In the sixteenth century the King of Spain issued his soldiers with a three-pronged mission: to find gold, spread the word of Christianity and claim new territories for Spain. The Conquistadors, as they became known, set off into the world to do just that, and nothing was to stand in their way. Some say that the discovery of the New World is the greatest event in history. Others, that it amounted to the bloodiest massacre of all time. Conquistadors follows the Spanish explorers as they unl...

Many ancient legends in circulation, either through verbal story-telling, ancient script or paintings, have assisted the human race in understanding the complex world we live in, even if they have been embellished over the years. They have helped us form societies and have given people reason to live, they are the blocks that when linked together can help us find the answers we as a human race have been searching for. Myths and Legends gathers together the principal mythologies, legends an...

In this book, Nancy Cartwright, Eileen Munro and John Pemberton introduce a new method for assessing whether plans for how to affect change produced their intended outcome, or whether they are likely to do so in the future. The method offers the prospect of a step-change improvement in the accuracy of policy assessments, based on a new pluralistic theory of causation. This theory, which goes beyond existing ones, synthesises seven tried and tested familiar component accounts so as to licen...

In "Mornings in Florence," John Ruskin masterfully weaves a tapestry of art, architecture, and the vibrant spirit of Renaissance Florence. This collection of essays, originally published in 1875, blends lyrical prose with critical observation, reflecting Ruskin's deep appreciation for the city's beauty and cultural heritage. His vivid descriptions evoke the sights, sounds, and even the spiritual essence of Florence, positioning the work within the broader context of 19th-century art critic...

In "Unto This Last, and Other Essays on Political Economy," John Ruskin delivers a profound critique of contemporary economic thought, intertwining ethical considerations with social justice. Through keen, accessible prose, Ruskin challenges the prevailing utilitarianism of his time, advocating for a moral economy rooted in the welfare of the working class. His essays draw upon historical and philosophical contexts, illustrating how industrialization and capitalism distort human values and...

In "The Stones of Venice," John Ruskin offers a profound exploration of architecture, art, and the moral underpinnings of society. This multi-volume work deftly combines vivid descriptions, detailed analyses, and historical insights, delving deep into the construction and aesthetics of Venetian architecture as a reflection of cultural values. Ruskin employs an evocative literary style rich in metaphor and symbolism, illuminating how the intricate details of buildings inspire both moral con...

In "The Poetry of Architecture," John Ruskin presents a profound exploration of the relationship between architecture and the human experience. Through a lush and evocative literary style, Ruskin argues that buildings embody artistic principles akin to poetry, engaging the observer's emotions and intellect. This work, emerging from the Victorian context of rapid industrialization and societal change, critiques the mechanization of architecture while celebrating its potential as a vessel of...

In "Giotto and His Works in Padua," John Ruskin embarks on a meticulous exploration of the transformative contributions of the early Renaissance painter Giotto di Bondone, arguing for his seminal role in the transition from medieval art to the blossoming of humanistic expression. Ruskin's vivid prose is not merely descriptive; it weaves a rich tapestry of art criticism, informed by his deep appreciation for the aesthetic and moral dimensions of Giotto's work. Situated within the broader co...

The theme of this Megapack is classic mystery and crime fiction from the Victorian era. We have taken the liberty of extending the qualifying publication dates to the end of World War I, since that event marked more of a turning point in world literature than the advent of the Edwardian Age. Certainly the spirit of Victorian crime fiction continued beyond Queen Victoria. This volume contains 25 stories and 2 bonus novels, offering hours of reading pleasure.THE LENTON CROFT ROBBERIE...

There is something about the number 3.The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two.Most religions also have 3 this and 3 that and, of course, in these more modern times, three’s a crowd may be too many, except when it’s a ménage à trois. It seems good things usually come in threes.Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore them...

There is something about the number 3.The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two.Most religions also have 3 this and 3 that and, of course, in these more modern times, three’s a crowd may be too many, except when it’s a ménage à trois. It seems good things usually come in threes.Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore them...

A suspenseful archaeological thriller full of secrets, lies and mysteries from acclaimed writer and producer Victor PembertonBest known as a TV producer, writer and script editor for Doctor Who, Victor Pemberton created the Doctor's most iconic gadget, the sonic screwdriver. A prolific dramatist, he also penned a wide variety of plays for BBC Radio including this gripping 8-part adventure, first broadcast in 1968.Elizabeth Warwick, the daughter of ...