Tim Rayborn – författare

The friars represented a remarkable innovation in medieval religious life. Founded in the early 13th century, the Franciscans and Dominicans seemed a perfect solution to the Church's troubles in confronting rapid changes in society. They attracted enthusiastic support, especially from the papacy, to which they answered directly. In their first 200 years, membership grew at an astonishing rate, and they became counsellors to princes and kings, receiving an endless stream of donations and gifts.Yet there were those who believed the adulation was misguided or even dangerous, and who saw in the friars' actions only hypocrisy, deceit, greed and even signs of the end of the world. From the mid-13th century, writings appeared denouncing and mocking the friars and calling for their abolition. Their French and English opponents were among the most vocal. From harsh theological criticism and outrage at the Inquisition to vulgar tales and bathroom humor, this thoroughly documented work is suitable for the newcomer, as well as for readers who are familiar with the subject but might like to investigate specific topics in more detail.

The notion of Christianity as a religion of peace was severely tested during the Middle Ages, when killing in the name of God became a sanctified act. In this book, Tim Rayborn traces the development of the early Crusades, Christian views of war and violence, and its attitudes toward Islam, primarily during the turbulent period of the 11th and 12th centuries (with some attention to earlier centuries). A marked shift in Christian perceptions of its own identity coincided with a considerably more martial and aggressive approach to nonbelievers both inside and outside of Europe.This wide-ranging study includes such topics as the background to the First Crusade, the Knights Templar, Bernard of Clairvaux, the Cistercian Order, the works of Peter the Venerable, apocalyptic hopes and fears, and martyrdom in the context of Christian conflicts with Islam. Focusing on French monastic writings, the book also examines papal documents, Spanish polemics, crusade chronicles, and other works. This is a survey of research on these important subjects, and serves as both a reference work and a point of departure for further study.

The turn of the 20th century was a time of great change in Britain. The empire saw its global influence waning and its traditional social structures challenged. There was a growing weariness of industrialism and a desire to rediscover tradition and the roots of English heritage. A new interest in English folk song and dance inspired art music, which many believed was seeing a renaissance after a period of stagnation since the 18th century.This book focuses on the lives of seven composers--Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, Ernest Moeran, George Butterworth, Philip Heseltine (Peter Warlock), Gerald Finzi and Percy Grainger--whose work was influenced by folk songs and early music. Each chapter provides an historical background and tells the fascinating story of a musical life.

Raise a glass to iconic characters and toast to their timeless tales in this charming cocktail book that masterfully blends classic literature with exquisite drinks. Give the literature lover or bookworm in your life the ultimate present this holiday season as you gather around the Christmas fire and mix some classic cocktails."Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large, thins lice of lemon peel. Got it?" James Bond knows what he's about when it comes to cocktails. Now you can too with this collection that brings cocktails from the page to the glass. Whether you're a fan of classic literature or simply love a good drink, this book is sure to delight. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the essence of its literary inspiration, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and stoke the fires of your imagination. Inside you'll find:Daisy's mint julep in the Great GatsbyThe famous James Bond vesper martini from Casino RoyaleEbenezer Scrooge's smoking bishop in A Christmas CarolHolden Caulfield's scotch & soda in The Catcher in the RyeLove in the Ruins gin fizzThe Jack Rose from The Sun Also RisesTerry Lennox's and Marlowe’s Gimlet in The Long GoodbyeThe negroni from A Farewell to ArmsThis book provides expert guidance on crafting the perfect drink, along with tips on selecting the right glassware, garnishes, and techniques to elevate your creations. Dust off your bookshelf, polish your cocktail shaker, and savor every page while you quench your thirst for literary libations.

Roses are red, violets are blue, in this book of fear, Valentine's haunts anew. Dare to discover the true lore of Valentine's Day, where love and terror intertwine in the most unexpected ways. With classic myths about tragic love, dark romances that end in murder, and true crimes committed in passion, this spine chilling book of tales will excite and fright.Beneath the red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and declarations of love lies a shadowy history of Valentine's Day that few are brave enough to explore. In a journey that spans from ancient Roman festivals to medieval legends, this book uncovers the sinister roots of this holiday—from tales of forbidden love to spectral visitations and mysterious rituals.Lurking within these eerie pages, you'll uncover:Ancient Origins: Learn how the bloody festivities of Lupercalia evolved into the Valentine's Day we know today, complete with sacrifices, omens, and pagan rites.Dark Legends: Explore the tragic romances that have been immortalized in lore and myth.Heartfelt Horror: Venture into the dark side of love, where passion leads to madness and gruesome deaths.Modern Mysteries: Read about unexplained phenomena, disappearances, and chilling crimes committed in the name of love.Accompanied by haunting illustrations that bring these macabre stories to life, The Scary Book of Valentine's Day Lore will forever change the way you view this holiday. Forget about Cupid and candy hearts and fall head over heels into a nightmare this February 14th.

Not every fairytale has a happy ending…do you dare to dive into the dark depths of your favorite childhood stories?This spine-chilling anthology weaves together real fairy tales cultures across the globe, unmasking the eerie and unsettling narratives that have been whispered through generations. From the chilling depths of the classic Brothers Grimm's from Germany to the haunting tales of Japan, Philippines, Russia, Inuit folklore and more.Not meant for the faint of heart, inside you’ll find stories of true terror like:Little Red Cap - Will the woodsman arrive too late to save the day? Bluebeard - A tale of matrimonial horror and secrets lurking in locked chambersBaba Yaga - A witch from Slavic folklore who feasts on those who dare to trespassLa Lloronoa - The weeping woman from Latin America, wanders near water looking for her drowned childrenBotan Doro - One of the most famous ghost stories from Japan, heralds the consequences of falling in love with people that have departedThis anthology of myths and stories is a perfect bookshelf addition for lovers ofWorld historyUnique stories from different culturesHorror and the macabreThe Scary Book of Fairy Tales captivates with its blend of horror and enchantment. These authentic tales promise to thrill and haunt, inviting you to explore the shadowy corners of global folklore.Are you ready to uncover the terrifying truths behind these timeless stories?

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen . . . but do you recall the most petrifying Christmas figures of all? Not all children fear just a lump of coal in their stocking. Discover the terrifying Yuletide fables that have horrified children for generations with this stunning leather-bound edition of the Christmas best-seller. He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake. This lighthearted song is a bit more threatening in the context of other Christmas traditions. From beasts that threaten to cook children into stew to sinister crones who snatch little ones from their beds, you won’t find any dancing sugar plums here. Outside of the heartwarming Christmas tales we all know and love, there are an abundance of frightening tales to chill all who hear them to the bone. Discover these stories from all corners of the world, including: Krampus (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and northern Italy), a demonic half-goat monster who drags chains and whips bad children with birch sticks, or stuffs them in his sack to take awayThe Kallikantzari (Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey), goblins who come out during Advent to cause mischief and evilPère Fouettard (France, Belgium, Switzerland), Saint Nicholas’ eternal cannibal manservant who deals with naughty childrenHans Trapp (Alsace-Lorraine, France), who roams the countryside disguised as a scarecrow and goes door to door on Christmas looking for children to feast uponGryla (Iceland), the giant ogre who emerges from her cave on Christmas to hunt children and cook them into stewMari Lwyd (Wales), a creature with a horse’s skull and a long cloak that is followed by a group of chanting peopleFrau Perchta (Austria and Bavaria), who slits the bellies of bad children and stuffs them with strawThese tales are sure to leave you wishing for the Grinch. Whether you’re a fan of history and folklore, you love learning about different cultures, or you just want to give a holiday gift that will bring the joy of Christmas to that lucky someone (just kidding), The Scary Book of Christmas Lore is for you. ’Tis the season! Is it beginning look a lot like Christmas, yet? This beautiful edition features:Leather-bound coverA sticker sheetBeautiful foil and stained edges

Jessica Jones barged onto our screens in November 2015, courtesy of Marvel and Netflix, presenting a hard-drinking protagonist who wrestles with her own inner (and outer) demons. Gaining enhanced abilities as a teenager, she eschews the "super costume" and is far more concerned with the problems of daily life. But when Jessica falls under the control of a villain, her life changes forever.Based on the comic book Alias, the show won a large following and critical acclaim for its unflinching look at subjects like abuse, trauma, PTSD, rape culture, alcoholism, drug addiction, victims' plight and family conflicts.This collection of new essays offers insight into the show's complex themes and story lines.

The CW's hit adaptation of Supergirl is a new take on the classic DC character for a new audience. With diverse female characters, it explores different versions of the female experience. No single character embodies a feminist ideal but together they represent attributes of the contemporary feminist conversation.This collection of new essays uses a similar approach, inviting a diverse group of scholars to address the many questions about gender roles and female agency in the series. Essays analyze how the series engages with feminism, Supergirl's impact on queer audiences, and how families craft the show's feminist narratives. In the ever-growing superhero television genre, Supergirl remains unique as viewers watch a female hero with almost godlike powers face the same struggles as ordinary women in the series.

Shakespeare’s Ear presents dark and sometimes funny pieces of fact and folklore that bedevil the mostly unknown history of theater. All manner of skullduggery, from revenge to murder, from affairs to persecution, proves that the drama off-stage was just as intense as any portrayed on it. The stories include those of: An ancient Greek writer of tragedies who dies when an eagle drops a tortoise on his head. A sixteenth-century English playwright who lives a double life as a spy and perishes horribly, stabbed above the eye. A small Parisian theater where grisly horrors unfold on stage. The gold earring that Shakespeare wears in the Chandos portrait, and its connections to bohemians and pirates of the time.Journey back to see theatrical shenanigans from the ancient Near East, explore the violent plays of ancient Greece and Rome, revel in the Elizabethan and Jacobean golden age of blood-thirsty drama, delight in the zany and subversive antics of the Commedia dell’arte, and tremble at ghostly incursions into playhouses. Here you will find many fine examples of playwrights, actors, and audiences alike being horrible to each other over the centuries.

Attend a grand ball of the bizarre and never look at dance the same way again!Weird Dance processes through the odd, grim, and unintentionally humorous history of dance, uncovering strange stories and weird facts.These dark tales of murder, rivalry, insanity, and more reveal all sorts of grim goings-on, proving that—for dancers—life was not just one grand plié. Stories include: An elderly woman who stepped out of her Strasbourg home one summer day in 1518 and began to dance furiously; nothing and no one could stop her. Soon, dozens more joined her, and so began another strange epidemic of the deadly dancing plague. The horrific fate of a young ballerina who had a run-in with a gaslight and saw her career go up in smoke. The medieval Dance of Death that reminded all of their inevitable doom. The controversial ballet that sparked a riot. The strange and macabre fate of the infamous Mata Hari’s head after her execution. The grotesque scarf accident that led to Isadora Duncan’s demise.From Roman Bacchanals to medieval and Renaissance dancing plagues, from the bloody world of ballet to scandals, ghosts, spirit possessions, superstitions, and more, you will attend a grand ball of the bizarre that shows just how awful dancers, choreographers, and even audience members have been to each other over the centuries.

A funny trivia gift book built for laughs, debates, and “wait, really?” moments.The Mind-Blowing True Facts series returns with 500 more claims that sound too ridiculous, bizarre, or unbelievable to be real—until you find out they are. More True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t is a fast, funny trivia book for readers who love weird facts, random knowledge, and the thrill of learning something they immediately want to repeat.Inside, readers will find the kind of facts that sound completely made up until they learn they are true: bizarre historical details, surprising science, unbelievable food facts, pop-culture oddities, and more. Read it solo, pass it around at a party, bring it on a trip, or collect it with the rest of the Mind-Blowing True Facts series.Includes 500 weird, funny, and unbelievable true facts across history, science, food, music, entertainment, and more.Designed for quick reading: open anywhere for a fact, laugh, debate, or instant conversation starter.Great for trivia night, road trips, bathroom reading, family read-aloud moments, parties, bars, classrooms, and casual browsing.A giftable pick for dads, grads, hosts, coworkers, stocking stuffers, white elephant exchanges, and hard-to-shop-for readers.Part of the Mind-Blowing True Facts series—perfect as a standalone novelty book or an add-on for collectors. Flip to any page for a conversation starter, road-trip debate, trivia-night advantage, bathroom-reader break, or read-aloud moment that makes everyone ask, “Wait—is that actually true?” From history and science to food, music, entertainment, and everyday oddities, this collection turns strange-but-real information into bite-size fun. Enjoy trivia knowledge like: How long did the shortest war in history last?True or False? There was once a mustache strike in France.Are babies born crying with an accent?True or False? a dentist invented cotton candy.Is cheese the most widely shoplifted food in the world? Whether you are buying for a fact fanatic, a trivia lover, a bathroom reader, or someone who loves proving that truth is stranger than fiction, this book delivers compact, read-anywhere entertainment.Start here or collect it with the original volume and other titles in the Mind-Blowing True Facts series.True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*tMore True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*tTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: NatureTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: Pop CultureTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: SportsTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: World History

With Hygge Simplified, learn how to find happiness with this essential Scandinavian mindset!Hygge has taken the world by storm, and now you too can find comfort and safety in the company of others, as well as alone at home. Unlike so much self-help, hygge is fairly simple and straightforward, ranging from different lighting to storage and wardrobe. This lifestyle is about more than reducing clutter, however; it is about personal growth so you are living a life of confidence and balance. While the principles of hygge are applicable to people in all phases of life, start off friends and family in their new home with this ideal housewarming gift. Happiness is here with Hygge Simplified!

Who Made That? uncovers the fascinating true stories behind the inventions and items that the world would be unimaginable without!From the computer to the coat hanger, the world is simply unimaginable without certain items. Stop taking all that you enjoy for granted, step behind the curtain of boring, everyday existence, and discover a vibrant realm filled with genius and illumination. Who Made That? brings together history's very best tales of innovation, providing endless inspiration to those who seek to launch their own revolution. With breathtaking storytelling and humorous, thought-provoking illustrations, Who Made That? brings you right inside the minds of humanity's brightest lights, helping you make your own way in the world.

Did you know that the average person will walk about 110,000 miles in their lifetime, meaning you could walk around the Earth 4.5 times? Or that all the ants on Earth weigh about as much as all the humans? Learn more totally crazy facts with Stats to Blow Your Mind, Junior Edition.Did you know that the average person will walk about 110,000 miles in their lifetime, meaning you could walk around the Earth 4.5 times? Or that all the ants on Earth weigh about as much as all the humans? Learn more totally crazy facts with Stats to Blow Your Mind, Junior Edition. This book has 75 shocking stats and facts across a wide variety of topics, including the environment, the animal kingdom, cultures, languages, nature, science, people, poverty, media, technology, and more, such as:Glaciers and ice sheets hold about 69 percent of the world's freshwater.Indonesia is home to some of the shortest people in the world, with the average adult measuring in at around 5 feet, 1.8 inches.Four babies are born every second.McDonald's sells 75 burgers per secondSloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes.Prepare to be amazed, and impress your friends while you're at it! This highly visual book presents knowledge in an exciting way, and is perfect for curious minds that love to learn. Make learning engaging and fun with this graphic collection of some of the world's craziest, kid-friendly statistics.

Did America fake the moon landing? Was 9/11 an inside job? What is the government hiding at Area 51? From secret societies to aliens and assassinations, decode history's greatest cover-ups and decide for yourself.Humanity has long been obsessed with the unexplained, and we have ascribed many mysteries to underground groups and secret schemes. With seeming coincidences piling up around significant events, it's no wonder so many theories have emerged over the years. But how many coincidences are too many before it becomes a conspiracy? That's for you to decide. Explore this compelling collection of unexplained circumstances and uncover hidden agendas, startling allegations, and baffling evidence. Unmask the remarkable origins and implications of these theories, including:The JFK assassinationThe IlluminatiThe Flat Earth SocietyLizard people seeking world dominationRoswellMind control labs in AlaskaThe New World OrderThe FreemasonsConnect the dots between suspicious coincidences and discover the craziest mysteries in the world with The Big Book of Conspiracy Theories.

A funny trivia gift book built for laughs, debates, and “wait, really?” moments.The Mind-Blowing True Facts series returns with 500 more claims that sound too ridiculous, bizarre, or unbelievable to be real—until you find out they are. More True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t is a fast, funny trivia book for readers who love weird facts, random knowledge, and the thrill of learning something they immediately want to repeat.Inside, readers will find the kind of facts that sound completely made up until they learn they are true: bizarre historical details, surprising science, unbelievable food facts, pop-culture oddities, and more. Read it solo, pass it around at a party, bring it on a trip, or collect it with the rest of the Mind-Blowing True Facts series.Includes 500 weird, funny, and unbelievable true facts across history, science, food, music, entertainment, and more.Designed for quick reading: open anywhere for a fact, laugh, debate, or instant conversation starter.Great for trivia night, road trips, bathroom reading, family read-aloud moments, parties, bars, classrooms, and casual browsing.A giftable pick for dads, grads, hosts, coworkers, stocking stuffers, white elephant exchanges, and hard-to-shop-for readers.Part of the Mind-Blowing True Facts series—perfect as a standalone novelty book or an add-on for collectors. Flip to any page for a conversation starter, road-trip debate, trivia-night advantage, bathroom-reader break, or read-aloud moment that makes everyone ask, “Wait—is that actually true?” From history and science to food, music, entertainment, and everyday oddities, this collection turns strange-but-real information into bite-size fun. Enjoy trivia knowledge like: How long did the shortest war in history last?True or False? There was once a mustache strike in France.Are babies born crying with an accent?True or False? a dentist invented cotton candy.Is cheese the most widely shoplifted food in the world? Whether you are buying for a fact fanatic, a trivia lover, a bathroom reader, or someone who loves proving that truth is stranger than fiction, this book delivers compact, read-anywhere entertainment.Start here or collect it with the original volume and other titles in the Mind-Blowing True Facts series.True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*tMore True Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*tTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: NatureTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: Pop CultureTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: SportsTrue Facts That Sound Like Bull$#*t: World History

Discover the little known facts about some of the world’s greatest historical icons.We all know what was written in the history books. There are some stories we’ve heard a hundred times—but often our understanding of these events and people is narrow. Have you ever wondered about the lesser known details that influenced major events and figures behind-the-scenes? This hilarious compendium of fascinating facts and dizzying what-ifs will delight and shock history buffs and trivia lovers alike. From Abraham Lincoln’s wrestling champ background to the day Napoleon was attacked by a horde of hungry rabbits, this book will give you a new perspective. Including:Walt Disney gave his housekeeper Disney stock every year on her birthday and Christmas. By the time she retired, she was a multi-millionaire.Charlie Chaplin entered a lookalike contest as a joke…and got 20th place.Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, convinced Thomas Edison’s son to collect Edison’s last breath in a test tube. It is on display at The Henry Ford Museum in Detroit.Before Galileo Galilei was buried, three of his fingers and a tooth were removed from his body by his admirers. The body parts are on display at the Museo Galileo in Florence, Italy. From ancient civilization to modern times, history is full of mysterious and downright bizarre circumstances. With these crazy and compelling facts, Hidden Histories will change your view of history

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…but do you recall the most petrifying Christmas figures of all? Not all children fear just a lump of coal in their stockings. Discover the terrifying Yuletide fables, folktales, and folklore that have horrified kids (and adults) for generations during the holiday season.He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake. This lighthearted song is a bit more ominous in the context of other Christmas traditions. From beasts that threaten to cook children into stew to sinister crones who snatch little ones from their beds, you won’t find any dancing sugar plums here. Outside of the heartwarming Christmas tales we all know and love, there are an abundance of frightening stories to chill all who hear them to the bone. Discover folklore from all corners of the world, including:Krampus (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and northern Italy), a demonic half-goat monster who drags chains and whips bad children with birch sticks, or stuffs them in his sack to take awayThe Kallikantzari (Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey), goblins who come out during Advent to cause mischief Père Fouettard (France, Belgium, Switzerland), Saint Nicholas’ eternal cannibal manservant who deals with naughty childrenHans Trapp (Alsace-Lorraine, France), who roams the countryside disguised as a scarecrow and goes door to door on Christmas looking for children to feast uponGryla (Iceland), the giant ogre who emerges from her cave on Christmas to hunt children and cook them into stewMari Lwyd (Wales), a creature with a horse’s skull and a long cloak that is followed by a group of chanting peopleFrau Perchta (Austria and Bavaria), who slits the bellies of bad children and stuffs them with straw These tales are sure to leave you wishing for the Grinch. Whether you are a fan of history and folklore, you love learning about different cultures, or you just want to give a holiday gift that will bring the joy of Christmas to that lucky someone (just kidding), The Scary Book of Christmas Lore is for you. ’Tis the season! Is it beginning look a lot like Christmas, yet?

Discover the complex mythology of the legendary Nordic people who inspired Hollywood films, epic novels, and more.Beautiful goddesses, fierce warriors, formidable beasts, and Ragnarök itself--these magical tales have enthralled audiences for centuries. This classic collection of tales offers fascinating insights into Nordic cultures. Stunningly illustrated and depicting Sámi, Finnish, and Norse myths, this captivating book dives deep into the rich history of the region and recalls both the most popular and little-known tales of the north.Inside you'll find:An in-depth introduction to Scandinavian and Nordic folkloreExtensive profiles of deities, magical beings, monsters, giants, and moreA vast array of stories across northern European traditions This phenomenal compendium of northern European folklore is informed by archaeology and literature. Celebrating the intricacies of a long-lost world, Northern Mythology breathes new life into the tales of the distant past.

Make time for the things that really matter in life. Find balance and happiness in your daily life, the Scandinavian way, with The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness!There's a reason Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden consistently rank as the top 5 happiest countries on earth! Find out the secrets to their happiness and fulfillment in The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness, which shares centuries of Nordic wisdom, including:Lykke: Happiness is all around you (Denmark)Lagom: Just the right amount not too much, not too little (Sweden)Fika: Taking daily coffee breaks and other comforting rituals (Sweden)Hygge: Coziness brings comfort, courage, and happiness (Denmark)Sisu: Everyday courage, grit, and determination & acting rationally in the face of adversityThese basic principles will help you see how to have a happy life without buying anything, changing yourself, or making any other crazy drastic changes! Topics include simplicity, happiness, health & wellness, relationships, nature-inspired living, and more. Full of inspiring, encouraging ideas and charming illustrations! this thoughtful Scandinavian guide is sure to put a happy glow in your life.