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...

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...

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...

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...

“A classic in the field” (New York Times), this is a penetrating investigation into moral and ethical questions raised by war, drawing on examples from antiquity to the present.Just and Unjust Wars has forever changed how we think about the ethics of conflict. In this modern classic, political philosopher Michael Walzer examines the moral issues that arise before, during, and after the wars we fight. Reaching from the Athenian attack on Melos, to ...

Are you weary? Does the Christian life feel like drudgery? What can lift you up, cure your cold and flattened heart, and fill you with deep and lasting joy?The reality is that we will only be as full as the well we drink from, and many of us drink from very shallow wells indeed. This book is an invitation to every thirsty Christian, however weary and flat you are feeling, however weak and unworthy you consider yourself, to come to the waters and drink deeply.You will do thi...

"Fresh and funny… St. John has crafter a winner.” —Tony Horwitz, author of Confederates in the AtticIn the life of every sports fan, there comes a moment of reckoning. It may happen when your team wins on a last-second field goal and you suddenly find yourself clenched in a loving embrace with a large hairy man you’ve never met. . . . Or in the long, hormonally depleted days after a loss, when you’re felled by a sensation similar to the one you first exper...

The Trophy Effect No matter how intelligent, capable, or successful you are, you may question your capabilities or self-worth regularly. You’re more likely to be concerned about falling short than you are to be inclined to anticipate success. That’s just how humans are wired. Author Michael A. Nitti offers a way to change that negative thought process. In The Trophy Effect, he explains the powerful, subconscious force that causes human beings to focus on their shortcomings (what’s wrong) r...

The Trophy Effect No matter how intelligent, capable, or successful you are, you may question your capabilities or self-worth regularly. You’re more likely to be concerned about falling short than you are to be inclined to anticipate success. That’s just how humans are wired. Author Michael A. Nitti offers a way to change that negative thought process. In The Trophy Effect, he explains the powerful, subconscious force that causes human beings to focus on their shortcomings (what’s wrong) r...

An incredible tale of redemption, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love, this classic novel is now paired with the beautiful Christian Readers’ Guide by Jonathan St. John. Each chapter of the original work is followed by St. John’s expert analysis - tying together themes, illuminating character development, and highlighting the Christian morals, undertones, and parallels. Silas Marner and the characters within form a depth of storytelling that evokes rich conversation and enth...

Managing Your Scarcest ResourcesBusiness leaders know that the key to competitive success is smart management of scarce resources. That's why companies allocate their financial capital so carefully. But capital today is cheap and abundant, no longer a source of advantage. The truly scarce resources now are the time, the talent, and the energy of the people in your organization—resources that are too often squandered.Building off of the popular Harvard B...

A man's past catches up with him in the form of a vengeful and wrongfully dismissed former employee; another man finds himself travelling between two parallel dimensions... And two entirely different marital situation; a wife tells a husband she loves him but he is no longer enough and she needs more; while yet another French wife turns the life of her faithless husband on its head by embarking upon a lesbian affair with their Indian accountant.This volume contains:“His Fem...