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Showing 1 - 20 of 20 items
By J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien. 2014
Early prose translation (1926) from the Old English by the esteemed Oxford classicist and author of The Lord of the…
Rings (DB 47486, 47487, 47488) trilogy. This volume, edited by Tolkien's son Christopher, also contains extensive commentary on the text and its world, and a short tale by the author. Some violence. 1926By Sioned Davies. 2007
Eleven medieval Welsh tales with themes of Celtic mythology and Arthurian romance, love and betrayal, shape-shifting and enchantment, conflict and…
retribution. Translation by Sioned Davies based on two manuscripts dated between 1382 and c. 1410, both rooted in the oral tradition of storytellers. 2007By Padraic Colum, Willy Pogany. 2010
Recounts the adventures in ancient Greece of Jason and his brave Argonauts, who sought the famous Golden Fleece. Includes mythical…
tales of Orpheus, Atalanta, Theseus, and Pandora and her secret box. Introduction by Rick Riordan. Originally published in 1921. For grades 5-8 and older readers. Newbery Honor. 2010By Dick Davis, Abolqasem Ferdowsi, Firdawsī. 2006
Persian national epic completed in 1010. Covers Persian history from its mythical beginnings to the acceptance of the Zoroastrian faith,…
Alexander the Great's invasion, and the seventh-century Arab Muslim conquest. Emphasizes the importance of bloodline in the legitimate succession of kings. Translation by Dick Davis. Some violence. 2006By Michael Morpurgo, Michael Foreman. 2006
A retelling in prose of the Anglo-Saxon epic about the great warrior Beowulf's heroic efforts to save the people of…
Heorot Hall from several terrifying monsters, including Grendel; Grendel's mother, an old sea-hag; and the death-dragon of the deep. For grades 6-9. 2006By Rosemary Sutcliff, Charles Keeping. 1961
In Denmark long ago, the mighty warrior Beowulf conquers first the monster Grendel and then Sea-Hag--Grendel's mother--in an undersea struggle.…
Returning to his homeland, Beowulf becomes king and dies protecting his people from the wrath of the Fire-Drake. Narrative version of the Old English epic poem. For grades 5-8. 1961By John Updike. 1984
A witty, audacious novel about three modern-day witches living in Eastwick, Rhode Island, in the 1960s. Divorced and in their…
thirties, they would eventually like to conjure up new husbands for themselves. But their powers remain largely unfocused until a rich, vulgar, sexy stranger moves to town. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller 1984By Kelly Milner Halls, Rick Spears. 2019
Cryptozoology is the study of mysterious creatures that fall between the realm of real and imaginary on the scientific spectrum.…
This book offers a closer look at fifty of these amazing creatures, examining the best possible evidence for each, including scientific papers, magazine and newspaper articles, and credible eyewitness accounts. For junior and senior high readers. . UnratedBy Victoria Hanley. 2008
Presents creative-writing tips and exercises, from freewriting to understanding the elements of fiction. Provides examples for character development, motivation, and…
perspective. Assesses difficult aspects of writing fiction, such as creating the setting and mood, and infusing your style and voice into the story. For junior and senior high readers. 2008By David Brin, Lois Mcmaster Bujold, Elizabeth Moon, Mercedes Lackey, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Todd Mccaffrey, Michael Whelan. 2013
When Anne McCaffrey passed in November 2011, it was not only those closest to her who mourned her death; legions…
of readers also felt the loss deeply. The pioneering science fiction author behind the Dragonriders of Pern® series crafted intricate stories, enthralling worlds, and strong heroines that profoundly impacted the science fiction community and genre.In Dragonwriter, Anne's son and Pern writer Todd McCaffrey collects memories and stories about the beloved author, along with insights into her writing and legacy, from those who knew her best. Nebula Award-winner Elizabeth Moon relates the lessons she learned from Pern's Lessa (and from Lessa's creator); Hugo Award-winner David Brin recalls Anne's steadfast belief that the world to come will be better than the one before; legendary SFF artist Michael Whelan shares (and tells stories about) never-before-published Pern sketches from his archives; and more.Join Anne's co-writers, fellow science fiction authors, family, and friends in remembering her life, and exploring how her mind and pen shaped not only the Weyrs of Pern, but also the literary landscape as we know it.Contributors include: Angelina Adams David Brin David Gerrold John Goodwin Janis Ian Alec Johnson Georgeanne Kennedy Mercedes Lackey Sharon Lee and Steve Miller Lois McMaster Bujold Elizabeth Moon Charlotte Moore Robert Neilson Jody Lynn Nye and Bill Fawcett Robin Roberts Elizabeth Ann Scarborough Wen Spencer Michael Whelan Richard J. Woods Chelsea Quinn YarbroBy Laura Watkinson, Guus Kuijer. 2016
One of Northern Europe's most popular writers, Guus Kuijer was fascinated with the Bible from an early age, but was…
never able to believe it, no matter how hard he tried. Now, in prose that is humorous and sometimes irreverent, Kuijer reinterprets the most popular book in the world, making it new again for the twenty-first century and for the first time rendering it accessible to "unbelievers"—that is, to people who are ready to appreciate it as something other than a sacred text. The first volume of The Bible for Unbelievers tells the story of the Book of Genesis as an agnostic novel in which man's curiosity causes creation, not God alone. Kuijer explores the nagging loneliness of the universe before creation. He asks if man and woman are indeed God's handiwork or vice versa. The entire cast of characters in this Bible is imperfect, a little lawless, and at times fumbling and jealous—God included. Kuijer's afterword tells us that no story can "come to life unless the storyteller makes it his or her own." There's a charming invitation in these pages for us all to dare to revisit our founding myths and the roles we play in them. The Bible for Unbelievers is here to draw us into questions that have no answers. It does so not with fear or religiosity, but with joy.By Holly Black, Rachel Caine, Cassandra Clare, Kami Garcia, Sarah Rees Brennan. 2012
Explore the world of the Mortal Instruments with Cassandra Clare and moreJoin Cassandra Clare and a Circle of more than…
a dozen top YA writers, including New York Times bestsellers Holly Black, Rachel Caine, and Kami Garcia, as they write about the Mortal Instruments series, its characters, and its world.Inside you'll read:* A cinematic tutorial on why the best friend (Simon) always loses out to the bad boy (Jace)* The unexpected benefits of the incest taboo* What we can read between the lines of Alec and Magnus' European vacation* The importance of friendship, art, humor, and rebellion* And more, from the virtues of Downworlders to the naughty side of ShadowhuntingBy R. A. Salvatore, Ned Vizzini, James Lowder, Daniel Abraham, Susan Vaught, Brent Hartinger, Gary Westfahl, Myke Cole, Andrew Zimmerman Jones, Elio M Garcia Jr., Linda Antonsson, John Jos. Miller, Jesse Scoble, Caroline Spector, Adam Whitehead, Alyssa Rosenberg, Matt Staggs. 2012
"There were a number of books about A Game of Thrones (the HBO series) and A Song of Ice and…
Fire (the books) published last year . . . the one that impressed me most was James Lowder's Beyond the Wall."--George R.R. MartinForeword by New York Times bestselling author R.A. SalvatoreGo beyond the Wall and across the narrow sea with this collection about George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, from A Game of Thrones to A Dance with Dragons.The epic game of thrones chronicled in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series has captured the imaginations of millions of readers. In Beyond the Wall, bestselling authors and acclaimed critics offer up thought-provoking essays and compelling insights: Daniel Abraham reveals the unique challenges of adapting the original books into graphic novels. Westeros.org founders Linda Antonsson and Elio M. García, Jr., explore the series' complex heroes and villains, and their roots in the Romantic movement. Wild Cards contributor Caroline Spector delves into the books' controversial depictions of power and gender.Plus much more, from military science fiction writer Myke Cole on the way Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder shapes many of the leading characters to author and television writer Ned Vizzini on the biases against genre fiction that color critical reactions to the series.Contributors:R.A. Salvatore (foreword)Daniel AbrahamLinda AntonssonMyke ColeElio M. García, Jr.Brent HartingerJohn Jos. MillerAlyssa RosenbergJesse ScobleCaroline SpectorMatt StaggsSusan VaughtNed VizziniGary WestfahlAdam WhiteheadAndrew Zimmerman JonesBy Arnaud Rafaelian. 2021
The surprising and illuminating look at how Tolkien's love of science and natural history shaped the creation of his Middle…
Earth, from its flora and fauna to its landscapes.The world J.R.R. Tolkien created is one of the most beloved in all of literature, and continues to capture hearts and imaginations around the world. From Oxford to ComiCon, the Middle Earth is analyzed and interpreted through a multitude of perspectives. But one essential facet of Tolkien and his Middle Earth has been overlooked: science. This great writer, creator of worlds and unforgettable character, and inventor of language was also a scientific autodidact, with an innate interest and grasp of botany, paleontologist and geologist, with additional passions for archeology and chemistry. Tolkien was an acute observer of flora and fauna and mined the minds of his scientific friends about ocean currents and volcanoes. It is these layers science that give his imaginary universe—and the creatures and characters that inhabit it—such concreteness. Within this gorgeously illustrated edition, a range of scientists—from astrophysicists to physicians, botanists to volcanologists—explore Tolkien&’s novels, poems, and letters to reveal their fascinating scientific roots. A rewarding combination of literary exploration and scientific discovery, The Science of Middle Earth reveals the hidden meaning of the Ring&’s corruption, why Hobbits have big feet, the origins of the Dwarves, the animals which inspired the dragons, and even whether or not an Ent is possible. Enhanced by superb original drawings, this transportive work will delight both Tolkien fans and science lovers and inspire us to view both Middle Earth—and our own world—with fresh eyes.Become an expert on the various species of North American Unicornus thanks to this fun, funny, and fascinating field guide!From…
historical details to identification strategies, you&’ll soon be immersed in the world of unicorns that roam the wilds of North America thanks to the scientific, "fact-packed" handbook. Plus, you&’ll learn easy, step-by-step drawing techniques for when you&’re out in the wild searching for signs of unicorn presence. Along with unicorn history, popular tales, and scientific information, you&’ll be provided with in-depth details about the most popular species of North American unicorns, including: • American Unicorn • Hoary Unicorn • Spiked Bog Pony • Tropical Unicorn • And more! This field guide is perfect for any lover of these fantastic beasts, no matter if they believe unicorns to be fact or fiction!By Lawrence Watt-Evans. 2013
Over the years, in a variety of venues, Lawrence Watt-Evans has turned his sharp, analytical, and slightly crazed mind to…
everything from weaponized poetry to why the Enterprise doesn't have seatbelts, and everyone from Jane Austen to Buffy Summers. Collected for the first time are twenty-three of these essays, discussing icons of comic books, television, novels, movies, and much more!By Holly Black, Rachel Caine, Cassandra Clare, Kami Garcia, Sarah Rees Brennan. 2012
Explore the world of the Mortal Instruments with Cassandra Clare and moreJoin Cassandra Clare and a Circle of more than…
a dozen top YA writers, including New York Times bestsellers Holly Black, Rachel Caine, and Kami Garcia, as they write about the Mortal Instruments series, its characters, and its world.Inside you'll read:* A cinematic tutorial on why the best friend (Simon) always loses out to the bad boy (Jace)* The unexpected benefits of the incest taboo* What we can read between the lines of Alec and Magnus' European vacation* The importance of friendship, art, humor, and rebellion* And more, from the virtues of Downworlders to the naughty side of ShadowhuntingBy Emily Martin, Mara Shaughnessy. 2013
Downpour is the enchanting story of a rainy day turned magical. A rainy day is usually the time to clomp…
around in rubber boots and discover worms and puddles and other such rainy day things. But this is no ordinary rainy day. Embark on a journey of discovery as the rain begins to wash away the color from the bright red poppies in a field. Follow the color red on its journey, page after page, as it infuses myriad quirky and everyday objects with its bright cheerful hue: from the beaks of curious birds to the big wheel at the faraway fair. In a fresh, poetic style, with bright splashes of color on each page, this high contrast book will allow young readers to learn about color and build their vocabulary while stimulating their senses.From best-selling author and illustrator Ron Barrett, who forecasted the weather in the classic picture book, Cloudy With a Chance…
of Meatballs, now predicts how—thanks to climate change and other unpleasantries—the world will end! With research and really scary text by Jim Parry, The Top Ten As We Hit Bottom is a darkly humorous collection of &“Top Ten&” lists that highlights the predicament global warming and other impending catastrophes have put us into. Though some might call these lists &“fake news&” (we&’re looking at you, Donald), these lists are compiled and culled from the world's most credible authorities like NASA, the UN, and the Union of Concerned Scientists. But coupled with darkly humorous illustrations, you&’ll be laughing your way all the way down in our race toward the bottom! Here are some Top 10 lists to whet your appetite for Earth&’s impending doom: &“Top 10 species we&’ll lose to climate change&”&“Top 10 avalanches mostly caused by global warming&”&“Top 10 climate change deniers&”&“Top 10 times we almost had a nuclear war,&”&“Top 10 things that will happen when the Yellowstone Supervolcano erupts,&”&“Top 10 ways to try to stop an asteroid,&”&“Top 10 signs that the earth is about to be swallowed by a black hole,&”&“Top 10 ways a particle accelerator mishap could destroy the world,&”&“Top 10 end-of-world cults you can join now.&”And many more!This book explores the contexts and reception history of Robert Pollok’s religious epic The Course of Time (1827), one of…
the best- selling long poems of the nineteenth century, which has been almost entirely forgotten today. Widely read in the United States and across the British Empire, the poem’s combination of evangelical Calvinism, High Romanticism, and native Scottishness proved irresistible to many readers. This monograph traces the poem’s origins as a defense of Biblical authority, divine providence, and religious orthodoxy (against figures like Byron and Joseph Priestley) and explores the reasons for The Course of Time’s enormous, decades- long popularity and later precipitous decline. A close reading of the poem and an examination of its reception history offers readers important insights into the dynamic relationship between religion and wider culture in the nineteenth century, the uses of literature as a vehicle for theological argument and theodicy, and the important but often overlooked role that religion played in literary— and, particularly, Scottish— Romanticism. This work will appeal to scholars of religious history, literary history, Evangelicalism, Romanticism, Scottish literature, and nineteenth- century culture.