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Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Social institutions > Customs & folklore
This book tells the story of my days in, and my love of, the fields
and countryside, starting when I was just a small lad, learning the
ways and the fine art of poaching. I am in my early fifties now,
with nearly a lifetime of experiences behind me. This book records
all of my antics, my escapades and closely-kept secrets. I tell all
the different ways of rabbit catching, plus many of the poaching
tricks I have mastered over those bygone years. In my opinion, it
is a book to be passed on down the generations, for the
up-and-coming young rabbiting lads who want to learn the fine art
of rabbit catching and mastering the art of growing wild moorland
heather up on the hill tops.
A powerfully poignant tale of one of the most turbulent moments in
Scotland's history: the North Berwick Witch Trials. IT'S THE 4TH OF
DECEMBER 1591. On this, the last night of her life, in a prison
cell several floors below Edinburgh's High Street, convicted witch
Geillis Duncan receives a mysterious visitor - Iris, who says she
comes from a future where women are still persecuted for who they
are and what they believe. As the hours pass and dawn approaches,
Geillis recounts the circumstances of her arrest, brutal torture,
confession and trial, while Iris offers support, solace - and the
tantalising prospect of escape. Hex is a visceral depiction of what
happens when a society is consumed by fear and superstition,
exploring how the terrible force of a king's violent crusade
against ordinary women can still be felt, right up to the present
day. 'This series has already produced two works of note and
distinction. It raises the question - if a country cannot re-tell
its history, will it be stuck forever in aspic and condemned to be
nothing more than a shortbread tin illustration? Hex and Rizzio are
showing the way towards a reckoning, and about time too' - Stuart
Kelly, Scotland on Sunday
Ku and Hina--man and woman--were the great ancestral gods of heaven
and earth for the ancient Hawaiians. They were life's fruitfulness
and all the generations of mankind, both those who are to come and
those already born. The Hawaiian gods were like great chiefs from
far lands who visited among the people, entering their daily lives
sometimes as humans or animals, sometimes taking residence in a
stone or wooden idol. As years passed, the families of gods grew
and included the trickster Maui, who snared the sun, and fiery Pele
of the volcano. Ancient Hawaiians lived by the animistic philosophy
that assigned living souls to animals, trees, stones, stars, and
clouds, as well as to humans. Religion and mythology were
interwoven in Hawaiian culture; and local legends and genealogies
were preserved in song, chant, and narrative. Martha Beckwith was
the first scholar to chart a path through the hundreds of books,
articles, and little-known manuscripts that recorded the oral
narratives of the Hawaiian people. Her book has become a classic
work of folklore and ethnology, and the definitive treatment of
Hawaiian mythology. With an introduction by Katherine Luomala.
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people. The French are
"different." You'll often hear this in conversations among the
"Anglo-Saxons," as the French like to call English-speakers.
"Different" means charming, challenging, questioning, stylish, and
doing things in their own way and to their own advantage. By
looking at the attitudes and values of the French, and explaining
how French life and business works, Culture Smart! France shows you
how to fit in as a foreigner. It gives practical advice on how to
avoid faux pas and how to behave in different contexts. It takes
you through French history, festivals, and traditions, and
describes the French at home and at work. Above all, it shows you
how the French communicate, and how to get the best out of this
idiosyncratic and brilliant people. Have a more meaningful and
successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local
culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life
will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette
and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and
avoid faux pas.
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