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It was the best-kept industrial secret in world history. The Porcelain Monopoly documents Europes desperate struggle to solve the mystery of White Gold. For centuries, China was the only source for the fragile material, which was more valuable than gold at European courts.We examine the espionage, the alchemy, and the greed that drove this trade. It is the story of a technological superiority that forced Europe into total economic dependence. Why did it take an imprisoned alchemist in Dresden to finally crack the secret?We analyze the effects of porcelain manufactories on the Industrial Revolution and how Meissen became the first high-tech location on the continent. Look into the kaiserlichen Brennofen of Jingdezhen and the secret labs of Bottger. A fascinating account of the longing for perfection and how the search for a material spurred modern world research. Knowledge was the most valuable cargo here.

"The Sword in the Stone" is a gentle and magical bedtime fairy tale about a humble boy named Arthur, who discovers that true strength comes not from muscles, but from kindness, wisdom, and a brave heart. Guided by the wise wizard Merlin, Arthur learns important lessons through adventures, talking animals, and forest secrets until the day he pulls a mysterious sword from a stone and begins his journey to become a great king.This heartwarming tale is perfect for bedtime, filled with gentle magic, soft lessons, and the dream of a better tomorrow.

Behind every colorful box in your favorite game is a billion-dollar industry. The Lootbox Mechanic deconstructs the mechanics of the variable reward scheme that already drove pigeons in the lab crazy. We examine why the uncertainty of winning is more addictive than the win itself.Learn about the psychological triggers: from the near-win illusion to artificial scarcity. We look at the parallels between modern gaming and classic gambling and why the boundaries are intentionally blurred today. This book offers the defense strategy for players and parents against the manipulative power of algorithms.Understand your own brain. We show you how to recognize the dopamine trap and how to become a conscious consumer again. Learn how pay-to-win logic is destroying gaming culture and what we as a society can do about it. This book is a wake-up call in a world where game fun is often just the facade for a digital casino. Reclaim your control before the next drop.

He who controls the paper controls the truth. The Papyrus Monopoly documents Egypts rise to the only information power of the ancient world. For centuries, the world relied on a reed from the Nile to record laws, taxes, and knowledge. We examine how this monopoly created political dependencies.It is the story of a strategic raw material that decided the survival of entire cultures. Why did Romes knowledge disappear when the trade routes to Egypt broke down? We analyze the economic wars fought over the supremacy of the writing rooms. Learn how the introduction of parchment arose as an act of resistance against the Egyptian dictate.Discover the archaeological evidence for a global trade in knowledge, long before the printing press. This book shows that digitalization is only the latest wave of an ancient fight over data carriers. A fascinating account of the material basis of our civilization. Understand the power of the medium that made our history possible in the first place. The reed was mightier than the sword.

Good players master the controlsmasters master the system behind the game. The Metaspiel Protocol enters the world of strategic over-reaching, in which not just the game character, but the opponents expectations are controlled.It is the analysis of the game above the game. Learn how to find shortcuts to victory through unconventional thinking and deep data analysis. We deconstruct the tactics of the worlds best in e-sports and strategy games. This book shows that gaming is the purest form of strategic competition.Become the master of the metaspiel. We show you how to combine psychological warfare and mathematical optimization to become invincible. Learn how to adapt to constantly changing conditions and always stay one step ahead. This knowledge is valuable for everyone who wants to survive in competitive systems. The game begins in your head long before the first button is pressed. Master the protocol and change the rules of the game.

Norwegian Reading Practice for Beginners: 10 Short Texts with Questions and AnswersBuild your Norwegian reading skills step by step with this carefully designed collection for beginner adult learners (A2low B1). The book contains 10 short, engaging texts that reflect everyday life in Norway: from your first day in the country, traveling by bus and train, and emailing a teacher, to visiting the doctor, learning Norwegian as an adult, and writing letters to family.Each text comes with comprehension questions and suggested answers in Norwegian, helping you understand the language, practice forming sentences, and improve reading confidence. The texts include fiction, dialogue, instructions, and short news stories, giving you a variety of real-life reading experiences. Full English translations are also included.This book is perfect for learners who want to practice reading in context, expand vocabulary, and develop the skills to understand Norwegian in daily life.

Most businesses approach sustainability as corporate social responsibilitycharitable initiatives separate from core operations designed to demonstrate social consciousness. This book explores why impact-as-addon strategies often produce superficial gestures rather than meaningful change, examining the structural tensions between profit generation treated as primary and impact creation positioned as secondary.Through analysis of business model design, value creation mechanics, and stakeholder alignment, this work reveals how sustainable enterprises operate through integrated impact rather than compensatory philanthropy. It investigates the friction between extractive business models with charitable offset and regenerative models where profit and positive impact emerge from the same operational activity, exploring why businesses that separate financial and social objectives frequently struggle to achieve either sustainably.Readers will examine the mechanics of dual value delivery, the role of systems thinking in impact integration, and the interplay between market positioning and mission authenticity in purpose-driven markets. The book challenges assumptions about profit-impact trade-offs, sustainability costs, and the organizational practices that either facilitate or undermine genuine stakeholder value creation beyond shareholder returns.

While military histories often focus on male combatants, millions of women served in armed forces, resistance movements, and combat units during World War II. From Soviet sniper regiments and British SOE agents to Polish Home Army fighters and American ferry pilots, women operated machine guns, flew bombers, conducted sabotage, gathered intelligence, and led partisan units across every theater of war.This book examines the diverse military roles women assumed during WWII, drawing on declassified documents, personal testimonies, and archival photographs. It explores how different nations mobilized female personnelsome into direct combat, others into auxiliary servicesand traces the institutional barriers, cultural resistance, and propaganda campaigns surrounding womens military participation.Through firsthand accounts and documentary evidence, the narrative reveals how female soldiers navigated gendered expectations while performing the same dangerous work as their male counterparts. The book also addresses the postwar erasure of womens contributions from official military histories and examines how Cold War politics shaped collective memory of female combatants.Readers will encounter Soviet Night Witches conducting bombing raids, French Resistance couriers transporting weapons, Yugoslav partisans commanding brigades, and WASP pilots ferrying fighters across the Atlantic. The book provides historical context for each nations approach to female military service while highlighting the universal challenges women faced in proving their competence under fire.

We own more than we need and less than we want. The Minimalism Blueprint is the radical guide to detoxifying your material and mental life. We examine the psychological costs of possession and why every item in your house binds your energy.Its not about empty rooms, but about space for the essential. Learn how to neutralize your buying impulses and free yourself from the burden of objects. We show you techniques for radical decluttering and how to create an environment that radiates peace instead of chaos.Become the architect of your freedom. We show you how to eliminate your decision fatigue by consciously giving up choice and gain more time for the things that really count. Learn why less really is more and how you can discover a new form of life quality through minimalism. This book is for everyone who feels crushed by their stuff. Start your blueprint today and breathe again. Your life is not a warehouse.

Bronze needs copper and tinbut these metals were rarely in the same place. The Bronze Mandate shows how this geological accident forced humanity into globalization as early as 4000 years ago. Without tin, there were no weapons, no tools, and no progress.We examine the gigantic trade networks that stretched from the mines of Britain to the palaces of Mesopotamia. It is the story of the first international diplomacy and the emergence of complex supply chains in a world without maps. Why did the entire Mediterranean world collapse when these routes broke down?We analyze the Collapse at the End of the Bronze Age as the first global system failure in history. Learn how the dependence on distant raw materials was already both a curse and a blessing back then. This book documents the archaeological evidence for a networked world that was surprisingly similar to our own today. A fascinating look at the material constraints that drove the progress of civilization.

How often do you do things just to please others? The constant eye on likes, the bosss nod, or the neighbors praise is like a drug that slowly poisons us. The Validation Hunger dissects the modern need for external confirmation.We examine the roots of this addiction and why we often measure our own worth by other peoples standards. It is the analysis of a social program that makes us copies instead of originals. Learn how to build your own inner authority and make decisions based on your values, not the crowds applause.Find the courage to be disliked. We show you strategies to strengthen your inner compass and how to view criticism as mere noise. This book is the liberation blow for everyone tired of playing the lead role in someone elses theater. Discover the immense power that is released when you stop caring about the worlds opinion. Your life belongs to youstop living it for the gallery. Your potential is waiting for you to stop looking for permission. Breakthrough starts within.

480 d.C. - A Salona, lultimo augusto dOccidente Giulio Nepote viene assassinato durante un agguato tesogli dai suoi piu fidati generali e ordito da un altro ex-imperatore, Glicerio. Anche questi pero sara ucciso subito dopo, per mano di sicari assoldati da nientemeno che il Senato di Roma. Allo stesso tempo, il giovane ereditiero Ezio Valerio Simmaco si affaccia a una nuova vita a Tivoli. Nel giorno del suo trentacinquesimo compleanno, questi ricevera tuttavia una visita a sorpresa: quella di suo zio di secondo grado Quinto Memmio Aurelio Simmaco, capo del Senato e prefetto dellUrbe. Come regalo, Simmaco dara a Ezio la nomina a Senatore che era stata del padre Gaio. Ma dietro alla visita di Simmaco si cela anche altro. Il desiderio di avvicinare il giovane Ezio a un piano segreto e ambizioso, animato da un sogno diffuso. Un sogno che era stato anche del suo defunto padre, e che poi diverra il suo. Cambiando per sempre la sua vita, e non solo.

A haunting and deeply philosophical short story, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a powerful meditation on despair, redemption, and the transformative power of love. In this profound and visionary narrative, Dostoyevsky distills his enduring spiritual and existential concerns into a compact yet emotionally resonant tale.The story follows an unnamed narrator who considers himself absurd and meaningless in a world he believes to be indifferent and corrupt. Isolated and consumed by hopelessness, he resolves to end his life. Yet on the night he plans to carry out his decision, a vivid and extraordinary dream interrupts his final act.In his dream, he journeys to a distant, unspoiled worlda paradise untouched by deceit, pride, or cruelty. There, humanity lives in harmony, guided by innocence and mutual love. However, through his own presence and influence, this idyllic society gradually falls into corruption and division. What begins as purity transforms into suffering, greed, and alienation, mirroring the flaws of the world he once despised.Through this dreamlike allegory, Dostoyevsky explores themes of moral responsibility, free will, human frailty, and the possibility of spiritual renewal. The narrators revelation leads him to a profound understanding: that love, compassion, and humility are the keys to healing a broken world. What was once a life defined by cynicism becomes one devoted to spreading hope and truth.Blending psychological depth with spiritual insight, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man offers a timeless reflection on the human condition. Both intimate and universal, this philosophical tale challenges readers to reconsider despair and to recognize the redemptive power that lies within every heart.

A powerful and deeply personal novel, Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence is a compelling exploration of family bonds, emotional conflict, and the search for individual identity. Drawing heavily from Lawrences own life, this modern classic portrays the intimate struggles of a working-class family in early 20th-century England with striking psychological depth and honesty.The story centers on Paul Morel, a sensitive and intelligent young man growing up in a coal-mining town. His mother, Gertrude Morel, is a refined and ambitious woman whose unhappy marriage to her rough, hard-drinking husband leaves her emotionally unfulfilled. As her relationship with her husband deteriorates, she channels her hopes and affections into her sons, especially Paul, forging a bond that becomes both nurturing and suffocating.As Paul matures, he seeks independence and romantic fulfillment, yet finds himself torn between his devotion to his mother and his desire for love and autonomy. His relationships with Miriam Leivers, a deeply spiritual and introspective young woman, and Clara Dawes, a passionate and independent figure, reveal his inner turmoil and his struggle to reconcile physical desire with emotional attachment.Through its intimate portrayal of love, resentment, ambition, and longing, the novel examines themes of class conflict, industrialization, sexuality, and the complex ties between parents and children. Lawrences vivid descriptions of the English countryside contrast sharply with the harsh realities of mining life, reflecting the tension between beauty and hardship that shapes the characters lives.At its heart, Sons and Lovers is a profound study of psychological development and emotional dependence. It challenges conventional ideas about love and loyalty while offering a candid look at the forces that shape identity. Bold, introspective, and emotionally resonant, this enduring work remains one of the most influential novels of the 20th century, capturing the fragile balance between family devotion and personal freedom.

Set against the vibrant and complex backdrop of British-ruled India, Kim by Rudyard Kipling is a rich and captivating tale of adventure, identity, and espionage. Blending coming-of-age storytelling with political intrigue, this classic novel transports readers into a world of shifting loyalties and cultural crossroads.The story follows Kimball OHaraknown simply as Kiman orphaned boy growing up on the bustling streets of Lahore. Clever, resourceful, and deeply connected to the diverse cultures around him, Kim moves effortlessly between worlds. His life changes when he befriends a wandering Tibetan lama on a spiritual quest. As Kim accompanies the holy man across the subcontinent, he is drawn into the "Great Game," the shadowy rivalry between empires vying for influence in Central Asia.Torn between his Irish heritage and his Indian upbringing, Kim becomes both disciple and spy, navigating a landscape filled with soldiers, holy men, merchants, and secret agents. His journey is one of discoveryof purpose, loyalty, and self-understandingset against sweeping landscapes and vividly drawn characters.Kiplings portrayal of India is layered and atmospheric, capturing its color, complexity, and contradictions. Through Kims eyes, readers experience bustling cities, remote mountain passes, and the intricate interplay of faith, politics, and empire. The novel explores themes of belonging, identity, and the tension between spiritual seeking and worldly ambition.At once an adventure story and a nuanced portrait of colonial society, Kim remains one of Kiplings most celebrated works. Its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and exploration of cultural identity continue to resonate with readers, offering both excitement and thoughtful reflection.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a timeless classic that celebrates the healing power of nature, friendship, and love. First published in 1911, this beloved novel tells the story of transformation not only of a hidden garden locked away behind ivy-covered walls, but of the lonely and troubled children who bring it back to life.The story begins with Mary Lennox, a spoiled and neglected young girl born in India to wealthy British parents. After a sudden tragedy leaves her orphaned, Mary is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, at his vast and mysterious estate, Misselthwaite Manor, on the Yorkshire moors. Cold, lonely, and resentful, Mary finds herself in an unfamiliar land filled with long corridors, strange cries in the night, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.One of the estates most intriguing mysteries is a garden that has been locked and abandoned for years following the death of Mr. Cravens wife. With the help of a friendly robin and a local boy named Dickonwho has an extraordinary connection to animals and the natural worldMary discovers the hidden key and begins restoring the neglected space. As the garden slowly blooms again, so too do the spirits of those who tend it.Marys transformation is profound. Once selfish and ill-tempered, she grows stronger, kinder, and more compassionate through her work in the fresh air and soil. Along the way, she discovers her cousin Colin, a sickly and isolated boy who believes himself destined to remain weak and dependent. Through friendship, encouragement, and the magic of the secret garden, Colin begins his own journey toward health and confidence.Frances Hodgson Burnett weaves themes of renewal, resilience, and the restorative power of nature throughout this enchanting tale. The novel emphasizes how connectionto the earth, to others, and to oneselfcan inspire growth and healing. With vivid descriptions of the Yorkshire landscape and heartfelt portrayals of childhood curiosity and wonder, The Secret Garden continues to captivate readers of all ages.More than a simple childrens story, The Secret Garden is a celebration of hope, transformation, and the belief that even the most hidden and neglected placeswhether gardens or heartscan bloom again when nurtured with care and love.

A masterful exploration of freedom, ambition, and the complexities of the human heart, The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James is one of the most celebrated novels of nineteenth-century literature. With psychological depth and elegant prose, James crafts a compelling study of a young womans journey through love, choice, and consequence in a world shaped by wealth, culture, and social expectation.At the center of the novel stands Isabel Archer, an intelligent and spirited American who arrives in Europe determined to experience life on her own terms. Independent and idealistic, Isabel rejects conventional paths in pursuit of personal growth and self-discovery. When she unexpectedly inherits a fortune, her newfound wealth seems to offer limitless opportunity and autonomy. Yet as she navigates the refined drawing rooms and intricate social codes of European society, Isabel encounters individuals whose charm and sophistication conceal far more complex intentions.James brilliantly portrays Isabels emotional and moral awakening as she confronts the tension between romantic aspiration and harsh reality. Her choicesmade in the name of independencelead her into a marriage that challenges her ideals and tests her resilience. Through Isabels inner struggles, the novel examines themes of self-determination, manipulation, loyalty, and the subtle constraints imposed by culture and gender.Set against richly detailed backdrops in England, Italy, and beyond, The Portrait of a Lady offers more than a social narrative; it is a profound meditation on identity and responsibility. Henry Jamess nuanced storytelling invites readers into the private thoughts and motives of his characters, revealing the intricate layers of human psychology that define their actions.Both intimate and sweeping, the novel remains a timeless reflection on the cost of freedom and the courage required to remain true to oneself. The Portrait of a Lady stands as a landmark achievement in literary fictionan enduring portrait not only of a remarkable woman, but of the universal struggle between desire and destiny.

A landmark of literary realism, Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert is a masterful exploration of desire, disillusionment, and the quiet tragedies hidden beneath ordinary life. First published in 1857, this groundbreaking novel shocked its contemporaries and forever changed the course of modern fiction.The story centers on Emma Bovary, a young woman raised on romantic dreams and fantasies of passion, luxury, and refinement. Married to a well-meaning but unimaginative country doctor, Emma soon finds herself suffocated by the monotony of provincial life. Longing for excitement and emotional fulfillment, she seeks escape through extravagant spending and dangerous affairs, chasing an idealized vision of happiness that remains perpetually out of reach.With meticulous attention to detail and psychological depth, Flaubert paints a vivid portrait of a woman trapped between imagination and reality. Emmas inner turmoil reflects a broader critique of societyits materialism, superficial values, and rigid expectations. Her relentless pursuit of romance and status becomes both her rebellion and her undoing.Flauberts prose is precise and elegant, marked by irony and subtlety. Rather than judging his heroine, he presents her with striking honesty, revealing both her vulnerabilities and her flaws. The result is a powerful and deeply human story that examines the consequences of living beyond ones meansemotionally, morally, and financially.Tragic, intimate, and profoundly influential, Madame Bovary remains one of the greatest novels ever written. Its exploration of longing, dissatisfaction, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with readers, offering a timeless reflection on the fragile boundary between dreams and reality.

This comprehensive collection brings together the complete longer fiction of Jane Austen, including her six finished novels, her early epistolary novella, and her unfinished works.Spanning the Regency period, these works explore courtship, inheritance, social ambition, moral growth, and the delicate balance between emotion and reason. With wit, irony, and psychological precision, they portray the intimate dramas of family life and the quiet tensions of English country society.Included in this volume:Sense and Sensibility (1811)Pride and Prejudice (1813)Mansfield Park (1814)Emma (1816)Northanger Abbey (1818, posthumous)Persuasion (1818, posthumous)Lady Susan (1871, posthumous)The Watsons (unfinished)Sanditon (unfinished)From sparkling social satire to more mature meditations on regret and second chances, this collection reveals the full arc of Austens artistic development. The inclusion of the unfinished works offers readers a rare glimpse into her creative process and evolving narrative voice.Presented in a single, carefully formatted volume, this edition is ideal for students, scholars, and readers who wish to experience the complete range of Austens fiction in one place.

A masterwork of literary innovation and psychological depth, The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford is a haunting exploration of love, betrayal, illusion, and the fragile nature of truth. First published in 1915, this groundbreaking novel remains one of the most influential works of early twentieth-century fiction, celebrated for its intricate structure and profound emotional insight.Told through the reflective and unreliable narration of John Dowell, the story unfolds as a seemingly simple account of two wealthy couples whose lives become deeply entangled over the course of nine years. What begins as a tale of friendship and genteel companionship gradually reveals itself to be a complex web of passion, secrecy, manipulation, and moral ambiguity. As Dowell pieces together the events that led to tragedy, readers are drawn into a shifting landscape where memory is uncertain, motives are concealed, and appearances are dangerously deceiving.Fords innovative narrative stylefragmented, nonlinear, and psychologically intimatemirrors the confusion and disorientation experienced by the characters themselves. Through Dowells hesitant revelations, the novel examines the nature of trust and self-deception, asking whether we ever truly know those closest to usor even ourselves. The titles irony underscores one of the books central questions: what does it mean to be "good," and who has the authority to define virtue?Set against the backdrop of European high society before the First World War, The Good Soldier captures a world on the brink of collapse. Beneath its polished surface lies emotional instability and moral decay, reflecting the broader cultural tensions of its era. Fords keen insight into human psychology and social convention gives the novel a timeless resonance that continues to captivate modern readers.Both tragic and darkly ironic, The Good Soldier is a powerful study of passion, repression, and the complexities of human relationships. It stands as a landmark achievement in modern literaturean unforgettable examination of the stories we tell, the truths we conceal, and the consequences that follow when illusion gives way to reality.