Year of the Four Emperors

Year of the Four Emperors PDF Author: Kenneth Wellesley
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134562276
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
After Nero's notorious reign, the Romans surely deserved a period of peace and tranquility. Instead, during AD69, three emperors were murdered: Galba, just days into the post, Otho and Vitellius. The same year also saw civil war in Italy, two desperate battles at Cremona and the capture of Rome for Vespasian, which action saw the fourth emperor of the year, but also brought peace. This classic work, now updated and reissued under a new title, is a gripping account of this tumultuous year. Wellesley also focuses on the year's historical importance, which also marked the watershed between the first and second imperial dynasties.

Year of the Four Emperors

Year of the Four Emperors PDF Author: Kenneth Wellesley
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134562276
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
After Nero's notorious reign, the Romans surely deserved a period of peace and tranquility. Instead, during AD69, three emperors were murdered: Galba, just days into the post, Otho and Vitellius. The same year also saw civil war in Italy, two desperate battles at Cremona and the capture of Rome for Vespasian, which action saw the fourth emperor of the year, but also brought peace. This classic work, now updated and reissued under a new title, is a gripping account of this tumultuous year. Wellesley also focuses on the year's historical importance, which also marked the watershed between the first and second imperial dynasties.

The Prince's Doom

The Prince's Doom PDF Author: David Blixt
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 1944540075
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1385

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Book Description
"Blixt is a man of many talents - actor, director, author. In his hands, history comes to bright, blazing life." - Sharon Kay Penman, author of Lionheart and The Sunne In Splendour Dive into the treacherous landscape of Renaissance Italy, where alliances shift like shadows and betrayal is a constant companion, with the explosive fourth novel David Blixt’s critically acclaimed Star-Cross'd Series! Triumphant in its clash with Padua, Verona now stands at the precipice of a foretold disaster. The Montagues and Capulets continue their epic feud, threatening to plunge Verona into chaos. The once-promising Cesco, a rising star in his own right, plunges headlong into the shadows, steering his extraordinary talents toward a tumultuous existence that defies not only the Veronese lord and the Church but challenges the very constellations themselves. The heart of the struggle is a love that could either be the key to lasting peace or the catalyst for utter destruction. In a bid to reclaim Cesco’s faltering spirit, Pietro Alaghieri welcomes the seething plots and intrigues of the Veronese court, hoping they'll jolt Cesco from his languor. Yet, as the first lifeless body hits the ground, it becomes starkly evident that this new game is a lethal gambit, a perilous trial that threatens to doom them all. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of swashbuckling adventure, smoldering passion, and ruthless betrayal, as this epic tale unfolds—an electrifying odyssey reminiscent of the best works by Bernard Cornwell, Sharon Kay Penman, and Dorothy Dunnett. The stars may have foretold the doom, but the chaos that ensues is beyond even their celestial predictions. Prepare to be swept away by the intricate web of alliances and enmities in The Prince's Doom, a gripping addition to the Star-Cross'd Series that will leave breathless readers eagerly anticipating the next twist in this captivating saga.

Stone and Steel

Stone and Steel PDF Author: David Blixt
Publisher: Next Chapter
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 419

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Book Description
"Historical fiction at its best." - S.J.A. Turney, author of Caligula and Marius' Mules Judea, AD 66. A Roman legion suffers a catastrophic defeat at the hands of a band of Hebrews. Knowing Emperor Nero's revenge will be swift, they must decide how to defend their land against the Roman invasion. Caught in the turmoil is Judah: a mason who now finds himself rubbing shoulders with priests, revolutionaries, generals and nobles, drafted to help defend the land of Galilee. Denied the chance to marry, he turns all his energy into defending the besieged city of Jotapata. But with a delusional general, friends falling each day, and the Roman army at the walls, Judah must brave a nightmare to save those he loves and preserve his honor.

All Our Tragic

All Our Tragic PDF Author: Sean Graney
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 1957328207
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
“By whatever alchemy, it serves the greatest collection of stories ever written — adds to them, modernizes them, makes them feel fresh, forces you to see them both strange and familiar...There has not been anything quite like this ever before.” - THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE A contemporary Festival of Dionysus! This massive work by playwright Sean Graney undertakes a day-long play retelling of the thirty-two surviving Greek tragedies. PART I: HEROICS includes: PROMETHEUS BOUND THE SEVEN SISTERS THE CYCLOPS MEDEA ALKESTIS HYPPOLYTUS THE SUPPLIANT THE PERSIANS PHÈDRE HERACLES WOMEN OF TRACHIS THE HERACLEIDAE "All Our Tragic is a sprawling, messy, at-times-brilliant show, much like the lives of those it portrays and would hope to honor. It is a singular achievement, one not likely to be repeated any time soon." - GAPERS BLOCK, CHICAGO "We see the full range of relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers, politicians and citizens, generals and soldiers. We see the horrors and insanity of war in all their extremity, the gruesome payback for sexual betrayals, the high price paid for loyalty, the futility of prophecy and the wages of guilt. We see people driven to acts of both devotion and madness. We feel the lust for power, the ache for home, and the inevitability of death." - CHICAGO SUN-TIMES "An ambitious production that exceeds expectation (as if it's possible to even know what to expect of a 12-hour performance!), All Our Tragic is simply unforgettable, on so many levels. It's not really a show or even a play, but an experience, a total immersion into the imaginations of Sean Graney and the Greeks. The end result is that the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides really do become ours: they are all our tragic." - STAGE AND CINEMA

Hold, Please

Hold, Please PDF Author: Richard Hester
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 1944540989
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 995

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Book Description
A Broadway Stage Manager's pandemic memoir! Winner of the 2022 International Impact Book Award Winner and the 2022 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award! March 12, 2020 Last night, after weeks of downplaying and ridiculing the virus, we were finally told by our President, that it is, in fact, serious… And so, it began. Broadway shut down. Instead of sitting in a darkened theatre every night watching Jersey Boys, Richard Hester, like many other people, found himself sitting on his sofa glued to the news, As the days that followed unfolded and turned into weeks and then into months, we all experienced a profound seismic shift. The virus spread, infecting millions. We lost friends and family. Our economies shut down. Our jobs either stopped or changed in radical ways. The senseless murder of George Floyd forced us to take a hard look at who we are and how we treat each other. The Presidential election, drove the country so far apart that it threatened to destroy Democracy, itself. Hold, Please chronicles it all from the particular point of view of a career Broadway stage manager living in Manhattan. Part journal, part blog, these essays attempted to make sense of the crisis and what it was doing to us. By the end, everything had changed. What follows is a journey through one of the most fascinating periods in both our cultural and our personal histories. Written with humor and compassion, Hold, Please provides a unique perspective on this time and delivers the most important lesson of all - Hope. “I’ve watched Richard create order out of chaos for years, so it comes as no surprise when he was able to do it again with these beautiful posts. Together they create a powerful reminder of where we’ve been as well as a thoughtful and compassionate guide for moving ahead.” - Bernadette Peters “It is no surprise to me that Richard Hester is an exquisite companion as he insightfully guides us on the journey through the strange isolation of that endless pandemic. The Elizabethan theatre was frequently shut down because of the Black Death, and I’ve often tried to imagine how the players of that time managed to cope with the stress. Richard’s book makes it vividly clear.” - Des McAnuff, Director “I am so grateful that Richard wrote all of this down so that I don’t have to remember it myself.” - Patti LuPone “Thank you for taking my suggestion seriously (Imaa need you to file these and publish a book good sir.) because we are all better for it.” - Ariana DeBose “Richard Hester is a saint as far as I’m concerned. Anything he writes I would read, however I haven’t had the time to read his book yet as my first grandchild was just born. As soon as I stop changing diapers, Richard’s book is the first thing I’m reading!” - Mandy Patinkin “I have always been in awe of Richard Hester's gift as a storyteller. He has beautifully crafted a diary that reminds us of the journey we have been on for the past two years, and with this book given us the courage to carry on with hope and faith.” - Sergio Trujillo - Director/Choreographer “(Hester) describes such experiences in a warm, conversational tone in a book in which his lyrical writing about the natural world adds dimension to humorous stories about working—and not working—from home....Hester interweaves descriptions of living through Covid-19 with stories of his colorful theatrical career…” - Kirkus Reviews

Her Majesty's Will

Her Majesty's Will PDF Author: David Blixt
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 1944540261
Category : Drama
Languages : en
Pages : 611

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Book Description
“An intricate tour de force that conjures a new vision of the Bard’s early days.” — Kirkus Reviews "Her Majesty's Will is a heady, silly romp that works!" — Chicago Tribune “Her Majesty’s Will has everything—swashbuckling sword fights, witty banter, a nefarious (and true!) plot, a dash of romance, narrow escapes, sudden reversals, and an incredibly plausible origin story for one of the greatest writers in history. It’s huge fun—a summer blockbuster action-adventure combined with dazzling outdoor Shakespeare, all in handy-dandy book form.” — Austin Tichenor, Pop-Up Shakespeare and William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged) In the ruffled collars and quill-wielding chaos of 1586 England, join the Bard himself, Will Shakespeare, as he stumbles headfirst into a side-splitting escapade that Shakespearean scholars conveniently forgot to mention! Swept up in the skirts of a mysterious stranger, Will unwittingly unveils the Babington Plot – a dastardly scheme to bump off Queen Elizabeth. Talk about a plot twist! With the mercurial Kit Marlowe by his side, our intrepid wordsmith takes his debut stroll through London's chaotic streets, dodging rebels, spies, government goons, his own shady past, and yes, even a bear! Through the absurdity of this Elizabethan romp, Will Shakespeare proves his loyalty and unleashes his genius, showcasing himself as the unsung hero – or should we say, "Her Majesty's Will." This cheeky comedy, a wild blend of William Goldman's quirkiness from The Princess Bride and the swashbuckling flair of Rafael Sabatini, channels the spirit of those old Hope/Crosby Road Movies. Revel in the certainty that these events are as fictional as a Puck-induced dream, yet secretly wish they were true. After all, who wouldn't want to imagine Shakespeare juggling treachery, wit, and a bear in the name of Her Majesty? Brush up your Shakespeare and prepare for a riotous ride through the Elizabethan era! "I loved Her Majesty's Will, a delightful romp through Elizabethan England. The fun is non-stop, an irresistible mix of suspense, surprises, and humor. I just hope we get to see this zany team again!" — Sharon Kay Penman, The Sunne In Splendour and Lionheart "I LOVE this book. I'm laughing and on the edge of my seat and turning e-pages so fast, I'm gonna fry my iPad." — C.W. Gortner, The Tudor Conspiracy and The Queen's Vow Praise from readers: ★★★★★ – "Anyone who enjoys the down-to-earth aspects of Shakespeare will love this book, the puns, bon mots, double entendres, and witticisms fly fast and furious throughout. His Majesty's Will is a book worth savoring more than once." ★★★★★ – "Her Majesty's Will is an Elizabethan buddy comedy/drama/romance/adventure. Like ya do. It's Hope and Crosby meets Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks. It belongs on the shelf alongside The Princess Bride." ★★★★★ – "David Blixt is on the top of his game with this romp. A rollicking good read."

Voice Of The Falconer

Voice Of The Falconer PDF Author: David Blixt
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 1944540032
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 960

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Book Description
Eight years after the tumultuous events of THE MASTER OF VERONA, Pietro Alaghieri is living in exile in Ravenna, enduring the loss of his famous father while secretly raising Cesco, the bastard heir to Verona's prince, Cangrande della Scala. But when word of Cangrande's death reaches him, Pietro must race back to Verona to prevent Cesco's rivals from usurping his rightful place. But young Cesco is determined not to be anyone's pawn. Willful and brilliant, he defies even the stars. And far behind the scenes is a mastermind pulling the strings, one who stands to lose - or gain - the most. Born from Shakespeare's Italian plays, this novel explores the danger, deceit, and deviltry of early Renaissance Italy, and the terrible choices one must make just to stay alive.

Into The Madhouse

Into The Madhouse PDF Author: Nellie Bly
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 1944540881
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
"PLUCKY NELLIE BLY!" “No young writer has ever leaped into such sudden fame in New York as Miss Nellie Bly, who did that lunatic asylum exposure for the New York World. She is a bright, handsome young lady, less than twenty years old, who came to the metropolis from Pittsburg a few months ago, and pluckily undertook to make her living by newspaper work in the great city. She deceived the expert physicians who examined her, and pronouncing her insane they consigned her to one of the insane wards of Blackwell’s Island, where she dwelt among horrors for ten days, noting down in her quick brain all that she saw and heard. The old song says: “Nellie Bly, shuts her eye When she goes to sleep,” but she seems never to have closed a peeper during the whole of that trying ordeal. Her narrative of the horrors of the place—the indifference of doctors, the neglect and cruelty of the nurses and the tortures inflicted upon the unfortunates, is told in a plain, straightforward manner and attests at once to her humanity and truth.” - November, 1887 This volume collects for the first time ever all the reporting surrounding Nellie Bly’s blockbuster undercover story that launched her to fame, including all three versions from her own pen: - Bly's initial account across three articles for the New York World - Bly's bestselling book Ten Days In A Mad-House - Bly's long-form 1889 article Among The Mad for Godey's Lady's Book Also included are over two dozen contemporary articles relating to Bly's madhouse stay, including the attempt by the New York Sun to scoop Bly on her own story! With a foreword by David Blixt, author of What Girls Are Good For: A Novel Of Nellie Bly, The Master Of Verona, and Her Majesty's Will.

The Justice Of The Duke

The Justice Of The Duke PDF Author: Rafael Sabatini
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 1957328029
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
Sabatini Finds Justice For Cesare Borgia! Cesare Borgia, former cardinal, Duke of Valentinois and Romanga, tyrant and warlord, has been a figure of awe and scorn for generations. The romance of Borgia’s tumultuous life has been the topic of romances, tragedies, operas, and films, television shows. Friend and patron to Leonardo da Vinci, his rise and fall inspired Machiavelli to write The Prince and Friedrich Nietzsche to write Beyond Good And Evil. Among those inspired by this prince of Italy was famed author Rafael Sabatini (Captain Blood, The Sea Hawk). In Borgia, Sabatini finds a real-life version of his fictional heroes—a brilliant man betrayed and wronged. Only this time, the man is not just wronged by his friends and foes. He is wronged by all of history. Compelled to explore this fascinating historical figure’s true nature, Sabatini wrote a biography and a play. But his best work is in his favourite writing style: historical fiction. With characteristic Sabatini flair, the master of the genre brings Borgia life as no one has before. Drawn to the passion, suspicion, betrayal, and ambition of Borgia’s brief but exciting life, Sabatini presents seven short stories set during the Italian Renaissance: The Honour Of Varano, The Test, Ferrante's Jest, Gisimondi's Wage, The Snare, The Lust Of Conquest, and The Pasquinade. These stories are collected in the volume Sabatini entitled The Justice Of The Duke.

Eve Of Ides

Eve Of Ides PDF Author: David Blixt
Publisher: Sordelet Ink
ISBN: 0615895417
Category : Drama
Languages : en
Pages : 299

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Book Description
"It must be by his death." On the brink of betrayal, loyalty clashes with honor. Step into the gripping world of intrigue and betrayal with "Eve Of Ides," a drama that delves into the untold story behind the night preceding Julius Caesar's fateful assassination. Join Caesar, Brutus, and Antony at a feast where secrets are unveiled, and destinies are sealed. March 14, 44 BC. Elected Dictator of Rome, Caesar is about to embark on a new war in the East to avenge an old friend. With just one meeting of the Senate standing between him and his foes, Caesar attends a farewell dinner. Unknown to him, several of the guests are plotting to end his life. Among them is Brutus, who is deeply conflicted about the plan, struggling with both morality and mortality. As the tension rises, Antony poses the question of the best way to meet one's end. Caesar's poignant response, "What does it matter, so long as it's quick?" sets the stage for a journey that intertwines history with Shakespeare, delving into the unexplored relationships between the key players of the age – Caesar, Brutus, and Antony. Experience history in its most vivid and dramatic form!