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Picturing Hemingway: A Writer in His Time
Frederick Voss, Michael Reynolds  | Yale University Press

Picturing Hemingway: A Writer in His Time

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.76

$11.90

This is a lovely pick if you want to meet Hemingway beyond the legend and see the man as he moved through his era. The photographs and paintings make his story feel immediate, almost intimate, while tracing how his public image and private life intertwined. Readers who enjoy literary history often find it especially rewarding because it feels both visual and deeply human.
White Teacher : With a New Preface, Third Edition - Thryft
Vivian Gussin Paley | Harvard University Press

White Teacher : With a New Preface, Third Edition

$19.90 $8.90 55% off

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$19.90 $8.90 55% off

75% off est. retail
This book could be a valuable read for educators, particularly those who teach in diverse settings. Vivian Paley honestly reflects on her experiences and shares the lessons she has learned. Her insights on unintentional language and recognizing blind spots are important not only in the classroom but also in daily interactions. Paley's first-hand account of her teaching experience provides readers with a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of teaching in an integrated school.
Bruce Dawe - Oxford Australian Writers
Peter Kuch | Oxford University Press

Bruce Dawe - Oxford Australian Writers

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

80% off est. retail
If you've ever felt pigeonholed or misunderstood, this analysis of Bruce Dawe's work might resonate with you. Peter Kuch dives into Dawe's poetry with a fresh, academically rigorous perspective, challenging previous perceptions and offering insights that could change the way you appreciate poetry. It's a thought-provoking read that may also inspire you to look beyond labels and delve deeper into literary works.
Noel And Cole - The Sophisticates - Thryft
Stephen Citron | Oxford University Press

Noel And Cole - The Sophisticates

$7.90 $6.90 13% off

Goodreads rating: 3.48

$7.90 $6.90 13% off

90% off est. retail
Born an ocean apart--one in Peru, Indiana, to great wealth, the other in Teddington, England, to an itinerant piano salesman--Cole Porter and Noel Coward have come to represent the ultimate in sophistication and urbanity. "You Do Something to Me," Gay Divorce , "I Get a Kick Out of You," "JustOne of Those Things," Anything Goes , "Begin the Beguine," Private Lives , "Night and Day," Blithe Spirit , "Let's Do It," Hay Fever , "It's De-Lovely"--the list of witty and irreverent songs and plays goes on and on. It is a body of work that was tremendously exciting when it first appeared and remainsremarkably popular today.Based on access to previously unpublished manuscripts, lyrics, scores and letters, plus dozens of interviews, Noel and Cole presents a fresh and often surprising portrait of these two geniuses and their work, packed with numerous photographs, some of which have never been published before.Stephen Citron interweaves the biographical strands with consummate skill, providing insight into both men's private lives--including a frank discussion of their homosexuality--while illuminating their musical achievements. Indeed Citron, a composer and lyricist himself, excels at musical analysis,and throughout the volume he sheds considerable light on Porter's and Coward's art. He tells us, for instance, that in composing the melody of "Night and Day," Cole Porter restricted himself to mid-range notes, with hardly any vocal leaps that would betray a breathless dancer, especially as thedancer was Fred Astaire, who had never studied singing seriously, and was just launching his solo career. (Citron also tells us that Astaire wanted "Night and Day" dropped from the show, because he feared that with its long-held notes, especially on the word "day," his voice would crack.) Citronalso shows how fast a worker Noel Coward could Coward wrote Hay Fever in three days, for instance, and his finest play, Private Lives , took him four days (while he was laid low with a bout of influenza in Shanghai).Packed with information, including a quintuple chronology and a fifty-page section devoted to the analysis of selected songs, Noel and Cole will be an essential reference as well as a fascinating dual biography of two men who brought style and dazzle to the art of popular entertainment.
Words and Occasions: An Anthology of Speeches and Articles Selected from His Papers by the Right Honourable L. B. Pearson
Lester B. Pearson | Harvard University Press

Words and Occasions: An Anthology of Speeches and Articles Selected from His Papers by the Right Honourable L. B. Pearson

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 2.5

$10.90

This feels like spending time with a sharp, humane leader who could move easily from global diplomacy to playful reflection. Pearson’s own introductions make the collection especially engaging, because you’re not just reading speeches but following the arc of his life and thinking. If you enjoy political history, Canadian public life, or eloquent nonfiction with personality, this is a rich and surprisingly approachable read.
American Judicial Tradition : Profiles of Leading American Judges - Thryft
G. Edward White | Oxford University Press

American Judicial Tradition : Profiles of Leading American Judges

$10.45

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$10.45

White, G. Edward, American Judicial Tradition, Profiles Of Leading American Judges
Life in Renaissance France - Thryft
Lucien Febvre | Harvard University Press

Life in Renaissance France

$28.90 $6.90 76% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$28.90 $6.90 76% off

90% off est. retail
For anyone with a taste for history, particularly the rich tapestry of Renaissance France, Febvre's "Life in Renaissance France" will transport you back in time. With a focus on the transformation of human thought and daily existence, it's as if you're walking alongside the French of the sixteenth century, witnessing firsthand their leaps toward modern civilization. Febvre's vivid storytelling, combined with Rothstein's sensitive translation, makes this a compelling read for those looking to delve deep into the past's intimate details.
Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist
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Walter Kaufmann | Princeton University Press

Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.24

$9.90

84% off est. retail
Delving into this book, you'll not only unpack the misconceptions surrounding Nietzsche but also appreciate the depth of his philosophy. Kaufmann's work is acclaimed for a reason; it serves as a rehabilitative bridge, connecting readers to a Nietzsche stripped of the distortions history once layered upon him. If you're looking to understand Nietzsche both as a philosopher and a cultural figure, Kaufmann's patient analysis will illuminate that path for you.
Descartes: A Biography
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Desmond M. Clarke | Cambridge University Press

Descartes: A Biography

$19.90

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$19.90

50% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the intersections of philosophy, science, and history, Desmond M. Clarke's biography of René Descartes is for you. It doesn't just highlight Descartes' famous saying but explores how his thoughts and writings nurtured the Scientific Revolution. You'll get an intimate view of how his ideas clashed with religious doctrine at the time and how he crafted a philosophical system that dared to challenge the status quo. This book gives a comprehensive look at a man whose revolutionary thinking stretched far beyond 'I think, therefore I am.'
The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej
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Paul M. Handley | Yale University Press

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$12.90

If you're captivated by the convergence of modern politics and centuries-old traditions, "The King Never Smiles" might be your next engrossing read. Handley's meticulous research pierces through the veil of sanctity surrounding King Bhumibol's reign to reveal a monarch's tight grip on power. The book's unflinching analysis presents a stark contrast to the commonly held beliefs about the king, making for a thought-provoking dive into the heart of Thai politics and monarchy.
An English Governess in the Great War: The Secret Brussels Diary of Mary Thorp
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Tammy M. Proctor, Sophie De Schaepdrijver  | Oxford University Press

An English Governess in the Great War: The Secret Brussels Diary of Mary Thorp

$17.90 $5.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$17.90 $5.90 67% off

86% off est. retail
Mary Thorp's secret war diary offers a compelling glimpse into the lesser-documented civilian struggles during World War I. Her unique vantage point as an English governess in German-occupied Brussels provides a poignant, day-to-day account of resilience and life amidst transnational turmoil. If you're captivated by personal histories and the intricate fabric of human experiences during wartime, Mary's narrative is a treasure waiting to be discovered.
The Mystery of "A Yellow Sleuth"
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Ronald Allan, Paul H. Kratoska, Philip Holden  | National University Of Singapore Press

The Mystery of "A Yellow Sleuth"

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

78% off est. retail
If you love immersing yourself in rich, historical settings, "The Mystery of 'A Yellow Sleuth'" promises an engrossing experience. As you traverse the colonial backdrop of Malaysia with Detective Sergeant Nor Nalla, the book's fusion of exotic locales and classic mystery elements make it an intriguing pick for lovers of historical detective fiction. The protagonist's unique cultural perspective brings an added layer of depth to the sleuthing genre.
Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s
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Patricia Mears, Emma McClendon  | Yale University Press

Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$10.90

82% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the aura of the 1970s or simply adore fashion history, this book is a gem. It offers a rich narrative of how Yves Saint Laurent and Halston crafted an era of style that continues to influence fashion today. Dive into a time of bold changes, exploring the creativity and innovation that defined a decade with lasting impact.
Dante: The Story of His Life
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Richard Dixon, Marco Santagata  | Belknap Press: An Imprint Of Harvard University Press

Dante: The Story of His Life

$15.90

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$15.90

If you're fascinated by historical figures who shaped literature, Santagata's biography of Dante will not disappoint. It offers a richly detailed tapestry of the poet's life, exploring his roles beyond just his writings. It might intrigue you how Dante's personal life, political struggles, and spiritual beliefs are interwoven with his enduring works, offering you a holistic understanding of the man behind the Divine Comedy.
Peggy Guggenheim: The Shock of the Modern - Jewish Lives
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Francine Prose | Yale University Press

Peggy Guggenheim: The Shock of the Modern - Jewish Lives

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.58

$13.90

If you're someone who appreciates the blend of personal biography with the evolution of modern art, you'll find "Peggy Guggenheim: The Shock of the Modern" engaging. Prose brings to life a figure who was as complex as she was influential, showcasing how Guggenheim's eye for art and her personal eccentricities carved a permanent space for her in the history of modern art. It's a read that offers not just a study of a person, but a window into the transformative world of modern art through the lens of an extraordinary art patron.
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era - The Oxford History of the United States - Thryft
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James M. McPherson | Oxford University Press

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era - The Oxford History of the United States

$20.90 $11.90 43% off

Goodreads rating: 4.38

$20.90 $11.90 43% off

79% off est. retail
As someone interested in the rich tapestry of American history, "Battle Cry of Freedom" is not just another historical account. McPherson masterfully weaves together complex political movements, the realities of military strategy, and the human element of warfare to bring the Civil War period to life. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to deepen your understanding of this pivotal era, this book will surely captivate and educate you with its in-depth analysis and engaging narrative.
Cleopatra: A Biography - Women in Antiquity - Thryft
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Duane W. Roller | Oxford University Press

Cleopatra: A Biography - Women in Antiquity

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.79

$8.90

Imagine rethinking everything you've heard about Cleopatra. Duane Roller's biography invites you on an intellectual journey to meet the true Cleopatra—a deeply strategic and complex monarch, far from the simplistic charmer of legend. Engage with a narrative grounded on primary sources, where a woman's intellect, political savvy, and cultural contributions overshadow her romantic entanglements. This read isn’t just about revisiting history; it's about uncovering the prowess of an enduring, yet often misrepresented, figure.
Bernini: His Life and His Rome - Thryft
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Franco Mormando | University Of Chicago Press

Bernini: His Life and His Rome

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$12.90

If you're fascinated by the intersection of art and history, then this biography of Bernini is your ticket to a bygone era. You'll not only get a rich look at the artist's dramatic life but also understand how his masterpieces shaped the very essence of Rome. It's as much a story of a man as it is a chronicle of a city he helped define with his vision.
Movements in European History - Thryft
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D.H. Lawrence | Oxford University Press

Movements in European History

$12.90 $3.90 70% off

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$12.90 $3.90 70% off

D.H. Lawrence isn't just a fiction writer; his vibrant storytelling brings historic European movements to life in a way you probably haven't experienced before. You'll get a fresh perspective on important eras that shaped the continent, perfect for those with a love of history and stirring narrative.
The English governess at the Siamese court - being recollections of six years in the royal palace at Bangkok - Thryft
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Anna Harriette Leonowens | Oxford University Press

The English governess at the Siamese court - being recollections of six years in the royal palace at Bangkok

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.37

$8.26

If you're intrigued by royal dynamics and cross-cultural exchanges, Leonowens’s memoir could be a good read for you. It offers an authentic peek into 19th-century Siam through the eyes of an English governess. Her unique perspective as an educator and her close interactions with the royal family provide historical enthusiasts and memoir readers with rich, cultural insights that are both educational and entertaining.
The Reluctant Communist: My Desertion, Court-Martial, and Forty-Year Imprisonment in North Korea - Thryft
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Jim Frederick, Charles Robert Jenkins  | University Of California Press

The Reluctant Communist: My Desertion, Court-Martial, and Forty-Year Imprisonment in North Korea

$7.90 $4.90 38% off

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$7.90 $4.90 38% off

This book would be a good read for anyone interested in true stories of resilience and survival in the face of extreme adversity. Charles Robert Jenkins' harrowing memoir takes readers on a journey into the inner workings of North Korea's isolated society and provides a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through his gripping storytelling, Jenkins offers a unique perspective on his years spent in captivity, making this a compelling and unforgettable read.
Devotion
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Patti Smith | Yale University Press

Devotion

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$9.90

57% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the enigmatic blend of personal narrative and artistic exploration, "Devotion" will resonate with you. Patti Smith doesn't just share a story; she lets you into her mind, showing you the vivid landscapes that inspire her. For anyone who cherishes the gritty and poetic behind-the-scenes of crafting art, Patti's reflections and pilgrimages to the haunts of literary giants offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the soul of a creator.
The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailands Bhumibol Adulyadej [Paperback] Paul M. Handley - Thryft
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Paul M. Handley | Yale University Press

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailands Bhumibol Adulyadej [Paperback] Paul M. Handley

$6.71

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$6.71

This book is an in-depth look into the life of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, providing a fascinating insight into the country's revered monarch. Handley's biography balances the king's impressive accomplishments with critical analysis of the country's political climate during his reign. If you're interested in history, political figures or Thailand's monarchy, this book is sure to keep you engaged.
The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong : The Autobiographical Writings of a Crown Princess of Eighteenth-Century Korea - Thryft
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Lady Hyegyeong, JaHyun Kim Haboush  | University Of California Press

The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong : The Autobiographical Writings of a Crown Princess of Eighteenth-Century Korea

$18.88

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$18.88

55% off est. retail
The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong offers a fascinating glimpse into Korean court life of the eighteenth-century. The book's unique feature is its depiction of a deeply intelligent and articulate woman amidst conflicting passions, political intrigue, and daily concerns. Readers interested in historical and cultural perspectives will find this autobiography a worthy read.
Three Roads Back: How Emerson, Thoreau, and William James Responded to the Greatest Losses of Their Lives - Thryft
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Megan Marshall, Robert D. Richardson Jr.  | Princeton University Press

Three Roads Back: How Emerson, Thoreau, and William James Responded to the Greatest Losses of Their Lives

$24.72

Goodreads rating: 3.62

$24.72

From their acclaimed biographer, a final, powerful book about how Emerson, Thoreau, and William James forged resilience from devastating loss, changing the course of American thoughtIn Three Roads Back , Robert Richardson, the author of magisterial biographies of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and William James, tells the connected stories of how these foundational American writers and thinkers dealt with personal tragedies early in their careers. For Emerson, it was the death of his young wife and, eleven years later, his five-year-old son; for Thoreau, it was the death of his brother; and for James, it was the death of his beloved cousin Minnie Temple. Filled with rich biographical detail and unforgettable passages from the journals and letters of Emerson, Thoreau, and James, these vivid and moving stories of loss and hard-fought resilience show how the writers’ responses to these deaths helped spur them on to their greatest work, influencing the birth and course of American literature and philosophy.In reaction to his traumatic loss, Emerson lost his Unitarian faith and found solace in nature. Thoreau, too, leaned on nature and its regenerative power, discovering that “death is the law of new life,” an insight that would find expression in Walden . And James, following a period of panic and despair, experienced a redemptive conversion and new ideas that would drive his work as a psychologist and philosopher. As Richardson shows, all three emerged from their grief with a new way of seeing, one shaped by a belief in what Emerson called “the deep remedial force that underlies all facts.”An inspiring book about resilience and the new growth and creativity that can stem from devastating loss, Three Roads Back is also an extraordinary account of the hidden wellsprings of American thought.
Hack - Stories From A Chicago Cab - Thryft
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Dmitry Samarov | University Of Chicago Press

Hack - Stories From A Chicago Cab

$12.90 $5.90 54% off

Goodreads rating: 3.44

$12.90 $5.90 54% off

85% off est. retail
Hack - Stories From A Chicago Cab is a must-read for those who enjoy hearing authentic and gritty stories about city life. The author, Dmitry Samarov, uses his experience as a cab driver to provide a unique perspective on the city of Chicago. Through his tales of drunken passengers, drug deals, and encounters with colorful characters, readers will be transported to the streets of Chicago. Additionally, Samarov's own drawings accompany his stories, providing further insight into the city's people and places.
Why This World - Thryft
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Benjamin Moser | Oxford University Press, Usa

Why This World

$16.05

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$16.05

Why This World is a must-read for those who are looking for a deep and introspective exploration of human nature and the human experience. Benjamin Moser paints a vivid picture of the life and development of the enigmatic Clarice Lispector, one of Latin America's most popular writers. It is a deeply introspective book about the nature of writing, human life, and consciousness. Moser shows that Lispector was not only a great storyteller but also a spiritual guide for the readers. Highly recommended for people interested in Latin American literature, spirituality, and deep introspection.
Spider Eaters : A Memoir - Thryft
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Rae Yang | University Of California Press

Spider Eaters : A Memoir

$5.91 $3.55 40% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$5.91 $3.55 40% off

94% off est. retail
Spider Eaters is at once a moving personal story, a fascinating family history, and a unique chronicle of political upheaval told by a Chinese woman who came of age during the turbulent years of the Cultural Revolution. With stunning honesty and a lively, sly humor, Rae Yang records her life from her early years as the daughter of Chinese diplomats in Switzerland, to her girlhood at an elite middle school in Beijing, to her adolescent experience as a Red Guard and later as a laborer on a pig farm in the remote northern wilderness. She tells of her eventual disillusionment with the Maoist revolution, how remorse and despair nearly drove her to suicide, and how she struggled to make sense of conflicting events that often blurred the line between victim and victimizer, aristocrat and peasant, communist and counter-revolutionary. Moving gracefully between past and present, dream and reality, the author artfully conveys the vast complexity of life in China as well as the richness, confusion, and magic of her own inner life and struggle.Much of the power of the narrative derives from Yang's multi-generational, cross-class perspective. She invokes the myths, legends, folklore, and local customs that surrounded her and brings to life the many people who were instrumental in her her nanny, a poor woman who raised her from a baby and whose character is conveyed through the bedtime tales she spins; her father; and her beloved grandmother, who died as a result of the political persecution she suffered.Spanning the years from 1950 to 1980, Rae Yang's story is evocative, complex, and told with striking candor. It is one of the most immediate and engaging narratives of life in post-1949 China.
The Autobiography of a Super Tramp - Thryft
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W.H. Davies | Oxford University Press

The Autobiography of a Super Tramp

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$5.07

74% off est. retail
Recommendation: This book is recommended for those who enjoy reading autobiographies of people who have lived unconventional lives. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is its narrative style, which is unvarnished and straightforward. It offers insight into the difficult life of a traveling tramp, and provides a glimpse into the harsher side of American life during the Great Depression. Readers who appreciate a raw human experience and a unique perspective on life will appreciate this book.
The Lives of the Artists - Thryft
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Giorgio Vasari, Julia Conway Bondanella, Peter Bondanella  | Oxford University Press

The Lives of the Artists

$6.01

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$6.01

Packed with facts, attributions, and entertaining anecdotes about his contemporaries, Vasari's collection of biographical accounts also presents a highly influential theory of the development of Renaissance art.Beginning with Cimabue and Giotto, who represent the infancy of art, Vasari considers the period of youthful vigour, shaped by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and Masaccio, before discussing the mature period of perfection, dominated by the titanic figures of Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo.This specially commissioned translation contains thirty-six of the most important lives as well as an introduction and explanatory notes.About the Series:For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.