Showing titles in Customs & Traditions

Shortlisted for the André Simon Food & Drink Book Award An intoxicating interconnected history of booze and medicine, from one of the world’s foremost cocktail writers. Consider the Negroni. The bittersweet cocktail dating to the early 1900s is made of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and...

Finally, the truth about vampires.Vampires are the most fearsome and fascinating of all creatures of folklore. For the first time, detailed accounts of the vampire and how its tradition developed in different cultures are gathered in one volume by eminent folklorist Alan Dundes.

Zoologist Jo Wimpenny turns a critical eye to Aesop's fables to discover whether there is any scientific truth to their portrayal of the animal kingdom. She brings the tales into the twenty-first century, introducing the latest findings on the most fascinating branches of ethological research—the study of why animals do the things they do. In each chapter she interrogates a classic fable and a different topic—future planning, tool use, self-recognition, cooperation and deception—concluding with a verdict on the veracity of each fable's portrayal from a scientific perspective.

A collection of poetic spells and incantations that recount the rich lives of our ancestors, who were connected across cultures by their experience of the world as a magical place, who shared a belief, and who engaged in magical practices for manifestation, prophecy, love, protection, healing, curses, and even vengeance. Each minute of Ancient Spells and Incantations holds verses adapted from text unearthed through extensive research—grimoires, letters, and trial transcripts from across the ages and around the world.

In this illuminating guide, Miss Aida corrects widespread misconceptions about Hoodoo―a powerful African diaspora tradition rooted in African traditional religions. She reveals authentic practices, contrasts Hoodoo with related traditions like Santeria and Haitian Vodou, and reclaims this rich...

Sweden is a strikingly beautiful country with a reverence for the natural environment. Its extremes in geography, climate, and history have given rise to a population that values honesty, self-sufficiency, and harmony. Swedes are a rights-driven, modern, and tech-savvy people who also retain a deep respect for their own cultural legacy. Culture Smart! Sweden offers insights into the lives and personalities of the Swedes today, along with tips on socializing, communication, and how to make the most of your time there.

Army Wives goes beyond the sound bites and photo ops of military life to bring listeners into the hearts and homes of today's military wives. Biank tells the story of four typical Army wives who, in a flash, find themselves in extraordinary circumstances that ultimately force them to redefine who they are as women and wives.

You’ve heard of epic battles and mighty gods, but what about the theory that Alexander the Great was still alive as his body was being prepared for burial? This is the hidden face of ancient Greece where superstition ruled, omens guided kings, and history blurred into myth. These are the tales cloaked in mystery, culture and superstition. Get ready to learn more about unforgettable whispered legends and chilling truths rooted in history.

This insider's look at inherited wealth in the United States explores the complex meanings of money and success in American society with a new introduction that examines whether America's privileged class will be willing or able to play a leadership role in the twenty-first century.

The wolf is so often depicted as the male predator, preying on the vulnerable girl/woman who strays from the path; the she-wolf meanwhile depicts women who sit outside the accepted boundaries of feminine behaviour. Berry openly recounts her own uncomfortable and sometimes frightening experiences as a woman to try to understand how we navigate our fears when threat can seem constant.

Baphomet, often misunderstood and cloaked in misinterpretations, has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, standing at the crossroads of the occult, religion, and the quest for arcane knowledge. This provocative entity, existing simultaneously as myth, magick, and symbol, demands an exploration not bound by the confines of a single discipline or perspective. Baphomet Revealed sets out to undertake this multifaceted exploration. Over the years, Baphomet has been called a demon, deity, and the devil himself, but Baphomet is none of these.

In Idols, a companion volume to the best-selling Dharma, your favourite fictional characters are back, along with some new ones, to explore the essence and true meaning of idolatry. In this insightful and thought-provoking book, Amish and Bhavna tackle burning questions about idol worship through simple, varied and astute interpretations of myths and religious texts.

In un viaggio in Giappone, tra le attività più amate vi è quella di prendere parte a riti e cerimonie suggestive tra antichi santuari, templi e pagode. Tuttavia, solo pochissimi visitatori conoscono la reale mitologia su cui si basa il complesso di riti e celebrazioni a cui prendono parte. Si tratta di una delle mitologie più singolari ed affascinanti del pianeta, caratterizzata da innumerevoli leggende e storie di divinità, eroi, demoni, spiriti e mostri che narrano una visione del cosmo e della vita in modo inedito, soprattutto se paragonato alla visione occidentale.

The ancient Romans have one of the richest collections of myths of all the early civilizations. In this book you can discover all the most important Roman gods, important Roman myths, the history of Rome, and much more.

Discover where faeries and other mythical creatures are hiding in our modern, urban environment with this beautifully illustrated guide to uncovering magical beings. Like every other being in our world, fantastical creatures have been forced to adapt to the climate, industrial, and cultural...

In part one of this audiobook, you will discover the pantheon of the Norse gods and goddesses.

Mehr als nur Kung Fu. Ein Mythos, der nicht sterben kann. Der Shaolin-Tempel ist weltberühmt als Wiege des Zen-Buddhismus und Geburtsort der Kampfkunst. Doch hinter den Legenden verbirgt sich eine dramatische Geschichte des Überlebens gegen jede Wahrscheinlichkeit.„SHAOLIN – Die unsterbliche Legende“ nimmt Sie mit auf eine monumentale Reise durch 1.500 Jahre Geschichte, erzählt in 72 fesselnden Episoden. Dieses Buch öffnet die schweren roten Tore des Tempels und führt von den mythischen Anfängen bis in die unmittelbare Zukunft: Die Ursprünge: Erleben Sie die Ankunft Batuos (495 n. Chr.

In The Timaeus, Plato offers one of the most influential philosophical visions of the ancient world—a sweeping dialogue that lays out the structure of the cosmos, the nature of the soul, and the divine intelligence behind creation.

Brought to you by Penguin. An exhilarating leap into darkness in all its forms, enchantments and history: the new work of non-fiction from award-winning poet and writer Jean Sprackland Darkness can make the most ordinary activity feel adventurous. Open a door and step through it. You can’t see...

Don’t just see the sights―get to know the people. If you are looking for a country where everything works like clockwork, now might be a good time to turn back. If you can relax and go with the flow, however, you will experience a land diverse in environment, a rich and dynamic culture, and...