New Releases by James Howard

The last, longest and most damaging of the wars fought between East Rome and Sasanian Persia (603-628) brought the classical phase of west Eurasian history to a dramatic close. Despite its evident significance, not least as the distant setting for Muhammad''s prophetic mission, this last great war of antiquity attracted comparatively little scholarly attention until the last decades of the twentieth century. James Howard-Johnston''s contributions to the subject, most of which were published in out-of-the-way places (one, that on al-Tabari, is printed for the first time), are brought together in convenient form in this volume. They strive to root history in close observation of landscape and monuments as well as careful analysis of texts. They explore the evolving balance of power between the two empires, look at events through Roman, Armenian and Arab eyes, and home in on the climax of the final conflict in the 620s.

Byzantium was a strange entity--a relic of classical antiquity which survived deep into the Middle Ages. Drawing on a lifetime''s work in the field of Byzantine studies, James Howard-Johnston aims to explain Byzantium''s longevity, first as a state geared to fighting a two-centuries long guerrilla war of defence, then as an increasingly confident regional power. It is only by analysing its economic, social, and institutional structures that this strange medieval afterlife of the rump of the Roman empire can be understood. This collection of linked essays outlines the fundamental features of Byzantium, with a focus on the seventh to eleventh centuries. The essays delve below the agitated surface of political, religious, and intellectual history to home in on (1) alterations in economic conditions; and (2) structural change in the social order and apparatus of government. The economic foundations of society and state are examined over the long term, with emphasis placed on mercantile enterprise throughout. Howard-Johnston identifies warfare as the prime driver of social and institutional change in a first phase (seventh to eighth centuries), when the peasant villager rose to a dominant position in the collective mindset and the administration was centralised and militarised as never before. A second phase of change is then highlighted, after the mid-ninth century when Byzantium''s security was assured. Military and administrative arrangements were adapted as the empire expanded. The service aristocracy which had developed in the dark centuries began to assert itself to the detriment of the peasantry, but was, Howard-Johnston argues, countered reasonably effectively by new legislation. There was a renaissance in cultural life, most marked in the intellectual sphere in the eleventh century. Finally, the sharp decline in Byzantium''s military fortunes from the mid-eleventh century is attributed to external factors rather than internal weakness.

About the Book Fantasy, science fiction, and adventure tales with love, humor, and horror, Legend Makers and Planet Raiders will grip you and entertain you word for word all the way through. About the Author James Howard Potts loves country-western, square dancing, the two-step, and waltz. He enjoyed the late Joe Diffie, lost to COVID-19. Potts rarely attends anymore but enjoys church. His pastor was Jim Garlow. Potts loves fantasy and mathematics.

Reflections on a Father and a Son is a journey that at times is gut wrenching while at other moments pause worthy. As a five year old enduring painful spinal taps in a Polio Ward to an adolescent experimenting with epic classroom disruptions, this collection of deeds maligned by misdeeds appears to have only one possible outcome: reform school. Readers witness how growing up in the 1950s and 60s was negotiated in small towns with even smaller margins of supervision. Travel along route 9 from Stottville to Rouses Point, a micro village tucked away innocently in the northeast corner of the Lake Champlain Valley basin of New York State. The early years in the Hudson Valley involve tales of exploration, cruelty, and friendship. After moving just south of the Canadian border, the adventures take on a downward spiral. Crawl through collapsed tunnels in a 19th century deserted fort, rummage the contents of railroad cars for cigarettes or discover how to survive multiple school suspensions. The odyssey intensifies as consistent threads weave through a contentious relationship between father and son. Their bond is buttressed by an ever increasing repertoire of senseless acts bent on destroying all possibilities of post-high school success. Save for one prescient and observant English teacher, a fruitful future would have been squandered. Participate in the transformation of a non-compliant teenager to a tremulous college applicant; the result of one teacher believing in one outlier.

Complete Poems (Collected) brings together the full body of Poe''s poetic output in a single volume. With precise and beautiful language, Poe explores the depths of the human psyche in unparalleled ways, examining themes of love, loss, death, and the supernatural. This volume is an essential addition to any library of American poetry. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The last and longest war of classical antiquity was fought in the early seventh century. It was ideologically charged and fought along the full length of the Persian-Roman frontier, drawing in all the available resources and great powers of the steppe world. The conflict raged on an unprecedented scale, and its end brought the classical phase of history to a close. Despite all this, it has left a conspicuous gap in the history of warfare. This book aims to finally fill that gap. The war opened in summer 603 when Persian armies launched co-ordinated attacks across the Roman frontier. Twenty-five years later the fighting stopped after the final, forlorn counteroffensive thrusts of the Emperor Heraclius into the Persians'' Mesopotamian heartland. James Howard-Johnston pieces together the scattered and fragmentary evidence of this period to form a coherent story of the dramatic events, as well as an introduction to key players-Turks, Arabs, and Avars, as well as Persians and Romans- and a tour of the vast lands over which the fighting took place. The decisions and actions of individuals-particularly Heraclius, a general of rare talent-and the various immaterial factors affecting morale take centre stage, yet due attention is also given to the underlying structures in both belligerent empires and to the Middle East under Persian occupation in the 620s. The result is a solidly founded, critical history of a conflict of immense significance in the final episode of classical history.

In "The Mania of the Nations on the Planet Mars and its Terrific Consequences," James Howard Calisch presents a thought-provoking narrative that explores the intersection of politics, human ambition, and extraterrestrial life. Through a unique blend of speculative fiction and social commentary, Calisch crafts a vivid portrayal of a future where nations vie for dominance on the red planet. The novel is characterized by its intricate world-building, engaging prose, and an astute examination of the consequences of imperialism and conflict. This work stands in dialogue with the burgeoning genre of science fiction in the early 20th century, borrowing from the influences of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne while pushing the boundaries of the genre into the realm of political allegory. James Howard Calisch, an American author and journalist, possessed a keen interest in the sociopolitical dynamics of his time, particularly in relation to nationalism and expansionism. Calisch''s background in journalism and his exposure to the tumultuous political landscape of the early 1900s profoundly informed his writing. His work reflects a deep understanding of humanity''Äôs penchant for conflict and the inevitable consequences that arise from unchecked ambition. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in the profound themes of human nature reflected through the lens of science fiction. Calisch''Äôs exploration of the implications of colonization on Mars invites reflection on our own world''Äôs history and future. Engage with this compelling narrative and allow it to challenge your perceptions of society, ambition, and the cosmos.

The dystopian epic of World Made by Hand continues in a novel hailed as "Larry McMurty''s Lonesome Dove, set in the dystopian world of The Road" ( New York Journal of Books). A new age has begun on Earth. Oil is no longer a resource. Some parts of America are nuclear wastelands. Civilization has devolved into a constant struggle for food, water, and shelter. In the tiny hamlet of Union Grove, New York, the US government is little more than a rumor. Wars are being fought over dwindling resources and illness has a constant presence. Bandits roam the countryside, preying on the weak and a sinister cult threatens the town''s fragile stability. It is up to every citizen of Union Grove to decide what they are willing to fight for, kill for, and die for . . . This is a tale of humanity at its shining best and brutal worst woven together in a "suspenseful, darkly amusing story with touches of the fantastic in the mode of Washington Irving" ( Booklist). "Kunstler''s postapocalyptic world is neither a merciless nightmare nor a starry-eyed return to some pastoral faux utopia; it''s a hard existence dotted with adventure, revenge, mysticism, and those same human emotions that existed before the power went out." — Publishers Weekly

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The World Made by Hand postapocalyptic saga concludes with this “suspenseful tale spiked with suffering and violence, rough justice and love” (Booklist). The small town of Union Grove has adapted, struggled, and thrived in the new age of civilization. But early spring is full of hardships: Fresh food is scarce and the winter stores are almost gone. Despite the time of privation, young explorer Daniel Earle resurrects the town newspaper, and the town trustees ask him to help revive the Hudson River trade route. But even as the townsfolk strive forward, a group of visitors remind them that nothing is easy in the new world. They proclaim themselves as representatives of the Berkshire People’s Republic, spouting high-minded, near-fanatical rhetoric of social justice and absolute equality—all while demanding tribute from the citizens under slyly veiled threats. Now, the townspeople of Union Grove will have to decide just how far they are willing to go to keep the freedom and peace for which they have fought so hard . . . With this glimpse into a future that could become reality all too soon, James Howard Kunstler delivers “a slyly folksy, caustically hilarious, unabashedly proselytizing, and affecting finale in a keenly provocative saga.” (Booklist).

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Humanity hangs on after the fall of civilization in this “wily, funny, rip-roaring, and profoundly provocative page-turner” (Booklist, starred review). After the collapse of the old world—the pandemics, the environmental disasters, the end of oil, the ensuing chaos—people are pursuing a simpler and sometimes happier existence. In Union Grove, New York, the townspeople are preparing for Christmas . . . the perfect time for a long-lost member of the community to return. Robert Earle’s son, Daniel, has come home after two years exploring what is left of the United States. He brings news of three new nations arisen from what was once America—and the dangers and possibilities they may hold. Meanwhile, a horrific murder threatens to turn the community of Union Grove against itself—and what is supposed to be a time of peace and togetherness is overtaken by suspicion and fear. In this vividly depicted look at a world that may be on our own horizon, “Kunstler skewers everything from kitsch to greed, prejudice, bloodshed, and brainwashing” in a gripping story of hope, hate, and humanity’s last chance at survival (Booklist).

Your full-color go-to guide—covering the final version of Windows 8! Get started enjoying the innovative features of Microsoft’s latest operating system release on any device quickly and easily with Windows 8 Kickstart. Loaded with crisp, full-color screenshots, this practical, visual guide focuses on the best ways to maximize the operating system’s capabilities. Customize and secure your system, manage files, browse the Web, download apps, enjoy multimedia, manage photos, connect to social media networks, and much more. Tips, Notes, Warnings, and Now You Know sidebars offer solutions to potential pitfalls and veteran insight helps you get the most out of Windows 8. Configure and customize Windows 8 Manage your desktop Organize files with Windows Explorer Keep Windows 8 up to date and secure Get started with Windows 8-style apps Surf the web Connect with social media and instant messaging View and manage photos Play music, video, and games Print files and manage devices

The author of The Long Emergency explains why technology can’t solve all our problems, and how excessive optimism can endanger our future. The Long Emergency quickly became a grassroots hit, offering a shocking vision of our post-oil future and capturing the attention of environmentalists and business leaders alike. As discussion about our dependence on fossil fuels and our dysfunctional financial and government institutions continues, the author returns with Too Much Magic—evaluating what has changed and what has not, and what direction we need to take in this post-financial-crisis world. “Too much magic” is what James Howard Kunstler sees in the bright utopian visions of the future dreamed up by optimistic souls who believe technology will solve all our problems. Their visions remind him of the flying cars and robot maids that were the dominant images of the future in the 1950s. Kunstler’s image of the future is much more sober. With vision, clarity of thought, and a pragmatic worldview, Kunstler argues that the time for magical thinking and hoping for miracles is over—and the time to begin preparing for the long emergency has begun. “A sharp critic of energy-sucking, big-box landscapes.” —Winnipeg Free Press

The forty years of American Indian literature taken up by James H. Cox--the decades between 1920 and 1960--have been called politically and intellectually moribund. On the contrary, Cox identifies a group of American Indian writers who share an interest in the revolutionary potential of the indigenous peoples of Mexico--and whose work demonstrates a surprisingly assertive literary politics in the era. By contextualizing this group of American Indian authors in the work of their contemporaries, Cox reveals how the literary history of this period is far more rich and nuanced than is generally acknowledged. The writers he focuses on--Todd Downing (Choctaw), Lynn Riggs (Cherokee), and D''Arcy McNickle (Confederated Salish and Kootenai)--are shown to be on par with writers of the preceding Progressive and the succeeding Red Power and Native American literary renaissance eras. Arguing that American Indian literary history of this period actually coheres in exciting ways with the literature of the Native American literary renaissance, Cox repudiates the intellectual and political border that has emerged between the two eras.

A picaresque novel of the American West in 1803. An historical comedy about two bumbling botanists sent into the southern wilderness by Thomas Jefferson to look for something that isn''t there. A novel in the spirit of Lewis and Clark (who make cameo appearences). Replete with wild Indians, river pirates, the kidnapped son of King Louis XVI, the lost colony of Roanoke, and much more. A non-stop romp full of life and humor and the sensibility of early America.

annual pagan pilgrimage with all its traditional rites into the new religion, is identified as a key moment in world history, in that it released the new faith from confinement in Medina and allowed it to spread within Arabia and beyond. --

American Legionnaires Of France: A Directory Of The Citizens Of The United States On Whom France Has Conferred Her National Order, The Legion Of Honor

These days, development inspires scant trust in the West. For critics who condemn centralized efforts to plan African societies as latter day imperialism, such plans too closely reflect their roots in colonial rule and neoliberal economics. But proponents of this pessimistic view often ignore how significant this concept has become for Africans themselves. In Bewitching Development, James Howard Smith presents a close ethnographic account of how people in the Taita Hills of Kenya have appropriated and made sense of development thought and practice, focusing on the complex ways that development connects with changing understandings of witchcraft. Similar to magic, development’s promise of a better world elicits both hope and suspicion from Wataita. Smith shows that the unforeseen changes wrought by development—greater wealth for some, dashed hopes for many more—foster moral debates that Taita people express in occult terms. By carefully chronicling the beliefs and actions of this diverse community—from frustrated youths to nostalgic seniors, duplicitous preachers to thought-provoking witch doctors—BewitchingDevelopment vividly depicts the social life of formerly foreign ideas and practices in postcolonial Africa.

In this “richly imagined” dystopian vision, mankind must find a way to survive as modern civilization slowly comes apart (O, The Oprah Magazine). When Earth ran dry of oil, the age of the automobile came to an end; electricity flickered out. With deprivation came desperation—and desperation drove humanity backward to a state of existence few could have imagined. In the tiny hamlet of Union Grove, New York, every day is a struggle. For Mayor Robert Earle, it is a battle to keep the citizens united. As the bonds of civilization are torn apart by war, famine, and violence, there are some who aim to carve out a new society: one in which might makes right—a world of tyranny, subjugation, and death. A world Earle must fight against . . . In his shocking nonfiction work, The Long Emergency, social commentator James Howard Kunstler explored the reality of what would happen if the engines stopped running. In World Made by Hand, he offers a stark glimpse of that future in a work of speculative fiction that stands as “an impassioned and invigorating tale whose ultimate message is one of hope, not despair” (San Francisco Chronicle). “Brilliant.” —Alan Cheuse, Chicago Tribune “It frightens without being ridiculously nightmarish, it cautions without being too judgmental, and it offers glimmers of hope we don’t have to read between the lines to comprehend.” —Baltimore City Paper

In this “wonderfully entertaining” novel, a famous domestic diva finds her perfect life falling to pieces (Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City). She’s the goddess of hearth and home, America’s millionaire media maven of domesticity, Connecticut’s most dazzling hostess, and everything in her world is perfect—except that Maggie Darling’s picture-book life has suddenly gone off the rails. Amid the extravagant trappings of a Christmas Eve bash, she spies her swinish stockbroker husband slipping out of a powder room moments after his creamy young colleague. The ensuing matrimonial meltdown launches Maggie on a year of romance and misadventure, starting with an ill-fated fling with a British rock star-turned-movie-actor. Back home, a sniper is loose on the Merritt Parkway and a gang known as the Businessman’s Lunch Posse is terrorizing patrons of Manhattan’s four-star restaurants. Meanwhile, Maggie’s son Hooper drops out of college and falls into the company of the sinister gangsta rap group Chill Az Def. As calamity piles on catastrophe, even Maggie Darling’s legendary organizational skills may not be able to restore civilization as we wish we knew it . . . “Deliciously funny.” —Publishers Weekly

Sometimes when visiting a new place of worship, you just don''t know what is acceptable behavior or unacceptable. Some things that normally go on in one church might never happen in another. That''s where this book comes in; if you follow these easy instructions you will be safe in any church. The last thing you want to do is embarrass yourself and others by doing something that would offend others. Some things you shouldn''t do are obvious, others are not. So study along with the Captain and find out how you can avoid being laughed at or possibly thrown out of church.

Recounts the story of the man who traveled west planting apple seeds to make the country a better place to live.

This title takes an in-depth look at the history, development and state of architectural and societal success of cities, including London, Rome, Berlin, Paris and Mexico City.