An inspired and impassioned historical examination of humanity's search for the divineFrom Plato to Wittgenstein and religions from Judaism to the Hindu tradition, interspersed with divine influences from Classical Greece, Romantic poetry, and the occasional scene from 'Alien', 'God: A Guide for the Perplexed' charts the path of humanity's great spiritual odyssey: the search for God. Leading the way through this minefield is acclaimed philosopher-theologian Keith Ward, blending the sublime and the eclectic in a narrative which offers wit, erudition and moments of genuine pathos. As a survey of the different manifestations of God through the centuries, and an examination of humanity's search for the divine, this is an engaging and informative book. As a deeply moving testament to our endless capacity for spiritual hope, it is compulsive reading for anyone interested in, or embarking on, the great quest for meaning.
Deep in an Iranian suburb, made rich by the booming oil industry, Clarice Ayvazian lives a comfortable life surrounded by the gentle bickering of her children and her gossiping friends and relatives. Happy being at the heart of her family, she devotes herself to their every need. But when an enigmatic Armenian family move in across the street, something begins to gnaw at Clarice's contentment: a feeling that there may be more to life and to her than this. Dizzy with the sweltering heat and simmering emotions, Clarice begins to feel herself come alive to possibilities previously unimaginable. Set in Iran prior to the Islamic revolution, Zoya Pirzad's award-winning novel crafts an intimate portrait of family life its joys and its compromises and how we find a happiness that endures. For fans of Anne Tyler, Things We Left Unsaid is a humourous and pointed insight into the hopes and aspirations of Iranians in the years that led to the Islamic Revolution.
Brash hustlers, sinister colonels, resilient refugees, and intrepid radio hosts: meet the future of CongoIn this extraordinary debut called gripping by The Times of London Ben Rawlence sets out to gather the news from a forgotten town deep in Congos silent quarter where peace is finally being built after two decades of civil war and devastation. Ignoring the advice of locals, reporters, and mercenaries, he travels by foot, bike, and boat, introducing us to Colonel Ibrahim, a guerrilla turned army officer; Benjamin, the kindly father of the most terrifying Mai Mai warlord; the cousins Mohammed and Mohammed, young tin traders hoping to make their fortune; and talk show host Mama Christine, who dispenses counsel and courage in equal measure. From the blood cheese of Goma to the decaying city of Manono, Rawlence uncovers the real stories of life during the war and finds hope for the future.
From Stonehenge to beyond the Big Bang, an exhilarating scientific exploration of how we make timeFrom Stonehenge to beyond the Big Bang, an exhilarating scientific exploration of how we make time Time is the grandest conception of the universe that we humans have been able to imagine and its most intimate, the very frame of human life. In About Time, astrophysicist and award-winning writer Adam Frank tells the scientific story of this wonderful and tyrannical invention. A Palaeolithic farmer moved through the sun-fuelled day and star-steered night in a radically different way than the Elizabethan merchants who set their pace to the clocks newly installed in their town squares. Since then, science has swept time into increasingly minute and standardized units the industrial efficiency of ironworks' punch clocks; the space-age precision of atomic fountains and GPS satellites; the fifteen-minute increments of Outlook's digital revolution. And in the past decade, string-theory branes, multiverses, and ';clockless' physics have begun to overturn our ideas about how the universe began the Big Bang in ways that will completely rewrite time and our experience of it. Weaving cosmology with day-to-day chronicles and a down-to-earth style, About Time is both dazzling and riveting as it confronts what comes next.
An honest, unflinching tale of re-finding one's faith, from one of the world's most famous theologiansWithout Buddha I Could Not Be a Christian narrates how esteemed theologian, Paul F. Knitter overcame a crisis of faith by looking to Buddhism for inspiration. From prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can encourage a more person-centred conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second. Moving and revolutionary, this book will inspire Christians everywhere.
UK journalist falsely imprisoned by the Iran police stateNOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE DIRECTED BY JON STEWART Maziar Bahari left London in June 2009 to cover Iran's contested presidential elections for Newsweek magazine. He thought he'd be returning in just a few days to Paola, his pregnant fiance. Instead, he was incarcerated under false charges of espionage in Iran's most notorious prison. His release came four months later, only after a global campaign supported by Hillary Clinton. While suffering regular beatings, forced confessions, and threats of execution, Bahari draws strength from the experiences of his family in the past: his father was imprisoned by the shah in the 1950s, and his sister by Ayatollah Khomeini in the 1980s. Exposing the contradictions at the heart of Ahmadinejad's paranoid regime, this inspiring and often witty story of one family's courage in the face of repression is also a beautifully written portrait of modern Iran.
Offering a wide variety of theme, occasion, mood, and form - ';The Essential Gibran' is a volume of selected passages celebrating Gibran's style and thoughtKahlil Gibran's essential style is captured in reflective poetic prose, dramatic sketches, allegories and parables, national and international addresses, and romantic writings of all kinds. Evident throughout is his abiding respect for universal human rights, the equality of men and women, and religious tolerance. This is a wonderful insight into a universal figure whose profound humanity and concern for the highest standards of integrity in both a moral and literary sense transcends the boundaries between cultures, which have all too often found themselves in opposition with one another.
Mala and Ronak are adults now. They've married, begun their own families and moved away from the suffocating world of their first generation immigrant parents. But when they learn their mother has only months to live, the focus of their world returns to her home. Having shown little interest in the Indian cuisine they eat at every gathering, Mala decides to master the recipes her mother learned at her own mother's knee. And as they cook together, mother and daughter begin to confront the great divisions of their lives, and finally heal their fractured relationship. But when Ronak comes up with a plan to memorialise his mother, the hard-won peace between them is tested to its limits. Written with tenderness and wry compassion, Amit Majmudar has captured anew the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, the conflicts of assimilation, and, most poignantly, the tangled ties between generations.
Pull the covers off economics and reveal the sexy science of sexonomicsIn this witty and revelatory investigation of the so-called dismal science, University of British Columbia professor Marina Adshade skips the usual widgets and uncovers how the market comes to bear on our most intimate decisions: sex, dating, courtship, love, marriage, even breaking up. The science of sexonomics is born: How much money does an ugly guy need to have to attract as many women via an online dating site as a hot man? Is modern marriage just an opportunity to consume more goods and services? Does raising the price of beer reduce risky sex? Why does a spike in the sale of sex toys predict an upcoming recession, while an increase in the number of breast lifts indicates a perkier economy is on the way? Which comes first: a prosperous nation or a promiscuous one? Once you read Dirty Money, youll never look at your money or your relationships the same way again
Discover the real story behind one of Britain's greatest triumphsOn the morning of 2 June 1953, the day of Queen Elizabeth's coronation, the first news broke that Everest had finally been conquered. Drawing on first-hand interviews and unprecedented access to archives, this is a ground-breaking new account of that extraordinary first ascent. Revealing that what has gone down in history as a supremely well-planned expedition was actually beset by crisis and controversy, Everest 1953 recounts a bygone age of self-sacrifice and heroism, using letters and personal diaries to reveal the immense stress and heartache the climbers often hid from their fellow team members. Charting how the ascent affected the original team in subsequent years and detailing its immense cultural impact today, Everest 1953 is the perfect book to commemorate this remarkable feat of the human will.
A beautifully presented volume that draws from the breadth of the great Persian poet's workTimeless and eternal, the poetry of Jalal al-Din Rumi is loved the world over. The best-selling poet from America to Afghanistan, his words are as relevant today as ever, still resonating with contemporary concerns of both East and West alike. Commemorating the 800th anniversary of Rumi's birth, this beautifully presented volume draws from the breadth of Rumi's work, spanning his prolific career from start to finish. From the uplifting to the mellow, Franklin's Lewis polished translation will prove inspirational to both keen followers of Rumi's work and readers discovering the great poet for the first time.
A powerful voice speaks about the things that really make life worth living - a vision for our environment, our society and our future
Philosophy, the ';love of wisdom', is the product of our endless fascination and curiosity about the world the child of wonder. Through it, we seek to answer the most fundamental of questions: How do we know what we know? Does God exist? What is beauty? How should we live our lives? What am I?In this exhilarating tour, Peter Cave navigates all the main topics of philosophy with verve and clarity. Using witty and whimsical examples, including stoical sofas and Reg, the ';regular' human, who just happens to carry his brain in a rucksack, Cave provides a welcome antidote to the dry textbook while covering everything from political philosophy to points of logic. Interspersed with helpful textboxes and underlining the enduring relevance of philosophy to us all, there is no better introduction for the aspiring sage.
In this illuminating tour of humanity, Joy Hendry and Simon Underdown reveal the origins of our species, and the fabric of human society, through the discipline of anthropology. Via fascinating case studies and discoveries, they unravel our understanding of human behaviours and beliefs, including how witchcraft has been used to justify misfortune, and debunk old-fashioned ideas about race based upon the latest genetic research. They even share what our bathroom tells us about our concept of the body and ourselves. From our evolutionary ancestors, through our rites of passage, to our responses to globalization, Hendry and Underdown provide the essential first step to understanding the world as an anthropologist would in all its diversity and commonality.
The latest in the acclaimed Makers of the Muslim World series (Series Editor: Patricia Crone). Makers of the Muslim World is the first series devoted to the men and women throughout history who have made a significant contribution to the political, intellectual and religious landscape of the Muslim world. Each title combines first-rate scholarship with a strong emphasis on readability, and will serve as a perfect introduction for academic and lay readers alike. Ibn Tufayl (d. 1185) was an Andalusian courtier, philosopher, Sufi master, and royal physician to the Almohad Caliphs. He inspired the twelfth-century Andalusian revolt against Ptolemaic astronomy and sponsored the career of the most renowned Aristotelian of medieval times, Abu al-Walid Ibn Rushd (the Latin Averroes). Ibn Tufayl was an exemplar of the kind of versatile scholar early Almohad culture wanted to cultivate. In this thought provoking and concise account, Taneli Kukkonen explores the life and thought of Ibn Tufayl and assesses the influence and legacy of Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, Ibn Tufayl's famous philosophical romance. Hayy Ibn Yaqzan became a popular and often-copied work in early modern Europe; it has since secured a place as one of the best read pieces in all Arabic literature, partly due to its outstanding literary qualities, in part because it provides an ideal introduction to the themes and preoccupations of classical Arabic philosophy. The study sets Hayy in its historical and philosophical context and paints a vivid portrait of the world as Ibn Tufayl saw it and as he wished for it to be seen.
A no-nonsense guide to the science of what we eat and how to make nutrition work for youStrap: A no-nonsense guide to the science of what we eat and how it affects our health Description: Shocking obesity rates, the rise of eating disorders, killer food allergies, super foods that cure cancer: as the headlines shout every week, we have never been more engaged, or struggled so hard, with what we put in our mouths. Separating fact from fiction, award-winning health journalist and nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer combines the latest science with practical advice on what really matters to explain exactly how food influences our health and well-being.
Author of Brave New World and The Doors of Perception, and inventor of the term 'psychedelic', Aldous Huxley was a global trend-setter ahead of his time. In this new biography Dr Kieron O'Hara explores the life of this great visionary, charting his transformation from society satirist to Californian guru-mystic through an insightful analysis of his life's work. Combining thoughtful biography, easy-to-use reading notes, and an insightful exploration of Huxley's continuing legacy, Huxley: A Beginner's Guide is the definitive introduction to one of the twentieth century's most influential thinkers.
Internationally acclaimed science writer Lone Frank swabs up her DNA to provide the first truly intimate account of the new science of consumer-led genomics. She challenges the business mavericks intent on mapping every baby's genome, ponders the consequences of biological fortune-telling, and prods the psychologists who hope to uncover just how much or how little our environment will matter in the new genetic century - a quest made all the more gripping as Frank considers her family's and her own struggles with depression.
From the language of Shakespeare to the US presidential campaign trail, the Bibles influence is all around us. It is the most-printed book of all time, yet, upon reading it, we are met not by one work but by many: a complex mix of history and parable, law and prophecy. In this authoritative and impartial introduction, Paula Gooder ably guides the reader in how to approach this multifaceted text, and explores its enduring influence on Western culture, from Renaissance art to Mel Gibsons The Passion of the Christ. Featuring textboxes focussing on key details, Gooder provides an illuminating framework for understanding the Bible and shares her infectious enthusiasm for the topic. Covering its origins, content and interpretation, this wide-ranging primer will be of invaluable benefit to those of any and no faith alike.
World-renowned Iranian expert Homa Katouzian presents the first comprehensive introduction to one of the worlds most controversial and misunderstood countriesSince the 1979 revolution, Iran has been locked in conflict with the United States and Europe. Personified in the West by a series of bogeymen from Ayatollah Khomeini to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, this villainous mask obscures a far more complex identity, forged by a vibrant and chaotic history. Revealing the countrys true face, acclaimed expert Homa Katouzian delves deep into Irans past, exploring how an ancient civilization at a crossroads of diverse dynasties and religions grew to become an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally rich nation. Centuries of arbitrary rule and revolution from the first Persian empires to the Green Movement are brought to life as Katouzian offers fresh insight into this fascinating country. Asking where its future may lie postArab Spring, this is the perfect primer for understanding a country characterized by constant flux and controversy.
Every aspect of the anti-capitalist world is covered in this helpful guide, from WOMBLES to Zapatistas, NGOs to environmentalism, Paris 1968 to Seattle, and beyond. Picking up where Naomi Klein left off, this is not so much a manifesto as a roadmap, which captures the essence of the movement, and also articulates a range of possibilities for future alternatives to the corporate domination of our planet.
Widely revered as the father of Western literature, Homer was the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the epic poems which immortalised such names as Achilles, Cyclops, Menelaus, and Helen of Troy. In this vivid introduction, Elton Barker and Joel Christensen celebrate the complexity, innovation, and sheer excitement of Homer's two great works. Investigating the controversy surrounding the man behind the myths, they ask who Homer was and whether he even existed. Making parallels between Homeric hexameter and rap, and between his battle scenes and The Lord of the Rings, the authors highlight how his hugely influential epics deal with ageless questions that still confront us today. Perfect for new readers of the great poet and full of insights that will delight Homeric experts, this book will inspire you to discover or rediscover his masterpieces first-hand.
With shocking new details from Madoff himself The definitive account of the worlds biggest Ponzi scheme an instant New York Times bestsellerBased on award-winning reporter Diana Henriques' unprecedented access to Madoff, including extensive correspondence and his first interviews for publication since his arrest, "e;Bernie Madoff, The Wizard of Lies"e; is the ultimate true-life financial thriller.
Meet the players in the most fundamental scientific revolution since Copernicus The Facts of MatterIt is one of the most disturbing aspects of our universe: only four per cent of it consists of the matter that makes up every star, planet, and every book. The rest is completely unknown. Acclaimed science writer Richard Panek tells the story of the handful of scientists who have spent the past few decades on a quest to unlock the secrets of dark matter and the even stranger substance called dark energy. These are perhaps the greatest mysteries in science,and solving them will reshape our understanding of the universe and our place in it. The stakes could not be higher. Paneks fast-paced narrative, filled with original, in-depth reporting and intimate, behind-the-scenes details, brings this epic story to life for the very first time.
Twenty years after Stephen Hawking's 9-million-copy selling A Brief History of Time, pioneering theoretical physicist Sean Carroll takes our investigation into the nature of time to the next level. You can't unscramble an egg and you can't remember the future. But what if time doesn't (or didn't!) always go in the same direction? Carroll's paradigm-shifting research suggests that other universes experience time running in the opposite direction to our own. Exploring subjects from entropy and quantum mechanics to time travel and the meaning of life, Carroll presents a dazzling new view of how we came to exist.
A completely revised edition offering insight into the key economic, social and political developments that have shaped both the individual countries of South Asia and region as a wholeCombining factual information with a critical approach which probes the nature of culture and identity, this concise yet authoritative account paints a graphic picture of an area stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Himalayan mountains. With coverage not only of India, but also of Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, this book surveys nearly 5000 years, from the early settlers of prehistory to the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and the Tamil Tiger conflicts. Particular emphasis is placed on the last 200 years, while the key theme of shifting regional identities underpins the author's insights in to the social, economic and spiritual past of the region. In the world of globalization that we now inhabit, no world region is understood as being composed simply of enclosed national territories of politics, economy, society, and culture. South Asia is a global phenomenon, and working that idea into our understanding of South Asian history is a challenge that this new edition fully embraces.
The most comprehensive and gripping account of the Afghan war, by a BBC journalist.The war in Afghanistan is over ten years old. It has cost countless lives and hundreds of billions of pounds. Politicians talk of progress, but the violence is worse than ever. In this powerful and shocking expos from the front lines in Helmand province, leading journalist and documentary-maker Ben Anderson (HBO, Panorama, and Dispatches) shows just how bad it has got. Detailing battles that last for days, only to be fought again weeks later, Anderson witnesses IED explosions and sniper fire, amid disturbing incompetence and corruption among the Afghan army and police. Also revealing the daily struggle to win over the long-suffering local population, who often express open support for the Taliban, No Worse Enemy is a heartbreaking insight into the chaos at the heart of the region. Raising urgent questions about our supposed achievements and the politicians desire for a hasty exit, Anderson highlights the vast gulf that exists between what we are told and what is actually happening on the ground. A product of five years unrivalled access to UK forces and US Marines, this is the most intimate and horrifying account of the Afghan war ever published.
The only book to cover the evolution of one of the most important areas of philosophyThe birth of the Enlightenment heralded a new reverence for the power of reason. But as science flourished in Europe, violence and brutality did not abate. In the French Revolution, thousands were guillotined and the death toll was vast. Philosophers asked whether we had become dehumanised by rationality and abstract political theory. Did art and literature provide a way to rediscover our soul and our compassion? Or could art be corrupted just as easily, used as propaganda to justify abhorrent acts? In this masterful survey of European aesthetics over the last two hundred years, philosopher Robert L. Wicks argues that it is this tension between creativity and rationality that has characterised debate in the subject. Presenting the theories of sixteen seminal thinkers, including Kant, Nietzsche, Freud, and Derrida, European Aesthetics shows how each philosophers theory of art was motivated by broader topics in their thought, concerning who we are and what a good society should resemble. With colour photographs and written in a lively but objective tone, Wicks analyses important pieces of art, makes critical comparisons between thinkers, and offers a bold conclusion on our contemporary aesthetic situation. In an internet age, where we are presented with endless opportunity, but also startling existential questions, this is the definitive account of the evolution of continental thought in this hugely relevant and exciting area of philosophy.
Almost four decades after his death Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975) remains by far the most influential African American Muslim. Leader of the Nation of Islam movement for over thirty years and a mentor to Malcolm X, Muhammad was responsible for introducing hundreds of thousands of African Americans to Islam. In this fascinating biography Herbert Berg assesses the impact of Muhammads unique and intriguing perspective on Islam, and seeks to understand why he formulated it. Careful to consider Muhammads career within the context of the significant racial tensions of his time, this volume investigates a figure whose formulation of Islam, however divisive, forced Muslims and scholars alike to evaluate their often normative definitions of this religious tradition.
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