The enquiry is a very natural one, for what greater contrast can there be than between the dark and hopeless terrors of the Inferno, the tender consolations of the Purgatorio, and the serene splendours of the Paradiso, the very Holy of Holies of the Divine Comedy, where hope is no longer needed, because it has been already realized? In the Purgatorio alone does Hope exist, for be it remembered that Dante's examination on Hope by St. James in the Paradiso does not refer to either of the thr...

Traces the little-known story of the bitter contest for the fate of the University of Alabama after the Civil War.In The Battle for the University of Alabama, William Warren Rogers Jr. gives a fascinating account of the fierce struggle over the nature of the University of Alabama after the Civil War. Union forces reduced the campus to ruins as the war ended, and the university did not reopen until 1869. In the interregnum, powerful forces shifted ...

We are rapidly approaching the point of no return on climate change.Climate and the Courage of Leadership addresses this critical moment with clarity and urgency. It explores why current political systems struggle to act and presents four specific, actionable solutions that governments can implement to move us toward a more sustainable future.Modern democracies face a difficult dilemma. To meet public expectations, they must fund essential services, but often do so by relyi...

The battle for democracy in reconstruction-era Alabama.Following the end of the Civil War, white Southerners were forced to concede equal rights to those who had been enslaved, ushering in a new and ruthless brand of politics. Suddenly, the status and place of some four million former slaves dominated the national and regional political dialogue. In Alabama, the Republican Party established itself quickly and powerfully with the participation of a newly fr...

This handy field guide introduces 55 tropical plant species. Each exotic bloom is described in detail, its history of origination is discussed and gardening tips are given. There is a wealth of botanical detail, as well as fascinating information on the cultural uses of flowers. An indispensible guide to both common and unusual plants, the book is illustrated with over 120 beautiful color photographs. Clearly presented for easy identification, Tropical Flowers is a "must" for gard...

In the late 1870s, Jefferson County, Alabama, and the town of Elyton (near the future Birmingham) became the focus of a remarkable industrial and mining revolution. Together with the surrounding counties, the area was penetrated by railroads. Surprisingly large deposits of bituminous coal, limestone, and iron ore—the exact ingredients for the manufacture of iron and, later, steel—began to be exploited. Now, with transportation, modern extractive techniques, and capital, the region’s geolog...

Although best known as a sprawling metropolis, most visitors to Singapore marvel at the greenness of it all.Wide boulevards shaded by venerable Rain Trees, interconnecting parks displaying a huge variety of tropical plants, roadside plantings in every shade of green, red and yellow, and great expanses of junglescape alongside the office skyscrapers and apartment blocks. It is truly a garden city, in all senses of the word.In this travel pictorial, the autho...

When the largest chemical manufacturing company in the U.S. moves from the Houston/ Galveston area to Mexico, the people left behind are jobless and angry. Appleton Smith, award-winning, investigative reporter for Houston’s largest daily newspaper, is on the scene when a body, dressed in a business suit, is pulled from Galveston Bay by a local shrimp boat. The victim had a briefcase full of money attached to his wrist. Things go from bad to worse, with murder, assaults, and bribery, includ...

This beautiful gardening book—full of lush photographs and insightful commentary—will surely give readers some new ideas for their home landscaping projects or Bali travel plans.Born of volcanic eruptions many eons ago, Bali is still in the throes of creation as man and nature continue to transform its landscapes. Balinese Gardens presents a unique portrait of the lush volcanic landscapes and gardens found on this magical isle—gardens which are further enh...

Featuring over 370 artful photographs and insightful commentary, this book is an exploration of the most magnificent and opulent hotels across the Asia-Pacific region.Asia, and its many splendid countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, prides itself on being a destination. It has a rich history, and a part of that history is the magnificent travel accommodations that sprang up to cater to the western traveler.Presented with more spectac...

The gripping story of the 1894 Alabama coal miners strikeThe Alabama coal miners’ strike of 1894 to gain improved working conditions and to protect themselves from wage reductions. The authors recount the depression of the early 1890s, which set the stage for the strike, and the subsequent use of convict labor, which became a catalyst. The gripping story of the strike includes the dramatic decision to strike and corporate attempts to break the strike by th...

A definitive bicentennial history of Alabama and its place in the American South.Alabama: The History of a Deep South State, Bicentennial Edition is a comprehensive narrative account of the state from its earliest days to the present. This edition, updated to celebrate the state’s bicentennial year, offers a detailed survey of the colorful, dramatic, and often controversial turns in Alabama’s evolution. Organized chronologically and divided into t...