Alison McQueen – författare

From climate change to nuclear war to the rise of demagogic populists, our world is shaped by doomsday expectations. In this path-breaking book, Alison McQueen shows why three of history's greatest political realists feared apocalyptic politics. Niccol- Machiavelli in the midst of Italy's vicious power struggles, Thomas Hobbes during England's bloody civil war, and Hans Morgenthau at the dawn of the thermonuclear age all saw the temptation to prophesy the end of days. Each engaged in subtle and surprising strategies to oppose apocalypticism, from using its own rhetoric to neutralize its worst effects to insisting on a clear-eyed, tragic acceptance of the human condition. Scholarly yet accessible, this book is at once an ambitious contribution to the history of political thought and a work that speaks to our times.

Reconstructing Empress Eugénie's position as a private collector and a public patron of a broad range of media, this study is the first to examine Eugénie (1826-1920), whose patronage of the arts has been overlooked even by her many biographers. The empress's patronage and collecting is considered within the context of her political roles in the development of France's institutions and international relations. Empress Eugénie and the Arts: Politics and Visual Culture in the Nineteenth Century also examines representations of the empress, and the artistic transformation of a Hispanic woman into a leading figure in French politics. Based on extensive research at architectural sites and in archives, museums, and libraries throughout Europe, and in Britain and the United States, this book offers in-depth analysis of many works that have never before received scholarly attention - including reconstruction and analysis of Eugénie's apartment at the Tuileries. From her self-definition as empress through her collections, to her later days in exile in England, art was integral to Eugénie's social and political position.

From climate change to nuclear war to the rise of demagogic populists, our world is shaped by doomsday expectations. In this path-breaking book, Alison McQueen shows why three of history's greatest political realists feared apocalyptic politics. Niccol- Machiavelli in the midst of Italy's vicious power struggles, Thomas Hobbes during England's bloody civil war, and Hans Morgenthau at the dawn of the thermonuclear age all saw the temptation to prophesy the end of days. Each engaged in subtle and surprising strategies to oppose apocalypticism, from using its own rhetoric to neutralize its worst effects to insisting on a clear-eyed, tragic acceptance of the human condition. Scholarly yet accessible, this book is at once an ambitious contribution to the history of political thought and a work that speaks to our times.

''gripping, emotional and beautifully written'' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars''Beautiful, beautiful book. Loved it. Could not put it down. It gripped me from the first page. Great story. Evocative writing.'' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

Assam, 1925. Surrounded by the dramatic landscape of a tea plantation, sisters Mary and Serafina grow up in a world of contradiction and confusion. Born to a beautiful but naïve Indian mother and dynamic Scottish father, they are loved but hidden away. For these are children who cross two very different cultures, and are accepted by neither . . . When the shadow of war falls, the girls must face the truth and begin the search for somewhere to belong. It is a journey full of forbidden questions, heartbreak and determination. As the sisters grow up, they must risk everything and make choices with a legacy that will last a lifetime, and beyond.The Secret Children is a story of love, loss, family secrets and yearning to find a place to belong.

''with a heartbreaking ending, this is truly a captivating tale'' THE LADY

This is not the India that Sophie fell in love with ten years ago . . . London, 1957. Sophie accepts a wedding proposal from an ambitious British diplomat, but when he is posted to the glittering ex-pat society in New Delhi, she is confronted with the memory of her first, forbidden love. Sophie meant never to return, yet the moment she steps on to India''s burning soil, a devastating chain of events is set into motion that will bring her face to face with a past she tried so desperately to forget . . .''This is a wonderful novel. A page-turner that is gripping, sensitive and thought-provoking. Highly recommended'' HISTORICAL NOVELS SOCIETY on The Secret Children

'gripping, emotional and beautifully written' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'Beautiful, beautiful book. Loved it. Could not put it down. It gripped me from the first page. Great story. Evocative writing.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars Assam, 1925. Surrounded by the dramatic landscape of a tea plantation, sisters Mary and Serafina grow up in a world of contradiction and confusion. Born to a beautiful but naïve Indian mother and dynamic Scottish father, they are loved but hidden away. For these are children who cross two very different cultures, and are accepted by neither . . . When the shadow of war falls, the girls must face the truth and begin the search for somewhere to belong. It is a journey full of forbidden questions, heartbreak and determination. As the sisters grow up, they must risk everything and make choices with a legacy that will last a lifetime, and beyond.The Secret Children is a story of love, loss, family secrets and yearning to find a place to belong.

'with a heartbreaking ending, this is truly a captivating tale' THE LADYThis is not the India that Sophie fell in love with ten years ago . . . London, 1957. Sophie accepts a wedding proposal from an ambitious British diplomat, but when he is posted to the glittering ex-pat society in New Delhi, she is confronted with the memory of her first, forbidden love. Sophie meant never to return, yet the moment she steps on to India's burning soil, a devastating chain of events is set into motion that will bring her face to face with a past she tried so desperately to forget . . .'This is a wonderful novel. A page-turner that is gripping, sensitive and thought-provoking. Highly recommended' HISTORICAL NOVELS SOCIETY on The Secret Children

Reconstructing Empress Eugénie's position as a private collector and a public patron of a broad range of media, this study is the first to examine Eugénie (1826-1920), whose patronage of the arts has been overlooked even by her many biographers. The empress's patronage and collecting is considered within the context of her political roles in the development of France's institutions and international relations. Empress Eugénie and the Arts: Politics and Visual Culture in the Nineteenth Century also examines representations of the empress, and the artistic transformation of a Hispanic woman into a leading figure in French politics. Based on extensive research at architectural sites and in archives, museums, and libraries throughout Europe, and in Britain and the United States, this book offers in-depth analysis of many works that have never before received scholarly attention - including reconstruction and analysis of Eugénie's apartment at the Tuileries. From her self-definition as empress through her collections, to her later days in exile in England, art was integral to Eugénie's social and political position.

The Tanenbaum gift of over two hundred works of internationally significant nineteenth-century European art is one of the most important art donations to a Canadian gallery. A diverse and original collection, it features works by Leon Bonnat, Frank Brangwyn, Charles Cordier, Gustave Dore, Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, Kathe Kollwitz, Henry Raeburn, Joaquin Sorolla, James Tissot, and Anders Zorn. This beautifully illustrated volume presents seventy-five of the key highlights by fifty-nine international artists. It offers insight into a broad range of artistic production in the nineteenth century, encompassing painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. Author Alison McQueen provides an in-depth analysis of the social and historical context of each work, and full-colour images illuminate her close study of the aesthetics of every piece. The artwork entries are accompanied by provenance, exhibition history, and bibliography. This book challenges many lasting misconceptions about nineteenth-century art. It includes a preface by collectors Joey and Toby Tanenbaum and an introductory essay on the collection by Alison McQueen. AUTHOR: Alison McQueen is Professor of Art History, Department of History, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 83 colour illustrations