The Only True Folksongs in English: American Ballad Scholarship, 1855–1915 uncovers how nineteenth-century American scholars including the children of farmers, sail makers, and ministers set out to prove that a young republic could, in fact, have its own folk tradition.According to nationalist thought of the time, a true nation required a “folk”—an ancient, undivided people with a distinct spirit expressed in timeless ballads. The United States, as the first modern state, ...

It’s an honor to bring light to the dark. The nineteenth-century whaling village of Warbler is famous for its lucky ship figureheads—and infamous for people disappearing into the nightly fog. In this murky locale, the lamplighter is synonymous with safety and protection, and it’s a position Temperance assumes when her father is found hanging from one of the lampposts. Though Tempe proves competent, the town is still hesitant to let a woman handle this responsibility. When a girl disappears...

The essential volume on the biology and behavior of these remarkable insects. "This transformative work will be an inspiration to students of entomology." — ChoiceThe cockroach is truly an evolutionary wonder. This definitive volume provides a complete overview of suborder Blattaria, highlighting the diversity of these amazing insects in their natural environments. Beginning with a foreword by Edward O. Wilson, the book explores the fascinating natural hist...

Despite Marco Island's common distinction as the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, there are only 12 square miles of land upon which to wander - making the enormity of its history all the more remarkable. Marco Island projects prominently from Florida's mainland at the peninsula's southwestern fringe, where the waters of the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico commingle. Its tropical climate, verdant landscape, unique topography, and abundant wildlife sustained prehistoric Native Am...

"...a fantastical, mysterious adventure with many unexpected twists and turns." Foreword ReviewsNo one ever told Deston the fae were real. He never imagined King Arthur was a real person, either, or that Excalibur had a twin brother sword. These were just a few of the secrets his mother had kept from him.But after Deston's mother mysteriously vanishes and he is shipped to France to live with a distant relative he's never even heard of, he and a tenacious French gir...

"A splendid cast leads this enthralling SF tale." Kirkus ReviewsSofia Kaye has one dream: to get a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. That is the only thing she's sure will rid her of the "loser" foster kid stigma that has followed her around for most of her life. She has already won half the battle , getting an acceptance letter from MIT. Now, all she has to do is collect the money from a new reality TV show to pay for the part of her ...

Just Jemima by J. J. Bell is a warm and engaging work of humorous fiction that brings to life the everyday experiences, observations, and adventures of its central character, Jemima. Written with Bell's trademark wit and gentle social insight, the story offers a charming portrait of ordinary life filled with personality, emotion, and quietly amusing situations. At the heart of the narrative is Jemima, a spirited and relatable figure whose interactions with family, friends, and acquaintance...

There is something about the number 3.The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two.Most religions also have 3 this and 3 that and, of course, in these more modern times, three’s a crowd may be too many, except when it’s a ménage à trois. It seems good things usually come in threes.Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore them...

Little Grey Ships by J. J. Bell is a quietly engaging work of fiction that blends gentle humor, observation, and human interest into a reflective and character-focused narrative. Written in Bell's warm and accessible style, the story captures the rhythms of everyday life while offering thoughtful insight into people, relationships, and the small moments that shape experience. At its heart, the book follows a series of interconnected episodes involving ordinary individuals whose lives inter...

"Courtin' Christina" is a Scottish novel that delves into rural life and romance. The story is set in a Scottish village and follows the courtship of the titular character, Christina, by various suitors.The novel combines elements of romantic comedy with a keen observation of local customs and social dynamics. J. J. Bell presents a vivid portrayal of Scottish life, with a focus on the interactions and relationships within a small community. Christina is the central figure around whom the v...

"Kitty Carstairs" follows the adventures of the titular character, Kitty Carstairs, a young woman navigating the complexities of her life. The story delves into Kitty's personal experiences and challenges as she interacts with those around her and seeks to find her own path.The novel explores themes of identity, personal growth, and relationships. Kitty's journey is marked by her interactions with various characters, which help her understand herself and her place in the world. The narrati...

In this particular book, Wee Macgreegor, who was a mischievous and endearing character in the first novel, decides to enlist in the British Army during World War I. The story revolves around his experiences as a soldier, his interactions with fellow soldiers, and how he copes with the challenges of military life despite his youth.The book humorously captures the spirit of the times, depicting the realities and contrasts of life at war with its lighter moments. It explores themes of courage...