In "Homo Ludens," the classic evaluation of play that has become a "must-read" for those in game design, Dutch philosopher Johan Huizinga defines play as the central activity in flourishing societies. Like civilization, play requires structure and participants willing to create within limits. Starting with Plato, Huizinga traces the contribution of "Homo Ludens," or "Man the player" through Medieval Times, the Renaissance, and into our modern civilization. Huizinga defines play against a r...

"To the world when it was half a thousand years younger," Huizinga begins, "the outline of all things seemed more clearly marked than to us." Life seemed to consist in extremes—a fierce religious asceticism and an unrestrained licentiousness, ferocious judicial punishments and great popular waves of pity and mercy, the most horrible crimes and the most extravagant acts of saintliness—and everywhere a sea of tears, for men have never wept so unrestrainedly as in those centuries.First...

This is Volume III of nine in series on the Sociology of Culture. Originally published in 1949, this is a study of the play-element in culture and is translated from the German edition.

"Erasmus and the Age of Reformation". In this very readable biography, a noted scholar traces Erasmus's youth, his years as an itinerant scholar, sojourns in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, friendship with Sir Thomas More, and disputes with Martin Luther. The author also probes Erasmus's mind and character and discusses his writings.

What precisely does the office of church deacon entail? Is it still as relevant today as it was in former times? How did this office develop? How is the role to be carried out today, particularly by those in Reformed/Calvinist churches? This book is designed to be a practical guide for new and experienced deacons.

This book provides practical advice to help equip a new church elder for his office. New elders usually look for direction and information about the office with which the Lord has invested them. This book has them in mind. At the same time it can be useful for all in those the office or for those who see the importance of this office.

"The Waning of the Middle Ages," Huizinga explores the cultural, social, and intellectual aspects of the late medieval period in Europe. He focuses on the 14th and 15th centuries, a time of significant change and transformation in European society.Huizinga's central thesis is that the late Middle Ages witnessed a shift in the prevailing worldview and cultural sensibilities. He argues that the period experienced a decline of medieval ideals and a rise of new attitudes and sensibilities that...

Where I live, lots of lights flash and glow in the night sky.It's different at Grandpa's house.During a week-long visit to Grandpa's house, a young child sees the night sky clearly for the first time and realizes all the wonderful things that can be seen in the stars with Grandpa's help and a bit of imagination: penguins, rubber boots, and even an elephant!When Grandpa has to go to the hospital, and everything feels wrong and sad, the child comes up with a plan to re...

Too many ideas and no implementation? Discover your own way to focus and get things done!Waste time scrolling thoughtlessly on social media? Don’t get things done because no one cares whether you’ve finished or not? Keep on buying another course or program that you believe will solve your problems?Nicoline Huizinga spent way too much time not getting the results she was after until that pivotal moment that changed her entire perspective on productivity and ...

"Here is the first full translation into English of one of the twentieth century's few undoubted classics of history." — The Washington Post Book WorldThe Autumn of the Middle Ages is Johan Huizinga's classic portrait of life, thought, and art in fourteenth- and fifteenth-century France and the Netherlands. Few who have read this book in English realize that The Waning of the Middle Ages, the only previous transl...

In this book, Huizinga delves into Erasmus's early life, education, and the development of his humanist thought. He highlights Erasmus's commitment to the ideals of Renaissance humanism, emphasizing his belief in education, critical scholarship, and the importance of returning to the original texts of Christianity. Huizinga also examines Erasmus's famous works, such as The Praise of Folly and his translations of the New Testament, which challenged the established norms of the Church and en...

Biblical Women have enabled men and women to accomplish many things that arguably they would not have accomplished without these women. Come see the only person, man, or woman, who ever renames God. Find depth in women you thought you might know but whose stories you have only previously scratched the surface. Come see the woman who laughed at far out statements by God and the named her child laughter. Find out hidden stories of women that are uncovered with the unique forensic style of Ha...