The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son
"The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to His Son" offers an intimate and profound glimpse into the extraordinary mind and life of one of history's most influential figures, John D. Rockefeller, as he imparts his perspectives, ideology, and timeless wisdom to his beloved son.Spanning a period of several decades, this captivating collection of letters showcases the correspondence between John D. Rockefeller, the renowned American business magnate, philanthropist, and visionary, and his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Through these heartfelt and thought-provoking letters, we witness the unfolding of a unique father-son relationship, guided by Rockefeller Sr.'s desire to instill in his heir a sense of purpose, integrity, and responsibility.In these intimate exchanges, J.D. Rockefeller Sr. shares his personal experiences, successes, and failures, revealing the principles and values that shaped his incredible journey in the worlds of business, philanthropy, and social change. From his pioneering efforts in the oil industry to his philanthropic endeavors that transformed education, medicine, and scientific research, Rockefeller Sr. provides valuable insights and practical advice on leadership, wealth, ethics, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.Each letter within this remarkable collection is accompanied by insightful commentary and analysis, providing readers with historical context and highlighting the profound impact of Rockefeller Sr.'s words on his son's life and the broader world. These letters not only offer a unique perspective on the Rockefeller family legacy but also serve as a timeless guide for individuals seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of personal and professional life."The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to His Son" is an illuminating and deeply moving exploration of the principles, ideologies, and wisdom that propelled one of the most influential families in American history. It serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring power of a father's love, mentorship, and the timeless wisdom that can shape the lives of generations to come.
Elon Musk
The #1 New York Times and global bestseller from Walter Isaacson--the acclaimed author of Steve Jobs, Einstein: His Life and World, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci--is the astonishingly intimate story of the most fascinating, controversial innovator of modern times. For two years, Isaacson shadowed Elon Musk as he executed his vision for electric vehicles at Tesla, space exploration with SpaceX, the AI revolution, and the takeover of Twitter and its conversion to X. The result is the definitive portrait of the mercurial pioneer that offers clues to his political instincts, future ambitions, and overall worldview. When Elon Musk was a kid in South Africa, he was regularly beaten by bullies. One day a group pushed him down some concrete steps and kicked him until his face was a swollen ball of flesh. He was in the hospital for a week. But the physical scars were minor compared to the emotional ones inflicted by his father, an engineer, rogue, and charismatic fantasist. His father's impact on his psyche would linger. He developed into a tough yet vulnerable man-child, prone to abrupt Jekyll-and-Hyde mood swings, with an exceedingly high tolerance for risk, a craving for drama, an epic sense of mission, and a maniacal intensity that was callous and at times destructive. At the beginning of 2022--after a year marked by SpaceX launching thirty-one rockets into orbit, Tesla selling a million cars, and him becoming the richest man on earth--Musk spoke ruefully about his compulsion to stir up dramas. "I need to shift my mindset away from being in crisis mode, which it has been for about fourteen years now, or arguably most of my life," he said. It was a wistful comment, not a New Year's resolution. Even as he said it, he was secretly buying up shares of Twitter, the world's ultimate playground. Over the years, whenever he was in a dark place, his mind went back to being bullied on the playground. Now he had the chance to own the playground. For two years, Isaacson shadowed Musk, attended his meetings, walked his factories with him, and spent hours interviewing him, his family, friends, coworkers, and adversaries. The result is the revealing inside story, filled with amazing tales of triumphs and turmoil, that addresses the question: are the demons that drive Musk also what it takes to drive innovation and progress?
Lepidoptera Indica Volume; Volume 1
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Lepidoptera Indica Volume; Volume 2
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The American Revolution on Trial
A master historian uncovers a spellbinding story illustrating the stakes for the new nation in the American War for IndependenceHow does a new country demonstrate to the world that it is prepared to uphold the rule of law? During the winter of 1778, in the midst of revolution, a bizarre and dramatic court-martial forced an American community to confront the full implications of its independence from Great Britain--and produced a frank reexamination of a struggling nation's cultural and political values. British General John Burgoyne, a prisoner of war, accused an American colonel of mistreating fellow British prisoners. Angry and embarrassed after surrendering his army at Saratoga, he demanded an unprecedented full trial before an American jury. In a stunning decision, American military officers not only acquiesced to an unprecedented request for a court-martial but also allowed Burgoyne, an enemy commander, to serve as prosecutor.Why were the Americans so accommodating of this audacious request? Burgoyne's challenge, as T. H. Breen shows, had become about much more than an American soldier's individual transgression--it sparked an emotional rejection of aristocratic privilege that went to the heart of the revolutionary cause itself. The American Revolution on Trial spectacularly illustrates how the platform provided to Burgoyne offered the new, rebellious republic an opportunity to demonstrate, to themselves and the world, that they were sufficiently civilized to deliver genuine justice. This saga and its larger significance address questions about the rule of law and a nation's honor that challenge us to this day.
Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan
Peers, foils, colleagues, and rivals--Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan's impact on each other still expresses itself in architectural masterworks that anchor Chicago's cityscape. Trygve Thoreson's parallel biography places their lives and careers within a panoramic history of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Thoreson delves into their influences while bringing to life the social, intellectual, and cultural milieus of their time. Unearthing a wealth of personal details, Thoreson pays particular attention to the influences that formed Burnham and Sullivan and shaped not only their designs but their conception of themselves as artists. He also examines the confluence of historical forces that pulled the two men together and pushed them apart--a fruitful back-and-forth that built surprising links into their work and steered world architecture in bold new directions. An engaging piece of nonfiction storytelling, Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan reveals new facets of the architects' personal, intellectual, and artistic lives.
Pied Piper Child
'We were awake by then and suddenly the ack-ack (anti-aircraft) guns down on Hackney Marshes started firing. Mum got us both into one bed and lay over us herself, hoping we would not be in a direct hit. After a few seconds of quiet, we got coats and shoes on, grabbed blankets, and Dad shepherded us downstairs and out the door on our way to the reinforced concrete air-raid shelter underneath a school, just one block away.' On 1 September, 1939, 175 children, teachers and helpers from Millfields Junior School in Clapton arrived in the Hertfortshire village of High Wych, as evacuees of the London Blitz. Ria Booth tells the story of her war years, from eight to thirteen years old, evoking both village life in a former, more rural England, and the terror and sacrifice of living in a London besieged by bombs.
Echoes of Her Strength
In Echoes of Her Strength: A Life of Forgiveness and Resilience, Joycelyn invites readers into the intimate story of a woman who has faced life's deepest wounds and still found her way back to grace.From her humble beginnings in San Fernando, Trinidad, to the challenges of rebuilding her life in Canada, Joycelyn's path has been marked by both pain and perseverance. Abuse, betrayal, and loss once threatened to silence her spirit, but through faith, courage, and the transformative power of forgiveness, she rose stronger than before.With heartfelt honesty and the rhythm of Caribbean storytelling, Joycelyn reflects on the women who shaped her, the friendships that sustained her, and the God who never let her go. Her words echo with truth: that healing is possible, that love endures, and that forgiveness is not weakness but freedom.More than a memoir, this is a testimony: a celebration of the resilience that lives in every woman. It is for the mother who keeps going, the daughter learning to trust again, and the survivor who is still finding her way through the dark.Through every chapter, Joycelyn's story whispers hope: no matter where you begin, grace can rewrite your ending.
In the Company of Men
When Patricia Carlson walked through the doors of a men's homeless shelter in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in 1995, she had no idea how profoundly her life-and the lives of countless others-would be changed. As the first female director of a shelter that catered to men, she entered a world of loss, laughter, faith, and survival, where the boundaries between helper and helped began to blur.Over twelve transformative years, Patricia bore witness to the human spirit in all its rawness and resilience, from moments of chaos and heartbreak to acts of astonishing tenderness and grace. Alongside men whom society had cast aside, she discovered the deeper meaning of service, that to truly help others is to be remade by them in return.Told with unflinching honesty, humour, and compassion, In the Company of Men pulls back the curtain on non-profit work-its bureaucratic battles, its moral contradictions, and its small, hard-won triumphs. Through vivid stories of friendship, grief, and redemption, Patricia illuminates what it means to be fully human in a world too often blind to its own brokenness.For anyone who has ever worked in the trenches of social service, volunteered in a shelter, or simply wondered what happens to those our systems forget, this book offers a searing expos矇 and a hymn to hope.
Wasp Woman
A revealing biography for film and true crime fans, shedding new light on Susan Cabot's Hollywood career and the sensational tragedy that overshadowed her legacy. Susan Cabot was a popular B-list movie actress in the 1940s-1950s whose grisly slaying perhaps gained her more notoriety than her on-screen and on-stage accomplishments. Susan had a significant acting career ultimately cheapened by the media circus surrounding her death. The role for which Susan was most recognized was Wasp Woman, Janice Starlin, the president of a cosmetics corporation who experiments with a youth serum made from the extract of wasps that proves to have deadly side effects--not unlike the experimental injections that contributed to her own real-life slaughter in 1986 at the hands of her son, Tim. Susan was essentially tried and convicted of her own murder due to the overbearing mother narrative purported by Tim's defense attorney team and the media. This biography broadens the narrative of Susan Cabot, detailing her legacy from a fresh perspective beyond the coils of her last years and brutal murder. It also explores the sociopolitical implications of victim-blaming, mother blame, and toxic masculinity that led to the skewing of Susan's life and death. Susan's side of the story has never been told... until now.
Red Snow
Red Snow is a son's exploration of the experiences of his parents during the Holocaust and World War II. In his endeavor to understand and imagine their lives, through research, he discovers the brutality and horrors they survived and the miraculous circumstances that brought them together.It is November 10, 1938, the Zweigs, a prosperous Jewish family, are sitting down to dinner in their Breslau, Germany home. The family, including the author's father Leo are about to hear some ominous news about the future from father Heinrich. For the past two days, hordes of Nazis have been rampaging through the streets, beating Jews at random, removing them forcibly from their shops, and smashing their businesses. It is happening on the day that would come to be known as "Kristallnacht." So begins Red Snow, the true story of the Zweig family's abrupt removal from a life of security and comfort to one of uncertainty and fear. All of the Zweigs would become victims of the escalating presence of suspicion, hatred, brutality, and the likelihood of sudden-or lingering-death. Where would they be at the war's end in 1945? Who would still be alive-and at what cost? Could the survivors of this family risk the hope that they could find each other-and reunite in a world forever changed?
Samurai
Explores the reality and myths of the samurai from medieval times to today's popular cultureThe figure of the samurai is unique in its global intelligibility, read both as a symbol of Japan and as a universal icon of the virtuous and fearless warrior. While the term is now common worldwide, there is little understanding of the historical reality, or of the wide variety of ways in which the stereotype has been used over time. This is the first book to explore the centuries-long trajectory of the samurai through objects from international collections. It discusses the warrior class's historical origins in the medieval period's civil wars and stories they told of their own achievements. With the establishment of peace, the samurai became an official class fulfilling a bureaucratic role. The ideal of the medieval warrior took on legendary status. Although the samurai social class was abolished in 1876, with the full opening of Japan to international visitors, the concept of the samurai was packaged for foreign tourists and repurposed as a model for the modern soldier in a period of military conflict and colonial expansion. The image of the samurai has been interpreted and reimagined in Japan and across the world in myriad ways. Discussions of national myth and global samurai bring the story up to the present day through a selection of films, television shows, manga, anime, video games, and more.
American Pontiff
THE DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY OF THE FIRST AMERICAN POPEThe Life, Teachings, Rise and Leadership Qualities of Pope Leo XIV."Kengor's deep understanding of both Catholicism and America make him the right scholar to introduce Americans to a deeper understanding of the first American Pontiff."--HON. NEWT GINGRICHFrom New York Times bestselling author and noted Catholic historian Dr Paul Kengor: A portrait of Robert Francis Prevost, his background and life, theological beliefs and teachings, relationship with his predecessors and fellow cardinals and clergy, and surprising rise to become the 267th elected Pontiff and first American Pope, and the challenges he will face and how he is likely to lead the Catholic Church, including interviews with Catholic and papal experts.In this first major biography of the new American pontiff, Editor of The American Spectator, chief academic fellow at the Institute for Faith & Freedom, professor of political science at Grove City College, historian and New York Times bestselling author of over twenty books, including A Pope and a President, The Divine Plan, and God and Ronald Reagan, Dr Paul Kengor delivers an engaging and gripping deep dive into the life and times of Robert Francis Prevost, whose election to the Chair of St. Peter on May 8, 2025, stunned the world. There had never been an American pope, and until this book, there has not been an in-depth examination of the new American pontiff and his extraordinary election. Professor Kengor takes readers on a spiritual sojourn from the very first pope, Peter, through the Medieval popes, through the turbulence of the Francis years, and through today's pope and the figures who influenced him, from St. Augustine to Pope Leo XIII. He shows how this so-called "least American American" among the cardinals is actually quintessentially American, and yet also, remarkably, is quintessentially universal--ideally so for the head of the universal Roman Catholic Church.In this definitive biography, Dr. Kengor provides fascinating information on Prevost's sudden rise from priest to bishop to cardinal and the inside story on how the vote went down in the Conclave, leading to the highly unexpected and yet overwhelming choice of Prevost on the fourth ballot. Kengor also provides a detailed treatment of the very revealing opening 40 days of Leo XIV's pontificate and offers unique insights into where the world might expect the pope to proceed hereafter. The pope's first word from the Loggia was "peace," and he has committed himself to a mission of peace and unity for the Church and the wider world.If you want to get to know this mystery man who became pope--who became the first American pontiff--this is the book, a must-read for every Catholic and for non-Catholics as well.
In the Company of Men
When Patricia Carlson walked through the doors of a men's homeless shelter in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in 1995, she had no idea how profoundly her life-and the lives of countless others-would be changed. As the first female director of a shelter that catered to men, she entered a world of loss, laughter, faith, and survival, where the boundaries between helper and helped began to blur.Over twelve transformative years, Patricia bore witness to the human spirit in all its rawness and resilience, from moments of chaos and heartbreak to acts of astonishing tenderness and grace. Alongside men whom society had cast aside, she discovered the deeper meaning of service, that to truly help others is to be remade by them in return.Told with unflinching honesty, humour, and compassion, In the Company of Men pulls back the curtain on non-profit work-its bureaucratic battles, its moral contradictions, and its small, hard-won triumphs. Through vivid stories of friendship, grief, and redemption, Patricia illuminates what it means to be fully human in a world too often blind to its own brokenness.For anyone who has ever worked in the trenches of social service, volunteered in a shelter, or simply wondered what happens to those our systems forget, this book offers a searing expos矇 and a hymn to hope.
21 Smithfield Drive
21 Smthfield Drive is part family history, part memoir. Author M. Gail Stelter shares these stories across three sections: her parents' lives, leading up to and including World War II, her own childhood in the post-war years, and finally her young adult years when she met the love of her life, Peter. These stories are filled with vulnerability, humour and insights and illuminate the joys and challenges of the times, of family, and of love.
21 Smithfield Drive
21 Smthfield Drive is part family history, part memoir. Author M. Gail Stelter shares these stories across three sections: her parents' lives, leading up to and including World War II, her own childhood in the post-war years, and finally her young adult years when she met the love of her life, Peter. These stories are filled with vulnerability, humour and insights and illuminate the joys and challenges of the times, of family, and of love.
Flowers Bloom Anyway - A Memoir
The day after she buried her husband, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen found out she was pregnant and realized the hardest truth of all: Nobody was coming to save her.Flowers Bloom Anyway isn't a book about how to grieve the "right" way.It's about grieving messy, living loud, telling the truth even when it hurts, and planting beauty anyway.When Liz became a widow overnight, grief didn't come with a guidebook. It came with casseroles, silence, and unsolicited opinions. But through the loss, the loneliness, and the rumors, she kept going. She is raising her daughters, has rebuilt her life, and found glimpses of grace in dirt-covered hands and flower fields.Part memoir, part rallying cry, Flowers Bloom Anyway is a real and redemptive story about unexpected loss, solo motherhood, rural grit, stubborn hope, and the kind of faith people don't earn in a church pew but in the aftermath.Ever wondered, How do I keep going when everything has changed? This is Liz's answer-a story of heartbreak and healing, and how she turned loss into a thriving life and a million-dollar enterprise.
Worship Through Latin American Eyes
Every Sunday, millions of Christians worldwide gather for public worship. They may use different languages, sing distinct melodies, and perform rituals according to different traditions and in diverse styles, but there is a common element among all Christians: the practice of worship. In this book, eight Latin American Christian scholars reflect on contextual worship practices using various disciplinary lenses and methodologies. Each contributor to this book observes, describes, and interprets worship through Latin American eyes. These authors are women and men from different countries, are experts in varied academic fields, and represent a range of Protestant Christian traditions. They bring diverse religious backgrounds and worship experiences to this work. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected on a global scale, this book provides an opportunity to listen to underrepresented voices and develop a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of worship beyond familiar settings.
Sight Unseen
It's a good thing imagination is not required when the story being told is 100% true, because you just can't make this stuff up. Join Jeff as he once again steps into a world of unexpected chaos. Watch him from the time he unexpectantly retires, moves to a town four states away, and buys a house absolutely sight unseen. See how he quickly learns that real estate ads should come with the disclaimer, some assembly required. Walk with Jeff as he tries to understand the just how hard and easy it can be to give money away. From the original home purchase, to hiring the help (when available), each new situation presented a unique and unforeseen perspective. From broken doors, missing walls, and Confederate flags, each room in his new house added another unexpected challenge to his version of the money pit. Situations Jeff encountered along the way include: -Wife demanding when and where to retire - his input not required-How to compromise on where to live by letting her pick-Purchasing a house that others secretly want-Selling a home, that no one is totally happy with-Moving day with rocket scientists-Fitting in a rural Texas town, making friends (and enemies)-Endless project lists and home warranties-Learning to deal with heat, snakes, bugs, and more-Surprise twists and turns and happy endings?Each situation encountered on the surface appear to be totally normal but when Jeff gets done, you are left laughing, shaking your head, and wanting more.
Reluctant Human
Trained in the arts and education, Adriana Mu簽oz Hern獺ndez now turns her creativity and perseverance into an account of her journey to educate and heal herself.Overcoming two primary terminal cancer diagnoses and the limitations of western medicine, she shares her journey of seven years, her radical self-discoveries and her zeal to show the power of focused intention.Living between her country of birth - Colombia and the US, Mu簽oz Hern獺ndez brings her experiences and new questions to her readers in the hope that others standing on the edge will know that they are not alone.
Virginia's Diary
What would you do if you went to bed tonight and had a dream that changed your life, and your family's history, forever?On January 3, 1999, Suzanne Peyton awoke from a vivid dream that set her on a seventeen-year journey to uncover the truth about a woman her family believed had abandoned her children nearly a century earlier. Exactly forty years before that dream, on January 3, 1958, Suzanne's great-grandmother, Virginia Avery, took her own life after being wrongly committed to a mental institution and silenced by decades of lies.As Suzanne begins to question the stories passed down through generations, her search leads her to New Orleans and into the heart of her family's hidden past. Along the way, she finds herself mysteriously writing diary entries in language and cadence from another era: words that do not feel like her own. Are these writings clues guiding her toward the truth, or memories from a past life when she lived as Virginia in the Garden District of New Orleans?Virginia's Diary is a deeply personal memoir that blends family history, spiritual awakening, and the struggle to reconcile faith with experiences that defy easy explanation. With honesty and vulnerability, Suzanne Peyton explores grief, truth, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love across generations.
The 21 Myths of Street Life
Behind every myth is a reality that shatters illusions. Myths work like magic tricks, disguised as codes for survival on the streets. Russell Lathom exposes this illusion in The 21 Myths of Street Life. Russell shares his own journey--from childhood abuse to time in prison--woven with the stories of iconic figures from inside and outside the streets. He unpacks the most pervasive ideas to challenge false narratives and reveal the reality of a life spent following the street's rules. From promises of easy wealth to misguided ideals, Russell dismantles the myths that have dangerously influenced decisions and shaped destinies. This is Russell's story, but it's also his research, insights, and reflections on a life spent in crime. Poignant and inspirational, The 21 Myths of Street Life is a wake-up call for those who want more for their communities than what the streets have promised.
The Deaf Girl
An inspiring story of hearing loss and hope from The Bachelor's first deaf contestantAbigail Heringer made her television debut as an instant fan-favorite on season 25 of The Bachelor. Stepping out of the limousine, she approached her bachelor with a playful declaration: she would be staring at his lips all night for two compelling reasons--her profound deafness since birth and because he had some nice lips!But Abigail's journey wasn't always marked by such confidence. Growing up deaf and introverted, she dreaded being the center of attention, fearing her disability would burden those around her. Among her hearing peers, she felt like an outsider, simply labeled as "the deaf girl." And after receiving a cochlear implant at the age of two, she subsequently struggled to find her place in the Deaf community too. Caught in between two worlds and grappling to define her identity as a deaf woman, Abigail felt like she belonged in neither.Supported by her family, particularly her deaf older sister Rachel, Abigail has come to understand that while being deaf is part of her identity, it doesn't define her. Throughout her journey, marked by challenges and adversity, Abigail has grown into her own strongest advocate, discovering a new voice that is confident, fearless, and empowered--a voice that enables her to proudly reclaim the title of "the deaf girl" she once resisted and rewrite it as a testament to her resilience and strength.Hopeful, vulnerable, and uplifting, The Deaf Girl shares Abigail's journey of navigating life with a profound hearing loss and her transformation from merely accepting her disability to embracing it wholeheartedly. This memoir serves as an inspiring reminder for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to embrace their differences, showcasing that every voice is worthy of being heard.
The 21 Myths of Street Life
Behind every myth is a reality that shatters illusions. Myths work like magic tricks, disguised as codes for survival on the streets. Russell Lathom exposes this illusion in The 21 Myths of Street Life. Russell shares his own journey--from childhood abuse to time in prison--woven with the stories of iconic figures from inside and outside the streets. He unpacks the most pervasive ideas to challenge false narratives and reveal the reality of a life spent following the street's rules. From promises of easy wealth to misguided ideals, Russell dismantles the myths that have dangerously influenced decisions and shaped destinies. This is Russell's story, but it's also his research, insights, and reflections on a life spent in crime. Poignant and inspirational, The 21 Myths of Street Life is a wake-up call for those who want more for their communities than what the streets have promised.
We Made It
This is the story of my early years, about my sister and me. It is a memoir. We lost our parents in World War II. We learned from our experiences, becoming strong through adversity. As we grew up, the couple who eventually looked after us made choices on our behalf. We were officially fostered by them. How would things turn out in the years ahead for us sisters with a special bond?I was born in Prague, brought up in England and now live in Australia. My sister Lydia and I had talked about us writing together the story of what had happened to us. Lydia sadly died in 1988, and it took me a while before I decided I could do this by myself. My sensitivity has aided me in my writing.It wasn't until we were on the SS Orcades, bound for Australia, that my husband, Dennis, said to me, "I am so excited. I have something to tell you. I am going to use my second name, John. I have never liked my name, Dennis, so it's John from now on. Are you all right with that?""Yes, if that's what you want." He gave me a hug. So that is what happened, and he was known as John from then on.I have used U.S., short for Uncle Stan, and A.J, which is short for Aunty Jean.
World Atlas 2025-2026
Confused by outdated, complicated atlases that leave you more puzzled than informed? Wondering how to quickly understand world geography without feeling overwhelmed? You`re not alone-and that`s exactly why World Atlas 2025-2026 exists.In today's fast-changing world, many students, teachers, travelers, and curious minds are asking: "Where can I find an updated, easy-to-understand atlas that actually makes learning about the world engaging and clear?"The problem? Most atlases are either too technical, outdated, or overloaded with jargon and data that's hard to digest.This book is the solution.World Atlas 2025-2026: Updated Geography Guide with Maps, Countries, Capitals, & Facts is your modern, go-to reference for everything you need to know about our planet-designed for real people who want to learn and explore without frustration.Written in simple, conversational English, this comprehensive world atlas takes you on a journey across continents, through countries, over mountains, and into the heart of global cultures-all in a clear, visual, and compelling format. Whether you're a student needing accurate and current geography for school, a teacher planning lessons, a traveler curious about your next destination, or just someone eager to understand our changing world-this atlas speaks to you.Inside, you'll discover: Fully updated maps reflecting the 2025-2026 global landscape Country-by-country breakdowns with essential facts, flags, and population insights Clear explanations of geopolitics, borders, capitals, climates, and cultures A powerful yet accessible overview of how the world is evolving today Content designed for all ages-easy enough for beginners, rich enough for deeper studyThis isn`t just another reference book-it's a gateway to global awareness. Every map, fact, and feature is crafted to make you see the world differently-with more clarity, confidence, and curiosity.Why choose this atlas over the rest?Because it's more than a book-it's a learning experience. One that simplifies, clarifies, and inspires. Unlike complex academic resources, this atlas is written like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend-easy to follow, visually engaging, and filled with real-world relevance.Whether you`re building a classroom, planning an adventure, or simply expanding your understanding of our interconnected world, this atlas gives you the tools to explore with confidence.Don't settle for outdated or dull. Embrace the world-clearly, confidently, and completely.Grab your copy of World Atlas 2025-2026 now and open your mind to the world like never before.
My Turbulent Life and 21 Years of Exile in the People's Republic of China
In this deeply personal and historically significant memoir, Pridi Banomyong, former regent and prime minister of Siam (Thailand), takes readers on a journey through one of the most turbulent periods in modern Southeast Asian history. Forced into exile in the People's Republic of China, Pridi reflects on his life's work as a democratic leader, his involvement in the 1932 Siamese Revolution, and his experiences with key figures such as Mussolini, Emperor Hirohito and Mao Zedong. This memoir offers a unique perspective on the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia during the mid-twentieth century, the challenges of leading a nation through war and conflict, and the personal sacrifices of a life dedicated to the pursuit of democracy and justice.With unwavering honesty, Pridi Banomyong recounts the struggles and triumphs of his exile, shedding light on the complex interplay between global powers and the fate of smaller nations like Thailand. Discover the untold stories of one of Thailand's most significant political figures as he navigates the perilous waters of exile, reflecting on his life, his country and his unyielding belief in the possibility of a peaceful and just world.
Asia in Flames
Most histories still tell the story of Asia's war as if it suddenly erupted over Hawaii in 1941. Long before that morning, cities in China had burned, civilians had fled into caves, and diplomats had watched a supposed regional dispute turn into a test of global will. This book asks what the Second World War would look like if you start not at Pearl Harbour but at the Second Sino-Japanese War.Step by step, it follows the Japanese invasion of China, from the Marco Polo Bridge to the Nanjing massacre history, the bombing of Chongqing, and the struggle to keep supplies flowing along the Burma Road history. It shows how the failures of collective security at Geneva became a textbook example of the League of Nations' failure, how Soviet aid to China and the battles of Khalkhin Gol reshaped Japanese strategy, and how U.S.-China relations in the 1940s moved from sympathy to hard calculation. Along the way, readers see why the Chongqing bombing campaign mattered to planners in London and Washington, and how the Asia-Pacific War's origins cannot be understood without China at the centre.For readers of serious history who want a clear, narrative guide rather than myth or nostalgia, this book offers a new mental map of Asia's long war and its place in the global conflict.
The Sudetenland Betrayal
Most people know the image of leaders smiling for cameras after a hurried conference, promising that a signed paper had secured peace. Far fewer know how, in the same weeks, one of Europe's most prepared small states watched its fortifications and borderlands handed away without a shot being fired. This book asks what really happened when a modern democracy was sacrificed at the altar of the Munich Agreement.Across clear, narrative chapters, it follows the making and unmaking of Czechoslovakia, from its precarious beginnings to the Sudetenland crisis. Readers are taken inside British and French discussions, where fear of another war and rearmament gaps drove British-French cabinet debates, and into Prague, where Benes diplomacy fought to keep alliances alive. The story also moves through factory floors and design offices, showing how the Skoda armaments industry and Czech border fortifications shaped both hope and illusion about deterrence.This is a book for readers of European diplomatic history who want more than easy moral lessons. It explains how appeasement, at the time, looked like a way to protect small states while buying time, and why that judgement proved so costly. By the end, readers will have a sharper sense of the real options facing leaders in 1938, and of the enduring lessons of appeasement when powerful states weigh the fate of vulnerable allies.
The World on Edge
What if the most important year before global war was not 1939, but the forgotten twelve months just before it? This book takes readers back to 1938, when headlines screamed about Anschluss and the Sudetenland while cinemas, churches, and trading floors carried on as if normal life could still be protected.Month by month, it reconstructs how societies experienced a mounting crisis in real time. Drawing on newspapers, diaries, market commentary, and diplomatic cables, it shows how the origins of World War 2 appeared to people who did not yet know a world war was coming. From the Anschluss and the Sudetenland to the anxious celebrations around appeasement and Munich, it traces the arguments in cabinet rooms, editorials, and church pulpits that persuaded many citizens that each concession would be the last.The book places the violence of Kristallnacht within this wider pattern of denial, tracing how a flood of new reports and intelligence warnings in the 1930s collided with tight immigration controls and a cautious politics of delay. It uses vignettes from civilian life before the war alongside the decisions of Britain and France in 1938 to show how fear of another slaughter shaped every choice. Readers interested in interwar diplomacy, Europe, and 20th-century European history will find a close, unsentimental portrait of a world on edge. By the end of 1938, it had become a case study of how much a society can know about danger and still choose to look away.
Blood on the Steppes
Before the German invasion began, another war was already raging across the Soviet Union. Villages emptied by collectivisation, camps filled by the Great Terror, and borderlands torn by deportations formed the real front line of soviet union terror. This book asks what happens when a state drills its people in fear and obedience, then expects them to fight a modern industrial war.Across its chapters, the narrative follows the machinery of the great terror NKVD, the building of the gulag forced labour economy, and the human consequences of policies that turned food into a weapon in this stark collectivisation famine book. It shows how officer purges and the Stalin Red Army purge hollowed out command structures, just as clashes like the Khalkhin Gol tested doctrine and leadership. Readers see how preparations for Soviet World War 2 were shaped by commissars, with Stalin enforcing loyalty even when it damaged clarity.This is a study for serious readers of military and political history who want to understand why the intelligence failures in 1941 were not accidents but the result of years of internal war. By linking the Soviet five-year plans to mobilisation, terror, and silence, the book offers a clear, unsentimental picture of a society entering 1941 already wounded. It will help readers recognise how similar patterns of internal violence and external ambition continue to shape states today.
Weapons Before War
Why did so many leaders insist the world wanted peace while factories quietly retooled for tanks, bombers and submarines? How did careful language, creative finance and technical innovation turn the 1930s into a decade of hidden acceleration towards disaster?This book follows the 1930s arms race from the inside out, tracing how German rearmament unfolded through workarounds, front companies, and Mefo bills. Readers are taken into cabinet rooms, design bureaus and dockyards to see how the supposed peace of the interwar years rested on fragile assumptions. It shows how military technology evolved unevenly during the interwar period, why some governments hesitated, and how others pushed ahead.Across its chapters, the narrative connects the origins of World War 2 to choices about budgets, treaties, and radar masts along cold coastlines. It explains the financing of Meffo bills in plain language, unpacks radar development in Britain, and follows the collapse of the limits that once promised stability under naval treaties. Along the way, it examines U-boat warfare history and Allied rearmament debates to show why democracies struggled to match authoritarian speed.For readers of serious history who want more than battles and personalities, this book offers a clear mental model of how weapons, money and ideas interact. It shows how weapons before World War I can shape the conflicts that follow, and invites readers to recognise early warning signs when technology and fear begin to outrun diplomacy.
The Fall of France
How does a state that survived Verdun and the Somme fall in a matter of weeks? Why did Europe place such faith in France as a continental shield, only to watch German armour reach the Channel in a single campaign? This book follows those six weeks in 1940 from calm expectation to stunned collapse.Readers are taken through plans, personalities, and battlefield realities to understand the true shape of the fall of france 1940. The narrative explains how the Manstein plan strategy emerged, why Allied leaders misjudged the Ardennes Offensive, and what actually happened along the Maginot Line, reality - far from the lazy caricature of a nation hiding behind concrete. It places the Battle of France within the wider story of World War II in Europe, from the BEF's narrow escape to the first stirrings of Vichy and Free France.Rather than celebrating or condemning, the book offers a clear-eyed examination of the French army's collapse and recovery. It is written for readers who enjoy a serious military history book that still moves, and for anyone who wants to know whether defeat was truly inevitable. By the end, the campaign no longer looks like a simple morality tale about courage and cowardice, but a warning about how institutions, ideas, and leaders can fail under pressure.
Weapons Before War
Why did so many leaders insist the world wanted peace while factories quietly retooled for tanks, bombers and submarines? How did careful language, creative finance and technical innovation turn the 1930s into a decade of hidden acceleration towards disaster?This book follows the 1930s arms race from the inside out, tracing how German rearmament unfolded through workarounds, front companies, and Mefo bills. Readers are taken into cabinet rooms, design bureaus and dockyards to see how the supposed peace of the interwar years rested on fragile assumptions. It shows how military technology evolved unevenly during the interwar period, why some governments hesitated, and how others pushed ahead.Across its chapters, the narrative connects the origins of World War 2 to choices about budgets, treaties, and radar masts along cold coastlines. It explains the financing of Meffo bills in plain language, unpacks radar development in Britain, and follows the collapse of the limits that once promised stability under naval treaties. Along the way, it examines U-boat warfare history and Allied rearmament debates to show why democracies struggled to match authoritarian speed.For readers of serious history who want more than battles and personalities, this book offers a clear mental model of how weapons, money and ideas interact. It shows how weapons before World War I can shape the conflicts that follow, and invites readers to recognise early warning signs when technology and fear begin to outrun diplomacy.
Blood on the Steppes
Before the German invasion began, another war was already raging across the Soviet Union. Villages emptied by collectivisation, camps filled by the Great Terror, and borderlands torn by deportations formed the real front line of soviet union terror. This book asks what happens when a state drills its people in fear and obedience, then expects them to fight a modern industrial war.Across its chapters, the narrative follows the machinery of the great terror NKVD, the building of the gulag forced labour economy, and the human consequences of policies that turned food into a weapon in this stark collectivisation famine book. It shows how officer purges and the Stalin Red Army purge hollowed out command structures, just as clashes like the Khalkhin Gol tested doctrine and leadership. Readers see how preparations for Soviet World War 2 were shaped by commissars, with Stalin enforcing loyalty even when it damaged clarity.This is a study for serious readers of military and political history who want to understand why the intelligence failures in 1941 were not accidents but the result of years of internal war. By linking the Soviet five-year plans to mobilisation, terror, and silence, the book offers a clear, unsentimental picture of a society entering 1941 already wounded. It will help readers recognise how similar patterns of internal violence and external ambition continue to shape states today.
Blitzkrieg Begins
The invasion of Poland in 1939 is often reduced to a slogan about lightning war. This book slows events down, showing what blitzkrieg in practice meant for soldiers on the roads, commanders with incomplete maps, and families staring up at incoming bombers. It asks how a messy, improvised campaign turned into a polished legend that still shapes how we talk about force and speed.Drawing on battle narratives and diplomatic moves alike, the narrative follows the German-Polish campaign from the first shots near Danzig to the soviet invasion of Poland from the east. Readers see how the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact carved the map in advance, how Stukas made Stuka dive bombing a new kind of terror, and why the Polish Bzura counterattack briefly upset German plans. Alongside generals and foreign ministers, the book keeps returning to civilian life under occupation, tracing refugees on the roads and communities caught between two regimes.For readers who want to understand the origins of World War II beyond a few famous dates, this is a clear, grounded guide. It explains why British and French guarantees mattered, why they did not save Poland, and how the phrase' invasion of Poland 1939 'became shorthand for a whole style of warfare. The result is a tightly focused history that replaces myth with detail and helps readers think more clearly about how modern wars really begin.
The Fall of France
How does a state that survived Verdun and the Somme fall in a matter of weeks? Why did Europe place such faith in France as a continental shield, only to watch German armour reach the Channel in a single campaign? This book follows those six weeks in 1940 from calm expectation to stunned collapse.Readers are taken through plans, personalities, and battlefield realities to understand the true shape of the fall of france 1940. The narrative explains how the manstein plan strategy emerged, why Allied leaders misjudged the ardennes offensive explained, and what actually happened along the maginot line reality - far from the lazy caricature of a nation hiding behind concrete. It sets the battle of france history within the wider story of world war ii europe, from the BEF's narrow escape to the first stirrings of vichy and free france.Rather than celebrating or condemning, the book offers a clear-eyed examination of french army collapse and recovery. It is written for readers who enjoy a serious military history book that still moves, and for anyone who wants to know whether defeat was truly inevitable. By the end, the campaign no longer looks like a simple morality tale about courage and cowardice, but a warning about how institutions, ideas, and leaders can fail under pressure.
The World on Edge
What if the most important year before global war was not 1939, but the forgotten twelve months just before it? This book takes readers back to 1938, when headlines screamed about Anschluss and the Sudetenland while cinemas, churches, and trading floors carried on as if normal life could still be protected.Month by month, it reconstructs how societies experienced a mounting crisis in real time. Drawing on newspapers, diaries, market commentary, and diplomatic cables, it shows how the origins of World War 2 appeared to people who did not yet know a world war was coming. From the Anschluss and the Sudetenland to the anxious celebrations around appeasement and Munich, it traces the arguments in cabinet rooms, editorials, and church pulpits that persuaded many citizens that each concession would be the last.The book places the violence of Kristallnacht within this wider pattern of denial, tracing how a flood of new reports and intelligence warnings in the 1930s collided with tight immigration controls and a cautious politics of delay. It uses vignettes from civilian life before the war alongside the decisions of Britain and France in 1938 to show how fear of another slaughter shaped every choice. Readers interested in interwar diplomacy, Europe, and 20th-century European history will find a close, unsentimental portrait of a world on edge. By the end of 1938, it had become a case study of how much a society can know about danger and still choose to look away.
The Sudetenland Betrayal
Most people know the image of leaders smiling for cameras after a hurried conference, promising that a signed paper had secured peace. Far fewer know how, in the same weeks, one of Europe's most prepared small states watched its fortifications and borderlands handed away without a shot being fired. This book asks what really happened when a modern democracy was sacrificed at the altar of the Munich Agreement.Across clear, narrative chapters, it follows the making and unmaking of Czechoslovakia, from its precarious beginnings to the Sudetenland crisis. Readers are taken inside British and French discussions, where fear of another war and rearmament gaps drove British-French cabinet debates, and into Prague, where Benes diplomacy fought to keep alliances alive. The story also moves through factory floors and design offices, showing how the Skoda armaments industry and Czech border fortifications shaped both hope and illusion about deterrence.This is a book for readers of European diplomatic history who want more than easy moral lessons. It explains how appeasement, at the time, looked like a way to protect small states while buying time, and why that judgement proved so costly. By the end, readers will have a sharper sense of the real options facing leaders in 1938, and of the enduring lessons of appeasement when powerful states weigh the fate of vulnerable allies.
The Africa Ship
Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck, who commanded Imperial German forces in East Africa during the First World War, is widely regarded as one of the finest military leaders of the war, on either side. He and his men managed not only to evade capture or destruction, but to truly instill fear within their primarily British opposition. This was despite being not only vastly outnumbered but also nearly impossible to resupply from Europe. The Royal Navy smothered East Africa with an incredibly effective blockade, while the Allied forces on the ground controlled all major rail lines. In late 1917, the German navy devised a desperate plan to resupply von Lettow-Vorbeck's army via airship. The plan called for a lone airship, L 59, to be piloted by Captain Ludwig Bockholt and an all-volunteer crew from Bulgaria directly to the East African colony. There was no consideration of a return journey; L 59 would be disassembled for supplies and her crew would join the fight on the ground. This work details the planning, execution, and eventual failure of this ambitious operation, along with the sad fate of L 59 and her crew.
I'm Ready To Talk Three
122 stories by 59 authorsWhen Bob Babcock and I first discussed inviting AVVBA members to share their Vietnam stories, we thought it would make a nice gift for our grandkids. But as submissions came in, we realized the project was becoming much more-a powerful record of firsthand experiences forming a historically accurate view of the entire Vietnam War.The more we read, the more we urged members to contribute, and the clearer it became that this effort was far more significant than we'd imagined. Every phase of the war was represented-from advisory to withdrawal-every service type included, and every branch, from the Coast Guard to the Army.Bob knew each of us had meaningful stories to tell, but together they reveal The Story of Vietnam, complete and authentic. Our grandkids will still enjoy these accounts, but this book now stands as both a family heirloom and an essential piece of history. - John Butler, Past President, AVVBA
Behind the Painting
Behind every painting, there is a story. A poignant and heartfelt memoir uncovering the highs, the lows, and the paintings of an artist with a lifetime of stories to tell.Mary Marquiss invites you into the world behind her canvas and reveals the personal story behind each piece of art. Through serious life challenges, including divorce, family suicide and cancer, Marquiss discovered a relationship with her art in the form of a circular language. Throughout her life, Mary Marquiss has turned to her art as a constant source of inspiration and strength, navigating life's challenges and changes through her creative expression. Behind the Painting opens a window into the artist's creative process, revealing the experiences, emotions and insights that brought these works to life. A comfort to anyone who has dealt with divorce, suicide, a stroke, cancer or loneliness.
Elements of Civilization
Elements of Civilization: The Hidden Forces of Power, Politics, Culture, Society.What truly holds a civilization together? Is it the abstract ideologies, cultural values, and political beliefs that we commonly accept? Or are there tangible forces-the systems of power, political institutions, and social structures-that are the true engines of civilization?In Elements of Civilization, we embark on a deep exploration of the forces of civilization that shape human societies. This book challenges conventional wisdom about identity, religion, and cultural ideologies, offering a bold new perspective on what really holds civilizations together.This book is an essential read for anyone interested in political theory, cultural history, sociology, and social systems. Through a lens of historical analysis, Elements of Civilization examines how political power influences the rise and fall of empires and how cultural forces shape the course of human history.Key Features: The Hidden Forces of Political Power: Discover how political systems and economic systems affect the evolution of civilizations.Cultural Dynamics and Society: Understand how social norms, cultural beliefs, and collective identities drive societal progress and revolutions.The Intellectual Frameworks of Civilization: Explore the philosophical, sociological, and political theories that have shaped the modern world.Practical Insights for Political and Cultural Change: Learn how to understand and engage with the real forces shaping our world today.This book is perfect for readers and scholars of political science, history, sociology, social theory, and philosophy, as well as anyone passionate about understanding the intellectual foundations of society and the systems of power that drive cultural change.Why You Should Read This Book: Understand the real forces behind the rise and fall of civilizations: Get a new perspective on what really holds civilizations together and why they crumble.In-depth exploration of political power: See how political systems, culture, and society interact to shape the destinies of nations and empires.A comprehensive guide to the cultural and historical dynamics of society: From ancient civilizations to modern-day systems, gain practical insight into the inner workings of human civilization.This book is perfect for those interested in political theory, cultural history, sociology, philosophy, and anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of how power structures shape human civilization. Whether you're a student of politics, a history enthusiast, or simply interested in how societies evolve, "Elements of Civilization" will offer you profound insights into the forces that shape the world.
Where Grace Lives
At six years old, Michelle was given up - and her childhood fractured without warning.Where Grace Lives is a grassroots coming-of-age memoir that follows a young girl growing up in Atlantic Canada after the sudden loss of home, family, and safety. Told through the eyes of the child she was, the story unfolds across foster homes and small communities, where adults hold power, questions go unanswered, and silence becomes a way of surviving.After the death of her father at the age of three and a house fire that leaves her family displaced, Michelle is taken from the home and life she knows. She is sent from the city into unfamiliar rural worlds - moving through different houses, foster homes, group settings, working farms, and eventually the streets - believing it is temporary, believing her mother will come back for her. What follows is a childhood shaped by waiting, watching, and trying to understand why the rescue never comes.Told from a child's innocence and early wonderment, Where Grace Lives stays close to lived moments where a girl is quietly trying to understand what is happening to her - why she is sent away, why no one explains, why she doesn't seem to belong where other children do. She watches adults closely, waits to be chosen, and begins to wonder what she has done wrong. The story is set in small Atlantic Canadian communities, where weather, isolation, and closeness shape daily life - and silence is something you live with.Where Grace Lives is a coming-of-age story shaped by constant movement - from the city to rural homes, from family to strangers, from one place to the next - and by what a child learns as she adapts to survive each world she is sent into.
The First to Go West
Previously published under the title Throne of Grace The explosive true saga of the legendary adventurer Jedediah Smith and the Mountain Men who explored the American frontier, written by New York Times bestselling authors of Blood and Treasure Bob Drury and Tom Clavin. It is the early 19th century, and the land recently purchased by President Thomas Jefferson stretches west for thousands of miles. Who inhabits this vast new garden of Eden? What strange beasts and natural formations can be found? Thus was the birth of Manifest Destiny and the resulting bloody battles with Indigenous tribes encountered by white explorers. Also in this volatile mix are the grizzled fur trappers and mountain men, waging war against the Native American tribes whose lands they traverse. This is the setting of First to Go West, and the guide to this epic narrative is arguably America's greatest yet most unsung pathfinder, Jedediah Smith. His explorations into the forested frontiers on both sides of the Rocky Mountains and all the way to the West Coast would become the stuff of legend. Thanks to painstaking research and riveting writing, the story of the making of modern America is told through the eyes of both the ordinary and memorable men and women, settlers and Indigenous, who witnessed it. But it's Smith who drives the narrative with his trailblazing path through the unexplored terrain of the American West.The First to Go West is a gripping yarn that drops the reader into the center of an underreported era and introduces one of the great explorers in American history.
The Uninvited Guests
In THE UNINVITED GUESTS, Robert H. Behrens shares a raw and unflinching memoir about what happens when grief and illness collide. In the devastating aftermath of the sudden, inexplicable death of his stepson, Behrens and his family are still struggling to breathe when life delivers another brutal blow - a cancer diagnosis, followed by a second a few years later.As his world is reshaped by two life-threatening cancers, Behrens confronts punishing treatments, financial collapse and a grave insurance decision, all whilst carrying the weight of profound loss. He invites readers into his most vulnerable moments, and the quiet resolve needed to face them.With devastating honesty and hard-earned clarity, THE UNINVITED GUESTS explores how suffering can compound, and how love, family, and resilience can keep a person standing when everything else threatens to fall away.This is more than a cancer memoir. It is a testament to the human spirit's refusal to surrender, even in the face of life's most uninvited guests.
A History of the Crockett Family of Crockett's Ridge, Norway, Maine
A detailed history of the extended family of Ephraim Crockett, Jr. and his wife Sally (Wentworth) Crockett, who settled Lee's Grant (then part of Norway, Maine) in 1814. The book is written by the couple's fourth-great granddaughter Jennifer Wixson, who in the late seventies and early eighties lived with her grandmother Winona (Young) Palmer at the old Crockett homestead. (The book's editor, Yvette Young, is also a fourth-great granddaughter of Ephraim and Sally Crockett.) The history covers the early settlement of Lee's Grant and Ephraim Crockett's initial purchase of Lot 45 there in 1812 from land speculator (and later, Auburn benefactor) Edward Little. Wixson covers the early days of the family on Crockett's Ridge (named for Ephraim Crockett, Jr.) and the marriage and settlement of Ephraim and Sally's children, four of whom wed children of Captain John Penley of Danville (Auburn). The story of the second generation of Crocketts is richly detailed with Penley and Crockett history, including land purchases in the greater Crockett's Ridge neighborhood. The story also follows the family of William Robinson Crockett (and his wife Lydia Stetson), who purchase the homestead from his parents. In 1850, William built the brick house, which still stands on the original homestead today. The early and unexpected illness and subsequent deaths of William and Lydia Crockett alters the course of history, as the family homestead is willed to their eldest daughter Emma Tuell (Crockett) Young, rather than the couple's son Abel Stetson Crockett. Emma and her new husband George P. Young promise to care for her minor sisters in exchange for the property. After George Young's shocking suicide a few years later, Emma finds salvation in the arms of Baptist minister John Harding, her second husband. Emma and John Harding travel New England furthering his career in Christian evangelism. Prior to her travels, Emma turns the Crockett homestead over to her and George's only child, son William "Bill" Foss Young. A lonely Bill immediately takes a wife, marrying Adalade Chaplin of Gorham, a teacher in the local neighborhood. The book's final chapter covers the dramatic story of Bill and Addie's challenging yet rewarding life together. When Bill's new (and very modern) dairy barn burns--taking with it their livelihood and money--Addie conceives of Young's Turkey Farm, which rises at the old Crockett homestead from the ashes of the fire. Over the course of a long agricultural career, the couple raise tens of thousands of turkeys (as well as three children and four grandchildren) at Young's Turkey Farm, which becomes a well-known landmark in Maine. Wixson's book is rich with maps, photographs, newspaper clippings, genealogies, and information from deeds and public records (sources are included in well-documented and informative footnotes), and will be a treasure trove for historians, historical societies, genealogists, Crockett, Penley, Richardson, Chaplin, and Young descendants, and those doing research on other families in the often overlooked Lee's Grant section of Norway. A helpful and extensive Index is included. Wixson's practiced prose (she is the author of numerous works of fiction) and personal connection to the story make "A History of the Crockett Family of Crockett's Ridge, Norway, Maine" a compelling and informative read.
Illuminati
The Shattered Cross: The Rise, Fall and Undying Legacy of the Knights Templars by Allen Schery chronicles the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon-from 1119 founding by Hugues de Payens amid First Crusade chaos, protecting pilgrims on treacherous Jerusalem roads, through meteoric ascent as white-mantled shock troops dominating battles like Montgisard (1177) where 500 Templars routed Saladin's 26,000, to zenith as medieval multinational bankers pioneering letters of credit financing kings' wars and pilgrims' journeys, ending in Philip IV's Friday 13th, 1307 arrests on heresy charges (spitting on cross, idol worship, sodomy) extracted via torture, Papal bull Vox in excelso dissolving the order 1312, Grand Master Jacques de Molay's defiant Paris pyre cursing king/pope (both dead within year-"Templar curse"). Schery fuses Latin chronicles (William of Tyre), Arabic sources (Ibn al-Qalanisi), trial transcripts, archaeological digs at Atlit Castle with immersive narrative: torchlit preceptory initiations binding vows of poverty/chastity/obedience; siege warfare engineering concentric fortifications; financial ledgers revolutionizing commerce predating Medici banks. Distinguishes fact from legend-Rosslyn Chapel "Templar pillars," Oak Island "Money Pit," Portuguese Order of Christ continuity, Scottish fleet myths, Freemasonic grafting's, Holy Grail/Baphomet speculations weighed against Vatican archives (some digitized post-Vatican II). Dedicated chapters dissect innovations: heavy cavalry tactics shattering Muslim horse-archers; legal codes anticipating Geneva Conventions; Gothic architecture fusing military function/spiritual symbolism (Temple Church London round nave echoing Solomon's). Controversies unpacked-Baphomet as ciphered "Sophia," Philip's debts motive over piety, Clement V's Avignon captivity coercion. Anthropologist Schery (Tepehuan fieldwork, Mystery of the Ark author) illuminates spiritual discipline forging supermen crushed by envy, seeding Rosicrucian/Rosicrucian lore shaping Enlightenment. Academic treasure trove meets page-turner for Templar enthusiasts/scholars-honors genuine legacies in banking, chivalry, fortification while demystifying Hollywood myths. Definitive modern synthesis illuminating power's fragility, secrecy's allure, faith's weaponization.
