Join thousands of book lovers
Sign up to our newsletter and receive discounts and inspiration for your next reading experience.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.You can, at any time, unsubscribe from our newsletters.
Do you worry that your understanding of English grammar isn't what it should be? It may not be your fault. For hundreds of years, vague and confused ideas about how to state the rules have been passed down from one generation to the next. The available books for the general reader - thousands of them, shamelessly plagiarizing each other - repeat the same misguided definitions and generalizations that appeared in the schoolbooks used by your great-great-grandparents. Geoff Pullum thinks you deserve better. In this book he breaks away from the tradition. Presupposing no prior knowledge or technical terms, he provides an informal introduction to the essential concepts underlying grammar and usage. With the foundation he provides, you will be equipped to understand the classification of words, the structure of phrases and clauses, and why some supposed grammar rules are really just myths. Also covered are some of the key points about spelling, apostrophes, hyphens, capitalization, and punctuation. Illuminating, witty, and incisive, The Truth About English Grammar is a vital book for all who love writing, reading, and thinking about English.
Carbon is much more than a chemical element: it is a polymorphic entity with many faces, at once natural, cultural and social. Ranging across 10 million different compounds, carbon has as many personas in nature as it has roles in human life on Earth. And yet it rarely makes the headlines as anything other than the villain of our fossil-based economy, feeding an addiction which is driving dangerous levels of consumption and international conflict and which, left unchecked, could lead to our demise as a species. But the impact of CO on climate change only tells part of the story, and to demonise carbon as an element which will bring about the downfall of humanity is to reduce it to a pale shadow of itself. In this major new history of carbon, Bernadette Bensaude-Vincent and Sacha Loeve show that this omnipresent element is at the root of countless histories and adventures through time, thanks to its extraordinary versatility. Carbon has a long and prestigious CV: its work and achievements extend far beyond the burning of fossil fuels. The fourth most abundant element in the universe and the second most abundant element in the human body, carbon is the chemical basis of all known life. Carbon chemistry has a long history, with applications ranging from jewellery to heating, underpinning developments in metallurgy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, nanoscience and green technologies. A biography of carbon transgresses the boundaries between chemical and social existence, between nature and culture, forcing us to abandon the simplified image of carbon as the anti-hero of human civilization and enabling us to see instead the great diversity of carbon's modes of existence. With scientific precision and literary flair, Bensaude-Vincent and Loeve unravel the surprising ways in which carbon has shaped our world, showing how unrecognisable the Earth would be without it. Uncovering the many hidden lives of carbon allows us to view our own with fresh eyes.
Generations raised after the Second World War took for granted a world of stability and prosperity, and with it the waning of ancient hatreds. Recent decades have been more sobering. Instability and extremism have returned in force, and as Shalom Lappin explains in this worrying book, an upsurge of antisemitism across the political spectrum.Lappin explores in particular the disturbing correlation between the expansion of economic globalization and the return of anti-Jewish ideas we thought had been consigned to the past. He examines this relationship within the context of the assault on democracy and social cohesion that anti-globalist reactions have launched in different parts of the world. To understand contemporary antisemitism, Lappin argues, it is essential to recognize the way in which its antecedents have become deeply embedded in Western and Middle Eastern cultures over millennia. This allows hostility to Jews to easily cross political boundaries, left and right, in a way that other forms of racism do not. Combatting antisemitism effectively requires a new progressive politics that addresses its root causes.The New Antisemitism is crucial reading for anyone concerned by the social pathologies unleashed by our current economic and political discontents.
Once there were princes and peasants and very few between. The extremes of wealth and poverty are still with us, but that shouldn't blind us to the fact our societies have been utterly transformed for the better over the past century. As Daniel Waldenström makes clear in this authoritative account of wealth accumulation and inequality in the modern west, we are today both significantly richer and more equal.  Using cutting-edge research and new, sometimes surprising, data, Waldenström shows that what stands out since the late 1800s is a massive rise in the size of the middle class and its share of societyâ¿s total wealth. Unfettered capitalism, it seems, doesnâ¿t have to lead to boundless inequality. The key to progress was political and institutional change that enabled citizens to become educated, better paid, and to amass wealth through housing and pension savings. Waldenström asks how we can consolidate these gains while encouraging the creation of new capital. The answer, he argues, is to pursue tax and social policies that raise the wealth of people in the bottom and middle rather than cutting wealth of entrepreneurs at the top.  Richer and More Equal is a benchmark account of one of the most profound and encouraging social changes in human history and a blueprint for continued progress.
The pelvic exam. If you've ever had one, you're probably already wincing. It might be considered a routine medical procedure, but for most of us, it is anything from unpleasant to traumatic. In Exposed, noted historian Wendy Kline uncovers the procedure's fascinating--and often disturbing--history. From gynecological research on enslaved women's bodies to nonconsensual practice on anesthetized patients, the pelvic exam as we know it today carries the burden of its sordid past. Its story is one of pain and pleasure, life-saving discoveries and heartbreaking encounters, questionable procedures and triumphant breakthroughs. Drawing on previously unpublished archival sources, along with interviews with patients, providers, and activists, Kline traces key moments and movements in gynecological history, from the surgeons of the nineteenth century to the OB/GYNs of today. This powerful book reminds us that the pelvic exam is has never been "just" a medical procedure, and that we can no longer afford to let the pelvic exam remain unexamined.
Explore the ancient Stoic way of thinking and the valuable lessons it holds for contemporary life This new volume contains the Enchiridion and selected Discourses of the great Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who believed that moral philosophy should be a practical guide to leading a better life. His works offer timeless instruction on how to live authentically, "in accordance with nature". Like other prominent Stoic thinkers Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus teaches us to attain self-mastery through the use of reason and virtuous living. In this striking addition to the Capstone Classics series, you can discover--or rediscover--the renowned Greek philosopher's guide to living the best life possible. Epictetus teaches that personal power and peace of mind are your birthright. Epictetus focused on maintaining discipline in matters that are under our control, and letting go of matters that are not. The key to improving oneself is to learn what is 'in one's power', not judging as good or bad anything over which we have no sway. In this remarkably simple yet transformative worldview, we gain peace of mind and have a greater impact on the world. Discover the practical moral philosophy of Epictetus, renowned Greek philosopher in the Stoic tradition Gain solace and peace of mind from the Stoic message of letting go of what we cannot control Learn the key messages of Epictetus in a new edition introduced by personal development author Tom Butler-Bowdon Gain the keys to a virtuous, productive, and happy life Whether you are formally studying philosophy or pursuing your own personal development, Selected Discourses - The Wisdom of Epictetus will make an excellent addition to your library.
If you're woke, you're left. If you're left, you're woke. We blur the terms, assuming that if you're one you must be the other. That, Susan Neiman argues, is a dangerous mistake. The confusion arises because woke is fuelled by traditionally leftwing emotions: the wish to stand with the oppressed and marginalized, to address historic crimes. But those emotions are undermined by widespread philosophical assumptions with reactionary sources. As a result, wokeism conflicts with ideas that have guided the left for more than 200 years: a commitment to universalism, a firm distinction between justice and power, and a belief in the possibility of progress. Without these ideas, the woke will continue to undermine their own goals and drift, inexorably and unintentionally, towards the right. One of the world's leading philosophical voices, Neiman calls with passion and power for the left to return to the ideals that built the best of the modern world.
Celebrating its evolution over thirty-four years, the sixth edition of Crouch and Alers Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Health continues its legacy as a trailblazing guide, reshaped to address the challenges of a post-Covid, globalised world. Led by renowned expert Rosemary Crouch, this edition embraces an inclusive perspective on human functionality, social inclusion, and participation in everyday life. Highlighting the pressing need for occupational therapy's role in addressing the burden of mental health disorders, it forecasts the staggering economic impact and emphasises prevention, resilience-building, and adaptive participation in daily activities. Featuring thirty interconnected chapters by seasoned practitioners and academics, this book: Aligns with international mental health standards and sustainable development policies, emphasising universal health access and human rightsCovers key aspects of occupational therapy, exploring theoretical perspectives for mental health care practice, ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity, advocating for occupational justice, and breaking barriers in mental health careIntroduces case studies and reflective questions at the end of each chapter to foster the integration of theory with practical application for different age groupsReflects upon emerging trends such as human ecosystem disruptions, spirituality and mental health, the impact of trauma on individuals and collectives, and maternal mental health concerns. Crouch and Alers Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Health is ideal for occupational therapy students and newly qualified practitioners, as well as any health professional looking for an up-to-date, evidence-based resource on this aspect of mental health care.
Single Best Answers for Medical Students Easy-to-use SBA revision aid for medical students taking formative and summative examinations throughout medical school, covering a broad range of topics Single Best Answers for Medical Students enables students to apply their knowledge to 500+ commonly examined scientific questions from a range of topics, including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, embryology, and histology, with detailed answers. Chapters are organised into specific themes, making it easy for readers to test their knowledge from various areas of the medical school curricula. The questions include clinical images, anatomical models and prosections, and are written in a way that tests readers knowledge of basic sciences. In Single Best Answers for Medical Students, readers will find: Chapters with 50 questions, with some sub-questions to provide broad topic coverage in a linear and logical fashionA comprehensive answer guide with key figures summarising important concepts to further deepen understandingCoverage of complex topics such as histology, genetics, pharmacology, medical ethics, and statisticsExplanations as to why incorrect answers are incorrect Single Best Answers for Medical Students is an excellent, detailed, and easy to understand learning resource throughout medical school and beyond. It aims to help lay the foundations of basic science so that medical students can apply this knowledge to future clinical scenarios.
Master paediatric pain management with precision This practical guide equips nurses and healthcare professionals with evidence-based skills to effectively manage children's pain. Explore assessment techniques, pain relief strategies, and best practices for both hospital and community settings, with a focus on core knowledge, advanced insights, clinical scenarios, and practical tips. The fully updated third edition includes an expanded procedural sedation section, enhanced coverage of capnography for respiratory monitoring, a new quality improvement sciences section, and additional online MCQs and self-assessment material. Written by experienced authors, with contributions from global experts, Managing Pain in Children and Young People covers: Why pain prevention and treatment are crucialPain's biopsychosocial nature and pharmacology of analgesic drugsAcute nociceptive, neuropathic, and visceral pain managementChronic headaches, post-surgical pain, neonatal pain, and procedural painPaediatric palliative care and pain management in low-income countriesDrug-free pain relief methods and ethical considerations With a multidisciplinary focus, this essential resource is tailored for healthcare practitioners working with children and young people; including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and physiotherapists. This essential resource empowers you to provide the best possible care for young patients, helping them find comfort and relief in their journey towards healing.
As rumours of a strange new illness in Wuhan spread via social media in China, 25-year-old citizen reporter Kcriss decides to travel to the epicentre of the disaster to try to find out what is really going on. He sees an ad for corpse carriers at a funeral home - Male or female, 16-50 years old, unafraid of ghosts - and decides to apply. He quickly realises that the official death figures bear no relation to what is happening in the local crematoria. But the brief moment when he can tell the truth to his followers on social media is soon over: he is discovered, followed and arrested by the security police - all documented live on the internet. In this startlingly topical documentary novel, Liao Yiwu takes us into the heart of the crisis that unfolded in Wuhan and unpicks the secrecy and cover-up that surrounded the outbreak of the public health emergency that ravaged the world. Where did the virus come from and what happened in Wuhan? Protocols are buried and new lies cement the story of the party's heroic victory - propaganda that poisons people like the virus.
Germany, like many countries, has witnessed the rise of extremist far-right groups and parties in recent years, and no more so than in the eastern regions. Why have those parts of Germany that used to be part of the old GDR turned out to be so supportive of extremist groups and parties and such fertile ground for violence and hatred? To try to find answers to this question, Ines Geipel, the former East German Olympic athlete, returns to her past in order explore the matrix of fear and anxiety that shaped the lives of people in the GDR. Spurred on by conversations at the bedside of her brother as he lay dying of a brain tumour, she probes into her own family background and discovers a web of secrets and denial that reflected larger processes of East German society. She finds that her father had worked as a special agent for the Stasi until the service had no further use for him, and her grandfather had joined the Nazi party in 1933 and was stationed in Riga at a time when tens of thousands of Jews were murdered in the nearby forests. Silence and denial within her family was mirrored in the collective loss of history outside her home, and the repression of ideological non-conformity made it difficult for a traumatized population to grapple with and come to terms with a brutal past. Instead, a politics of forgetting emerged which served the ends of an authoritarian state and seeped into private lives of individuals with deep and lasting consequences. This powerful memoir, grippingly told, will appeal to anyone interested in the history of modern Germany, in the rise of far-right extremism and xenophobia and in the historical forces that shape the present.
Few thinkers have provoked such violently opposing reactions as Edmund Burke. A giant of eighteenth-century political and intellectual life, Burke has been praised as a prophet who spied the terror latent in revolutionary or democratic ideologies, and condemned as defender of social hierarchy and outmoded political institutions. Ross Carroll tempers these judgments by situating Burke's arguments in relation to the political controversies of his day. Burke's writings must be understood as rhetorically brilliant exercises in political persuasion aimed less at defending abstract truths than at warning his contemporaries about the corrosive forces - ideological, social, and political - that threatened their society. Drawing on Burke's enormous corpus, Carroll presents a nuanced portrait of Burke as, above all, a diagnostician of political misrule, whether domestic, foreign, or imperial. Burke's lasting value, Carroll argues, derives less from the content of his specific positions than from the difficult questions he forces us to ask of ourselves. This engaging and illuminating account of Burke's work is a vital reference for students and scholars of history, philosophy, and political thought.
Few thinkers have provoked such violently opposing reactions as Edmund Burke. A giant of eighteenth-century political and intellectual life, Burke has been praised as a prophet who spied the terror latent in revolutionary or democratic ideologies, and condemned as defender of social hierarchy and outmoded political institutions. Ross Carroll tempers these judgments by situating Burke's arguments in relation to the political controversies of his day. Burke's writings must be understood as rhetorically brilliant exercises in political persuasion aimed less at defending abstract truths than at warning his contemporaries about the corrosive forces - ideological, social, and political - that threatened their society. Drawing on Burke's enormous corpus, Carroll presents a nuanced portrait of Burke as, above all, a diagnostician of political misrule, whether domestic, foreign, or imperial. Burke's lasting value, Carroll argues, derives less from the content of his specific positions than from the difficult questions he forces us to ask of ourselves. This engaging and illuminating account of Burke's work is a vital reference for students and scholars of history, philosophy, and political thought.
As a writer, poet, musician and dissident, Liao Yiwu is one of the most important chroniclers and analysts of contemporary China. In his books, he draws on his own experiences of imprisonment and mistreatment at the hands of the Chinese state to criticise abuses of power and give a voice to the downtrodden and disenfranchised. In this powerful memoir, Liao Yiwu reflects on his own journey from imprisonment in Sichuan to his current life in Berlin, where he now works as a full-time writer. As China's presence and influence on the international stage grows, this small book is a poignant reminder of the human cost of authoritarianism and of the power of the written word to bear witness to evil.
An accessible and engaging introduction to geographic thought from a recognized leader in the field In the expanded and engaging Second Edition of Geographic Thought: A Critical Introduction, renowned scholar Tim Cresswell delivers a thoroughly up-to-date and accessible examination of the major thinkers and key theoretical developments in the field. Coverage of the complete range of the development of theoretical knowledgeâ¿from ancient geography to contemporary theoryâ¿appears alongside treatments of the influence of Darwin and Marx, the emergence of anarchist geographies, the impact of feminism, and myriad other central bodies of thought. The latest edition explores new chapters on physical geography and theory, postcolonialism and decoloniality, and black geographies. The author emphasizes the importance of geographic thought and its relevance to our understanding of what it means to be human and to the people, places, and cultures of the world in which we live. The book also includes: New examples throughout consisting of interesting and up-to-date research from a wider range of geographical contexts and by geographers from diverse backgroundsComprehensive explorations of physical geography that combine updated coverage from the first edition with brand new materialUpdates discussions of spatial science and quantitative methods that include considerations the role of place and specificity in quantitative workIn-depth examinations of the idea of the Anthropocene, the uses of assemblage theory, and the emergence of the GeoHumanities. Perfect for students of undergraduate and graduate courses in geographic thought, Geographic Thought: A Critical Introduction will also earn a place in the libraries of students and scholars of the history and philosophy of geography, as well as practicing geographers.
Sign up to our newsletter and receive discounts and inspiration for your next reading experience.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.