Understanding Iran: Everything You Need to Know, From Persia to the Islamic Republic, From Cyrus to Ahmadinejad

William R. Polk provides an informative, readable history of a country which is moving quickly toward becoming the dominant power and culture of the Middle East. A former member of the State Department’s Policy Planning Council, Polk describes a country and a history misunderstood by many in the West.

The Politics of Social Conflict - The Peak Country 1520 - 1770

This book provides an alternative approach to the history of social conflict, popular politics and plebeian culture in the early modern period. Based on a close study of the Peak Country of Derbyshire c. 15201770, it has implications for understandings of class identity, popular culture, riot, custom and social relations. A detailed reconstruction of economic and social change within the region is followed by an in-depth examination of the changing cultural meanings of custom, gender, locality, skill, literacy, orality and magic.

King and Country - England and Wales in the 15th Century

This selection of essays and papers, published variously in Wales, England, France and North America between 1964 and 1990, deals with the fifteenth century. It explores themes in the history of England, Wales and, to some extent, the dominions of the English crown beyond. Such a triple perspective can be instructive for the historian of England as well as for historians of Wales and of the king's lands overseas. Crown, court and capital were the fulcrum of political, administrative and social developments throughout the English realm and its associated dominions, as is illustrated here by the experience of Yorkshire and the north, and the principality and marches of Wales.

Pictures From Italy

Pictures from Italy is a travelogue by Charles Dickens, written in 1846. The book reveals the concerns of its author as he presents, according to Kate Flint, the country "like a chaotic magic-lantern show, fascinated both by the spectacle it offers, and by himself as spectator".

Rebooting the American Dream: 11 Ways to Rebuild Our Country

Nationally-syndicated radio host and bestselling author Hartmann (Screwed) takes up his progressive cudgels once again. His theme this time: the need to turn back the clock 30 years and undo the legacy of Reaganomics. Turning the clock back further still, he recounts a story about how George Washington had to have an American suit specially made for his Inauguration because, even after the revolution, fine clothing (and much else) was still imported from Britain.