Michael Kerrigan

Temples have been places of worship, a focus for spirituality and a place for communities to gather since the earliest days of human civilisation. The first temples date back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, deriving from the cult of deities and residing places for gods and immortals. Today, temple buildings remain lively focal points for the Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Sikh religions. Organised by continent, Amazing Temples of the World offers the reader an intimate portrait of some spectacular and unusual places of worship dating from the fourth millennium BCE to the present. Ornate or spartan, immense or intimate, from the Middle East to California, this book features such impressive places of worship as the Mahabodi Temple, India, built in the location where Buddha is thought to have achieved enlightenment; the fifth century BCE Temple of Confucius in Qufu, China, the largest Confucian temple in the world; Abu Simbel, in southern Egypt, the great carved monument to the Pharaoh Ramses II; the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, the spiritual home of the world’s 25 million Sikhs; and the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, London, the biggest Hindu temple outside India. Illustrated with more than 180 photographs, Amazing Temples of the World includes more than 150 places of worship, from Ancient Greece and Rome, through traditional synagogues to modern Buddhist, Taoist and Sikh temples.

Symbols are all around us – some mysterious, some timeless, some arcane and some prosaic. But what are their origins? What does the infinity symbol really signify? Do you understand yin and yang? And why is the swastika really a good luck sign? This enticing gift book explores the world of classic symbols and signs, revealing the deep meaning and often quirky history behind each one. From the ouroboros and the ankh to the menorah, caduceus and astrological symbols, the book ranges widely across the world’s most recognised symbols. With one symbol per page, accompanied by a detailed explanation and history, and printed on high quality paper with a special binding, Classic Symbols is a unique and attractive book which will appeal to a broad range of readers, both as a gift and as a source for tattoo designs and other creative projects.

From a NATO nuclear attack on the Soviet Union to a Warsaw Pact land assault on Western Europe; from building an electric fence between North and South Vietnam to building a US base on the moon; it may all sound unlikely, but during the Cold War these operations and others were seriously considered by both sides. Cold War Plans That Never Happened tells the stories of some of the most secret and outrageous operations that were conceived, many of which would have changed the course of history; from the US plan to oust Guatemalan President Jacobo Arbenz and Chiang Kai Shek’s plans to re-invade China from Taiwan, to experiments in psychokinesis. On an entry-by-entry basis, this book explains the context of each planned operation and explores whether it might have been successful, and what the impact might have been if it had gone ahead. Arranged by continents, the book includes easy-to-read factboxes, informing the reader of the date, intended purpose and forces involved. In addition there are rare photographs and illustrations to demonstrate that these were real operations seriously considered by the planning staffs. Authoritatively written and with more than 250 colour and black-and-white photographs, maps and illustrations, Cold War Plans That Never Happened will prove fascinating to anyone interested in twentieth century history.

Best-kept Secrets of Hawaii presents this stunning American state, which sits in splendid isolation in the middle of the Pacific, well over 3,000 km (2,000 miles) from its nearest neighbour, in easily digestible sections, taking you on a trip around the key windward islands of the group – from verdant Kauai (‘The Garden Isle’), mountainous Maui (‘The Valley Isle’) and the big island of Hawaii (‘The Orchid Isle’), to sublime O‘ahu (‘The Gathering Place’), and the little gems of Lana‘i and Moloka‘i. Discover the superabundance of waterfalls, from Haleakala National Park’s striking Waimoku Falls to Wailuku River State Park’s picture-postcard Rainbow Falls; contrast the rocky red Waimea Canyon with the shimmering rain-drenched greenery of the state’s highest peak, Mount Wai‘ale‘ale; imagine yourself hiking among the steaming lushness of the Iao Valley or riding the rollers at top surfing spot Hamoa Beach; experience the peaceful beauty of Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden or the stark and volatile side of nature evinced by the active shield volcano Kilauea, one of many volcanoes that created the islands; soak up the cultural history of the Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park or revel in the modern yet idyllic city of Honolulu – the list is endless. The sheer variety inherent in these beautiful islands offers something for everyone.

This beautiful book, packed with stunning photographs, will take you on a pictorial journey through Alaska’s most magnificent landscapes. From the arctic north, with its glittering sea ice, frozen tundra and ethereal aurora borealis, to the lush rainforests and breathtaking fjordlands of the south, this is a country as diverse as it is immense. Take in the wild majesty of Denali National Park and its towering peaks, marvel at the blue-white glaciers of Glacier Bay and the untamed rivers of Alaska’s pristine Interior. Encounter the wind-battered coastlines of the Aleutian Islands, and the sheltered bays of the Kodiak Archipelago; embrace frontier spirit along its highways, railways and winding hiking trails. Uncover Alaska’s intriguing history through its onion-domed churches, Native villages, remote settlements and abandoned boomtowns. And if that was not enough, experience close encounters with some impressive Alaskan residents, including humpback whales, bears, caribou, moose, puffins, seals and more. Exploring sights both familiar and unexpected, natural and man-made, new and old, Best-kept Secrets of Alaska will introduce you to one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth.

Built to last, built to impress, built with style and grandeur – it is all the more remarkable when the most ostentatious of buildings fall into disrepair and become ruins. From imperial residences and aristocratic estates to hotels and urban mansions, Abandoned Palaces tells the stories behind dilapidated structures from all around the world. From ancient Roman villas to the French colonial hill station in Cambodia that was one of the final refuges of the Khmer Rouge, the book charts the fascinating decline of what were once the homes and holiday resorts of the most wealthy. Ranging from crumbling hotels in the Catskill Mountains or in Mozambique to grand mansions in Taiwan, and from an unfinished Elizabethan summerhouse to a modern megalomaniac’s estate too expensive ever to be completed, the reasons for the abandonment of these buildings include politics, bankruptcy, personal tragedies, natural and man-made disasters, as well as changing tastes and fashions. With 150 outstanding colour photographs exploring more than 100 hauntingly beautiful locations, Abandoned Palaces is a brilliant and moving pictorial examination of worlds we have left behind.

Ranging from the Egyptians to the late Roman Empire, Ancient Peoples In Their Own Words celebrates the excitement and importance of historical primary sources in an accessible way that will appeal to general readers. Presenting numerous ancient inscriptions from tombs, ceramics and buildings, accompanied by translations and text putting the work into context, this book explains the significance of these works both in the ancient world and for today. Besides famous cases such as the Egyptian Rosetta Stone and Tutankhamun’s Tomb as well as lesser known cases such as the Decree of Themistocles or examples or Roman graffiti, Ancient Peoples In Their Own Words also includes examples from classical Greece, Rome, Bible texts, Persia, Minoan and Mycenean dynasties, as well as a couple of mysterious, undeciphered cases. Illustrated throughout with more than 300 colour and black & white photographs, maps and artworks, Ancient Peoples In Their Own Words is an exciting, expertly written, highly informative and innovative insight to the history of the classical world.

While we know that Bletchley was the centre of Britainâ??s World War II code-breaking, how did its efforts actually change the course of the war? Enigma tells the story of Bletchleyâ??s role in assisting the Allied commanders to victory on the battlefield.

Paul Nash, the British landscape and Surrealist painter, lived through both the First and Second World Wars. His depictions of these human catastrophes, with their damaged landscapes and broken machinery are much remembered today. His painting life moved from representational landscapes, through to the Surrealist and symbolist styles of his later years where he experimented with abstraction and the everyday. He was regarded as a fine book illustrator and often created work for other graphic and theatrical forms. This new book offers 100 images, with an introduction to his art and contribution made by Nash to the cultural sophistication of the modern world.

A broken piano, a dilapidated staircase, a chair half standing on two bent legs surrounded by layers of history peeling from the wallpaper of an abandoned house. The chilling air of an abandoned church, or a desolated factory, with the faint signs of the human sounds now trapped in the detritus of lost interiors. In Michigan, in Italy, in Russia, Japan, in China, the lost dreams of a teaming human horde are captured in this evocative exploration of abandoned buildings, the achievements of humankind struck down by calamity or neglect, then over-run by the ancient forces of time and nature, as the planet earth moves slowly to regain its supremacy against the noisy, mechanical clatter of the human species. The incredible new book explores the half-life of abandoned buildings and the sad beauty of desolation.

Mount Fuji has been a source of inspiration and awe since ancient times, and artists have been reproducing its likeness since at least the 14th century, as it became a key motif in all aspects of Japanese culture. The 19th century Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of important artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige continued this reverence, creating series of beautiful images of landscape and society, with the mountain ever-present. With the slight relaxing of Japan's isolationist policies, artists discovered Western art and exploited its styles and perspectives, and, in turn, Western artists from Monet to van Gogh were influenced by the bold and distinctive print style, which filtered into their work. This gorgeous new book discusses the fascinating history of Fuji as featured in these prints, and reproduces numerous examples of the stunning and timeless artworks, some in their complete series.

According to Japanese mythology, the cosmos took form spontaneously from chaos. Lighter elements formed the abode of the gods, while heavier ones became the shapeless Earth. Many divinities emerged in these two realms, but the seventh celestial couple consisted of Izanagi and Izanami, a god and goddess whose destiny was to establish the sea-kissed islands of Japan in the unruly waters far below. These and many other tales are told in this book. Readers will gain a greater understanding and respect for the ancient culture and mythology of Japan.

The Essential Guide to Scottish History. Scotland has more history than you can shake a spurtle at, or a shinty stick, or a sporran – one of the many reasons for the nation’s newfound pride in its own glorious past. The richness of our history also explains why visitors find their trips to this land of contradictions so memorable: as stunning as our scenery is, there’s plenty of tradition and time capsules aplenty to explore on a rainy day. This handbook offers an inspirational resource for those who want to discover more about this land of Roman and Viking raids, the scene for epic battles, the historic home of the Enlightenment. From geological origins to the momentous Independence Referendum, this is the essential accessible guide to exploring Scotland’s history.

Gustav Klimt is renowned as a quintessential artist of the art nouveau movement, but he was one of a number of Viennese artists who strove to break free of the constraints of the late 19th Century academic art establishment. The Secessionists were united, not in the style of their work, but their desire for freedom, so although there are echoes of similarity in the work of Klimt, Schiele, Kolomon Moser and the many other fine artists, their distinction lies in their magnificent difference. This new illustrated book focuses on the rich diversity of the movement and offers a sumptuous gift of colour and glamour for every art lover.

Prior to the invention of the printing press, all books had to be written by hand. Manuscripts are the beautiful manifestation of this craft, and the most precious and expensive of such manuscripts were 'illuminated' through the use of brightly coloured pigments and gold embellishments. Beginning with a fresh and thoughtful introduction to illuminated manuscripts, Illuminated Manuscripts Masterpieces of Art goes on to showcase key works in this stunning artistic genre.

In 2014, Scotland decides. It's a difficult decision for the large number of folk who are as yet undecided, especially as there are so many arguments. Och aye! Ach, naw...is the perfect bluffer's guide to the debate. It offers a run-down of all the main pros and cons - on issues from the monarchy to money - in a fun and easy-to-understand way. There's even a voting card at the end of each chapter so that the indecisive voter can track their opinions. So whether you're for (Och aye!), or against (ach, naw), and especially if you're just not sure yet, this book will help you decide once and for all: should Scotland be in or out?

Henry James said, 'Paris is the greatest temple ever built to material joys and the lust of the eyes'. Renowned as the City of Light, Paris is celebrated for its beautiful city plan, its architecture, museums, bridges, cathedrals, parks, shopping, flea markets, sidewalk cafés, wide and luxurious boulevards, elegant cuisine, and numerous monuments. Once confined to an island in the middle of the river Seine, the Ile de la Cité, Paris, founded more than 2,000 years ago, quickly spread to both banks of the river – the 'rive droit' (right bank) and the 'rive gauche' (left bank). The right bank is known for being the commercial heart of the city while the left bank is home to the University of Paris and all that is intellectual and artsy. Paris has also been fêted for its aura of romance and mystery and has been the setting for many novels (The Americans, The Three Musketeers and the Maigret stories) and movies (Last Tango in Paris, Ratatouille). This gorgeous new book in the successful Secrets series is divided into several geographical sections, from the Louvre and Champs Élysées, via Les Halles, Le Marais and Bastille, to Montmartre and beyond. It’s a brilliant read for the armchair traveller and everyone interested in the history and the mysteries of the great cities of the world.

Is it possible to 'send' thoughts into someone else's brain? Can random number generators predict future events? Why does a placebo work like a drug? Might our minds be components of a universal collective consciousness? Astonishingly, the answer to more than one of these questions might be 'yes'. The same goes for many more, every bit as fantastical-sounding. Such questions about the human psyche have inspired thinkers in the field of noetics to attempt to understand the individual mind and spirit and the collective consciousness in a remarkable range of new and amazing ways. Even in this age of neurological discovery, the mind is still largely uncharted territory. What if there is more to the power of thought than we have yet realised? Do these views represent a paradigm shift? Are we on the verge of a radically new way of looking at the world? Or are noetic scientists no more than charlatans or naifs? This enthralling introduction to a fascinating and relatively new field takes in an extraordinary breadth of topics, from well-established phenomena like the placebo effect and brainwashing to the possible effects of a global collective consciousness. Even-handed in its approach, it sifts fact from fantasy-and fraud-casting a searching, no-nonsense light into some of the most shadowy corners of contemporary thought. Whilst encompassing the ideas of the greatest minds in Western intellectual and scientific history-Aristotle, Descartes, Newton, Einstein and more-it ventures far beyond the confines of that tradition to address Eastern thought and other ways of knowing. Offering a unique tour through the mysteries of the mind as far as they are currently known, it also explores some of the enigmas that might conceivably be unlocked in the near future.