Susan L. Schwartz – författare

While many people outside India find the images, sounds, and practices of Indian performing arts compelling and endeavor to incorporate them into the "global" repertoire, few are aware of the central role of religious belief and practice in Indian aesthetics. Completing the trilogy that includes Darsan: Seeing the Divine and Mantra: Hearing the Divine in India and America, this volume focuses on how rasa has been applied in a range of Indian performance traditions. "Rasa" is taste, essence, flavor. How is it possible that a word used to describe a delicious masala can also be used to critique a Bharata Natyam performance? Rasa expresses the primary goals of performing arts in India in all the major literary, philosophical, and aesthetic texts, and it provides the cornerstone of the oral traditions of transmission. It is also essential to the study and production of sculpture, architecture, and painting. Yet its primary referent is cuisine. This book articulates the religious sensibility underlying the traditional performing arts as well as other applications of rasa and examines the relationships between the arts and religion in India today.

Is there a God? What evil lurks beyond the stars? Can science save one's soul? Profound questions like these have consumed human thought over the ages they also inspired the original creators of the Star Trek canon of TV series and films. Religions of Star Trek tackles these challenging questions head-on in a remarkable look at one of sci-fi's great success stories.Analyzing more than three decades of screen adventure, the authors depict a Star Trek transformed, corresponding to the resurgence of religion in American public discourse. The authors identify the many religious characters in Star Trek , tracing the roots of scientific humanism to more contemporary aspects of religion and spirituality. Through it all, the creators' visionary outlook remains constant: a humanistic faith in free will and the salvific nature of dispassionate scientific inquiry.This book was not prepared, licensed, approved, or endorsed by any entity involved in creating or producing the Star Trek television series or films.

Featuring a foreword by Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes, A Guide to Drinking in Venice is a visually stunning hardback that uncovers the fascinating history of drinking in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.Since its foundation in the year 421 AD, Venice has perfected the art of living well. Its merchants brought back seductive wines, explorers wrote of invigorating drinks, and visitors added their own traditions. All the ingredients for a great cocktail.In A Guide to Drinking in Venice, Susan L. Schwartz blends stories of mixology, local ingredients and the personalities behind the bars, transporting readers to Venice's vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic watering holes. With over 50 addresses, from classic bars mixing Bellinis and Spritzes to the city's historic wine bars, coffee houses, pubs and more, Susan's insider knowledge will make your next trip to this magical city your most memorable yet.Including 20 cocktail recipes from some of the most famous bars and tips for experiencing the city like a local, this is the perfect companion for those who appreciate the art of a great drink, and anyone looking to experience the intoxicating charm of Venice.