Melanie Clegg – författare

Although Mary, Queen of Scots continues to fascinate both historians and the general public alike, the story of her mother, Marie de Guise, is much less well known. A political power in her own right, she was born into the powerful and ambitious Lorraine family, spending her formative years at the dazzling and licentious court of Franois I. Although briefly courted by Henry VIII, she instead married his nephew, James V of Scotland, in 1538.James' premature death four years later left their six day old daughter, Mary, as Queen and presented Marie with the formidable challenge of winning the support of the Scottish people and protecting her daughters threatened birthright. Content until now to remain in the background and play the part of the obedient wife, Marie spent the next eighteen years effectively governing Scotland, devoting her considerable intellect, courage and energy to safeguarding her daughters inheritance by using a deft mixture of cunning, charm, determination and tolerance.The last serious biography of Marie de Guise was published in 1977 and whereas plenty of attention has been paid to the mistakes of her daughters eventful but brief reign, the time has come for a fresh assessment of this most fascinating and under appreciated of sixteenth century female rulers.

Although Mary, Queen of Scots continues to fascinate both historians and the general public alike, the story of her mother, Marie de Guise, is much less well known. A political power in her own right, she was born into the powerful and ambitious Lorraine family, spending her formative years at the dazzling and licentious court of François I. Although briefly courted by Henry VIII, she instead married his nephew, James V of Scotland, in 1538.James' premature death four years later left their six day old daughter, Mary, as Queen and presented Marie with the formidable challenge of winning the support of the Scottish people and protecting her daughter’s threatened birthright. Content until now to remain in the background and play the part of the obedient wife, Marie spent the next eighteen years effectively governing Scotland, devoting her considerable intellect, courage and energy to safeguarding her daughter’s inheritance by using a deft mixture of cunning, charm, determination and tolerance.The last serious biography of Marie de Guise was published in 1977 and whereas plenty of attention has been paid to the mistakes of her daughter’s eventful but brief reign, the time has come for a fresh assessment of this most fascinating and under appreciated of sixteenth century female rulers.EPUB3: Reflowable

This intimate look at the bond between Queen Victoria and her granddaughter is "full of details regarding many European royals . . . thoroughly engrossing"(Kathryn J. Atwood, author of Women Heroes of World War II).When Queen Victoria''s second daughter Princess Alice married the Prince Louis of Hesse and Rhine in 1862, even her own mother described the ceremony as "more of a funeral than a wedding," thanks to the fact that it took place shortly after the death of Alice''s beloved father, Prince Albert. Sadly, the young princess''s misfortunes didn''t end there and when she also died prematurely, her four motherless daughters were taken under the wing of their formidable grandmother, Victoria.Alix, the youngest of Alice''s daughters and allegedly one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe, was a special favorite of the elderly queen, who hoped that she would marry her cousin Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and one day reign beside him. However, the spirited and stubborn Alix had other ideas…

This intimate look at the bond between Queen Victoria and her granddaughter is "full of details regarding many European royals . . . thoroughly engrossing"(Kathryn J. Atwood, author of Women Heroes of World War II).When Queen Victoria''s second daughter Princess Alice married the Prince Louis of Hesse and Rhine in 1862, even her own mother described the ceremony as "more of a funeral than a wedding," thanks to the fact that it took place shortly after the death of Alice''s beloved father, Prince Albert. Sadly, the young princess''s misfortunes didn''t end there and when she also died prematurely, her four motherless daughters were taken under the wing of their formidable grandmother, Victoria.Alix, the youngest of Alice''s daughters and allegedly one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe, was a special favorite of the elderly queen, who hoped that she would marry her cousin Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and one day reign beside him. However, the spirited and stubborn Alix had other ideas…

Japan’s origin story dates from the eight century CE, written in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. From the first creation of heaven, earth and the Japanese archipelago from the tip of a spear by the gods Izanagi and Izanami, Shinto and Buddhist traditions make up the cornerstones of Japanese mythology. Japanese Myths provides a clear, concise introduction to this fascinating if little- known world. Find out about Hachiman (八幡神), the mighty god of war and the divine protector of Japan and its people. Marvel at Fujin (風神), the god of the wind, a popular but terrifying demon – his bag of air is thought to move all the world’s winds, and he is a powerful force of nature alongside his brother, the thunder god Raijin. See Hotei (布袋), the “Laughing Buddha” and one of the most well-known symbols of Buddhism – rubbing his belly is said to bring good luck. And enjoy the myth of Shita-kiri Suzume, or “Toung-Cut Sparrow”, which explores the effects of greed, friendship and jealousy. Illustrated with 150 photographs and artworks, Japanese Myths is an accessible, entertaining and highly informative exploration of everything from the kami holy spirits venerated in Shinto religion to the divine origins of the Japanese imperial family.

Discover everything you’ve ever wondered about the legendary spirits, creatures, and figures of Japanese folklore including how they have found their way into every corner of contemporary pop culture. Japanese Myths Illustrated provides a sumptuous, accessible guide to the religious beliefs, myths and gods of this enduring culture. Japanese mythology is a complex system of beliefs that also embraces Shinto and Buddhist traditions as well as agriculture-based folk religion. The Shinto pantheon alone boasts an uncountable number of kami (deities or spirits). One notable aspect of Japanese mythology is that it provided a creation story for Japan and attributed divine origins to the Japanese Imperial family, assigning them godhood. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding with over 130 photographs and illustrations, this book will fascinate anyone interested in the tales of an ancient culture and still has an enduring appeal today.

From shrines to megacities, from paddy fields to high speed trains to the latest in digital technology, Japan is a fascinating mix of the ancient and modern, of East and West. Featuring castles and hot springs, remote volcanic islands and intense high-rise cities, delicate tea ceremonies and busy cities, medieval bridges and modern flyovers, Japan presents 200 outstanding colour photographs depicting a wide range in perspectives on Japanese life. From farming to engineering, from war memorials to the devastation of the Tohoku tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, from the beauty of Kyoto to the bustle of Tokyo, a great many sides to the Land of the Rising Sun are explored. With captions explaining the story behind each entry, Japan is a stunning collection of images celebrating the world’s most vibrant country.