One day in the 1860s, so the story goes, an ambitious up-and-coming female sculptor was making love to an older, married man in an art studio. It was complicated because the man was not only one of the most famous sculptors in the country, but the young woman's teacher and mentor. Things got worse when they were rudely interrupted by the woman's mother, accompanied by her faithful servant. The mother, shocked at what she had stumbled across, was dressed in black, still mourning the death of her beloved husband. She screamed at her daughter. And on this occasion, the young woman screamed back, one of the very few people who would dare stand up to such a formidable figure. The daughter accused her mother of hypocrisy, of having an affair with the kilted servant who stood by her side, and threatened to expose her mother's affair to the wider world if she continued to menace her. (An excerpt from the Chapter XIII) People have long been fascinated by the stories behind royal portraits. This volume takes readers inside royal families by way of great paintings, like Holbein's Henry VIII, van Dyck's Charles I, Millais' The Princes in the Tower, Freud's Elizabeth II, and more. Featuring incredible, little known stories of the royals and illustrates, this beautiful collection is illustrated with color paintings, photos, family trees and Royal London walking tours with maps.

This is NOT your typical guide— this book will show you the quirkier side of Manhattan. See where the slave market was in Colonial Manhattan, learn who the streets were named after, visit the site of Studio 54, CGBGs, William S. Burroughs' Bunker, and John Lennon' s Nutopia, see the locations you' ll recognize from The Godfather (1972), When Harry Met Sally (1989), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), and places where other famous movies were filmed, visit everything from tiny community gardens to skyscrapers beloved by billionaires . . . Each walk covers lesser-known architectural, historical, and cultural highlights. Five reasons to buy this book: a must for native New Yorkers who want to be informed about their city introduces movies that have become an important part of the history of NYC fits in your pocket so it' s easy to start walks anywhere and anytime filled with fascinating anecdotes told with a hint of NYC sarcasm and humor contains 12 walks that will make you feel much fitter and smarter when you finish!

"The historical details become the ingredients in the alchemist's recipe, and Swope is a credible alchemist. All the characters we expect from Arthurian lore are here in all their glory. Swope then works his own magic, crafting a saga that is an enjoyable read, faithful to its historical roots." -Karen K. Brees, author of Crosswind Dark Age Monarch: Uther Pendragon blends Arthurian legend, historical fact, and elements of fantasy to re-imagine the landscape of Britain under siege following the exodus of the Roman Empire in 410 CE. A prequel to the best-selling Dark Age Monarch: The Reign of King Arthur, this work traces the chaotic 5th Century British landscape of shifting political loyalties and multiple enemies. Following the stable leadership of his father, Uther Pendragon grasps control of Britain and leads an unprecedented offensive against his foes. Uther's brutal nature, however, does not go unnoticed. Single-minded with little compassion for those who oppose him, the king leaves an indelible mark across Britain. Uther battles the Angles, Saxons, and other invaders with brutality and conviction. But Uther makes as many enemies as allies and loyalties become fractured throughout his reign. Uther also wins Igraine, and together produce the king's lasting legacy: his only child, Arthur, destined to lead the Britons to a legendary Golden Age.