Today many people take reading for granted, but we remain some way off from attaining literacy for the global human population. And whilst we think we know what reading is, it remains in many ways a mysterious process, or set of processes. The effects of reading are myriad: it can be informative, distracting, moving, erotically arousing, politically motivating, spiritual, and much, much more. At different times and in different places reading means different things. In this Very Short Introduction Belinda Jack explores the fascinating history of literacy, and the opportunities reading opens. For much of human history reading was the preserve of the elite, and most reading meant being read to. Innovations in printing, paper-making, and transport, combined with the rise of public education from the late eighteenth century on, brought a dramatic rise in literacy in many parts of the world. Established links between a nation's levels of literacy and its economy led to the promotion of reading for political ends. But, equally, reading has been associated with subversive ideas, leading to censorship through multiple channels: denying access to education, controlling publishing, destroying libraries, and even the burning of authors and their works. Indeed, the works of Voltaire were so often burned that an enterprising Parisian publisher produced a fire-proof edition, decorated with a phoenix. But, as Jack demonstrates, reading is a collaborative act between an author and a reader, and one which can never be wholly controlled. Telling the story of reading, from the ancient world to digital reading and restrictions today, Belinda Jack explores why it is such an important aspect of our society. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
George Sand' (Aurore Dupin, 1804-1876) was France's bestselling writer, rivalled in her time only by Victor Hugo. She was at the centre of French intellectual and artistic life: her circle included Liszt and Delacroiz, Blazac and Flaubert. Yet she was known as much for her excessive life as for her plays, stories and enduring novels like Indiana, Lelia and Mauprat. The daughter of a prostitute and an aristocrat, Sand grew up acutely aware of social injustice and prejudice. Convent-educated, she became a mischievous, flamboyant rebel: her long, troubled romance with Chopin was just one of many affairs with well-known figures, but her most desperate love was for a beautiful actress.
London, 1860: On the brink of destitution, Dora Damage illicitly takes over her ailing husband's bookbinding business, only to find herself lured into binding expensive volumes of pornography commissioned by aristocratic roués. Dora's charm and indefatigable spirit carry her through this rude awakening as she contends with violent debt collectors, an epileptic daughter, evil doctors, a rheumatic husband, errant workmen, nosy neighbors, and a constant stream of wealthy dilettantes. When she suddenly finds herself forced to offer an internship to a mysterious, fugitive American slave, Dora realizes she has been pulled into in an illegal trade of sex, money, and deceit. The Journal of Dora Damage conjures a vision of London when it was the largest city in the world, grappling with the filth produced by a swollen population. Against a backdrop of power and politics, work and idleness, conservatism and abolitionism, Belinda Starling explores the restrictions of gender, class, and race, the ties of family and love, and the price of freedom in this wholly engrossing debut novel. REVIEWS: "Unfortunately, Starling's debut novel will be her last; she died prematurely last year at the age of 34. Although the plot is a bit too crowded and overworked-a common novice mistake-this historical melodrama artfully evokes the contradictions inherent in Victorian society. When Dora Damage is forced by circumstances-an invalid husband and an epileptic daughter-to take over the family bookbinding business, she is inexorably drawn into a London netherworld she barely knew existed. As if binding pornographic books for a circle of aristocratic clients isn't bad enough, she is also compelled to harbor Din Nelson, a fugitive American slave. Unable to suppress her emotional and physical attraction for Din, she gives into desire and her real education begins."- Booklist
A teenage boy hunts for his mother’s killer in this Man Booker Prize-longlisted novel by “the true heir to the great Ruth Rendell” (Mail on Sunday, UK). Just before Jack’s mother disappeared up the road to get help, she put the eleven-year-old boy in charge of his two sister. As they wait for her on the shoulder of the road in their stifling, broken-down car, the three children bicker, whine and play I-Spy. But their mother never comes back. And after that long, hot summer’s day, nothing will ever be the same again. At fifteen-years-old, Jack is still in charge—supporting his sisters any way he can while evading social services. Meanwhile, a young woman across town wakes to find a knife beside her bed, and a note reading I could of killed you. The police are tracking a mysterious burglar they call Goldilocks, for his habit of sleeping in the beds of the houses he robs. But the woman doesn’t see the point of involving the police. And Jack, very suddenly, may be on the verge of finding out who killed his mother. The Gold Dagger Award-winning author of Blacklands reaffirms her reputation for masterful, twisty crime fiction with this “unnerving suspense novel” (Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times).
To Do List: 1. Win the biggest business pitch in my company’s history 2. Pretend I’m not crushing on my gorgeous mentor big time 3. Whatever happens, do NOT kiss him My girlfriends think I’m married to my business. They’ll do whatever it takes, from speed dating to blind dates, to prove to me that there’s more to life than my career. But who cares if I haven’t been on a date in four years? All my hard work is about to pay off when my marketing agency lands the biggest account in its history—we’ve just got to win it first. My father has arranged for the mysterious Paul Neilsen to mentor me through the pitching process. He’s a media mogul who likes to keep a low profile, but he’s nothing like I expected. He’s attractive, in an I’m-finding-it-hard-to-concentrate-on-my-work sort of way. He also understands me, and I’m confiding in him more than is strictly professional. But getting involved with Paul could ruin the biggest opportunity in my company’s history, although try telling that to my heart. It obviously didn’t read the company memo. As for what happens next . . . Well, that definitely wasn’t in my business plan . . .
Jeff is a very innocent funny Penis. His Maverick personality gets him into all sorts of adventures, quandaries, and between him and Hedgy gets into all kinds of trouble. Follow his journey of intrigue and historical interest. They marvel at where there at and in awe of where they are going but mostly fascinated by how they get from one place to another by on the spot decisions. It is a very comical, argumentative relationship and fallouts are not an option for either of them. FOR ADULTS ONLY!
This title is a collection of favourite nursery rhymes, first poems and fairytales. Beautifully illustrated and a host of best-loved characters will delight and entertain readers.
Amber’s life is turned upside down when her fiancé betrays her. Seeking refuge, she escapes to a secluded cottage inherited from her great aunt. Nestled in a picturesque area, she delights in the natural beauty and the friendly locals, including the charming Arthek and his complex family. But as Amber becomes more familiar with the sea and its dangers, she finds herself in a life-threatening situation. Her rescuer, Lucas, is distant and unsympathetic, and it’s not the first time he has come to her aid. To Amber’s shock, she discovers that Lucas is not who she thought he was. As Amber uncovers hidden journal and letters in the cottage, she embarks on a journey of discovery. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, she realizes that she holds the key to a family's past and future. But with this newfound knowledge comes a dilemma: what should she do with her findings, and is it her responsibility to disrupt the lives of this family? As Amber navigates these questions, she can't help but be drawn to Lucas. But just as her feelings for him grow stronger, she is faced with another betrayal that she may not be able to bear.
From internationally bestselling author Belinda Alexandra comes a sweeping, emotional journey that “depicts vividly the powerful lifelong bond between mothers and daughters” (Paullina Simons, author of The Bronze Horseman). In a district of the city of Harbin, a haven for White Russian families since Russia’s Communist Revolution, Alina Kozlova must make a heartbreaking decision if her only child, Anya, is to survive the final days of World War II. White Gardenia sweeps across cultures and continents, from the glamorous nightclubs of Shanghai to the austerity of Cold War Soviet Russia in the 1960s, from a desolate island in the Pacific Ocean to a new life in post-war Australia. Both mother and daughter must make sacrifices, but is the price too high? Most importantly of all, will they ever find each other again? Rich in historical detail and reminiscent of stories by Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley, White Gardenia is a compelling and beautifully written tale about yearning, longing, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.
Fruits of the Spirit with Jack and Jill is about the fruits of the spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Jack realizes he has lost the fruits of the spirit from inside his pail as he was coming down the hill. Jill assures him they can be restored through knowing the Lord.
The third edition of Loftus’ Financial Reporting has been updated for recent developments in the Australian Accounting Standards, including the release of the new Conceptual Framework. This text is designed to be used across the 2nd and 3rd year financial accounting units. A hallmark feature of the text is that it provides both a conceptual understanding and a practical application of the accounting standards. For students, an understanding of the conceptual basis of accounting and the rationale behind the principles is crucial to the consistent application of standards in a variety of practical contexts. The Financial Reporting interactive e-text features a range of instructional media content designed to provide students with an engaging learning experience. This includes practitioner videos (from Ernst & Young), interactive worked problems and questions with immediate feedback. Loftus’ unique resource can also form the basis of a blended learning solution for lecturers.
It is commonly assumed that Caribbean culture is split into elite highbrow culture--which is considered derivative of Europe--and authentic working-class culture, which is often identified with such iconic island activities as salsa, carnival, calypso, and reggae. This book recovers a middle ground, a genuine popular culture in the English-speaking Caribbean that stretches back into the nineteenth century. It shows that popular novels, beauty pageants, and music festivals are examples of Caribbean culture that are mostly created, maintained, and consumed by the Anglophone middle class. Much of middle-class culture is further gendered as "female": women are more apt to be considered recreational readers of fiction, for example, and women's behavior outside the home is often taken as a measure of their community's respectability. The book also highlights the influence of American popular culture, especially African American popular culture, as early as the nineteenth century.
With a simple wish for adventure, a magical talisman sends a young girl back in time to the French Revolution "Tilly visualised the ruby pendant, recreating its crimson fire. She felt herself diving into that pool of colour . . . down into a deep, vivid dream. " Tilly falls asleep wishing she could escape to a more adventurous life. In 1789, Amelie-Mathilde is living in luxury at the Palace of Versailles but her guardians want her to marry the horrible Chevalier. She falls asleep wishing someone would rescue her. Tilly wakes up beside Amelie-Mathilde. The timing couldn t be worse. Starving peasants are rioting and the palace is in chaos. Tilly knows Amelie and her cousin Henri must escape if they are to survive the Revolution. With mutinous villagers, vengeful servants, and threats at every turn, will they ever reach safety?
This title is a collection of favourite nursery rhymes, first poems and fairytales. Beautifully illustrated and a host of best-loved characters will delight and entertain readers.
Goofy was a ragamuffin and an enchanting rogue: the unwanted dog on the Greek island of Paxos who simply adopted Belinda Harley and laid his heart at her feet. Before she knew it, she was moving heaven and earth to save him from his fate and was introducing him to high life in London. Against all odds, Goofy conquered his new world.Then, Belinda faced the toughest decision of all...
Belinda Brewin has experienced more in her life than most people ever will. Never far away from trouble, she recently made the headlines when, having started a new job, her boss and his family were murdered and, in a sickening twist of fate, the prime suspect turned out to be the man who claimed to be in love with her. Even more disturbingly, it transpired that the bodies of the victims had been temporarily buried in her back garden.By the time the book is published, Belinda will have given evidence as a key witness at the trial. Her colourful life has also included being best friend and confidante to Paula Yates, being arrested with a car boot full of cocaine and subsequently being exonerated at her trial. This is a breath-taking and scandalous read.
«Jack se queda a cargo», dijo su madre antes de desaparecer carretera arriba en busca de ayuda. «No tardo nada». Jack, de once años, y sus dos hermanas pequeñas se quedan dentro de un coche averiado y asfixiante, peleándose, lloriqueando y jugando a 'Veo veo' mientras esperan a su madre. Pero, aunque salen a buscarla, esta no vuelve. Y después de ese día de verano largo y caluroso, ya nada será igual. Tres años después, al otro lado de la ciudad, una mujer llamada Catherine While se despierta y encuentra una navaja junto a su cama con una nota que dice: «Podría haberte matado». Aunque la policía está buscando a un misterioso ladrón al que llaman Ricitos de Oro por su costumbre de dormir en las camas de las casas en las que roba, Catherine no le ve sentido a avisarla o a preocupar a su marido. Mientras tanto, a sus quince años, Jack sigue a cargo de sus hermanas. Su padre ha desaparecido, y él se ocupa de alimentarlas y de que nadie sepa que están solos en casa. Y, cuando accidentalmente descubre la misteriosa navaja, es posible que esté a punto de averiguar quién mató a su madre. Pero la verdad puede ser peligrosa...
Do you have monsters inside you? Jack does. They always want to come out whenever he gets angry or upset. What can Jack do to stop his monsters from ruining his day? Featuring rhyming verse and fantastic illustrations, The Monsters Inside will help your little monsters to manage their big feelings. A Beautifully Illustrated, thirty-two page, Children's Picture Book, for children aged 2- 7 years. The Monsters Inside follows a day in the life of a little boy named Jack as he explores and develops a technique, to help him rid of the monsters that make him sad, mad, annoyed and frustrated. The breathing technique that is offered throughout the story, is one that we use as adults to manage these same emotions. The rhythmic value of the book, makes it easy for children to read along and remember what to do when these situations arise; throughout their early childhood development. The story is delivered through a relatable and strong rhythmic text and is very easy for children to comprehend. A must read for all children.
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