Elysium: A Visual History of Angelology is a richly illustrated exploration of how angels have been imagined, described, and depicted across centuries of art, religion, and literature.Written by scholar and cultural critic Ed Simon, this volume brings together striking imagery and accessible commentary to examine the enduring fascination with celestial beings across Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and beyond.In popular culture, ange...

In Beyond 1776, ten humanities scholars consider the American Revolution within a global framework. The foundation of the United States was deeply enmeshed with shifting alliances and multiple actors, with politics saturated by imaginative literature, and with ostensible bilateral negotiations that were, in fact, shaped by speculation about realignments in geopolitical power. To reanimate these intricate and often indirect connections, this volume uncovers the influences of people...

Since 1979, the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran – the two major powers in the Muslim world – has played a prominent role in shaping Middle Eastern politics. Political in nature yet couched in Islamic rhetoric, this rivalry reflects a desire to ensure regime security and legitimacy while also increasing influence across the Middle East. Since the 2003 Iraq War, the relationship has become increasingly vitriolic, resulting in the emergence of proxy conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Bahrain and...

Single mothers caring for dependent children are an important and increasing population in industrialized countries. In some, single mothers are seen primarily as mothers and few have paid work; in others, they are regarded as workers and most have paid work; and sometimes they are seen as an uneasy combination of the two with varying proportions taking up paid work.; This edited collection explores these variations, focusing on the interaction between dominant discourses around single mot...

Jonathan Edwards, one of the most influential religious leaders and known for his work during the First Great Awakening, wrote this piece to discover and illuminate what makes a Christian truly a follower of Christ. There are many who claim to be saved but how can it be evident? Edward's dive into this topic not only impacted religious thinking during the Great Awakening, but has become one of the most famous sermons ever given and a widely read and loved classic work of literature. In exa...

While the family and its role continues to be a key topic in social and government policy, much of the literature is concerned with describing the dramatic changes that are taking place. By contrast, Analysing Families directly addresses the social processes responsible for these changes - how social policy interacts with what families actually do. Topics covered include:* the relationship between morality and rationality in the family context* the variety of contemp...

Studies of African economic development frequently focus on the daunting challenges the continent faces. From recurrent crises to ethnic conflicts and long-standing corruption, a raft of deep-rooted problems has led many to regard the continent as facing many hurdles to raise living standards. Yet Africa has made considerable progress in the past decade, with a GDP growth rate exceeding five percent in some regions. The African Successes series looks at recent improvements in living standa...

In "A Supplication for the Beggars," Simon Fish delivers a poignant examination of socio-economic disparity in Early Modern England through a compelling mixture of prose and verse. The work is infused with a satirical tone that calls attention to the plight of the impoverished while challenging the moral and ethical sensibilities of the time. In essence, Fish's text serves as both a literary and social critique, embedding its commentary within the framework of religious and philosophical t...

From the nephew of beloved author Jane Austen comes a biography of J. E. Austen-Leigh's "dear Aunt Jane." A family project that includes insights from those who knew Austen best, this memoir introduced the general public to the great novelist's works and delivers a cornucopia of delights for Austenphiles today. Published over fifty years after Austen's death, these family memories present Jane Austen in full, deepening listeners' relationship with and appreciation of the classic author.

We've all heard the arguments that Christianity is irrelevant, irrational and even immoral. But what if the Christian faith makes sense of all that matters?In this thoughtful, engaging book, Simon Edwards challenges the assumptions that may lead us to reject a faith and doubt something that we've never really had the chance to understand in the first place. From our need for meaning and significance, to our desires for truth, goodness, love and hope, he explores th...

This book examines how young people can be re-engaged with schooling and their own learning beyond the school gates. Despite attempts by successive UK governments to promote engagement with education, there has been a substantial increase in formal and informal exclusions from secondary schools, particularly of underperforming students who come from low income families. The book builds on an ethnographic study carried out in a youth centre based on a secondary school site, exploring the so...

Guatemala is an underrated gem. It has all of the sights, culture, and fun that people search for when visiting popular destinations for vacation. Something about Guatemala's vibes told me that this trip wouldn't be my last in the country. There's just something about this beautiful country that makes me feel welcomed and content. This is a place where I could simply breathe in the air and relax...