In his famous argument against miracles, David Hume gets to the heart of the modern problem of supernatural belief. 'We are apt', says Hume, 'to imagine ourselves transported into some new world; where the whole form of nature is disjointed, and every element performs its operation in a different manner, from what it does at present.' This encapsulates, observes Peter Harrison, the disjuncture between contemporary Western culture and medieval societies. In the Middle Ages, people saw the h...

This book explores the intricate tapestry of thought that characterized the Renaissance, a period that marked the rebirth of classical philosophy and the flourishing of theological, mystical, and esoteric traditions. Blending the study of ancient Greek and Roman sources with contemporary Christian thought, Renaissance intellectuals sought to harmonize reason, faith, and mystical insight.At the heart of this work is an examination of the major philosophical movements of the Renaissa...

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of utopianism, tracing its evolution from the Renaissance through the 20th century. It examines the roots of utopian thought in classical and religious traditions, delves into the flourishing of utopian literature during the Renaissance, and considers the impact of the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution on modern utopian visions.

The Middle Ages, often depicted as a time of knights, castles, and religious fervor, was also a period rich in storytelling. Legends and myths from this era were not merely products of imagination but served as a means for people to interpret their world, cope with hardship, and transmit cultural values. These stories provided a moral framework, explained natural phenomena, and linked the human experience with the divine. The blend of Christian beliefs with pagan traditions, classical heri...

An "extremely rewarding" exploration of how these two great human endeavors can not only coexist but enrich each other ( Times Literary Supplement).The conflict between science and religion seems indelible, even eternal. Surely two such divergent views of the universe have always been in fierce opposition? Actually, that's not the case, says Peter Harrison: Our very concepts of science and religion are relatively recent, emerging only in the past three hund...

This book explores the history, concepts, and enduring influence of Gnosticism, tracing its evolution from ancient origins to its manifestations in contemporary culture. Gnosticism, characterized by its emphasis on hidden knowledge (gnosis), cosmic dualism, and the soul's quest for liberation, has shaped spiritual, philosophical, and cultural landscapes for millennia. Beginning with its roots in Jewish apocalypticism, Hellenistic philosophy, and early Christianity, the book examin...

On a young boy's first night of impetuous independence, he must conquer his bedroom's shadowy unknown. The path to overcome his fears lead him to a mysterious new world where he must search for his missing mother.About the AuthorAuthor Peter Harrison wasn't born a storyteller and writing wasn’t an obvious career. However, every day growing up was an education in the art of telling a story. Whether watching his father, a lawyer, speak with clients, to listening to his mother...

Fly-tippers cause havoc when they dump toxic waste on an unsupervised land-fill next to the old farm. Creatures start dropping like flies as the poison spreads. Animal meetings are held and the word goes out; Fly, walk, waddle, but take the next bus out.Myrtle Mouse and her surviving kid brother, Wilbur, are one of the last to leave their home. Joined by Thomas Rat and Maurice Mole they attempt the long and hazardous journey to a distant quarry encountering numerous adventures alon...

Cognition Switch: An Artefact for the Transmission of New IdeasIssue #1: December 2018Featuring Ideas by: Peter Harrison, Marcel Zentner, George Zarkadakisis, Danielle Celermajer, Paul Raeburn, Scott Samuelson, Nicolas Langlitz, Andrew Taggart, Donald S Lopez Jr, and Regina Rini

An illustrated guide to the development and operational history of the Tibetan-style fortified monasteries throughout the Himalayas.The spread of Buddhism and Tibetan secular power throughout the Himalayas led to a distinctive style of fortifications not found anywhere else. This book looks at Himalayan fortifications, from their creation in the Middle Ages to their destruction and capture by the Chinese in the 20th century.

The Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012 is the first review to assess the conservation status of all Australian mammals. It complements The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010 (Garnett et al. 2011, CSIRO Publishing), and although the number of Australian mammal taxa is marginally fewer than for birds, the proportion of endemic, extinct and threatened mammal taxa is far greater. These authoritative reviews represent an important foundation for understanding the current status, fate and f...

Late fifties, North-East England, and chaos in the Connelly Family as womanising husband, George, throws in the towel, abandons wife and children and disappears into darkest Yorkshire with his newest love. Vera Connelly, feisty and temperamental, reluctantly vacates her colliery home, moves herself and her two boys to nearby Easington Village and finds shelter with her widowed mother and tries to rebuild her shattered life.Along the way she becomes involved with the monied Stoker f...