"Peter Grieder has traveled from his home in the mountains of Europe and found inspiration among the great Himalayas. What unites the people that he met in Ladakh, Zanskar, Bhutan and Tibet is a remarkable sense of fortitude and contentment derived largely from a common culture rooted in Buddhism. One of the key elements of Buddhist teachings is the importance of the inner journey. No matter what external developments we may make in our world or what magnificent things we may see in it, without a corresponding inner development we will not find the happiness we ultimately seek. However, if each of us can journey within and develop a warm heart towards others and calm in our minds, there lies real hope for peace and joy in the world." (from the Foreword by the Dalai Lama)

This volume analyses the constructions and realities of childhood in Poland, c. 1050-1300 CE, by examining a range of texts and considering the ways in which children fit within textual frameworks and genres. These texts include two major chronicles, monastic sources, and hagiography related to five major saints. The textual sources are put into conversation with findings from archaeology. The author argues that certain common themes, such as assumed care for children, the need for education, and the puer senex trope do feature through most texts of any genre, and the book also explores how Poland was similar to and different from the situation in western Europe. See inside the book.

Wealth, Power, and Inequality in World History Vol. 2 features a unique global focus on political and economic affairs, demonstrating the close interaction between these two subjects throughout the course of world history. The text explores the ever-changing allocation of wealth and power both within individual societies and among different political entities, such as city-states, nations, and empires to the present day. This volume picks up where Vol. 1 left off, discussing the ways in which ruling elites have wielded wealth and power to increase their own privileges, suppress frequent internal revolts, and wage war against foreign entities. This volume begins with chapters that examine the empires of East and Central Asia from 645-1795, Muslim empires of Asia from 1300 to the 1760s, and political upheaval in the Atlantic world. Additional chapters address the early Industrial Revolution in England, industry and inequality, the rising American empire, the causes of World War II, the emergence of the Cold War, globalization and its discontents from 2000-2020, and more. Images, maps, and discussion questions throughout inspire student engagement and support the overall learning experience. Wealth, Power, and Inequality in World History Vol. 2 is the second installment in a two-book series. The books are well suited for introductory courses in world history.