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Nascido nos subúrbios de Chicago, formado no rigor da fé e forjado no calor das missões latino-americanas, Robert Francis Prevost não buscou os palcos do poder. Caminhou entre os pobres, escutou os e

In 1963, Tino De Angelis controlled the worlds soybean oil market. Or so it seemed. His company had tanks in New Jersey filled with millions of dollars worth of oilcollateral for massive loans from American Express. But when inspectors came to measure the inventory, they didnt know the trick: oil floats on water."The Floating Asset" details the "Salad Oil Scandal," where De Angelis filled his tanks with sea water and pumped just a few feet of oil on top to fool the dipsticks. Its a classic tale of corporate negligence, showing how a simple physics trick caused a market crash and gave a young Warren Buffett the chance to buy into American Express at rock bottom.

In 1991, eight "biospherians" were sealed inside a three-acre glass terrarium in the Arizona desert. Biosphere 2 contained a rainforest, an ocean, and a savannah. It was meant to prove that humans could colonize Mars. Instead, it proved how little we understand Earth. Oxygen levels plummeted, crops failed, the crew split into warring factions, and crazy ants exterminated the other insects."The Glass World" documents the most ambitious ecological experiment in history. It details the scientific hubris, the psychological strain of isolation, and the humbling realization that we cannot engineer a replacement for nature. A crucial read for the climate change era, showing that "Planet B" is much harder to build than we think.

"Varney, the Vampir: or, the Feast of Blood" is a sprawling Victorian penny dreadful published between 1845 and 1847, often attributed to James Malcolm Rymer or Thomas Peckett Prest. It follows Sir Francis Varney, a tragic and tormented vampire who haunts the Bannerworth family and their ancestral estate. Blending gothic horror, melodrama, and social commentary, the novel helped shape many modern vampire tropescenturies before Draculathrough its exploration of guilt, monstrosity, and the cursed hunger for immortality.

Após a mãe de Alan sofrer um AVC com sequelas severas, a família se uniu em um desafio íntimo de cuidado e dedicação. Os papéis se inverteram: os filhos, junto ao pai, se tornaram cuidadores, trocand

This clear and comprehensive manual contains everything you need to know in order to create and portray armed stage fights with the rapier and dagger (or just a rapier) that are dramatically effective, and, above all, safe.Starting with the essential concepts, including footwork, eye contact, targeting and distance, it then takes you step by step through all the key techniques:Performing attack moves including slashing and slicing, thrusting, and cutting Parrying moves and defending yourself against attacks using a single weapon or two weapons together Counterattacks such as taking control of your partners blade and ripostes Each technique is clearly described and extensively illustrated, with accompanying online videos demonstrating every move. Also included are sections on how to put together your own fight sequences, make them dramatically compelling and realistic, and convey your characters pain, wound or death.Whether you are an actor preparing for a role with a sword fight, or a student learning your craft, this book will help you execute the techniques with precision and control, build your confidence and keep you safe. It also helps you to recognise when you may need to call upon the services of a qualified professional. For those already trained in stage combat, it will serve as an invaluable refresher as well as supplementing your ongoing training.Whatever your current level of experience, Stage Combat: Armed is a vital resource for directors, actors, students and teachers, or indeed anyone looking to incorporate safe, effective sword fights into their stage productions.Roger Bartlett is a professional fight director and Master Teacher for the British Academy of Stage & Screen Combat (BASSC), the UKs leading provider of stage-combat training. He is also the author of Stage Combat: Unarmed.

Did Henry VIII really plan to have Anne Boleyns beloved dog thrown out the window?Was Elizabeth I secretly a man?Who were the Grey sisters, and why is theirs one of the saddest Tudor stories of all?From Henry VII to Elizabeth I, Bloody, Brilliant Tudors answers all these questions and more. Come with us as we delve into the people and places behind the world-famous Tudor myths and legends.Through various tales exploring the whole of the glittering dynasty, well learn about the lesser-known facts and figures behind these myths. Each reign serves up a wealth of fascinating historical stories to reveal the Tudor world in a new light.

Hot, smart, funny and charming as hell ... much like the Hellions themselves. - Alix E. HarrowEverything you want a historical romance to be - Jessica JoyceDelightful, truly scrumptious - Mazey Eddings--------Secret identities. Salacious engravings. And a scandalous Regency road trip...From the day of their debut, when Matilda smoked a cigar and Margo tied a cherry stem in a knot with her tongue, the Halifax twins have flouted convention at every turn. But when Matilda runs off with the dangerous Marquess of Ashford she may finally have gone too far.Determined to stop her sisters inexplicable elopement, Margo turns to her oldest friend for help: because if anyone can get her to Scotland in time, its starchy solicitor Henry Mortimer. Beneath his buttoned-up exterior, Henry is ardently, wildly, miserably in love with Margo. And Matilda and Ashfords relationship, too, may not be quite what it seems...With the Halifax Hellions at the reins of this carriage, what could possibly go wrong?_______________For the first time ever in print, The Halifax Hellions brings together Margo and Matildas novellas, along with a swoony new epilogue.Praise for Alexandra VastiVasti has a gift for mixing mayhem and genuine emotion - Oprah DailySuperbly written and sensationally funny - India HoltonForever in awe of Alexandra Vastis talent - Sarah AdlerReaders LOVE The Halifax HellionsHilarious, heartfelt, and deliciously spicy *****Had my heart in a vice grip *****Will have Vasti fans swooning *****Witty banter, yearning, and great spice *****Vasti has quickly become one of my favourite authors! *****Absolutely unputdownable *****

Obedience is not demanded.It is measured.When Mara enters the First Chamber, she is not asked to submitshe is observed. Through ritual, stillness, and controlled breath, her body is tested long before her will is addressed. Silence becomes instruction. Breath becomes currency. Every hesitation is recorded.In The First Chamber, Cassian Ward introduces the Obedience Trials: a structured system of power where submission is not taken, but revealed through endurance, self-recognition, and choice. Masks conceal identity, mirrors expose truth, and the most dangerous command is the one that offers no guidance at all.This is slow, psychologically precise erotic fiction focused on ritualized consent, internalized control, and the moment where obedience shifts from reaction to intention.For readers of psychological BDSM, ritual-driven power exchange, and erotic fiction where restraint carries more weight than force.

Em Deus, o menino e a árvore, acompanhamos a relação profunda entre um menino e uma árvore centenária, que se torna para ele um espelho da bondade, da criatividade e da força do Criador. Ao observar

A hora de dormir pode ser um desafio para muitas famílias. Dificuldades em adormecer, despertares noturnos, medos ou rotinas inconsistentes fazem parte do crescimento das crianças e da experiência da

Set against the vivid and unforgiving backdrop of post-Napoleonic Paris, Père Goriot is one of Honoré de Balzacs most powerful and enduring masterpieces. First published in 1835 as part of his monume

In A Daughter of Eve, Honoré de Balzac delivers a compelling exploration of love, marriage, ambition, and disillusionment set against the glittering yet treacherous backdrop of 19th-century Parisian society. As part of his monumental collection La Comedie Humaine, this novel dives deeply into the emotional and moral struggles of women navigating the rigid expectations of aristocratic life.The story centers on two sisters, Marie-Angelique and Marie-Eugenie de Granville, daughters of a devoted and idealistic mother who has raised them with strict moral principles and romantic ideals. Both sisters are married into respectable positionsone to a rising politician, the other to a noblemanbut beneath the polished surface of their lives lies a quiet dissatisfaction. Their sheltered upbringing leaves them ill-prepared for the complexities of marriage, social ambition, and emotional temptation.Marie-Angelique, the more passionate and impulsive of the two, becomes the emotional heart of the novel. Though married to Felix de Vandenesse, a man deeply immersed in political ambition, she feels neglected and yearns for romance and admiration. When she encounters Raoul Nathan, a charismatic and manipulative writer burdened with debts and grand illusions, she is swept into an emotional entanglement that threatens not only her marriage but her social standing. Through this relationship, Balzac masterfully reveals the dangers of vanity, naivety, and unchecked desire.Meanwhile, Marie-Eugenie represents a contrasting temperamentcalmer and more practicalyet she too must confront the realities of aristocratic life. Together, the sisters embody Balzacs exploration of the "daughter of Eve": women portrayed as vulnerable to temptation, yet capable of growth, sacrifice, and moral reckoning.Balzac paints a vivid portrait of Restoration-era France, where politics, literature, and high society intersect in a world driven by reputation, influence, and financial survival. The novel scrutinizes the fragile balance between love and duty, highlighting how easily emotional longing can collide with social expectation. With psychological depth and sharp social commentary, Balzac exposes both the fragility of romantic illusions and the resilience of women forced to confront the consequences of their choices.Rich in character development and moral complexity, A Daughter of Eve is not merely a story of infidelity or temptationit is a study of human weakness, ambition, and redemption. Balzac invites readers to question whether innocence is a strength or a liability in a world governed by power and appearance.For readers who appreciate classic French literature, intricate character studies, and timeless reflections on love and society, A Daughter of Eve remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate across generations.

Scenes from a Courtesans Life is one of Honoré de Balzacs most dramatic and psychologically intricate novels, forming a vital part of his monumental literary cycle, La Comédie Humaine. Set in the turbulent and morally complex world of Restoration-era France, this powerful narrative delves into ambition, desire, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power within Parisian high society.At the heart of the novel is the captivating and tragic figure of Esther Gobseck, a woman whose beauty and vulnerability conceal a life shaped by exploitation and survival. Once trapped in the shadows of society, Esther longs for redemption and genuine love. Her fate becomes entwined with Lucien de Rubempre, a handsome and ambitious young poet desperate to reclaim status and fortune after previous failures. Their relationship, intense and fragile, unfolds under the watchful influence of one of Balzacs most enigmatic and formidable charactersVautrin, a master manipulator operating behind the scenes with chilling intelligence.Balzac crafts a sweeping portrait of a society where appearances mask corruption and where love is often entangled with financial and social calculation. The glittering salons of Paris, filled with aristocrats, bankers, and political schemers, contrast sharply with the desperation of those struggling to climb the social ladder. Through Luciens relentless ambition and Esthers tragic devotion, the novel reveals the harsh realities of a world driven by wealth, influence, and reputation.The story is not merely a tale of romance or downfall; it is a penetrating examination of power structures and the human cost of ambition. Vautrins intricate schemes demonstrate how individuals can be manipulated like pieces in a grand game of strategy. Meanwhile, Esthers emotional journey exposes the vulnerability of those who seek love in a society that values status above sincerity.Rich in psychological depth and social commentary, Scenes from a Courtesans Life exposes the tension between personal desire and societal expectation. Balzacs prose captures both the glamour and the decay of 19th-century Paris, presenting a world where loyalty is fragile, morality is negotiable, and survival often demands sacrifice.This compelling novel stands as a testament to Balzacs genius for portraying the complexities of human motivation. Through unforgettable characters and dramatic twists, Scenes from a Courtesans Life invites readers into a vivid, unsettling exploration of love, ambition, and the hidden forces that shape destiny in a world ruled by power and illusion.

Victor Hugos Cromwell is a monumental historical drama that marked a turning point in French literature and laid the foundation for the Romantic movement. Written in 1827, this ambitious play reimagines the life and inner turmoil of Oliver Cromwell, the controversial English leader who rose to power after the execution of King Charles I. More than a political chronicle, Cromwell is a profound exploration of ambition, conscience, destiny, and the fragile nature of authority.Set in 17th-century England, the drama unfolds during a pivotal moment when Cromwell stands at the height of his power as Lord Protector. The crown of England is within his grasp, yet he hesitates. Around him swirl conspiracies, political intrigue, loyal supporters, hidden enemies, and royalist plots seeking to restore the monarchy. Hugo masterfully captures the tension of a nation suspended between republic and monarchy, revolution and tradition.At its core, Cromwell is not merely about historical events but about the psychological struggle of a man torn between overwhelming ambition and haunting doubt. Hugo presents Cromwell as a complex, almost Shakespearean figureboth calculating and vulnerable, powerful yet uncertain. The play delves deep into themes of legitimacy, moral responsibility, and the corrupting influence of power. Is Cromwell a hero of liberty or a tyrant in disguise? Hugo leaves the reader to grapple with these questions.One of the most remarkable aspects of Cromwell is its legendary preface, which became a manifesto of Romanticism. In it, Hugo rejects the rigid conventions of classical drama and champions artistic freedom, emotional depth, and the blending of the sublime with the grotesque. This bold declaration forever changed the course of French literature, making Cromwell significant not only as a dramatic work but also as a cultural milestone.Rich in vivid characters, political tension, and philosophical reflection, Cromwell showcases Hugos early genius and his ability to weave history with poetic grandeur. Though rarely performed in full due to its epic length, the play remains a powerful literary achievementan exploration of leadership, revolution, and the human condition that continues to resonate with readers today.For lovers of historical drama, political intrigue, and classic literature, Cromwell stands as a towering testament to Victor Hugos visionary talent and enduring influence.

La Peau de Chagrin (The Magic Skin) is one of Honoré de Balzacs most haunting and imaginative masterpieces—a spellbinding fusion of fantasy, philosophy, and social realism. As part of his monumental

Ruy Blas is one of Victor Hugos most powerful and emotionally charged dramasa sweeping tale of love, honor, political corruption, and tragic destiny set in seventeenth-century Spain. First performed in 1838, this Romantic masterpiece blends poetic language with intense theatrical action, creating a story that is both deeply personal and boldly political.At the center of the drama stands Ruy Blas, a humble servant of noble character and extraordinary intelligence. Though born into poverty, he possesses integrity, passion, and a profound sense of justice. His secret love for the Queen of Spain, a woman isolated within the rigid confines of court life, forms the emotional heart of the play. Yet their impossible romance unfolds within a world dominated by manipulation, pride, and moral decay.The plot is set in motion by the vengeful Don Salluste, a disgraced nobleman determined to destroy the Queens reputation. Exploiting Ruy Blass devotion, he disguises him as a nobleman and introduces him into the royal court as part of a calculated scheme. What begins as an act of deceit becomes a transformative journey. Ruy Blas, through his intelligence and compassion, rises to a position of political influence, exposing corruption and advocating for justice in a decaying aristocratic system.Victor Hugo masterfully contrasts social classes, highlighting the hypocrisy of the ruling elite while elevating the dignity and moral superiority of the common man. Through Ruy Blas, Hugo champions the Romantic ideal of individual worth transcending birth and status. The play becomes not only a tragic love story but also a sharp critique of political corruption and social inequality.The emotional tension intensifies as Ruy Blas struggles between loyalty to his benefactor, devotion to the Queen, and his own sense of honor. His rise is shadowed by the secret of his true identity, and the inevitable revelation leads to a climax of sacrifice and heartbreak. Hugos poetic dialogue heightens the drama, imbuing each confrontation with grandeur and intensity.Rich in passion, intrigue, and moral conflict, Ruy Blas stands as one of Hugos greatest theatrical achievements. It captures the spirit of Romanticism with its emphasis on emotion, heroism, and the triumphand tragedyof the individual soul. At once intimate and political, the play explores timeless themes of love, power, identity, and sacrifice.A compelling blend of romance and revolution, Ruy Blas remains a powerful work of world drama, offering readers and audiences alike a moving portrait of courage and devotion in a world shaped by ambition and betrayal.

Notre-Dame de Paris is Victor Hugos sweeping masterpiece of passion, fate, and social injustice, set against the majestic backdrop of fifteenth-century Paris. Known in English as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this monumental novel brings to life a world of towering cathedrals, shadowed alleyways, wandering performers, and the stark divide between privilege and poverty. At its heart lies a powerful meditation on love, obsession, and the cruelty of societal judgment.The story revolves around the magnificent cathedral of Notre-Dame, which stands not merely as a setting but as a living symbol of history, faith, and human achievement. Within its walls and beneath its bells lives Quasimodo, the deformed and deaf bell-ringer whose outward appearance masks a soul capable of profound loyalty and tenderness. Raised by the austere Archdeacon Claude Frollo, Quasimodo has known little of the world beyond stone towers and echoing chimes.When the beautiful and free-spirited Esmeralda, a young Romani dancer, captures the attention of Paris with her grace and kindness, she unwittingly becomes the center of a tragic web of desire and obsession. Frollo, torn between religious devotion and overwhelming passion, descends into jealousy and moral conflict. Meanwhile, the handsome Captain Phoebus represents superficial charm and careless attraction, adding further tension to an already volatile situation.Hugo masterfully intertwines the fates of these characters, revealing how love can inspire sacrifice or ignite destruction. Through Quasimodos silent devotion, Esmeraldas innocence, and Frollos consuming obsession, the novel explores themes of beauty and ugliness, virtue and corruption, fate and free will. Hugo challenges readers to look beyond appearances and question the rigid moral codes of society.Beyond its unforgettable characters, Notre-Dame de Paris is also a vivid portrait of medieval Paris. Hugos rich descriptions bring the bustling streets, grand festivals, and dark underworld of the city to life. He expresses deep reverence for Gothic architecture and laments the neglect of historical monuments, making the cathedral itself a central figure in the narrative. The novel played a significant role in inspiring the preservation of Gothic architecture in France.At once romantic and tragic, dramatic and philosophical, this novel stands as one of the greatest works of nineteenth-century literature. Hugo combines sweeping storytelling with social critique, exposing injustice while celebrating compassion and humanity. The result is a timeless tale that resonates across generations.Powerful, emotional, and unforgettable, Notre-Dame de Paris remains a cornerstone of world literaturea story of longing, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the human heart set beneath the shadow of one of historys most iconic cathedrals.

Louis Lambert is one of Honoré de Balzacs most profound and philosophical works, a deeply introspective novel that explores genius, spirituality, madness, and the limits of human understanding. First published in 1832 as part of La Comedie Humaine, this remarkable narrative stands apart from Balzacs more socially driven novels, offering instead a penetrating examination of the inner life of an extraordinary mind.The story follows the life of Louis Lambert, a brilliant and intensely imaginative young man whose intellectual gifts set him apart from his peers from an early age. Raised in a modest provincial environment, Louis quickly reveals a prodigious talent for abstract thought and philosophical reflection. Recognized for his brilliance, he is sent to the College de Vendome, where he forms a close friendship with the narrator. Through this narrators recollections, we witness Louiss intellectual development, his mystical speculations, and his growing detachment from the ordinary world.Deeply influenced by the mystical philosophy of Emanuel Swedenborg, Louis becomes absorbed in metaphysical questions concerning the soul, willpower, spiritual energy, and the relationship between matter and spirit. He attempts to formulate a grand philosophical systemhis "Treatise on the Will"which seeks to explain the hidden forces governing existence. However, his relentless pursuit of absolute knowledge comes at a cost. As his thoughts grow increasingly abstract and visionary, he begins to withdraw from society, drifting toward isolation and mental collapse.Balzac masterfully portrays the tragic tension between genius and fragility. Louis Lambert is not simply a story about intellectual brilliance; it is a meditation on the dangers of unrestrained thought and the fine line between inspiration and madness. Through Louiss life, Balzac examines the burden of exceptional intelligence in a world that neither fully understands nor supports it. The novel raises enduring questions: Can the human mind safely explore the infinite? Is spiritual enlightenment compatible with earthly existence? What happens when imagination outpaces reality?Unlike many of Balzacs novels that dissect French society, Louis Lambert is intimate and philosophical. It draws heavily from Balzacs own youthful experiences and intellectual struggles, making it one of his most personal works. The novel blends realism with mysticism, biography with speculation, and narrative with philosophical discourse. It offers readers not just a story, but an exploration of consciousness itself.Poetic, reflective, and deeply psychological, Louis Lambert stands as a powerful portrait of a misunderstood genius whose quest for ultimate truth leads him beyond the boundaries of reason. It remains a compelling work for readers interested in philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and the enduring mystery of the human mind.A timeless exploration of intellect and transcendence, Louis Lambert invites readers into the extraordinary inner world of a man who dared to think beyond the limits of his time.

Ninety-Three is Victor Hugos final and one of his most powerful novelsa sweeping historical epic set during the turbulent year of 1793 at the height of the French Revolution. With masterful storytelling and profound moral insight, Hugo plunges readers into a world torn apart by civil war, ideological fanaticism, and the clash between duty and compassion.The novel unfolds in Brittany, where royalist insurgents rise against the revolutionary government in Paris. At the center of the conflict stand three unforgettable figures: the Marquis de Lantenac, a resolute aristocrat and leader of the royalist forces; Gauvain, his idealistic and progressive nephew who fights for the Republic; and Cimourdain, a stern revolutionary priest turned political commissioner, bound by unyielding devotion to revolutionary principles. Their intertwined destinies form the emotional and philosophical core of the story.Through these characters, Hugo explores the moral complexities of revolution. Rather than presenting a simple battle between right and wrong, he reveals the humanity on both sides of the struggle. The aristocrat possesses courage and honor; the revolutionary general embodies mercy and hope; the revolutionary commissioner represents uncompromising justice. As violence escalates and loyalties are tested, each must confront the limits of ideology and the cost of conviction.Rich in dramatic tension, Ninety-Three portrays sea battles, prison escapes, peasant uprisings, and the relentless machinery of revolutionary tribunals. Yet beneath the action lies a deeper meditation on power, conscience, and sacrifice. Hugo examines whether true progress can be achieved through terror, and whether compassion can survive in times of extremism. The novel asks timeless questions: Can mercy coexist with justice? Is loyalty to an ideal greater than loyalty to family? What is the true meaning of revolution?Hugos prose is vivid and lyrical, blending grand historical scope with intimate psychological depth. He paints sweeping landscapes of storm-tossed seas and war-scarred villages while also delving into the inner conflicts of his characters. His portrayal of 1793 is not merely historicalit is symbolic, representing a moment when humanity stood at a crossroads between destruction and renewal.Written during Hugos later years, Ninety-Three reflects his mature political thought and deep belief in human progress tempered by compassion. Though set in the past, its themes of ideological division, moral responsibility, and reconciliation remain strikingly relevant.Powerful, dramatic, and philosophically rich, Ninety-Three stands as a monumental work of historical fiction. It is a story of war and mercy, fanaticism and forgiveness, and the enduring struggle to reconcile justice with humanity.