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Meet America’s favorite “warlord,” Abdul Raziq Achakzai (1976-2018). This book depicts the U.S. war in Afghanistan from a new perspective: that of the most dynamic and fearsome of America’s late allies. His critics castigated him as another of the corrupt strongmen who have dominated Central Asia for the past four decades. But a closer look at Raziq’s environment will allow readers from the West to understand how military leaders came to participate in Afghan governance after 2001, much as Americans have turned to charismatic authoritarians to establish justice in the face of uncertainty at home in the past. Why did foreigners continue to work with Raziq, given his grievous reputation? The short answer is that he was competent from a military perspective. But speaking of General Raziq with his former comrades revealed that competence in counterinsurgency took on many distinct connotations. Over the course of his career, Raziq not only captured and killed Taliban fighters. He provided intelligence, recruited and organized manpower, rallied lagging forces, and allowed outsiders a way into the complex tribal politics of Kandahar Province. Above all, his charisma and enthusiasm inspired hope in his military partners, along with wide swaths of the population of Kandahar. Almost everyone who met Raziq remarked on his force of personality, which took on cult status in his last years. Raziq rose to power as a hybrid figure, as he gained authority through his military skills and as part of a tribal hierarchy. This hybridity helps to explain why his leadership was flexible and inclusive rather than authoritarian in nature. Although he began his career as a narrow tribal militiaman, he ended it as a coalition-building nationalist. In our age of militarized borders, proxy wars, and insurgencies, Raziq’s career as a regional strongman offers an important case study for ongoing security dilemmas around the world.

Discover the men, women, and children who called the Roman province of Britannia home through the most final ? and often only ? evidence they left behind: their tombstones. What can we learn from these lasting monuments to the dead? This book brings together a selection of surviving tombstones from Roman Britain for the first time in an easy-to-access collection, accompanied by useful contextual information on ancient burial practices, funerary symbolism, and afterlife beliefs. Explore the lives and deaths of people from every walk of life who came from all over the vast Roman Empire: from the devoted wives and playful children living along Hadrian's Wall, to the experienced soldiers stationed at forts across the province, and even the enslaved as they are commemorated for all eternity on these ancient inscribed stones. New clear translations of the inscriptions introduce these memorials to modern readers, and a handy guide at the end also equips readers with the tools for decoding common Latin funerary abbreviations for themselves. Each tombstone is accompanied by background information on the deceased, while accompanying illustrations and photographs of the tombstones bring these ancients back to life. AUTHOR: Dr Stephanie Holton is Staff Tutor and Lecturer in Classical Studies at the Open University. Her teaching and research explore ancient ideas about death, the body, and the soul across the Greek and Roman worlds. She was previously Senior Lecturer in Classics at Newcastle University, where she led several outreach projects based on ancient languages including the award-winning 'Romans on the Tyne' for schools in the North East. She is dedicated to making the ancient world accessible to modern audiences of all ages and frequently collaborates with museums, schools, and charities on a wide variety of projects. 30 b/w illustrations

In a swift campaign the Third US Army conquered the Brittany peninsula in August 1944. The German forces in Brittany had been herded into Lorient, St Nazaire, and Brest, where they could only await American siege operations. Despite these achievements, the Brittany campaign had not yet secured the basic strategic objectives that had motivated it: the capture of harbours. St Malo was destroyed beyond hope of immediate repair and Nantes was demolished as well. At the end of the month, as the VIII Corps gathered its forces for a mighty effort to take Brest, the development of the breakout in Normandy and the pursuit beyond the Seine made the logistical planners start to look elsewhere for major ports of entry. The VIII Corps faced a dogged defence at Brest and it took six weeks of fighting to obtain the final surrender of Generalleutnant Ramcke on September 19. American casualties in the Battle of Brittany totalled 9,831; prisoners and the taken numbered 38,000, of whom more than 20,000 were combat troops. On September 13, after the extent of the reconstruction and works necessary to rehabilitate the harbour at Brest had been looked at, it was decided to abandon all repair work there. The serious Allied problem of port capacity persisted until November, when the Antwerp facilities became available. The charge was later made that the employment of three divisions and valuable transports and supplies to defeat the German garrison at Brest adversely affected pursuit operations beyond the Seine. However, it should be noted that the resources used at Brest were quite small compared to the main effort and could hardly have changed the development of the advance towards the Seine and beyond. Told through more than a hundred ‘Then and Now’ comparison photographs that bring history to life, this book tells the story of the long siege of Festung Brest. By pinpointing for the first time, the locations where so many photographs were taken, this book will allow the reader to walk in the footsteps of the heroes of this great moment in history.

Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue meets Bridgerton in this stunning queer romance by KJ Charles, author of The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting'KJ Charles is, in my opinion, a titan of her genre'– Talia Hibbert, bestselling author of the Brown Sisters seriesNicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte, is making a splash in Society. The son of a French noblewoman wrongly convicted for a notorious crime, he hopes to restore his mother’s reputation, if only he can raise the funds. Or, at least, that’s his story. Titus Pilcrow, an unassuming shopkeeper, accidentally married an immensely wealthy woman on her deathbed. Now possessed of a fortune, he’s the target of every conman and beggar in London. Including Nico. Broke and desperate, Nico latches on to Titus. It’s his big chance to get rich – until he falls in love with the man he needs to cheat. Still, Nico is sure they can have a happy ending together. If he can just find a way out of his own web of lies . . . 'An absolute romp of a book . . . I read it in one glorious day'– T. Kingfisher, Sunday Times bestselling author of Hemlock & Silver'Hilarious hijinks and a heartfelt romance make this a fresh, fun springtime read'- Daily Mirror

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERFrom the pioneering scientist and longevity expert, Dr Florence Comite, the new science-backed guide to future-proof your body and mind, defy your genetic destiny, and live a healthier, longer life. ‘A powerful, science-driven roadmap to healthy longevity’ - MARY CLAIRE HAVER, bestselling author of The New Menopause‘Gives you the tools to understand your unique biology – and change the trajectory of your health for decades to come.’ - DR MARK HYMAN, bestselling author of Young ForeverYour genes do not have to be your destiny. Leading endocrinologist and longevity expert Dr Florence Comite has helped thousands of patients reverse biological aging and halt emerging diseases. Her proactive precision care is built on one central truth: your unique biology is the key to your longevity. Her clinical research shows that, even into middle-age, you can reverse the unhealthy trajectory you’re on, live disease- and pain-free, active and happy, and recapture the energy of your twenties. In her groundbreaking new book, Dr Comite offers a comprehensive, science-backed plan to improve your health and longevity, based on years of clinical research and real case studies. In Invincible she gives you the tools to:Decode your body’s Five Key Biomarkers — a personalised snapshot of your current and future healthIdentify your risks hidden in your genes, family history and daily habitsDiscover which of the Seven Patterns of Health Decline you may be following — and how to break freeTake targeted, practical steps to reverse biological aging, prevent metabolic decline and thrive in mind and body for decades to comeDrawing on two plus decades of clinical research, she shares her Nof1™ approach, which is tailored to your unique needs and backed by science, showing you how to you reclaim your health, extend your active years and enjoy the vibrant life you deserve — at any age. Unhealthy ageing is not inevitable; this book will show you how to become invincible. Praise for Invincible:‘Distils decades of clinical experience into a practical path to a longer, healthier life.’DAVID A SINCLAIR, bestselling author of Lifespan‘Provides a roadmap for reversing aging and building strong, resilient, health for life.’DAVID ZINCZENKO, bestselling author of Eat This, Not That!‘[Comite] is a brilliant, forward-thinking physician-scientist, and her book will guide anyone who wants to expand their healthspan to match their lifespan.’ DEAN ORNISH, bestselling author of UnDo It!

Discover the seasons and stories of the forest in this beautifully illustrated journey through a woodland year. Walk among the trees and watch nature's cycles unfold as time-honoured tales and traditions mark the turning of the seasons. From the first seedlings and birdsongs of the spring equinox to the hooting owls and holly wreaths of the winter solstice, this book explores and explains the natural world around us, and celebrates the magic of the wild. Find wonder and beauty in nature during every season- Watch the wheel of the year turn through the spring equinox, the summer solstice, the autumn equinox and the winter solstice- Discover customs and traditions including Beltane, Litha and wassailing- Explore the mythical and legendary creatures including the Woodwose, Green Man and Dumbledores. - Understand how nature and tradition have entwined through centuries

As Anthony Tucker-Jones shows in this highly illustrated, wide-ranging history, for most of the Cold War the tank retained its pre-eminence on the battlefield. The Arab-Israeli wars witnessed some of the biggest tank battles of all time, and tanks played key roles in conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan as well as in the Iran-Iraq War and the wars fought between India and Pakistan. But then in the mid-1960s anti-tank weapons became ever deadlier and the Mechanised Infantry Fighting Vehicle (MIFV), which was designed to support infantry and fight tanks, emerged and the heyday of the tank was over.Chapters cover each major phase in the evolution of the tank and of tank warfare during the period, from the battles fought in the late 1940s and 1950s with Second World War armoured vehicles like the T-34 and the Sherman, through to the designs common in the 1960s and 1970s like the T-55, Centurion, Challenger and M60 Patton, to the confrontation between the M1 Abrams and the T-72 during the Gulf War in 1991. Technical and design developments are important elements throughout the story, but so are dramatic changes in tactics and armaments which mean the tank has an increasingly uncertain role in modern warfare.

The essential field guide to British and Irish Odonata, featuring unrivalled full-colour artwork of all 58 species. 'A jewel of a book' - The IndependentAdult dragonflies are among the largest and most spectacular insects alive today, and their beautiful colours, phenomenal aerobatic skills and preference for flying in warm, sunny weather make them easy to observe. Now in its sixth edition, this trusted, practical guide enables you to identify all 58 species across the British Isles, featuring fascinating descriptive accounts and helpful insect-watching tips. It brings together more than 300 exquisitely detailed illustrations by renowned wildlife artist Richard Lewington alongside 168 stunning photographs to showcase the essential identification characteristics. Regional guides, flight-period charts and distribution maps help you to determine when and where to see each species, and an identification key to the larvae of all the resident and migratory dragonfly and damselfly species is also provided. Whether you are just beginning to explore the world of dragonflies and damselflies or are a long-time enthusiast, this an indispensable companion for discovering and identifying these remarkable insects.

When the gates of the last Magdalene Laundry closed in 1996, Ireland moved on. Or so it seemed. 'Enraging ... superb' JOHN BANVILLE, Guardian'Remarkable' Sunday Times 'An extraordinary gift ... both an education and a page-turner' DOIREANN NÍ GHRÍOFA'Highly readable and intelligently engaging' FINTAN O'TOOLE, TLS'Indispensable' ANNE ENRIGHT'A terrific unearthing of Ireland's shadowland. A landmark book' RORY CARROLL'Vivid, fluent ... a serious contribution to a subject that has still not been laid to rest' Irish Times'Powerful ... authoritative, passionate' Mail on SundayPublished to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of the last Laundry’s closure, The Fallen is the forgotten story of the Magdalene Laundries, told through the voices of the women who endured them, the nuns who presided over them and the communities that lived alongside them. Unflinching and compassionate, Louise Brangan draws on archives and survivors’ testimonies to dismantle long-held myths about what the Laundries were, who was sent to these places of violence and secrecy, and why. As we move from the past into the present, Brangan compels us not only to confront this shameful history, but to ask a deeper question: what do we choose to remember?'Engrossing … it feels part novel' MARY McCARTHY, Irish Independent'Critical, informed and beautifully written' MÁIRÉAD ENRIGHT'A forensic ... detailed and haunting history' SEÁN O’HAGAN, ObserverWinner of the 2024 Royal Society of Literature Giles St Aubyn Award

Following Longford: A Manchester Love Story, Sunnyside: A New Beginning, continues JulietteTomlinson’s sweeping Victorian family saga. From tragedy on the Cornish coast to the industrialheart of Manchester, the novel returns to the Rylands household at Longford, where orphanedchildren, unexpected motherhood, and acts of quiet philanthropy reshape fragile lives. Rich inatmosphere, this lyrical continuation explores class, inheritance, and the enduring legacies of loveand loss, revealing how compassion and community can forge hope across generations.

Have fun with sounds in this super silly beatboxing book – perfect for kids who like to read aloud!Introducing Boots and Cats, silly brilliant fun from author Hazel Gardner and prolific illustrator Fred Blunt. Enjoy the free audio track from professional beatboxer Conrad Murray - scan the QR code and beatbox along! With bobbing bunnies, guinea pig wigs and a high-wire act from an elephant this innovative, entertaining book is bursting with wild, unexpected sounds. Inspired by the rhythms of beatboxing, it's hilariously satisfying to read aloud. Beatbox along with the audio QR code, toe-tapping guaranteed!Using the well-known beatboxing starting point pattern of Boots and Cats this book takes you on a fantastical, magical ride, down to a deep-sea diner, a nightclub where ducks dance and an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. Bold, wacky and brilliantly funny, Boots and Cats tickles the imagination, reminding us all to find the fun in reading aloud - and to do it together!

'For decades Philip Sharkey modestly ruled the London roost of passport and visa photography: the greatest, most trusted and admired practitioner in the field. Those lucky enough to have come before Philip’s lens always left feeling that we had participated in a ritual that elevated us to a special kind of club. This wonderfully produced memoir vividly brings back to life a vanished time in the capital. Delicious.’ – Stephen Fry A never-before-seen archive of 300 celebrity portraits from London’s iconic Passport Photo Service, where actors, writers, musicians, athletes, and other famous faces posed for their travel document photographs Since opening its doors in 1953, Passport Photo Service, an unassuming studio on Oxford Street in London, photographed thousands of people for passports, visas, and green cards – and some of them just happened to be famous. It was a family affair run by professional boxer turned photographer Dave Sharkey, his wife, Ann, and, eventually, their son Philip. Conveniently located near the US embassy and directly opposite the department store Selfridges, Passport Photo Service became the go-to place for passport photos thanks to word-of-mouth and its 'Ready in 10 Minutes' slogan, offering instant service before anyone else in the city was able to provide such a quick turnaround. This charming book is a collection of more than 300 never-before-published portraits taken over the course of six decades, including actors, writers, musicians, politicians, athletes, and more. Organized loosely alphabetically, Passport Photo Service includes such famous faces as Muhammad Ali, Shirley Bassey, Eric Clapton, John Cleese, Joan Collins, Sean Connery, Anton Corbijn, Tim Curry, Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Dockery, Stefan Edberg, Mia Farrow, Tom Ford, Stephen Fry, Ava Gardner, J. Paul Getty, Althea Gibson, Chrissie Hynde, Mick Jagger, Angelina Jolie, Chaka Khan, Little Richard, Madonna, Rami Malek, Stella McCartney, George Michael, Carey Mulligan, Bill Murray, Peter O’Toole, Alan Rickman, Paul Robeson, Ringo Starr, Tilda Swinton, Shania Twain, Valentino, Gene Wilder, Kate Winslet, and Natalie Wood, among many others. More than one hundred of the portraits are accompanied by anecdotes and amusing stories, written by Philip Sharkey. Among his memories: The first celebrity to use their services, Errol Flynn, pushed open the door and, hands on hips, boomed, 'Yep, it’s me.' Muhammad Ali’s picture was taken on his way to the DRC (formerly Zaire) to fight George Foreman in the famous Rumble in the Jungle match. Sharkey’s uncle Peter suggested that perhaps Bianca Jagger remove her large hat for her photo, as the government might not accept the picture. She responded, 'They will for me.' She didn’t come back for a retake. In his introduction, which tells a brief history of his family’s business, Sharkey declares, 'One thing is for sure, whoever we photographed, famous or not – we treated them all with the same care and respect. In that moment, when the flash goes off, your passport photo becomes a great leveler.' Perfect for the photo historian, London nostalgic, or celebrity buff, Passport Photo Service’s design is an homage to the art of the passport, as well as the studio’s photo wallets that held developed prints, complete with a leatherette cover and a smart red stamp. Filled with a wonderfully eclectic assortment of subjects, this book is a breath of fresh air in the age of tightly controlled imagery. This volume charismatically yet emphatically celebrates the importance of vernacular photography and the story of a family-run business, revealing how images even made for travel documents can still be powerful portraits.

Unleash your inner artist with Paint by Numbers: Monsters from Petit Collage!This craft activity kit includes everything you need to send monsters to the moon, throw them a pizza party, play a round of hide-and-go-seek in the forest, and many more wild scenes you can frame, display, or share with friends and family. Each of the included sheets has a printed paint palette that just needs a little water to work. This minimizes mess and makes it easier to take your creativity on the go. Simply match the numbers of the colors to the numbers on the artwork to make your masterpieces!Perfect for ages 6+, all the materials come packaged in a brightly illustrated keepsake storage tin that can be reused. Inside, you’ll find 20 pre-printed sheets with line drawings to color, plus two wooden paintbrushes. Packaged in a reusable and recyclable tin, the sheets are made using FSC materials.

Olivia Alez is loving her life away from the royal palace. Now she isn''t a princess anymore she''s even more determined to be a science investigator, finding out things about the world around her.The third adventure featuring Olivia and her best friends Helga and Ravi .

'Sister Europe is so ambitious and ethically interested that it makes it clear that Zink is one of our most important contemporary writers.' GuardianAs a Berlin night draws in around the pristine glass exterior of the Hotel Interconti, a ragtag group of friends, family, and potential lovers find themselves frustrated. By promise or threat, they have all gathered at a lavish celebration of an elderly author’s venerable career. But dinner is delayed, the speeches are a drag and the gang – a young trans teen and her father; an ageing publisher and his flakey date; a dog, a troubled heiress and an Arab Prince – begin to feel the pinch of boredom, hunger and horniness. Together they will make their bid for freedom, and will soon embark on an exhilarating odyssey through the city’s shadow and light. . . Sophisticated, sexy and exquisitely funny, Sister Europe is the remarkable new novel from one of the most singular, brilliant writers working today: a vivid tale of growing up, growing old and getting down. 'Nell Zink is a writer of extraordinary talent and range. Her work insistently raises the possibility that the world is larger and stranger than the world you think you know' Jonathan Franzen'To stay out late in Zink’s world, loitering, is a pleasure. Her voice is cool and fastidious, but she has a screwball quality — a comic sensibility rooted in pain.' New York Times'An extraordinary talent… Zink is in the company of not only Jonathan Franzen, but also Donna Tartt, Philip Roth and Tom Wolfe' Daily Telegraph'A novel that fizzes with repartee and off-kilter cleverness' Daily Mail

Explore the world's largest Christian faith With more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide—and growing—Catholicism continues to shape lives and communities across the globe. Whether you're discovering faith for the first time, returning with fresh questions, or seeking to understand Catholic friends and family, Catholicism For Dummies provides your accessible guide to this rich tradition and its evolving role in today's world. This book transforms complex theology into clear insights, tracing the Church's journey from ancient foundations to contemporary realities. You'll discover how Catholic beliefs address both timeless mysteries and pressing modern questions, from the sacraments and creation to current social issues. Learn all about Catholic teachings, traditions, worship, and holydaysFind information on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, and his focus on Catholic social teaching and inclusive leadershipRead about recent canon law revisions that modernize Church governance while clarifying authorityGet profiles of newly canonized saints and blesseds who inspire today’s faithful Catholicism For Dummies is perfect for seekers, students, spiritual explorers, and practicing Catholics alike. It’s an engaging and straightforward exploration of Catholic beliefs and traditions and how they interact with the modern world.

Five women. Twenty-two years of friendship. One annual holiday that promises escape, connection and chaos in equal measure. No matter how hectic their careers, relationships or family lives become, they keep their tradition alive: one week away together EVERY year. This time, the Mini Breakers are heading to Portugal. But as the sun comes out, so do the secrets. Between complicated love lives and the messy realities of middle age, this getaway might just be their most dramatic yet. Scandals, revelations and questionable decisions are guaranteed when this group of gloriously imperfect, perimenopausal and fun-loving friends reunite.

What are the origins of shamanism and what is its future? Do shamans believe in their powers? What exactly is trance? And what can we learn from indigenous healing practices? In this enlightening book, anthropologist Manvir Singh offers a new explanation for one of the most misunderstood religious traditions. Travelling from Indonesia to the Amazon, living with shamans and observing music, drug use and indigenous curing ceremonies, he journeys into the origins of shamanism. Fundamentally, shamans are specialists who use altered states to engage with unseen realities and provide services like healing and divination. As Singh shows, shamanism's ubiquity stems from its psychological resonance. Its core appeal is transformation: a specialist uses initiations, deprivation and non-ordinary states to seemingly become a different kind of human, one possessed with the superpowers necessary to tame life's uncertainty. Following a fascinating cast of characters, Singh tells a larger story about the ancient and modern expressions of this timeless tradition. He argues that biomedicine can learn from shamanic practices, yet that psychedelic enthusiasts completely misrepresent history. He also shows that shamanic traditions will forever re-emerge - and that by journeying into humanity's oldest spiritual practice, we come to better understand ourselves, our history and our future.

The US government has been investigating unidentified aerial phenomena in a secret division of the Department of Defence. A former intelligence official urged the US to disclose evidence of UFOs after saying the government possesses 'intact and partially intact' alien vehicles. And what about those sightings of Tic Tac, Gimbal, Go Fast and the infamous Oumuamua? Danny Lavelle, our charming, borderline-bewildered investigator, sets out on a road trip through America's UFO heartlands to get some answers (thankfully 41% of Americans believe aliens have made contact so he has plenty of sources to choose from). Talking to those in the know in government and the UFO scene - often the same thing - Danny follows Lue Elizondo, Jeremy Corbell, attends sky watches (sometimes falling asleep in the desert), listens to alien abductees and has coffee with Starseeds (human beings who claim to be actual aliens). Whether he's smoking weed whilst holding dumortierite crystals to access his interdimensional past, or discussing 'space beads' with the Harvard astrophysicist who's convinced he's found evidence of alien life, Danny's journey becomes a deeper story about our unshakeable fascination with little green men - and our deepest wishes not to be alone in the universe.