Suzannah Lipscomb

Discover the philosophy of digital minimalism in this timely and enlightening book. The bestselling author of Deep Work introduces a method for taking back control of our technological lives, based on the idea of knowing how much is just enough. Drawing on real-life examples, Newport shares the practices of digital minimalists, and shows how to integrate them into your life to live more intentionally in our tech-saturated world. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a focused and satisfying life in an increasingly noisy world.

Discover the fascinating legacy of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind and its problematic depictions of race and women. In this analysis, you'll explore the book's creation and its relationship to the myth of the Lost Cause, white feminism, and racial politics. Learn how the story foreshadows contemporary controversies over white nationalism, Black Lives Matter, and the removal of Confederate statues. Discover the value of this classic novel's uses and misuses of national mythologies and their impact on American culture today.

This book explores the history and significance of swearing, from ancient Rome to modern times. It examines both obscenities and oaths, and how they reflect cultural values and taboos. With humor and insight, the author delves into the physiological effects of swearing and whether people swear more now than in the past. Holy Sh*t is a gem of lexicography and cultural history that will expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of language.

Experience the shocking and extraordinary story of England's Borgias in "The House of Dudley." Discover the conniving and manipulative Tudor family that rose to prominence with each monarch, only to fall from grace just as quickly. Witness their ruthless tactics, from cunning to adultery, as they compete in a murderous game for the English throne. Join history's most brilliant, bold, and deceitful family in their quest for power and learn what caused their rise and fall. Welcome to the House of Dudley.

Explore the complex role of courtesans - women who gain power through sexual transgression - in Renaissance English drama. This study delves into the moral ambiguity of these characters, while shedding light on little-known aspects of their lives, including Anglo-Italian relations. With a focus on the sixteenth century, including the works of Shakespeare and Marlowe, this book offers intriguing insights into the societal views of the time.

Embark on a journey through the beloved world of The Chronicles of Narnia with From Spare Oom to War Drobe. Author Katherine Langrish shares her personal connection with the series, from her childhood love to her reappraisal as an adult. Delve into a close reading of the novels, along with insightful analysis and context from other critics. This is a must-read guide for any fan of C.S. Lewis' timeless tales.

The Mermaid of Black Conch tells the captivating story of a young woman named Aycayia cursed to live as a mermaid and the fisherman David whose singing captures her heart. Set in a tiny Caribbean village in 1976, this novel explores the themes of love, curses, and the magical allure of the sea.

A poignant memoir, Motherwell delves into the complex mother-daughter relationship of a young woman who left her small town to attend university against her mother's wishes. Despite escaping her home, the protagonist's separation from her family is only superficial as she grapples with the influence of her mother's expectations on her individuality. A raw and heartfelt exploration of family and personal redemption.

Explore the radical social transformation of black intimate life in early 20th century Philadelphia and New York with Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments. Author Saidiya Hartman examines the sweeping changes that challenged traditional Victorian beliefs about courtship, love, and marriage. Through the stories of young black women who desired a different existence than domestic service and respectable poverty, Hartman shows how they shaped a cultural movement that transformed the urban landscape. This deeply researched and beautifully written book recovers their radical aspirations and insurgent desires.