High Medieval

The story of the wars and conquests initiated by the first Crusade and its successors is itself so compelling that most accounts move quickly from describing the Pope's calls to arms to the battlefield. In this highly original and enjoyable new book, Christopher Tyerman focuses on something obvious but overlooked: the massive, all-encompassing, and hugely costly business of actually preparing a crusade.

This is the first book in The Devil's Gambit, an epic fantasy series. Demons are humans. They are the forgotten. The war has raged for centuries, and the story has remained unchanged. The Devil sends his army to eradicate humanity and claim the kingdom he once swore to protect. However, Candelux—the priest guild—stands in his way, forcing him to cower in hiding. That cycle is about to be broken. The humans bask in serenity as evidence of the demon threat seems to wane, but terror looms on the horizon. A demon lord rises to lead the Devil’s cursed soldiers to victory, and in his wake, ...

In his essay On Anger, the Roman Stoic thinker Seneca argues that anger is the most destructive passion. This splendid new translation of essential selections from On Anger, presented with an enlightening introduction, offers listeners a timeless guide to avoiding and managing anger. Drawing on his great arsenal of rhetoric, including historical examples, anecdotes, quips, and soaring flights of eloquence, Seneca builds his case against anger with mounting intensity.

London. July, 1399. As rumors spread that his ambitious cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, has returned from exile in France, King Richard's grip on the English throne grows ever more precarious. Meanwhile, the body of a young woman is discovered at Dowgate sluice. When it's established that the dead woman was a novice from nearby Barking Abbey, the coroner calls in his friend, Brother Chandler, to investigate. Who would cut the throat of a young nun and throw her remains in the river? And what was she doing outside the confines of the priory in the first place?

Gyrth son of Godwin finds his nuptials interrupted by news that King Edward intends to rid his country of Earl Godwin and his clan once and for all. He creates a situation Godwin cannot win, and the whole family are dispossessed and thrown out of the country. Godwin has a plan for revenge, but before he can put it into action the kidnapping of the daughter of the Count of Flanders puts everything in jeopardy. Only with the help of a wild girl from the Airish lands can the brothers fight to regain what is truly theirs. The story is based around the events of 1051, when Edward of England and ...

Argonautika is the story of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece. This epic story of gods and goddesses, mythical beasts, thrilling adventures, and narrow escapes may be the oldest surviving Greek myth, which Homer referred to as something "familiar to all." Listen to this masterpiece of classical literature in an all-new translation that captures the timeless magic and quiet humor of this ancient legend.

Book two. A bedtime story about the exciting adventures of the Abbey Mice who live high up in a medieval Abbey in the little town of Ramsley. For children who love to allow their imaginations to run free.

Tianna and Kara each came to Port Stone by request of their respective Orders to help an unknown elf, Phinelope. She never shows at the appointed meeting place, so they go in search of her only to find Phinelope murdered and more secrets than answers in this strange town. Never ones to let the murder of a woman go with no consequences, they take it upon themselves to avenge her death and find themselves becoming more involved in the mysteries of Port Stone than either of them ever intended. Join Tianna and Kara in this female led fantasy of danger, lies, and unanswered questions.

Here is the multi award-winning SmartPass study guide, with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis to allow any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Meet literature's greatest villain in this tragedy, fuelled by jealous rage. Journey into the twisted mind of Iago, who freely admits, "I am not what I am", and truly get under the skin of this wondrous play.

Falstaff is both a comic and tragic central protagonist in Shakespeare's three Henry plays. He is companion to Prince Hal (the future Henry V), who loves him, goads him, teases him, indulges his vast appetites, and commits all sorts of mischief with him. Award-winning author and esteemed professor Harold Bloom examines Falstaff with the deepest compassion and sympathy and also with unerring wisdom. He uses the relationship between Falstaff and Hal to explore the devastation of severed bonds and the heartbreak of betrayal.

Here is the multi award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance, with comprehensive commentary and analysis, enabling students to fully understand and appreciate the play. Judge for yourself whether Lear is "a man more sinned against than sinning" in this moral tale that pits wisdom and age against ambition and youth. Experience and examine the power of Shakespeare's most cruel and violent tragedy.

Homer's masterpiece tells the story of Odysseus, the ideal Greek hero, as he travels home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, a journey of 10 years and countless thrilling adventures. Rich in Greek folklore and myth, featuring gods and goddesses, monsters and sorceresses, The Odyssey has enchanted listeners around the world for thousands of years.

The next world over is still a world away. Almost a year ago, 12 year old Tommy Brinn ran away from Katy in the park as they were about to have their first kiss. That was the night she disappeared. While being bullied in the park on the way home from school, Tommy, his bully Matt, and his would be protector Peter are all transported through a portal in the largest tree in the park. On the other end they find a world different from ours, where people are enslaved to only an elite few. Each boy is challenged physically and mentally in this land, tentatively forming an alliance to find a way ...

In a world where social media, online relationships, and relentless self-absorption threaten the very idea of deep and lasting friendships, the search for true friends is more important than ever. In this short book, famous Roman politician and philosopher Cicero offers a compelling guide to finding, keeping, and appreciating friends. With wit and wisdom, Cicero teaches not only how to build friendships but also why they must be a key part of our lives. For, as Cicero says, life without friends is not worth living.

As Kyre returns to Lordstown, what awaits him? If he can escape the riotous charms of Lind-on-Hill, will it be his Troop of high-born guerrilla fighters, bent of ridiculing him, betraying him, or begging him to lead them into battle again? Or will the lord's powerful, scheming wife, the Lady Delfindiana have tasks for him? Tasks that could break him, or make him a fortune in silver, or lord of a second province within the Lordlands? Is it violence and vengeance that await him in Sabri Province? And in Bati? Lost children; thieving travelling entertainers; a doomed wedding; meeting an old/...

Last seen in the bar at Bowfield Spring, warily surrendering to Kellimar Sord’s challenging invitation to go through the doors to the bedroom areas, Kyre felt akin to a sinking ship, recalling the Blood Eagle, the EagleWing that had been hovering over the buildings when he entered. ‘It wasn’t out there for no purpose,’ he was thinking. And now, he awakens, not knowing where he is, trying to piece together the happenings that almost killed him. If he recovers from his injuries, what might await him should he return to Lordstown? the voluptuous, but perfidious arms of the Rua ...

The idea of the sword-wielding samurai, beholden to a strict ethical code and trained in deadly martial arts, dominates popular conceptions of the samurai. As early as the late 17th century, they were heavily featured in literature, art, theater, and even comedy. This book gives listeners access to the real samurai as they lived, fought, and served. Much as they capture the modern imagination, the samurai commanded influence over the politics, arts, philosophy, and religion of their own time, and controlled Japan from the 14th century until their demise in the mid-19th century.

Here, National Book Award winner Richard Winston explores life in the Middle Ages - from the fifth to the 15th centuries - beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire and ending with the dawn of the Renaissance. In both countryside and cities, from the peasants to the bourgeoisie to the nobility, no aspect of life in this era is left unexplored.

Paris, 1396. Scribe Christine de Pizan is shocked when the duke of Orleans' fools find a baby, wrapped in rags and covered in sores, abandoned in the palace gardens. Was there really a wicked plan to substitute the child for the queen's own baby daughter and blame the duchess of Orleans, Valentina Visconti? Who would commit such an evil act, and why?

Enter the world of Stonecrest through the eyes of Lady Chantalle of Winsham—magistrate by day, mystic by night. This collection of short stories follows her journey from courtroom intrigue to clandestine dealings as Madame Celeste at the Mystic Parlor. When the realm’s most feared assassin leaves a baby in her care, Chantalle’s life takes an unexpected turn. As she balances motherhood and duty, danger follows close behind. From royal matchmaking and demon encounters to tense trials and fragile alliances, each tale reveals the heart of a woman forging her own family in a world of ...