The first major volume to explore one of China's most influential yet little known dynasties which brings to life one of China's forgotten empires and its unique culture.

Journey through the splendor and the excesses of the Gilded Age "Every aspect of life in the Gilded Age took on deeper, transcendent meaning intended to prove the greatness of America: residences beautified their surroundings; works of art uplifted and were shared with the public; clothing exhibited evidence of breeding; jewelry testified to cultured taste and wealth; dinners demonstrated sophisticated palates; and balls rivaled those of European courts in their refinement. The message was unmistakable: the United States had arrived culturally, and Caroline Astor and her circle were intent on leading the nation to unimagined heights of glory."—From A Season of Splendor Take a dazzling journey through the Gilded Age, the period from roughly the 1870s to 1914, when bluebloods from older, established families met the nouveau riche headlong—railway barons, steel magnates, and Wall Street speculators—and forged an uneasy and glittering new society in New York City. The best of the best were Caroline Astor's 400 families, and she shaped and ruled this high society with steel. A Season of Splendor is a panoramic sweep across this sumptuous landscape, presenting the families, the wealth, the balls, the clothing, and the mansions in vivid detail—as well as the shocking end of the era with the sinking of the Titanic.

In the summer of 1737, a young apprentice carpenter at Nostell Priory in Yorkshire lovingly creates an invalid chair for a convalescent visitor. But although the tender love born between the humble carpenter, Thomas Chippendale, and the young noblewoman, Isabella Woodleigh, can never be openly declared, their lives are destined to remain intricately and intimately linked. Thomas's career will be remarkable, his destiny to be the most renowned of English cabinet-makers. From a background of poverty, with low prospects, he works tirelessly to perfect his craft and his life is transformed. Yet the memory of Isabella, her absence and what might have been, continues to haunt him. Isabella, romantic and gentle, will suffer a crueller fate in her search for love and fulfilment. Great misfortune comes her way when she is forced to make amends for the actions of her cruel sister Sarah and their ruthless mother. When Sarah learns she is to be married to a wealthy older man, undesirable in every aspect apart from his money, she pursues a flirtation with Thomas to ensure the marriage is called off. Deeply wounded and desperate to ensure the safety of her family, Isabella resorts to drastic measures. The life that awaits her becomes a nightmare and it is only until her new home is visited by death that she escapes. Despite their wildly different courses in life, the unbreakable bond forged that summer between Isabella and Thomas will always hold them close... Gilded Splendour is a powerful story of love, loyalty and destiny, from best-selling romantic novelist Rosalind Laker. Rosalind Laker is a best-selling novelist that has been published all over the world, with her works translated into twenty languages. The author of over forty historical novels, her first work was published in 1970; Warwyck's Wife is the first of her acclaimed Easthampton trilogy and is followed by Claudine's Daughter and The Warwycks of Easthampton. She is also the author of Banners of Silk, Tree of Gold, The Silver Touch and To Dance With Kings . She lives with her Norwegian husband in Sussex. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.

Features the court of Britain's longest-reigning monarch Royalty and the Victorian era, with coverage of the people, pageantry, and power of Queen Victoria's court. Beginning with the Queen's 1897 Diamond Jubilee, this book describes her long reign. It paints a portrait of a unique ruler at the height of empire.

1779, France. On the island paradise of Martinique, two beautiful, well-bred cousins have reached marriageable age. Sixteen-year-old Rose must sail to France to marry Alexandre, the dashing Vicomte de Beauharnais. Golden-haired Aimee will finish her education at a French convent in hopes of making a worthy match. Once in Paris, Rose’s illusions are shattered by her new husband, who casts her off when his mistress bears him a son. Yet revolution is tearing through the land, changing fortunes—and fates—in an instant, leaving Rose free to reinvent herself. Soon she is pursued by a young general, Napoleon Bonaparte, who prefers to call her by another name: Josephine. Presumed dead after her ship is attacked by pirates, Aimee survives and is taken to the Sultan of Turkey’s harem. Among hundreds at his beck and call, Aimee’s loveliness and intelligence make her a favorite not only of the Sultan, but of his gentle, reserved nephew. Like Josephine, the newly crowned Empress of France, Aimee will ascend to a position of unimagined power. But for both cousins, passion and ambition carry their own burden. From the war-torn streets of Paris to the bejeweled golden bars of a Turkish palace, Brandy Purdy weaves some of history’s most compelling figures into a vivid, captivating account of two remarkable women and their extraordinary destinies.

A powerful account of the way imperialism and the global economy shape and reshape our lives.--"Tikkun"

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the untamed wilderness of the Santa Fe Trail with Percy Keese Fitzhugh's exhilarating novel, "Westy Martin on the Santa Fe Trail." Join Westy Martin as he braves the rugged terrain and encounters the challenges and wonders of the American frontier. But amidst the vast expanse of the trail, a question arises: What dangers and adventures await Westy Martin as he journeys through the untamed West? As Fitzhugh's captivating narrative unfolds, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of frontier life and the indomitable spirit of exploration. Experience the thrill of discovery and the camaraderie of the trail as Westy Martin navigates the rugged landscapes and encounters the diverse cultures of the American Southwest. What trials will Westy Martin face as he traverses the Santa Fe Trail? Will he overcome the challenges of the wilderness and emerge victorious in his quest for adventure? Join Westy Martin as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure, forging friendships and facing adversity along the way. Witness his courage, his resilience, and his unwavering determination to explore the unknown and carve his own path through the vast wilderness. Are you ready to join Westy Martin on his epic adventure through the untamed West? Prepare to be swept away by the excitement and wonder of "Westy Martin on the Santa Fe Trail," where every step brings new challenges and discoveries. Don't miss your chance to experience the thrill of the frontier. Purchase your copy of "Westy Martin on the Santa Fe Trail" today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American West.