In Folklore Figures of French and Creole Louisiana, Nathan J. Rabalais examines the impact of Louisiana's remarkably diverse cultural and ethnic groups on folklore characters and motifs during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Establishing connections between Louisiana and France, West Africa, Canada, and the Antilles, Rabalais explores how folk characters, motifs, and morals adapted to their new contexts in Louisiana. By viewing the state's folklore in the light of its immigration history, he demonstrates how folktales can serve as indicators of sociocultural adaptation as well as contact among cultural communities. In particular, he examines the ways in which collective traumas experienced by Louisiana's major ethnic groups-slavery, the grand d? (R)rangement, linguistic discrimination-resulted in fundamental changes in these folktales in relation to their European and African counterparts. Rabalais points to the development of an altered moral economy in Cajun and Creole folktales. Conventional heroic qualities, such as physical strength, are subverted in Louisiana folklore in favor of wit and cunning. Analyses of Black Creole animal tales like those of Bouki et Lapin and Tortie demonstrate the trickster hero's ability to overcome both literal and symbolic entrapment through cleverness. Some elements of Louisiana's folklore tradition, such as the rougarou and cauchemar, remain an integral presence in the state's cultural landscape, apparent in humor, popular culture, regional branding, and children's books. Through its adaptive use of folklore, French and Creole Louisiana will continue to retell old stories in innovative ways as well as create new stories for future generations.

This book explores how women's relationship with food has been represented in Italian literature, cinema, scientific writings and other forms of cultural expression from the 19th century to the present. Italian women have often been portrayed cooking and serving meals to others, while denying themselves the pleasure of the table. The collection presents a comprehensive understanding of the symbolic meanings associated with food and of the way these intersect with Italian women's socio-cultural history and the feminist movement. From case studies on Sophia Loren and Elena Ferrante, to analyses of cookbooks by Italian chefs, each chapter examines the unique contribution Italian culture has made to perceiving and portraying women in a specific relation to food, addressing issues of gender, identity and politics of the body.

The Court and the Country (1969) offers a fresh view and synthesis of the English revolution of 1640. It describes the origin and development of the revolution, and gives an account of the various factors - political, social and religious - that produced the revolution and conditioned its course. It explains the revolution primarily as a result of the breakdown of the unity of the governing class around the monarchy into the contending sides of the Court and the Country. A principal theme is the formation within the governing class of an opposition movement to the Crown. The role of Puritanism and of the towns is examined, and the resistance to Charles I is considered in relation to other European revolutions of the period.

The community development profession: issues, concepts and approaches is an informative resource for students and practitioners of community-based development as it faces the stumbling blocks of a new professionalism. Authors Professors Frik de Beer and Hennie Swanepoel introduce and debate the relevant issues, concepts and approaches, and their evolution, interpretation and application in the field of development. Based on an extensive literature study, the book argues that some more recently evolved approaches can be traced to a "community development" origin, with possible pitfalls of marginalisation and disempowerment in the hands of powerful people. De Beer and Swanepoel also discuss issues such as the origin and history of community development from an international and South African perspective; community development principles, policy, ethics, institutions and training; community development project management and evaluation; the integrated development programme (IDP); all aspects of participatory planning, local economic development, and sustainability; the important role played by government and NGOs. Lecturers will benefit from the questions for reflection and discussion, a reading list per theme and a glossary for second-language users, all of which are included in each chapter.

Culture is one of the most important elements for explaining individuals' behaviors within the social structure. It meets the various social needs of members of a society by directing how individuals must react to various events and how to act in specific circumstances. A planned and systematic process is required for disseminating this cultural accumulation as a policy, which is produced collectively by all members within their everyday life practices. The Handbook of Research on Examining Cultural Policies Through Digital Communication provides emerging research on this aspect of cultural policy, which is formed within the framework of this systematic process in a strategic manner and can be defined as various activities of the state intended for art, human sciences, and cultural inheritance. Creating such cultural policies involves the establishment of measures and organizations required for the development of each individual, providing economic and social facilities, all of which are actions intended for directing society. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as long-distance education, digital citizenship, and public diplomacy, this book is ideally designed for academicians, researchers, advanced-level students, sociologists, international and national organizations, and government officials.

Controversial poetry played a crucial role in dealing with religious, political, and scholarly conflicts from 1400 until 1625. This volume analyses roles and functions of Latin, Italian, Dutch, German, Scots, and Hungarian poetry in specific historical controversies. A media theory of poetical impact is proposed by Franz-Josef Holznagel and Dieuwke van der Poel. Levente Selaf, Philipp Steinkamp, and Guillaume van Gemert examine the genres sung in wars, and in rulers' controversies. Judith Kessler, Dirk Coigneau, Juliette Groenland, and Regina Toepfer analyse how female and male rhetoricians and humanists use verse in religious, municipal, and educational conflicts. Signe Rotter-Broman, Samuel Pakucs Willcocks, and Alasdair A. MacDonald explain how reception strategies can shape cultural and political identities. Controversial Poetry 1400-1625 diskutiert den entscheidenden Einfluss von Controversial Poetry, Kontrovers-Dichtung, in Konflikten zwischen 1400 und 1625. Dafur werden die Rollen und Funktionen lateinischer, italienischer, niederlandischer, deutscher, schottischer und ungarischer Dichtung in konkreten historischen Kontroversen analysiert. Eine Medientheorie der Beeinflussung durch Dichtung entwerfen Franz-Josef Holznagel and Dieuwke van der Poel. Levente Selaf, Philipp Steinkamp, and Guillaume van Gemert untersuchen verschiedene Gattungen gesungener Politik in Kriegen und Auseinandersetzungen von Herrschern. Judith Kessler, Dirk Coigneau, Juliette Groenland und Regina Toepfer analysieren, wie weibliche und mannliche rederijkers und Humanisten Verse in konfessionellen, stadtischen und Bildungs-Konflikten verwenden. Signe Rotter-Broman, Samuel Pakucs Willcocks und Alasdair MacDonald erklaren, wie Rezeptions-Strategien kulturelle und politische Identitaten gestalten koennen.

The Enigma of Justice: Freedom and Morality in the Work of Immanuel Kant, G.W.F Hegel, Agnes Heller, and Axel Honneth offers a novel perspective on the idea of justice. Claire Nyblom argues that justice is a cultural and historical constant, routinely summoned as if it were a foundational concept to legitimate or challenge social arrangements. Instead, justice is characterized by a plurality of theories, containing regulative and critical dimensions that are in tension. Nyblom argues that the categorical imperative can be positioned as a strong evaluative standard that mediates plurality, creating a revisable idea of justice resistant to relativism. After identifying the originating architecture of Immanuel Kant and G.W.F Hegel, the discussion engages with the work of Agnes Heller and Axel Honneth, using the "pivots of justice" as an analytic lens focused on commonalities rather than differences. This framework leads to a dialogue between Heller and Honneth that strengthens their respective positions. The Enigma of Justice provides a valuable study and insight into the contemporary nature of justice. The book provides a useful orientation for students and scholars interested in debates about justice, and to those working in the areas of European philosophy, social and political theory, sociology, and the law.

Cromwell and Communism (1930) examines the English revolution against the absolute monarchy of Charles I. It looks at the economic and social conditions prevailing at the time, the first beginnings of dissent and the religious and political aims of the Parliamentarian side in the revolution and subsequent civil war. The various sects are examined, including the Levellers and their democratic, atheistic and communistic ideals.

The Cultural Politics of Food, Taste, and Identity examines the social, cultural, and political processes that shape the experience of taste. The book positions flavor as involving all the senses, and describes the multiple ways in which taste becomes tied to local, translocal, glocal, and cosmopolitan politics of identity. Global case studies are included from Japan, China, India, Belize, Chile, Guatemala, the United States, France, Italy, Poland and Spain. Chapters examine local responses to industrialized food and the heritage industry, and look at how professional culinary practice has become foundational for local identities. The book also discusses the unfolding construction of "local taste" in the context of sociocultural developments, and addresses how cultural political divides are created between meat consumption and vegetarianism, innovation and tradition, heritage and social class, popular food and authenticity, and street and restaurant food. In addition, contributors discuss how different food products-such as kimchi, quinoa, and Soylent-have entered the international market of industrial and heritage foods, connecting different places and shaping taste and political identities.

This first and only English translation of Rong Xinjiang's The Silk Road and Cultural Exchanges Between East and West is a collection of 28 papers on the history of the Silk Road and the interactions among the peoples and cultures of East and Central Asia, including the so-called Western Regions in modern-day Xinjiang. Each paper is a masterly study that combines information obtained from historical records with excavated materials, such as manuscripts, inscriptions and artefacts. The new materials primarily come from north-western China, including sites in the regions of Dunhuang, Turfan, Kucha, and Khotan. The book contains a wealth of original insights into nearly every aspect of the complex history of this region.

How are cultural identities, values and traditions challenged, appropriated and negotiated? What does 'being secure' mean? Is 'soft power' merely a continuation of imperialism? The Handbook of Cultural Security heightens our awareness of the interplay between 'culture' and 'society' in the age of globalization, and explores the emerging concept of cultural security. With chapters from leading experts providing case studies from across the world this timely and unique Handbook examines the relationship between society, culture, and security in a globalizing world. Providing a diverse examination of the topic, the contributors emphasise the role of 'non traditional' security and seek to define what 'being secure' means across a broad number of contexts. Chapters cover topics ranging from the politics of radical Islam, the global spread of gated communities, and cultures of security and surveillance to discussions of the concept soft power; the forms it takes, and the impacts of 'exporting' culture. This Handbook provides a platform for future debate in both academic and policy fields, and as such will be of interest for both students of public and social policy, international relations, and politics, as well as those engaged in shaping policy in these areas. Contributors include: A. Akerlund, A. Anderson, A. Anisman, A. Azra, B.K. Blitz, E. Brogi, C. Ceniza Choy, A. Clarke, E. Eken, P. Gielen, J.L. Graves Jr., J. Guetzkow, F. Hartig, C.B. Huat, F. Izadi, J. Lai, G. Lee, A. Manguvo, O. McIvor, T. Monahan, M. Nyanungo, J. Pamment, A. Pande, S. Pandey, P.L. Parcu, A. Richter, J. Ruan, H. Saghaye-Biria, E. Sevin, S.J. Son, G. Sun, C. Webster, M. Wieviorka, A. Wojciuk, Y. Watanabe

This high-quality collectible replica of Harry Potter's Hogwarts trunk from the Harry Potter films includes a keepsake box, wand pen, interactive journal, enamel pin, Marauder's Map and more! A perfect gift for fans of the Wizarding World. Kit includes: * SPECIFICATIONS: This deluxe collectible includes a replica of Harry Potter's Hogwarts trunk measuring 12 inches long by 6-3/4 inches wide by 3-3/4 inches high, complete with a journal, Harry's wand-pen, a chocolate frog enamel pin, replicas of Harry Potter's Hogwarts acceptance letter, train ticket on the Hogwarts Express, Marauder's map, and ticket to a Quidditch match * AUTHENTIC REPLICA: This trunk is a molded replica of Harry Potter's trunk used for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry * KEEPSAKE TRUNK: Full-color printed box modeled on the trunk seen in the Harry Potter films featuring two metal closing locks and handle, to transport anywhere * JOURNAL INCLUDED: Record your magical thoughts in this Hogwarts-themed journal, measuring 4-1/4 inches by 7 inches, complete with quotes, writing prompts, and photos throughout * PERFECT PRESENT: This one-of-a kind, ultra-deluxe, Wizarding World kit is a perfect gift or self-purchase for the Potter fan or collector * OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Authentic Harry Potter Collectible

Governance is central to mass prosperity since it affects both the prospects for enhanced and sustained income growth as well as non-income indicators of human development. This volume, edited by Anil Deolalikar, Shikha Jha and Pilipinas Quising, puts together cogent and well-rounded analyses by leading scholars on this topic and hence provides an in-depth and prescient perspective on governance in the Asia-Pacific countries. As such, this is an invaluable contribution and will be welcomed by academics and students as well as policymakers.' - Raghbendra Jha, Australian National University'This is an outstanding set of essays on the state of, and changes in, public services in developing Asia, paying particular attention to evidence and lessons and examining the role that governance and citizen empowerment can play in improving public service delivery. The themes cover the complex relationship between governance and economic development; the delivery of public services as the face of governance; and the role of empowerment in improving the delivery of public services. Each chapter, written by an acknowledged expert, offers an insightful review of the debates and evidence, and a meticulous distillation of policy implications. A tour de force that will be indispensable for both policymakers and scholars in this field.' - Raghav Gaiha, University of Delhi, India Governance in Developing Asia is one of the first books of its kind to provide an overview of the role that better governance and citizen empowerment can play in improving public service delivery in developing Asia. The World Development Report 2004 set a framework for public service delivery in terms of the short and long roads to accountability of service providers to citizens. More than a decade on, this important book revisits the issue and departs from the WDR framework, highlighting its shortcomings and offering alternative solutions. The contributors present fresh evidence on the relationship between governance and development outcomes, including growth and indicators of living standards. They argue that the Asia-Pacific region must do better in delivering essential public services if it wishes to continue improving the quality of life for millions of its people. They show how the quantity and quality of public services in a country can be improved if the government actively solicits citizen involvement in service delivery. Researchers and students of public policy and Asian studies will find this to be a useful read. Public policymakers and practitioners in government and non-government agencies will draw important lessons from the issues raised and solutions proposed in this book. Contributors: Y. Aiyar, B. Babajanian, S. Bhatnagar, G. Brosio, J.J. Capuno, J. de Ree, A.B. Deolalikar, X. Han, S. Jha, H.A. Khan, M. Pradhan, M.G Quibria, P.F. Quising, K. Sen, M. Walton, Z. Zhuang

In pre-Revolutionary War America, libraries were member-driven collections for the elite; it was not until 1790 that Benjamin Franklin helped to establish the first public lending library. Throughout the subsequent centuries the library has evolved, but always remained central to the cultural life of the nation. Thomas R. Schiff 's photographs trace the history of the library through aesthetic and style while featuring legendary architects such as Charles F. McKim; Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge; and I. M. Pei. The Library Book beautifully captures the shifting architectural styles and missions of the library in sweeping 360-degree panoramas-from the very earliest American libraries to the modernist masterpieces of Louis I. Kahn and others. In his introductory essay, acclaimed author and library lover Alberto Manguel considers the story of the library in America, its evolving architecture and cultural role, and how the American model reflects the archetypal idea of the universal library. Including brief descriptions of each unique library, this book brings bibliophiles into one hundred libraries across the nation.