african wonder

From the blazing skies of Cyrenaica to the ground war in Abyssinia to the jungles of occupied Malaya, World War II echoes from these eight stories of adventure featuring Tarzan and Korak. Most of the tales in Tarzan and the Lion of Judah revolve around the Second Italo-Abyssinian War of 1935-1936, when Emperor Haile Selassie, the Negus of Ethiopia, impressed the world by standing up with his native army against fascist Prime Minister Benito Mussolini's mechanized forces. Selassie, known as the Lion of Judah, was one of the most significant African rulers of the twentieth century. Edgar Rice Burroughs was no stranger to this colorful figure, who appears under one of his ceremonial names in Tarzan the Invincible, and in Tarzan the Magnificent, the jungle lord undertakes a mission on the emperor's behalf. THE WILD ADVENTURES OF EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS In the Wild Adventures of Edgar Rice Burroughs series, today's authors innovate and expand upon Burroughs' classic tales of wonder in truly wild fashion, even moving his characters and storylines outside the bounds of canon to alternate universes!

THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLER Escape into a world of magic and danger with THE DARK STAR TRILOGY . Drawing on a rich tradition of African mythology, fantasy and history, this is the story of a lost child, an extraordinary hunter, and a mystery with many answers . . . *Perfect f or fans of Pratchett, George R. R. Martin and Octavia Butler* 'The kind of novel I never realized I was missing until I read it. A dangerous, hallucinatory, ancient Africa, which becomes a fantasy world as well-realized as anything Tolkien made' Neil Gaiman ***** Tracker is a hunter. Known throughout the thirteen kingdoms as one who has a nose, he always works alone. But he breaks his own rule when, hired to find a lost child, he finds himself part of a group of hunters, each stranger and more dangerous than the last. As the mismatched gang follow the boy's scent from perfumed citadels to enchanted darklands, Tracker starts to wonder: Who really is this mysterious boy? Why do so many people want to stop him from being found? And, most important of all, who is telling the truth and who is lying? Marlon James weaves a breathtaking tapestry - at once ancient and startlingly modern - exploring the fundamentals of truth, limits of power, excesses of ambition, and our need to understand them all. Chronicling the same events but telling a very different story - who will you believe? Read THE DARK STAR TRILOGY in any order! Book two, MOON WITCH, SPIDER KING, is available now. ***** 'Complex, lyrical, moving and furiously gripping . . . This new book will propel James into a new galaxy of literary stardom' Observer 'A game-changing modern fantasy classic' Financial Times ' James has thrown African cultures, mythologies, religions, histories, world-views and topographies into the mighty cauldron of his imagination to create a work of literary magic' New Statesman

The Wonderful Story of Ravalette is a visionary occult romance in which adventure, dream, mesmerism, and metaphysical speculation converge. Blending gothic melodrama with spiritualist allegory, Randolph uses the figure of Ravalette to explore hidden powers of the soul, the permeability of waking and dreaming life, and the moral consequences of desire. Its style is exuberant, episodic, and didactic, belonging to the nineteenth-century American tradition of esoteric fiction that sought to make invisible worlds imaginatively persuasive. Paschal Beverly Randolph, a free man of mixed African, European, and Native ancestry, was among the most remarkable occult thinkers of his age. A lecturer, traveler, physician, Rosicrucian, and spiritualist reformer, he wrote from the margins of American literary culture while engaging its central obsessions: race, science, religion, sexuality, and personal regeneration. His experiences with trance, clairvoyance, and heterodox spirituality deeply inform the book's symbolic architecture. Readers interested in early speculative fiction, American esotericism, or the neglected history of Black intellectual life will find this work compelling. It is not merely a curiosity, but a bold attempt to turn fiction into initiation, urging readers to imagine consciousness itself as a field of wonder.

From the award-winning author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia comes a new journey, following four 19 th century elephants marched from the East African coast towards Congo to tell a heartbreaking story of folly and colonial greed. INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE STANFORD'S TRAVEL WRITING BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR WRITING ON CONSERVATION 2025 SHORTLISTED Best Summer Books of 2025: An illuminating tale of imperial ambition and ineptitude.' FINANCIAL TIMES 'A beautiful, intelligent and heartfelt book, a brilliantly researched account of an imperial fever dream alongside a no less feverish contemporary journey' THE SUNDAY TIMES 'History and travelogue combine wonderfully in this tale of colonial plunder and hubris.' GUARDIAN In 1879, King Leopold II of Belgium launched an ambitious plan to plunder Africa's resources. The key to cracking open the continent, or so he thought, was its elephants ? if only he could train them. And so he commissioned the charismatic Irish adventurer Frederick Carter to ship four tamed Asian elephants from India to the East African coast, where they were marched inland towards Congo. The ultimate aim was to establish a training school for African elephants. Following in the footsteps of the four elephants, Roberts pieces together the incredible true story of this long-forgotten expedition, in travels that take her to Belgium, Iraq, India, Tanzania and Congo. The storytelling brings to life a compelling cast of historic characters and modern voices, from ivory dealers to Catholic nuns, set against rich descriptions of the landscapes travelled. Digging deep into historic records to reckon with our broken relationship with animals, Training School for Elephants reveals an extraordinary and enduring story of colonial greed, ineptitude, hypocrisy and folly. Praise for Training School for Elephants: 'This is a marvellous book, an important footnote to history - of Sophy Roberts' intrepid travel with a real purpose, shining a light on colonialism, Belgian and British, and their peculiar obsessions.'' - Paul Theroux, author of The Great Railway Bazaar 'Masterfully weaving adventure, intrigue and the darker truths of colonial ambition into a story as gripping as it is eye-opening.' - Levison Wood, author of Walking the Nile 'Deeply researched. Brings to life a bizarre and long-forgotten story of Africa with empathy, intriguing encounters and memorable characters, not least the elephants themselves.' - Luke Pepera, author of Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity 'Sophy Roberts brings history to life, tackling difficult, sensitive subjects with careful, exquisite prose. Unputdownable.' - Mary Harper, author of Getting Somalia Wrong? 'A brave and searching book, rich in history and fierce in spirit. The best sort of travel writing: handsome prose, teeming with humanity and an unwavering sense of wonder.' - Justin Marozzi, author of Baghdad, City of Peace, City of Blood 'A cautionary tale from the early days of the Scramble for Africa, but poignant and scholarly too. Roberts writes beautifully.' - Thomas Pakenham, author of The Scramble for Africa '&

Winner of the Saltire Society Fiction Book of the Year 'a beguiling mixture of poetry, moving prose and magical realism' - Stephen McGinty, The Sunday Times Jeda is a girl on the cusp of adulthood, living in Edinburgh; with a white father and a black mother, she feels self-conscious and out of place. Her feelings of alienation allow the stories of the shapeshifting Shadowman, who embodies all that is negative, to feed on her doubts and insecurities. The death of her mother, Rahami, gives the Shadowman an opportunity to control Jeda through her grief and his lies, but her mother's last gift to her daughter was a box of stories. When the box is flung open, the stories escape, setting in motion an incredible journey. Jeda learns more about her African ancestry through tales of slavery, cruelty and colonisation, but she also discovers pride and love and sacrifice, ultimately embracing her dual heritage and her unique place in the world. Filled with tragedy, wonder and magic, Blood and Gold explores the themes of loss and oppression, while asking us to examine our own identities, attitudes, and humanity.

Bloomsbury presents Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry, read by Marc Anthony Samuel.Percy Jackson meets Black Panther – this blockbuster middle-grade fantasy adventure is perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers.Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron's only connection to his parents, who disappeared one fateful night two years ago.Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he and his best friends, Zion and Aliyah, decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty and wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the queen's sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return and save them … but is Cameron ready to be the hero they need?Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventure-filled fantasy introduces readers to Cameron Battle as he begins his journey to greatness.

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This  50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition  celebrates the classic beloved by generations of readers and listeners. In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. The Snowy Day transformed children's literature with its pioneering portrayal of an African-American child and the charming story and artwork that won it the Caldecott Medal. Fifty years later, Viking proudly celebrates Peter's adventure in this very special edition. Featuring eight pages of bonus material and a festive cover, this oversized edition of Keats's beloved book is a must-have. Ezra Jack Keats was also the creator of such classics as Goggles, A Letter to Amy, Pet Show!; Peter’s Chair, and A Whistle for Willie.   (This book is also available in Spanish, as Un dia de nieve.) Praise for The Snowy Day: New York Public Library's #1 book on the list of “Top Check Outs of All Time” “Keats made Peter’s world so inviting that it beckons us. Perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate Peter even more—a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that’s begging to be enjoyed.” —The Atlantic "Ezra Jack Keats's classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow."—Publisher's Weekly

The Wonderful Story of Ravalette is a visionary occult romance in which adventure, dream, mesmerism, and metaphysical speculation converge. Blending gothic melodrama with spiritualist allegory, Randolph uses the figure of Ravalette to explore hidden powers of the soul, the permeability of waking and dreaming life, and the moral consequences of desire. Its style is exuberant, episodic, and didactic, belonging to the nineteenth-century American tradition of esoteric fiction that sought to make invisible worlds imaginatively persuasive. Paschal Beverly Randolph, a free man of mixed African, European, and Native ancestry, was among the most remarkable occult thinkers of his age. A lecturer, traveler, physician, Rosicrucian, and spiritualist reformer, he wrote from the margins of American literary culture while engaging its central obsessions: race, science, religion, sexuality, and personal regeneration. His experiences with trance, clairvoyance, and heterodox spirituality deeply inform the book's symbolic architecture. Readers interested in early speculative fiction, American esotericism, or the neglected history of Black intellectual life will find this work compelling. It is not merely a curiosity, but a bold attempt to turn fiction into initiation, urging readers to imagine consciousness itself as a field of wonder.

THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLER Escape into a world of magic and danger with THE DARK STAR TRILOGY . Drawing on a rich tradition of African mythology, fantasy and history, this is the story of a lost child, an extraordinary hunter, and a mystery with many answers . . . *Perfect f or fans of Pratchett, George R. R. Martin and Octavia Butler* 'The kind of novel I never realized I was missing until I read it. A dangerous, hallucinatory, ancient Africa, which becomes a fantasy world as well-realized as anything Tolkien made' Neil Gaiman ***** Tracker is a hunter. Known throughout the thirteen kingdoms as one who has a nose, he always works alone. But he breaks his own rule when, hired to find a lost child, he finds himself part of a group of hunters, each stranger and more dangerous than the last. As the mismatched gang follow the boy's scent from perfumed citadels to enchanted darklands, Tracker starts to wonder: Who really is this mysterious boy? Why do so many people want to stop him from being found? And, most important of all, who is telling the truth and who is lying? Marlon James weaves a breathtaking tapestry - at once ancient and startlingly modern - exploring the fundamentals of truth, limits of power, excesses of ambition, and our need to understand them all. Chronicling the same events but telling a very different story - who will you believe? Read THE DARK STAR TRILOGY in any order! ***** 'Complex, lyrical, moving and furiously gripping . . . This new book will propel James into a new galaxy of literary stardom' Observer 'A game-changing modern fantasy classic' Financial Times ' James has thrown African cultures, mythologies, religions, histories, world-views and topographies into the mighty cauldron of his imagination to create a work of literary magic' New Statesman

From the award-winning author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia comes a new journey, following four 19 th century elephants marched from the East African coast towards Congo to tell a heartbreaking story of folly and colonial greed. INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE STANFORD'S TRAVEL WRITING BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR WRITING ON CONSERVATION 2025 SHORTLISTED Best Summer Books of 2025: An illuminating tale of imperial ambition and ineptitude.' FINANCIAL TIMES 'A beautiful, intelligent and heartfelt book, a brilliantly researched account of an imperial fever dream alongside a no less feverish contemporary journey' THE SUNDAY TIMES 'History and travelogue combine wonderfully in this tale of colonial plunder and hubris.' GUARDIAN In 1879, King Leopold II of Belgium launched an ambitious plan to plunder Africa's resources. The key to cracking open the continent, or so he thought, was its elephants ? if only he could train them. And so he commissioned the charismatic Irish adventurer Frederick Carter to ship four tamed Asian elephants from India to the East African coast, where they were marched inland towards Congo. The ultimate aim was to establish a training school for African elephants. Following in the footsteps of the four elephants, Roberts pieces together the incredible true story of this long-forgotten expedition, in travels that take her to Belgium, Iraq, India, Tanzania and Congo. The storytelling brings to life a compelling cast of historic characters and modern voices, from ivory dealers to Catholic nuns, set against rich descriptions of the landscapes travelled. Digging deep into historic records to reckon with our broken relationship with animals, Training School for Elephants reveals an extraordinary and enduring story of colonial greed, ineptitude, hypocrisy and folly. Praise for Training School for Elephants: 'This is a marvellous book, an important footnote to history - of Sophy Roberts' intrepid travel with a real purpose, shining a light on colonialism, Belgian and British, and their peculiar obsessions.'' - Paul Theroux, author of The Great Railway Bazaar 'Masterfully weaving adventure, intrigue and the darker truths of colonial ambition into a story as gripping as it is eye-opening.' - Levison Wood, author of Walking the Nile 'Deeply researched. Brings to life a bizarre and long-forgotten story of Africa with empathy, intriguing encounters and memorable characters, not least the elephants themselves.' - Luke Pepera, author of Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity 'Sophy Roberts brings history to life, tackling difficult, sensitive subjects with careful, exquisite prose. Unputdownable.' - Mary Harper, author of Getting Somalia Wrong? 'A brave and searching book, rich in history and fierce in spirit. The best sort of travel writing: handsome prose, teeming with humanity and an unwavering sense of wonder.' - Justin Marozzi, author of Baghdad, City of Peace, City of Blood 'A cautionary tale from the early days of the Scramble for Africa, but poignant and scholarly too. Roberts writes beautifully.' - Thomas Pakenham, author of The Scramble for Africa '&

People talk about the cold, hard light of day. There's no escaping what you can see by it. There can be no confusing, in that early morning light, the truth with the wished-for reality of dreams. The body was still there. He was still dead. Abandoned by her lover, Manda finds solace in bird-watching, a hobby her ex-partner introduced her to. The birds provide Manda with an escape from her troubled past - and an uncertain future. But then she falls prey to the ever more sinister attentions of another birdwatcher. As the harassment builds up, she is forced to flee, and details of her complicated past start to emerge. Haunted by her tenuous relationship with her family and memories of her African childhood, Manda is struggling with the choice between safety and freedom as she tries to escape her elusive stalker. Tempted by the promise of her friend Tom's protection, she wonders if she should finally trust someone before it's too late . . . Told through the vivid images of birds, Out of a Clear Sky is an unsettling psychological thriller which will grip you until the startling, unforeseen end.

Inspire a sense of wonder in the night sky with this incredible collection of 15 folk tales for children, beautifully illustrated in full-colour by Gaby Verdooren. Throughout history and around the world, people have looked up at the night sky and found beauty and inspiration in its inky depths. This book draws together folk tales from different cultures and their mythologies surrounding the birth of stars, the cycles of the moon, and the mysteries of the Milky Way. Readers can join three villagers as they attempt to bury the moon for everlasting daylight, witness a sea monster's battle with the Evening Star, and much more in this enchanting anthology. Storytellers have always taken inspiration from the heavenly bodies and their movements - now a new generation of children can find meaning in the stars. Tales include: • Atahensic Lands on Earth (Iroquois Native American) • The Weaver Girl and the Herdsman (Chinese) • The Buried Moon (German) • Tama-rereti Goes Fishing (Maori) • Sol and Skoll (Norse) • The Feathered Serpent and the Moon Rabbit (Aztec) • The Little Girl with a Big Voice (South African) • Aglaonike Catches the Moon (Greek) • Evening Star and Orphan Star (Caddo Native American) • Hina and the Shark (Tongan) • How Fisher Brought the Sun to Earth (Ojibwa Native American) • How Thoth Won the Moon (Egyptian) • Lindu and the Northern Lights (Estonian) • The Man Who Made the Sun (Diné Native American) • The Seven Sisters and the Bear (Kiowa Native American) Presented in a beautiful hardback edition with gold cover accents and stunning endpaper designs, Tales of the Night Sky makes a perfect gift for children aged 7+.

A beautiful new edition of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS, the iconic, beloved and deeply moving first volume of Maya Angelou's autobiography. *** 'The international classic and bestseller, Maya Angelou's memoir paints a portrait of 'a brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman' BARACK OBAMA 'One of my favourites' TINA KNOWLES 'I write about being a Black American woman, however, I am always talking about what it's like to be a human being. This is how we are, what makes us laugh, and this is how we fall and how we somehow, amazingly, stand up again' Maya Angelou In this first volume of her seven books of autobiography, Maya Angelou beautifully evokes her childhood with her grandmother in the American south of the 1930s. Loving the world, she also knows its cruelty. As a Black woman she has known discrimination, violence and extreme poverty, but also hope, joy, achievement and celebration. 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity' JAMES BALDWIN 'She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace . . . She will always be the rainbow in my clouds' OPRAH WINFREY 'She was important in so many ways. She launched African American women writing in the United States. She was a real original. There is no duplicate' TONI MORRISON 'H eartbreaking, beautiful and inspiring in equal measure . . . a landmark work of literature' TELEGRAPH

ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE S 100 BEST FANTASY AND YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF ALL TIME A young Nigerian girl discovers her extraordinary destiny in this heart-pounding tale of finding one s place in the world. Jam-packed with mythological wonders. Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series There s more imagination on a page of Nnedi Okorafor s work than in whole volumes of ordinary fantasy epics. Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of A Wizard of Earthsea Sunny Nwazue lives in Nigeria, but she was born in New York City. Her features are West African, but she s albino. She s a terrific athlete, but can t go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing she is a free agent with latent magical power. And she has a lot of catching up to do. Soon she s part of a quartet of magic students, studying the invisible and visible, learning to change reality. But just as she s finding her footing, Sunny and her friends are asked by the magical authorities to help track down a career criminal who knows magic too. Will their training be enough to help them against a threat whose powers greatly outnumber theirs?

An enchanting collection of one hundred of the best-loved stories ever told, from elegant retellings of Grimm and Andersen to lively folk tales from around the world. Includes favourite stories such as The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and many more. Beautifully presented with illustrations that capture the warmth and wonder of these classic tales. An essential addition to every family bookshelf and a wonderful gift to be treasured. Chapters in this book include: - The Emperor's New Clothes (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse (Aesop) - Beauty and the Beast (European Folk Tale) - The Magic Carpet (Arabian Nights) - The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs (Aesop) - The Leopard and the Sky God (African Folk Tale) - The Firebird (Russian Folk Tale) - The Miller's Boy and the Mermaid (Aesop) - The Enormous Turnip (Alexei Tolstoy) - The Dragon Painter (Chinese Folk Tale) - The Elves and the Shoemaker (Brothers Grimm) - The Ugly Duckling (Hans Christian Andersen) - Rapunzel (Brothers Grimm) - The Boy Who Cried Wolf (Aesop) - How Elephants Lost Their Wings (Indian Folk Tale) - Fairy Gold (Brothers Grimm) - The Emperor and the Nightingale (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Rabbit's Tale (European Folk tale) - The Magic Pear Tree (Chinese Folk Tale) - The Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Brothers Grimm) - Baba Yaga (Russian Folk Tale) - The Bird King (Aesop) - Rumpelstiltskin (Brothers Grimm) - Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch (North American Folk Tale) - The Inch Prince (Japanese Fairy Tale) - The Wild Swans (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Fisherman and his Wife (Brothers Grimm) - The Monkey King (Chinese Folk Tale) - Sleeping Beauty (Charles Perrault) - Hansel and Gretel (Brothers Grimm) - The Lion and the Mouse (Aesop) - The Princess and the Pea (Hans Christian Andersen) - Tiddalik (Australian Aboriginal Myth) - The Magic Melon (Chinese Folk Tale) - The Three Little Pigs (European Folk Tale) - The Ant and the Grasshopper (Aesop) - Midas and the Golden Touch (Greek Myth) - Chicken Licken (European Folk Tale) - Aladdin (Arabian Nights) - Little Red Riding Hood (Charles Perrault) - Persephone (Greek Myth) - Clever Kallie (Greek Folk Tale) - Stone Soup (European Folk Tale) - The Princess and the Pig Boy (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Hare and the Tortoise (Aesop) - Cinderella (Charles Perrault) - Icarus, The Boy Who Flew (Greek Myth) - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Arthurian Legend) - The Goose Girl (Brothers Grimm) - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Brothers Grimm) - The Milkmaid (European Folk Tale) - The Gingerbread Man (European Folk Tale) - How Bear Lost His Tail (Native American Folk Tale) - The Tin Soldier (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Fisherman and the Genie (Arabian Nights) - The Baobab Tree (South African Folk Tale) - The Tortoise and the Eagle (Aesop) - The Peach Boy (Japanese Folk Tale) - The Billy Goats Gruff (Norwegian Fairy Tale) - The Three Wishes (Charles Perrault) - Tom Thumb (English Fairy Tale) - The Magic Gifts (Korean Folk Tale) - The Sun and the Wind (Aesop) - Puss in Boots (Charles Perrault) - Why the Sea is Salty (Korean Folk Tale) - The Fox and the Crow (Aesop) - The Frog Prince (Brothers Grimm) - How Zebras Got Their Stripes (African Folk Tale) - Dick Whittington (English Fairy Tale) - Jack and the Beanstalk (English Fairy Tale) - Brer Rabbit and the Tug of War (North American Folk Tale) - Eros and Psyche (Greek Myth) - The Mouse's Wedding (Japanese Folk Tale) - Anansi and the Bag of Wisdom (African Folk Tale) - The Musicians of Bremen (Brothers Grimm) - King Thrushbeard (Brothers Grimm) - Pandora's Box (Greek Myth) - The Reluctant Dragon (Kenneth Grahame) - The Roly-Poly Rice Ball (Japanese Folk Tale) - Goldilocks and the Three Bears (English Fairy Tale) - Clever Rabbit and the Wolves (Native American Folk Tale) - The Greedy Dog (Aesop) - Androcles and the Lion (Folk Tale from Ancient Rome) - The Stonecutter (Japan

The People of the Mist is one of H. Rider Haggard's characteristic late-Victorian romances of exploration, combining the "lost race" adventure with melodrama, ethnographic fantasy, and imperial quest narrative. Its hero, Leonard Outram, journeys into the African interior in pursuit of fortune and restoration, only to encounter slavery, ordeal, hidden kingdoms, and the mysterious People of the Mist, whose ritual world gives the novel its atmosphere of danger and wonder. Haggard's prose is vigorous, pictorial, and suspense-driven, placing the book within the tradition of imperial adventure fiction alongside King Solomon's Mines and She. Haggard's imaginative geography was shaped by his years in southern Africa, where he served in the colonial administration and absorbed the landscapes, conflicts, and mythic possibilities that recur throughout his fiction. Though marked by the assumptions of his age, his work often reveals a fascination with non-European societies, sacred authority, and the fragility of imperial ambition. The People of the Mist reflects both his personal experience of Africa and his gift for transforming travel, politics, and legend into popular romance. Readers drawn to classic adventure fiction, Victorian lost-world narratives, and the origins of modern fantasy will find this novel rewarding. It offers not only excitement and spectacle, but also insight into the desires and anxieties of the imperial imagination.

First the white members of Raj Bhatt’s posh tennis club call him racist. Then his life falls apart. Along the way, he wonders: where does he, a brown man, belong in America? This award-winning novel “offers deep insight into the ways the characters are shaped by racism” (Publishers Weekly). An NPR Best Book · A Millions Most Anticipated Title of 2020 · A Rumpus Best Book for Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month Raj is often unsure of where he belongs. Having moved to America from Bombay as a child, he knew few Indian kids. Now middle-aged, he lives mostly happily in California, with a job at a university. Still, his white wife seems to fit in better than he does at times, especially at their tennis club, a place he’s cautiously come to love. But it’s there that, in one week, his life unravels. It begins at a meeting for potential new members: Raj thrills to find an African American couple on the list; he dreams of a more diverse club. But in an effort to connect, he makes a racist joke. The committee turns on him, no matter the years of prejudice he’s put up with. And worse still, he soon finds his job is in jeopardy after a group of students report him as a reverse racist, thanks to his alleged “anti-Western bias.” Heartfelt, humorous, and hard-hitting, Members Only explores what membership and belonging mean, as Raj navigates the complicated space between black and white America.

INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER From the acclaimed author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia, comes a new journey, following four 19 th century elephants marched from the East African coast towards Congo, to tell a heartbreaking story of folly and colonial greed. 'A beautiful, intelligent and heartfelt book, a brilliantly researched account of an imperial fever dream alongside a no less feverish contemporary journey' - THE SUNDAY TIMES 'Absorbing ... any account of a journey in the footsteps of another is bound to be elegiac, but rarely has an elegy been so suffused with drama and pathos.' - FT 'History and travelogue combine wonderfully in this tale of colonial plunder and hubris...Sophy Roberts' luminous new book is a journey through Africa from Zanzibar to Lake Tanganyika and back, retracing the steps of a long-forgotten expedition.' - GUARDIAN 'This is a marvellous book, an important footnote to history - of Sophy Roberts' intrepid travel with a real purpose, shining a light on colonialism, Belgian and British, and their peculiar obsessions.'' - Paul Theroux, author of The Great Railway Bazaar 'Masterfully weaving adventure, intrigue and the darker truths of colonial ambition into a story as gripping as it is eye-opening.' - Levison Wood, author of Walking the Nile 'Deeply researched. Brings to life a bizarre and long-forgotten story of Africa with empathy, intriguing encounters and memorable characters, not least the elephants themselves.' - Luke Pepera, author of Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity 'Sophy Roberts brings history to life, tackling difficult, sensitive subjects with careful, exquisite prose. Unputdownable.' - Mary Harper, author of Getting Somalia Wrong? 'A brave and searching book, rich in history and fierce in spirit. The best sort of travel writing: handsome prose, teeming with humanity and an unwavering sense of wonder.' - Justin Marozzi, author of Baghdad, City of Peace, City of Blood In 1879, King Leopold II of Belgium launched an ambitious plan to plunder Africa's resources. The key to cracking open the continent, or so he thought, was its elephants - if only he could train them. And so he commissioned the charismatic Irish adventurer Frederick Carter to ship four tamed Asian elephants from India to the East African coast, where they were marched inland towards Congo. The ultimate aim was to establish a training school for African elephants. Following in the footsteps of the four elephants, Roberts pieces together the story of this long-forgotten expedition, in travels that take her to Belgium, Iraq, India, Tanzania and Congo. The storytelling brings to life a compelling cast of historic characters and modern voices, from ivory dealers to Catholic nuns, set against rich descriptions of the landscapes travelled. Roberts digs deep into historic records to reckon with our broken relationship with animals, revealing an extraordinary - and enduring - story of colonial greed, ineptitude, hypocrisy and folly. 'A cautionary tale from the early days of the Scramble for Africa, but poignant and scholarly too. Roberts writes beautifully.' - Thomas Pakenham, author of The Scramble for Africa ' A rich, engrossing tapestry of greed and disregard for life ... Few write as compellingly as Roberts, this is her as only she can write.' - Amal Chatterjee, author of Across the Lakes

Step into the hidden realms of The Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures -Global Mythology-an immersive artbook and fantasy reference that brings dragon lore, mermaid legends, and countless other supernatural creatures vividly to life. From the moment you open its pages, you'll travel across deserts, oceans, and cloud-capped peaks, guided by luminous paintings from master illustrator Satoshi Watanabe and prose that bridges ancient legends with modern imagination. Richly researched yet endlessly readable, this global folklore anthology profiles over 100 cultural myths-from Greek labyrinth guardians and West African river spirits to cryptids stalking Nordic forests. Each entry functions as both story and study: origin tales, epic lore, mythic symbolism, and fresh insights into how these beings still echo through movies, games, and pop culture today. It's a worldbuilding resource and cryptid guide in one beautifully bound collector edition. The Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures -Global Mythology reveals how myth answers timeless questions about fear, hope, and identity. From Japanese tales to Cerberus, the three-headed dog, this book will inspire and teach you about myths from around the world. Discover how Pegasus got its wings, what lesson the trickster kitsune hides beneath nine silver tails. Whether you're crafting a roleplaying campaign, seeking creative inspiration, or simply chasing wonder, this volume delivers a treasure trove of storytelling fuel. Perfect for gamers, artists, historians, and dreamers alike, this encyclopedia belongs on every coffee table and in every adventurer's pack and myth lover's. Turn the page-your next legendary encounter awaits.

Ava Dellaira's In Search of Us is a sweeping multi-generational love story. To seventeen-year-old Angie, who is mixed-race, Marilyn is her hardworking, devoted white single mother. But Marilyn was once young, too. When Marilyn was seventeen, she fell in love with Angie's father, James, who was African-American. But Angie's never met him, and Marilyn has always told her he died before she was born. When Angie discovers evidence of an uncle she's never met she starts to wonder: What if her dad is still alive, too? So she sets off on a journey to find him, hitching a ride to LA from her home in New Mexico with her ex-boyfriend, Sam. Along the way, she uncovers some hard truths about herself, her mother, and what truly happened to her father. "A rare and special book. Part mother-daughter love story, part road trip journey, part compelling mystery, and one hundred percent beautiful, spellbinding tearjerker. I'm in love with every page." -Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places and Holding Up the Universe "A masterful work of fiction. Exploring race and mother and daughter relationships, this novel is also one of the most tender and authentic takes on first love that I have ever read." -Jennifer Mathieu, author of Moxie

The People of the Mist is one of H. Rider Haggard's characteristic late-Victorian romances of exploration, combining the "lost race" adventure with melodrama, ethnographic fantasy, and imperial quest narrative. Its hero, Leonard Outram, journeys into the African interior in pursuit of fortune and restoration, only to encounter slavery, ordeal, hidden kingdoms, and the mysterious People of the Mist, whose ritual world gives the novel its atmosphere of danger and wonder. Haggard's prose is vigorous, pictorial, and suspense-driven, placing the book within the tradition of imperial adventure fiction alongside King Solomon's Mines and She. Haggard's imaginative geography was shaped by his years in southern Africa, where he served in the colonial administration and absorbed the landscapes, conflicts, and mythic possibilities that recur throughout his fiction. Though marked by the assumptions of his age, his work often reveals a fascination with non-European societies, sacred authority, and the fragility of imperial ambition. The People of the Mist reflects both his personal experience of Africa and his gift for transforming travel, politics, and legend into popular romance. Readers drawn to classic adventure fiction, Victorian lost-world narratives, and the origins of modern fantasy will find this novel rewarding. It offers not only excitement and spectacle, but also insight into the desires and anxieties of the imperial imagination.

Allan Quatermain is a thrilling and richly imagined adventure novel that continues the legendary journeys of one of literature's most iconic explorers. Written by H. Rider Haggard, this classic tale transports readers deep into the heart of uncharted Africa, where mystery, danger, and discovery await at every turn. The story follows Allan Quatermain, a seasoned hunter and explorer known for his courage, resourcefulness, and deep knowledge of the African wilderness. Though weary from past adventures, he is drawn once more into an expedition-this time in search of a lost civilization rumored to exist beyond the boundaries of known maps. Accompanied by a group of companions, Quatermain embarks on a perilous journey across vast and hostile landscapes. From dense jungles to towering mountains and desolate plains, the expedition is filled with physical challenges and unforeseen dangers. Along the way, they encounter natural obstacles, fierce wildlife, and the constant threat of the unknown. As the journey unfolds, the explorers stumble upon a hidden kingdom-an ancient and isolated society with its own customs, traditions, and conflicts. What begins as a quest for discovery soon becomes entangled in the internal struggles of this mysterious civilization, placing Quatermain and his companions in situations that test their loyalty, judgment, and courage. Haggard's storytelling is vivid and immersive, bringing the African landscape to life with rich detail and a strong sense of atmosphere. His narrative blends action and suspense with moments of reflection, offering not only an exciting adventure but also a deeper exploration of character and human nature. Themes of bravery, friendship, cultural encounter, and the consequences of exploration run throughout the novel. Quatermain himself is portrayed as a complex and introspective hero-one who is not only defined by his strength and skill but also by his humility and moral awareness. The novel also reflects on the allure and danger of the unknown, as well as the impact of venturing into lands and societies beyond one's understanding. Through its engaging plot and memorable characters, Allan Quatermain captures the spirit of adventure that defines classic exploration literature. Filled with action, intrigue, and a sense of wonder, Allan Quatermain remains a timeless tale that continues to captivate readers. It is a journey into the unknown, where courage is tested, discoveries are made, and legends are born.

First the white members of Raj Bhatt’s posh tennis club call him racist. Then his life falls apart. Along the way, he wonders: where does he, a brown man, belong in America? This award-winning novel “offers deep insight into the ways the characters are shaped by racism” (Publishers Weekly). An NPR Best Book · A Millions Most Anticipated Title of 2020 · A Rumpus Best Book for Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month Raj is often unsure of where he belongs. Having moved to America from Bombay as a child, he knew few Indian kids. Now middle-aged, he lives mostly happily in California, with a job at a university. Still, his white wife seems to fit in better than he does at times, especially at their tennis club, a place he’s cautiously come to love. But it’s there that, in one week, his life unravels. It begins at a meeting for potential new members: Raj thrills to find an African American couple on the list; he dreams of a more diverse club. But in an effort to connect, he makes a racist joke. The committee turns on him, no matter the years of prejudice he’s put up with. And worse still, he soon finds his job is in jeopardy after a group of students report him as a reverse racist, thanks to his alleged “anti-Western bias.” Heartfelt, humorous, and hard-hitting, Members Only explores what membership and belonging mean, as Raj navigates the complicated space between black and white America.

ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE S 100 BEST FANTASY AND YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF ALL TIME A young Nigerian girl discovers her extraordinary destiny in this heart-pounding tale of finding one s place in the world. Jam-packed with mythological wonders. Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series There s more imagination on a page of Nnedi Okorafor s work than in whole volumes of ordinary fantasy epics. Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of A Wizard of Earthsea Sunny Nwazue lives in Nigeria, but she was born in New York City. Her features are West African, but she s albino. She s a terrific athlete, but can t go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing she is a free agent with latent magical power. And she has a lot of catching up to do. Soon she s part of a quartet of magic students, studying the invisible and visible, learning to change reality. But just as she s finding her footing, Sunny and her friends are asked by the magical authorities to help track down a career criminal who knows magic too. Will their training be enough to help them against a threat whose powers greatly outnumber theirs?

'We may look the same, but I am not you . . . We share nothing but a reflection in the mirror''A bold, intriguing act of imagination' - Aube Rey Lescure, Women's Prize-shortlisted author of River East, River West'Beautiful, thought-provoking and meaningful' - Nussaibah Younis, author of FundamentallyTwenty-three-year-old Sirad Ali is a woman adrift. Abandoned by her father in childhood, doing her best to support her mother and younger brother in their small flat in South London, she can't help but wonder if this is the life she really wants.One morning, Sirad boards her bus to work and finds herself transported to an alternate timeline in present-day Mogadishu. Over the course of a single day, under the sweltering East African sun, Sirad must contend with a lost reality. There she encounters an almost unrecognizable version of her family and comes face to face with her double, Ubah – the woman she could have been, had her parents never fled to London during the Somali Civil War.Back home in Greenwich, Sirad must go on with life, consumed by all she now knows. But then Ubah mysteriously appears in London, and Sirad begins to understand that nothing will ever be the same again . . .Salutation Road by Salma Ibrahim is a beautifully told literary debut for fans of Nadifa Mohamed and Mohsin Hamid.

An enchanting collection of one hundred of the best-loved stories ever told, from elegant retellings of Grimm and Andersen to lively folk tales from around the world. Includes favourite stories such as The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and many more. Beautifully presented with illustrations that capture the warmth and wonder of these classic tales. An essential addition to every family bookshelf and a wonderful gift to be treasured. Chapters in this book include: - The Emperor's New Clothes (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse (Aesop) - Beauty and the Beast (European Folk Tale) - The Magic Carpet (Arabian Nights) - The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs (Aesop) - The Leopard and the Sky God (African Folk Tale) - The Firebird (Russian Folk Tale) - The Miller's Boy and the Mermaid (Aesop) - The Enormous Turnip (Alexei Tolstoy) - The Dragon Painter (Chinese Folk Tale) - The Elves and the Shoemaker (Brothers Grimm) - The Ugly Duckling (Hans Christian Andersen) - Rapunzel (Brothers Grimm) - The Boy Who Cried Wolf (Aesop) - How Elephants Lost Their Wings (Indian Folk Tale) - Fairy Gold (Brothers Grimm) - The Emperor and the Nightingale (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Rabbit's Tale (European Folk tale) - The Magic Pear Tree (Chinese Folk Tale) - The Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Brothers Grimm) - Baba Yaga (Russian Folk Tale) - The Bird King (Aesop) - Rumpelstiltskin (Brothers Grimm) - Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch (North American Folk Tale) - The Inch Prince (Japanese Fairy Tale) - The Wild Swans (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Fisherman and his Wife (Brothers Grimm) - The Monkey King (Chinese Folk Tale) - Sleeping Beauty (Charles Perrault) - Hansel and Gretel (Brothers Grimm) - The Lion and the Mouse (Aesop) - The Princess and the Pea (Hans Christian Andersen) - Tiddalik (Australian Aboriginal Myth) - The Magic Melon (Chinese Folk Tale) - The Three Little Pigs (European Folk Tale) - The Ant and the Grasshopper (Aesop) - Midas and the Golden Touch (Greek Myth) - Chicken Licken (European Folk Tale) - Aladdin (Arabian Nights) - Little Red Riding Hood (Charles Perrault) - Persephone (Greek Myth) - Clever Kallie (Greek Folk Tale) - Stone Soup (European Folk Tale) - The Princess and the Pig Boy (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Hare and the Tortoise (Aesop) - Cinderella (Charles Perrault) - Icarus, The Boy Who Flew (Greek Myth) - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Arthurian Legend) - The Goose Girl (Brothers Grimm) - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Brothers Grimm) - The Milkmaid (European Folk Tale) - The Gingerbread Man (European Folk Tale) - How Bear Lost His Tail (Native American Folk Tale) - The Tin Soldier (Hans Christian Andersen) - The Fisherman and the Genie (Arabian Nights) - The Baobab Tree (South African Folk Tale) - The Tortoise and the Eagle (Aesop) - The Peach Boy (Japanese Folk Tale) - The Billy Goats Gruff (Norwegian Fairy Tale) - The Three Wishes (Charles Perrault) - Tom Thumb (English Fairy Tale) - The Magic Gifts (Korean Folk Tale) - The Sun and the Wind (Aesop) - Puss in Boots (Charles Perrault) - Why the Sea is Salty (Korean Folk Tale) - The Fox and the Crow (Aesop) - The Frog Prince (Brothers Grimm) - How Zebras Got Their Stripes (African Folk Tale) - Dick Whittington (English Fairy Tale) - Jack and the Beanstalk (English Fairy Tale) - Brer Rabbit and the Tug of War (North American Folk Tale) - Eros and Psyche (Greek Myth) - The Mouse's Wedding (Japanese Folk Tale) - Anansi and the Bag of Wisdom (African Folk Tale) - The Musicians of Bremen (Brothers Grimm) - King Thrushbeard (Brothers Grimm) - Pandora's Box (Greek Myth) - The Reluctant Dragon (Kenneth Grahame) - The Roly-Poly Rice Ball (Japanese Folk Tale) - Goldilocks and the Three Bears (English Fairy Tale) - Clever Rabbit and the Wolves (Native American Folk Tale) - The Greedy Dog (Aesop) - Androcles and the Lion (Folk Tale from Ancient Rome) - The Stonecutter (Japan

Dynamic/interactive assessment has been a long time coming! It has been almost a century since Alfred Binet suggested that assessment of the processes of learn ing should constitute a priority in the mental testing movement, and over 60 years since Andre Rey made the same suggestion. An important model that supports many contemporary approaches to "flexible" or "process" assessment was offered by Vygotsky in the 1920s. The ground breaking work by Reuven Feuerstein and his Swiss colleagues on process assessment of North African Jewish children was done in the early 1950s. In the intervening years almost every serious psy chometrist has, at one time or another, called for emphasis on assessment of the of learning, rather than an exclusive emphasis on assessment of the processes products of prior opportunities to learn. One has to wonder why we have had to wait so long for formalization and instrumentation of the methods for doing just that! Of course, we psychologists like to do what we do well, and we have learned to do static, normative assessment, especially of "intelligence," very well indeed. Unfortunately, it is also true that dynamic/interactive assessment has not attracted or fueled the volume of high-quality research that is still going to be necessary if it is to survive as a widely used supplement to static, normative testing. This volume, incorporating a strong research base, goes a long way toward remedia tion of that situation.

Illustrated Edition: This special edition includes 20 stunning illustrations, bringing the thrilling adventures within to vivid life. Comprehensive Content: In addition to the traditional story, this edition provides readers with a thorough grasp of the literary and historical background of the work by including a comprehensive synopsis, an extensive character list, and a rich biography of the author, H. Rider Haggard. Dive into the heart of darkness and discovery with H. Rider Haggard's timeless masterpiece, "She: A History of Adventure", now available in an exclusive illustrated edition. Journey alongside Horace Holly and Leo Vincey as they embark on a perilous quest that leads them to the mysterious African interior, where they encounter the immortal Ayesha, the all-powerful and enigmatic queen known as She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed. This edition, enriched with 20 captivating illustrations, breathes new life into Haggard's legendary tale of love, power, and immortality, making it an unforgettable visual and literary experience. Beyond the enthralling narrative, this edition offers a comprehensive summary that distills the essence of the adventure, a detailed list of characters to enhance your understanding and connection with the story, and a meticulously crafted biography of H. Rider Haggard, providing insights into the man behind this enduring classic. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering Haggard's work for the first time, this illustrated edition of "She" is a treasure trove of adventure, mystery, and ancient wonders, inviting you on a journey not just through the dark heart of Africa but into the depths of the human spirit. Explore the lost city of Kôr, unravel the secrets of immortality, and witness the power of love that transcends time itself. Embark on this journey with "She: A History of Adventure" and let your imagination soar to new heights.

One of TIME’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time Winner of the L.A. Times Ray Bradbury Prize Finalist for the 2019 National Book Award The New York Times Bestseller Named a Best Book of 2019 by The Wall Street Journal, TIME, NPR, GQ, Vogue, and The Washington Post "Gripping, action-packed....The literary equivalent of a Marvel Comics universe." --Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times The epic novel from the Man Booker Prize-winning author of A Brief History of Seven Killings In the stunning first novel in Marlon James's Dark Star trilogy, myth, fantasy, and history come together to explore what happens when a mercenary is hired to find a missing child. Tracker is known far and wide for his skills as a hunter: "He has a nose," people say. Engaged to track down a mysterious boy who disappeared three years earlier, Tracker breaks his own rule of always working alone when he finds himself part of a group that comes together to search for the boy. The band is a hodgepodge, full of unusual characters with secrets of their own, including a shape-shifting man-animal known as Leopard. As Tracker follows the boy's scent--from one ancient city to another; into dense forests and across deep rivers--he and the band are set upon by creatures intent on destroying them. As he struggles to survive, Tracker starts to wonder: Who, really, is this boy? Why has he been missing for so long? Why do so many people want to keep Tracker from finding him? And perhaps the most important questions of all: Who is telling the truth, and who is lying? Drawing from African history and mythology and his own rich imagination, Marlon James has written a novel unlike anything that's come before it: a saga of breathtaking adventure that's also an ambitious, involving read. Defying categorization and full of unforgettable characters, Black Leopard, Red Wolf is both surprising and profound as it explores the fundamentals of truth, the limits of power, and our need to understand them both.

Journey alongside one of Christianity's most courageous pioneers in Vance Christie's biography for pre-teens. Born into humble beginnings in Scotland in 1813, Livingstone's faith and passion for exploration shaped his extraordinary life. Inspired by the Gospel's call to serve others, Livingstone pursued a path of missionary work and exploration, driven by a deep conviction to share the love of Christ with those in distant lands. Despite facing adversity and hardship, he remained steadfast in his belief that God had called him to Africa to spread the message of salvation. Livingstone encountered incredible challenges throughout his expeditions, from treacherous jungles to fierce wildlife, yet he persevered, trusting in God's guidance every step of the way. His adventures led him to discover breath-taking natural wonders and to forge friendships with African tribes. His legacy extends beyond his explorations: his unwavering commitment to ending the slave trade and uplifting the oppressed reflects his deep faith and compassion for humanity. Through his remarkable journey, Livingstone showed the power of God to transforming lives and shaping history. His story continues to inspire believers around the world to follow God's call with courage and conviction. The Trailblazer's series collects great stories from Christians of the past and delivers them to the young people of today. This gripping and astonishing story from Vance Christie will challenge young readers to trust God as Livingstone did. A well-known and long-standing series: Over 50 titles Great for ages 9 to 14 Published in 14 languages Half a million books sold Also available in box sets when one book is not enough! 7 themed box sets, each with 5 books Each biography follows the trailblazer's journey to faith, and on to the work that God had planned for them. With lots of dialogue, these engaging stories show how God uses normal individuals to bring about his purpose. Each book features: Thinking Further Topics for each chapter to help readers think about how what they've read applies to their life today Timeline of important events in the lifetime of each book's subject