Abbey's Road


Book Description

“The natural world, as we call it, has already become remote, out of reach, mysterious, in the minds of urban and suburban Americans. They see the wilderness disappearing, slipping away, receding into an inaccessible past. But they are mistaken. That world can still be rescued… that is my main excuse for this book.”—Edward Abbey You are about to visit some of the most exciting places on earth. Not the sort of excitement that makes morning headlines or the nightly news. Instead it is the excitement that comes from experiencing the natural world as it always has been and should be, and seeing human beings living in tune with its subtlest rhythms. In Australian cattle country and in the primitive outback. On a desert island off Mexico and in the Sierra Madres. On the Rio Grande and in the great Southwest. On Lake Powell in Utah and in the living American desert. It is adventure. It is enlightenment. It is vintage Abbey. “I have been along a few of Mr. Abbey’s roads. He sees much more than I did. Indeed, reading him is often better than being there was.”—John Leonard, author of Reading for My Life




The Journey Home


Book Description

The Journey Home ranges from the surreal cityscapes of Hoboken and Manhattan to the solitary splendor of the deserts and mountains of the Southwest. It is alive with ranchers, dam builders, kissing bugs, and mountain lions. In a voice edged with chagrin, Edward Abbey offers a portrait of the American West that we’ll not soon forget, offering us the observations of a man who left the urban world behind to think about the natural world and the myths buried therein. Abbey, our foremost “ecological philosopher,” has a voice like no other. He can be wildly funny, ferociously acerbic, and unexpectedly moving as he ardently champions our natural wilderness and castigates those who would ravish it for the perverse pleasure of profit.




Abbey's Journey


Book Description

Abbey Green hates Seattle, rain, and him. With her life in shambles after a breakup and the loss of her job, it seems she has no other option but to return to her hometown of Boise, Idaho, to stay with her widowed mother. During her trip, when she is plagued by strange dreams, Abbey has no idea they are foretelling of what is to come. While visiting her childhood home and doing her best to deal with her mother’s declining mental capacity, Abbey uncovers a dusty trunk in the attic. Inside is a gold locket and an old handwritten diary that details a young woman’s journey from Kentucky to Oregon during 1852. A short time later, as Abbey holds the locket in her hand, she is suddenly thrust back in time where she joins a wagon train headed west on the Oregon Trail during the same time period. While on a journey filled with hardships, tragedy, and adversity, Abbey not only gains new relationships but also insight into her own path forward in life. In this historical novel, a modern-day woman travels back in time to join a wagon train on the Oregon Trail, finding insight into her twenty-first century life.




The Wise Master Builder: Platonic Geometry in Plans of Medieval Abbeys and Cathederals


Book Description

This title was first published in 2000: Did the plan of medieval churches have any underlying symbolic meaning? This work re-opens the debate about the importance of geometry and symbolism in medieval architectural design and argues the case for attributing an intellectual meaning to the planning of abbeys and cathedrals. In challenging prevailing claims for the use of arithmetical rations in architectural design, notably those based on the square root of two, Dr Hiscock advances a perspective consisting of proportions derived from the figures of Platonic geometry - the square, the equilateral triangle and the pentagon - and provides evidence for the symbolic interpretation of these figures. The investigation further reveals whole series of geometric relationships between some of England's most celebrated Norman cathedrals, such as Norwich or Durham, together with a wide sample from the Continent, from Old St Peter's in Rome to Chartres Cathedral, and sets out a comprehensive design method in each case. Hiscock first demonstrates the proposition that the ideas of Christian Platonism, including number and geometry, remained current and were employed in the thought of the early Middle Ages. In particular, he argues that they can be associated with the leading persons in the 10th-century revival of monasticism and that they found expression in the "white mantle of churches" that spread across Western Europe at the end of the first millennium AD. The book then provides a detailed analysis of the geometric proportions of church plans between the 9th and 12th centuries in Germany, France and in England. This research seeks to demonstrate that a coherent sequence of geometric forms can be seen in thse plans, forms which correspond to the key figures of Platonic geometry as understood in the context of Christian Platonist thought. In conclusion, the author shows how the system of design proposed could be set out on site using the known working methods of medieval masons.










Travel


Book Description




Edinburgh Travel Guide


Book Description

Welcome to the enchanting city of Edinburgh, a place where history comes alive, creativity flourishes, and natural beauty surrounds you at every turn. It is our great pleasure to introduce you to this captivating destination through this comprehensive travel guide. Edinburgh is a city that effortlessly weaves together the old and the new, blending centuries-old castles and cobblestone streets with a vibrant cultural scene and a dynamic modern atmosphere. It is a city that embraces tradition while embracing innovation, where ancient tales are whispered in the narrow closes and contemporary creativity thrives in its bustling neighborhoods. As you embark on your journey through Edinburgh, you will find yourself transported through time, wandering the historic Royal Mile, exploring the majestic Edinburgh Castle, and delving into the intriguing stories of Scottish royalty and ancient battles. You will be captivated by the grandeur of Holyrood Palace, the Victorian Gothic splendor of the Scott Monument, and the engineering marvel of the Forth Bridge. Beyond its architectural wonders, Edinburgh is a city of festivals, a stage for world-class arts and culture. From the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, to the Edinburgh International Festival, where music, theater, and dance take center stage, this city embraces creativity in all its forms. The streets come alive with performers, the theaters buzz with anticipation, and the air is filled with the electric energy of artistic expression. But Edinburgh is not just a city of history and culture; it is also a gateway to nature's breathtaking beauty. Venture up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views, wander through the lush gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden, or explore the tranquil Water of Leith Walkway. The surrounding landscapes, from the majestic Highlands to the picturesque coastal villages, offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic escapes. In this guide, you will find detailed insights into Edinburgh's neighborhoods, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, culinary delights, and much more. We have carefully curated a selection of must-see attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips to ensure that your journey through Edinburgh is both memorable and seamless. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler returning to this captivating city, we invite you to immerse yourself in the charm, heritage, and vibrant spirit of Edinburgh. Let this guide be your trusted companion as you navigate the winding streets, uncover the city's hidden treasures, and create your own unforgettable experiences in this extraordinary destination.




General Catalogue


Book Description