Alexander von Humboldt was the most famous scientist and explorer of his day. “I view him as one of the greatest ornaments of the age,” wrote Thomas Jefferson, and he received Humboldt in the White Ho
Every century, every culture has sought the spiritual dimensions of life in particular ways, through teachings and lifestyles it could embrace. Across the ages, for some women and men the longing to u
During the last decades of the nineteenth century in the Old West, cowboys and Indians, lawmen and outlaws, ranchers and farmers shared the border between Canada and the United States—and mostly ignor
Great Books of China invites readers to discover—or rediscover—some of the major achievements of Chinese culture and civilization. The literature of China remains largely unknown in the West, yet it o
Two Dogs and a Parrot offers both heartwarming stories and thought-provoking reflections about sharing life with an animal companion. The relationships we form with them—with dogs, birds, cats, horses
Pilgrimage in the Western world is enjoying a growing popularity today, perhaps more so than at any time since the Middle Ages. Paths, trails, and roads once again greet spiritual travelers on the mov
Embracing the Seasons is a soulful journey through the seasons of a year in a country garden. Gunilla Norris shares her observations of this garden and the surrounding land with its trees and shrubs,
Theodor Herzl had been a successful Viennese journalist and a less successful playwright with no political ambitions. That changed in 1896, when he publishedThe Jewish State. The following year he con
Great Books of China invites readers to discoveror rediscoversome of the major achievements of Chinese culture and civilization. The literature of China remains largely unknown in the West, yet it off
In Embracing the Seasons Gunilla Norris shares her soulful and thought-provoking observations of a year lived in the countryside and reflects on the abundance and meaning of nature and its cycles of r
The beguines began to form in various parts of Europe over eight hundred years ago, around the year 1200. Beguines were laywomen, not nuns, and thus did not take solemn vows and did not live in monast
Drawing from diaries, letters, and memoirs of such notables as Marcus Aurelius, Matsuo Basho, George Eliot, Louisa May Alcott and others, an inspirational history conveys 99 moments of happiness in al
Islands have been at the heart of our desires, and our fears, forever. *Island* tells the groundbreaking story of humans and islands, and islands and nature, from the beginning of time to the present.
This lyrical primer on the spirituality of gardening reflects on the relationship between a gardener and his or her garden. Meditating upon how interaction with the earth opens the heart, schools the
An exploration into the cultural, natural, and historical significance of islands, this unique book delves into what islands represent, how different cultures view them, and even the geological roots
A chronicle of happiness and pleasant moments from ancient Greece to more recent times, this collection contains 99 passages designed to give an uplifting perspective to modern life. Instead of advoca
"Every time, every culture has sought the spiritual dimensions of life in particular ways, in language and symbols and lifestyles it could embrace. Across the ages, countless men and women in East and
A?handwritten serial number inside a neglected 1807 Broadwood square piano inspired this illuminating story of an almost-forgotten musical instrument that transformed the musical and cultural percepti
Against the backdrop of 14th-century Europe?a time of social turmoil, outbreaks of the bubonic plague, a catastrophic war that devastated the continent, and an overall transition between the Middle Ag
Over many centuries, Judaism has consistently demonstrated a particular fondness for books and literacy, and this guide allows readers to listen in on the Jewish conversation across many centuries?fro
"Every time, every culture has sought the spiritual dimensions of life in particular ways, in language and symbols and lifestyles it could embrace. Across the ages, countless men and women in East and
While the demands and pace of modern living often prevent many from seeing the transcendent and extraordinary elements in the simple activities and events in life, this beautifully written, lucid, and
Full of vision, hope, and inspiration, this profound and passionate manifesto provides a fascinating overview of the incredibly rich and diverse spiritual landscapes of the world?feeding a deep longin
Like the finest medieval tapestry, this narrative history masterfully weaves together the sweeping events surrounding what has become known as the "Babylonian captivity" of the popes into the broader
Not?only?accepting but also celebrating?getting old, this inspirational and illuminating book looks at the many facets of the aging process, from purposes and challenges to struggles and surprises. Ce
"Don Brophy's Catherine of Siena is a masterpiece of content and context—a rare combination that makes a woman of the past a model for our own times. More than that, it's great writing! Enjoy!"-Joan
Revolutionary Spirits brings to life the complex creeds and personalities of America's founding fathers, and confronts many of the later myths about the religious views of some of the most notable fig
Celebrating the powerful role of birds in human customs and traditions from around the world and throughout history, this sourcebook explores the delightful stories surrounding some of the world’s bes
Proving that French literature has been a consistent and powerful source of cultural influence on an international level, this provocative and concise collection of 100 timeless French masterworks spa
Replete with terror, passion, and hope, this gripping narrative history explores the intricate mysteries of medieval Europe?through the lives of the great heretics whose beliefs and practices challeng
A handwritten serial number inside a neglected 1807 Broadwood square piano inspired this illuminating story of an almost-forgotten musical instrument that transformed the musical and cultural percepti
Examining angels as metaphors?not only of God reaching out to humankind but also of humankind reaching out to God?this comprehensive study illuminates the philosophical, psychological, and spiritual i
This thought-provoking examination of the most influential and popular accounts of polar exploration—from Viking settlers and Renaissance conquerors to expeditions led by such famous explorers
Exploring the enormous upheaval caused by the English Reformation and the Dissolution of the Monasteries, this vivid new history draws on long-forgotten material from the recesses of one of the world
The grim history of the slave trade from Africa is one that has had an impact on generations of people all over the world. While much of the initial voyage and inhumane treatment of slavery has been
Full of vision, hope, and inspiration, this profound and passionate manifesto provides a fascinating overview of the incredibly rich and diverse spiritual landscapes of our world—feeding a deep
One thousand years ago, the French abbey of Cluny was the hub of one of the most powerful empires of the Middle Ages and the spiritual heart of Europe. Cluny was a Benedictine monastery in Burgundy,
Replete with terror, passion, and hope, this gripping narrative history explores the intricate mysteries of medieval Europethrough the lives of the great heretics whose beliefs and practices ch
Notonlyaccepting but celebratinggetting old, this inspirational and illuminating work looks at the many facets of the aging process, from purposes and challenges to struggles and su
Drawing on archaeology, biology, art, literature, and ethnography, this singular work illuminates the relationship between horse and human throughout history. From the Ice Age to the postindustrial a
