eBooks de , página 88 de 278

The Red and the Black by Stendhal is a brilliant and psychologically penetrating novel that captures the restless ambition and emotional turmoil of post-Napoleonic France. First published in 1830, this enduring masterpiece explores themes of power, passion, hypocrisy, and social mobility through the unforgettable journey of one of literatures most complex protagonists.At the center of the story is Julien Sorel, a young man of humble origins whose intelligence and fierce determination set him apart from his provincial surroundings. Inspired by dreams of glory and advancement, Julien seeks to rise above his station in a society rigidly structured by class and privilege. The "red" of the title symbolizes military ambition and the fading dream of Napoleonic heroism, while the "black" represents the clerical pathone of the few avenues left for advancement in Restoration-era France.Juliens rise begins when he becomes a tutor in the household of Madame de Renal, where a forbidden and passionate affair reshapes his understanding of love and ambition. Later, in the aristocratic salons of Paris, he navigates political intrigue and social maneuvering with calculated charm and hidden vulnerability. Yet as he climbs the social ladder, his internal conflicts intensify. Torn between genuine emotion and calculated self-interest, Julien struggles to reconcile his romantic impulses with his relentless drive for status.Stendhals prose is sharp, elegant, and psychologically insightful. Through Juliens inner thoughts, the novel examines the tension between authenticity and performance in a society governed by appearances. Hypocrisy, ambition, and moral compromise shape the world he inhabits, forcing him to confront the cost of his aspirations.More than a tale of romance or ambition, The Red and the Black is a profound study of character and society. Stendhal dissects the structures of power that define early 19th-century France, revealing how political change leaves lingering social inequalities. The novels exploration of pride, desire, and self-deception remains strikingly modern, resonating with readers across generations.With its blend of passionate drama and sharp social critique, The Red and the Black stands as one of the great achievements of European literature. Julien Sorels tragic journey serves as both a cautionary tale and a compelling portrait of youthful ambition in a world where success demands sacrifice.Rich in emotional depth and intellectual insight, this classic novel continues to captivate readers with its timeless examination of love, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of identity.

Bologna e avvolta nel terrore.Un assassino si muove lungo i corsi dacqua della citta, lasciando le vittime appese come macabri trofei. Sul corpo, un segno inconfondibile: la filastrocca della Borda, la strega delle leggende popolari che terrorizza i bambini. Con la polizia in stallo e un serial killer capace di agire senza lasciare tracce, la madre superiora di un istituto religioso, un tempo orfanotrofio, si rivolge allinvestigatore privato Cesare Montanari. Ma il mistero e troppo fitto per affrontarlo da solo, cosi Cesare coinvolge Diletta Valli, avvocata dallistinto affilato e con la rara capacita di leggere le persone.Ogni vittima ha un legame con lex orfanotrofio ma quarantanni di silenzi, documenti spariti e suore terrorizzate, alzano un muro che sembra impossibile da abbattere. Intanto nella vita di Diletta tornano presenze note come lispettore Capuano e ne arrivano di nuove, come il giovane e brillante Simone, laffascinante Luca Fabbris e il giornalista Andrea Magnani, deciso a scavare ovunque non sia gradito.Mentre il passato riaffiora con tutta la sua ombra, Diletta si ritrovera a camminare su un crinale pericoloso, tra verita indicibili e nuovi demoni che si intrecciano ai suoi e scoprira che certe storie non vogliono essere raccontate ma vendicate. Un romanzo teso e avvolgente, in cui niente e come sembra. Un thriller atmosferico, che cattura e non lascia andare fino allultima riga.

Este livro é uma denúncia direta e fundamentada contra o desmonte silencioso do pacto democrático de 1988. A partir da Emenda Constitucional nº 95, o autor expõe como a austeridade orçamentária foi t

Este livro é uma denúncia direta e fundamentada contra o desmonte silencioso do pacto democrático de 1988. A partir da Emenda Constitucional nº 95, o autor expõe como a austeridade orçamentária foi t

Se Por que você sabe o que precisa fazer, mas não faz? é a pergunta que assombra você quando se depara com obstáculos, momentos de estagnação ou situações desafiadoras, saiba que foi a busca pela res

The Therac-25 was supposed to be the pinnacle of medical technologya radiation therapy machine controlled entirely by software to cure cancer. Instead, between 1985 and 1987, it delivered massive overdoses of radiation to patients, burning them from the inside out. The cause wasnt malice, but a "race condition"a bug that only triggered when a technician typed too fast."The Ghost Code" is a chilling investigation into the most infamous software failure in history. It reveals how corporate denial, lack of hardware interlocks, and overconfidence in code led to tragedy. For modern developers and engineers, it is a crucial case study on why "error 404" in the real world doesnt just crash a browserit costs lives.

The story is legendary: On Halloween night 1938, Orson Welles broadcast a radio adaptation of "The War of the Worlds." Millions of Americans, believing Martians were actually invading New Jersey, fled their homes in terror, clogged highways, and hid in basements. It is cited as the ultimate example of the power of media and human gullibility. There is just one problem: most of it never happened."The Panic That Wasnt" debunks the myth of the War of the Worlds panic. Robert Hughes reveals that the broadcast had very few listeners (most were listening to a ventriloquist act on a rival channel). The reports of mass hysteria were largely fabricated by newspapers the next day. Why? Because the print industry was terrified of the new medium of radio stealing their ad revenue. They wanted to prove that radio was dangerous and untrustworthy.This book is a fascinating investigation into the first major "Fake News" event about fake news. It explores how a small artistic experiment was weaponized by corporate rivals to create a legend that persists to this day. It teaches us to be skeptical not just of what we hear, but of the stories we are told about how we reacted.

In a world of extreme complexity, where surgeons have to master thousands of procedures and pilots fly jets with millions of parts, we often think the solution to errors is more training or better technology. But the most powerful tool in the experts arsenal is also the simplest: a checklist.Based on the groundbreaking work of surgeon Atul Gawande, this book explores why highly skilled professionals fail. Its not usually ignorance (not knowing what to do), but ineptitude (not applying what we know correctly). The human brain is flawed; under pressure, we skip steps and forget basics. A checklist acts as a cognitive safety net that catches these mental lapses."The Checklist Manifesto" takes you from the operating rooms of the WHO, where a simple 90-second checklist cut infection rates by half, to the cockpit of the "Miracle on the Hudson" flight. It teaches leaders and professionals how to build effective checklists that do not turn people into robots, but rather free up their mental energy to handle the unexpected. It is a guide to defending against the fallibility of human memory.

In 2004, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was the biggest entertainment product on Earth. But buried deep within its code was a deactivated minigame involving a cup of coffee and an invitation inside a girlfriends house. When a modder unlocked it, he didnt just reveal a sex scene; he triggered a political firestorm that reached the US Senate and changed the gaming industry forever.This book tells the definitive story of the "Hot Coffee" scandal. It explores the clash between artistic freedom and puritanical legislation, the disconnect between developers and executives, and how a few lines of forgotten code cost a company millions in recalls and lawsuits. It is a deep dive into the moment video games grew up and the world realized they werent just for kids anymore.

First published in 1886, The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a powerful and deeply moving novella that explores the meaning of life in the face of mortality. The story follows Ivan Ilyich, a high-ranking judge whose comfortable and socially respectable life is suddenly disrupted by a terminal illness.As Ivan confronts physical suffering and emotional isolation, he begins to question the values and choices that shaped his existence. Through his painful introspection, Tolstoy examines themes of authenticity, fear of death, social hypocrisy, and spiritual awakening.Written with striking psychological insight and moral clarity, this timeless classic remains one of Tolstoys most profound worksa haunting yet illuminating meditation on what it truly means to live.

The Magic Skin by Honoré de Balzac is a haunting and imaginative novel that fuses fantasy with philosophical reflection, offering a powerful meditation on desire, ambition, and the cost of unchecked wishes. First published in 1831 as part of Balzacs monumental La Comedie Humaine, this captivating tale explores the fragile balance between human longing and the limits of life itself.The story follows Raphael de Valentin, a young aristocrat reduced to poverty and despair. Disillusioned by failure and burdened by unfulfilled ambition, Raphael wanders the streets of Paris contemplating ending his life. In a mysterious antique shop, he discovers a strange talismana piece of enchanted shagreen, or wild asss skinthat promises to grant any wish he makes. Yet the gift carries a terrible condition: with each fulfilled desire, the magical skin shrinks, and as it diminishes, so too does the span of Raphaels life.Tempted by wealth, pleasure, and social success, Raphael cannot resist the power offered to him. His fortunes transform almost overnight, and he ascends into the glittering world of Parisian high society. Surrounded by luxury and admiration, he gains everything he once craved. But as his wishes multiply, the talisman steadily contracts, serving as a visible reminder that every indulgence exacts a fatal price.Balzac masterfully blends supernatural elements with sharp social realism. The opulence of Parisian salons, the restless pursuit of status, and the illusions of happiness are depicted with vivid detail. The enchanted object becomes both a literal and symbolic representation of human desirerevealing how ambition, when unrestrained, can consume the very life it seeks to enrich.At its heart, The Magic Skin is a philosophical exploration of free will and self-control. Raphaels tragedy lies not in fate alone, but in his inability to resist temptation. Even when he understands the cost of his wishes, he struggles to renounce them. The novel raises timeless questions: Is fulfillment worth the sacrifice of longevity? Can happiness be achieved without moderation? And are we masters of our desiresor their servants?Balzacs narrative is rich with psychological depth and moral reflection. Through Raphaels rise and decline, he critiques a society driven by materialism and vanity. The novels blend of romance, fantasy, and social commentary makes it one of Balzacs most imaginative and enduring works.Darkly poetic and intellectually provocative, The Magic Skin remains a timeless allegory about the perilous allure of unlimited desire. Balzacs powerful storytelling transforms a supernatural premise into a profound examination of human ambition, reminding readers that every wish carries consequencesand that life itself is the ultimate currency.

The Red Inn by Honoré de Balzac is a gripping and psychologically intense tale that blends mystery, moral inquiry, and suspense into a haunting narrative about guilt and justice. First published in 1831 as part of Balzacs monumental La Comedie Humaine, this short novel explores the fragile boundary between innocence and suspicion, and the devastating power of circumstantial evidence.The story unfolds during a dinner gathering in Paris, where a conversation turns to a chilling incident from years past. A German surgeon recounts a disturbing episode that took place at a remote inn along the Rhine. During a winter journey, two young French medical students share lodging with a wealthy merchant carrying a large sum of money. By morning, the merchant is found brutally murdered, and suspicion quickly falls upon one of the students.As the narrative shifts to the events at the inn, Balzac masterfully builds tension through detailed characterization and psychological insight. The accused mans behavior, though not overtly incriminating, appears suspicious enough to condemn him in the eyes of others. The lack of clear evidence creates a moral dilemma: is he truly guilty, or merely the victim of unfortunate appearances and hasty judgment?Balzac uses the confined setting of the inn to heighten the atmosphere of unease. Snowbound isolation, flickering candlelight, and whispered doubts contribute to a sense of claustrophobic dread. The uncertainty surrounding the crime forces both the characters and the reader to confront uncomfortable questions about conscience, perception, and the reliability of human judgment.At its core, The Red Inn is less about solving a crime and more about examining the psychological torment that follows accusation and suspicion. Balzac delves into the inner lives of his characters, revealing how ambition, fear, and moral weakness can shape destiny. The story also reflects his broader interest in the legal and social systems that determine guilt, often without definitive proof.Through concise yet powerful storytelling, Balzac creates a narrative that lingers long after its conclusion. The unresolved tension and moral ambiguity invite readers to consider how easily justice can falter when truth is obscured by circumstance.Dark, thought-provoking, and elegantly constructed, The Red Inn stands as one of Balzacs most compelling shorter works. It remains a timeless exploration of crime, conscience, and the perilous consequences of suspicionan enduring classic that showcases Balzacs remarkable insight into the complexities of human nature.

The Unknown Masterpiece by Honoré de Balzac is a profound and visionary novella that explores the consuming nature of artistic genius and the perilous pursuit of perfection. First published in 1831 and later incorporated into La Comedie Humaine, this remarkable work has fascinated readers, writers, and artists for generations with its penetrating insight into creativity, obsession, and the fragile boundary between brilliance and madness.Set in 17th-century Paris, the story revolves around three painters whose lives intersect in a tense and revealing encounter. The young and ambitious Nicolas Poussin seeks recognition and guidance in the competitive world of art. He is introduced to the renowned yet enigmatic master Frenhofer, a reclusive genius who has spent years working in secret on what he believes will be the ultimate paintinga flawless representation of life itself.Frenhofer speaks passionately about capturing not merely the outward appearance of his subject, but the very essence of reality. For him, true art transcends imitation; it must embody breath, spirit, and movement. Yet as he tirelessly refines his canvas, layering detail upon detail, his masterpiece remains unseen by the world.When at last the hidden work is revealed, the outcome is both shocking and tragic. What Frenhofer perceives as perfection appears to others as incomprehensible chaos. The contrast between the artists vision and external judgment exposes the isolation that often accompanies creative ambition. Balzac raises haunting questions: Is genius always understood? Can the pursuit of absolute perfection destroy the very beauty it seeks to create?Through concise yet richly philosophical prose, Balzac examines the psychology of creation. He portrays the artist as both visionary and vulnerable, driven by an internal standard that may be unreachable. The novella also explores themes of rivalry, mentorship, and the tension between innovation and tradition in the artistic world.The Unknown Masterpiece has resonated far beyond its era, influencing modernist and avant-garde thinkers who recognized in Frenhofers struggle a reflection of their own artistic dilemmas. The story anticipates debates about abstraction, realism, and the limits of representation, making it strikingly ahead of its time.Intense, reflective, and intellectually compelling, The Unknown Masterpiece stands as one of Balzacs most enduring explorations of the creative spirit. It is a timeless meditation on art, ambition, and the price of striving for the unattainablea haunting reminder that genius, in its highest form, can be both sublime and solitary.

Mario Rossi fa l’astrologo per un giornale online. Ad agosto il capo gli impone una missione: pubblicare un pezzo al giorno in cui spieghi, con i “perché delle stelle”, tutto ciò che succede in polit

A macabre and chilling supernatural gothic horror about a group of teenagers cursed to die on their 18th birthday from the Stoker Award shortlisted author of The Book of the Baku. Perfect for fans of Clay McLeod Chapman, The September House by Carissa Orlando and The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes.Flynn and her friends plan to spend the night in Temple Fall, a mysterious house up on the moors with a strange history, but their planned night of drinking and teenage debauchery twists into a surreal nightmare. Suddenly forced into strange choices and places, the tight-knit group starts to fall apart. And then Jackson falls to his death.In the days that come after, Flynn finds herself trapped, as if she never left the house. Consumed by the lost secrets of her family past, and haunted by the spectre of a Victorian woman, she finds herself losing time and seeing things that arent there.Reeling from the tragedy, Flynn must rebuild her group of friends, and bring them all together to grieve and try to survive on their own. Because while they escaped Temple Fall, the house didnt let them go

"Ellis has written another exquisite contemplation; shelve this alongside her earlier works, books by Anne Lamott, and Barbara Mahanys The Book of Nature (2023)." Booklist Review, December 2025"In this beautiful book, Courtney Ellis brings us along with her on a journey through weather, the seasons, the land, and the inhabitants of this earth we call home. The juxtaposition of story and science, the natural world and spiritual growthI will never tire of works like these. Courtney has written a book that encapsulates all of this beautifully and I cannot commend this work more to you." Lore Ferguson Wilbert, from the foreword If one thing is constant, its change. You may know its coming, or it may be unexpected. It may be a change you anticipate with joy, like a new job, a wedding, or the birth of a baby. Or it may be a shift you fear or even grieve: moving to a new city, changes that come with aging, or a lost or broken relationship. No matter what kind of transition you are facing, change is difficult. How can you find peace and hope even when everything around you is shifting sand? How can your faith help you weather change?Pastor Courtney Ellis has walked alongside countless people facing changes big and small, welcome and dreaded. Shes found that the same two questions come up again and again: Why is change so hard? And where is God amid these changes? Weathering Change invites you to discover how God equips us to navigate lifes inevitable changes. Ellis offers rich spiritual reflections from Gods created world and from Scripture that help you prepare for change and show you how to journey through it with curiosity, adaptability, and resilience.In Weathering Change youll Discover how you can navigate lifes disruptive changes, big or small, with grace and courage, Learn deep lessons from Gods creation about preparing for and adapting to change, Learn how to find hope and peace amid the challenges and hurts of change, and Use the included discussion questions to explore how these principles can be applied to your life in meaningful ways. Ellis brings a unique perspective, blending theology, biblical narratives, personal insights, and stories from nature to illuminate how God remains present through times of transition. Gods "Second Book" of nature provides deep and abiding lessons to sustain us during tough transitionslessons we can learn from nesting bald eagles, metamorphosing monarch caterpillars, migrating Mobula rays, microscopic aeroplankton floating along with the breeze, and more.Though change is often painful, it is also ripe with possibilities for newness, growth, and transformation. Get your copy of Weathering Change today and begin to face change with grace and courage, finding strength in Gods ever-present guidance.

In the smoky underworld of 1860s London, a labyrinth of molly houses, crumbling estates and illicit affairs, this gloriously gothic trans retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray unfurls a twisting tale of love, deceit, and dissolution.This atmospheric reimagining is perfect for fans of Every Exquisite Thing and The Spirit Bares Its Teeth.London, 1867. Dorian Gray is wealthy, beautiful, and miserable. Heir to both the fortune and reputation of their austere, manipulative grandfather, their only moments of joy are snatched by sneaking out to their fathers gallery for secret visits. One night, they meet a sweet, talented young painter named Basil, who immediately recognizes Dorian as his new muse. Dorian is struck by the beauty and depth that Basil paints into their portraitand dares to hope there might be more to life than living as their grandfathers perfect, empty-headed heir.Basil and his friend Henry Wootton introduce Dorian to the heady world of molly houses and drag performers. But Dorians double life is shattered when a police investigation implicates them in "indecent" activities, andterrified of their grandfathers wraththey offer evidence against beloved drag performer Sybil Vane. Fleeing London in shame and disgrace, Dorian sets up a scandalous life in the country as Henrys mistress, throwing extravagant parties and breaking hearts at every turn.As Dorians spiral of self-loathing deepens, something strange happens: the portrait begins to change. Their smile becomes a little sharper, the glint in their eyes a little colder. Dorian will soon have to choose: embrace the wickedness within and become what they were always meant to be, or dare to try for something far more fragile and dangerous: a life of their own making.

A fitting tribute to the greatest county in England DAVID SWIFT, author of Scouse RepublicCotton, coal and canals. Trains, technology and television. Lancashire has shaped the modern world. Liverpool was once the worlds busiest port. Manchester powered the industrial revolution and became a symbol of global free trade. Blackpool invented the working-class seaside resort. All three are situated in the historic county of Lancashire: unique, often misunderstood, sometimes maligned and at the heart of our national story.In Lancashire, travel writer Chris Moss returns after an absence of four decades. As he visits familiar and unknown corners of his home county, he reaches beyond the cliches to trace lines from the deep past through to the present day.

Addiction affects countless lives, leaving individuals and families feeling trapped in a relentless cycle of despair and confusion. Those impacted often appear to be coping or even excelling, and many are high achievers. Yet behind the façade, they may be silently struggling, edging closer to breakdown. What causes addiction? Why do some fall prey to it while others remain untouched? What warning signs should we be looking for before its too late? And, crucially, how can individuals struggling with addiction recognise the problem, break free, and reclaim control of their lives? This insightful and comprehensive guide, created in partnership with Steps Together Addiction Rehabilitation and Wellness Centre, explores the complex, interconnected nature of addiction. It examines the psychological, emotional, and physical factors that drive dependency. Drawing on real-life experiences and expert knowledge, it offers a compassionate understanding of addictions root causes and its profound impact on individuals and their loved ones. By unravelling how addiction begins, why it persists, and the compulsions that sustain it, this book highlights the essential role of support and recovery in long-term wellbeing. Whether youre searching for answers for yourself, concerned about someone close to you, or simply wish to have a deeper understanding of addiction, this guide offers practical advice on recognising the signs, knowing when to act and, most importantly, taking the first steps towards healing.

Power is not owned.It is curated, testedand revoked.In The Fetish Syndicate, the fifth installment of the POWER PLAYS series, Cassian Ward explores an underground network where desire is audited, submission is engineered, and intimacy is reduced to controlled transactions.Across eight interlinked stories, invitations arrive without names, obedience is assessed like a resume, voices are collected as instruments of control, and bodies are treated as assetstemporary, replaceable, and meticulously observed. Here, power does not seduce. It structures. It listens. It waits.This is erotic fiction stripped of romance and spectacle, focused instead on psychological dominance, ritualized consent, and the quiet violence of systems that promise experience but deny belonging.The Fetish Syndicate is a cold, deliberate descent into modern control fantasieswhere submission is not a gift, but a qualification.For readers of slow-burn erotic power dynamics, psychological BDSM fiction, and ritual-driven intimacy.