This book is the first of the Forbidden Knowledge series. Where did the power of Viking seeresses, dazzling goddesses, the Nornir, or Fates and the formidable Valkyries come from? To find the answer to this question the authors first examine the Old Norse mythology in order to decipher the ancient wisdom of women. Following this survey, the second part of the book explores what became of these mighty female figures, how their powers were transformed over time. The book is closing with a look at several questions related to the modern day: “How is ‘feminine lore’ understood today?” “What are its roots and how do they still affect humankind?” “How is what this book terms ‘the legacy of sight’ still useful?” The responses will both pinpoint what it is that the Norse women left behind them, and demonstrate how that legacy is still woven into the fabric of the present.This non-fiction book provides an outstanding analysis and a careful reinterpretation of Icelandic sagas and poems for properly understand the nature and power of the first mistresses of the Icy North. The research presented here goes deep to unveil the real meaning of the medieval chroniclers’ handiwork. Every detail of every Icelandic saga and poem cited in this book has been translated by the authors uniquely from the original manuscripts. The book contains more than 60 colourful illustrations, an Appendix with nearly 70 separate encyclopaedia articles and hyperlinks to 21 original Icelandic manuscripts and 17 referred websites.

Jean is a headstrong nineteen-year-old girl that knows what she wants, and that is to marry Joe the Blacksmith, he keeps saying he is too old for her that he is old enough to be her father. But his age doesn’t worry Jean especially after she had wormed her way into his bed and found out what a good lover he was. Jean finds loads of other men to satisfy her lust as she tells Joe about them just to tease him. Joe had promised Jean’s father he would bring Jean up as best as he could when he and his wife were handed Jean to them as a baby. Joe’s wife died and Joe struggled to bring Jean up on his own as a travelling blacksmith going from village to village in a caravan, he tried not to fall in love with Jean but he failed all too easily. Joe has a big secret to tell Jean, and he was sure she would hate him when she finds out, and the king would have him hanged for his relationship with Jean. Tale of the Abducted Princess is an Adult Romance set in England in the 1060s when there was a lot of unrest in England. Jean has been brought up more like a boy as Joe taught her to hunt with the bow and arrow, he taught her so well that she became a huntress. Follow Jean as she hops in and out of bed with the king’s soldiers and discovers a plot to kill a member of the royal family. Will, she catches the two assassins in time and will she forgive Joe.

Facing fear of your own dreams coming true.Longing to hold on to a beloved best friend.Wishing to repair a life gone off the tracks.A lifelong feeling that you never belong.The secret life of a gorgeous black cat. Functioning as signposts along the rich and often twisted road of Kari Kilgore’s imagination, each story in this collection explores a different area of fantasy fiction. Ranging from Appalachia to Atlanta, from love to loss, they all touch on emotions or experiences readers recognize. The (mostly) women in Fantastic Shorts: Volume 1 may start out in familiar territory. But in the hands of this talented storyteller, readers quickly learn to always expect the strange. Included in this collection: IntentionsAngela Garcia builds websites to help make other people’s dreams come true. Now one of her childhood dreams waits, ready to come to life. Sometimes your intentions make all the difference. ReflectionsA beloved family home, abandoned and broken. A so-called adult life, not much better off. Jessica’s hopes of finding her joy fade as soon as she steps through the door. Can facing her fears, and her memories, make Jessica’s life right at last? The Seeds of LoveVirginia Evans and her best friend Maggie grew up together. From shy girl and wriggly puppy to confident woman and gentle old soul. A touching tale of woman’s best friend. TerminaliaWhen you live a double life, you never take anything for granted. Kelly Webb finally feels safe. Until nighttime, when all but Kelly’s name changes. An enchanting tale of the crossroads between science and magic. Wicked BonePashmina knows which humans to trust. She shows her trust like all cats. With offerings from her hunts. And like all cats, Pashmina keeps her secrets to herself. Find out what happens when Katie learns Pashmina’s favorite secret.

本书作为我社“经典英语文库”第15辑中的一种，精选由法国著名作家维克多·雨果的作品《莎士比亚传》。这部“莎传”，又名《论莎士比亚》。这部书被视为“一部文艺评论专著”。实际是作者借分析莎翁表达自己的浪漫主义理想，作者是法国重要之浪漫主义大师，所以他认定莎翁也是这样的浪漫主义者。这是一代文豪用其“大心”去领悟另一代文豪的“大心”。这才是真正的“大手笔”，中文叫做“如缘巨笔”。透过书中汪洋恣肆、慧眼独具的文字，我们读到的不止是莎翁，更是整个的西洋文明，几千年传承而下之西洋人的“精神世界”。

本书作为我社“经典英语文库”第15辑中的一种，精选由法国著名作家维克多·雨果的经典作品《九三年》。《九三年》是雨果创作的后一部长篇小说，首次出版于1874年2月。雨果在小说中塑造了旺代叛军首领朗德纳克侯爵及其侄孙、镇压叛乱的共和军司令郭文，以及郭文的家庭教师、公安委员会特派员西穆尔登这三个中心人物，围绕他们展了错综复杂的情节，描绘了资产阶级和封建势力在1793年行殊死搏斗的历史场面。对资产阶级和封建阶级展的生死搏斗的正确描写是这本小说的基本价值所在。雨果以深邃的社会历史眼光和磅礴雄伟的气魄，用如椽的巨笔，描绘了一幅资产阶级大革命的真实生动的历史画卷。小说以旺代叛乱与平定叛乱的斗争为背景，以三个孩子的命运为线索，描写了革命与反革命、共和与保王两党之间那场血与火的惨烈严酷的内战，再现了新旧两种制度那不以人的意志为转移的殊死较量，揭露了保王势力的凶残没落，歌颂了以国民公会为代表的新生革命政权，同时也表现了作者一贯的人道主义思想。

本书作为我社“经典英语文库”第15辑中的一种，精选由英法国著名作家巴尔扎克的经典作品《邦斯舅舅》。作品讲述了邦斯舅舅——一个诚实而高尚的音乐家，具有很高的艺术品位，为了丰富自己的藏画，他不惜付出一切。当人们不知道他家中有这些宝藏时，谁也不把他放在心上。当人们获悉这些名画的价值时，以庭长太太为首的上流社会的人们便千方百计地谋取他的财富的故事。

本书作为我社“经典英语文库”第15辑中的一种，精选著名史诗《贝奥武夫》。作品讲述了斯堪的纳维亚的英雄贝奥武夫的英勇事迹。是迄今为止发现的英国盎格鲁—撒克逊时期古老、长的一部较完整的文学作品，也是欧洲早的方言史诗，完成于公元八世纪左右，它与法国的《罗兰之歌》、德国的《尼伯龙根之歌》并称为欧洲文学的三大英雄史诗。

本书被列我社“*经典英语文库”第14辑中的一种，是阿拉伯帝国创建后阿拉伯民族精神形成和确立时期的产物，共有三个故事来源：一是波斯故事集《赫左儿·艾夫萨乃》，二是伊拉克即以巴格达为中心的阿巴斯王朝时期流行的故事，三是埃及支马立克王朝时期流行的故事。

·伍尔芙的*部长篇小说·对女性的成长和两性关系行了初次探讨·揭示了女主人公自我意识不断觉醒的过程

本书作为我社“经典英语文库”第15辑中的一种，精选法国著名小说家大仲马的《铁面人》。本书讲述了阿拉宓斯（三个火枪手之一）秘密地从巴士底狱救出了被囚禁的路易十四的孪生兄弟菲力普，并设计让他坐上王位，反把路易十四关巴士底狱。但一昼夜后这一计谋被火枪手队长达尔大尼央识破，他帮助路易十四重登王位，而菲力普则再囹圄，并且脸上永远蒙上了一层面罩。大仲马小说大都以真实的历史作背景，情节曲折生动，往往出人意料，有历史惊险小说之称。结构清晰明朗，语言生动有力，对话灵活机智等构成了大仲马小说的特色。大仲马也因而被后人美誉为“通俗小说之王”。

In Monsters, Inc. (2001), Pixar Animation Studios introduced audiences to the #1 scaring team, Mike and Sulley, and the monstrous world behind our bedroom closet doors. In this prequel to the much-loved classic, Mike and Sulley meet for the first time at Monsters Universitywhere they are joined by a few familiar faces and a host of delightful new charactersas they seek to attain degrees in scaring. Author Karen Paik goes behind the scenes to interview the film's many artists for the ultimate inside look at the conception and production of this highly anticipated film. Featuring full-color concept art including character sculpts, color scripts, storyboards, and more, The Art of Monsters University fully explores the process of creating this new and expanded Monsters universe.

Brave is Pixar's thirteenth feature film, but it marks two big firsts for the award-winning animation studio. It's Pixar's first feature film driven by a female lead and its first set in an ancient historical period. Against a backdrop of castles, forests, and highlands, Brave follows the fiery Merida as she clashes with the duty of her royal life and embarks on a journey through the rugged landscape of the dark ages of Scotland. At once epic and intimate, the latest Pixar masterpiece weaves a story of magic, danger, and adventure and the fierce bonds of family. Featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with the film's many artists and filmmakers, The Art of Brave showcases the gorgeous concept art that went into the making of this movie, including color scripts, storyboards, character studies, environment art, sculpts, and more. A Foreword by Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews, the film's directors, and a preface by Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter shed light on the creation of this landmark film.

What can Dory remember? Who are her parents? In Finding Dory, Pixar Animation Studios sets out to answer these questions, to the delight of Finding Nemo fans. The Art of Finding Dory offers a look at the creative process behind the making of this much-anticipated sequel, shining a light on the many inspiring and beautiful layers of creation the artists at the studio explored during years of development.Copyright 2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Pixar. All rights reserved.

From Toy Story to The Good Dinosaur, some of the most iconic and hilarious moments in Pixar's films were first conceived by the artists featured in this book. But there are hundreds of gags that don't make it past the cutting room floor, like Frozone cooling some beers with his breath and Sadness wearing mom jeans. Funny! explores this material in depth, showcasing classic moments from all of Pixar's films to date, plus never-before-published illustrations and doodles from the Pixar archives. With an introduction by veteran story man Jason Katz, this book is a must-have for any Pixar fan.Copyright 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

It's never been easier to discover and binge on new and classic TV shows, and never before have so many great series been available on screens large and small. This entertaining puzzle book by the author of Name That Movie celebrates the current golden age of television viewership with wit and style. Celebrated illustrator Paul Rogers tests readers' visual knowledge to identify each of 100 series through a sequence of six line drawings depicting places, vehicles, objects, and even fashion details ranging from the obscure to the iconic. Complete with answer key and index, this ebook is as fun to play solo as it is with fellow TV fans.

Pixar Animation Studios presents The Art of Cars 3, a behind-the-scenes look at the concept art from the latest film in the popular Cars series. Fascinating storyboards, full-color pastels, digital paintings, and more offer a unique perspective into the beloved world of Lightning McQueen and his friends, new and old. With a preface by John Lasseter, foreword by director Brian Fee, and an introduction by production designers Bill Cone and Jay Shuster, The Art of Cars 3 is a scenic road trip through a masterfully animated film.Copyright 2017 Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Pixar. All rights reserved.

Cars 2 is a globetrotting, high-octane ride through the world of Lightning McQueen, his best friend Mater, and an international collection of completely new characters. The Art of Cars 2 follows the development of the second installment in the Cars series, from the first story concepts and the filmmakers' worldwide research to the intricate "e;carified"e; details that make up the unique Cars 2 universe. Featuring the behind-the-scenes concept art that went into the film's creation--including color scripts, storyboards, character studies, environmental art, sculpts, and more--as well as a forward by director and racecar-enthusiast John Lasseter, The Art of Cars 2 celebrates the art and intrigue of this amazing new Pixar film.

Anne Kingsmill was born in April 1661 (an exact date is not known) in Sydmonton, Hampshire.Throughout her life Anne was involved in several Court cases that dragged on for years. These involved both a share of her parents estate for her education and later her and her husband's share of an inheritance.In 1682, Anne became a maid of honour to Mary of Modena (wife of James, Duke of York, later King James II) at St James's Palace.Anne's interest in poetry began at the palace, and she started writing her own verse. The Court however was no place for a woman to display any poetic efforts. Woman were not considered suitable for such literary pursuits.At court, Anne met Colonel Heneage Finch. A courtier as well as a soldier. The couple married on 15th May 1684.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca, more readily known as Seneca the Younger, was born at Cordoba in the Roman province of Baetica in Hispania in approx 4 BC.Seneca attests that he was taken to Rome at a young age and educated in literature, grammar, and rhetoric; the standard education of high-born Romans. He also received philosophical training.Much of his life is not well documented but accounts do lean towards a pattern of ill-health at times. His breathing difficulties are thought to be the result of asthma and during his mid-twenties he contracted tuberculosis.He was sent to Egypt to live with his aunt, whose husband, Gaius Galerius, was Prefect of Egypt. In 31 AD he returned to Rome with her and, with her influence, was elected quaestor and with it the right to sit in the Roman Senate.Seneca's early career as a senator was successful and he was fulsomely praised for his oratory. A story related that emperor Caligula was so offended by Seneca's oratorical success that he ordered him to commit suicide. Seneca's ill-health prevented that.In 41 AD, Claudius became emperor, and Seneca was promptly cited by the new empress Messalina of adultery with Julia Livilla, the sister of Caligula and Agrippina.After trial the Senate pronounced a death sentence, which Claudius then commuted to exile. Seneca was to now spend the next eight years in Corsica. From this period of exile survive two of his earliest works-both consolations.In 49 AD Agrippina married her uncle Claudius, and through her Seneca was recalled to Rome. Agrippina appointed him, as tutor to her son, the future emperor Nero.Nero's early rule, during which he followed the advice of Seneca and Burrus, was competent. However, within a few years both Seneca and Burrus had lost their influence.In 58 AD the senator Publius Suillius Rufus made a series of public attacks on him saying that, Seneca had acquired a personal fortune of three hundred million sestertii. In response, Seneca brought a series of prosecutions for corruption against him. Suillius was dispatched into exile.After Burrus's death in 62 AD, Seneca's influence further declined. He adopted a quiet lifestyle at his country estates, concentrating on his studies and seldom visiting Rome. It was during these final few years that he composed two of his greatest works: 'Naturales Quaestiones'-an encyclopedia of the natural world; and his 'Letters to Lucilius'-which document his philosophical thoughts.In AD 65, Seneca was caught up in the aftermath of the Pisonian plot to kill Nero. Nero ordered him to kill himself. Seneca followed tradition by opening several veins in order to bleed to death. It was a sad conclusion for a man who has been called the first great Western thinker on the complex nature and role of gratitude in human relationships.

John Marston was born to John and Maria Marston nee Guarsi, and baptised on October 7th, 1576 at Wardington, Oxfordshire.Marston entered Brasenose College, Oxford in 1592 and earned his BA in 1594. By 1595, he was in London, living in the Middle Temple. His interests were in poetry and play writing, although his father's will of 1599 hopes that he would not further pursue such vanities.His brief career in literature began with the fashionable genres of erotic epyllion and satire; erotic plays for boy actors to be performed before educated young men and members of the inns of court.In 1598, he published 'The Metamorphosis of Pigmalion's Image and Certaine Satyres', a book of poetry. He also published 'The Scourge of Villanie', in 1598. 'Histriomastix' regarded as his first play was produced 1599. It's performance kicked off an episode in literary history known as the War of the Theatres; a literary feud between Marston, Jonson and Dekker that lasted until 1602.However, the playwrights were later reconciled; Marston wrote a prefatory poem for Jonson's 'Sejanus' in 1605 and dedicated 'The Malcontent' to him. Beyond this episode Marston's career continued to gather both strength, assets and followers. In 1603, he became a shareholder in the Children of Blackfriars company. He wrote and produced two plays with the company. The first was 'The Malcontent' in 1603, his most famous play. His second was 'The Dutch Courtesan', a satire on lust and hypocrisy, in 1604-5.In 1605, he worked with George Chapman and Ben Jonson on 'Eastward Ho', a satire of popular taste and the vain imaginings of wealth to be found in the colony of Virginia.Marston took the theatre world by surprise when he gave up writing plays in 1609 at the age of thirty-three. He sold his shares in the company of Blackfriars. His departure from the literary scene may have been because of further offence he gave to the king. The king suspended performances at Blackfriars and had Marston imprisoned.On 24th September 1609 he was made a deacon and them a priest on 24th December 1609. In October 1616, Marston was assigned the living of Christchurch, Hampshire.He died (accounts vary) on either the 24th or 25th June 1634 in London and was buried in the Middle Temple Church.

Thomas Middleton was born in London in April 1580 and baptised on 18th April. Middleton was aged only five when his father died. His mother remarried but this unfortunately fell apart into a fifteen year legal dispute regarding the inheritance due Thomas and his younger sister. By the time he left Oxford, at the turn of the Century, Middleton had and published Microcynicon: Six Snarling Satirese which was denounced by the Archbishop of Canterbury and publicly burned. In the early years of the 17th century, Middleton wrote topical pamphlets. One - Penniless Parliament of Threadbare Poets was reprinted several times and the subject of a parliamentary inquiry. These early years writing plays continued to attract controversy. His writing partnership with Thomas Dekker brought him into conflict with Ben Jonson and George Chapman in the so-called War of the Theatres. His finest work with Dekker was undoubtedly The Roaring Girl, a biography of the notorious Mary Frith. In the 1610s, Middleton began another playwriting partnership, this time with the actor William Rowley, producing another slew of plays including Wit at Several Weapons and A Fair Quarrel. The ever adaptable Middleton seemed at ease working with others or by himself. His solo writing credits include the comic masterpiece, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, in 1613. In 1620 he was officially appointed as chronologer of the City of London, a post he held until his death. The 1620s saw the production of his and Rowley's tragedy, and continual favourite, The Changeling, and of several other tragicomedies. However in 1624, he reached a peak of notoriety when his dramatic allegory A Game at Chess was staged by the King's Men. Though Middleton's approach was strongly patriotic, the Privy Council silenced the play after only nine performances at the Globe theatre, having received a complaint from the Spanish ambassador. What happened next is a mystery. It is the last play recorded as having being written by Middleton. Thomas Middleton died at his home at Newington Butts in Southwark in the summer of 1627, and was buried on July 4th, in St Mary's churchyard which today survives as a public park in Elephant and Castle.