In this book, McMahon considers Early Modern revenge plays from a political science perspective, paying particular attention to the construction of family and state institutions. Plays set for close study are The Spanish Tragedy, Hamlet, The Revenger's Tragedy, The Malcontent and The Duchess of Malfi. The plays are read as unique events occupying positions in historical process concerning the privatisation of the family (by means of symbolism and concrete household strategies such as budgeting and surveillance) and the subsequent appropriation of the family and its methods by the state. The effect is that family becomes an unofficial organ of the state. This process, however, also involves the reform of the state along lines demanded by the private family. McMahon's critical method, derived from the theory of Bourdieu, Bataille, and Girard, maps capital transactions to reveal emotionally charged, often idiosyncratic responses to issues of shared concern. Such issues include state corruption, the management of women, the performance of roles according to gender, the uses of surveillance, and the ethics of sacrifice.

In this book, McMahon considers Early Modern revenge plays from a political science perspective, paying particular attention to the construction of family and state institutions. Plays set for close study are The Spanish Tragedy, Hamlet, The Revenger 's Tragedy, The Malcontent and The Duchess of Malfi. The plays are read as unique events occupying positions in historical process concerning the privatisation of the family (by means of symbolism and concrete household strategies such as budgeting and surveillance) and the subsequent appropriation of the family and its methods by the state.

The effect is that family becomes an unofficial organ of the state. This process, however, also involves the reform of the state along lines demanded by the private family. McMahon 's critical method, derived from the theory of Bourdieu, Bataille, and Girard, maps capital transactions to reveal emotionally charged, often idiosyncratic responses to issues of shared concern. Such issues include state corruption, the management of women, the performance of roles according to gender, the uses of surveillance, and the ethics of sacrifice.

The Jakirian series is Heroic Fantasy set on the world of Yos, with unique ecology and twin suns, where all metal is magical and control of magic is the basis for power. Hard-edged. Inspiring. The Jakirian features gritty, fast-paced action. The setting includes fantastical magical artefacts such as glowmetals; ceramic weapons and an array of new creatures. The characters travel through both urban and rural landscapes, where a depth of history and a layering of cultures gives texture. The Jakirian's strong themes of Heroic Fantasy would appeal to readers of David Gemmell, Joe Abercrombie or Stan Nicholls. In The Calvanni, first of the epic series, the cavern-dwelling Eathal have emerged to wreak their vengeance on mankind. The fate of innocent thousands rests on finding the Scion - lost heir to the fallen Empire. The Temple has outlawed the ancient practice of Sorcery. Its Druids dominate religious and secular power, but are ill-equipped to resist an unknown evil once contained by the Emperors. The Jakirian series comprises three books - The Calvanni, Scytheman and Sorcerer. They follow Cedrin and Ellen as they face deeper and more hidden threats. Pursuing them is Raziin, a vicious renegade who seeks to claim the ultimate power of the Spear of Carris for himself. Eventually they must face a final challenge as the most ancient secrets that bind their three bloodlines are revealed. The Calvanni has attracted readers of all kinds, including readers who, up until now, had never read books from the Fantasy genre. The Jakirian series has given McMahon the room to explore his unique world and to convey to readers the richness of his flavour of heroic fantasy.

The Jakirian series is Heroic Fantasy set on the world of Yos, with unique ecology and twin suns, where all metal is magical and control of magic is the basis for power. Hard-edged. Inspiring. The Jakirian features gritty, fast-paced action. The setting includes fantastical magical artefacts such as glowmetals; ceramic weapons and an array of new creatures. The characters travel through both urban and rural landscapes, where a depth of history and a layering of cultures gives texture. The Jakirian's strong themes of Heroic Fantasy would appeal to readers of David Gemmell, Joe Abercrombie or Stan Nicholls. Following on from events in The Calvanni, the city of Raynor is now in turmoil. False-Scion Osterac has declared himself heir to the fallen Empire and his supporters riot on the streets. Legions of non-human Eathal advance across the continent, destroying all in their path. The future of Yos lies in the balance and only the Scion can unite the shattered fragments of the fallen Empire. Pursued by the renegade Sorcerer Raziin, Cedrin and Ellen struggle to stay alive on a lawless continent torn by war. They are drawn toward a lethal contest for the awesome power of the Spear of Carris, where the identity of the true Scion will be revealed. The Jakirian series comprises three books - The Calvanni, Scytheman and Sorcerer. They follow Cedrin and Ellen as they face deeper and more hidden threats. Pursuing them is Raziin, a vicious renegade who seeks to claim the ultimate power of the Spear of Carris for himself. Eventually they must face a final challenge as the most ancient secrets that bind their three bloodlines are revealed. The Calvanni has attracted readers of all kinds, including readers who, up until now, had never read books from the fantasy genre. The Jakirian series has given McMahon the room to explore his unique world and to convey to readers the richness of his flavour of heroic Fantasy.

The Jakirian series is Heroic Fantasy set on the world of Yos, with unique ecology and twin suns, where all metal is magical and control of magic is the basis for power. Hard-edged. Inspiring. The Jakirian features gritty, fast-paced action. The setting includes fantastical magical artefacts such as glowmetals; ceramic weapons and an array of new creatures. The characters travel through both urban and rural landscapes, where a depth of history and a layering of cultures gives texture. The Jakirian's strong themes of Heroic Fantasy would appeal to readers of David Gemmell, Joe Abercrombie or Stan Nicholls. Following on from events in Scytheman, Cedrin, newly declared heir to the fallen Bulvuran Empire, travels north with his small but fiercely loyal court. Ellen, disinherited heir to the throne of Athria, by his side. Having thwarted renegade Sorcerer Raziin's plan to seize the Spear of Carris, they must travel to the Caverns of Ranmyden to claim it. Ancient forces awaken, intent on possessing the Spear's ultimate power. The Behemoth - a malign spirit - seeks to control it through its chosen wielder Raziin. The hidden temple of Annan-Ac places powerful agents in Cedrin's entourage, while the last of the Jakir order, whose power was broken by the Spear in antiquity, want it destroyed at all costs. If Cedrin can survive the forces arrayed against him he must make the final choice - destroy Raziin or use the power of the Spear to save Yos. The Jakirian series comprises three books - The Calvanni, Scytheman and Sorcerer. They follow Cedrin and Ellen as they face deeper and more hidden threats. Pursuing them is Raziin, a vicious renegade who seeks to claim the ultimate power of the Spear of Carris for himself. Eventually they must face a final challenge as the most ancient secrets that bind their three bloodlines are revealed. The Jakirian series has attracted readers of all kinds, including readers who, up until now, had never read books from the fantasy genre. The series has given McMahon the room to explore his unique world and to convey to readers the richness of his flavour of heroic Fantasy.

Jamie Wakefield had achieved everything he always wanted. He was happy. He was bored. Then he met Wendy, a woman from his past, now living in Spain. Though he had never even wanted to leave Vermont, Jamie followed his new love to a new country. And found exactly what he needed and never knew he wanted. This is Jamie's humorous and moving description of his soul's rebirth and his breathless wonder at this new world. He takes us along as he discovers that Europeans, in fact, aren't just like Americans. That fish eyes, goose barnacles, and octopus are actually delicious. He shares the complete agony of learning Spanish at forty-one, his awe at the grand and ancient scale of European architecture, and his amazement at falling in love with the drama of a tiny man staring down a twelve hundred pound bull. From the back cover: "Do you know they eat babies in Europe? Yeah, every chance they get. Suckling goat, suckling pig, suckling lamb, you name it, if it's on its mother's teat they can't wait to pull it off and roast it over a roaring fire. Do you know what it's like to have a two-hundred pound cow, with horns, slam into your knees and throw you over its back completely ignoring the cape you're waving in front of it? Because I do, and let me tell you, that is not the fun part of a capea. Do you know the patron saint of Segovia looks just like Gandalf and turned back advancing Moors intent on attacking the city by drawing a line in the sand with his staff and shouting "You shall not pass "? You may also be amazed to know that if you accidentally create a six foot high flame in your barbeque and Madrid firemen in full gear climb four flights to your apartment and find no fire (called in by two neighbors) they will not fine you but actually compliment you on how well the steak is cooked?"