Treading Air follows the life of Ullo Paerand through 30 years of violent political upheaval. Abandoned by his father as a child, he grows up to become an electoral assistant to the parliamentary office in Tallinn and it is in this position that Ullo witnesses first the Soviet and then the German occupation of Estonia. Forced out of his honest profession Ullo becomes involved with the Resistance but, when many Estonians flee the country, he chooses to remain. An interlude of a decade shows much has changed since the end of the War; Soviet influence is marked in the style of government and the manner of the people. The narrative unfolds in stories imparted to an unknown 'author' by a 70-year-old Ullo. Just before the end, however, Kross introduces a teasing ambiguity: Ullo dies before he is able to answer the last question about his life.

Translated by Eric Dickens Treading Air follows the life of Ullo Paerand through 30 years of violent political upheaval. Abandoned by his father as a child, he grows up to become an electoral assistant to the parliamentary office in Tallinn and it is in this position that Ullo witnesses first the Soviet and then the German occupation of Estonia. Forced out of his honest profession Ullo becomes involved with the Resistance but, when many Estonians flee the country, he chooses to remain. An interlude of a decade shows much has changed since the end of the War; Soviet influence is marked in the style of government and the manner of the people. The narrative unfolds in stories imparted to an unknown "author" by a 70-year-old Ullo. Just before the end, however, Kross introduces a teasing ambiguity: Ullo dies before he is able to answer the last question about his life.

Weather, water, and climate. How we feel, how productive we are, even our sheer existence, depends on these three things. The United States' economic activity varies annually by 1.7% due to weather—that is more than $500 billion dollars each year. Weather applications on mobile devices are the second most popular apps—more popular than social networking, maps, music, and news.In Treading on Thin Air, Dr. Elizabeth Austin, a world-renowned atmospheric physicist, reveals how the climate is intimately tied to our daily lives. The effects and impacts of weather on humans, society and the planet are changing with the times. Dr. Austin will demystify climate change, revealing what is really happening with our climate and why, whether it is El Nino, tornadoes, floods or hurricanes.Weather and society are at its most fascinating at extremes, and as Dr. Austin is one of a handful of forensic meteorologists around the globe. She has been called upon to investigate plane crashes, murders, wildfires, avalanches, even bombing cases. Drawing upon her rich experiences, Austin’s Treading on Thin Air promises to be an enlightening and informative journey through the wild word of weather.

In 1920s Queensland, Lizzie O'Dea wants to get away from her dad and the memories of her mum that haunt her. At the races she meets attractive, war-scarred Joe and sees her chance to escape. But life with Joe isn't what she dreamt it would be. Finding herself on the fringes of society, Lizzie discovers a new sense of independence and sexuality, love and friendship. It's a precarious life, though, always on the edge of collapse. Two decades later, Lizzie is sick and worn out. Lying in a Brisbane lock hospital, she thinks about Joe, who's been lost to her for many years. But she's a survivor. There's hope yet. Set between Brisbane and Townsville, and based on real events that the author uncovered from historical archives, Treading Air is the remarkably vivid tale of a young Australian working-class rebel who clashed with the expectations of her world.

E. F. Benson's 'The Complete Works of E. F. Benson' is a literary treasure trove comprising a collection of the author's novels, short stories, biographies, and essays. The book showcases Benson's signature satirical wit and keen observations on Edwardian society, with themes ranging from social class and family dynamics to the supernatural. Benson's writing style is characterized by its elegant prose and subtle humor, making his works both engaging and thought-provoking. His ability to blend comedy with social commentary places him among the foremost writers of his time. Each piece in this comprehensive collection serves as a testament to Benson's versatility as a writer, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience in the early 20th century. E. F. Benson's deep understanding of human nature and his ability to craft compelling narratives make 'The Complete Works of E. F. Benson' a must-read for fans of classic literature and social satire.

A quietly subversive quest novel set in eighth-century China, full of magic and poetic allusions.

Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer, known professionally as E.F. Benson. He started his novel writing career in 1893 with the fashionably controversial Dodo, which was an instant success, and followed it with a variety of satire and romantic and supernatural melodrama. He repeated the success of Dodo, with sequels to this novel, but the greatest success came relatively late in his career with The Mapp and Lucia series consisting of six novels and two short stories. The novels feature humorous incidents in the lives of (mainly) upper-middle-class British people in the 1920s and 1930s, vying for social prestige and one-upmanship in an atmosphere of extreme cultural snobbery. Benson was also known as a writer of atmospheric, oblique, and at times humorous or satirical ghost stories. This edition includes: Make Way For Lucia: Queen Lucia Miss Mapp Dodo Trilogy: Dodo: A Detail of the Day Dodo's Daughter or Dodo the Second Dodo Wonders David Blaize Series: David Blaize David Blaize and the Blue Door Other Novels: The Rubicon The Judgement Books The Vintage Mammon and Co. Scarlet and Hyssop The Relentless City The Valkyries The Angel of Pain The House of Defence The Blotting Book Daisy's Aunt Mrs. Ames Thorley Weir Arundel Michael Up and Down Across the Stream Short Story Collections: The Room in the Tower, and Other Stories The Countess of Lowndes Square, and Other Stories Historical Work: Crescent and Iron Cross

A “beautifully crafted” novel of two sisters’ lives, spanning from 1950s Ireland to modern-day America (Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World Spin). Greta Cahill never believed she would leave her village in west Ireland. Yet one day she found herself on a ship bound for New York, along with her sister, Johanna, and a boy named Michael Ward, a son of itinerant tinkers. Back home, her family hadn’t expressed much confidence in her abilities, but Greta discovers that in America she can fall in love, earn a living, and build a life. She longs to return and show her family what she has made of herself—but that could mean revealing a secret about her past to her children. So she carefully keeps her life in New York separate from the life she once loved in Ireland, torn from the people she is closest to. Decades later, she discovers that her children, with the best of intentions, have conspired to unite the worlds she has so painstakingly kept apart. And though the Ireland of her memory may bear little resemblance to that of present day, she fears it is still possible to lose all . . . “A compelling drama of transatlantic Irish life.” —Billy Collins “Marries a deliciously old-fashioned style of storytelling with a fresh take on the immigrant experience . . . A warm, involving family drama.” —Booklist

The Complete Works of E. F. Benson (Illustrated) is a comprehensive collection of the acclaimed author's literary masterpieces. Benson's writing style is characterized by its wit, humor, and keen observations of society, making his works both entertaining and thought-provoking. The book encompasses a wide range of genres including satirical novels, ghost stories, and biographies, showcasing Benson's versatility as a writer. Each story is brought to life with captivating illustrations, adding another layer of depth to the reading experience. The collection not only serves as a testament to Benson's literary talent but also provides valuable insights into the social norms and values of the time in which he wrote. E. F. Benson, a prolific writer known for his satirical wit and keen characterizations, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the upper-class society. His background as the son of an Archbishop and his involvement in the literary circles of his time undoubtedly influenced his writing style and choice of themes. By delving into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations, Benson crafted stories that continue to resonate with readers today. I highly recommend The Complete Works of E. F. Benson (Illustrated) to anyone interested in exploring the nuances of human nature and the intricacies of social dynamics. This collection offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a renowned author and is sure to delight and intrigue readers of all backgrounds.

This carefully edited collection has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Contents: Make Way For Lucia: Queen Lucia Miss Mapp Dodo Trilogy: Dodo: A Detail of the Day Dodo's Daughter or Dodo the Second Dodo Wonders David Blaize Series: David Blaize David Blaize and the Blue Door Other Novels: The Rubicon The Judgement Books The Vintage Mammon and Co. Scarlet and Hyssop The Relentless City The Valkyries The Angel of Pain The House of Defence The Blotting Book Daisy's Aunt Mrs. Ames Thorley Weir Arundel Michael Up and Down Across the Stream Short Story Collections: The Room in the Tower, and Other Stories The Countess of Lowndes Square, and Other Stories Historical Works Edward Frederic Benson (1867–1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer, known professionally as E.F. Benson.