Western Tradition

Part culinary memoir and part travelogue, Carole Bumpus gathered this compilation of intimate interviews, conversations, stories, and traditional family recipes (cuisine pauvre) in the kitchens of French families as she traveled throughout the countryside. Travel with her through Champagne caves/wineries and historic cathedrals, local farmers’ markets, ancient potters’ guilds, and restaurant kitchens with wood-fire ovens.

A concise survey of the music of Western popular and classical traditions. The origins and interactions of blues, jazz, and rock are covered under the heading of popular music. However, the evolution of the classical tradition within Western culture is the primary focus of the book. The most important composers and their best known works are examined within the context of the times in which they lived.

The history of Sephardi Pirates is intricately woven into the fabric of the Caribbean's maritime history, particularly during the age of piracy. In the Caribbean, Sephardi Jews played a vital role in the burgeoning trade networks that characterized the region during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Africans have a long history, although not everything has been preserved in writing. And many folklore stories have been passed on through generations. The African tribes vary as much as the colors of the rainbow. It is for these reasons, and entertainment as well, that this book has been put together. It entails several mythological tales that refer to African gods, creatures, and entities. Some of these have morals. Others are symbolic of one thing or another.

In a time of mythical beasts and powerful gods, tales of heroism and mankind's beginnings proliferated through the ancient world and endured for centuries thereafter. From the origins of the universe, to the creation of man, Greek mythology has formed the bedrock of Western culture and civilization. Its influence has captivated people for thousands of years and traces remain everywhere, from our literature, films, and everyday language.

Jesse James and many other Old West outlaws were much more than just wild cowboys. As author Daniel Duke—the great-great-grandson of Jesse James—reveals, James and other infamous outlaws were part of a larger organization, centuries old, that has affected U.S. history from the small, rural streets of early America to the highest levels of the nation’s government, with continuing influence to this day.