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By Carlo Goldoni. 2009
True to Goldoni's mixture of comic wit and farce, the plot is a breathtakingly fast succession of twists and turns…
which only unravel in the final lines with a surprise ending.Two friends are in love with the same young woman. Neither wants to place their friendship in jeopardy. How can love triumph without breaking off their friendship? Goldoni explores the conflicts brought about when Florindo has to choose between Lelio, his best friend, and Rosaura, his friend's fiancée. Added to this conundrum are the issues of whether Ottavio, the old miser, will provide a dowry and the mature Beatrice's unashamed incessant pursuit of Florindo.The play is set in Bologna in Lelio's house. Florindo is a guest along with his faithful manservant. From the opening of the play, Florindo seeks to return home to Venice in order not to damage his friend's relationship. However, his departure is obstructed by his hosts, leading to one complication after another.From the beginning, the plot is intense and fast-moving with inversions fed into the action in quick succession. This creates suspense which continues throughout the play as potential marriage partners are switched back and forth until the very ending when the audience finally discovers what the main characters' destiny will be. Will love or friendship prevail?The Venetian element is brought into this play through Florindo and his manservant, both Venetians. Apart from these two characters, all the others are portrayed as self-seeking, selfish and sly - whether servants or masters. The tension is kept at a constantly high level by the struggles between the characters. These struggles are not just brought about through love and friendship but are also generational and social. Furthermore, there is the added complication in the contrast of the characters' ideas of reality as they deceive one another. This creates dramatic irony and humour as the audience know more than any of the characters on stage.By Rafael Alvarez. 2009
Welcome to the critically acclaimed HBO drama series The Wire, hailed as "the best show on television, period" by the…
San Francisco Chronicle.The New York Times calls it "a vital part of the television landscape...unvarnished realism." Time declares that The Wire, "like its underfunded, workaday cops, just plugged away until it outshone everything else on TV."The Wire stands not only as riveting drama but also as a sociopolitical treatise with ambitions beyond any television serial. The failure of the drug war, the betrayal of the working class, the bureaucratization of the culture and the cost to individual dignity -- such are the themes of the drama's first two seasons. And with every new episode of season three and beyond, another layer of modern urban life will be revealed. Gritty, densely layered, and realistic, The Wire is series television at its very best, told from the point of view of the Baltimore police, their targets, and many of those caught in the middle.Rafael Alvarez -- a reporter, essayist, and staff writer for the show -- brings the reader inside, detailing many of the real-life incidents and personalities that have inspired the show's storylines and characters, providing the reader with insights into the city of Baltimore -- itself an undeniable character in the series. Packed with photographs and featuring an introduction by series creator and executive producer David Simon, as well as essays by acclaimed authors George Pelecanos, Laura Lippman, and Anthony Walton, here is an invaluable resource for both fans of the show and viewers who have yet to discover The Wire.Hollywood has long used the cop drama to excite and entertain, and Hollywood has always dictated the terms. But The Wire is filmed entirely in Baltimore, conceived by Baltimoreans, and written by rust-belt journalists and novelists intimately familiar with the urban landscape. It's as close as television has yet come to allowing an American city to tell its own tale.By Glenn Dakin, Victoria Saxon. 2020
Meet the villains we all love to hate!The essential guide to more than 50 of the most villainous Disney and…
Disney Pixar movie characters.What makes Cruella De Vil so cruel?Why is Scar jealous of his brother Mufasa?Who are the troublesome toys at Sunnyside Daycare?© 2020 DisneyBy Jason Fry. 2021
Meet more than 350 incredible clones, Jedi, droids, bounty hunters, and a host of other characters from Star Wars: The…
Clone Wars. What is the Bad Batch? Who inducted Ahsoka Tano into the Jedi Order? Where does General Grievous keep a secret lair? Why does Captain Rex mutiny against his Jedi General on Umbara? To learn the answers to these questions and more, look no further than Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Character Encyclopedia – Join the Battle! Written by Star Wars expert Jason Fry, this illustrated encyclopedia features more than 350 incredible characters and teams, including Anakin Skywalker, Maul, Bo-Katan Kryze, and Clone Force 99. Perfect for fans of all ages, Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Character Encyclopedia – Join the Battle! will enthrall readers for hours on end. © & ™ 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd.By Pablo Hidalgo. 2019
Go beyond Star Wars™ The Rise of Skywalker with this definitive guide to the final chapter of the Skywalker saga,…
produced in close collaboration with Lucasfilm.Written by Star Wars™ insider Pablo Hidalgo, this 200-page book is packed with more than 600 images, five stunning original cross-section artworks, and behind-the-scenes photography in this must-have companion.Uncover the inner workings of the treadable and the secrets of Rey's Jedi library. Discover the Sith fortress world of Exegol and the treasures of droidsmith Babu Frik. Examine the brutal weaponry of the Knights of Ren and the ingenious garb of the Orbak riders. Meet the most notorious criminals of Kijimi and the sociable Aki-Aki on Pasaana. Study the intricate reforging of Kylo Ren's helmet and the menacing armor of the Sith troopers.With a foreword by Episode 9 writer, Chris Terrio, Star Wars™ The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary is the perfect gift for Star Wars fans of all ages.© & TM 2020 LUCASFILM LTD.By George Martin, Elio García, Linda Antonsson. 2022
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This lavish visual history—featuring over 180 all-new illustrations—is a stunning introduction to House Targaryen, the…
iconic family at the heart of HBO&’s Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon. For hundreds of years, the Targaryens sat the Iron Throne of Westeros while their dragons ruled the skies. The story of the only family of dragonlords to survive Valyria&’s Doom is a tale of twisty politics, alliances and betrayals, and acts both noble and craven. The Rise of the Dragon chronicles the creation and rise of Targaryen power in Westeros, covering the history first told in George R. R. Martin&’s epic Fire & Blood, from Aegon Targaryen&’s conquest of Westeros through to the infamous Dance of the Dragons—the bloody civil war that nearly undid Targaryen rule for good. Packed with all-new artwork, the Targaryens—and their dragons—come vividly to life in this deluxe reference book. Perfect for fans steeped in the lore of Westeros, as well as those who first meet the Targaryens in the HBO series House of the Dragon, The Rise of the Dragon provides a must-have overview for anyone looking to learn more about the most powerful family in Westeros.By Sonya Sones. 2007
Robin, Sophie's boyfriend from What My Mother Doesn't Know (BR 14156), relates in free verse his perspective on love and…
heartache. Robin fears that Sophie may dump him because he is a social outcast and she catches him kissing another girl. Uncontracted braille. For senior high readers. 2007By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao. 2012
Ivan the gorilla has lived comfortably for years in a down-and-out, circus-themed mall. But when baby elephant Ruby arrives, Ivan…
decides that he must find her a better life. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 2012By Kirsten Mayer, Lucy Rosen, J. E Bright, Donald B Lemke, Laurie Sutton. 2014
Collection of five books, written in 2012 and 2013, featuring the adventures of Batman, Superman, and characters of the Justice…
League such as the Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and the Green Lantern. Includes Batman versus Man-Bat, Superman versus the Silver Banshee, and more. For grades K-3. 2013By Eric Litwin. 2018
By Annette Hannah. 2023
Lottie Daniels is dancing up the altar in Canada when she realises her whirlwind wedding is a big mistake. Chad…
isn't the right person for her at all! And, in that moment, Lottie goes from dancing bride to runaway bride.Much to her brother's relief, Lottie decides to return to Bramblewood in the UK. But life has more surprises in store for her. After rescuing both a donkey and a little old lady called Doris - all with the help of a handsome stranger! - Lottie suddenly becomes a big part of Doris's life. From broken dreams to second chances, Lottie finally has a chance to rebuild her life. When her friends suggest she takes part in a dance audition she refuses point blank but it soon becomes clear that destiny has other plans.You are guaranteed to fall head over heels with this sweet and charming romance.By Annette Hannah. 2023
Lottie Daniels is dancing up the altar in Canada when she realises her whirlwind wedding is a big mistake. Chad…
isn't the right person for her at all! And, in that moment, Lottie goes from dancing bride to runaway bride.Much to her brother's relief, Lottie decides to return to Bramblewood in the UK. But life has more surprises in store for her. After rescuing both a donkey and a little old lady called Doris - all with the help of a handsome stranger! - Lottie suddenly becomes a big part of Doris's life. From broken dreams to second chances, Lottie finally has a chance to rebuild her life. When her friends suggest she takes part in a dance audition she refuses point blank but it soon becomes clear that destiny has other plans.You are guaranteed to fall head over heels with this sweet and charming romance.By Caroline Scott. 2021
From the highly acclaimed author of The Photographer of the Lost, a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick, comes a tale…
of a young war widow and one life-changing, sun-drenched visit to Cornwall in the summer of 1923... Esme Nicholls is to spend the summer in Cornwall. Her late husband Alec, who died fighting in the war, grew up in Penzance, and she&’s hoping to learn more about the man she loved and lost. While there, she will stay with Gilbert, in his rambling seaside house, where he lives with his former brothers in arms. Esme is fascinated by this community of eccentric artists and former soldiers, and as she gets to know the men and their stories, she begins to feel this summer might be exactly what she needs. But everything is not as idyllic as it seems – a mysterious new arrival later in the summer will turn Esme&’s world upside down, and make her question everything she thought she knew about her life, and the people in it.Full of light, laughter and larger-than-life characters, The Visitors is a novel of one woman finally finding her voice and choosing her own path forwards. Praise for Caroline Scott: &‘A page-turning literary gem&’ The Times, Best Books of 2020 'A touching novel of love and loss' Sunday Times 'A beautifully written must-read' heat 'A gripping, devastating novel' Sarra Manning, RED &‘A powerful novel&’ Good Housekeeping &‘A heartbreaking read&’ Anita Frank 'Breathtaking exploration of loss, love and precious memories&’ My Weekly, Pick of the Month &‘Achingly moving and most beautifully written&’ Rachel Hore &‘This beautiful book packs a huge emotional punch&’ Fabulous &‘Drew me in from the first line and held me enthralled until the very end' Fiona Valpy &‘Quietly devastating' Daily Mail 'A compulsive, heart-wrenching read' Liz Trenow &‘Powerful&’ Woman & Home 'Page turning, mysterious, engrossing and compelling' Lorna Cook &‘A carefully nuanced, complex story&’ Woman&’s Weekly &‘Caroline Scott evokes the damage and desolation of the Great War with aching authenticity' Iona Grey &‘Poignant&’ Best 'Momentous, revelatory and astonishing historical fiction!' Historical Novel Society &‘Wonderful and evocative&’ Suzanne Goldring &‘Based on true events, this is a powerful story&’ Bella &‘Immersive, poignant, intricately woven&’ Judith Kinghorn &‘An evocative read&’ heat &‘The story left me breathless&’ Kate Furnivall &‘A poignant hymn to those who gave up their lives for their country and to those who were left behind&’ Fanny Blake 'I was utterly captivated by this novel' Isabelle BroomBy Lynne Shelby. 2018
Fame can bring fortune - but can it bring love?'Warm-hearted, romantic, and beautifully written' KATE FIELD, author of A Place…
to Begin AgainWhen Lucy Ashford lands a top job at a leading theatrical agency in London, work mixes with pleasure, as she literally falls into the arms of Hollywood heartthrob Daniel Miller.Handsome, charming and irresistible, Daniel is just what unlucky-in-love Lucy needs, and she is quickly drawn into his glittering celebrity lifestyle. But can she tame the A-list bad boy or is she just one more girl in Daniel s long line of conquests?And then there's up-and-coming actor Owen Somers, fiercely talented but as yet uncast in a starring role. After she takes him onto the agency's books, Owen and Lucy's friendship slowly grows. If she looks closely, Lucy's leading man might be right before her very eyes...________Readers LOVE Lynne's swoon-worthy romances:'Well this is a wonderfully, romantic story! This is the first book I have read by Ms Shelby and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author. The One That I Want is fun, entertaining and very romantic' Amazon reviewer'Shelby's writing style transports you so completely into the world of her characters that I actually dreamt about Owen Somers! I loved reading this book and found it to be the perfect balance of romantic, unpredictable and fast paced. I really didn't want it to end' Amazon reviewer'This was a perfect weekend read. It whisked me away from rainy reality to the glamorous celebrity world in London... The story raced along with plenty of twists and turns; I had no idea how it was going to end, or which way I wanted it to end. Warm-hearted, romantic and beautifully written - I loved it' Amazon reviewer'Lynne Shelby has given us a glamorous, fun and compulsive read in her fabulous The One That I Want. I was rooting for the heroine Lucy all the way through and enjoyed every twist and turn of the plot... I thoroughly recommend this fresh, sparkling book - it's the one that you want!' Amazon reviewer'A believable and fun escape into the world of celebrity and showbiz... Very enjoyable read, with a most satisfactory ending' Amazon reviewer'A very well told story, of things that glitter brightly , but are rarely gold. Lovely believable charters with a good dollop of romance' Amazon reviewer'I really enjoyed this book. Lovely characters, lovely story and very well written. I will buy more books by this author' Amazon reviewerBy Jessica Gilmore. 2023
'The perfect summer escape - hot, romantic and funny' RACHAEL LUCASOne week. Two couples. A holiday they'll never forget... Indi…
Drewe is turning thirty and is exactly where she wants to be: she's on the cusp of a promotion, lives in her gorgeous London flat and is sure her perfect-on-paper boyfriend, Will, is about to propose... Only, on the night she'd hoped Will would present her with a sparkling diamond ring, she finds out that her younger sister Jade is getting married to a man she's known only for a few weeks! Worried her sister is about to make a terrible mistake, she immediately flies out to visit her sister in Greece - and is shocked to discover she's sharing her villa with a far-too-handsome (and perpetually shirtless) stranger, Mikhos. Indi and Mikhos might be each other's worst nightmare, but together, they only have days to stop the wedding before it's too late! Yet with so much love in the air on this paradise island, will they be able to resist falling for each other, too?By Cormac Mccarthy. 2013
On the eve of becoming a married man, the Counselor makes a risky entrée into the drug trade--and gambles that…
the consequences won't catch up to him. Along the gritty terrain of the Texas-Mexico border, a respected and recently engaged lawyer throws his stakes into a cocaine trade worth millions. His hope is that it will be a one-time deal and that, afterward, he can settle into life with his beloved fiancée. But instead, the Counselor finds himself mired in a brutal and dangerous game--one that threatens to destroy everything and everyone he loves. Deft, shocking, and unforgettable, McCarthy is at his finest in this gripping tale about risk, consequence, and the treacherous balance between the two.The geeks will inherit the earth.With well over two hundred episodes and a dozen seasons, The Big Bang Theory is…
one of America’s favorite television series, bringing a new class of character to mainstream television: the science nerd.In spite of its evident popularity and influence in shaping public attitudes to science and scientists, there are relatively few books that explore the show’s culture and social dimension. The Science of The Big Bang Theory looks behind the comedy scenes and scripts of this long-running and successful TV show to explore topics such as:The Bachelor Party Corrosion and ArchimedesThe Valentino Submergence: Fun with FlagsThe Dumpling Decoupling: Sheldon and Doctor WhoThe Mystery Date Observation: The Unlikely Dating Habits of EggheadsAnd More!This book is a light-hearted science companion to TV's The Big Bang Theory, providing you with just the kind of dissection of the science and culture you’d need to understand “math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries, that all started with the big bang! Hey!”By Erin MacDonald. 2022
Go where no board book has gone before with this cosmically awesome exploration of our solar system—and beyond!Thanks to its…
innovative storytelling, breathtaking special effects, and engaging characters, Star Trek has, for over 55 years, captivated the imaginations of generations of fans. But far more than a simple entertainment, Star Trek has long been cited as the inspiration for countless scientists, engineers, writers, artists, and, of course, astronauts, to enter and succeed in their chosen fields of study. Now, for the first time, the youngest Trekkie can explore strange new worlds and see the universe through a Starfleet Academy telescope. Illustrations of some of Star Trek&’s most iconic space-faring vessels, including the Enterprise, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, a Klingon Bird of Prey, and the Kataan probe are paired with real photographs of an asteroid, the planets, Pluto, the Sun, and even a nebula! And because this pop culture primer is filled with more visual Easter Eggs and jokes than there are stars, it makes the perfect gift for the adult collector, too! When enjoyed along with Star Trek: My First Book of Colors, Star Trek: My First Book of Space offers readers and fans of all ages an age-appropriate, entertaining, and energizing first contact with a comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education.By Robb Pearlman. 2022
Go where no board book has gone before with this exploration of colors seen across the galaxy!Thanks to its innovative…
storytelling, breathtaking special effects, and engaging characters, Star Trek has, for over 55 years, captivated the imaginations of generations of fans. But far more than a simple entertainment, Star Trek has long been cited as the inspiration for countless scientists, engineers, writers, artists, and, of course, astronauts, to enter and succeed in their chosen fields of study. Now, for the first time, the youngest Trekkie can explore strange new worlds and see the universe through the eyes of a Starfleet cadet. Enjoy illustrations of a SHINY SILVER space station, a GORN GREEN captain wearing a GOLD lame tunic and BROWN gauntlets, and of course Starfleet officers wearing BLUE, YELLOW, and RED shirts! And because this pop culture primer is filled with more visual Easter Eggs and jokes than there are tribbles, it makes the perfect gift for the adult collector, too! When enjoyed along with Star Trek: My First Book of Space, Star Trek: My First Book of Colors offers readers and fans of all ages an age-appropriate, entertaining, and energizing first contact with a comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education.A story of dropping the ball, picking it back up, and turning things around.58-year-old Jackie Douglas thinks she has everything…
she wants - kids, grandchildren, and a comfortable retirement with her husband, Steve. Until one afternoon she comes home to find Steve packing a bag and her comfortable life suddenly moves out of bounds.Her best friend Ros, a law firm boss with an appetite for life, laughter and (just the right amount of) wine, immediately leaps in to help Jackie back to her feet but soon finds herself feeling second best to Jackie's other priorities.Their barmaid/friend/wine protégé Jay is back home with her mum at nearly 30. Brilliant. After losing her job in London she's returned, working in the pub job she thought she'd left behind at 18.In tipsy search of something - anything - new, they wind up the leaders of a ramshackle, barely functional netball team: The Skids. Facing confusing exes, divorce, betrayals, financial woes and more, Jackie, Ros and Jay are about to discover that finding your team might just be the key to turning things around...(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited