The naked female body has inspired artists from the beginning of time. The poet, the sculptor, the painter and, more recently, the photographer, each in their own medium, expresses the beauty, fragility and power of her form. Sometimes the image is made for profit, or vanity confuses the objective, and rather than the muse offering a glimpse into higher worlds, she has been subjected to baser realms. What this book offers is an alternative. This is a work that celebrates the diversity of the female figure with respect and humour. It is about the women you know - all shapes, all sizes, from diverse backgrounds and of differing nationalities. Rather than plastic, pouting personalities, here are real women sharing an intimate moment with you. Their uniqueness and appeal is interspersed with erotic poetry and salient quotes too. The words of celebrated beat poet John Esam, and the lauded William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, SK Tremayne and Chaucer, as well as lesser-known writers, all add to the richness of this publication. Jacqui Thake, journalist, Sunday Mirror/Daily Mirror.

The Greatest British Classics Ever Written encapsulates an unrivaled collection traversing the comprehensive spectrum of British literature. This anthology presents a curated selection of works that showcase not only the evolution of literary styles but also the thematic depth which has characterized centuries of English writing. From the cerebral comedies of Oscar Wilde to the haunting gothic tales of Ann Ward Radcliffe, and the pioneering science fiction of H.G. Wells, this collection emphasizes the diversity and significant contributions of British literature to the global canon. Standout pieces capture the essence of human condition, societal shifts, and the unending quest for identity and belonging within varied historical and socio-political contexts. The authors and editors, hailing from different epochs, bring together an impressive array of backgrounds, literary movements, and philosophical ideologies. This melting pot includes the romantic disillusionment of the Brontë sisters, the sharp social critique of Charles Dickens, the existential musings of T.S. Eliot, and the pioneering narratives of Mary Shelley. Their collective works represent a cross-section of the historical nuances, cultural shifts, and the rich literary heritage of the British Isles, revealing a shared lineage of exploration, innovation, and a profound inquiry into the human spirit and societal constructs. For aficionados and newcomers to British literature alike, this anthology offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of British literary genius. The Greatest British Classics Ever Written is more than just a collection; it's a journey through time, offering a panoramic view of the ideas and aesthetics that have shaped not only British literature but also the global literary landscape. Readers are encouraged to delve into this meticulously curated anthology to experience the breadth of insights, the evolution of literary forms, and the dialogue fostered between the era-defining works of these seminal authors. It's an essential volume for those seeking to understand the legacy and continued relevance of British literary contributions to world culture.

Presents a selection of the best works of short fiction of the past year from a variety of acclaimed sources.

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient), directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters) Drawing from decades of work, travel, and research in Russia, Robert Alexander re-creates the tragic, perennially fascinating story of the final days of Nicholas and Alexandra Romanov as seen through the eyes of their young kitchen boy, Leonka. Now an ancient Russian immigrant, Leonka claims to be the last living witness to the Romanovs’ brutal murders and sets down the dark secrets of his past with the imperial family. Does he hold the key to the many questions surrounding the family’s murder? Historically vivid and compelling, The Kitchen Boy is also a touching portrait of a loving family that was in many ways similar, yet so different, from any other. "Ingenious...Keeps readers guessing through the final pages." —USA Today

In this book, which advances clinical science and clinical practice, experts present the broad synthesis of what we have learnt about nature, origins, and clinical ramifications of the general and specific cognitive factors that seem to play a crucial role in creating and maintaining vulnerability across the spectrum of emotional disorders.

Michel and Angele, or a Ladder of Swords by Gilbert Parker is the story of Michel de la Foret and Angele Aubert, two Huguenots who flee France and take refuge at the Walloon Church in England. Based on true events, this adventure novel follows their lives on their chaotic and troublesome travels.

Tennessee Williams's first novel The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone is vintage Tennessee Williams. Published in 1950, his first novel was acclaimed by Gore Vidal as "splendidly written, precise, short, complete, and fine." It is the story of a wealthy, fiftyish American widow recently a famous stage beauty, but now "drifting." The novel opens soon after her husband's death and her retirement from the theatre, as Mrs. Stone tries to adjust to her aimless new life in Rome. She is adjusting, too, to aging. ("The knowledge that her beauty was lost had come upon her recently and it was still occasionally forgotten.") With poignant wit and his own particular brand of relish, Williams charts her drift into an affair with a cruel young gigolo: "As compelling, as fascinating, and as technically skillful as his play" (Publishers Weekly).