After the old king of Naples dies, Giovanna of Naples becomes queen of another country. Giovanna ambitiously plots to be rid of her husband and keep her seat within Naples royalty. Excerpt: "In the Middle Ages it was perhaps a misfortune to be born a woman, and certainly a misfortune to be born a woman crowned; there are three famous instances of these unhappy sovereigns—Jacqueline of Bavaria, Giovanna of Naples, and later, Mary of Scotland."

After the old king of Naples dies, Giovanna of Naples becomes queen of another country. Giovanna ambitiously plots to be rid of her husband and keep her seat within Naples royalty. Excerpt: "In the Middle Ages it was perhaps a misfortune to be born a woman, and certainly a misfortune to be born a woman crowned; there are three famous instances of these unhappy sovereigns—Jacqueline of Bavaria, Giovanna of Naples, and later, Mary of Scotland."

A multidisciplinary overview of current research into the enduringly fascinating martial artefact which is the sword.

A SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER 'A stunning blockbuster' Robert Fisk 'A brilliant tour de force of revisionist scholarship and thrilling storytelling' Simon Sebag Montefiore 'A compelling detective story of the highest order' Sunday Times 'Tom Holland has an enviable gift for summoning up the colour, the individuals and animation of the past' Independent In the 6th century AD, the Near East was divided between two venerable empires: the Persian and the Roman. A hundred years on and one had vanished forever, while the other seemed almost finished. Ruling in their place were the Arabs: an upheaval so profound that it spelt, in effect, the end of the ancient world. In the Shadow of the Sword explores how this came about. Spanning from Constantinople to the Arabian desert, and starring some of the most remarkable rulers who ever lived, he tells a story vivid with drama, horror, and startling achievement.

When Abby's class starts a newspaper, Abby envisions herself as the star reporter. But she's only given an advice column to write--and that is not good. Just as she suspects, the column gets Abby in some trouble with her classmates. But, surprisingly, it also gives her a chance to help a friend. Illustrations.

Now in paperback, this first novel of an epic fantasy trilogy reintroduces readers to the beloved and bestselling world of Deverry, blending magic, politics, and adventure in an unforgettable setting. The bards are the people's voice--and their sword. All over the kingdom of Deverry, the common people are demanding reform of the corrupt law courts. In Aberwyn, the situation catches fire when Gwerbret Ladoic, second in authority only to the High King, allows a bard to starve to death rather than hear their grievances. Guildwoman Alyssa, a student at the local scholars' collegium, and Lady Dovina, the gwerbret's own daughter, know that evidence exists to overthrow the so-called traditional legal system, if they can only get it into the right hands. The powerful lords will kill anyone who threatens their privileges. To retrieve the proof, Alyssa must make a dangerous journey that will either change her life forever--or end it.

While staying with his aged relative, miles away from his home and friends, James finds a playground, complete with a stream and a waterfall running through it. On the other side of the water, is another young lad, much the same age. Someone who is as keen to have a friend as he is. James crosses the bridge and enters Gordon’s world. They uncover an ancient sword. They can’t tell anyone about it or they will be in trouble so they hide the object until the following year. Only, things don’t go to plan. James returns but things have changed. His friend is nowhere to be found. Instead, James finds himself drawn into adventures and mysteries crossing time and space. James finds himself caught up in events from the 1960s, 1066 and even the Gunpowder Plot. He and the sword must now work together to try to keep history on track.

From the award-winning translator of The Iliad and The Odyssey comes a brilliant new translation of Virgil's great epic Fleeing the ashes of Troy, Aeneas, Achilles’ mighty foe in the Iliad, begins an incredible journey to fulfill his destiny as the founder of Rome. His voyage will take him through stormy seas, entangle him in a tragic love affair, and lure him into the world of the dead itself--all the way tormented by the vengeful Juno, Queen of the Gods. Ultimately, he reaches the promised land of Italy where, after bloody battles and with high hopes, he founds what will become the Roman empire. An unsparing portrait of a man caught between love, duty, and fate, the Aeneid redefines passion, nobility, and courage for our times. Robert Fagles, whose acclaimed translations of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey were welcomed as major publishing events, brings the Aeneid to a new generation of readers, retaining all of the gravitas and humanity of the original Latin as well as its powerful blend of poetry and myth. Featuring an illuminating introduction to Virgil’s world by esteemed scholar Bernard Knox, this volume lends a vibrant new voice to one of the seminal literary achievements of the ancient world. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.