alarmed by their unconventional ways, strait-laced Harry Bishop is content in the service of Lord Shad and his family. But when he is sent to London to rescue Shad's wayward relation from debt and self-destruction, he also has the dubious honor of dealing with the man's illicit lover - troublesome actress Sophie Wallace.A man of dignity and decorum, Mr Bishop is desperate to disassociate himself from the scandalous Sophie. Unfortunately, avoiding her proves harder than he could ever have imagined and soon she's causing him all kinds of bother...
Mr Churchill's Secretary: A Maggie Hope Mystery (Maggie Hope Ser. #1)
by Susan Elia MacNealLondon, 1940. Winston Churchill has just been sworn in, war rages across the Channel, and the threat of a Blitz looms larger by the day. But none of this deters Maggie Hope. She graduated at the top of her college class and possesses all the skills of the finest minds in British intelligence, but her gender qualifies her only to be the newest typist at No. 10 Downing Street. Her indefatigable spirit and remarkable gifts for codebreaking, though, rival those of even the highest men in government, and Maggie finds that working for the prime minister affords her a level of clearance she could never have imagined—and opportunities she will not let pass. In troubled, deadly times, with air-raid sirens sending multitudes underground, access to the War Rooms also exposes Maggie to the machinations of a menacing faction determined to do whatever it takes to change the course of history.Ensnared in a web of spies, murder, and intrigue, Maggie must work quickly to balance her duty to King and Country with her chances for survival. And when she unravels a mystery that points toward her own family’s hidden secrets, she’ll discover that her quick wits are all that stand between an assassin’s murderous plan and Churchill himself.In this thrilling debut, Susan Elia MacNeal blends meticulous research on the era, psychological insight into Winston Churchill, and the creation of a riveting main character, Maggie Hope, into a beautifully crafted mystery.
Mr Facey Romford's Hounds: Nonsuch Classics
by R S SurteesFacey is a trickster who takes advantage of society's greed and gullibility, and gets away with it. This brisk, entertaining novel is the sequel to Mr Sponge's Sporting Tour.
Mr. Fox
by Helen Oyeyemiâe~Oyeyemi reveals a twinkling sense of humour . . . A delightâe(tm) Independent Itâe(tm)s a bright afternoon in 1938 and Mary Foxe is in a confrontational mood. St John Fox, celebrated novelist, hasnâe(tm)t seen her in six years. Heâe(tm)s unprepared for her afternoon visit, not least because she doesnâe(tm)t exist. Heâe(tm)s infatuated with her. But he also made her up. âeoeYouâe(tm)re a villain,âe she tells him. âeoeA serial killer . . . can you grasp that?âe Will Mr Fox meet his museâe(tm)s challenge, to stop murdering his heroines and explore something of love? What will his wife Daphne think of this sudden change in her husband? Can there be a happy ending âe" this time? âe~Oyeyemiâe(tm)s characters almost dance on their pages. This is her best, most beautiful novel yetâe(tm) Independent on Sunday âe~Funny, deep, shocking, wry, heart-warming and spine-chillingâe(tm) Guardian âe~Funny and fresh, piercingly astuteâe(tm) Daily Telegraph âe~Not just vibrantly imaginative but filled with wit and wisdom. Her best book so far. âe(tm) Metro
Mr Loveday's Little Outing & Other Early Stories
by Evelyn WaughIn this unique collection of Waugh's early short stories, some of which became the inspirations for his novels, Waugh displays his unique talent for comedy and narration. 'Mr Loveday's Little Outing' is a blackly comic tale of a mental asylum and its favourite resident, while 'Cruise' sees a hilarious series of letters from a naïve young woman as she travels with her family. These witty and immaculately crafted stories display the finest writing of a master of satire and comic twists.
Mr Paradise: A Novel
by Elmore Leonard'Sharp as an ice pick . . . You will love this excellent book' New York Times'Mr. Paradise is a perfect crime caper from a master . . . what more do you want?' Detroit Free Press Tony Paradiso - aka Mr Paradise - gets his kicks from watching old football games on TV accompanied by live entertainment: sexy cheerleaders shaking their pom-poms and doing rah-rah routines for his viewing pleasure. But for Chloe Robinette, playing dress-up doesn't end so well when she's caught in the crossfire of a contract hit.There are witnesses to the murders - Paradiso's right-hand man, Montez Taylor, and Chloe's roommate Kelly - but neither is giving too much away. Because Montez and Kelly have a score in mind, a big payoff from Mr Paradise's estate - if only Kelly can convince the cops she's someone else...'Glittering black comedy, a razor-sharp cast of crooks and con men. Very funny, exceedingly tough . . . told in a dialogue sharp enough to draw blood' Literary Review
Mr Right There All Along: Winning A Groom In 10 Dates / Molly Cooper's Dream Date / Mr Right There All Along (Mills And Boon Modern Heat Ser. #4258)
by Jackie BraunNot in high school any more…
Mrs Fry's Diary: The hilarious diary by Mrs Stephen Fry - the wife you never knew he had . . .
by Mrs Stephen FryStephen Fry's secret wife speaks out at last...Enjoyed a nice cuppa this morning with a HobNob & Jeremy Kyle. There was a woman on there who'd been married 16 years without realising her husband was gay. Extraordinary! Which reminds me, it's our 16th
Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare Today)
by Jenny OldfieldJenny Oldfield creates a hilarious narrative retelling of Shakespeare's comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.When AC Messina's star striker Claudio falls for the team manager'sdaughter, Hero, he sets in motion an escalating web of deceit. Fuelled by a combination of liesand genuine misunderstandings, Claudio is fooled into believing thatHero is having an affair, and rejects her on their wedding day; whilststar defender Benedick is tricked into falling in love with his worstenemy, Hero's cousin Beatrice. With a delightful cast of reporters,footballers, WAGs and revenge-obsessed scoundrels, will thetruth ever be unravelled? But more to the point, will it result in anycelebrity weddings?The Shakespeare Today series captures the magic of Shakespeare's original play and sets it in an accessible and contemporary style.
Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare Handbooks)
by Alison FindlayThis Handbook provides an introductory guide to Much Ado About Nothing offering a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, contextual documents, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key productions, a survey of film and TV adaptation, a wide sampling of critical opinion and further reading.
Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare Handbooks)
by Alison FindlayThis Handbook provides an introductory guide to Much Ado About Nothing offering a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, contextual documents, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key productions, a survey of film and TV adaptation, a wide sampling of critical opinion and further reading.
Much More Than a Mistress: Savas' Defiant Mistress / Much More Than A Mistress / Innocent 'til Proven Otherwise (Black Gold Billionaires #3)
by Michelle CelmerThere’s something suspicious about Jordan’s sexy new secretary. The billionaire boss is determined to seduce the truth out of Jane. But is that playing into her hands, as Jane is investigating a corporate wrongdoer? The prime suspect? Jordan.
Muddle Earth Too: Pesticide The Flower Fairy (Muddle Earth #2)
by Paul StewartOnce upon a time, a spell went wrong - and ordinary Joe Jefferson found himself transported to Muddle Earth, where the wizards are mad, the pink stinky hogs are stinky and the lampposts have serious attitude! Now, two years later, Muddle Earth needs him back. But can Joe find the lost Goblet of Porridge and rescue his sister from a thumb-sucking vampire Barbarian, all before a dragon battle breaks out and threatens to toast them all! Get prepared for another epic battle between the forces of good, evil and everything in between in Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell's Muddle Earth Too.
The Mule on the Minaret: A Novel about the Middle East
by Alec WaughFirst published in 1965 and based on the author's own experience as an officer in the British Intelligence and packed with the most closely observed detail of the people, places and costumes of the Levant, The Mule on the Minaret is a long, colourful, fascinating story of wartime intelligence centred on Beirut and Baghdad.It is the story, primarily, of Noel Reid, a professor of History and Philosophy, (married, but not very happily) who is posted in 1941 to the Intelligence unit operating in the Lebanon. Here, he joins forces with Nigel Farrar, boss of MI5 in Beirut, and is soon involved in complex plans to suborn hand-picked Lebanese for service in the Allied cause, mainly to relay misleading information to the Germans in Istanbul. Woven into this complex business is also the story of his turbulent affair with Diana, a young woman who works for Farrar.The whole of Noel Reid's wartime adventures are seen in retrospect as he revisits the scene seventeen years later and meets again both Farrar and Diana. For them the war has brought a new, completely satisfying life; for himself he can at least say: "It is not difficult to live contentedly once you have realized that there is such a thing in the world as happiness, even though you have lost it, and know that you will never get it."