Inventing the Enemy covers a wide range of topics on which Umberto Eco has written and lectured for the past ten years, from a disquisition on the theme that runs through his most recent novel, The Prague Cemetery—every country needs an enemy, and if it doesn’t have one, must invent it—to a discussion of ideas that have inspired his earlier novels. Along the way, he takes us on an exploration of lost islands, mythical realms, and the medieval world. Eco also sheds light on the indignant reviews of James Joyce’s Ulysses by fascist journalists of the 1920s and 1930s, and provides a lively examination of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s notions about the soul of an unborn child, censorship, violence, and WikiLeaks. These are essays full of passion, curiosity, and obsessions by one of the world’s most esteemed scholars and critically acclaimed, best-selling novelists. Views: 855
A SF short story, inspired by Neal Asher's Polity novels, offering an alternative genesis for Earth Central, its all encompassing AI. A survey and mining team sent to Titan get rather more than they expected.Every night little Johnny would lie in his bed and read his favorite comic book series "The Boogeyman." Johnny’s big sister Betty would tease him about his comic book on a daily basis, and say things like, "Johnny if you don't stop reading those stupid comic books the boogeyman is going to get you." She would come in his room and yank the comic book out of his hands and throw it across the room. The more his sister tormented him, the more anger for his sister was mounting.Finally one night as he was reading about the boogeyman his sister yanked the comic book out of his hands and started tearing the pages out of the comic book. She said as she was laughing "Sorry, Johnny, but it's for your own good."Johnny replied, "I wish you were dead." Views: 854
The Betwixt is a sci-fi soap opera with a dash of philosophy. It follows a space diner waitress as she sets out to discover her true origin, an adventure that sees her set against the most legendary of foes, takes her to the edges of the galaxy, and finally into the arms of one very handsome but stern Commander Cole.The Betwixt is a sci-fi soap opera with a dash of philosophy. It follows a space diner waitress as she sets out to discover her true origin, an adventure that sees her set against the most legendary of foes, takes her to the edges of the galaxy, and finally into the arms of one very handsome but stern Commander Cole....Mini is a diner waitress in a space bar. She has a flouncy skirt, a holopin, and a pretty little apron. She also, apparently, has a mysterious alien past; a past that comes knocking on her door in the form of a tiny red creature called Od. According to Od, Mini is all that stands between the galaxy and an invasion by terrible, soul-sucking creatures from the in-between dimensions. As Mini's galactic experience to-date revolves around serving drinks and picking up after customers, she finds that very unlikely.The only problem is that Od is right. So Mini reaches for the closest thing at hand – which just so happens to be a frying pan – and gives saving the galaxy a go. She isn't alone, however; she's caught the eye of a rather handsome Galactic Military Commander, and he isn't going to take his eyes off her until he knows exactly what's going on. Views: 849
'Between a bottle of Epsom salts or one of twenty-year-old cognac, which would you choose? Would you rather spend your vacation with an eighty-year old leper or with Demi Moore? Do you prefer being sprinkled with ferocious red ants or sharing a sleeping compartment with Claudia Schiffer?'
From the celebrated author of The Name of the Rose, here is a dazzling compendium of advice offering the correct answers to these and many other important questions. Tackling topics as diverse as the coffee pot from hell, eating on an aeroplane, how not to use a cellular phone and recognising porn movies, Umberto Eco guides us with all his customary wit and brilliance through the complexities of the modern world. Views: 849
Special Commander Joshua Cook has a secret, she’s sure of it. He’s the Coalition’s latest golden boy, but she knows he has a past that’s far from sparkling.Ready to find out what his secret is, she isn’t ready for the man himself. Josh is the rudest, meanest, crudest Coalition officer she’s come across ....Special Commander Joshua Cook has a secret, she’s sure of it. He’s the Coalition’s latest golden boy, but she knows he has a past that’s far from sparkling.Ready to find out what his secret is, she isn’t ready for the man himself. Josh is the rudest, meanest, crudest Coalition officer she’s come across. She’s about to give up when the unthinkable occurs – they get stuck on a desert planet far from help.They’ve got to rely on each other to survive. Which is harder than it sounds ….Broken is the continuation of the Galactic Coalition Academy universe. A four-episode space opera, it charts romance, action, and humour on an adventure through the galaxy. It is complete, and all four episodes are currently available. Views: 847
Two wizards. Two lovers. Cala and her husband Ronen. Prince Vayel and his betrothed Malen. But who are the which of the what?Yasmin Naylor should be happy. She had a wonderful summer. She is joining the Varsity cheerleaders this year, and her boyfriend, David, is a true gem. Unfortunately, Yasmin is anxious about this year and about life. She's trying to control her fears, but she can't help but think things are going to fall apart.Nicole Lawson is pretty unhappy. Though she is a parent's dream, she feels alone. She enjoys spending time with her best friend, Yasmin, but sometimes that isn't enough. Nicole wants to be known, liked, and befriended by her peers. She wants a boyfriend and the teen life she sees on TV. Now that she's officially sixteen, Nicole is allowed to date. She has her sights set on Kenneth, but she's much to shy to approach him. Can Nicole be the person she wants to be?Anya Dorn is bored. Her family moved to Virginia from Florida. Though her stepfather is alright and her new stepsister is adorable, Anya is nervous about being in a new school and a new place. When Anya meets David, the attraction is instant. Unfortunately, David has a girlfriend. Anya, never one to back down from what she wants, decides to go after David. Will she be able to break Yasmin and David up? Views: 847
The Story of Civilization, Volume VI: A history of European civilization from Wyclif to Calvin: 1300-1564. This is the sixth volume of the classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning series. Views: 844
Out on the edge of the desert, things get a bit feral.Anais, the eleven-year-old daughter of a fishmonger, enters the Great House of Brightshire as a scullery maid. Isolated from her peers, she fears a life of solitude and menial chores. In Brightshire magic is strictly prohibited and after the tedium of the kitchens, when Anais discovers a manuscript that outlines methods for practicing the art of blood magic, she throws herself full throttle into practicing magic. At first she just practices simple spells for her own amusement, but when one of the girls from the kitchens goes missing - amidst rumors of monsters rising in the south and devouring townspeople - Anais decides to use her new skills to find the missing girl. In her search, she accidentally befriends the Lord of Brightshire's youngest son, Cedric, and then his cousin Mediera. Finally having friends she cares for is great, but practicing illegal magic and fraternizing with those above her station leave Anais in more danger than she can handle.The first ebook in this series is available for free. Views: 843
Aristotle's Politics is a key document in Western political thought. In these first two books Aristotle shows his complete mastery of political theory and practice, and raises many crucial issues still with us today. In Book I he argues vigorously for a political theory based on 'nature'. By nature, man is a 'political animal', one naturally fitted for life in a polis or state. Some people, however, are natural slaves; and women are by nature subordinate to men. Acquisition and exchange are natural, but not trading for profit. In Book II he launches a sharp attack on Plato's two 'utopias', the Republic and the Laws, and also criticizes three historical states reputed to be well governed: Sparta, Crete, and Carthage. This volume contains a close translation of these two books, together with a philosophical commentary. It is well suited to the requirements of readers who do not know Greek. Views: 842
Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone Views: 842
Photobombed is an after-school special in short story form about a girl named Alaya whose innocent selfie leads to the gravest of unintended consequences.Five short stories of friendship and love from the author of Since You've Been Gone.1. Emily finds comfort in the words of a wise old gentleman when her marriage hits the rocks.2. A modern adaption of John Keats 'The Eve of St Agnes'. Madeline and Porphyro, two star-crossed lovers from opposing families must find a way out of their lives so that they can be together.3. Alice discovers that Heaven isn't what she thought it was when she takes on the higher order of angels in an attempt to overthrow their ruling, in this amusing tale of heavenly disorder and a Divine Deity unlike any you've read about.4. Scarlett finds her job at the morgue gets a little too lively when Robbie turns up to haunt her into helping him solve the mystery of his death.5. Friends come together for a school reunion. Secrets, old loves and long-held jealousies come to the fore as the evening wears on. Views: 841
An examination of the roots of the Cistercian Order, founded in 1098, its development and waning, and the seventeenth-century reforms by the Abbé de Rancé, which began the second flowering that continues today. Throughout, Merton illuminates the purposes of monasticism. Index; photographs. Views: 834
The Psalms of Mortality are a thematically organized collection of aphorisms that border poetry in literature style. The chapters are rich in metaphors and powerfully expressive in the existential- and psychological thoughts on liberty, elevation of self-worth, love and value of life, while placing strong critique on cultural values that suppress psychological- and social freedom.The Psalms of Mortality are a thematically organized collection of aphorisms that border poetry in literature style. The chapters are rich in metaphors and powerfully expressive in the existential- and psychological thoughts on liberty, elevation of self-worth, love and value of life, while placing strong critique on cultural values that suppress psychological- and social freedom. The theme of the story follows a mythological figure, Chronos Art, who has prayed from an unknown god to never be immortal, holy, enlightened or saintly, and to be granted freely to wander through all the kingdoms of thought. The Psalms of Mortality is completely psychological, where all the reality of the story takes place. Views: 831
TV reporter Hermetica Gemini drives north on Lunar Highway in hope of breaking the story of the century: King Jupiter’s illegitimate son.Her mission has karmic repercussions, however: she is cut off from her glamorous life in South Node City and meets the reclusive Athos Sagittarius. As the story gallows on, Hermetica is forced to face her issues regarding love, spirituality and self-worth.TV reporter Hermetica Gemini drives north on Lunar Highway in hope of breaking the story of the century: King Jupiter’s illegitimate son.Her mission has karmic repercussions, however, and as she is cut off from her glamorous life in South Node City, and meets the reclusive Athos Sagittarius, she is forced to face her issues regarding love, spirituality and self-worth.This is the first published story in the Zodiac Stories series.The twelve Zodiac Stories are an entertaining and enjoyable way of getting to know the signs of the Zodiac and the planets of astrology. Views: 831
Translated and with a preface by Mark Harman
Left unfinished by Kafka in 1922 and not published until 1926, two years after his death, The Castle is the haunting tale of K.’s relentless, unavailing struggle with an inscrutable authority in order to gain access to the Castle. Scrupulously following the fluidity and breathlessness of the sparsely punctuated original manuscript, Mark Harman’s new translation reveals levels of comedy, energy, and visual power previously unknown to English language readers. Views: 831
