Daedalus Books

Master Your Coursework with Collins College Outlines The Collins College Outline for Modern European History begins with the emergence of Modern Europe in 1450, continues through the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the Age of European Revolution, the era of the Nation State, both World Wars, the post-World War II Superpower Spheres, and concludes with Europe's current trend toward an ultramodern existence.

The Russian creator of the czarist master detective Erast Fandorin here introduces a new, irresistible sleuth. In a remote province of late 19th-century Russia, Bishop Mitrofanii has a family crisis on his hands: one of his great aunt's rare white bulldogs has been poisoned on her estate, probably as an attack on the old woman. With a fistful of erratic family members and hangers-on as possible suspects, the bishop knows the only one who can solve the apparently clueless crime is Sister Pelagia—freckled, bespectacled, lively, curious, clumsy, and extraordinarily persistent.

Jimi Hendrix continues to fascinate, and sell huge quantities of albums, even 35 years after his death. Quite apart from his influence on musicians and fans, a large part of the appeal of his sensational life story lies in the thrill of the era whose values he came to stand for. The Sixties still exert a massive pull over pop culture and this is genuinely a book for anyone interested, not only in Hendrix but also in anything to do with the pop culture of the last 40 years. Meticulously researched and sensitively and beautifully written, this is a labour of love that reveals the nuances, foibles and tragedies of the human being behind the iconic image. This is the sweeping, authoritative and colourful biography that Jimi Hendrix deserves and that his legions of fans, young and old have been waiting for.

Sharpe is back, in this 21st entry in Bernard Cornwell's consistently brilliant historical adventure series. In the winter of 1811 the war against Napoleon seems lost. Spain has fallen except for Cádiz, now under siege. Richard Sharpe and his company are sent to break a bridge across the River Guadiana. What they find is that they have more than one enemy, including a murderous priest blackmailing the British ambassador with a pack of letters to his prostitute lover, a Spanish force more interested in appeasing the French than fighting them, and their own pompous Brigadier Moon. As he does so well, Cornwell brings the historical battle of Barrosa to life, in which an outnumbered British infantry refused to surrender.

One of the most influential religious writers of his day, Clive Staples Lewis was an Oxford don and a scholar of medieval literature who loved to debate philosophy at his local pub. In this biography of C.S. Lewis, Alan Jacobs relates the facts and anecdotes of Lewis's life that shaped his thought and writing, from his childhood in Ireland to his horrific experiences in World War I, from his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien to his late-life marriage to Joy Davidman.

The modern clash between East and West began in earnest in 1853, suggests George Feifer, when Commodore Matthew Perry landed in Japan, intending to frighten the Japanese into submission. Due to his careful preparation and gunboat diplomacy, he succeeded; an unequal treaty was signed at Kanagawa, which opened ports to America and ended centuries of Japanese isolation. Both sides believed they were morally and culturally superior to the other, and misunderstandings and distrust would persist far into the 20th century. Admiral Yamamoto Isoruku, the mastermind of the Pearl Harbor attack, once said that he had joined the Navy because he «wanted to repay Commodore Perry's visit.»

In this fascinating and highly informative account of the development of militant Islamist praxis and ideology in the contemporary Middle East, [Fawaz] Gerges («The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global») explains what the jihadists are about and what they intend to accomplish. In addition to relying on a number of primary Arabic sources, the author has interviewed several jihadists, most importantly Kamal al-Said Habib, who founded the Jihadist Movement. Gerges, born and raised a Christian in Lebanon, demonstrates remarkable objectivity in explaining the world as seen from the vantage point of Muslim militants.... The author's ability to explain complex issues in a jargon-free and easy-flowing narrative makes this book one of the best, most useful, and most timely volumes for nonspecialist readers.

David Mitchell comes home — to England, 1982, and the cusp of adolescence. Jason Taylor is 13, doomed to be growing up in the most boring family in the deadest village (Black Swan Green) in the dullest county (Worcestershire) in the most tedious nation (England) on earth. And he stammers. 13 chapters, each as self-contained as a short story, follow 13 months in his life as he negotiates the pitfalls of school and home and contends with bullies, girls and family politics. In the distance, the Falklands conflict breaks out; close at hand, the village mobilises against a gypsy camp. And through Jason's eyes, we see what he doesn't know he knows — and watch unfold what will make him wish his life had been as uneventful as he had believed. Vividly capturing the mood of the times — high unemployment, Cold War politics and the sunset of agrarian England — this is at once a portrait of an era and of an age: the black hole between childhood and teenagerdom.

In this latest installment in the internationally best-selling, universally beloved series, there is considerable excitement at The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. A cobra has been found in Precious Ramotswe's office. Then a nurse from a local medical clinic reveals that faulty blood-pressure readings are being recorded there. And Botswana has a new advice columnist, Aunty Emang, whose advice is rather curt for Mma Ramotswe's taste. All this means a lot of work for our heroine and her inestimable assistant, Grace Makutsi, and they are, of course, up to the challenge. But there's trouble brewing in Mma Makutsi's own life. When Phuti Radiphuti misses their customary dinner date, she begins to wonder if he is having second thoughts about their engagement. And while Mma Makutsi may be able to buy that fashionably narrow (and uncomfortable) pair of blue shoes, it may not buy her the happiness that Mma Ramotswe promises her she'll find in the simpler things — in contentment with the world and enough tea to smooth over the occasional bumps in the road.

Darkness falls...Despair abounds...Evil reigns...Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall — one that puts Eragon in even graver danger. Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life...This book includes an exclusive extract from book three in the series!

A stunningly witty exploration of the American landscape — not to mention a brilliant comic's mind — this diary is chock-full of everything you ever wanted to know about Eric Idle, Monty Python, America, and sleeping on a bus. In these pages, the sixth-nicest Python is cheeky, touching, and funny when recounting the riotous tales of his beginnings, his affectionate reminiscences of his fellow Pythons, traveling the world, and taking us backstage at the smash Broadway hit Spamalot, Fascinating, moving, at times even amusing, this book will dramatically improve your sex life, will make you feel intelligent and charming within the first several pages, and after a few chapters, will permanently eliminate all your personal or health problems. So come experience eighty days, 15,750 miles, and forty-nine cities as you never have before!

The Unseen University sits in the centre of Discworld's greatest city, Ankh-Morpork. Some would say it is the very heart of the city. Ancient and magical, it is the home to the greatest library in the multiverse and the oldest building on the Discworld, the soaring Tower of Art. Enjoy the challenge of making all seven buildings and seeing the complete Unseen University literally unfold before your eyes. It is created in perfect detail by renowned illustrator and modelmaker, Alan Batley, from the original sculpture of the University by Discworld Artist Bernard Pearson. This title includes a foreword by Terry Pratchett. Simple tools, patience, and a good pot of glue are all that is required to create this masterpiece. With comprehensive and easy-to-follow instructions throughout, this title is suitable for all from 10 up, including the adult serious model maker.

Ansul was once a peaceful town filled with libraries, schools, and temples. But that was long ago, and the conquerors of this coastal city consider reading and writing to be acts punishable by death. And they believe the Oracle House, where the last few undestroyed books are hidden, is seething with demons. But to seventeen-year-old Memer, the house is a refuge, a place of family and learning, ritual and memory — the only place where she feels truly safe. Then an Uplands poet named Orrec and his wife, Gry, arrive, and everything in Memer's life begins to change. Will she and the people of Ansul at last be brave enough to rebel against their oppressors? A haunting and gripping coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of violence, intolerance, and magic, Voices is a novel that readers will not soon forget.

1940: The Spanish Civil War is over, and Madrid lies ruined, its people starving, while the Germans continue their relentless march through Europe. Britain now stands alone while General Franco considers whether to abandon neutrality and enter the war. Into this uncertain world comes Harry Brett: a traumatised veteran of Dunkirk turned reluctant spy for the British Secret Service. Sent to gain the confidence of old schoolfriend Sandy Forsyth, now a shady Madrid businessman, Harry finds himself involved in a dangerous game — and surrounded by memories. Meanwhile Sandy's girlfriend, ex-Red Cross nurse Barbara Clare, is engaged on a secret mission of her own — to find her former lover Bernie Piper, a passionate Communist in the International Brigades, who vanished on the bloody battlefields of the Jarama. In a vivid and haunting depiction of wartime Spain, Winter in Madrid is an intimate and compelling tale which offers a remarkable sense of history unfolding, and the profound impact of impossible choices. 'Sansom adroitly draws the disparate strands of his ambitious saga together. His non-pareil evocations of time and place anchor his characters with satisfying precision' — Independent.

Cecil Beaton called him the best photographer in Britain; Lord Snowden declared him a genius. It is no exaggeration to say that Angus McBean revolutionized portraiture in the 1930s, or that he immortalized the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, and Elizabeth Taylor. Blending wit, drama, and fantasy with the consummate skill of a master photographer, McBean was the most prominent theater photographer of his generation and, along with Beaton, the last of the British avant-garde studio photographers.

Purcell and Elmslie: Prairie Progressives explores the work of two important members of the organic architecture movement, and celebrates their tremendously important contributions to American architecture and the Prairie School. Wishing to return to simplicity and honesty, Purcell and Elmslie created homes and buildings that were consistent with a democratic society-simple forms, the natural use of textural materials and decoration, and buildings that accommodated the nature of a site. As did Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Purcell and Elmslie held the conviction that a building does not end with its simple structure, but reaches its final and logical culmination in the clothing-color, situation and natural environment, together with its decoration of glass, terra-cotta, and other textural materials. The firm of Purcell and Elmslie was tremendously successful in the sense that their small open-planned free-flowing houses could be shared by a great number of Americans of moderate means. Projects discussed in this book can be found throughout the Midwest, including Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and more. The time has come to recognize the work of these progressive architects of the Midwest. Purcell and Elmslie: Prairie Progressives includes: Comprehensive biographies of George Grant Elmslie and William Gray Purcell, The Work of the Firm, The Domestic and Non-Domestic, Work of Purcell, Feick and Elmslie, Work after the Firm Broke Up, The Late Work of Purcell and Elmslie, A Catalog of Major Projects.

Written from the unique perspective of an architect and sailboat designer — who is also an ardent sailor — this handsome volume documents the most important boats and boating events in the legendary history of the sailing yacht. Sailing Yachts tells the story of the concepts and creativity that lie behind the birth of the finest sailing yachts. The events and anecdotes that have marked the history of sailing are described in the vivid narrative, from casual competitions for royal yachts on London's River Thames in 1600 to the high-tech challenges of the 21st century. Detailed information on crewing and racing these magnificent boats is included as well. Meticulous sketches and diagrams, historical documents, and design plans reveal the techniques of the world's top boat designers. Hundreds of photographs in glorious full color convey the warmth of the sun beating on the deck as the boat cuts through the water, and the excitement of the world's most celebrated races, including the 2005 America's Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup. Anyone who has ever sailed a boat will thrill to the crisp flap of the sail and the splash of the waves evoked by the photographs in this book.

The fierce loyalty and self-sacrificing attitude of the Samurai have made them both a legend and a cult. Yet, although their military prowess and skills in the martial arts have been studied exhaustively, an understanding of their belief system still eludes many. This original and exciting work examines the spiritual world of the samurai, from their attachment to Japan's mainstream religions of Shinto and Buddhism, to their involvement in Confucianism, Christianity and Folk Religion. Samurai expert, Stephen Turnbull, examines important topics such as Zen and the martial arts, modern militarism, the cult of the sword, revenge and suicide, hara kiri and the kamikaze pilots — the suicide bombers of their day. He also looks at the fascinating issue of Japanese religious terrorism, as well as the growing cult status of the Samurai both in Japan and in the West.

A collection of over 200 rare and previously unpublished photographs revealing the many aspects of Winston Churchill's life: military leader, politician, author and artist. This book documents key events in Churchill's public life, as well as more intimate private moments. It is a thought-provoking, visual portrait of one of the most important figures in 20th century history.

In 1943, Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant, charismatic head of the Manhattan Project, recruited scientists to live as virtual prisoners of the U.S. government at Los Alamos, a barren mesa thirty-five miles outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. Thousands of men, women, and children spent the war years sequestered in this top-secret military facility. They lied to friends and family about where they were going and what they were doing and then disappeared into the desert. The women came despite the Army's initial objections, as Oppenheimer insisted that would be the only way to recruit the world-class physicists, and keep them reasonably sane and content during the years it would take to create this revolutionary new weapon. Conant shows how the stringent security, lack of privacy, spartan living conditions, and loneliness of the isolated mountain hideaway drove some residents to the brink of despair. Yet, only a handful gave up and left. Through the eyes of a young Santa Fe widow who was one of Oppenheimer's first recruits, we see how, for all his flaws, he developed into an inspiring leader and motivated all those involved in the Los Alamos project to make a supreme effort and achieve the unthinkable.

A fun fright-fest for any time of the year There's always something lurking in the spooky-but-fun urban world of these poems. Maybe it's a lost dragon (a wizard's loving pet — please return if found!) or a twelve-toed creature, or perhaps it's a monster celebrating his birthday. Whatever is there, it's sure to delight readers at any time of the year.

How would you like to go whitewater rafting without ever leaving your driveway? Or ride a rollercoaster while you're stuck in traffic? You can do it! Crazy Cars is full of sensible ideas like these (and many more), to suit even the craziest kids. So strap on your seatbelts and enjoy the ride!

In 1917, the world was turned upside down by a popular uprising and then a Bolshevik coup d'etat in Russia. Suddenly, the socialist revolution that many had hoped for and had expected was underway, Capitalism was morally and materially exhausted by war, and history seemed to be on the side of communism at last. But as Michael Occleshaw brilliantly shows in this startling new appraisal of the revolution and civil war in Russia, the Bolsheviks were shrewd and flexible operators. They used an alliance with the Kaiser's Germany to protect their infant regime and to destroy domestic challengers to their government. The British, the French, and the Americans, meanwhile, actively sought ways to cooperate with the new government regardless of their deep ideological differences. Occleshaw has discovered a wealth of new information that deepens and enriches our understanding of this crucial period in world history. In revolutionary Russia, he reveals a teeming underground of espionage, double-dealing, and adventurism. From the secret negotiations between the Bolsheviks and the capitalist powers to Britain's plans for a separate Cossack state, Occleshaw reveals a history darker, more dangerous, and more exciting than anyone could have imagined.

The clean, spare lines, looping oversized noses, and sharp wit of Charles Barsottis business cartoons have been a staple at The New Yorker for more than three decades. Featuring angry, fist-pounding bosses, hapless, undersized underlings, and deadpan secretaries making outrageous utterances, these are among the cleverest and most searing business cartoons out there. People on every step of the corporate ladder, from office temp to CEO, will identify with the hilarious scenarios in Barsottis brilliant sketches.