This collection of fifteen essays looks at the theme of decadence and its recurring manifestations in European literature and literary criticism from medieval times to the present day. Various definitions of the term are explored, including the notion of decadence as physical decay. Some of the essays draw parallels between modernist and postmodernist notions of decadence. Similarities are detected between fin de siècle decadence at the end of the nineteenth century (which reaches its apot...

The eighteenth century laid the foundations for Britain's worldwide empire and economic prosperity. It was a period of great contrasts: between poverty and wealth, elegance and riotous ribaldry. This Pitkin Guide unwraps what made Georgian Britain in a fascinating text and beautiful contemporary illustrations. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, particularly the other books in the 'Life in' series: Medieval England, in a Monastery, Tudo...

Hollywood Through the Backdoor uncovers the story of actor-writer-composer MICHAEL ST. JOHN, arriving in Hollywood, with no great expectations, just to survive. It was a time when artists of color were forced to accept any kind of demeaning role in the business. When not in a class at U.S.C., Michael found on a film set, observing and meeting stars or those who might make it happen for him. He pulled some outlandish stunts to get the job or part he wanted, but managed to garner the respect...

Chaucer used the dream device to engage with the work of French and Italian authors and to explore the philosophical content of their poetry. His four dream visions therefore represent an important conduit through which the influence of European writers was received into English, enabling a profound transition in the way in which the 'self' was conceptualized in medieval courtly literature. Chaucer's Dream Visions is the first book length study to examine the poet's considered use of Arist...

Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour.Elizabeth II is the longest lived and, after Queen Victoria, second longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. From her coronation in 1953 to her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Queen Elizabeth II has stood on the world stage as the figurehead for Britain.The Queen: History in an Hour tells the story of the Queen Elizabeth II’s life and long reign, her royal duties, service during the Second World War, public perception an...

A Traveller’s History of London aims to bring London’s past alive to the resident, traveller and student, to reveal the city’s hidden treasures and forgotten places and guide the reader to the sights and sites that can still be seen and enjoyed. This Traveller’s History gives the discerning visitor a full and comprehensive historical background to the capital’s past and covers the period from London’s first beginnings, righ...

The Mobile Book (Smartphone Book) contain 100 pictures and 5 maps. Illustrate London. When you travel to London, copy the book to your Smartphone, it is nice travel guide.

From battlefield to sacred building, from castle to cottage, from the Bridgwater Canal to Blackpool Pier, historian John Julius Norwich tells the political, cultural, social, religious and economic story of England through one hundred key places you can still visit today. Part narrative history, part exploration of our national heritage, his wide-ranging selection of sites will stimulate, entertain, inform - and certainly provoke - a debate about the most significant moments in English his...

Exploring North Yorkshire's History - is a journey through the wonderfully varied landscape of North Yorkshire, and examines its rich history through contemporary colour photographs and words. North Yorkshire is England's largest county and being almost 100 miles wide and 65 miles long offers some of the country's most stunning scenery, from the breathtaking east coastline to the fabulous National Parks. Many of the areas we will explore throughout our journey have been designated Areas of...

Explore Dublin's hidden history, from the age of the Vikings to the present day, with this bestselling short history of the city. It's the perfect tour companion. Dublin started as a Viking trading settlement in the middle of the tenth century. Location was the key, as it commanded the shortest crossing to a major port in Britain. By the time the Normans arrived in Ireland in the twelfth century, this was crucial: Dublin maintained the best communications between the English crown and its ...

Did you know that Queen Victoria could speak five different languages? Or that her closest childhood friend was a King Charles spaniel by the name of Dash? What did she ask staff to do instead of knocking on her door? And how did she deliberately annoy Prime Minister William Gladstone? All of these facts and more can be found in this fantastic guide to the long-reigning monarch and Empress of India. This book is perfect for those studying Queen Victoria at school, or even for those who are...

Publisher's NoteIn 1998, Breedon Publishing produced Exploring Durham History by Philip Nixon and Denis Dunlop.For the purposes of publishing this title as an e-book, it has been divided into three smaller, more specific areas so that the reader can pick and choose the individual part of the book that most attracts their interest without having to purchase the whole title in its entirety.Each of the three e-books include from the original title:· the Introduction· th...