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Charles Edward Jefferson was a minister who spoke the word of God in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; this is his spiritual guidance to preachers, imbued with experience and soul.Jefferson entered the service of the Lord at a time very different from today: the United States was nearing the conclusion of its expansion westward, its population burgeoning from successive waves of migration. Railways criss-crossed the nation as new towns sprang up in flurries of settlement: in short, the need for God was greater than ever amid toil and adversity. Church membership and attendance was colossal in this time; a fact the author - an Ohio clergyman - was all too aware of.As well as being a primer for young priests hoping to offer guidance to their congregations, this work cautions against a series of mistakes and wrongheaded mentalities. Jefferson is blunt and down to earth; he acknowledges that preachers - being public speakers - carry the potential for vanity. Yet self-importance is a peril; it can lead to petty demands, to insincere guidance, to indolence, to misrepresentations of God's will. Observantly and eloquently, the author urges readers to tread their path with caution and care, mindful of pitfalls but exuding grace and goodwill.

Charles Edward Jefferson's advice for Christians draws upon years of experience in the Ohio priesthood, in a time of great challenges, when spiritual guidance of the highest quality was very sought after.The author writes in a conversational style, fulfilling the role of spiritual counselor to a lay person who seeks counsel. Initially he seeks to clarify the position of clergy in society; misconceptions exist, which Jefferson eloquently dispels with clear and determined eloquence. We progress to definitions of the positive traits which ministers and believers should strive for: a sympathetic nature which results in cooperation with others. Where liberty is concerned, we must value and use our freedoms, but be mindful of their limitations - when speaking, a minister should not stray into frivolity, or deviate from God's wisdom.Further cautioning readers, Jefferson explains how the valuable lessons of a typical sermon can be undermined by wrongheaded thinking habits. One must be earnest when attending church; a genuine desire to learn or to refresh one's knowledge is crucial. Likewise a minister must refrain from vapid questions - simply asking whether the congregation liked a sermon is insufficient. A good sermon is not a mere item on display; it is a deep and piercing guidance, a warning of wrongdoing, and an illumination of eternal truths.

Writing at the height of the industrial age, Gustavus Myers vividly recounts the greatest business and industrial successes in the United States.By the early 20th century, the United States had blossomed as an emergent industrial powerhouse. The burgeoning population, advent of new technology, and bustling cities fuelled an economy bristling with dynamism and prosperity. Immigration soared as the country transformed from a mostly rural economy to one fuelled by manufacture and urban development. Some of the finest minds found a home in the USA, yet the period also saw intense concentration of monopolistic power - a circumstance which earned the era its moniker: 'The Gilded Age'.At the outset, Myers states that he wants to deliver a sound and balanced appraisal of the various success stories. He neither wishes to laud them as examples of the pinnacle of human ingenuity, or condemn them as products of ruthless and violent exploitation. Instead he seeks to present the facts of each case, noting that none of the great successes represent a black or white story; each example demonstrates adroit use of resources leading to common prosperity, and immoral misdeeds leading to, in Myers' words, "the despoilment of the many for the benefit of a few."

The letters of Governor William Bradford, who led the Plymouth Colony intermittently between 1621 and 1657, contain many insights into his life and achievements.Notable as one of the original organizers and passengers who set sail for North America on the Mayflower, Bradford was among the best educated and experienced of the settlers. Literate and an avid reader of Christian texts, it was a meeting with fellow settler William Brewster that set his life on a new course - together they aspired to found a new colony across the ocean, free from the persecutions of Puritans which had become common under the rule of the King of England, James I.This collection of letters begins after the settlers successfully founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. It consists both of correspondence received by Bradford during his tenures as leader of the new community, and his replies. It is evident that the success of the colonists amid dire and basic conditions surprised onlookers; Bradford answers in order to inform enquirers about the steady progress of the colony. Various plantations were established over years, with constructions gradually taking place as conditions such as transit and food supply improved.Taken as a whole, Bradford's letters are an illuminating account of the management and growth of the fledgling Plymouth Colony.

This outstanding chronicle of desert communities in the remote parts of the American West is vibrant for its sensitive and spirited descriptions of lifestyles and customs now lost to time.Following Mary Hunter Austin's distinctive style, we find within a number of vignettes describing rural life in a variety of California desert counties. The harsh, arid lands form a stark backdrop to the people who lead life there. This was a time before electricity and running water, before highways and the numerous luxuries of modern living. The people who lived out in the wilderness were tough in body and spirit, yet - as Austin demonstrates - many preserved both tender humanity and their spiritual side.Austin was born and educated in Illinois, but decided to move with her family to California as a young graduate. There she embarked on a study of the Mojave Desert; her vibrant writings and observations of people in the local communities - be they white settlers or Native Americans - met with praise and renown. She spent decades traversing the American West, her writing sitting at the crossroads of social history, storytelling and catalogues of nature. She remains popular as a chronicler and beacon for times, places and lives now departed.

Historian Alex Graham chronicles centuries of Roman rule in North Africa, using insights from archaeological excavations carried out in Tunisia and Algeria, plus researcher expeditions.Uniting many disparate sources into a single, lengthy account, Graham's history begins with the diplomatic ties between the wealthy city of Carthage and Rome. The Romans subsequently invaded and subdued Carthage, and this success constituted the beginning of Roman rule in Africa. The author gives a sequential account of various events which took place, organized according to the reigns of Caesars Julius and Augustus, then continuing with Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, and later emperors.The accounts given are lively, colorful and varied, covering not merely conflicts and battles, but the development of the economy and the cultural emergences which took place across the centuries. It is demonstrated that North Africa was a productive and highly valued holding of the Roman Empire, with investment into various Colonia and active suppressions of revolts or incursions to protect prospering lands. Some thirty drawings and diagrams are included alongside the text, depicting tombs, monuments and structures which stand as evidence of Rome's strong presence along the continent's lengthy coastline.

This translation of the ancient Greek novel Aethiopica by Heliodorus was produced in 1897 by the scholars of antiquity belonging to the Athenian Society in Athens.For many centuries this novel was very obscure to readers in Western Europe. However, copies had always circulated around the Byzantine Empire, and it was during the Renaissance in the 14th century that burgeoning interest in classical Greece led to the Aethiopica being recognized and read by Western European scholars. Various translations occurred through subsequent centuries; this translation to English was brought to fruition by academics of classics based in Athens in the late 19th century.We are introduced to Chariclea, who was born to King Hydaspes and Queen Persinna, of ancient Ethiopia. The girl is said to have been conceived when her mother fixed eyes upon a marble statue; a point crucial to the story later on. The young woman is romanced by Theagenes, a man of nobility from the northerly lands of Thessaly, and in eloping the pair endures many dangerous encounters with wild creatures and roaming bandits.Together with the translated text, we find a scholarly introduction which explains the historical significance of this work.

This history of Frankfort, Maine and its surrounding areas is detailed and encompassing, beginning from the earliest colonial times and concluding in the early 20th century.Ada Littlefield's enquiry covers a great range of activity. Topics include the initial founding of Frankfort, the importance in which religious observance was held, the most successful and distinguished residents, and the various businesses and trades for which the area became known. We hear of the ice fishing that took place in the winter months, the homespun clothing that most residents always wore, and of the most interesting houses and their designs.Perhaps the most notable aspect of Frankfort history is its role in shipbuilding, with many vessels constructed and launched from its shipyards. Some were fitted for long voyages; their success in navigating the oceans established this local industry for the long term. Alongside such achievements, the author places emphasis on the ordinary folk of the town; quoting their turns of phrase, and detailing their customs and everyday lives.Being first published in 1907, this title carries the advantage of using several sources which have since been lost or obscured for research. More than twenty photographs accompany the text.

This biography of Saint Columba, the man responsible for bringing Christianity to Scotland in the 6th century AD, is filled with detail and insight.Columba was considered a man of great spiritual strength who braved the wild, untrammeled lands of rural Scotland at a time when it was ruled by tribes. Many legends are told of his miraculous abilities in fending off wild beasts, and in providing the remote peoples with compelling testimony in the one true God, and the divinity of Jesus Christ. Not only did Columba spread the word, he also established a series of monasteries which endured for centuries. Serving as the first abbot in ancient Ireland, his political influence and legacy was significant.The author, Saint Adamnan, was the ninth abbot of Ireland who assumed office late in the 7th century. Working from surviving accounts and sources of his era, he was able to recount his predecessor's deeds, prophecies and personality. This English translation of Adamnan was produced at Oxford University near the end of the 19th century; being among the few surviving texts of the era, this book is valuable for shedding light upon life and worship in Celtic cultures of long ago.

Mary Anne Atwood's famous investigation of Hermeticism delves into the Ancient Greek origins of the teachings, and goes on to examine numerous sources from across the ages.First appearing in 1850, Atwood's lengthy studies of the Hermetic philosophers and alchemists of ages past spurred much interest. Every chapter contains numerous annotations and source citations, while ancient poetic verses and instructions left by far-gone practitioners are quoted at length. The author casts her net wide, examining the mythology and literature of Ancient Greece and Rome, various Medieval and Renaissance-era writings on chemistry and medicine, plus the surviving works of an eclectic yet pertinent range of scholars.Atwood successfully collated and organized a great many disparate accounts of Hermeticism and alchemical practice, her knowledge of Latin and Greek proving useful for the arduous task. Knowledge and insights previously obscure were now available in a united, comprehensive treatment - interest burgeoned, yet A Suggestive Inquiry was soon out of print. The author opted to live a secluded life, and refused to allow further printings of her masterwork. Following Atwood's death in 1910, a new edition was finally released, inclusive of slight revisions and corrections.

Samuel Morton studied the excavated remains of ancient Egyptians to gain insight into their origins and relation to other ancient ethnic groups, and published these results.When Morton released his enquiry in 1844, new archaeological finds from Egypt resulted in a surge of interest from scholars and historians. Together with skeletal and mummified remains, a great number of stunning artifacts and hieroglyphic tablets and frescoes were unearthed. Yet the author's interest lies in the physical appearance of the Egyptians; by studying their facial features, skulls, teeth and morphology, Morton hoped to establish their similarities and contrasts to citizens of other nations and geographies in antiquity. Primarily the focus is upon the head, hence this book's title.How do the Egyptians of yore compare physically to the various peoples of the ancient Near East, of Northern and Central Africa, and of Europe? Do the Egyptians' representations of themselves upon monuments, sculptures and artworks resemble their physical remains? What parts of their bodies did Egyptians value and emphasize most, and in what ways did they express such ideas?All these questions are answered, in a manner exuding enthusiasm in the-then brand new discoveries.

William Brewster was an important official who helped organize passage aboard the Mayflower, an English ship which took a group of migrating families to Massachusetts.This biography begins long before the Mayflower's famous voyage of 1620. We are treated to a deep examination of politics and religion in Elizabethan England, which shaped the actions which Brewster later took. His education in Cambridge, and early experience in the ambassadorial and diplomatic service, would prove invaluable to his later efforts in promoting the establishment of the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Much of the groundwork took place in Holland, where Brewster worked as a teacher, meeting a number of likeminded Puritans who aspired to a new life in North America.As we learn in this text, organizing and financing this trans-Atlantic journey was a complex and arduous task. As the most formally qualified and experienced passenger, Brewster was instrumental to readying the Mayflower ship and the families who joined the voyage. After some ten weeks at sea the colonists arrived in Plymouth, yet many soon perished amid a harsh winter. Several years on, Brewster lost two of his daughters to an outbreak of smallpox, while he himself survived and endured as the elder of Plymouth, dying in 1644 at about 76 years of age.

Daniel Gookin was a pioneering settler who resided in Virginia and Massachusetts, taking an interest in and writing about the Native Americans, toward whom he felt sympathy.Born in County Cork, Ireland, Gookin moved to his father's plantation in Virginia when he was aged only eighteen in 1630. Given a reference to his being a 'souldier', it is assumed that Gookin spent at least part of his youth in the military. Later in life he moved to the colonies of Massachusetts, becoming familiar with these and other lands. Gookin travelled to London on business multiple times, acting to relay information about newly discovered areas, their suitability for settlement, and challenges facing the colonists.Gookin gained distinction for his efforts to build rapport with the Native Americans. He promoted the conversion of natives to Christianity, with the eventual goal of permanent, peaceful coexistence. He also wrote two books about the native populations, and encouraged peace when violent conflicts such as King Philip's War broke out. He was also an early advocate for the lessening British influence upon the colonies.Frederick Gookin published this biography of his ancestor in 1912, piecing together many disparate sources in order to shed light on Daniel's life and deeds.

Charles Humphreys' autobiography recounts his years as a Union cavalry soldier in the U.S. Civil War; his activity fighting, being wounded and eventually captured and imprisoned.The author's experiences were exciting and varied, shedding light upon contrasting aspects of the war which carry historical value. Elderly at the time when he published his recollections in 1918, Humphreys briefly reflects about the still-ensuing World War I, noting the value of revealing the exposures and trials war places upon everyone involved. It was in the spirit of remembering the hardships of conflict that this memoir was composed; that readers be mindful of the sacrifices and privations unique to war.Humphreys' recollections are eloquent, multifaceted and nuanced, giving visual impressions of the battlefields, weaponry, field tents, trenches, fortifications, and the general atmosphere a Civil War soldier experienced. Dramatic horseback pursuits and moments of action are accompanied by the emotional and spiritual aspects of warfare: Humphreys was a young chaplain whose duty was to counsel and assure his fellow fighters of God's presence. Altogether we find on these pages a lively yet sensitive and life-affirming account of a war pivotal to American history and the life of the nation.

Replete with vivid anecdotes of ages long past, this history of Virginia's New River villages from the earliest times to the post-Civil War period sheds light on events far-gone.David E. Johnston originally set out to chronicle a smaller area of his home state. However, the sheer amount of interesting material he unearthed from the wider New River region resulted in the broadening of this project. This lengthy history contains stories and incidents which are either absent in other works, or only referred to in passing. Examples include kidnappings and skirmishes between the Native American population and the white settlers, local heroes of the U.S. Civil War, and the evolution of the locality from untrammeled land to mature settlement.Pictures of community life emerge through tales of farmers, hunters and laborers, soldiers and adventure seekers. The Virginia of centuries past was a wild land fraught with perils, with survival a constant concern among colonists. It was a time characterized by occasional eruptions of violence and lawless misdeeds, with a formal legal system sparse or absent for generations. Yet the settler communities grew in strength with time, bound by their shared Christian beliefs and a constant need for cooperation.

This detailed history of rural California discusses the winding desert trails, their distinctive plant life, rock formations and creatures.Writing in 1919, J. Smeaton Chase was a veteran explorer and rambler who attained immense familiarity with the rural regions of California. His knowhow was vast, much of it the result of years spent roaming the remotest portions of Californian desert and scrubland. Observations of various flora and fauna make this book a boon for explorers; Chase gives vivid descriptions, describing the interplay of plants against the barren or rocky landscapes. While this text offers useful guidance, its detail also proves interesting and entertaining for those simply curious or enthusiastic about the natural world and the area's history.Over thirty photographs are included alongside the text, most depicting the various vistas, rocky outcrops and plants of the rugged lands described. Chase frequently expresses admiration for the contrasts of nature; some of the plants he sees are frankly beautiful, their leaves and stems stretching elegantly outward. By contrast others are brutal, ugly and dangerous; squat with protruding thorns, their fibers infernally rough. Throughout his storied descriptions, the author's admiration and passion for nature is obvious.

Filled with local stories and dramatic scenes of fighting from across many decades, J. B. O. Landrum's chronicle of South Carolina is a treasure of the past.The author is enthusiastic in presenting accounts which encapsulate the local Carolina spirit; tales of hardship amid an unforgiving wilderness, of brutal combat between the Native Americans and the white settlers, and of everyday living in the villages and townships of the various counties. War stories and dramatic events are commonly taken from recollections of descendants and written anecdotes; such sources make for a lively and thoroughly engaging history of how South Carolina came to be.By the time he wrote this history in 1897, J. B. O. Landrum was already respected as a writer and chronicler of the past. Locals in and around the Carolinas would, from time to time, send him pertinent material. This edition includes the original publication's maps of the locality, so that readers can understand where settlements stood in the grand scheme of things, and how troops moved around during the conflicts. For its unique storytelling and knowledge, this history retains much value for modern day readers.

Ladd's commentaries on the mythological aspects of Judaism and Christianity are illuminated by his depth of scriptural knowledge and thorough researches.This eclectic work examines extant writings of a variety of ancient civilizations to shed light upon the myths and stories of the Hebrews. Ladd looks into the ancient Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Greeks and even the Hindus of the East to arrive at his conclusions. The author's desire is to uncover how Judaism and later on Christianity began, in the context of the religious and cultural events which preceded their establishment. Spending years amid volumes of disparate and obscure sources, Ladd sought to condense and combine their insights into this single book, that curious readers may discover such history with relative ease.Individual monuments and stone tablets, plus surviving examples of writing upon papyrus, are among the original sources Ladd consults. The Bible, from the life of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt onwards, is examined at length. The author disagreed with the conventional explanations, whether regarding the life of certain figures, or the authorship and origins of various texts. Thus, much of this work seeks to validate and support the author's assertions to the farthest extent possible.

This superb history summarizes the major events and upheavals in the regions of Alsace and Lorraine, from ancient times to the late 19th century.Accompanied by maps and citing sources which date back through the ages, this history of the Alsace and Lorraine provinces is well-composed. At the time this account was published in 1914, the two regions had spent years in the geopolitical limelight; since parts of both were annexed by Germany in the 1870s, resentments had simmered in France about the annexation. As tensions rose in the years precluding World War One, the provinces became emblematic of rising discontentment between the European powers.Yet as Ruth Putnam demonstrates, the history of Alsace and Lorraine is long and storied, with the establishment of French and German cultural heritages in the regions a complex and nuanced matter. Their status was important as far back as Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul; noting the Germanic tribes nearby and their continuous migrations, the Roman leader had to consider them as he sought to establish Rome's presence. Further contest between various monarchs and regional rulers occurred through the medieval era and after the Renaissance.

This illustrated and in-depth examination concerns the ceremonial dress of the Catholic Church, with the garments of various offices of clergy explained in detail.The many subtleties and fine points surrounding the attire of the higher ranking clergy are explained at length herein. The color, cut and trim of the individual garments; various robes, headwear like the miter, and dress for specific events such as festival observances. The author is keen to describe the enduring cultural aspects which influence dress custom. How clergy have worn their garments in Italy and the Vatican, and the desire of the Catholic Church for consistent conformity in the United States, is mentioned as a core motivation for this work.Whether a bishop is working within his own diocese, or if he is visiting another, affects how he dresses. Seasonal changes in attire are well-established, as is dress specific for funerary services. The distinctive rings worn by bishops, cardinals, and other ranking clergy are shown to hold a deep symbolic meaning - a wedding to the church.Overall, this book is useful for lay believers, serving clergy, and for tailors and dressmakers who work with Catholic prelates. It remains interesting and relevant since initial publication over a century ago.

The fascinating life of Ninian Beall, a military Scotsman who went on to become one of Maryland's most revered individuals, is detailed in this biography.Ninian Beall's importance in the history of Maryland is notable. After an early life spent as a cornet player in the Scots army, he was captured in the Battle of Dunbar during the rebellion against Oliver Cromwell. He spent some five years imprisoned in Ireland and Barbados, before finally being transferred to the colony in Maryland as an indentured servant. Upon the expiry of his servitude, Beall used his wits and talents to rise to leadership of the local Maryland militia in Calvert County.We are informed that this account of Beall was written in memorial to his life and deeds, coinciding with the placing and blessing of a commemorative boulder in 1910. Through multiple photographs we witness how, almost two centuries following Beall's death in 1717, his services to the locality were fondly remembered by the local church. We also find appended the last will and testament of Beall, who sought to carefully distribute his possessions among his family and local friends.

This chronicle of Fruitlands, an agrarian community established in Harvard, Massachusetts, details the philosophy, creation and failure of the settlement.Founded by Bronson Alcott in 1843, Fruitlands was intended to be a utopian commune sustained by its own agriculture. The philosophical concepts of Transcendentalism, and its assertions regarding human morality and the potential of self-reliance, formed a cerebral bedrock. Yet the practical considerations of living were less accounted for: many residents preferred to philosophize than work the fields and animal labor was forbidden; the result being a shortage of food available to feed residents over winter. The strict living standards also caused discontent, and the project failed when unhappy occupants departed the site in January 1844.In the modern day, the Fruitlands project is considered a historical curiosity in Massachusetts. A museum was established on the original location, which details both Fruitlands and other attempts at achieving utopia in North America. Bronson Alcott was deeply disappointed that his commune failed, but continued working as a local teacher for many years afterward. His daughter Louisa May - who resided in Fruitlands as a girl - wrote a journal of the events, and later a treatment entitled Transcendental Wild Oats, which form part of this collection compiled by Clara Sears.

Leo Wiener's fascinating study connects Central American linguistics and words with those of African tribes, and the Europeans who first explored the New World.Wiener seeks to demonstrate many apparent cultural connections between various tribes in Africa, and those of Central and North America. It was the author's view that the Americas were visited and colonized by African peoples long before Christopher Columbus made his famous voyages in the 1490s. In advancing his theories, Wiener illustrates a variety of similarities - the tribal artworks and craftsmanship, their manner of dress, and their methods of communication are variously described.Much of this work surrounds the journals of Columbus's voyages; their descriptions and parallels drawn between the New World tribes and those of Africa. Being as these sources constitute the first accounts of a European author who traversed the Atlantic Ocean, they serve as Wiener's primary basis. However, to reinforce his ideas of connections between tribes separated by the ocean, Wiener cites numerous other books published across the centuries. Thus the enquiry brims with interesting comparisons and anecdotes of primitive cultures.

This guide to fox hunting dates from the early 20th century, and contains advice on treatment of horses, etiquette towards fellow hunters, and best practice in the field.Written by a Major of the Worcestershire regiment in England, this introductory primer is one of quality in spite of its brevity. The reader is given a series of quick-fire tips and pointers on how to properly conduct a fox-hunt. The customs and manners required of a good hunter and the methods of putting a hunting horse and hounds at ease are given. By following the guidance herein, the fox-hunter will increase the likelihood of success, and find respect among one's fellow hunters.At the time this book was first published in 1911, fox-hunting was a popular sport in the rural provinces of England. Although the practice never gained as much favor elsewhere, books such as this were intended as an introduction for readers across the English-speaking world. Today fox-hunting is controversial; proponents note its importance in country heritage and in pest control for farmers, while opponents consider the sport an example of animal cruelty.

In this impressive work, theologian and lifelong student of the Bible Samuel Clarke examines and organizes the many promises written in the Old and New Testament.A study brimming with thoroughness and insight, Clarke's collection takes us through the entirety of the Holy Bible, categorizing and arranging the promises written upon its pages. A preface followed by a lengthy introduction clarifies the systematic elements of the author's organized selection, and discusses the nature and significance of God's promissory passages to His believers.The Biblical promises are demonstrated to be neither a simple nor trivial portion of the text. Rather they form an integral part of a succession of narratives, a common thread running through most of the canonical books. Poignant themes expressed in the promises are varied and vast; examples include protection from disease, fortune in worldly attainment, inner strength during times of hardship, harmony in one's interactions with others, and caution in one's actions. Some of the promises are plainly stated, others eloquently poetic or evocative, and others recognizable and quoted for centuries.

This meticulous manual catalogues all the references and appearances of Jesus Christ in the scriptures of the Old Testament and the Gospels.The notion that Christ's life and death are foreshadowed by many passages in scriptures predating His birth is the central thesis of this book. Allusions to the events of Christ's life are numerous, and the author sets about quoting each one in sequence of their appearance. As such we begin with the Book of Genesis, proceed through the Pentateuch and then the later scriptures. Every passage referred to is discussed at length, the author revealing its pertinence to prophecy and the Son of God. Other verse which ties in to the subject at hand is appended, that the Bible student gains maximal insight.A much-appreciated Biblical scholar who published his works in the early 20th century, A. M. Hodgkin's breadth of knowledge was put to paper across several books. Rousing praise and grace from among Christians, his treatment of Christ in the Bible became a frequent reference source for believers in their communities and churches. Through the author's scholarship we realize fully the significance of Jesus across the scriptural texts, becoming enlightened as to His immense role in the Holy Bible.

The rich and bountiful poetry of Armenia is presented in this collection, adeptly and sensitively translated to English to preserve the expressive beauty in the verses.Armenian poems are rich with passionate expression, sometimes voicing pride in the national culture, history and identity. Some of the poems are outright romantic; celebrating the beauty, aesthetics and emotive intensity of youthful courtship. Other verses celebrate Armenia's martial prowess; with differing cultures on multiple sides, the land often saw battle. The importance of the country's location at the border between the European and Asian continents finds allusion, as authors nod to past glories, and predict future prowess.Reference to the scenic lands of Armenia, its local dances and the way of life abound in the verse, the poetry often brimming with cultured allusions. Significantly, this anthology includes the most famed and celebrated works by the lauded national poets, together with older poetry and hymns dating back as far as the early-Medieval era. The reader thus acquires an acute impression of how Armenian poetic works evolved through the centuries.

This official manual of the British Croquet Association dates from 1920, and includes several illustrations which help explain the rules and methodology behind this classic game.Variations of croquet date back to 17th century England, with the monarch Charles II said to have partook in an early incarnation of the game. The first descriptions resembling the modern game however appeared in Victorian times; it was in this period that croquet ascended to popularity, gaining appreciation as a tranquil yet engaging compliment to outdoor gatherings. By 1920, when this guidebook was published, croquet had swung in and out of fashion multiple times; nevertheless, its place in the recreational roster of Europeans and North Americans alike was clear.This book is intended as a handy reference for experienced players and beginners alike. It contains the essential instructions, measurements and laws of the game. The simplicity and flexibility of croquet is evident; it can be played upon garden or park lawns, at the beach, or upon grassy meadows. Yet while the game can be picked up with ease and its equipment is easy to assemble, this manual is clear that mastering play is a tough accomplishment.