The Queen of the Adriatic Sea


Book Description

The book intends to be a short guide to Venice for lovers of arts, arriving here from distant places and with different cultural backgrounds but all with the same desire to better understand the unique character of this city. We offer to the reader a rich choice of images of some of the most relevant Venetian buildings, sculptures, and paintings, accompanied by brief historical remarks. We avoided describing them in an academic way. We are confident that, once arrived to the last page of this short guide, the readers will have acquired sufficient autonomy to be able to judge by themselves what they like best among the many artistic aspects of this special city.




The Queen


Book Description

“One of the hottest horror authors on the planet” (Paste) and writer of the #HorrorBookTok sensation The Troop returns with a heart-pounding novel of terror about a young woman searching for her missing friend and uncovering a shocking truth. On a sunny morning in June, Margaret Carpenter wakes up to find a new iPhone on her doorstep. She switches it on to find a text from her best friend, Charity Atwater. The problem is, Charity’s been missing for over a month. Most people in town—even the police—think she’s dead. Margaret and Charity have been lifelong friends. They share everything, know the most intimate details about one another…except for the destructive secret hidden from them both. A secret that will trigger a chain of events ending in tragedy, bloodshed, and death. And now Charity wants Margaret to know her story—the real story. In a narrative that takes place over one feverish day, Margaret follows a series of increasingly disquieting breadcrumbs as she forges deeper into the mystery of her best friend—a person she never truly knew at all…




Phila-Italy Americana


Book Description

Postage stamps do more than just facilitate the transport of mail. They tell a story. This book tells the unique story of the indelible imprint Italians, Italian-Americans, and lovers of Italian culture have imparted on the formation and development of the United States. While each encapsulated image traces a single thread of the journey, together they form a rich trove of experiences and contributions from the very beginning to the present. But the story does not end here! As successes and contributions from this large ethnic and highly assimilated group continue to mount, the pictorial story of America will continue to grow. The ever-blossoming tale of those with a root in the boot will grace the American landscape for years to come.




The Queen's Handmaid


Book Description

A jealous Egyptian queen. A lascivious Galilean governor. A beautiful servant girl. Theirs is a story of prophecy, self-discovery, and revelation. The year is 39 BC. All of Alexandria awaits the arrival of Herod, the Galilean governor with his eye on the Judean kingship. The handmaid of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, receives a troubling visit from her aging mentor. An orphan since birth, Lydia lives in the palace at the demand of Cleopatra and her royal child, the son of Julius Caesar. But Lydia has a growing problem on her hands: her beauty is becoming a liability to the aging queen, and the visiting Herod’s undisguised interest only makes matters worse. When Lydia’s mentor is murdered, the handmaid inherits a daunting task. An ancient set of sealed scrolls, the secret writings of the prophet Daniel, must be returned to Jerusalem—before those who killed her mentor destroy the scrolls as well. The future of the Israelites depends on it. So Lydia leaves the palace to serve as lady’s maid to Herod’s wife in the Holy City. As Lydia is absorbed into the machinations of Herod’s household, her mission— and her people’s hope of a Messianic King—are endangered at every turn. Can Lydia avoid the adulterous intentions of Herod? Can she deliver the scrolls to the mysterious man on the steps of the Temple? Will the true King of Israel ever rise? "Higley amazes us with another of her action-packed feats of storytelling." —RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 Stars, TOP PICK! (on Palace of Darkness)







Harper's New Monthly Magazine


Book Description

Harper's informs a diverse body of readers of cultural, business, political, literary and scientific affairs.




Queen Teuta: A Tale of Courage and Leadership


Book Description

In the annals of history, few figures have left a legacy as profound and enduring as Queen Teuta of Illyria. Her remarkable journey from a young queen facing external pressures to a symbol of strength and empowerment has captivated the hearts and minds of people across the world. Through the centuries, her story has transcended the pages of history to become a timeless tale of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of justice. As a woman in a male-dominated world, Queen Teuta shattered gender barriers and defied societal norms, proving that greatness knows no gender. Her visionary leadership, diplomatic finesse, and commitment to her people made her a trailblazer for women seeking equality and representation in positions of power. Her contributions to women’s rights continue to inspire generations, serving as a reminder that the struggle for gender equality is an ongoing journey. Queen Teuta’s reign was not only a period of political and military significance but also a golden age of art and culture. Her patronage of the arts led to a flourishing of creativity and intellectual exchange in Illyria. Painters, sculptors, poets, and musicians thrived under her support, creating a vibrant cultural landscape that enriched the kingdom’s identity. Her commitment to education and intellectual development laid the foundation for a more enlightened society. Schools and academies were established, nurturing the minds of the young and fostering a spirit of curiosity and knowledge that would shape the future of Illyria. Throughout her reign, Queen Teuta navigated the complexities of diplomacy and statecraft with grace and wisdom. Her efforts to build alliances and maintain peace were commendable, even in the face of challenges from neighboring powers like Rome. However, her reign was not without its trials and tribulations. Internal dissent, external pressures, and conspiracies against her rule ultimately led to her downfall. Despite the circumstances of her deposition, her legacy endured as a symbol of strength and resilience. Her memory lived on in the hearts of the people of Illyria, celebrated in songs, poems, and artistic representations. Queen Teuta became an iconic figure in the folklore and cultural fabric of the region, embodying the spirit of a queen who dared to dream and challenge the norms of her time. Beyond the borders of Illyria, Queen Teuta’s story continued to resonate with people from all walks of life. Her journey from a young queen to a symbol of strength and empowerment became a universal tale of human resilience and the pursuit of justice. Her story inspired women leaders and advocates for gender equality, serving as a reminder that the struggle for empowerment and equality is a journey that spans across time and space. In literature, film, and art, Queen Teuta’s legacy found new life. Writers, filmmakers, and artists continued to draw inspiration from her life, reimagining her as a mythical figure or a heroic leader in their creative works. Her image was immortalized in statues and paintings, serving as a regal and enigmatic symbol of the past and the future. In the modern world, Queen Teuta’s name and story became more than just historical facts. She became a brand, symbolizing qualities of strength, leadership, and determination. Her story was invoked in discussions about gender equality and women’s rights, serving as a call to action for progress and change. The culmination of her enduring legacy was the construction of the Queen Teuta Memorial, a grand tribute that stood as a testament to her lasting impact on the kingdom and its people. Perched atop a cliff, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the memorial became a place of pilgrimage, inspiring visitors with its majesty and symbolism. The dedication ceremony of the memorial was a momentous occasion, attended by people from all corners of Illyria. The unveiling of the monument was met with awe and reverence, as the people stood united in their admiration for their iconic queen. As the sun set over the Adriatic Sea, casting a warm glow upon the Queen Teuta Memorial, it stood as a timeless symbol of strength, courage, and empowerment. Her legacy continued to resonate in the hearts of those who encountered her remarkable story. Queen Teuta’s journey from a young queen to an enduring symbol of greatness would forever be etched into the hearts of those who sought to dream, to lead, and to challenge the world around them. In the end, Queen Teuta’s legacy reminds us that history is not merely a collection of dates and events but a tapestry woven from the stories of remarkable individuals. Her story is a testament to the power of leadership, the importance of culture and education, and the enduring struggle for gender equality. As her memory lives on in the hearts of people across the world, Queen Teuta continues to inspire and captivate, a timeless symbol of courage and hope for generations to come.




The Queen's Man


Book Description

In the 12th century, Eleanor of Aquitaine hires Justin de Quincey, bastard son of the bishop of Chester, to find the murderer of one of her goldsmiths.