In 1946 ominous clouds are gathering on the narrow horizon of Lupoaia (Valley of the Wolves), a little village in Transylvania, where traditions, steeped in prejudice and superstition, have endured over many generations. The Second World War is over but the lives of the villagers are thrown into turmoil with the imposition of drastic, senseless changes by a new regime, intent on creating a new man for a new society. The newly-installed totalitarian government threatens to eliminate the Flonta family by declaring Teodor's father, Pavel, a chiabur – an 'enemy of the people'. Pavel is arrested, imprisoned and tortured. When the wave of persecutions reaches its peak, he is forced to live in hiding. A trade, learned by Pavel in his youth, unexpectedly becomes his salvation – the Russians, who are extracting uranium in the Carpathians for their atomic bomb, hire him. There, at the mine, the tentacles of the Securitate – the secret police – cannot reach him. Stalin is still alive when Teodor starts school. Torn between two opposite worlds – home, where traditional values are preserved and love abounds – and school, where indoctrination and inequity prevail, he constantly questions and ponders the twisted logic behind events, sometimes with cheekiness and humour, as only a child is capable of doing under the circumstances. Events, however, affect Teodor deeply from an early age, as in the communist system the sins of the father – imaginary as they might be – are made to fall on his young son's shoulders. *** 'A Luminous Future offers a unique insight into one of the most disturbing periods of modern European history. By turns amusing, terrifying and confronting, the story of Teodor Flonta, his father, his family and his community, is both a valuable social document and an intriguing read.' Chris McLeod, Man of Water, Fremantle Arts Centre Press 'The author does a wonderful job combining the historical and the personal. The images and themes surrounding the wolves – both animal and human – are brilliant. One of the greatest things about this memoir is how the author balances the darkness and cruelty with pitch perfect humor. It is such a triumphant story in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and I think readers will love this family and the spirit they show. It's funny and warm and heartbreaking – as life so often is.' Jayne Pupek, The Tomato Girl, Algonquin 'This is a charming and sometimes shocking portrait of growing up in a remote village in Romania during the Communist era. It is an intriguing portrayal of the customs and traditions that lingered on from the pre-Communist days, humorous and brutal as they were, and their destruction at the hands of what seems a madness that gripped the country during the 1940s and 50s. It is also a testament to the resilience of the author's father who endured unimaginable pressures, humiliations and imprisonments for committing no crime other than employing a couple of men. Personally I find the story quite gripping, and clearly and vividly told, with a mass of illuminating detail. The characters come to life well, the author makes a good guide to this – to us – strange world, and conveys the politics in a lively but understated way.' Helena Drysdale, Looking for George, Picador

Light: Medicine of the Future challenges the modern myth that the sun is dangerous to our well-being and claims that technological advancements, such as most fluorescent lighting, sunglasses, tanning lotions, and our indoor lifestyles, may be more harmful than helpful. Integrating scientific research, clinical experience, and his own insights, Dr. Jacob Liberman has worked effectively with more than 15,000 individuals, from the learning disabled and physically/emotionally traumatized to business executives and Olympic athletes. The book discusses the use of light in the treatment of various cancers, depression, stress, visual problems, PMS, sexual dysfunction, learning disabilities, and the human immune system.

A resonant call to explore the darkness in life, in nature, and in consciousness—including difficult emotions like uncertainty, grief, fear, and xenophobia—through teachings, embodied meditations, and mindful inquiry that provide us with a powerful path to healing. Darkness is deeply misunderstood in today’s world; yet it offers powerful medicine, serenity, strength, healing, and regeneration. All insight, vision, creativity, and revelation arise from darkness. It is through learning to stay present and meet the dark with curiosity rather than judgment that we connect to an unwavering light within. Welcoming darkness with curiosity, rather than fear or judgment, enables us to access our innate capacity for compassion and collective healing. Dharma teacher, shamanic practitioner, and deep ecologist Deborah Eden Tull addresses the spiritual, ecological, psychological, and interpersonal ramifications of our bias towards light. Tull explores the medicine of darkness for personal and collective healing, through topics such as: Befriending the Night: The Radiant Teachings of Darkness Honoring Our Pain for Our World Seeing in the Dark: The Quiet Power of Receptivity Dreams, Possibility, and Moral Imagination Releasing Fear—Embracing Emergence Tull shows us how the labeling of darkness as “negative” becomes a collective excuse to justify avoiding everything that makes us uncomfortable: racism, spiritual bypass, environmental destruction. We can only find the radical path to wholeness by learning to embrace the interplay of both darkness and light.

"An original, important book. It certainly deserves to be shared widely with the world, and in schools in particular." - Suzanne Brøgger, bestselling Danish Author The Luminous Planet is a poetic utopia about the UN's 17 Development Goals. On a star in the universe lives the creature Orion, until the day his longing for truth brings him on an adventure towards the luminous planet. Here he meets 17 creatures whose stories give the reader an insight into the problems of the Development Goals and the necessity of their achievement: The fight for a world without war, poverty, famine, natural disasters and inequality. The book shows the disastrous consequences if the goals are ignored, or the bright future if they are achieved. The idea of an 18th Development Goal, which brings together the UN's 17 alignments 'transforming ourselves to transform the world' is presented when, on his journey, Orion feels that there is a battle within himself that must be fought before the luminous planet can shine in all eternity. "It is truly a wonderful artistic effort we have been given with Hannah Klinge's The Luminous Planet." - Steen Hildebrandt, Professor emeritus, PhD

In the vast expanse of architectural design, the interplay between light and space forms the foundation of our built environment. Natural lighting, in particular, stands as a beacon of inspiration, guiding architects, designers, and builders toward sustainable, luminous spaces that resonate with the rhythms of nature and elevate the human experience. In this exploration of natural lighting in architecture, we embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that transcends the confines of tradition and convention to embrace the transformative power of light. Through the pages that follow, we delve into the art and science of daylighting, uncovering insights, inspiration, and possibilities that illuminate the path toward a brighter, more sustainable future for all. As we navigate this terrain of exploration, it is essential to acknowledge the myriad voices, perspectives, and influences that have shaped our understanding of natural lighting. From ancient civilizations that revered the sun as a symbol of life and renewal to modern pioneers who have revolutionized our approach to sustainable design, each contribution adds depth and richness to the tapestry of human knowledge and creativity. At its core, this exploration of natural lighting is a celebration—a celebration of light as a source of beauty, wonder, and connection to the world around us. It is a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and imagination—a reminder that, in the pursuit of excellence, we can create spaces that inspire, uplift, and endure for generations to come. As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and collaboration that defines the architectural profession. Let us seek inspiration in the play of light and shadow, the dance of form and space, and the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the horizon of our imagination. In the chapters that follow, we will delve into the depths of natural lighting in architecture, exploring its principles, practices, and profound impact on the world we inhabit. Let us embark on this journey with open minds and open hearts, knowing that together, we can illuminate the world with beauty, wonder, and possibility.

Book two in The Mysteries of New Venice, the steampunk adventure series The Guardian called a "magnificent achievement" It's 1907 in the icily beautiful New Venice, and the hero of the city's liberation, Brentford Orsini, has been deposed by his arch-rival -- who immediately assigns Brentford and his friends on a dangerous diplomatic mission to Paris. So, Brentford recruits his old friend and louche counterpart, Gabriel d'Allier, underground chanteuse and suffragette Lillian Lake, and the mysterious Blankbate--former Foreign Legionnaire and leader of the Scavengers, the city's garbage collecting cult--and others, for the mission. But their mode of transportation--the untested "transaerian psychomotive"--proves faulty and they find themselves transported back in time to Paris 1895 ... before New Venice even existed. What's more, it's a Paris experiencing an unprecedented and crushingly harsh winter. They soon find themselves involved with some of the city's seediest, most fascinating inhabitants. But between attending soirees at Mallarmé's house, drinking absinthe with Proust, trying to wrestle secrets out of mesmerists, and making fun of the newly-constructed Eiffel Tower, they also find that Paris is a city full of intrigue, suspicion, and danger. For example, are the anarchists they encounter who are plotting to bomb the still-under construction Sacre Coeur church also the future founders of New Venice? And why are they trying to kill them? And, as Luminous Chaos turns into another lush adventure told in glorious prose rich in historical allusion, there's the biggest question of them all: How will they ever get home? ebook ISBN: 978-1-61219-142-3

The Luminous Falls: Chronicles of the Hidden Mystery In a world where ancient prophecies and magical relics shape destiny, the return of darkness threatens to unravel everything. Young hero Aric embarks on a high-stakes quest to protect his realm. Armed with only his wits and a series of mysterious shards, Aric must traverse hidden paths and face formidable foes. His journey reveals the existence of the Luminous Falls, a sacred site crucial to the shards' power. Each trial he faces uncovers deeper truths about the cosmic struggle between light and shadow. Aric’s courage and determination are tested as he learns the profound connection between the shards and the balance of his world. The Luminous Falls: Chronicles of the Hidden Mystery combines epic fantasy with intricate plots and unforgettable characters. It’s a story of bravery, sacrifice, and the relentless quest for balance between light and darkness. Through Aric’s trials and revelations, readers will experience a thrilling saga that promises hope and renewal for the realm, blending myth and mystery into a compelling narrative.

The secrets of light — Your pathway to a state of presence Seeking a state of presence: The most important things in life are our health and happiness. Yet most of us are neither healthy nor happy. We have been led to believe that if we think ahead and make the right choices, we can manifest our dreams. Yet despite our best efforts, we still have more disease and discontent than ever before. Is it possible that our essential ideas about life are flawed? Can we learn how to get into the zone or a flow state? Is light the key to finding a state of presence? Living in the light: We are all aware of the impact of sunlight on a plant’s growth and development. But few of us realize that a plant actually “sees” where light is emanating from and positions itself to be in optimal alignment with it. This phenomenon, however, is not just occurring in the plant kingdom — humans are also fundamentally directed by light. The intersection of science and spirituality: In Luminous Life, Dr. Jacob Israel Liberman integrates scientific research, clinical practice, and direct experience to demonstrate how the luminous intelligence we call light effortlessly guides us toward health, contentment, and a life filled with purpose. If you have read Barbara Brennan’s Hands of Light or Light Emerging, you’re going to love Jacob Liberman’s Luminous Life.

These stories are dedicated to You Dear Reader, You who are an individualized projection of the Oneness, You, who are predestined, by making, before incarnating on Earth, the conscious choice, to have an opportunity to read them. If this statement is at present for You too enigmatic I guarantee that later its meaning will become clearly understandable. I'd like also to add here that these stories are also, maybe even especially, dedicated to those who will not have a chance to read them because they live in a suppression of freedom and often are not even aware that they are having Free will projections of the Oneness. Met on my Path Light Bearers have assured me that those last mentioned will not be ignored but accessed and spiritually elevated in a more subtle way then rest of humanity. I wish You all to attune to Sat, Chit, Ananda ‒ Truth of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss and realize for now and ever that Tat Twam Asi - Thou Art That!

Insights from one of the most distinctive and eloquent scholar-preachers of our time Inviting serious theological engagement with texts from all parts of the Christian Bible, Preaching the Luminous Word is a collection of fifty-one sermons and five related essays from noted preacher and biblical scholar Ellen F. Davis. A brief preface to each sermon delineates its liturgical context and theological themes as well as distinctive elements of structure and style. Arranged in canonical order, the sermons treat a wide range of texts: Torah, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. They are complemented by essays on various aspects of biblical interpretation for preaching. At once accessible, theologically informed, and rhetorically rich, this volume will engage preachers, teachers, seminarians, church leaders, and serious lay readers.