eBooks de , página 80 de 289

In 1951, a poor African American tobacco farmer named Henrietta Lacks visited Johns Hopkins Hospital complaining of a "knot" in her womb. Doctors took a biopsy of her aggressive cervical cancer without her knowledge or consent. Henrietta died months later, but her cells did something no human cells had ever done before in a lab: they didnt die. They multiplied."The Immortal Woman" tells the story of the "HeLa" cell line, the first immortal human cells ever grown in culture. These cells became the workhorse of modern biology, essential for developing the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, and gene mapping. They have been bought and sold by the billions.Yet for decades, Henriettas family lived in poverty, unable to afford health insurance, completely unaware that a part of their mother was alive and fueling a multi-billion dollar industry. This book is a powerful exploration of medical ethics, race, and the ownership of our own bodies. It honors the woman behind the microscope slide.

Tarrare was a French showman in the late 18th century with an appetite that defied science. He could eat a quarter of a cow in a single day and still be hungry. He swallowed stones, live cats, corks, and baskets of apples. "The Bottomless Stomach" tells the gruesome and tragic true story of the man with the most extreme case of polyphagia (insatiable hunger) ever recorded.The book follows his life from being kicked out by his parents to becoming a street performer and eventually a spy for the French Revolutionary Army. Generals realized his unique talent: he could swallow a metal box containing secret documents, pass through enemy lines, and retrieve the box "naturally." But his hunger was a curse. In the military hospital, he was caught drinking blood from patients undergoing bloodletting and eating corpses from the morgue.When a 14-month-old toddler disappeared from the ward, Tarrare was chased out. This biography is a medical mystery and a horror story, exploring the autopsy results that revealed a stomach that filled his entire abdomen. It is a look at a human life consumed by a biological drive he could not control.

Why do poor people take payday loans with 400% interest? Why do busy executives make terrible decisions about their health? We often blame these behaviors on a lack of discipline or education. But behavioral economist Sendhil Mullainathan and psychologist Eldar Shafir propose a different, radical theory: Scarcity itself lowers your IQ."The Scarcity Trap" explains that when your brain is obsessed with a lack of somethingwhether its money, time, or caloriesit "tunnels" on that immediate problem. This tunneling consumes massive amounts of cognitive bandwidth, effectively dropping your fluid intelligence by up to 13 points (equivalent to a night without sleep).This book explores how this "bandwidth tax" leads to a vicious cycle of bad decisions that perpetuate the scarcity. It moves the conversation from "character flaws" to "design flaws" in our environment and offers structural solutions for escaping the trap. Whether you are drowning in debt or drowning in work, the psychology is the same: your brain is processing a shortage, not a life.

Desce-me da Cruz é fruto de todas as vivências do autor com Deus, com Maria e com a força transformadora do Espírito Santo. A obra representa um testemunho de fé, de entrega e de serviço ao próximo.

The Moving Picture Girls introduces readers to an exciting world of early cinema and adventure. The story follows young sisters who become involved in the fascinating and fast-growing motion picture industry, traveling to different locations as films are produced and stories come to life on screen.Amid rehearsals, filming challenges, and unexpected surprises, the girls demonstrate courage, creativity, and determination. Their journey highlights themes of friendship, perseverance, and ambition, while offering a charming glimpse into the early days of filmmaking.Blending light adventure with wholesome storytelling, this classic novel captures the wonder of the motion picture era and provides young readers with an engaging tale of opportunity, family support, and youthful enthusiasm.

The Story of a Nodding Donkey is a delightful childrens tale that brings a beloved toy to life through gentle storytelling and imagination. Part of Laura Lee Hopes charming "Make Believe Stories" series, the book follows the adventures of a small nodding donkey who experiences friendship, kindness, and playful adventures in a world filled with toys and wonder.With warmth and simplicity, the story captures the innocence of childhood while sharing light lessons about caring, loyalty, and imagination. Softly engaging and easy to read, this timeless classic continues to charm young readers with its wholesome tone and endearing characters.Perfect for bedtime reading and early independent readers, this heartwarming animal story remains a treasured piece of classic childrens literature.

The Duchesse de Langeais by Honoré de Balzac is a brilliant and emotionally charged novel that explores the intoxicating interplay of passion, pride, and power within the glittering world of Parisian aristocracy. Part of Balzacs monumental literary cycle, La Comedie Humaine, this penetrating work delves into the psychology of love, revealing how desire can be shapedand ultimately destroyedby vanity and social convention.Set during the Bourbon Restoration, the story centers on the enigmatic and captivating Antoinette de Langeais, a woman of extraordinary charm and intelligence who moves with ease through the highest circles of French society. Accustomed to admiration and influence, she delights in subtle games of flirtation and control. When she encounters General Armand de Montriveau, a seasoned soldier hardened by war yet vulnerable in matters of the heart, a dangerous emotional duel begins.Montriveau falls deeply and sincerely in love with the duchess, but Antoinette treats his devotion as a diversionteasing, testing, and manipulating his affections without fully understanding the consequences. Their relationship becomes a battle of wills, driven by pride, wounded ego, and the unspoken rules of aristocratic conduct. What begins as playful coquetry gradually transforms into a tragic contest of dominance and longing.Balzac masterfully dissects the codes of high society, where appearances often outweigh authenticity and genuine emotion is constrained by expectation. Through sharp dialogue and psychological insight, he exposes the tension between private desire and public reputation. The salons of Paris become both stage and battlefield, where love is entangled with ambition and vulnerability is masked by elegance.As the story unfolds, misunderstandings and stubborn pride propel the lovers toward irreversible separation. In a dramatic shift of circumstance, the balance of power changes, forcing both characters to confront the true depth of their feelings. The novels poignant conclusion underscores the devastating cost of emotional gamesmanship and the fragility of happiness when sincerity is sacrificed for control.Rich in atmosphere and emotional intensity, The Duchesse de Langeais is both a passionate romance and a subtle critique of aristocratic society. Balzacs portrayal of love as a strategic contestwhere pride often triumphs over tendernessresonates with timeless relevance. Through unforgettable characters and a tightly woven narrative, he captures the complexities of desire, regret, and the longing for redemption.Elegant, dramatic, and psychologically profound, The Duchesse de Langeais stands as one of Balzacs most compelling studies of the human heart, offering readers a haunting meditation on love lost to vanity and the enduring consequences of pride.

The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant is a masterfully crafted short story that explores vanity, ambition, and the unpredictable twists of fate. Set in 19th-century France, this timeless classic delivers a powerful moral lesson through a simple yet unforgettable narrative.The story centers on Mathilde Loisel, a young woman born into modest circumstances who longs for a life of luxury and admiration. Dissatisfied with her ordinary existence and humble home, she dreams of elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, and the attention of high society. When her husband secures an invitation to a prestigious ball, Mathilde sees it as her long-awaited opportunity to experience the glamour she believes she deserves.Determined to appear wealthy and refined, she borrows a stunning diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to complete her appearance. For one dazzling evening, Mathilde basks in admiration and feels transformed into the sophisticated woman she has always imagined herself to be. However, the illusion shatters when she discovers the necklace has been lost.Faced with the terrifying prospect of confessing the loss, Mathilde and her husband make a desperate decision to replace the necklace at enormous cost. What follows is a decade of hardship, sacrifice, and relentless labor as they struggle to repay the crushing debt. Maupassant portrays their decline with stark realism, highlighting the heavy price of pride and pretense.With elegant prose and sharp psychological insight, Maupassant examines themes of social aspiration, materialism, and the fragile nature of appearances. The story builds steadily toward its famous and ironic conclusiona twist that forces readers to reconsider everything that has come before.The Necklace remains one of the most widely read and anthologized short stories in world literature. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, emotional impact, and universal message about contentment and the consequences of vanity. Through Mathildes journey, Maupassant reminds us that appearances can be deceivingand that the pursuit of status may come at a cost far greater than imagined.Concise yet profound, The Necklace is a brilliant example of Maupassants storytelling genius and a timeless reflection on human desire and destiny.

Hernani is Victor Hugos electrifying romantic dramaa bold and revolutionary play that transformed the French theatrical world and ignited one of the most famous literary battles in history. First performed in 1830, this passionate tale of love, honor, and defiance challenged the rigid conventions of classical drama and announced the triumphant arrival of Romanticism on the French stage.Set in 16th-century Spain, Hernani tells the story of a noble outlaw driven by love and vengeance. Hernani, a mysterious and charismatic rebel, is consumed by his devotion to the beautiful Doña Sol. Yet he is not alone in his desire for her hand. Don Carlos, the ambitious King of Spain (and future Holy Roman Emperor), and Don Ruy Gomez de Silva, her aging but powerful guardian, are equally determined to possess her. What unfolds is a fierce struggle shaped by political ambition, personal pride, and the unbreakable codes of honor that govern their world.At its heart, Hernani is a story of romantic idealism colliding with the harsh realities of power and duty. Hugo crafts characters who are larger than lifemen ruled by passion, pride, and destiny. The play pulses with emotional intensity, secret meetings, daring escapes, and dramatic confrontations. Love is portrayed not as gentle or safe, but as a force capable of inspiring heroism and tragedy alike.Beyond its gripping narrative, Hernani stands as a milestone in literary history. Its premiere sparked the legendary "Battle of Hernani," as supporters of Romanticism clashed with defenders of classical tradition. Hugo broke away from strict theatrical rules, blending poetic language with historical drama and giving voice to raw emotion and individual freedom. The result was a work that reshaped modern theater and influenced generations of writers.Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, destiny, and rebellion run throughout the play. The tension between personal desire and social obligation creates a powerful emotional undercurrent, leading to a conclusion both dramatic and unforgettable. Hugos language soars with lyrical beauty, while his characters grapple with the timeless conflicts between love and honor, freedom and authority.Hernani is more than a romantic tragedyit is a declaration of artistic independence and a celebration of passion unrestrained by convention. For readers and theater lovers alike, this masterpiece offers a vivid journey into a world where hearts rule over reason and where destiny is sealed by courage and sacrifice.

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

On April 23, 1991, Gerald Ratner was the CEO of the worlds most successful jewelry chain. He was the golden boy of British business, turning a small family firm into a billion-pound empire. Then, he stood up at a corporate conference and made a joke. When asked how he sold a sherry decanter for such a low price, he replied: "Because its total crap." He went on to say his earrings were cheaper than a prawn sandwich but wouldnt last as long."The Crap Speech" analyzes the most expensive joke in corporate history. Overnight, the value of the Ratners Group plummeted by 500 million. Customers felt mocked, shops were boycotted, and "Doing a Ratner" became a phrase for self-inflicted business suicide.This book is a case study on the fragility of brand reputation and the danger of hubris. It explores the fine line between authentic humor and insulting your customer base. It follows Ratners painful journey from tycoon to pariah, his decades in the wilderness, and his eventual redemption as an entrepreneur who learned the hard way that honesty isnt always the best policyat least not when you are selling illusions.

In 1984, the president of Glico, a major Japanese candy company, was kidnapped from his home by masked men. He escaped, but the nightmare was just beginning. A group calling themselves "The Monster with 21 Faces" began sending mocking letters to the police and media, threatening to poison the companys candy on store shelves with cyanide.This book investigates one of the most bizarre unsolved crimes in history. The criminals didnt just want money; they wanted chaos. They taunted the police ("Dear stupid police officers..."), gave clues that led nowhere, and successfully forced recalls that cost millions. The "Fox-Eyed Man," a prime suspect, was spotted multiple times but never caught."The Monster with 21 Faces" explores the cultural impact of the case, which led to the suicide of a police superintendent out of shame. After months of terrorizing multiple food companies, the group simply announced they were bored and would stop harassment. They vanished forever, leaving a nation gripped by paranoia about what was inside their snacks.

Marvin Heemeyer was a skilled welder in Granby, Colorado, who felt wronged by the local government. After a zoning dispute destroyed his muffler shop business and fines piled up, he decided he had nothing left to lose. He didnt hire a lawyer; he bought a Komatsu bulldozer. "The Concrete Tank" tells the story of the "Killdozer."For 18 months, Heemeyer secretly modified the bulldozer in his shed, encasing it in layers of steel and concrete that made it impervious to small arms fire and even explosives. He installed cameras for visibility and air conditioning for comfort. On June 4, 2004, he sealed himself insidewith no plan to ever come outand went on a rampage.This book avoids glorifying the violence but analyzes the "snap." It details the two hours of destruction where he systematically flattened the town hall, the mayors house, and the businesses of his enemies, while police fired futilely at the armor. It is a tragedy about the tipping point of rage and the terrifying capability of a man with a grievance and a welding torch.

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 Chouans by Honoré de Balzac is a sweeping historical novel that brings to life one of the most turbulent periods in French history. Set in 1799 during the aftermath of the French Revolution, this gripping narrative plunges readers into the violent struggle between Royalist insurgents and Republican forces in the rugged countryside of Brittany. Blending political conflict with intense personal drama, Balzac crafts a story of loyalty, betrayal, passion, and destiny against the backdrop of civil war.At the center of the novel is Marie de Verneuil, a beautiful and intelligent woman sent by the Republican government on a covert mission to capture or eliminate a charismatic Royalist leader known as the Marquis de Montauran. Determined and resourceful, Marie enters the volatile region under false pretenses, prepared to use charm and deception to accomplish her objective. Yet as she encounters Montauran, she finds herself torn between duty and unexpected emotion.Montauran, courageous and devoted to the Royalist cause, embodies the fading ideals of nobility and honor. His leadership of the Chouansa band of Breton insurgents fiercely loyal to the monarchyplaces him at the heart of a desperate resistance movement. The dense forests and isolated villages of Brittany become a battlefield where ambushes, shifting allegiances, and political maneuvering determine survival.Balzac vividly portrays the tension between revolutionary ideals and traditional loyalties, capturing the uncertainty of a nation struggling to redefine itself. Through detailed descriptions of the Breton landscape and its people, he immerses readers in a world marked by suspicion, secrecy, and fierce conviction. The novels atmosphere is charged with danger, as personal motives intertwine with political agendas.At its core, The Chouans is also a tragic love story. Maries growing affection for Montauran complicates her mission, forcing her to confront the moral consequences of her choices. The clash between love and ideology drives the narrative toward a dramatic and poignant conclusion, revealing how political conflict can devastate private lives.As Balzacs first major success and an early work in his vast literary project, La Comedie Humaine, The Chouans showcases his talent for combining historical realism with psychological depth. The novel not only recreates a specific moment in French history but also explores timeless themes of honor, sacrifice, and the cost of loyalty.Rich in suspense, romance, and political intrigue, The Chouans remains a compelling portrait of a divided nation and the individuals caught within its storm. Balzacs masterful storytelling transforms historical events into a vivid human drama, making this novel a classic of French literature and a powerful meditation on love and war.

The Country Doctor by Honoré de Balzac is a deeply moving and philosophical novel that explores redemption, social reform, and the quiet heroism found in service to others. Set in a remote Alpine village in post-Revolutionary France, this powerful narrative reveals how one mans devotion can transform not only a community, but also his own wounded soul.At the heart of the story is Doctor Benassis, a reserved and compassionate physician who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of the rural poor. Living modestly among the villagers, he works tirelessly to bring medical care, economic stability, and moral guidance to a struggling community long neglected by progress. Through patience, intelligence, and self-sacrifice, he introduces agricultural reforms, encourages industry, and fosters educationgradually turning poverty and despair into hope and prosperity.The novel unfolds through the arrival of a former military officer, Captain Genestas, who visits the village and becomes increasingly intrigued by the remarkable transformation he witnesses. As Genestas learns more about the doctors past, the deeper story of personal loss and atonement comes to light. Benassiss dedication is revealed not merely as professional duty, but as a path toward redemption for earlier mistakes that left him burdened with guilt and sorrow.Balzac masterfully blends social commentary with intimate character study. Through vivid depictions of rural life, he examines the stark inequalities between urban and provincial France, while advocating for compassion, responsibility, and enlightened leadership. The village becomes a microcosm of societya place where cooperation, discipline, and vision can overcome hardship.More than a simple tale of medical practice, The Country Doctor is a meditation on moral responsibility and the power of individual action. Balzac presents Benassis as a model of practical idealismsomeone who understands that lasting change comes not from grand speeches, but from persistent, everyday effort. The novel highlights themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the possibility of rebuilding both communities and personal lives.Rich in philosophical reflection and humanitarian spirit, The Country Doctor stands as one of Balzacs most earnest and uplifting works within La Comedie Humaine. It offers readers a timeless message about leadership rooted in empathy and the profound impact one dedicated individual can have on the world around him.Thought-provoking and quietly inspiring, The Country Doctor remains a classic exploration of service, redemption, and the enduring strength of rural communities in the face of adversity.

The Alkahest by Honoré de Balzac is a compelling philosophical novel that explores the dangerous intersection of genius, obsession, and human limitation. Set in 17th-century Flanders, this powerful talealso known as The Quest of the Absolutedives deep into the mind of a brilliant scientist whose relentless pursuit of ultimate knowledge leads to personal and familial ruin.At the center of the story is Balthazar Claes, a wealthy and respected nobleman whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes consumed by the search for the "alkahest," a legendary universal solvent believed to hold the key to unlocking the fundamental secrets of matter. What begins as intellectual curiosity gradually transforms into all-consuming obsession. Convinced that he stands on the brink of a revolutionary discovery, Claes sacrifices his fortune, reputation, and the happiness of his family in pursuit of scientific glory.Balzac masterfully portrays the emotional and financial toll of Claess fixation through the eyes of those who love him mosthis devoted wife and children, particularly his loyal daughter Marguerite. As the family estate crumbles under mounting debt and repeated experimental failures, Marguerite assumes the burden of preserving what remains of their dignity and stability. Her quiet strength and self-sacrifice stand in poignant contrast to her fathers blind ambition.Through richly detailed descriptions and psychological insight, Balzac examines the fine line between visionary brilliance and destructive mania. The novel raises timeless questions: How far should one go in pursuit of knowledge? When does ambition become madness? And what is the true cost of seeking the absolute?Beyond its intimate family drama, The Alkahest reflects the broader intellectual currents of Balzacs eraan age fascinated by scientific progress, alchemy, and the mysteries of the natural world. Yet Balzacs treatment is far from celebratory. Instead, he offers a sobering meditation on the human tendency to chase unattainable ideals at the expense of real-world responsibilities and relationships.Deeply emotional and philosophically resonant, The Alkahest is both a tragic portrait of a man undone by his own genius and a moving tribute to resilience and devotion. As part of Balzacs grand literary project, La Comedie Humaine, the novel stands as a profound exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and the eternal tension between aspiration and reality.For readers drawn to classic European literature, intense character studies, and thought-provoking themes, The Alkahest remains a timeless and haunting masterpiece.

Ao elaborar esta coletânea, nosso objetivo foi congregar trabalhos que articulassem pesquisas historiográficas e o ensino de história, a partir de percepções múltiplas de resistência. A resistência p