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Wartime Notebooks: France, 1940-1944 (The Margellos World Republic of Letters)
by Andrzej BobkowskiA Polish writer’s experience of wartime France, a cosmopolitan outsider’s perspective on politics, culture, and life under duress When the aspiring young writer Andrzej Bobkowski, a self-styled cosmopolitan Pole, found himself caught in occupied France in 1940, he recorded his reflections on culture, politics, history, and everyday life. Published after the war, his notebooks offer an outsider’s perspective on the hardships and ironies of the Occupation. In the face of war, Bobkowski celebrates the value of freedom and human life through the evocation—in a daringly untragic mode—of ordinary existence, the taste of simple food, the beauty of the French countryside. Resisting intellectual abstractions, his notes exude a young man’s pleasure in physical movement—miles clocked on country roads and Parisian streets on his trusty bike—and they reveal the emergence of an original literary voice. Bobkowski was recognized in his homeland as a master of modern Polish prose only after Communism ended. He remains to be discovered in the English-speaking world.
When Men & Mountains Meet: Like the desire for drink or drugs, the craving for mountains is not easily overcome (H.W. Tilman: The Collected Edition)
by H.W. Tilman‘We had climbed a mountain and crossed a pass; been wet, cold, hungry, frightened, and withal happy. One more Himalayan season was over. It was time to begin thinking of the next. “Strenuousness is the immortal path, sloth is the way of death.”’First published in 1946, the scope of H.W. ‘Bill’ Tilman’s When Men and Mountains Meet is broad, covering his disastrous expedition to the Assam Himalaya, a small exploratory trip into Sikkim, and then his wartime heroics.In the thirties, Assam was largely unknown and unexplored. It proved a challenging environment for Tilman’s party, the jungle leaving the men mosquito-bitten and suffering with tropical diseases, and thwarting their mountaineering success. Sikkim proved altogether more successful. Tilman, who is once again happy and healthy, enjoys some exploratory ice climbing and discovers Abominable Snowman tracks, particularly remarkable as the creature appeared to be wearing boots—‘there is no reason why he should not have picked up a discarded pair at the German Base Camp and put them to their obvious use'.And then, in 1939, war breaks out. With good humour and characteristic understatement we hear about Tilman’s remarkable Second World War. After digging gun pits on the Belgian border and in Iraq, he was dropped by parachute behind enemy lines to fight alongside Albanian and Italian partisans. Tilman was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his efforts—and the keys to the city of Belluno, which he helped save from occupation and destruction.Tilman’s comments on the German approach to Himalayan climbing could equally be applied to his guerrilla warfare ethos. ‘They spent a lot of time and money and lost a lot of climbers and porters, through bad luck and more often through bad judgement.’ While elsewhere the war machine rumbled on, Tilman’s war was fast, exciting, lightweight and foolhardy—and makes for gripping reading.
In a Land Far from Home: a JM Journey
by Syed Mujtaba AliWITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY TARAN KHAN, author of Shadow CityTRANSLATED FROM BENGALI BY NAZES AFROZAn intrepid traveller and true cosmopolitan, legendary Bengali writer Syed Mujtaba Ali spent a year and a half teaching in Kabul from 1927 to 1929. Curious to explore Afghan society, Mujtaba Ali had access to a cross-section of Kabul's population, and in In a Land Far from Home he chronicles his experiences with a keen eye and a wicked sense of humour.Mujtaba Ali's travels coincided with a critical point in Afghanistan's history: when the reformist King Amanullah tried to steer his country towards modernity by encouraging education for girls and giving them the choice of removing the burqa. Branded a 'kafir', Amanullah was overthrown by the bandit leader Bacha-e-Saqao. With striking parallels to twenty-first century events in the region, In a Land Far From Home is the only first-hand account of this tumultuous period by a non-Afghan.Providing a unique perspective, Mujtaba Ali's fascinating account is brought to life by contact with a colourful cast of characters at all levels of society -- from the garrulous Pathan Dost Muhammed and the gentle Russian giant Bolshov, to his servant, Abdur Rahman and his partner in tennis, the Crown Prince Enayatullah.
House of Snow: An Anthology of the Greatest Writing About Nepal
by Sir Ranulph Fiennes Ed DouglasA ground-breaking collection of stories, poems and articles about Nepal covering the length and breadth of this enchanting nation and its people. 'If you want a book in English that tells you about Nepalese thinking, and gives a taste of the country's contemporary literature, you could hardly do better than House of Snow' Daily Telegraph 'One of the finest books I have read this year' Nudge Books 'A well-curated sliver of works that highlight the richness and variety of Nepal's literary contribution' Kathmandu PostIn 2015, Sagarmatha frowned. Tectonic plates moved. A deadly earthquake devastated Nepal. In the wake of disaster, House of Snow brings together over 50 excerpts of fiction and non-fiction celebrating the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country.Here are explorers and mountaineers, poets and political journalists, national treasures and international celebrities. Featuring a diverse cast of writers such as Michael Palin and Jon Krakauer, Lakshmiprasad Devko?a and Lil Bahadur Chettri – all hand-picked by well-known authors and scholars of Nepali literature including Samrat Upadhyay, Michael Hutt, Isabella Tree and Thomas Bell. House of Snow is the biggest, most comprehensive and most beautiful collection of writing about Nepal in print.
A Pattern of Islands (Ulverscroft Large Print Ser.)
by Arthur GrimbleArthur Grimble was sent to the Gilbert and Ellice islands as a colonial administrator in the twilight of the Edwardian era. He lived there for the next twenty-five years and developed a rare passion for the language, life and landscape of the place. Fortunately his island neighbours, a fascinating cast of fishermen, sorcerers, poets and fighters, began to trust this charming, happy and energetic young man, and shared with him their treasury of stories from the days when warfare was endemic and magic an essential part of everyday life. A Pattern of Islands is a rich and complex cultural history of the dances and legends, rituals, spells and way of life of the islands. It is also a riproaring adventure story. Grimble learns to spear hungry sharks, to negotiate fearsome reefs and, on one terrifying day, is used as human bait to catch a giant squid.
Walking the Bones of Britain: A 3 Billion Year Journey from the Outer Hebrides to the Thames Estuary
by Christopher Somerville'[Somerville's] infectious enthusiasm and wry humour infuse his journey from the Isle of Lewis to southern England, revealing our rich geological history with vibrant local and natural history.' - Observer'An illuminating take on the British landscape ... a remarkable achievement. ' - Tom Chesshyre'A meticulous exploration of the ground beneath our feet. Glorious.' Katherine Norbury'Somerville is a walker's writer.' Nicholas Crane'His writing is utterly enticing.' Country Walking...........................................................................................................................................................................................................Travelling a thousand miles and across three billion years, Christopher Somerville (walking correspondent of The Times and author of Coast, The January Man and Ships of Heaven) sets out to interrogate the land beneath our feet, and how it has affected every aspect of human history from farming to house construction, the Industrial Revolution to the current climate crisis.In his thousand-mile journey, Somerville follows the story of Britain's unique geology, travelling from the three billion year old rocks of the Isle of Lewis, formed when the world was still molten, down the map south eastwards across bogs, over peaks and past quarry pits to the furthest corner of Essex where new land is being formed by nature and man.Demystifying the sometimes daunting technicalities of geology with humour and a characteristic lightness of touch, Somerville's book tells a story of humanity's reckless exploitation and a lemming-like surge towards self-annihilation but also shows seeds of hope as we learn how we might work with geology to avert a climate catastrophe.It cannot fail to change the way you see the world beyond your door.
Seven Years in Tibet: My Life Before, During And After (Paladin Bks.)
by Heinrich HarrerA landmark in travel writing, this is the incredible true story of Heinrich Harrer’s escape across the Himalayas to Tibet, set against the backdrop of the Second World War.
Just Add Water: Over 100 ways to recharge and relax on the UK's rivers, lakes and canals
by Sarah HenshawAn inspiring guide to activities and adventures to re-energise and boost your mood, by our rivers, lakes and canals. While Britain's rivers, lakes and canals have long been co-opted by fitness enthusiasts for the physical benefits they can bring, it's only relatively recently that we've given much thought to their impact on our mental state too. 'Blue health' – the idea that having access to an area of water can benefit a person's whole wellbeing – is gaining traction. These waterside places are fundamental to the kind of stuff people now realise they need in their lives – exercise, solace, natural beauty and new places to socialise – with so many of them on our doorstep. Just Add Water is your guide to the many mood-boosting and wellbeing activities, adventures and escapes that our inland waterways have to offer. Nearly 200 destinations are featured, organised into 15 core activities, covering the length and breadth of the UK, making this the ideal companion for anyone planning a day trip or boating holiday. Expert journalist Sarah Henshaw explains how the activities can re-energise, inspire and relax, weaving their wellbeing benefits with practical information to help you get the most out of each experience. Accompanied by stunning images, the handbook includes everything from mudlarking to wild swimming, fishing to foraging towpath hedgerows, paddleboarding to learning how to paint canal folk art. There are also inspirational first-hand accounts of the many ways our waterways have made a difference to people's day-to-day lives – including a high-flying exec who finds commuting by water a great way to manage stress.This guide showcases the multiple ways to be on, in, under or next to water, and how it can enhance the whole spectrum of lived experience.
Moon Prague, Vienna & Budapest (Travel Guide)
by Jennifer D. Walker Auburn ScallonWhether you're sipping Czech beer with locals or exploring hilltop castles, get to know these fairytale cities with Moon Prague, Vienna & Budapest. Inside you'll find:Flexible itineraries for 1 to 5 days in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest that can be combined into a longer tripStrategic advice for foodies, art lovers, history buffs, and moreMust-see highlights and unique experiences: Enjoy classical music in Vienna, wander through labyrinthine Habsburg palaces, or soak in Budapest's thermal Széchenyi baths. Hike through the Vienna Woods or bike through the Wachau Valley, where ruined castles, vineyards, and rolling hills line the banks of the Danube. Admire the works of Klimt and Schiele in Vienna's glamorous galleries, take in the festive atmosphere at Prague's Christmas markets, and walk across the romantic Charles Bridge as the sun sets over the Vltava The best local flavors: Sip a Melange in a cozy booth of a classic Viennese coffeehouse, sample local wine at a Hungarian vineyard, and kick back with a pint of pilsner at one of Prague's beer gardens Ideas for side trips from each city, including Liberec, Danube Bend, Lake Balaton, and the Kutná Hore Bone ChurchHonest insight from Budapest local Jennifer Walker and Prague local Auburn ScallonFull-color photos and detailed maps throughoutBackground information on the landscape, history, and cultural customs of each cityHandy tools such as visa information, Hungarian, German, and Czech phrasebooks, and tips for traveling with children or as a seniorExperience the best of these three cities at your own pace with Moon Prague, Vienna & Budapest.Exploring more of Europe's top spots? Check out Moon Rome, Florence & Venice or Moon Barcelona & Madrid.
The 50 States of America: The people, the places, the history
by Tim Glynne-JonesThe 50 States plus Washington DC that make up the USA all play their own unique part in the history and character of the nation. This book is an educational guide that teaches young readers about America's rich and varied history, geography and culture, and the people and places that stand out.
Explorers: Journeys to the Ends of the Earth
by Jon BalchinFascinated by what lies beyond the boundaries of human experience, men and women have throughout history been irresisibly drawn to venture into the unknown. Explorers charts the astonishing feats of history's most intrepid pathfinders. From the early voyages of the Ancient Greek mariner Colaeus, who first discovered that beyond the Mediterranean lay a far greater ocean, to the compelling tale of the race for the poles. this book encompasses the discovery and exploration of the great continents and oceans of the world. Whether motivated by the prospect of conquest, the spirit of scientific inquiry, nationalism, fanaticism, or just plain curiosity, the explorers in this book dared to seek out the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth and in so doing changed forever our perception of the planet.
A Selection of European Folk Dances: Volume 1
by Sam StuartA Selection of European Folk Dances, Volume 1 is a selection of folk dances from various European countries outside the British Isles, complete with dance sequence and music. These folk dances include Die Woaf from Austria; Jooksu Polka from Estonia; Kleiner Schottisch from Germany; Hakke Toone from Holland; Tarantella from Italy; Fyrtur from Norway; Wrona Gapa from Poland; Karapyet from Russia; Fyrmannadans from Sweden; and Meitschi Putz-di from Switzerland. This volume is comprised of 12 chapters and begins with a discussion on holds, which are of three types: peasant hold, open peasant hold, and ballroom hold. The next chapter explains the basic dance steps, from balance and chassé to hambo, Mazurka step, polka step, and waltz step. Subsequent chapters focus on European folk dances such as Die Woaf from Austria; Jooksu Polka from Estonia; Kleiner Schottisch from Germany; Hakke Toone from Holland; Tarantella from Italy; Fyrtur from Norway; Wrona Gapa from Poland; Karapyet from Russia; Fyrmannadans from Sweden; and Meitschi Putz-di from Switzerland. This book will be of particular value to dancers and folklorists.
I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew
by Dr. SeussAs our hero struggles to reach the city of Solla Sollew, where they never have troubles, at least very few, we realise that it’s better to face up to life’s problems than to try to run away from them!
A Time to Keep Silence
by Patrick Leigh FermorFrom the French Abbey of St Wandrille to the abandoned and awesome Rock Monasteries of Cappadocia in Turkey, the celebrated travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor studies the rigorous contemplative lives of the monks and the timeless beauty of their monastic surroundings. In his occasional retreats, the peaceful solitude and the calm enchantment of the monasteries was passed on as a kind of 'supernatural windfall' which A Time to Keep Silence so effortlessly records.
Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Iconic Poet
by Marta McDowellFrom New York Times bestselling author Marta McDowell, an illustrated exploration of how gardening and plants inspired Emily Dickinson, one of the most beloved poets of all time.
Imagine a City: A Pilot Sees the World
by Mark Vanhoenacker'A journey around both the author's mind and the planet's great cities that leaves us energised, open to new experiences and ready to return more hopefully to our lives' ALAIN DE BOTTON'Enriching... Luminous... A touching survey of human dreams and endeavours' PATRICK GALE___________________A love letter to the cities of the world, from the bestselling pilot-author of Skyfaring.Growing up in his small hometown, Mark Vanhoenacker spun the illuminated globe in his bedroom and dreamt of elsewhere - of distant, real cities, and a perfect metropolis that existed only in his imagination. These places were sources of endless fascination and escape: streets unspooled, towers shone, and anonymous crowds bustled in cities where Mark could be anyone - perhaps even himself.Now, as a commercial airline pilot, Mark has spent nearly two decades crossing the skies of our planet, touching down in the cities he imagined as a child. He experiences these metropolises in short layover visits that repeat month after month and year after year, giving him a unique perspective on the places that form our urban world.Interweaving travelogue with memoir, Mark celebrates the cities he has come to know and love through the lens of the hometown his heart has never left. Exploring the emblematic facets of each city's identity - the sweeping roads of Los Angeles, the old gates of Jeddah, the intricate, dream-inspired plan of Brasília - he shows us with warmth and fresh eyes the extraordinary places that billions of us call home.'I absolutely love the way Mark Vanhoenacker writes about the world; he gives you a whole new way of seeing' JENNY COLGAN'Will transport you around the globe and back again without leaving your seat' MARK OVENDEN, author of Airline Maps and London Underground by Design
Mani: Travels In Southern Peloponnese (John Murray Travel Classics Ser.)
by Patrick Leigh FermorThis is Patrick Leigh Fermor's spellbinding part-travelogue, part inspired evocation of a part of Greece's past. Joining him in the Mani, one of Europe's wildest and most isolated regions, cut off from the rest of Greece by the towering Taygettus mountain range and hemmed in by the Aegean and Ionian seas, we discover a rocky central prong of the Peleponnese at the southernmost point in Europe.Bad communications only heightening the remoteness, this Greece - south of ancient Sparta - is one that maintains perhaps a stronger relationship with the ancient past than with the present. Myth becomes history, and vice versa. Leigh Fermor's hallmark descriptive writing and capture of unexpected detail have made this book, first published in 1958, a classic - together with its Northern Greece counterpart, Roumeli.
Moon Colorado: Scenic Drives, National Parks, Hiking & Skiing (Moon U.S. Travel Guide)
by Terri CookFrom hiking through red rock canyons and aspen forests to hitting the slopes, find your adventure with Moon Colorado. Inside you'll find:Strategic itineraries for flexible one- to two-week road trips to experience the best of Colorado, from national parks to the Rocky Mountains The top activities and unique experiences: Explore ancient pueblos or Wild West ghost towns, soak in a steaming hot spring, and spot wild elk, horses, and foxes. Savor fresh flavors at a farm-to-table restaurant and kick back with delicious local microbrews Outdoor adventures: Go white-water rafting or kayaking on a rushing river, and hike slickrock trails to awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountain peaks. Ski the deep powder of some of the country's top resorts and relax with an après-ski drink Full-color photos and detailed maps throughoutLocal insight from lifelong adventurer Terri Cook on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from campsites and motels to B&Bs and resort lodges Background information on the culture, weather, wildlife, and history, plus tips on getting there and getting around by car, train, and public transportation Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Comprehensive coverage of Denver, Boulder and the Northern Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat Springs and Northwest Colorado, Vail and the Central Rockies, Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Mesa Verde and the Southwest, Colorado Springs and the Southeast With Moon's practical tips and local insight, you can experience the best of Colorado. Staying in the city? Try Moon Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs. Looking for outdoor adventures? Check out Moon Rocky Mountain National Park or Moon Colorado Camping. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Mountolive: The Alexandria Quartet (volume Three) (Perennial Bestsellers Ser. #3)
by Lawrence DurrellLose yourself in the thrilling political intrigue and tangled love affairs of wartime Egypt in Durrell's epic modern classic'A master at creating and handling tension ... I was fascinated from the start.' Wilbur SmithDavid Mountolive, a young English diplomat, has been obsessed with Egypt ever since a youthful love affair. Returning to Alexandria as British Ambassador just before World War Two, he unravels an intricate political and religious conspiracy - one that connects a web of wildly different characters, including an exiled schoolteacher and glamorous Egyptian couple. Mountolive gradually exposes the sinister underbelly of these tangled relationships, their deceptions and betrayals mirroring the explosive turmoil of the modern Middle East - and the result is Durrell's most cinematic masterpiece. 'Astonishing ... A work of splendid craft and troubling veracity.' New York Times Book Review'A masterpiece ... Don't be fooled by the richness of the prose, the depth of the passions ... Wicked and funny.' Guardian'Dazzlingly exuberant in style and vision, reckless in ambition, wonderfully prolific in invention ... Superb.' ObserverVOLUME THREE OF LAWRENCE DURRELL'S ALEXANDRIA QUARTET
The Yemen: A Secret Journey
by Hans HelfritzWhen this book was first published in 1958, Arabia was even then one of the least known corners of the globe. The foreigner was strictly forbidden from entering, except those with the Imam’s personal consent, and then under close supervision. Foreigners were only allowed as far as the capital, and what lay beyond was practically unexplored. To Hans Helfritz the only hope of seeing the forbidden area was to make a secret journey, approaching it in disguise by the back door. He decided to reach the borders of the Yemen by a wide detour through the interior, crossing a desert previously considered impassable and still recorded on the maps as a blank. Beginning on the coast at the eastern extremity of the Gulf of Aden, he made his way through the Hadhramaut, the Rub’ al Khali and the Yemen to the Red Sea, the first crossing ever of the south-western part of the peninsula. From this journey he brought back a fascinating record of adventure and exploration, together with many wonderful pictures of cities never before photographed.
The Yemen: A Secret Journey
by Hans HelfritzWhen this book was first published in 1958, Arabia was even then one of the least known corners of the globe. The foreigner was strictly forbidden from entering, except those with the Imam’s personal consent, and then under close supervision. Foreigners were only allowed as far as the capital, and what lay beyond was practically unexplored. To Hans Helfritz the only hope of seeing the forbidden area was to make a secret journey, approaching it in disguise by the back door. He decided to reach the borders of the Yemen by a wide detour through the interior, crossing a desert previously considered impassable and still recorded on the maps as a blank. Beginning on the coast at the eastern extremity of the Gulf of Aden, he made his way through the Hadhramaut, the Rub’ al Khali and the Yemen to the Red Sea, the first crossing ever of the south-western part of the peninsula. From this journey he brought back a fascinating record of adventure and exploration, together with many wonderful pictures of cities never before photographed.
Impossible Country: A Journey Through The Last Days Of Yugoslavia
by Brian Hall'Here is art which conceals art, and intellect which conceals intellect, so that by the end of the book one feels that one understands something one had not understood before. Mr Hall is witty and amusing, but not snide; he has a lightness of touch which allows him to write of extremely serious matters without solemnity; he knows how to convey a great deal in a few words' Sunday Telegraph'He is an observant and witty writer...you believe implicitly that he has met the people he writes about, and that they said what he quotes them as saying' Sunday Times
A Selection of European Folk Dances: Volume 2
by Sam StuartA Selection of European Folk Dances, Volume 2 is a selection of folk dances from various European countries outside the British Isles, complete with dance sequence and music. These folk dances include Boarischer and Kreuzpolka from Austria; Kolomeyka from Carpathia; Schottische from Denmark; Viru Vals from Estonia; Bourrée Poursuite from France; Der Gamboliner Holzschuhtanz from Germany; Kokotek and Laura from Poland; Tarantella from Sicily; Fyrmanna Schottische from Sweden; and Hopak from Ukraine. This volume is comprised of 12 chapters and begins with a discussion on holds, which are of four types: peasant hold, open peasant hold, ballroom hold, and promenade hold. The next chapter explains the basic dance steps, from balance and chassé to step hop and waltz step. Subsequent chapters focus on European folk dances such as Boarischer and Kreuzpolka from Austria; Kolomeyka from Carpathia; Schottische from Denmark; Viru Vals from Estonia; Bourrée Poursuite from France; Der Gamboliner Holzschuhtanz from Germany; Kokotek and Laura from Poland; Tarantella from Sicily; Fyrmanna Schottische from Sweden; and Hopak from Ukraine. This book will be of particular value to dancers and folklorists.
Smelling the Breezes: A Journey through the High Lebanon in 1957
by Ralph Izzard Molly IzzardSmelling the Breezes is an inspiring family adventure, a three-hundred-mile walk down the spine of the Lebanon with four children, two donkeys and Elias, the family’s gardener, nursemaid and friend. The journey took them over towering passes, through immense gorges and into the lives of mountain villages and highland herdsmen. The presence of four small but redoubtable blonde children proved a passport at every door, whatever the politics, religion or ethnicity of the household. Smelling the Breezes is a magnificent portrait of Lebanon in all its rich complexity and easy charm: broken castles, hashish smugglers, clan feuds, festivals, forgotten temples, secretive headquarters and hospitable sheikhs.
Tartans & Highland Dress (Collins Scottish Archive)
by CollinsA small format gift book which is a reproduction of the popular Collins book ‘Tartans & Highland Dress’ published in 1961. This is a detailed guide to how to correctly wear the Scottish national dress along with profiles of the main tartans.