This is a fascinating volume that uses illustrated manuscripts to gain a unique insight into the gardens of the Renaissance. Whether part of a grand villa or an extension of a common kitchen, gardens in the Renaissance were planted and treasured in all reaches of society. Illuminated manuscripts of the period offer a glimpse into how people at the time pictured, used, and enjoyed these idyllic green spaces. Drawn from a wide range of works in the Getty Museum's permanent collection, this gorgeously illustrated volume explores gardens on many levels, from the literary Garden of Love and the biblical Garden of Eden to courtly gardens of the nobility, and reports on the many activities - both reputable and scandalous - that took place there.

"Ask the beast and it will teach thee, and the birds of heaven and they will tell thee." -Job 12:7 In the Middle Ages, the bestiary achieved a popularity second only to that of the Bible. In addition to being a kind of encyclopedia of the animal kingdom, the bestiary also served as a book of moral and religious instruction, teaching human virtues through a portrayal of an animal's true or imagined behavior. In A Jewish Bestiary, Mark Podwal revisits animals, both real and mythical, that have captured the Jewish imagination through the centuries. Originally published in 1984 and called "broad in learning and deep in subtle humor" by the New York Times, this updated edition of A Jewish Bestiary features new full-color renderings of thirty-five creatures from Hebraic legend and lore. The illustrations are accompanied by entertaining and instructive tales drawn from biblical, talmudic, midrashic, and kabbalistic sources. Throughout, Podwal combines traditional Jewish themes with his own distinctive style. The resulting juxtaposition of art with history results in a delightful and enlightening bestiary for the twenty-first century. From the ant to the ziz, herein are the creatures that exert a special force on the Jewish fancy.

Find Your Way to Pennsylvania's Most Beautiful Waterfalls Waterfalls create a feeling of serenity, a sense of restrained power. Their grandeur takes our breath away. Their gentle sounds complement periods of meditation. Let award-winning photographer and creator of Pennsylvania's most read travel blog Jim Cheney guide you to more than 180 of the top-ranked waterfalls in the state. Your bucket list should include these gorgeous locales that decorate Pennsylvania's landscape. The waterfalls are organized geographically and ranked by beauty. Entries include all the information you need, like directions, distance, and hike difficulty, as well as details about each waterfall, such as height, width, and the best time of year to visit. Not-to-miss sights and nearby activities are also called out, so you can make the most of every outing. Plus, Jim's incomparable photography makes this guidebook worthy of any coffee table. From the towering falls of the Poconos to the scenic gems of the Laurel Highlands and everywhere in between, experience them all with this wonderful guidebook. These natural wonders prove that the Keystone State is home to some of the most picturesque sites in America!