The Magnificent Ride examines the social and religious dimensions of the Hussite revolutionary movement in 15th-century Bohemia. It argues that ’the magnificent ride’ was, in fact, the first reformation, and not merely a precursor to the reformations of the 16th century. The religious revival which had begun in Prague in the later middle ages reached its zenith in the period between Jan Hus and the Council of Basel. This book reconstructs the Hussite myth and shows how that myth evolved into the historical phenomenon of heresy. Acts of heretical practice in Bohemia, condemnation of Jan Hus, defiance of ecclesiastical authority and attempts by the official church to deal with the dissenters are fascinating chapters in the history of late medieval Europe.

The story behind The Magnificent Seven could have been a movie in itself. It had everything--actors' strike, writers' strike, Mexican government interference and a row between the screenwriters that left one removing his name from the credits, all under the lingering gloom of post-McCarthy era Hollywood. A flop on release, it later became a box office hit. This book tells the behind-the-scenes story: how Yul Brynner became the biggest independent producer in Hollywood; why John Sturges was not the first choice after Brynner surrendered the director's chair; why Sturges quit; the truth about the Mirisch Company (producers); the details of the film's botched release and unlikely redemption; the creation of Elmer Bernstein's classic score; and how internecine fighting prevented the making of the television series in 1963. Myths about Steve McQueen, his feud with Brynner and the scene-stealing antics of the cast are debunked. A close examination of the various screenplay drafts and the writers' source material--Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai--shows who wrote what. Extensive analysis of Sturges' directorial work is provided.

Power up mountain passes in Italy’s Dolomites, tackle Bolivia’s infamous Death Road or go island-hopping in Japan: Ride takes you around the world in search of adventure on two wheels. Covering 100 incredible cycling routes, this inspirational book will make you reach for your handlebars, whether you’re an experienced, ascent-loving road cyclist or are planning your first bike- packing trip. Awe-inspiring images and compelling descriptions of each ride will have you itching to jump in the saddle, while handy maps, elevation profiles and practical information – including things like distance, difficulty and road surface – will help you plan the nitty gritty of your trip. We’ve also included the best places to explore along the way – whether that’s refuelling spots, epic viewpoints or nearby must-see sights – as well as suggestions for alternative ways to tackle a route. This beautiful bike book features: - Covers 100 rides, from day cycles around cities to epic journeys across continents. - Beautifully designed gift book with stunning photography throughout. - Inspirational travel guide for anyone planning a cycling holiday. - A carefully curated selection of rides, chosen by cycling and travel experts. - Infographics provide an easy-to-digest overview of each ride. - Includes maps and elevation profiles. - Features top tips on cycle touring. Rides are arranged within each chapter geographically, and include the duration and a difficulty rating to help make it easy for readers to find rides that suit their timeframe and ability level. Each chapter covers a different continent (North America, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, Australasia) whilst offering top tips for getting the most out of each ride – including recommended stops, viewpoints on route andhow to make the ride shorter/longer depending on how much time you have. Ride is also jam-packed with facts and figures on the world’s most famous cyclists and iconic races, plus information on the history of cycling, how to choose a bike and what kit to take.

Willie G. Davidson likes to say that he was born with gasoline in his veins and a crayon in each hand. A designer at heart, Davidson combined his passions for art and motorcycles to extend a multi-generational unbroken thread from Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company’s birth in a wooden shed in the early twentieth century to today. The grandson of one of the company’s founders and the son of one of its longtime presidents, Davidson created a series of iconic designs that defined Harley-Davidson “factory custom” bikes and cemented its standing as the premier motorcycle company in the world. Davidson was instrumental in saving the company from bankruptcy and then helping it explode into a global phenomenon. For more than five decades, Davidson was more than a namesake of the founders; he was the heart and soul of Harley-Davidson and a personal connection to millions of riders around the world who knew him simply as "Willie G." Throughout his life Davidson has embodied a close-to-the-customer relationship, by attending motorcycle rallies, rides, and races with his late wife, Nancy, the “First Lady of Motorcycling,” and son and daughter Bill and Karen Davidson who recently joined their famous parents by being inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame and play key roles in the Motor Company today. In Ride Free, Davidson recounts his memories of family, relationships, and events that defined his extraordinary life and legacy of power, passion, and purpose. Davidson gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, design, and conception of legendary bikes that inspired millions of riders over the past half-century; stories of his unforgettable rides around the world; the people he encountered while navigating thousands of miles on the roads; and the legacy that he and his family have created which will carry on the most famous name in motorcycles.

Marcelle is as free-spirited as the horses she breeds; and a stubborn as a mule. Can Matthew capture this willful, strong-headed female or will fate need to intervene?

Secret Service agent John Barletta recounts the experiences he had while protecting President Ronald Reagan, sharing the insight he gained into Reagan's life during the long horse rides they would take at Reagan's California ranch.