The Sasanians were the last of the ancient Persian dynasties, and the largest empire to espouse Zoroastrianism, before the encounter with the Arabs swept away the pre-Islamic institutions. Using new sources, Touraj Daryaee provides a portrait of the empire’s often negelcted social history, exploring the development of political and administrative institutions from foundation by Ardashir I to the last king
The History of English provides an accessible introduction to the changes that English has undergone from its Indo-European beginnings to the present day. The text looks at the major periods in the history of English, and provides for each a socio-historical context and an overview of the relevant major linguistic changes. This text is especially useful for students of literature as well as linguistics.
Contemporary America (Contemporary States and Societies)
Assuming no prior knowledge, Contemporary America provides a lively but learned introduction to the politics, society, economy, culture, and international role of the US at the start of the 21st century. Introductory chapters set the scene in terms of history and natural and human resources and a concluding chapter assesses the prospects for the future.
The Early History of Greed, The Sin of Avarice in Early Medieval Thought and Literature
In this full-length study of the early history of greed Richard Newhauser challenges the traditional view that avarice only became a dominant sin with the rise of a money economy.
How does the history of any given event come to be written in a certain way? A story can be told from many points of view. The significance that the event is deemed to hold may vary. Subsequent events will throw new light and alter its significance for some. Thus radically different versions of an event compete for attention. Often one particular version holds the field drowning out its rivals. This intellectual hegemony need have no relation to the accuracy of that version of history and alternative, equally valid versions can sink without trace.
