The Plays


Book Description




Really!?


Book Description

Facts, facts, facts! We are surrounded by facts: some strange, some horrific, some unbelievable, and some funny. Those facts make us who we are. Humans are a curious species and we all want to know the truth. Astronomy, animals, plants, the human body, science, history, people, war, and the Earth are all interesting subjects about which most of us know very little. This book contains many known facts that you probably didn’t know before, but will make you say, “Really!?” Did you know that our galaxy, the Milky Way, and our nearest neighbour, the Andromeda Galaxy, are on a collision course? But not to worry, the two galaxies won’t collide for about four billion years. Really!?




The Merchant Ship in the British Atlantic, 1600–1800


Book Description

In The Merchant Ship in the British Atlantic, 1600—1800, Phillip Reid refutes the long-held assumption that merchant ship technology in the British Atlantic during the two centuries of its development was static for all intents and purposes, and that whatever incremental changes took place in it were inconsequential to the development of the British Empire and its offshoots. Drawing on a unique combination of evidence from both traditional and unconventional sources, Phillip Reid shows how merchants, shipwrights, and mariners used both proven principles and adaptive innovations in hulls, rigs, and steering systems to manage high physical and financial risks. Listen also to the podcast where the author is interviewed about the book for New Books Network and the podcast with Liz Covart for Ben Franklin’s World by clicking here.




The Financial Markets of the Arab Gulf


Book Description

Financial markets across the Arabian Peninsula have gone from being small, quasi-medieval structures in the 1960s to large world-class groupings of financial institutions. This evolution has been fueled by vast increases in income from oil and natural gas. The Financial Markets of the Arab Gulf presents and analyzes the banks, stock markets, investment companies, money changers and sovereign wealth funds that have grown from this oil wealth and how this income has acted as a buffer between Gulf society at large and the newfound cash reserves of Gulf Cooperation Council states (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain) over the last fifty years. By assessing the development of institutions like the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, the Public Investment Fund and the National Bank of Kuwait, The Financial Markets of the Arab Gulf evaluates the growth of the markets and provides a detailed, critical, snapshot of the current form and function of the Gulf’s financial markets. It argues that the markets have been controlled by various state institutions for socio-political reasons. In particular, the Saudi state has used its sophisticated regulatory regime to push for industrialization and diversification, which culminated in the Vision 2030 plan. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman have also been strongly involved in establishing modern markets for similar purposes but have done so through different means, with varying results, and each in line with what has been considered their respective comparative advantages. Along with critically surveying these institutions and their role in global finance, the book also presents case studies depicting transactions typical to the region, including the highly profitable documentary credits of commercial banks, the financial scandal of certain financiers and their regulatory arbitrage between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, a review of the Dubai’s trade miracle, and an assessment of the value and importance of the privatization of Saudi Aramco.




Ancient and Modern Ships - Part I. Wooden Sailing-Ships


Book Description

This vintage book is a detailed treatise on the history and development of wooden ships from the earliest times to the twentieth century. Detailed and profusely illustrated, this book is highly recommended for those with an interest in the fascinating history of seafaring and would make for a fantastic addition to any home collection. Contents include: “Ancient Ships in the Mediterranean and Red Seas”, “Ancient Ships in the Seas of Northern Europe”, “Mediaeval Ships”, “Modern Wooden Sailing-Ships”, and “Description of an Archaic Greek Bireme”. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on sailing. This book was first published in 1906.




Blue Moon Investigations: Case File 4-6


Book Description

The paranormal? It's all nonsense, but proving might just get them killed. Delve into a world where supernatural crimes are investigated by two detectives standing alone to protect those that call on them. In the brooding, dark landscape of England, with its rolling hills and forgotten castles, the dark breeds evil in every shadow. Or stupid, some of them definitely just contain stupid. With millions of pages read and thousands of books sold, the Blue Moon paranormal investigation series will grip you from the start and rob you of sleep as you continue turning pages until well after your bedtime. It is action-packed, but funny, fast-paced yet intriguing and there are 15 stories already written. Get the second 3 excitement-filled stories in this omnibus edition and save a pile against buying them individually. The Klowns of Kent – Before the dust settles following a zombie outbreak, a plague of evil clowns descends on the towns and villages of Kent, bringing havoc and crime. When petty theft escalates to murder, Tempest knows he must get involved, but they come looking for him first. What is their motive? Are they from hell? To find out he'll have to follow them into their trap and fight his way out. Dead Pirates of Cawsand – A ghost ship has been spotted off the coast of a quiet Cornish village where gold coins were recently found. Now skeletal pirates are wandering the streets, hiding in the mist to strike fear into the local community because they want their gold back. But they didn't count on England's best paranormal P.I. turning up. His well-earned break soon goes sideways as murder, kidnap, and ghost hunters ruin his vacation and threaten more than just his life. In the Doodoo with Voodoo – A client cursed by a voodoo priest is the start of a case that will push Amanda to her very limits. With Tempest away in Cornwall, Amanda has no back up, but she wants to do this for herself even though the priest is a scary character. However, when BFF Patience goes missing, it's a race against time to solve the case before someone dies and she is about to find out just how badly she underestimated her suspect. Praise for the Blue Moon Investigation series and Steve Higgs: 'Be prepared to struggle with getting anything else done, as you will want to keep reading.' 'Supernatural overtones with a hint of sexual tension, interspersed with humor make this a fantastic book.' 'Truly delightful tales of mystery and misadventure.' 'Higgs is a wonderful author with great character development which includes an enticing cast of misfits.' 'A great crime comedy with a group of zany characters. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one. Highly recommended!' 'Higgs makes everything and everyone come alive.'




Outer Banks: Pogue Life


Book Description

Dive deep into the world of Netflix’s Outer Banks with this official guide to the hit show Uncover never-before-told stories in the only official insider fan guide to the hit Netflix series Outer Banks. Designed as a scrapbook pieced together by John B, JJ, Kiara, Pope, and Sarah, this deluxe, full-color collectable edition features a removable jacket and is packed with exclusive content including photos, secret pages from Big John’s journal, surfer profiles, insights on local legends, and much more. Pore over every detail of the Pogues’ wild summer for the ultimate immersive experience of life in the Outer Banks. Includes a bonus Episode Guide to the first two seasons!







Plays


Book Description