A powerful and original statement on the nature of film and the intimate relation of "film imagination" to our lives as human beings in the world.This eloquent book draws on the author's responses to a wide range of extraordinary films-"long takes" on Altman's Nashville, Godard's Hail Mary, Makavejev's WR: Mysteries of the Organism, and von Sternberg's Blonde Venus, as well as "short takes" on films by Jean Rouch, Chris Marker, C...

Widely acknowledged as the first detective novel, this story is narrated by insurance investigator Ralph Henderson, who is building a case against the sinister Baron "R**", suspected of murdering his wife in order to obtain significant life insurance payments. Henderson descends into a maze of intrigue including a diabolical mesmerist, kidnapping by gypsies, slow-poisoners, a rich uncle's will and three murders. Presented in the form of diary entries, family letters, chemical analysis repo...

A beautiful, popular life of the Patron of Lost Objects, a powerful intercessor, and the favorite saint of Catholics. He was the greatest preacher of the middle ages and one of the finest orators of all time. Find out why he is called the Wonder-Worker and the Hammer of Heretics! Includes the famous stories of St. Anthony and the Christ Child, St. Anthony and the Mule, preaching to the fishes, and more. 126 pgs,

"The Notting Hill mystery" is a detective novel written by Charles Warren Adams under the pseudonym of Charles Felix in 1863. Having enjoyed some critical success at the time of its publication, it was totally forgotten and then rediscovered in 2012, when the identity of its author was finally uncovered. Preceding works by Wilkie Collins or Émile Gaboriau, "The Notting Hill mystery" is now considered to be the first ever crime novel. This debate about who was first hides the true value of ...

The Argonauts of California is a vivid firsthand reminiscence of the Gold Rush era, written by a pioneer determined to preserve the names, faces, and deeds of the men and women who helped build California. From the first rumors of gold in the East to the aging of the old-timers into memory, it tells not only of striking it rich, but of the making of a frontier society. A young man in New Bedford hears the news and urges his friend Bill westward, launching a lively, comic, and often skeptic...

This is the inspiring story of Saint Anthony of Padua . The son of a wealthy Portuguese family, he was initially ordained a priest of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. In 1221, he took up the habit of a poor Franciscan friar and devoted his life to fervently preaching the Word of God. His extensive knowledge of Sacred Scripture and keen insights into its profound spiritual meaning astonished his hearers. To confirm the efficacy of his words, God gave him the gifts of prophecy and of p...

Charles Warren Stoddard (1843–1909) was, during his life, an acclaimed and prolific writer in multiple genres: poetry, travel sketches, personal memoir, and conversion narrative. His most popular works were dispatches primarily from the South Sea Islands but also extended into Palestine, Egypt, and what would become known as Hawai‘i, most of which were published in the San Francisco Chronicle and then collected into books.For the Pleasure of His Company: An Affair of t...

"In the Footprints of the Padres" by Charles Warren Stoddard is a reflective and nostalgic collection of essays and sketches that recount the author’s experiences in California, particularly in the region once dominated by the Spanish missions. Stoddard, a well-known travel writer, paints a vivid picture of the California of old, with a focus on the influence of the Franciscan friars (the "Padres") who established the mission system in the state during the Spanish colonial period.The book ...

"Over the Rocky Mountains to Alaska" is a travel narrative chronicling Charles Warren Stoddard's adventurous journey from California through the Rocky Mountains and into Alaska. The book captures the breathtaking landscapes, natural beauty, and the diverse experiences encountered along the way.Stoddard's writing is characterized by its vivid imagery and detailed descriptions of the geography, flora, and fauna of the regions he traverses. He provides insights into the challenges of travelin...

Charles Warren Adams was born in 1833.Adams is primarily known for writing ‘The Notting Hill Mystery’, claimed to be the first full-length detective novel in English, though several others also have a claim to this effect.The publishing house of Saunders, Otley & Co had published two of his books, under his pseudonym of Charles Felix, before failing upon hard times after the death of its two owners. Adams tried to help rescue the firm but failed.He was also a succes...

In "South-Sea Idyls," Stoddard captures the beauty, culture, and allure of the islands he visited. The essays are likely to be rich in descriptive prose, offering readers a glimpse into the landscapes, people, and customs of the South Seas during the 19th century. Stoddard's writing style is known for its lyrical quality and romanticized portrayal of exotic locales.The essays in "South-Sea Idyls" may cover a range of topics, including encounters with native populations, explorations of nat...

The book is a series of travel essays based on Stoddard's voyages through the South Seas. Stoddard vividly describes the islands' natural beauty, tropical landscapes, and his encounters with indigenous people. He immerses himself in the islanders' customs, culture, and traditions, often writing with a sense of romanticism and wonder.Much of the narrative focuses on his interactions with the native Polynesian population, highlighting their hospitality and unique way of life. He contrasts th...