
The Decline of the West - Volume 1 published in 1917, Volume 2 in 1922 - has exercised and challenged opinion ever since. It was a huge undertaking by Oswald Spengler (1880-1936), formerly an unpublished historian and philosopher who set out to radically reconsider history - the rise and fall of world civilisations and their cultures. His primary view was to reject the established Eurocentric paradigm (ancient/classical, Medieval - and, following the Renaissance - modern) and to take a totally new perspective. First and foremost, his intention was to offer a world overview; and on that basis to present and discuss the premise that the story of the history of man followed a fundamental pattern wherever on the globe it arose. Of particular interest to him were the characteristics of the separate and distinct cultures (established through developments in science, mathematics and the arts). The major cultures he identifies are Babylonian, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Mesoamerican (Mayan-Aztec), classical (Greek/Roman), Arabian and Western (European and American). Spengler offered another division - three distinct phases: Magian (societies dominated by monotheism - Persian as well as Semitic religions), Apollonian (ancient Greece and Rome) and Faustian (the ‘modern Western societies’ of his time). All these civilisations can be seen to emerge and decline in seasonal form depicted in terms of spring, summer, autumn, winter. Within the context of this map comes the detail. Spengler drew on his broad reading to tell the story, to make the links, to ink in the patterns. His breadth of sources and insights of observations and (strongly defined) opinions is fascinating and often persuasive but sometimes contentious. Inevitably, for such an ambitious work, it has garnered controversy since it first appeared. Certainly for a generation it was required reading. First appearing in Germany (it was finally released in one volume in 1923 and translated into other languages) its reception was coloured by the timing. Both admired and criticised, it had its base in a Germany undergoing severe economic and psychological difficulties, only to be swept aside by the rise of Nazism. Spengler rejected the racism of Nazism, but his strong attitudes (acknowledging, unapologetically, the effect of ‘imperial' individuals on history, whether through military, political or commercial activities) were often characterised as unfailingly right-wing. Not surprisingly, The Decline of the West has been in and out of fashion in the academic world, but also in its more popular appeal. However, in the dramatically changing world of the 21st century, there are resonances which are impossible to ignore. ‘The man of action is always conscienceless,’ said Goethe, one of Spengler’s two main mentors (the other is Nietzsche). But Spengler is unequivocal in his conclusion - as one commentator wrote, ‘Spengler’s prophecy that Western Europe would lose its world hegemony has been fulfilled. Must Western culture also go under?’ Spengler has been accused of pessimism, and The Decline of the West is certainly an uncompromising book to read. But in the preface he is essentially circumspect about his purpose: ‘Is there a logic of history? Is there, beyond all the casual and incalculable elements of the separate event, something that we may call a metaphysical structure of historic humanity, something that is essentially independent of outward forms - social, spiritual and political - which we see so clearly?’ Peter Wickham brings his extensive background in the recording of major classical texts to make this immense work an absorbing listening experience. Translation: Charles Francis Atkinson. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Public Domain (P)2021 Ukemi Productions Ltd

While meditation is the most important tenet of Buddhism, it is not the only one. Even more significantly, it is not a stand-alone idea. In Buddhism, meditation is the means to an end. Buddhist practitioners use meditation to build their spiritual well-being and achieve enlightenment or nirvana. This is the Buddhist or Eastern concept of meditation. Other than uplifting the spirit, meditation is used for little in the way of attaining personal goals and success in life. But when it comes to the modern or Western concept of meditation, the focus lies on the power of meditation to boost our minds and empower us to attain prosperity in every area of our life. Most people practice this form of meditation. In various forms, it empowers the mind and the body. However, because it is not used to adopt sweeping changes in mindsets or worldview, it does not empower the spirit that much. You see, many people do meditation instead of practicing it. They look at it as a means to an end. And I am not saying that it is not or that they are wrong to do this. All I am saying is that this view limits you. It prevents you from realizing all the benefits of meditation. A deeper appreciation for meditation, one that recognizes the value of its philosophical roots, will help you to get in the right frame of mind and spirit as you pursue your dreams. It is only by reaching this level of appreciation that you can reap all the benefits that meditation affords you. Even without having to live in a monastery, sell all your personal belongings, and give everything to the poor, you can improve your spirit (and thus your entire life) by adopting some of the principles espoused by Buddhist gurus in the 8,000-year history of meditation. This is the greatness of meditation; you can practice it regardless of your religious or philosophical beliefs because it focuses on creating a link between the three elements of your being. It allows you to become the best version of yourself that you can possibly reach. I guess that is why it has been adopted by self-help practitioners so readily: because it works. It allows you to realize your true self and further empowers you to reach it.
©2020 Sarah Murphy (P)2021 Sarah Murphy

Whether Good or Bad, Habits Shape Who We Are. The cool thing, though, is we can instill in ourselves good habits. Even better, we can change bad habits (aka unHabits) into good habits. In this book, you will find stories from women action takers who are on a mission to make a significant impact on this planet by sharing their habits and unHabits to help you place one foot in front of the other when you need it most. No matter how much you wish, hope, pray, desire, want, or manifest, nothing happens without action. You can see an opportunity staring you in the face, but if your habit is to ignore that opportunity and turn the other way, that opportunity is lost forever. What type of unHabits do you have that you would like to change? What type of habits do you have that you’d like to share with others because that 1 Habit has completely changed your life for the better? Co-Author, Lynda Sunshine West joined 1 Habit Creator, Steven Samblis. to bring you 1 Habit for Women Action Takers. Lynda spent years surrounding herself with positive and uplifting women who have created their lives around their good habits. She decided to bring her friends together to contribute to the next book in the 1 Habit series. A book that will motivate and inspire you to change your life by changing your habits. Even if you were to take only one of the habits in this book and implement it in your life starting right now, this very moment, your life will change forever. 1 Habit will challenge you to take an action step into the unknown. If you have a desire to be more, but don't know where to start, this is the book for you. 1 Habit For Women Action Takers offers small, impactful steps that will help you create the life you have always dreamed of.
©2019, 2020 1 Habit Press, Inc. (P)2021 1 Habit Press, Inc.

Played on frozen ponds in cold northern lands, hockey seemed an especially unlikely game to gain a global following. But from its beginnings in the 19th century, the sport has drawn from different cultures and crossed boundaries - between Canada and the United States, across the Atlantic, and among different regions of Europe. It has been a political flashpoint within countries and internationally. And it has given rise to far-reaching cultural changes and firmly held traditions. The Fastest Game in the World is a global history of a global sport, drawing upon research conducted around the world in a variety of languages. From Canadian prairies to Swiss mountain resorts, Soviet housing blocks to American suburbs, Bruce Berglund takes listeners on an international tour, seamlessly weaving in hockey’s local, national, and international trends. Written in a lively style with wide-ranging breadth and attention to telling detail, The Fastest Game in the World will thrill both the lifelong fan and anyone who is curious about how games intertwine with politics, economics, and culture.
©2021 Bruce Berglund (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Based on Ernest J. Gaines' National Book Critics Circle Award-winning novel, A Lesson Before Dying is set in a small Louisiana Cajun community in the late 1940s. Jefferson, a young illiterate black man, is falsely convicted of murder and is sentenced to death. Grant Wiggins, the plantation schoolteacher, agrees to talk with the condemned man. The disheartened Wiggins had once harbored dreams of escaping from his impoverished youth, yet he returned to his hometown after university, to teach children whose lives seemed as unpromising as Jefferson's. The two men forge a bond as they come to understand what it means to resist and defy one's fate.
©2001 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2001 L.A. Theatre Works

Revised edition: Same poetic content you know and love, but with a few minor edits and an adjusted cover! Love is a mess and while some choose to clean and organize it, others choose to run around and play in it. There are different ways to love, ones to love, and kinds of love. So, let’s fall in, rise out of, and be in love together. With five sections (i.e., You, Them, Life, God, Me), Rise in Love: A Poetry Chapbook is a collection of poems celebrating the many nuances love has, reminding listeners that just because love is complicated doesn’t mean it can’t also be wonderful. In a society where everyone is divided across justice-oriented issues, this collection emphasizes that love is what can bring us back together.
©2020 Worth a Read Too, LLC. (P)2021 Worth a Read Too, LLC.

Fans of Jason Reynolds and Sharon M. Draper will love this oh-so-honest middle-grade novel from writer and educator Maurice Broaddus. Thelonius Mitchell is tired of being labeled. He’s in special ed, separated from the “normal” kids at school who don’t have any “issues”. That’s enough to make all the teachers and students look at him and his friends with a constant side-eye. (Although his disruptive antics and pranks have given him a rep, too.) When a gun is found at a neighborhood hangout, Thelonius and his pals become instant suspects. Thelonius may be guilty of pulling crazy stunts at school, but a criminal? T isn’t about to let that label stick.
©2020 Maurice Broaddus (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

How can you make $3,000 to even $100,000 a month and achieving financial freedom? It would be through social media marketing and the many passive income strategies in this book.
Many people don't know that social media marketing, YouTube and Kindle self-publishing can be one the most lucrative online businesses you can do. Thousands of people make a living from social media marketing, and so can you.
Passive Income goes into detail on how to make money from YouTube, social media marketing, and more to build your online business empire. We talk about the deep secrets most successful online businesses that make money via passive income don't want you to know. Just remember, if you follow the steps in this book precisely as explained, then you should have no problem making $10,000 a month from social media marketing within 90 days. Remember to work hard and to read carefully. You will reap the benefits of this fantastic book.
This book has solid tips and advice with real time strategies to take you where no social media marketing, YouTube, or affiliate marketing book has gone before. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a pro, this book has it all.
Inside you will learn:
Why every social media marketer and influencer needs this book.
How to find the niche best suited to you.
How to find the best and the most cost-effective domain name, hosting, and WordPress.
How to set up your first video post.
Step-by-step guide to find a good affiliate program that will sell and make profits.
Why every self-publisher needs this book - explaining in detail as to why this book is a must listen for any aspiring Kindle entrepreneur.
How to write and publish a book in 24 hours.
How to pick a winning title that sells.
How to get your book seen by customers each and every time you publish.
The importance of SEO, showing how to boost ranking on Google.
Importance of YouTube - why is YouTube an excellent idea for bloggers, and how it can help them get amazing traffic to their blog.
How to build an email list - showcasing some the most sought-after methods for collecting emails for your blog.
Learn how to generate more traffic to blogs by guest posting.
Business writing and soaring to new heights with more clients.
Build your brand, be an influencer and leader, dominate the competition.
Summing up everything we just talked about in this book, and explaining how to use these methods for best results.
Facebook strategies and more!
All the ins and outs of the different social media marketing sites.
Briefly touching on how to keep building your blogging empire even after you have achieved $3,000 a month.
And much much more!
So what are you waiting for? Get this book now before it is too late.
©2019 Tim Steinberg, John Gadson (P)2019 Tim Steinberg, John Gadson

Julia Longley is determined not to repeat her mother's mistake and marry the wrong guy. She thinks she has found the perfect one in Nick - a handsome, charming, and successful star reporter for the newspaper where Julia is a photojournalist. But when her coverage of a tragic and bloody accident leaves her in a temporary state of blindness, Nick is anything but loving and supportive, and Julia must search alone for a career more suited to her. Her choice: go back to school and get a degree in counseling. Soon, Julia finds herself juggling the demands of finishing her education along with planning their wedding, while Nick resorts to anger and manipulation to compromise with the dictates of his very imposing socialite mother. How long before Nick treats her this way, Julia wonders, as she gives in, time and time again. Part of her school assignment lands Julia at the county mental health free clinic as an intern, where her first mission is to learn to moderate a group therapy session. Nothing in any textbook, however, has prepared Julia for the Headshrinker's Brigade. What Julia learns from this motley band of suffering souls gives her the strength to make some tough decisions in her effort to find love and something even more important: herself.
©2018 Leslie Tourish (P)2020 Leslie Tourish

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips comes a new story in her Sexy series… Learning curves have never been so off-limits. Professor Shane Warden is on the verge of getting tenure. He never thought he'd see the day, after a false accusation from a student years ago that nearly destroyed his career, and decimated his ability to trust. But the moment he walks into class and lays eyes on the seductive blonde with legs that go on forever and lips he immediately wants to kiss, he knows he’s in trouble. This time for real. Single mom Amber Davis is finally living her dream of going back to college. In the ten years since she dropped out to have a baby - and recover from his father's death - it's been the goal that always felt just out of reach. Until now. But one look at her hot, sexy professor, and Amber is head over heels in lust. It doesn’t take long before their attraction blazes out of control. Neither of them can afford a forbidden affair. Yet it's the one thing they are powerless to stop. It will only take one hint of a rumor to destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve . . . and in this case the rumors are true. **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new listeners, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
©2020 by Carly Phillips (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Foreword © 2014 by M. J. Rose.

In this contemporary fantasy, the grieving biographer of a Victorian fantasist finds himself slipping inexorably into the supernatural world that consumed his subject. Failed father, failed husband, and failed scholar, Charles Hayden hopes to put his life back together with a new project: a biography of Caedmon Hollow, the long-dead author of a legendary Victorian children’s book, In the Night Wood, and forebear of his wife, Erin. Deep in mourning from the loss of their young daughter, they pack up their American lives, Erin gives up her legal practice, and the couple settles in Hollow’s remote Yorkshire mansion. In the neighboring village, Charles meets a woman he might have loved, a child who could have been his own daughter, and the ghost of a self he hoped to bury. Erin, paralyzed by her grief, immerses herself in pills and painting images of a horned terror in the woods. In the primeval forest surrounding Caedmon Hollow’s ancestral home, an ancient power is stirring, a long-forgotten king who haunts the Haydens’ dreams. And every morning the fringe of darkling trees presses closer. Soon enough, Charles and Erin will venture into the night wood. Soon enough, they’ll learn that the darkness under the trees is but a shadow of the darkness that waits inside us all.
©2018 Dale Bailey (P)2019 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Are you traveling through a difficult season? With reflection in mind and inspiring stories throughout, Give Grace, written by Megan Smalley, provides you with a safe place to process the ups and downs of life and find new inspiration to trust God's plan as you rest in his unfailing love. Through her own journey with loss and hope, Megan is passionate about sharing the message of God's grace for our lives, whatever we are experiencing today. In Give Grace, she shares her painful experience with infertility, as well as heartfelt stories of encouragement and personal growth from her own life, in order to come alongside us in our own times of questioning and waiting. Give Grace will help you: Feel comfortable discussing the challenging times Grow spiritually and reflect on deeper thoughts Identify the purpose behind your pain Give Grace is also an ideal gift for anyone going through a challenging time to let them know that they are cared for, loved, and able to handle anything with God's grace. If you are traveling through a difficult season--however big or small--you will find comfort in the Scripture, stories, and reflections in this beautiful book. Reflection questions are available in the audiobook companion PDF download. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2021 Megan Smalley (P)2021 Thomas Nelson

Finding ways to express yourself effectively in tense situations, from negotiations with a potential client to thorny discussions with a colleague, is the key to career success. In this workshop, communications expert Phil Jones shares how three key traits - curiosity, empathy, and courage - have the power to transform any encounter into a meaningful conversation and getting what you want. You'll explore excerpts from three surprising titles that forever changed how Phil approaches complex conversations - and meet a precocious, telekinetic young heroine; a master of asking the right questions; and a leader who takes off their armor, embraces vulnerability, and leads with courage. Key Takeaways: Meet in Person: Face-to-face interactions give you surprising insight and power Turn Your Vulnerability into a Strength: Tips for staying open and creating new opportunities Flex Your Empathy Muscles: Simple practices to help you feel across the aisle and disarm the situation Find Win-Wins: How curiosity and “micro-asks” help you get what you want About the Mentor: Everyone has something to sell. Phil M. Jones believes we can influence people and get results - all while maintaining our integrity. He’s made it his life’s work to demystify the decision-making process, reframe what it means to “sell” and share communications skills that empower confidence and immediately impact our bottom line. Author of five international best-selling books, and the youngest winner of the coveted “British Excellence in Sales and Marketing Award”, Phil helps leaders and rising stars around the world have brave conversations and get what they want.
©2019 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Charles' crazy wager paid off. After facing near annihilation, he managed to upend Nicos the warmonger and secure a new strip of land near the coast. With Tine growing steadily, he can now turn his attention to developing this new village and turning it into a new powerhouse. But as always, nothing ever goes as planned. For one, the borders of his new territory do not quite reach the water, so he cannot build a Seaport until he levels up his village. He cannot even access the resource tiles such as the fish, making this place completely depend on Tine for food. On top of that, Charles still needs to find a way to reinstate Tanders who's been chased away from Igithor by rival Henderson Aimes (with the help of the Silver Fools). One of the possible options is to recruit more Heroes to retake the guildhall, especially since his loyal wizard Alamander has yet to return from his secret leave. But to get access to those special units, he first needs to build a Hall of Heroes. And for that, he needs rare artifacts....
©2020 LitRPG Freaks (P)2021 Tantor

Listen to hilarious unabridged stories starring the ever-popular Jeeves and Wooster from the master of great British comedy: P. G. Wodehouse. Stories featured: "Jeeves Takes Charge", "Jeeves and The Unbidden Guest", "The Artistic Career of Corky", "The Aunt and the Sluggard", "Clustering Round Young Bingo", "Jeeves and the Hard-boiled Egg", and "The Rummy Affair of Old Biffy".
©2004 CSA Telltapes Ltd. (P)2004 CSA Telltapes Ltd.

The very young men who flew the B24s over Germany in World War II against terrible odds were an exemplary band of brothers. In The Wild Blue, Stephen Ambrose recounts their extraordinary brand of heroism, skill, daring, and comradeship. Ambrose describes how the Army Air Forces recruited, trained, and chose those few who would undertake the most demanding and dangerous jobs in the war. These are the boys - turned pilots, bombardiers, navigators, and gunners of the B24s - who suffered over 50 percent casualties. Ambrose carries us along in the crowded, uncomfortable, and dangerous B24s as their crews fought to the death through thick, black, deadly flak to reach their targets and destroy the German war machine or else went down in flames. Twenty-two-year-old George McGovern, who was to become a United States senator and a presidential candidate, flew 35 combat missions (all the Army would allow) and won the Distinguished Flying Cross. We meet him and his mates, his co-pilot killed in action, and crews of other planes - many of whom did not come back. As Band of Brothers and Citizen Soldiers portrayed the bravery and ultimate victory of the American soldier from Normandy on to Germany, The Wild Blue makes clear the contribution these young men of the Army Air Forces stationed in Italy made to the Allied victory.
©2001 Stephen E. Ambrose (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Excerpt: "Hello there. I am glad you're here. You are struggling with an OCPD spouse who is driving you crazy. You want to be carefree and spontaneous. But at home you are faced with demands, critiques, and rigidity. You want to have fun with your husband, but he just plain seems like a stubborn ox at times (or maybe all the time, depending upon how bad his symptoms are). "You may be wondering what qualifies me to write a book about OCPD marriage. I, my friend, am quite happily married to an OCPD'er. He is probably a little bit like your OCPD spouse because their traits are pretty similar. If I start to talk about him, it's likely things will start to feel a bit familiar for you. Your spouse doesn't have to have all of these traits, just some of them. "Please download our OCPD series of books in order to learn more about your spouse's disorder, the reason behind the disorder, and your choices when it comes to an OCPD marriage."
©2015 J.B. Snow (P)2015 J.B. Snow

Upon completing her first Big Night assignment of delivering coal to all the kids on the naughty list, coal elf Ember Skye thought all was well at the North Pole. She no longer has to slave away mining coal, and her arch-nemesis - the demonic and evil elf, Sturd - has seemingly been stripped of his power and relegated to obscurity. But you just can't keep a bad elf down. Sturd's accidental discovery of an ancient text sends him on a mission that may very well change life at the Pole as they all know it. His unexpected rise in power potentially could lead to unbridled chaos that would threaten the very existence of the Big Night, the North Pole, and even Claus himself. Return to the North Pole where Ember and all the coal elves will soon realize never to underestimate the corrupting temptation of unrivaled power. Unfortunately for them, it may be too late...
©2015 Twilight Times Books (P)2019 Maria DeVivo

Three very different women. Only one thing in common. But when their family patriarch dies and they must share his estate, the truths they discover will test them - and everything they think they know about each other. Beloved Georgia Judge Joseph Donaldson was known for his unshakable fairness, his hard-won fortune - and a scandalous second marriage to his much-younger White secretary. Now he's left a will with a stunning provision. In order to collect their inheritance, his lawyer daughter, Maya, her stepmother, Jeanie, and Jeanie's teen daughter, Ryder, must live together at the family lake house. Maya and Jeanie don't exactly get along, but they reluctantly agree to try an uneasy peace for as long as it takes.... But fragile ex-beauty queen Jeanie doesn't know who she is beyond being a judge's wife - and drinking away her insecurities has her in a dangerous downward spiral. Fed up with her mother's humiliating behavior, Ryder tries to become popular at school in all the wrong ways. And when Maya attempts to help, she puts her successful career and her shaky love life at risk. Now with trouble they didn't see coming - and secrets they can no longer hide - these women must somehow find the courage to admit their mistakes, see each other for who they really are - and slowly, perhaps even joyfully, discover everything they could be.
©2020 Sharina Harris (P)2020 Recorded Books

What do you get in the Baumgartners Box Set 2? The Baumgartners Plus One Letters to the Baumgartners Baumgarter Generations: Janie The Baumgartners Plus One When Danielle Stuart meets the Baumgartners, her life doesn't need to get any more complicated. Studying Italian on scholarship at the University of Michigan, Dani is haunted by a horrible tragedy that her husband, Mason, simply can't come to terms with. But when she meets Carrie Baumgartner and then her handsome husband, Doc, she finds her attraction to the couple irresistible, no matter how complicated things might get. While the two women bond over being childless and yet surrounded by children in the university's married housing complex, it's Doc Baumgartner who really brings them together with a game-changing idea that serves to reshape all of their lives. Letters to the Baumgartners Danielle Stuart is spending a year abroad studying in Venice, the most romantic place on earth. But while Danielle loves the language, she's not interested in love itself. Not until she meets a handsome Italian gondolier named Nico. He's got his eye on her, and Danielle simply can't resist his flirtatious charms. But when her ex-husband, Mason, shows up on her doorstep looking to reconcile, she finds herself with a dizzying dilemma. Finding herself torn between the two men, desperate Dani writes to her former lovers in hopes they might help her clarify her muddled emotions. Will the Baumgartners and their polyamorous insight give her the courage she needs to choose? Baumgartner Generations: Janie Janie Baumgartner has big dreams of trying to make it as a writer in New York, and between that and her job as a nanny, working for family friends Ronnie and TJ, her life is incredibly full. That's when she meets him. In spite of the compromising situation, Josh, who just happens to be an agent, sees great potential in her - and not just as an author. Josh finds Janie utterly irresistible, and he's the kind of man who aggressively pursues what he wants. But - plot twist - Janie is already in a complicated polyamorous relationship with her benefactors. What happens when she finally reveals this to Josh? Will she lose him? Will she be forced to make an impossible choice? Or will she find that the capacity for the human heart to love is indeed endless?
©2015 Selena Kitt (P)2015 Selena Kitt