This collection of occasional essays is brimming with elegance and charm. With the keen eyes of an artist, the author turns homely things into interesting subjects, produces curious vignettes from the panorama of society and reflects on the deeper meanings of life. His unique sense of humor enlivens the seemingly ordinary topics.

Liang Shiqiu (1903-1987) was a literary critic and theorist of many talents. This collection of essays highlights his versatility and literary style, combining social satire at post-war China with light humor, and blending classical and vernacular linguistic styles.

The A to Z of Modern Chinese Literature presents a broad perspective on the development and history of literature in modern China. It offers a chronology, introduction, bibliography, and over 300 cross-referenced dictionary entries on authors, literary and historical developments, trends, genres, and concepts that played a central role in the evolution of modern Chinese literature.

Modern Chinese literature has been flourishing for over a century, with varying degrees of intensity and energy at different junctures of history and points of locale. An integral part of world literature from the moment it was born, it has been in constant dialogue with its counterparts from the rest of the world. As it has been challenged and enriched by external influences, it has contributed to the wealth of literary culture of the entire world. In terms of themes and styles, modern Chinese literature is rich and varied; from the revolutionary to the pastoral, from romanticism to feminism, from modernism to post-modernism, critical realism, psychological realism, socialist realism, and magical realism. Indeed, it encompasses a full range of ideological and aesthetic concerns. This second edition of Historical Dictionary of Modern Chinese Literature presents a broad perspective on the development and history of literature in modern China. It offers a chronology, introduction, bibliography, and over 400 cross-referenced dictionary entries on authors, literary and historical developments, trends, genres, and concepts that played a central role in the evolution of modern Chinese literature.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents a collection that includes the first five novels in her beloved MacGregors series. PLAYING THE ODDS When mysterious Justin Blade saunters up to Serena MacGregor's blackjack table, he decides to take the biggest gamble of his life—by playing for keeps. TEMPTING FATE Attorney Caine MacGregor has a reputation for winning. But trying to coax cool, calm Diana Blade into a partnership—and into his bed—may be his greatest challenge yet. ALL THE POSSIBILITIES Spirited shop owner Shelby Campbell has her reasons for keeping dashing senator Alan MacGregor at arm’s length, including the centuries-old feud between their families. ONE MAN'S ART Cartoonist Grant Campbell has shunned the outside world, preferring to live and work alone—until a storm brings beautiful artist Genevieve Grandeau to the door of his lighthouse. FOR NOW, FOREVER Self-made millionaire Daniel MacGregor attemprs to woo independent medical student Anna Whitfield in a courtship that will launch the formidable MacGregor dynasty.

'My all-time favourite cat book' Jacqueline Wilson Independent Septi is very much his own cat, established as lord of his domain within Moon Cottage. When Otto, a tiny delicate tortoiseshell kitten, joins the household, she must set out to win Septi over - in her own unique way. Written with unending humour and warmth, Marilyn Edwards' Moon Cottage cat memoirs perfectly capture the highs and lows of living with cats, and pay a touching tribute to the joyous and loving relationship we share with our feline companions. The books are also beautifully illustrated throughout by Peter Warner, the designer of the world-famous Whiskas cat. **Fully illustrated throughout** 'At once engaging and uplifting - a colourful series that celebrates the many ways animals enrich our relationships and our lives' Karin Slaughter 'Cat lovers will adore this book . . . A tender story of love between the author and her cats' Celia Haddon 'All the many delights and a few of the heartaches of a life with cats are told with charm and wit. A vivid, honest, observant and involving book' Desmond Morris

Make the world your studio! Capture the bustle and beauty of life in your town. Experience life as only an artist can! Join the rapidly growing, international movement of artists united by a passion for drawing on location in the cities, towns and villages where they live and travel. Packed with art and advice from Marc Taro Holmes, artist and co-founder of Urbansketchers.org, this self-directed workshop shows you how to draw inspiration from real life and bring that same excitement into your sketchbook. Inside you'll find everything you need to tackle subjects ranging from still lifes and architecture to people and busy street scenes. • 15 step-by-step demonstrations cover techniques for creating expressive drawings using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor. • Expert tips for achieving a balance of accuracy, spontaneity and speed. • Practical advice for working in the field, choosing subjects, coping with onlookers, capturing people in motion and more. • Daily exercises and creative prompts for everything from improving essential skills to diverse approaches, such as montages, storytelling portraits and one-page graphic novels. Whether you are a habitual doodler or a seasoned artist, The Urban Sketcher will have you out in the world sketching from the very first page. By completing drawings on the spot, in one session, you achieve a fresh impression of not just what you see, but also what it feels like to be there . . . visual life stories as only you can experience them.

A Caldecott Honor winner! Micha Archer's gorgeous, detailed collages give readers a fresh outlook on the splendors of nature. When two curious kids embark on a "wonder walk," they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. They have thought-provoking questions for everything they see: Is the sun the world's light bulb? Is dirt the world's skin? Are rivers the earth's veins? Is the wind the world breathing? I wonder . . . Young readers will wonder too, as they ponder these gorgeous pages and make all kinds of new connections. What a wonderful world indeed!