Before & After Alexander

Author: Richard A. Billows

Category: History, Politics & Culture

Regular price: $9.99

Deal price: $0.99

Deal starts: June 20, 2025

Deal ends: June 20, 2025

Description:

In the arc of Western history, Ancient Greece is at the apex, owing to its grandeur, its culture, and an intellectual renaissance to rival that of Europe. So important is Greece to history that figures such as Plato and Socrates are still household names, and the works of Homer are regularly adapted into movies. The most acclaimed hero of all, though, is Alexander the Great. While historians have studied Alexander’s achievements at length, author and professor Richard A. Billows delves deeper into the obscure periods of Alexander’s life, before and after his reign. In the definitive Before and After Alexander, Billows explores the years preceding Alexander, who, Billows argues, without the foundation laid by his father, Philip II of Macedon, would not have had the resources or influence to develop one of the greatest empires in history. Alexander was groomed from a young age to succeed his father, and by the time Philip was assassinated in 336 BC, his great empire was already well underway. The years following Alexander's death were even more momentous. In this ambitious new work, Richard Billows robustly challenges the notion that the political strife that followed was for lack of a leader as competent as Alexander, pointing out instead that there were too many extremely capable leaders who exploited the power vacuum created by Alexander's death to carve out kingdoms for themselves. Above all, in Before and After Alexander, Billows eloquently and convincingly posits a complex view of one of the greatest empires in history, framing it not as the achievement of one man, but the culmination of several generations of aggressive expansion toward a unified purpose.

This Will Change Everything

Author: John Brockman

Category: History, Politics & Culture

Regular price: $6.99

Deal price: $0.99

Deal starts: June 09, 2025

Deal ends: June 09, 2025

Description:

“This Will Change Everything offers seemingly radical but actually feasible ideas with the potential to change the world.”—Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel

Editor John Brockman continues in the same vein as his popular compilations What Are You Optimistic About and What Have You Changed Your Mind About with This Will Change Everything. Brockman asks 150 intellectual superstars “what game-changing scientific ideas and developments do you expect to live to see?” Their fascinating responses are collected here, from bestselling author of Atonement Ian McEwan to Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek to electronic music pioneer Brian Eno to writer, actor, director, and activist Alan Alda.

Midlothian Mayhem

Author: Malcolm Archibald

Category: History, Politics & Culture

Regular price: $3.99

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Deal starts: June 01, 2025

Deal ends: June 01, 2025

Description:

Murders, riots, strikes and runaway horses. Midlothian in the 18th and 19th centuries was an interesting place to live.This book introduces the reader to the hard lives of the colliers, the birth of the rural police force and the impact the army had on life in the county south of Scotland’s capital city. Highwaymen and grave robbers, footpads and murderers, illicit distillers and murderous poachers; all lived or worked in Midlothian at a time when Scotland was changing from a rural to an industrial nation.Midlothian Mayhem opens the door to this time and place, giving you a view of this fascinating area through different eyes.

Pirates and Pickled Heads

Author: Helen Susan Swift

Category: History, Politics & Culture

Regular price: $3.99

Deal price: $0.99

Deal starts: May 30, 2025

Deal ends: May 30, 2025

Description:

A collection of valiant vessels and storied sea captains from years past, Pirates and Pickled Heads is an eclectic look at some of Scotland’s most unusual maritime stories.Within four sections spanning the personalities, ships, places, and pirates of Scotland, you’ll discover an intriguing nautical history nestled among sweeping sea views and lush coastal landscapes. From tales of warrior lords and privateers to the mystery of the Maggie Smith, and the strange legend of the remote island of Rona, you’ll explore the unique seafaring history of Scotland.

The Kings and Queens of Britain

Author: Cath Senker

Category: History, Politics & Culture

Regular price: $4.99

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Deal starts: May 27, 2025

Deal ends: May 27, 2025

Description:

Who was the first king of England? Did Henry I assassinate his brother? How did 'Bloody Mary' reinstate Roman Catholicism?For more than 1,000 years the British monarchy has dramatically shaped national and international history. Kings and queens have conquered territory, imposed religious change and extracted taxation, each with their own motivations and ambitions.In this fascinating book, Cath Senker delves into the extraordinary history of the British monarchy and its host of kings, queens and pretenders. There have been benevolent rulers, violent ones, religious fanatics, brilliant economists, masters of diplomacy and the power hungry. But whether they have abused their power or used it for good, each monarch has played a part in the rich tapestry of British history, coping with both international and civil wars, rebellions and criticism.The Kings & Queens of Britain introduces a thousand-year history, providing rich biographical detail of Britain's remarkable monarchs.

Ruth Handler: A Look Into the Creator of Me!

Author: Marie Pierce

Category: History, Politics & Culture

Regular price: $0.99

Deal price: Free

Deal starts: February 21, 2025

Deal ends: February 22, 2025

Description:

Step into the fascinating world of Ruth Handler, the visionary behind the iconic Barbie doll!

Ruth Handler was the driving force behind the global phenomenon that revolutionized American culture and business. In this captivating biography, readers are invited to delve deep into the life and legacy of Ruth Handler, a woman whose ingenuity and ambition knew no bounds.

From her humble beginnings as the daughter of Polish Jewish immigrants to her groundbreaking partnership with her husband Elliott in creating the renowned toy company, Mattel, Ruth's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover the untold story of how Ruth's keen entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset propelled her to conceive the concept of Barbie, forever changing the landscape of the toy industry.

Through insightful narrative and meticulous research, readers will unravel the intricacies of Ruth's early life, her pivotal role in the invention and evolution of Barbie, and the profound impact her creation had on generations of children worldwide. From Barbie's debut at the 1959 Toy Fair in New York City to her cultural significance as an emblem of beauty, empowerment, and aspiration, Ruth Handler's legacy resonates far beyond the realm of play.

But Ruth's story is not just about the creation of a beloved doll; it is a tale of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. As readers delve deeper, they will witness Ruth's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and advocating for women's empowerment—a legacy that extends far beyond the confines of the toy aisle.

With rich detail and compelling storytelling, this biography offers a unique glimpse into the extraordinary life of Ruth Handler and her enduring impact on the world. It is a tribute to a trailblazing woman whose legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, reminding us that with imagination, passion, and perseverance, anything is possible.

Key Points:
Invention of Barbie: Uncover the untold story of Ruth's inspiration and the creation of Barbie, a cultural phenomenon that captivated millions.
Evolution of Barbie: Follow Barbie's evolution over decades as Ruth continuously reinvented the doll to appeal to new generations.
Relationships with Barbie and Ruth: A unique look into Ruth’s relationships and legal battles.
Beyond Barbie: Learn about Ruth's other ventures, including her work for cancer survivors with her company Nearly Me.