regaine 2

Curmudgeonly scholar Emily Wilde must brave the beautiful but haunted Black Forest and open a portal to a long-lost, eldritch realm dreaded by the Folk, in this fourth instalment of the bestselling Emily Wilde series. Driven by an insatiable scientific curiosity, Emily Wilde has made a name for herself as the world's foremost scholar of faeries. Along the way, she's rescued a faerie kingdom and helped her now-husband - fellow professor Wendell Bambleby, dashing and infuriating in equal measure - regain his throne. And while understanding her fellow mortals has never been her strong suit, she's also made a small number of friends. But two years later, one of those friends goes missing in the beautiful but faerie-haunted Black Forest in Germany, a region of picturesque villages and sinister Folk. And if she's to save him, Emily will have to reckon with the darker side of her own nature, and how ruthless she's prepared to be to solve the most tantalising of scholarly mysteries: the history of the ancient and long-lost realm she's named Dark Faerie, the only place the Folk fear. But Emily is not alone - she has her beloved Wendell, and her niece Ariadne, who hopes to follow in her footsteps. Told from the perspective of all three characters, this instalment of the Emily Wilde series opens a magical portal to the most wondrous and dread faerie realm of all. Praise for the Emily Wilde books: 'Forget dark academia: give me instead this kind of winter-sunshined, sharp-tongued and footnoted academia, full of field trips and grumpy romance' Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous Light 'A darkly gorgeous fantasy that sparkles with snow and magic, this book wholly enchanted me' Sangu Mandanna, author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 'A thoroughly charming academic fairy tale, complete with footnotes and a low-key grumpy romance' Guardian 'Enchanting in every sense of the word. . . This book is real magic' H. G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter 'A book so vividly, endlessly enchanting, so crisply assured, so rich and complete and wise and far-reaching in its worldbuilding that you'll walk away half ensorcelled, sure Fawcett found Emily Wilde's journal in some sea-stained trunk' Melissa Albert 'The ideal book to curl up with on a chilly winter's evening. . . this book is an absolute delight. ' Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy 'I enjoyed every word of this gorgeously written fairy tale featuring a grumpy heroine and an utterly charming love interest' Isabel Ibañez, author of Woven In Moonlight

'ONE OF MY FAVOURITE FANTASY SERIES' GEORGE R. R. MARTIN 'GROUND-BREAKING' PATRICK ROTHFUSS 'TAD WILLIAMS IS A MASTER STORYTELLER' BRANDON SANDERSON 'AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY LIBRARY' CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI "But remember this lesson, Simon, one fit for kings. . .or the sons of kings. Nothing is without cost. There is a price to all power, and it is not always obvious." Kitchen-boy Simon is bored and restless - a dangerous combination. It seems, however, that his life has just taken a turn for the better when he's apprenticed to his castle's resident wizard. As Simon's learning to read and write under Doctor Morgenes' tutelage, forces greater than he could possibly imagine are gathering. Forces which will change Simon's life and his world forever. A war fuelled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard. With the death of Prester John, the High King, the land is thrown into turmoil. Into this chaos the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king's younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the danger threatening Osten Ard. As darkness descends, Simon is forced to flee the only home he has ever known, a journey which will test him beyond his worst nightmares. With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard and kicked off the beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. READERS LOVE TAD WILLIAMS ' This series was a direct inspiration for A Song Of Ice And Fire (indeed, two characters are even referenced in passing in that series), and in all honesty, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is infinitely superior.' 'A thoroughly well written and enjoyable first instalment in what promises to be a classic tale of sword and sorcery.' 'Brilliant, a writer who always delivers. Outstanding, the very best in his class!' 'A great first instalment in a superb series [. . .] Highly recommended to those who love the likes of Raymond E. Feist, George R.R Martin and Ursula Le Guin.' 'No one like Tad Williams for me. Gripping from start to finish. Epic.' 'This is classic fantasy at its very best.' 'I don't know how this book evaded me for so long but Usires be praised it was an excellent read. A slow burn for the first half and then an utter thrill fest until the very last sentence. Read this book, read it now.' WORLD OF OSTEN ARD READING ORDER Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn The Dragonbone Chair Stone of Farewell To Green Angel Tower The Last Kind of Osten Ard (sequel series) The Witchwood Crown Empire of Grass Brothers of the Wind Into the Narrowdark The Navigator's Children

The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman. Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai-without really knowing what it meant-he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill-until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk. The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to right. Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself to be a real human being He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival. Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal. The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!  The bestselling first book in the Dragon Scales duology, in which long-banished dragons, revered as gods, return to the mortal realm—now in paperback with a new glossary and timeline.  Dragonfall is a slowburn, smoldering romance between a thief and the last male dragon who are drawn together by prophecy and an ancient artifact with the power to break the world. Recommended by USA TODAY for readers of dragon-filled fantasy and Fourth Wing "In Dragonfall, Lam has forged a fresh and intricate world, a smoldering romance, and a fire-new take on dragons." — Samantha Shannon , New York Times-bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree   "What you will find here may be exactly what you love in fantasy: Dragonfall is an intriguing blend of magic, a thief, trickery, and an unexpected dragon." — Robin Hobb , New York Times-bestselling author of Fool’s Assassin "Dragonfall is a romance fantasy like you've never read before. A queer-norm world with new ways of telling tales, L. R. Lam is breaking boundaries and binaries yet again with a brilliant fantasy book that you won't want to miss." — Hannah Kaner , #1 Sunday Times-bestselling author of Godkiller Long ago, humans betrayed dragons, stealing their magic and banishing them to a dying world. Centuries later, their descendants worship dragons as gods. But the "gods" remember, and they do not forgive.  Thief Arcady scrapes a living on the streets of Vatra. Desperate, Arcady steals a powerful artifact from the bones of the Plaguebringer, the most hated person in Lumet history. Only Arcady knows the artifact's magic holds the key to a new life among the nobles at court and a chance for revenge.  The spell connects to Everen, the last male dragon foretold to save his kind, dragging him through the Veil. Disguised as a human, Everen soon learns that to regain his true power and form and fulfil his destiny, he only needs to convince one little thief to trust him enough to bond completely--body, mind, and soul—and then kill them. Yet the closer the two become, the greater the risk both their worlds will shatter.

André Hoffmann, innovator, researcher and developer, pioneer in the field of optical technologies (photonics), systematically researched the tooth colour and its origin with highest precision (see publication in 2000). This book shows an excerpt of this systematic original research at human teeth and dental shade guides with high-precision measuring systems and high-precision positioning system in vitro. Due to his basic scientific research, he was able to quantify and isolate manifold factors influencing the colour of teeth. These include, for example, the light or measuring light and the type of light (illuminant) and illumination and colour temperature, the optical beam path of the light or the measuring geometry, the observation angle (2°, 10°), the size of the measuring surface, and measuring opening, the gloss, the liquid content (with scientific evidence of the relationship between liquid content and tooth colour), effect of drying, moisture and rehydration, the correlation between the liquid content and the gloss effect, the subjectivity of visual subjective shade matching, crown curvature, type of system (spectrophotometer, tristimulus colorimeter), measuring mode (contact or non-contact), system-object-relation, positioning, repeatability or reproducibility, lens shift, displacement between sample and measuring surface and further intra- and interindividual factors. In addition, subjective-visual determinations and objectified measurements were examined in subjective-objective comparisons using colour coordinates comparisons. All these influencing factors are investigated on moist, drying, drier (various specific dehydration and rehydration states) and dry teeth based on the brightness (L*), on colour measurement values, such as a*, b* (CIELAB), C*, h, (CIELCH), DeltaE, on the metamerism index, on spectral values and curves, tabs of dental shade guides and on tooth colour spaces ...As part of this exploration, phenomena (e.g. changes and breaks in behaviour as well as highly individual developments in colour values, paradoxes between the values of subjective determination using shade guides and the values of objective measurements) were identified and insights into the very complex colour dynamics through dehydration and rehydration were shown (up to more than >8 days). The development of the individual colour measurement values was based on the liquid flow through the tooth and its tissues, in particular during drying and rehydration, and gave information about dynamics and the temporal extent of these processes.On the basis of this data, Hoffmann had developed several methods for research and practice, suggestions for feasible innovations, such as monitoring of dental treatment to protect against pulp damage based on drying, and reconstructing the colour of naturally moist teeth on those that have already dried, the identification of the living and the dead, human and animals via the "dental fingerprint" and a novel method of measuring the time of death for forensic medicine.He also described a time limit of drying up to which relatively natural, suitable colour values and shade matching results can be obtained and after which no colour determination should be carried out; and he established the rehydration time after the end of the drying or dental treatment, which must be waited in order to regain a natural tooth colour and to get correct values and results again.His findings also show that teeth are able to store information on, for example, the condition (liquid content, colour values) and the time within the drying and liquid re-absorption chronology. The author articulates a "dental chronometer" ("tooth clock"), "dental data store" ("tooth data store") and a "dental memory" ("tooth memory") and believes that significant progress in this field may include and could be achieved via a neural network for colour measurement apparatus.A book for anyone interested in the natural sciences.

André Hoffmann, innovator, researcher and developer, pioneer in the field of optical technologies (photonics), systematically researched the tooth colour and its origin with highest precision (see publication in 2000). This book shows an excerpt of this systematic original research at human teeth and dental shade guides with high-precision measuring systems and high-precision positioning system in vitro. Due to his basic scientific research, he was able to quantify and isolate manifold factors influencing the colour of teeth. These include, for example, the light or measuring light and the type of light (illuminant) and illumination and colour temperature, the optical beam path of the light or the measuring geometry, the observation angle (2°, 10°), the size of the measuring surface, and measuring opening, the gloss, the liquid content (with scientific evidence of the relationship between liquid content and tooth colour), effect of drying, moisture and rehydration, the correlation between the liquid content and the gloss effect, the subjectivity of visual subjective shade matching, crown curvature, type of system (spectrophotometer, tristimulus colorimeter), measuring mode (contact or non-contact), system-object-relation, positioning, repeatability or reproducibility, lens shift, displacement between sample and measuring surface and further intra- and interindividual factors. In addition, subjective-visual determinations and objectified measurements were examined in subjective-objective comparisons using colour coordinates comparisons. All these influencing factors are investigated on moist, drying, drier (various specific dehydration and rehydration states) and dry teeth based on the brightness (L*), on colour measurement values, such as a*, b* (CIELAB), C*, h, (CIELCH), DeltaE, on the metamerism index, on spectral values and curves, tabs of dental shade guides and on tooth colour spaces ...As part of this exploration, phenomena (e.g. changes and breaks in behaviour as well as highly individual developments in colour values, paradoxes between the values of subjective determination using shade guides and the values of objective measurements) were identified and insights into the very complex colour dynamics through dehydration and rehydration were shown (up to more than >8 days). The development of the individual colour measurement values was based on the liquid flow through the tooth and its tissues, in particular during drying and rehydration, and gave information about dynamics and the temporal extent of these processes.On the basis of this data, Hoffmann had developed several methods for research and practice, suggestions for feasible innovations, such as monitoring of dental treatment to protect against pulp damage based on drying, and reconstructing the colour of naturally moist teeth on those that have already dried, the identification of the living and the dead, human and animals via the "dental fingerprint" and a novel method of measuring the time of death for forensic medicine.He also described a time limit of drying up to which relatively natural, suitable colour values and shade matching results can be obtained and after which no colour determination should be carried out; and he established the rehydration time after the end of the drying or dental treatment, which must be waited in order to regain a natural tooth colour and to get correct values and results again.His findings also show that teeth are able to store information on, for example, the condition (liquid content, colour values) and the time within the drying and liquid re-absorption chronology. The author articulates a "dental chronometer" ("tooth clock"), "dental data store" ("tooth data store") and a "dental memory" ("tooth memory") and believes that significant progress in this field may include and could be achieved via a neural network for colour measurement apparatus.A book for anyone interested in the natural sciences.

Georgia is a relatively small country in terms of area and population, but it attracts attention in many ways, as a brief look at just a few aspects reveals. The natural landscapes are extraordinarily diverse, ranging from the extremely rain-soaked Colchis lowlands to the almost desert-like Shiraki steppe, from ice-covered Caucasus peaks to flatlands and fertile basins. Earthquakes, avalanches and flash floods are natural risks that can lead to disasters with high losses. Today's territory, which currently has to live with the loss of sovereign control over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, looks back on a historical development that has seen periods of common statehood, but also periods of territorial fragmentation and burdensome foreign rule. Phases of cultural blossoming and economic prosperity were repeatedly contrasted with periods in which the country experienced decline and massive destruction of the cultural landscape. However, cultural anchors such as the Georgian language and script or the Georgians' affiliation to the independent Georgian Orthodox Church are a powerful defence against decline and destruction. Georgia is not just a country of Georgians: ethnic and linguistic minorities such as the Armenians in the south and the Azerbaijanis in the south-east demand recognition and co-determination in a society that clings to traditions but has suffered demographic losses. The secession of two territories, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, resulted in streams of refugees that have not yet been dealt with. The settlement system also has special features: It is characterised by the demographic and economic primacy of the capital Tbilisi, which has developed into a cosmopolitan centre since the middle of the 19th century. However, there are also extensive peripheral areas that even today seem to have a life of their own in seclusion. You have to look closely: Even in rural areas, architectural witnesses of the past such as churches and fortresses have been preserved. Four World Heritage Sites (the former capital Mtskheta, the medieval Gelati Monastery Academy near Kutaisi, the ensemble of high mountain settlements with defiant residential and fortified towers in Ushguli in Upper Svaneti and the natural area of the Colchis National Park) not only pose challenges in terms of preservation, but are also part of the potential for tourism, which is seen as one of the most important economic factors. Economically, the country has placed particular emphasis on expanding its transport and energy infrastructure in recent years, while industry is still suffering from the losses incurred during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Agriculture, which was particularly emphasised in Soviet times due to the scarcity of subtropical suitable areas, but was developed in a one-sided manner, is only just beginning to regain its former importance. In addition to these very different facets of the country, there are also political challenges: Whether the path will lead to membership in the European Union or to greater dependence on Russia has not been decided, and the process of overcoming the consequences of Soviet-era upheavals and economic transformation is not yet complete. The book attempts to put these aspects into context, while at the same time using visual material to illustrate the fascinating diversity that visitors to the country can discover - as tourists as well as politicians or business professionals, or as guests of residents whose values include hospitality towards strangers.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TIME AND THE WASHINGTON POST • LOCUS AWARD WINNER “The Shattered Seas trilogy has worked its way into a very exclusive group of my favorite fantasy novels of all time.”—James Dashner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner “A fast-paced tale of betrayal and revenge that grabbed me from page 1 and refused to let go.”—George R. R. Martin “I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath.” Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand. The deceived will become the deceiver. Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge. The betrayed will become the betrayer. Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could. Will the usurped become the usurper? But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds that his path may end as it began—in twists, and traps, and tragedy. Praise for Half a King “Tremendously entertaining . . . lightning-fast and filled with a wonderful collection of rogues, villains and two-faced bastards . . . From the first chapter [Joe Abercrombie] wastes no time as the reader is swept up in a gripping tale of betrayal and revenge.” —SciFi Now “Once this plot has its teeth in you, it will not let go. . . . Abercrombie’s masterful storytelling means that everything, from the characters that you come to love and despise, to the sprawling world that is explored, is enthralling.” —Fantasy Book Review “Abercrombie’s Shattered Sea is a fantastic yet believable backdrop to Yarvi’s struggle, a vivid imaginary land.” —The Seattle Times “Intriguing characters . . . nonstop action.” —Chicago Tribune “Half a King is my favorite book by Joe Abercrombie so far, and that’s saying something.” —Patrick Rothfuss “As in all Abercrombie’s books, friends turn out to be enemies, enemies turn out to be friends; the line between good and evil is murky indeed; and nothing goes quite as we expect. With eye-popping plot twists and rollicking good action, Half a King is definitely a full adventure.” —Rick Riordan “Enthralling! An up-all-night read.” —Robin Hobb “Polished and sharp, perhaps his most technically proficient novel yet . . . I dare you to read the first chapter and try not to turn the next page.” —Brent Weeks “Half a King can be summed up in a single word: masterpiece. It’s a coming-of-age story. It’s a Viking saga. It’s a revenge tale and family drama and the return of the prodigal son. But most of all, it’s this: a short time alongside people as weak and blundering as we are and, in the midst of it all, as heroic. Far too short a time, as it turns out. What a wonderful book.” —Myke Cole “Half a King is full of all the adventure I’ve come to expect from Abercrombie and a tenderness I never knew he had.” —Sam Sykes

'ONE OF MY FAVOURITE FANTASY SERIES' GEORGE R. R. MARTIN 'GROUND-BREAKING' PATRICK ROTHFUSS 'TAD WILLIAMS IS A MASTER STORYTELLER' BRANDON SANDERSON 'AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY LIBRARY' CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI "But remember this lesson, Simon, one fit for kings. . .or the sons of kings. Nothing is without cost. There is a price to all power, and it is not always obvious." Kitchen-boy Simon is bored and restless - a dangerous combination. It seems, however, that his life has just taken a turn for the better when he's apprenticed to his castle's resident wizard. As Simon's learning to read and write under Doctor Morgenes' tutelage, forces greater than he could possibly imagine are gathering. Forces which will change Simon's life and his world forever. A war fuelled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard. With the death of Prester John, the High King, the land is thrown into turmoil. Into this chaos the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king's younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the danger threatening Osten Ard. As darkness descends, Simon is forced to flee the only home he has ever known, a journey which will test him beyond his worst nightmares. With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard and kicked off the beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. READERS LOVE TAD WILLIAMS 'This series was a direct inspiration for A Song Of Ice And Fire (indeed, two characters are even referenced in passing in that series), and in all honesty, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is infinitely superior.' 'A thoroughly well written and enjoyable first instalment in what promises to be a classic tale of sword and sorcery.' 'Brilliant, a writer who always delivers. Outstanding, the very best in his class!' 'A great first instalment in a superb series [. . .] Highly recommended to those who love the likes of Raymond E. Feist, George R.R Martin and Ursula Le Guin.' 'No one like Tad Williams for me. Gripping from start to finish. Epic.' 'This is classic fantasy at its very best.' 'I don't know how this book evaded me for so long but Usires be praised it was an excellent read. A slow burn for the first half and then an utter thrill fest until the very last sentence. Read this book, read it now.' WORLD OF OSTEN ARD READING ORDER Memory, Sorrow and Thorn The Dragonbone Chair Stone of Farewell To Green Angel Tower Bridge Novel The Heart of What Was Lost Set immediately after the events of To Green Angel Tower. The Last King of Osten Ard The Witchwood Crown Empire of Grass Into the Narrowdark The Navigator's Children Prequel Brothers of the Wind A standalone prequel set centuries earlier, focusing on Hakatri and Ineluki. New Osten Ard Novel The Splintered Sun A new Osten Ard story set 300 years before the events of The Dragonbone Chair.

#1 New York Times bestseller and arguably the best business narrative ever written, Barbarians at the Gate is the classic account of the fall of RJR Nabisco at the hands of a massive leveraged buyout from investment firm KKR. A book that stormed both the bestseller list and the public imagination, a book that created a genre of its own, and a book that gets at the heart of 1980s Wall Street and the culture it helped define, Barbarians at the Gate is a modern classic—a masterpiece of investigative journalism and a rollicking true story of corporate derring-do and financial swordsmanship. The fight to control RJR Nabisco during October and November of 1988 was more than just the largest corporate takeover in Wall Street history. Marked by brazen displays of ego not seen in American business for decades, it became the high point of a new gilded age and its repercussions are still being felt. The tale remains the ultimate story of greed and glory—a real-life corporate drama and a cast of characters that determined the course of global business and redefined how deals would be done and fortunes made in the decades to come. Barbarians at the Gate is the gripping account of these two frenzied months, of powerful deal makers and publicity flaks, of an old-line industrial powerhouse (home of such familiar products as Oreos and Camels) that became the victim of the ruthless and rapacious style of high-stakes finance in the 1980s. As reporters for The Wall Street Journal, Burrough and Helyar had extensive access to all the characters in this M&A drama. They take the reader behind the scenes at strategy meetings and society dinners, into boardrooms and bedrooms, providing an unprecedentedly detailed look at how financial operations at the highest levels are conducted but also a richly textured social history of wealth at the twilight of the Reagan era. At the center of the huge power struggle is RJR Nabisco's president, the high-living Ross Johnson. It's his secret plan to buy out the company that sets the frenzy in motion, attracting the country's leading takeover players: Henry Kravis, the legendary leveraged-buyout king of investment firm KKR, whose entry into the fray sets off an acquisitive commotion; Peter Cohen, CEO of Shearson Lehman Hutton and Johnson's partner, who needs a victory to propel his company to an unchallenged leadership in the lucrative mergers and acquisitions field; the fiercely independent Ted Forstmann, motivated as much by honor as by his rage at the corruption he sees taking over the business he cherishes; Jim Maher and his ragtag team, struggling to regain credibility for the decimated ranks at First Boston; and an army of desperate bankers, lawyers, and accountants, all drawn inexorably to the greatest prize of their careers—and one of the greatest prizes in the history of corporate finance. Written with the bravado of a novel and researched with the diligence of a sweeping cultural history, Barbarians at the Gate is present at the front line of every battle of the campaign. Here is the unforgettable story of that corporate takeover in all its brutality. In a new afterword specially commissioned for the story's 20th anniversary, Burrough and Helyar return to visit the heroes and villains of this epic business saga, tracing the fallout of the deal, charting the subsequent success and failure of those involved, and addressing the incredible impact this story—and the book itself—made on the world.

Georgia is a relatively small country in terms of area and population, but it attracts attention in many ways, as a brief look at just a few aspects reveals. The natural landscapes are extraordinarily diverse, ranging from the extremely rain-soaked Colchis lowlands to the almost desert-like Shiraki steppe, from ice-covered Caucasus peaks to flatlands and fertile basins. Earthquakes, avalanches and flash floods are natural risks that can lead to disasters with high losses. Today's territory, which currently has to live with the loss of sovereign control over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, looks back on a historical development that has seen periods of common statehood, but also periods of territorial fragmentation and burdensome foreign rule. Phases of cultural blossoming and economic prosperity were repeatedly contrasted with periods in which the country experienced decline and massive destruction of the cultural landscape. However, cultural anchors such as the Georgian language and script or the Georgians' affiliation to the independent Georgian Orthodox Church are a powerful defence against decline and destruction. Georgia is not just a country of Georgians: ethnic and linguistic minorities such as the Armenians in the south and the Azerbaijanis in the south-east demand recognition and co-determination in a society that clings to traditions but has suffered demographic losses. The secession of two territories, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, resulted in streams of refugees that have not yet been dealt with. The settlement system also has special features: It is characterised by the demographic and economic primacy of the capital Tbilisi, which has developed into a cosmopolitan centre since the middle of the 19th century. However, there are also extensive peripheral areas that even today seem to have a life of their own in seclusion. You have to look closely: Even in rural areas, architectural witnesses of the past such as churches and fortresses have been preserved. Four World Heritage Sites (the former capital Mtskheta, the medieval Gelati Monastery Academy near Kutaisi, the ensemble of high mountain settlements with defiant residential and fortified towers in Ushguli in Upper Svaneti and the natural area of the Colchis National Park) not only pose challenges in terms of preservation, but are also part of the potential for tourism, which is seen as one of the most important economic factors. Economically, the country has placed particular emphasis on expanding its transport and energy infrastructure in recent years, while industry is still suffering from the losses incurred during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Agriculture, which was particularly emphasised in Soviet times due to the scarcity of subtropical suitable areas, but was developed in a one-sided manner, is only just beginning to regain its former importance. In addition to these very different facets of the country, there are also political challenges: Whether the path will lead to membership in the European Union or to greater dependence on Russia has not been decided, and the process of overcoming the consequences of Soviet-era upheavals and economic transformation is not yet complete. The book attempts to put these aspects into context, while at the same time using visual material to illustrate the fascinating diversity that visitors to the country can discover - as tourists as well as politicians or business professionals, or as guests of residents whose values include hospitality towards strangers.

'ONE OF MY FAVOURITE FANTASY SERIES' GEORGE R. R. MARTIN 'GROUND-BREAKING' PATRICK ROTHFUSS 'TAD WILLIAMS IS A MASTER STORYTELLER' BRANDON SANDERSON 'AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY LIBRARY' CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI "But remember this lesson, Simon, one fit for kings. . .or the sons of kings. Nothing is without cost. There is a price to all power, and it is not always obvious." Kitchen-boy Simon is bored and restless - a dangerous combination. It seems, however, that his life has just taken a turn for the better when he's apprenticed to his castle's resident wizard. As Simon's learning to read and write under Doctor Morgenes' tutelage, forces greater than he could possibly imagine are gathering. Forces which will change Simon's life and his world forever. A war fuelled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard. With the death of Prester John, the High King, the land is thrown into turmoil. Into this chaos the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king's younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the danger threatening Osten Ard. As darkness descends, Simon is forced to flee the only home he has ever known, a journey which will test him beyond his worst nightmares. With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard and kicked off the beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. READERS LOVE TAD WILLIAMS ' This series was a direct inspiration for A Song Of Ice And Fire (indeed, two characters are even referenced in passing in that series), and in all honesty, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is infinitely superior.' 'A thoroughly well written and enjoyable first instalment in what promises to be a classic tale of sword and sorcery.' 'Brilliant, a writer who always delivers. Outstanding, the very best in his class!' 'A great first instalment in a superb series [. . .] Highly recommended to those who love the likes of Raymond E. Feist, George R.R Martin and Ursula Le Guin.' 'No one like Tad Williams for me. Gripping from start to finish. Epic.' 'This is classic fantasy at its very best.' 'I don't know how this book evaded me for so long but Usires be praised it was an excellent read. A slow burn for the first half and then an utter thrill fest until the very last sentence. Read this book, read it now.' WORLD OF OSTEN ARD READING ORDER Memory, Sorrow and Thorn The Dragonbone Chair Stone of Farewell To Green Angel Tower Bridge Novel The Heart of What Was Lost Set immediately after the events of To Green Angel Tower. The Last King of Osten Ard The Witchwood Crown Empire of Grass Into the Narrowdark The Navigator's Children Prequel Brothers of the Wind A standalone prequel set centuries earlier, focusing on Hakatri and Ineluki. New Osten Ard Novel The Splintered Sun A new Osten Ard story set 300 years before the events of The Dragonbone Chair.

Do you feel trapped between your love and your pain, long for peace but feel exhausted, belittled, and confused by a narcissist? The core problem in relationships with narcissists is that they prioritize power and sacrifice the relationship to get it, while their partners prioritize the relationship and sacrifice themselves to keep it. "Dating, Loving, and Leaving a Narcissist" is unique among voices that exhort leaving a narcissist. It's insightful, researched, and empathetic and offers hope and help for loved ones to restore their self-esteem and rebalance a narcissistic relationship. It includes "Essential Tools for Improving or Leaving Narcissistic and Abusive Relationships" and provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship, how to make changes, and how to assess its prognosis. This workbook is packed with healing exercises and checklists to enlighten and motivate you. It suggests lists of actions, including a strategic, step-by-step plan with scripts to confront abuse and get your needs met. You will reclaim yourself and improve your relationship, whether the narcissist is your partner, parent, child, sibling, or co-worker or doesn't have a narcissistic personality disorder. In sum, you will better your relationship with yourself and your loved one and be able to determine whether and how to leave the relationship. You will: Discover the diagnosis, type, and deep motivations of a narcissist Recognize the red flag when dating a narcissist and know what to do Identify narcissistic behavior and know how to handle it Understand your role and attraction to a narcissist Regain your autonomy and self-esteem Rebalance the power in the relationship Learn how to confront abuse effectively Be able to assess your relationship and be prepared to leave Chapter 1 examines a narcissistic personality disorder, the different types of narcissists, including narcissistic parents, and the cause and signs of narcissism. Chapter 2 focuses on the underlying features, behaviors, motivations, and traits. You will discover how to identify the type you're dealing with, and why narcissists act the way they do. Chapter 3 explains narcissistic defenses and all varieties of narcissistic abuse because it's imperative to spot even in most subtle forms of abuse. Chapters 4 and 5 look at the typical personality of people who love narcissists and what makes them susceptible to narcissists and abuse. This is where personal growth lies. The next four chapters center on the relationship, starting with the mutual attraction and the signs and problems that arise when dating and loving a narcissist. Chapters 6 and 7 cover issues such as control, intimacy, emotional unavailability, love-bombing, ghosting, and gaslighting. Chapter 7 explores how to determine whether a narcissist is even capable of love. If you've been repeatedly emotionally abandoned, you'll learn the warning clues to prevent its recurrence. Chapters 8 and 9 are about taking action. Changing the balance of power is essential. A blueprint is laid out for you to follow in order to change the relationship dynamics. Chapter 9 details a step-by-step game plan to effectively communicate with the narcissist in your life and to confront their defenses and subtle forms of emotional abuse. Scripts are suggested you can practice to set boundaries and ask for changes that you want. It also offers advice for navigating couples therapy. Chapters 10-12 discuss leaving your relationship and moving on. They examine why it's so difficult, what to expect, such as trauma bonds, grief, and hoovering, plus provide practical advice regarding flying monkey and divorce tactics with strategies you can implement. Finally, as you make a fresh start, the stages of recovery are set forth along with valuable guidance and recommendations for creating a single life that may include dati...

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY TIME AND THE WASHINGTON POST LOCUS AWARD WINNER "The Shattered Seas trilogy has worked its way into a very exclusive group of my favorite fantasy novels of all time."-James Dashner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner "A fast-paced tale of betrayal and revenge that grabbed me from page 1 and refused to let go."-George R. R. Martin "I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath." Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand. The deceived will become the deceiver. Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge. The betrayed will become the betrayer. Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could. Will the usurped become the usurper? But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds that his path may end as it began-in twists, and traps, and tragedy. BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Joe Abercrombie's Half the World. "Tremendously entertaining . . . lightning-fast and filled with a wonderful collection of rogues, villains and two-faced bastards . . . From the first chapter [Joe Abercrombie] wastes no time as the reader is swept up in a gripping tale of betrayal and revenge."-SciFi Now "Once this plot has its teeth in you, it will not let go. . . . Abercrombie's masterful storytelling means that everything, from the characters that you come to love and despise, to the sprawling world that is explored, is enthralling."-Fantasy Book Review "Abercrombie's Shattered Sea is a fantastic yet believable backdrop to Yarvi's struggle, a vivid imaginary land."-The Seattle Times "Intriguing characters . . . nonstop action."-Chicago Tribune "Half a King is my favorite book by Joe Abercrombie so far, and that's saying something."-Patrick Rothfuss "As in all Abercrombie's books, friends turn out to be enemies, enemies turn out to be friends; the line between good and evil is murky indeed; and nothing goes quite as we expect. With eye-popping plot twists and rollicking good action, Half a King is definitely a full adventure."-Rick Riordan "Enthralling! An up-all-night read."-Robin Hobb "Polished and sharp, perhaps his most technically proficient novel yet . . . I dare you to read the first chapter and try not to turn the next page."-Brent Weeks "Half a King can be summed up in a single word: masterpiece. It's a coming-of-age story. It's a Viking saga. It's a revenge tale and family drama and the return of the prodigal son. But most of all, it's this: a short time alongside people as weak and blundering as we are and, in the midst of it all, as heroic. Far too short a time, as it turns out. What a wonderful book."-Myke Cole "Half a King is full of all the adventure I've come to expect from Abercrombie and a tenderness I never knew he had."-Sam Sykes