He was an Ink Boa Python that had cultivated for close to ten thousand years.Waiting until after his ninth Heavenly Tribulation, he would be able to enter the immortal class.He didn't expect that the heavens would actually joke with him at this moment.A woman was thrown down from the sky?This woman was actually the fisherman who he hadn't been able to find for a long time?It looked like he wouldn't be able to reach the Immortal Realm if he didn't repay this kindness!Fine! Then he would grant her a life of wealth and prosperity, a life of 100 years!What? She doesn't want it?Was it his she wanted?

Set against the stunning backdrop of Renaissance France, The Serpent and the Moon is a true story of love, war, intrigue, betrayal, and persecution. At its heart is one of the world's greatest love stories: the lifelong devotion of King Henri II of France to Diane de Poitiers, a beautiful aristocrat who was nineteen years older than her lover. At age fourteen, Henri was married to fourteen-year-old Catherine de' Medici, an unattractive but extremely wealthy heiress who was to bring half of Italy to France as her dowry. When Catherine met Henri on her wedding day, she fell instantly in love, but Henri could see no one but the beautiful Diane. When Henri eventually became king, he and Diane ruled France as one. Meanwhile, Catherine took as her secret motto the words "Hate and Wait" and lived for the day Diane would die and she could win Henri's love and rule by his side. Fate had another plan. Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent, herself a descendant of both Catherine and Diane, imbues this seldom-told story with an insider's grasp of royal life. The Serpent and the Moon is a fascinating love story as well as a richly woven history of an extraordinary time.

Too Much Too Young investigates how age and gender have shaped the careers and images of pop music stars, examining the role of youth and youthfulness in pop music through a series of themed case studies. Whiteley begins by investigating the exploitation of child stars such as Brenda Lee and Michael Jackson, offering a psychoanalytic reading of the relationship between child star and oppressive manager, and looks at the current glut of boy- and girl- bands and stars in the mold of Britney Spears to examine the continuing fatal attraction of stardom for adolescents. Whiteley then considers the star images of female singer-songwriters Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and Bjork, whose 'little girl' voices and characterization by the media suggests a girlish feminitity which is often at odds with the intentions of their musical output. She then moves on to explore the rock/pop divide as it affects the image of male performers, considering why male stars usually fall into the category of 'wild boys' such as Kurt Cobain or Jim Morrison, or 'nice boys', like Cliff Richard, The Monkees, and Wham! Whiteley ends by asking what happens to stars who set so much store by manipulations of youthfulness when they begin to age, and points to stars like Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Cher to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve iconic pop status even without dying young.

Explore Sanskrit literature, the classical language of India, representing a rich cultural tradition from the time of the Vedas in the second millennium BC until Late Antiquity. The leading works of Indian epic poetry are the ‘Ramayana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’, as well as The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature and Sangam literature. These texts are among some of the oldest surviving epic poems ever written. The Delphi Poets Series offers readers the works of literature's finest poets, with superior formatting. This volume presents a comprehensive range of Sanskrit epics, including the complete ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’, with illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to the leading works of Sanskrit epic poetry * Concise introduction to the epic poems * Complete ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’, with scholarly footnotes * Excellent formatting of the poems * Rare other Sanskrit epics appearing for the first time in digital publishing - explore the rich heritage of Sanskrit literature * Easily locate the sections you want to read * Features a biography on the leading poet Kalidasa * Bonus text of Arthur Anthony Macdonell’s ‘A History of Sanskrit Literature’ * Scholarly ordering of texts into chronological order and literary genres Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to see our wide range of poet titles CONTENTS: The Hindu Itihasa Ramayana by Valmiki (Translated by Ralph Thomas Hotchkin) Mahabharata by Vyasa (Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli) Other Sanskrit Epics Buddhacharita by Asvaghosa (Translated by E. B. Cowell) Saundarananda by Asvaghosa (Translated by E. H. Johnston) Selections from ‘Raghuvamsha’ by Kalidasa (Translated by Arthur W. Ryder) Selections from ‘Kumarasambhava’ by Kalidasa (Translated by Arthur W. Ryder) Shishupala Vadha by Magha (Cantos I-IV) (Translated by M. S. Bhandare) Kiratarjuniya by Bharavi (Translated by Romesh Chunder Dutt) Bhattikavya by Bhatti (Canto I) (Anonymous translation 1867) The Biographies A History of Sanskrit Literature by Arthur Anthony Macdonell Kalidasa: His Life and Writings by Arthur W. Ryder Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of poetry titles or buy the entire Delphi Poets Series as a Super Set

Discover the epic saga of ancient India in The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1, translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli. This monumental work delves into the complexities of dharma, power, and human nature, inviting readers to witness a timeless tale of conflict, duty, and morality. As the narrative unfolds, you will be captivated by the legendary characters, each grappling with their destinies against the backdrop of an impending war. But here’s a thought-provoking question: What sacrifices will they make, and what truths will they uncover in the pursuit of righteousness?Through epic battles, intricate relationships, and philosophical dialogues, Ganguli’s translation brings to life the profound wisdom embedded in this ancient text. The Mahabharata transcends mere storytelling, presenting a rich tapestry of moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries that resonate with the human experience. Are you prepared to journey through a world where every choice carries weight and every action has consequences? This epic invites you to reflect on your own values and beliefs as you immerse yourself in its timeless wisdom.With its compelling narratives and unforgettable characters, The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 serves as both a literary masterpiece and a profound exploration of life’s greatest challenges. It’s not just a story; it's a guide to understanding our place in the universe. Don’t miss your chance to explore the depths of this epic tale. Purchase The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 today and embark on an extraordinary journey through history and philosophy!