In giving to the world the record of what, looked at as an adventure only, is I suppose one of the most wonderful and mysterious experiences ever undergone by mortal men, I feel it incumbent on me to explain what my exact connection with it is. And so I may as well say at once that I am not the narrator but only the editor of this extraordinary history, and then go on to tell how it found its way into my hands. Some years ago I, the editor, was stopping with a friend, "vir doctissimus et amicus neus," at a certain University, which for the purposes of this history we will call Cambridge, and was one day much struck with the appearance of two persons whom I saw going arm-in-arm down the street. One of these gentlemen was I think, without exception, the handsomest young fellow I have ever seen. He was very tall, very broad, and had a look of power and a grace of bearing that seemed as native to him as it is to a wild stag. In addition his face was almost without flaw—a good face as well as a beautiful one, and when he lifted his hat, which he did just then to a passing lady, I saw that his head was covered with little golden curls growing close to the scalp. "Good gracious!" I said to my friend, with whom I was walking, "why, that fellow looks like a statue of Apollo come to life. What a splendid man he is!" "Yes," he answered, "he is the handsomest man in the University, and one of the nicest too. They call him 'the Greek god'; but look at the other one, he's Vincey's (that's the god's name) guardian, and supposed to be full of every kind of information. They call him 'Charon.'" I looked, and found the older man quite as interesting in his way as the glorified specimen of humanity at his side. He appeared to be about forty years of age, and was I think as ugly as his companion was handsome. To begin with, he was shortish, rather bow-legged, very deep chested, and with unusually long arms. He had dark hair and small eyes, and the hair grew right down on his forehead, and his whiskers grew right up to his hair, so that there was uncommonly little of his countenance to be seen. Altogether he reminded me forcibly of a gorilla, and yet there was something very pleasing and genial about the man's eye. I remember saying that I should like to know him.

Ghidul tehnoredactorului. De la print la eBook, scris ?n colaborare de Vlad Puescu ?i Victor Jalb?-?oimaru, ??i propune s? fie ?un manual de utilizare“ pentru c?r?ile electronice, o specie editorial? ?nc? insuficient cunoscut? ?i agreat? pe pia?a editorial? din Rom?nia. Tocmai din dorin?a de a sublinia faptul c? eBookurile nu sunt ?bastarzii“ industriei editoriale, a?a cum poate le mai percep ?nc? unii, ci o etap? fireasc?, necesar? ?i, de ce nu, chiar superioar? ?n evolu?ia acesteia, ghidul propune, ?n primele sale capitole, o istorie a c?r?ii ?n diacronie, de la anticele t?bli?e de lut ?i suluri de papirus la forma contemporan? a c?r?ii. Trec?nd de la codexul primelor secole cre?tine ?i manuscrisele medievale la etapa presei tipografice cu caractere de plumb, pentru a ajunge la revolu?ia tiparului marcat? de contribu?ia lui Gutenberg ?i, implicit, la secularizarea ?i democratizarea cunoa?terii, cartea tip?rit? a fost, vreme de cinci secole, ?cea mai durabil? ?i mai eficient? form? prin care a fost depozitat? ?i transmis? cunoa?terea“, timp ?n care ?i nici industria de profil nu a mai cunoscut transform?ri dramatice. De?i varianta digital? a c?r?ii a fost ?i continu? ?nc? s? fie ?boicotat?“ de bibliofili ?i de unele voci din interiorul industriei editoriale, care au profe?it sumbru moartea c?r?ii fizice, apari?ia c?r?ii electronice nu constituie ?ns? dec?t un pas absolut firesc de evolu?ie av?nd ?n vedere schimb?rile majore de la nivelul stilului general de via?? impuse de c?tre dezvoltarea computerelor ?i de apari?ia internetului. Ghidul tehnoredactorului. De la print la eBook sus?ine ideea aceasta at?t prin multitudinea de informa?ii privind dezvoltarea pie?ei digitale (marcat? de apari?ia a tot mai multe eBook Readere, ca dispozitive de gen, introduse pe pia?? de lan?uri de libr?rii precum Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo etc.), c?t ?i prin enumerarea avantajelor pe care le presupune lectura digital?, ?ntre care personalizarea experien?ei de lectur?, posibilitatea index?rii facile ?i a activ?rii cu u?urin?? a func?iilor de dic?ionar, ?mbog??irea con?inutului, crearea unei comunit??i globale de cititori ?i interactivitatea. Pentru ?n?elegerea ?n ansamblu a fenomenului sunt trecute ?n revist? ?i explicate ?i tipurile de c?r?i electronice, ?mbog??ite ?i interactive, de formate digitale ?i de dispozitive de lectur?.Partea a doua a ghidului, cu caracter tehnic ?i specializat, se ocup? de procesul de tehnoredactare ?n ansamblu at?t pentru edi?ia tip?rit? a unei c?r?i, c?t ?i pentru formatul s?u digital, ?ntr-un demers amplu, care pleac? de la discutarea problemelor de software aferent produc?iei, sisteme de operare, layouturi de tastatur?, utilitare, pluginuri, extensii ?i scripturi, p?n? la preg?tirea ?i importarea textului ?n formatul de paginare ?i aspectele legate de punerea ?n pagin? a unei c?r?i (formatul, corpul de liter?, stiluri, grafic?, pozi?ionarea notelor ilustra?iilor ?i tabelelor), dar ajung?nd s? abordeze ?i problemele pe care le presupune trecerea pe print ?n edi?ia digital? (metadate, introducerea copertei, op?iuni specifice de export c?tre ePub, op?iuni de validare).Ghidul tehnoredactorului… are meritul de a propune ?i o list? de referin?e bibliografice esen?iale, nu neap?rat ca o anex? la carte, c?t ?ntre?esute pe tot parcursul textului, ?n curgerea fireasc? a procesului de expunere, interpretare ?i explicitare a informa?iilor.

The object of this book, which is addressed to all cultured men and women, is to set forth the primitive manifestations of love and to throw light on those strange emotional climaxes which I have called "Metaphysical Eroticism." I have taken no account of historical detail, except where it served the purpose of proving, explaining and illustrating my subject. Nor have I hesitated to intermingle psychological motives and motives arising from the growth and spread of civilisation. The inevitable result of a one-sided glimpse at historical facts would have been a history of love, an undertaking for which I lack both ability and inclination. On the other hand, had I written a merely psychological treatise, disregarding the succession of periods, I should have laid myself open to the just reproach of giving rein to my imagination instead of dealing with reality. I have availed myself of historical facts to demonstrate that what psychology has shown to be the necessary phases of the evolution of love, have actually existed in historical time and characterised a whole period of civilisation. The history of civilisation is an end in itself only in the chapter entitled "The Birth of Europe." My work is intended to be first and foremost a monograph on the emotional life of the human race. I am prepared to meet rather with rejection than with approval. Neither the historian nor the psychologist will be pleased. Moreover, I am well aware that my standpoint is hopelessly "old-fashioned." To-day nearly all the world is content to look upon the sexual impulse as the source of all erotic emotion and to regard love as nothing more nor less than its most exquisite radiation. My book, on the contrary, endeavours to establish its complete independence of sexuality.My contention that so powerful an emotion as love should have come into existence in historical, not very remote times, will seem very strange; for, all outward profession of faith in evolution notwithstanding, men are still inclined to take the unchangeableness of human nature for granted. The facts on which I have based my arguments are well known, but my deductions are new; it is not for me to decide whether they are right or wrong. In the first (introductory) part I have made use of works already in existence, in addition to Plato and the poets, but the second and third parts are founded almost entirely on original research. ?E. L.

Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn't like it. Elizabeth, or Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her 'Little Miss Tranquility', and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. What the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out. The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for Mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lighted the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze. "They are quite worn out. Marmee must have a new pair." "I thought I'd get her some with my dollar," said Beth. "No, I shall!" cried Amy. "I'm the oldest," began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided, "I'm the man of the family now Papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone."

The Ultimate Blueprint To Dating & Understanding Men Is Finally Here!Learn All You Need To Know From One Of The BEST communication/social skill experts, conversationalists and dating gurus Jason Gale.You will gain insights to dating secretes, expert tips and much, much more!What You'll Learn..What men really want?What men look forHow to find the perfect match?Unique approach and strategiesPsychology of men?Relationship dynamics?And much, much more!?What Sets This Book Apart From The Rest? This book is a step by step guide that leads you through the ever changing world of dating?? ?Learn how to find the perfect match and keep him, without manipulation! This book was crafted and designed for women looking for potential LONG term relationships, NO gimmicks. ?Endorses feminism by putting women in control and empowering them with the right frame of mind, knowledge and tools to utilize when dating. ??Tips, strategies and advise for single mothers included too! ?These are proven, tested and ethical strategies that work! ?By the end of this book you will have built confidence, self-esteem and courage to dive into the fascinating world of dating and engage men effectively.?What are you waiting for? Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to dating men!This book is your blueprint to success!? Change your life forever and grab your copy now!

Is the intimacy in your relationship as rich as it could be? ·Expand your understanding of the power of intimacy in couples. ·Learn new and stimulating ways to interact with your partner to enhance bonding. ·Explore the possibilities of pushing the limits of six kinds of intimacy. ·Advance your relationship with exercises you can do together or solo. ·Relate at a deeper level than you may have thought possible. ·Recharge passion for your relationship and partner. "This workbook encourages us to take a step back and rethink our intentions and help us remember why we love our partners and continue to strengthen our relational bonds." -- Sarah Davinsizer, B.A. "Growing Couple Intimacy is well done, filled with concrete ways for couples to explore and grow individually and in their intimacy with one another." -- Pastor Mary J. Hendricks "A wonderful, practical guide to further develop intimacy, including helpful activities that are both individual and couple focused." -- Melody Ray "Growing Couple Intimacy sums up many poignant topics most humans could use some help with and presents suggestions in very workable and understandable ways. I will be using this workbook in my own marriage. I also believe this will give me another useful tool in my clinical practice." -- Michael Stubler, MA, CRC, LPC "Very insightful and engaging! The exercises help to break down walls and explore intimacy in ways you might not have known existed." -- Chris Schneider, Worship Leader, Manchester, CT "Growing Couple Intimacy is a useful tool that I can apply to individuals as well as couples. I found the practical applications outlined a helpful step towards intimacy growth." -- Nicole Behe, wife and mother Learn more at www.LHPress.com

If you ever think you’re already prepared for the coming of your baby, think again. This book will prepare your home AND your life for your first 3 months with your new angel. From: - finding the best birth location. to choosing of baby equipment. and even the mother’s breastfeeding positions. you can find what you need to know right here! Have you been having sleepless nights? Find the solution here! The good news is this book is not only for mommies, but for daddies as well!

Electronic Media Can Endanger As Well As Empower Your Kids In this decade, our digital world has grown exponentially as has the degree of time both adults and children are spending on their screens. Not surprisingly, researchers are discovering a myriad of unhealthy behaviors associated with excessive screen time. ?In “Power Down ＆amp; Parent Up”, Kenley expands on her groundbreaking book Cyber Bullying No More, giving parents/guardians effective strategies to integrate into their lives and their children’s. ?How can we navigate a tech-driven world and raise tech-healthy children? ·Tackle cyber bullying head-on by implementing a concise “Parent Up” approach with proven strategies for Protection, Intervention, and Prevention. ·"Power Down" on screen dependence and become fully informed about its growing health concerns and consequences. ·Learn Seven Proactive Practices such as goal setting and creating a family plan to reduce screen time. ·Discover Four Healthy Guidelines to add to our parenting toolboxsuch as learning how to communicate about the false nature of cyber worth and cultivate our children’s real worth. "Rather imply that families can return to some idealistic less complicated time without Facebook, sexting, social networks, and Twitter, and whatever else comes along, Kenley's booklet will help parents mitigate possible harm to their children as they integrate this technology hopefully into healthy lives and relationships." --Ronald Mah, M.A. LMFT, author of Difficult Behavior in Early Childhood and The One Minute Temper Tantrum Solution "Holli addresses children's readiness for technology as well as rules, contracts and education for parents to consider for their children as they introduce or allow entry of new technology into their lives. Cyber bullying and victimization are concerns addressed as well as internet resources for parents, with tools for protection, interventions and prevention--a must for parents in our technological world." --Lani Stoner, Marriage and Family Therapist Learn more at?www.HolliKenley.com ?

In life you are most likely to regret that you didn’t do more of what you love...You will likely feel as though you spent your professional life getting up, going to the office and living the same day over and over, week after week, year after year, decade after decade. Ironically, it’s the same people who wind up regretting not doing more who spend their careers resisting change and shutting down creative ideas. I know, because I spent nearly two decades as a change agent in a large advertising agency.If you found your way to this book, chances are it’s because you have a fire in your belly, a hunger for change, and a belief in the transformative power of disruption. If you found this book, it’s probably because you know it’s time to shake things up but you’re not quite sure how.This book puts you on notice. You have it within your power to do more and be more, and I’m going to give you the tools to start. This is your opportunity to change your destiny, so you are the statistical anomaly - the Rough Diamond - who shines bright, even if unpolished, and savors each day for the opportunity it presents to innovate, connect and disrupt the status quo. "Ultimately, this book is about how to live a truthful life without regrets. It's about how to turn the inevitable disruptions into advantages - and in doing so - polish your own diamond."?(Nicole Yershon) Readers' reviews "A great insight into how to make things happen, nurture people in the workplace, and believe in yourself. Truly inspiring!" -?5 stars "This is not your typical business book and that's what makes it perfect" -?5 stars "Wonderfully inspiring!" -?5 stars About the AuthorNicole Yershon is a maverick, inspiration and the original rough diamond. She is, at once a consultant, speaker, judge, mentor and connector. She works on the front line of innovation - bringing organisations kicking and screaming into the 21st century. In that sense she properly defines disruption.Nicole is the founder of Lab For Hire? and before that the Ogilvy Labs – a dedicated Innovation unit of Ogilvy & Mather Group. Part of WPP Group plc.Just a few of the clients she has worked with over recent years. Amex, IBM, BP, Crimestoppers, Selfridges, Unilever, BA and Wetherspoons.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder usually receive a diagnosis when certain behaviors negatively impact their health, independence, and quality of life. These behaviors are evident across the lifespan: a two-year-old melts down if his red cars are mixed in with his orange cars; a middle-aged woman exhibits staring spells when faced with relationship conflict; an aging gentleman hoards clocks and papers but does not eat nutritious foods or take showers. A correct diagnosis of ASD is an essential first step in navigating this journey, but the next question is “What now?” To provide much-needed answers, Dr. Theresa Regan, author of Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults, suggests general techniques to improve functioning in the areas of emotional regulation, communication, and independent behaviors. In Understanding Autistic Behaviors: Improving Health, Independence, and Well-Being, she offers practical exercises to help caregivers and family members implement effective strategies that are specific to the ASD individual in their lives to achieve successful outcomes for everyone.?

Marian Godin? merge la Poli?ie aproape ?n fiecare zi. Nu pentru c? s-ar afla sub control judiciar, ci fiindc? este poli?ist, ?ncep?nd cu luna decembrie a anului 2006, dup? ce a absolvit ?coala de Agen?i de Poli?ie ?Vasile Lasc?r“ din C?mpina. Pe l?ng? amenzi rutiere, Marian scrie ?i texte care abund? de umor ?i care reu?esc de fiecare dat? s? schimbe ?n bine dispozi?ia cititorului, duc?ndu-l p?n? ?ntr-acolo ?nc?t ?tergerea lacrimilor din ochi devine obligatorie pentru continuarea lecturii. Drept dovad? stau cei peste 140 000 de oameni care au ajuns s?-i urm?reasc? post?rile pe Facebook ?n mai pu?in de jum?tate de an de la apari?ia primului text, precum ?i miile de comentarii ?i de acces?ri. Flash-uri din sens opus reprezint? volumul s?u de debut.

O carte despre dezvoltarea copilului de la na?tere p?n? la adolescen??Genera?ii de p?rin?i au avut ?ncredere ?n cea mai v?ndut? carte a dr. Spock, care r?m?ne ?i ast?zi ghidul esen?ial pentru p?rin?i. Ca urmare a colabor?rii cu dr. Robert Needlman, cartea a fost ?mbun?t??it?, iar tematica abordat? a fost extins? pentru a ?nt?mpina modific?rile ?i provoc?rile lansate de noul secol. Toate sfaturile valoaroase testate ?n timp ale dr. Spock sunt prezentate ?n aceast? carte. Lor li se adaug? cele mai noi cuno?tin?e ?i practici medicale legate de ?ngrijirea copilului, al?turi de un glosar cu totul nou de termeni medicali. Foarte bine structurat, volumul permite o consultare rapid? ?i are sec?iuni noi care acoper? perioada adolescen?ei.Cartea ofer? ultimele nout??i referitoare la:- alimenta?ia la s?n: cele mai noi abord?ri ?i tehnici utile mamelor care al?pteaz?;- programe de vaccinare, recomand?ri cu privire la regimurile alimentare ?i administrare de vitamine;- probleme medicale curente ale copilului;- discu?ii cu copilul despre sex, contracep?ie, homosexualitate, fumat, alcool, droguri, SIDA;- ?coala ?i dificult??ile ?nv??atului;- p?rin?i homosexuali sau lesbiene;- adop?ia interna?ional?;- adaptarea la terorism ?i dezastre;- planificarea educa?iei (colegiu, facultate etc.);- autism etc.

V-a?i s?turat de numeroasele vizite la medic cu copilul ?i s? ?i da?i medicamente cu pumnul? Micu?ul dumneavoastr? are o alergie sau astm ?i vre?i s? v? asigura?i c? e ferit de factorii declan?atori, fie c? se afl? acas?, la ?coal? sau ?ntr-o c?l?torie? Pornind de la experien?a proprie, autoarea v? arat? cum s? v? hr?ni?i ?i ?ngriji?i copiii cu alergii sau astm, de la schimbarea dietei la ?detoxifierea“ casei, ce m?suri preventive pute?i lua la ?coal? ?i ?n c?l?torii, dar ?i cum. Cartea include sfaturi de la exper?i de top – medici ?i speciali?ti ?n diverse domenii –, oferind o abordare integrativ? ?n ce prive?te cre?terea unui copil s?n?tos at?t la minte, c?t ?i la trup.

Aceasta este o carte despre p?rin?ii care sunt exagerat de implica?i ?n via?a copiilor lor. Vorbe?te despre dragostea ?i teama din spatele implic?rii prea mari. Vorbe?te despre r?ul pe care ?l facem atunci c?nd facem prea mult. ?i vorbe?te despre cum am putea realiza obiective pe termen lung mai bune – ?i despre cum i-am putea ajuta pe copiii no?tri s? ob?in? succese ?i mai mari, cresc?ndu-i altfel. ?mi iubesc copiii la fel de aprig ca orice alt p?rinte ?i ?tiu c? dragostea este temelia a tot ceea ce facem ca p?rin?i. Dar, ?n cursul anilor ?n care am f?cut cercet?ri pentru aceast? carte, am constatat c? multe dintre comportamentele noastre izvor?sc ?i din temeri; poate cea mai important? dintre acestea este teama c? ei ar putea s? nu aib? succes ?n lumea real?. Bine?n?eles, e firesc s? dorim s? reu?easc?, dar, pe baza cercet?rilor, a interviurilor cu peste o sut? de oameni ?i a experien?elor personale, am ajuns la concluzia c? d?m o defini?ie prea ?ngust? succesului. ?i, ceea ce este ?i mai grav, aceast? defini?ie ?ngust?, superficial? ne-a adus ?n situa?ia de a face r?u unei genera?ii de tineri adul?i – copiii no?tri.

I met him first in a hurricane; and though we had gone through the hurricane on the same schooner, it was not until the schooner had gone to pieces under us that I first laid eyes on him. Without doubt I had seen him with the rest of the kanaka crew on board, but I had not consciously been aware of his existence, for the Petite Jeanne was rather overcrowded. ??In addition to her eight or ten kanaka seamen, her white captain, mate, and supercargo, and her six cabin passengers, she sailed from Rangiroa with something like eighty-five deck passengers—Paumotans and Tahitians, men, women, and children each with a trade box, to say nothing of sleeping mats, blankets, and clothes bundles.??The pearling season in the Paumotus was over, and all hands were returning to Tahiti. The six of us cabin passengers were pearl buyers. Two were Americans, one was Ah Choon (the whitest Chinese I have ever known), one was a German, one was a Polish Jew, and I completed the half dozen. ?

Dicionarul Luceafrului eminescian este prima lucrare de lexicografie consacrat unei singure opere poetice romneti, i anume unui “arhi-text“ (text poetic integral, concept i realizare n premier absolut), constituit din forma definitiv, versiuni i variante. Dicionarul ncearc prezentarea creaiei poetice din perspectiva lexicului, opiunile individualitii creatoare fa de mijloacele oferite de limb; totodat, cu limitele inerente, este o tentativ de incursiune ntr-un anume univers imaginar, construit prin limbajul poetic. Tulburtoarea problem a Luceafrului eminescian cuprinde i emoia descoperirii, n receptare, a genezei sale. Din punctul de vedere al cunoaterii etapelor creaiei, Luceafrul a avut un destin la fel de deosebit ca i evoluia frmntat a exegezei sale, care de 120 de ani asalteaz, din diverse perspective, taina acestui seductor poem. Cunoaterea i recuperarea n circuitul valoric a variantelor manuscrise ale poemului are, de asemenea, o istorie ce mbie nc.Adevratul laborator al lucrului asupra expresiei l vom putea urmri n avatarurile variantelor din cadrul unei versiuni, asa cum ediia noastr le prezint, pe coloane paralele. n aceast faz a lucrului, pentru fiecare versiune n parte, Eminescu nu a meditat neaprat asupra perfeciunii versului, ci s-a concentrat asupra ideii poetice“, care este sufletul“, cum zice poetul. Revenirile ulterioare, de la o versiune la alta, atest, pe lng continuitatea creaiei, cu meandrele, cu inovaiile unor idei poetice insolite, i un altfel de proces, cel al rafinrii stilistice. Intenia ediiei noastre este reflectarea travaliului eminescian la o versiune, nlesnind urmrirea variantelor cu transformrile, prefacerile spontane i revenirile lor la forme anterioare.“ (Rodica Marian)

Volumul este c??tig?torul Concursului de Debut ?Adenium START“, sec?iunea Eseu, organizat de Editura Adenium ?n anul 2014 ?i con?ine eseuri despre art? ?i literatur? ce constituie un periplu literar ?i vizual ghidat de o evolu?ie tematic? realizat? pe antiteze: fl?c?rile spiritualizate ale lui El Greco ?i cele negre, demonice ale lui Goya sau eliberarea sugerat? de Rodin prin ner?bdarea formelor create ?i deplina lor rev?rsare ?n extaz senzual la Gauguin. Eseurile presupun atenta observare a unei perechi pictor (sculptor) – scriitor (poet), motiv pentru care fiecare dintre formele de exprimare vizual? este pus? ?n coresponden?? cu cel pu?in un text literar care o reflect?.

"DECEIVED in FRIENDSHIP and BETRAYED in LOVE."??Jane Austen (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817) was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature. Her realism, biting irony and social commentary have gained her historical importance among scholars and critics.??How often, in answer to my repeated intreaties that you would give my Daughter a regular detail of the Misfortunes and Adventures of your Life, have you said "No, my freind never will I comply with your request till I may be no longer in Danger of again experiencing such dreadful ones."??Surely that time is now at hand. You are this day 55. If a woman may ever be said to be in safety from the determined Perseverance of disagreeable Lovers and the cruel Persecutions of obstinate Fathers, surely it must be at such a time of Life: ??ISABEL

From John Gray, author of the phenomenal multi-million copy bestseller Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, comes the definitive book for men and women seeking lasting love in the face of modern pressures. Why Mars and Venus Collide is the most important relationships manual since Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus redefined the boundaries of male and female relationships. Men and women are different – we all know that. But if our genes have stood still then social changes have not. Overworked, stressed-out and time-poor, we can barely keep up with the frenzied pace of our lives – and our relationships are breaking down as a result. In Why Mars and Venus Collide, John Gray, the best-selling relationships author of all time, shows how everyone can strengthen their relationships and make them last. He explains: ? Why couples fight – the physiological reasons why females and males behave differently under stress, ? How to stop fighting, ? How to seek support – and find it, ? How to lower your stress levels in everyday life, ? How to communicate equably and amicably, even when you’re raging inside. Now repackaged to relate to a new generation of readers, Why Mars And Venus Collide proves why John Gray is known as the greatest living authority on how men and women relate.

Shane Hegarty was the Arts Editor of the Irish Times, but left to be a full time writer after DARKMOUTH sold in a frenzied auction at Bologna Book Fair in 2013. He lives with his family near Dublin.

Helen Dunmore was an award-winning novelist, poet and children's writer, who will be remembered for the wisdom, lyricism, compassion and immersive beauty of her writing. In her lifetime, she published eight collections of poetry, many novels for both adults and children, and two collections of short stories. She won the Orange Prize for Fiction with her novel A Spell of Winter, her novel The Siege was shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the Whitbread Prize for Fiction, and her final poetry collection Inside the Wave won the 2017 Costa Book of the Year.