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Italy's Most Powerful Mafias: The History and Legacy of the Cosa Nostra, La Camorra, and 'Ndrangheta
The word "mafia," Sicilian in origin, is synonymous with Italy, but Italy is home to several different mafias, with three being particularly notorious. While the Cosa Nostra of western Sicily is the most infamous, other powerful groups include the ferocious 'Ndrangheta of Calabria and the Camorra, the third-largest mafia, which is active in Naples and the Campania region. A "mafia" is loosely defined as a criminal organization that is interested in social, economic and political power, combining elements of a traditional secret society with those of a business, but further levels of nuance are necessary in order to understand these groups. In a general sense, this is because each mafia creates a myth about the development of the organization, which becomes like an unquestionable truth. In essence, part of what makes its members so completely loyal to it is also what makes outsiders so utterly afraid of it. While all three mafias have initiation rituals dating to the 19th century, the oldest of the three belongs to the Camorra. The rituals date back to 1850, as the Camorra was taking shape in the prisons of southern Italy. In this simple but profound ritual, the new member was told to take an oath over crossed knives and then made to have a dagger fight with another man (either another possible initiate or a current member). However, the blades would be wrapped leaving just the point exposed, so that the only objective would be to draw a faint trace of blood, after which the fight would end. This ritual ceased in 1912, around the time that the Neapolitan Honored Society dissolved itself, and as it reconstituted itself in various formations over the course of the century, it never again returned to those more antiquated rituals. Instead, the group began to exist more as a loose network of criminals, all working for their own enrichment.
Charles River Editors (Author), Jim Johnston (Narrator)
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Italy: A Concise Guide to a Selection of Historic Factors
This valuable deal contains multiple titles in one book. The topics are the following: Florence: Florence was a major center of middle ages European trade and banking, and also one of the most affluent cities in the world at the time. A lot of academics believe it was the beginning of the Renaissance, and it has been called 'the Athens of the Middle Ages.' Renaissance painters and sculptures alike have their legacy in this city. Naples: Naples, established by Greeks in the first millennium BC, is just one of the world's oldest constantly occupied cities. Naples has a long history, all the way dating back to Roman times, the outbreak of the Vesuvius, and much more. Let’s learn more about this fascinating city’s history. St. Catherine of Siena: Catherine of Siena (who lived from March 25, in 1347 to April 29th, in the year 1380), a Dominican laywoman, was a mystic, activist, and writer who impacted Italian literature and the Catholic Church significantly. She was canonized in 1461 and is a Medical professional of the Church. She was born and raised in Siena and, regardless of her parents' desires, desired dedicate her life to God from an early age. The Vatican: What comes to mind when you say the words “Vatican City?” The Pope? Big cathedrals or underground catacombs with the corpses of buried saints from the past? Crowds of people with candles? Or a choir of young men in a certain attire? The Vatican is a landlocked, independent city state and enclave in Rome, Italy. Venetian Empire: When we think of Venice, we think of masks, canals, murals and frescoes, and little “gondoliers” with picturesque boats. Venice, indeed, has an impressive artistic history. But did you know that Venice was also, for a while, a considerably sized empire? The creation of the Venetian republic is said to have accompanied the starting of the church of St. James at the exact same time.
Kelly Mass (Author), Doug Greene (Narrator)
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Italy: the History of Italy from Etruscans to Contemporary Times
Do you want to uncover the secrets of Italy's ancient civilizations, such as the Etruscans and the roman empire? Are you drawn to the captivating tales of legendary figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Italian Culture? If so, this book is for you! Discover Italy's captivating history, from the enigmatic Etruscans to the modern marvel of today. Together we will unveil the secrets of ancient civilizations, experience the rise of Rome's grandeur, and immerse ourselves in the Renaissance's artistic brilliance. Witness Italy's unification and its transformative triumphs, leading to its modern role in the European Union. This book, enriched with vivid narratives, invites you to traverse the epochs and relish Italy's rich past. This book consist of: - Etruscan origins and Roman Empire dominance. - Renaissance sparks cultural rebirth. - Unification effort shapes modern Italy. - World Wars impact and post-war revival. - European Union integration, enduring legacy. - Whether a history enthusiast or curious traveler, this treasure trove will illuminate Italy's vibrant journey through time. Don´t wait any longer. Scroll up and buy this book now!
Will Forrest (Author), Will Forrest (Narrator)
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Ivan IV Vasilyevich, referred to as Ivan the Terrible in English, was the Grand Prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547 and the very first Moscow ruler to announce himself Tsar of Russia from 1547 to 1584. Ivan was the first ruler of Moscow after the city's independence and state of freedom. After the death of his dad, Vasili III, the Rurikid ruler of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, he was declared supreme prince when he was three years of age. The 'Chosen Council,' a group of reformers, rallied around the young Ivan in the year 1547, announcing him tsar (emperor) of All Rus' and developed the Tsardom of Russia, with Moscow as the primary state. Ivan's rule was marked by Russia's change from a middle ages state to an empire under the control of the tsar, but at a big cost to the people and the nation's long-lasting economy. Let’s talk about his life, his legacy, his evil deeds, and the way things occurred in history.
Kelly Mass (Author), Doug Greene (Narrator)
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Ivory Vikings: The Mystery of the Most Famous Chessmen in the World and the Woman Who Made Them
In the early 1800's, on a Hebridean beach in Scotland, the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: 93 chessmen carved from walrus ivory. Norse netsuke, each face individual, each full of quirks, the Lewis Chessmen are probably the most famous chess pieces in the world. Harry played Wizard's Chess with them in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Housed at the British Museum, they are among its most visited and beloved objects. Questions abounded: Who carved them? Where? Ivory Vikings explores these mysteries by connecting medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology, art history, forensics, and the history of board games. In the process, Ivory Vikings presents a vivid history of the 400 years when the Vikings ruled the North Atlantic, and the sea-road connected countries and islands we think of as far apart and culturally distinct: Norway and Scotland, Ireland and Iceland, and Greenland and North America. The story of the Lewis chessmen explains the economic lure behind the Viking voyages to the west in the 800s and 900s. And finally, it brings from the shadows an extraordinarily talented woman artist of the twelfth century: Margret the Adroit of Iceland. NANCY MARIE BROWN is the author of highly praised books of nonfiction, including Song of the Vikings. She is fluent in Icelandic, and spends her summers in Iceland. She has deep ties to the Scandinavian cultural institutions in the U.S. Brown lives in East Burke,VT.
Nancy Marie Brown (Author), Tony Ward (Narrator)
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Izabela the Valiant: The Story of an Indomitable Polish Princess
Coming soon
Adam Zamoyski (Author), TBD (Narrator)
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J. R. R. Tolkien: The Mind Behind the Rings
J. R. R. Tolkien: The Mind Behind the Rings, you'll get a never-before-seen look at the man, the artist, and the believer behind some of the world's most beloved stories. Join bestselling author Mark Horne as he explores lasting impact of the kind of creative freedom that can only come from faith and struggle. Raised in South Africa and Great Britain, young Tolkien led a life filled with uncertainty, instability, and loss. As he grew older, however, the faith that his mother instilled in him continued as an intrinsic contribution to his creative imagination and his everyday life. J. R. R. Tolkien explores: - The literary giant's childhood, coming-of-age stories, and the countless hurdles he faced - What inspired and influenced The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit - Tolkien's service in the war - The ways that Tolkien's faith influenced his work Previously published as a volume in the Christian Encounters series, this renewed edition of J. R. R. Tolkien now includes updated information about TV series and films inspired by Tolkien's literary creations as well as a discussion guide designed to keep the conversation going.
Mark Horne (Author), Christopher Ashman (Narrator)
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Jack the Ripper: Victims & Suspects
Today, bustling East London seems a world away from its dark past just a century ago, when terror reigned - the infamous Whitechapel Murders by Jack the Ripper. Tourists are drawn to this chilling tale, a mix of fascination and dread that began in 1888 and still haunts us today. Transport yourself to the 1880s, a maze of fog-draped alleyways and dimly lit cobbled streets. Commercial Street, once a bustling market, was now a place of panic in Whitechapel. One name struck fear into the hearts of the residents: Jack the Ripper. What happened back then still intrigues modern historians and amateur sleuths, urging them to unravel the mystery of this shadowy figure. You'll explore: - Victim profiles and discovery sites - Suspects that emerged - Jack the Ripper's chilling letters to the police Discover the haunting secrets of Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, a chilling saga that continues to captivate minds today.
Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)
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One of Ireland's best current novelists provides a thumbnail sketch of Ireland's greatest writer. A passionate and sensuous portrait, James Joyce is a return to the land of politics, history, saints, and scholars that shaped the creator of the 20th century's groundbreaking novel, Ulysses. O'Brien traces Joyce's early days as a rambunctious young Jesuit student; his falling in love with a tall, red-haired Galway girl named Nora Barnacle on Bloomsday; and his exile to Trieste where he found success, love, and finally, despair. Joyce's raucous life as well as thoughtful commentary on his major writings is presented without the academic accoutrements that have made other Joyce biographies so difficult to read. O'Brien captures with simplicity the brilliance and complexity of this great master.
Edna O'Brien (Author), Donada Peters (Narrator)
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Jan Hus: The Life and Legacy of the Christian Theologian Executed for Heresy Before the Reformation
"Therefore, faithful Christian, seek the truth, listen to the truth, learn the truth, love the truth, tell the truth, learn the truth, defend the truth even to death." - Jan Hus If John Wycliffe was the "Morning Star of the Reformation," Jan Hus was the Guiding Star of the movement. Hus started as a Czech priest, but he quickly became notorious for debating several Church doctrines such as the Eucharist, Church ecclesiology, and many more topics. Today, he is viewed as a predecessor of the Lutherans, but the Church viewed him as a threat, and the Catholics eventually engaged Hus' followers (known as Hussites) in several battles in the early 15th century. Hus himself was burned at the stake in 1415, but his followers fought on in a series of battles known as the Hussite Wars, and Czechoslovakia's inhabitants by and large remained Hussite afterward. About 100 years later, Martin Luther would spark the Reformation across the continents. Jan Hus: The Life and Legacy of the Christian Theologian Executed for Heresy Before the Reformation chronicles the reformer's life and teachings, and the influence he had in the wake of his death. Along with pictures of important people and places, you will learn about Hus like never before.
Charles River Editors (Author), Colin Fluxman (Narrator)
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Jane Austen's Best Friend: The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd
The book will take the form of a 'recipe for friendship' as Martha Lloyd is best known for her housekeeping and recipe book. All fans of Jane Austen everywhere believe themselves to be best friends with the beloved author and this book shines a light on what it meant to be exactly that. Jane Austen's Best Friend: The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd offers a unique insight into Jane's private inner circle. Through this heartwarming examination of an important and often overlooked person in Jane's world, we uncover the life-changing force of their friendship. Each chapter details the fascinating facts and friendship-forming qualities that tied Jane and Martha together. We will relive their shared interests, the hits and misses of their romantic love lives, their passion for shopping and fashion, their family histories, their lucky breaks, and their girly chats. This book offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the shared lives of a fascinating pair and the chance to deepen our own bonds in 'love and friendship' with them both.
Zöe Wheddon (Author), Jayne Entwistle (Narrator)
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Jane Austen: The True Story of the Life & Times of the Great Author
Interested in Jane Austen's life but short on time for lengthy biographies? Join The History Journals for an hourly history tour of her remarkable story. Ever since her debut novel Sense and Sensibility was anonymously published in 1811, Jane Austen's work has enjoyed lasting popularity. Her themes of love, marriage, and money remain relevant today, often echoed in modern drama. Discover the extraordinary woman behind the beloved characters. Her seemingly quiet life as a country parson's daughter granted her remarkable insight into human nature, still resonating over two centuries later. This tour provides a condensed yet comprehensive look at: - Her family, early years, and relationships - Writings, experiences in Bath, and seaside pleasures - Financial challenges, relocations, and happier years - Literary successes and family tragedies - Her battle with illness, death, and lasting legacy Explore Jane Austen's life in this concise journey, with links for deeper research.
Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)
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