Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

A discourse on time, gravity, and the universe that takes the reader through the subtleties of time, the origin of the universe, and physical evolution in Einstein's theory and its extensions. Can time and causality remain fundamental when the classical ideal of spacetime becomes a concept of limited applicability in quantum gravity? A thorough exposition on the canonical framework of Einstein's theory and its extensions reveals the synergy between gravitation and the cosmic clock of our expanding universe that renders time concrete, physical, and comprehensible. In conjunction with a paradigm shift from four-covariance to just spatial diffeomorphism invariance, causal time-ordering of the quantum state of the universe and its evolution in cosmic time become meaningful. The quantum state of the universe is the embodiment of our shared past, present, and future. The advocated framework prompts natural extensions and improvements to Einstein's theory. A salient feature is the addition of a Cotton-York term to the physical Hamiltonian. Besides bringing improved ultraviolet convergence, this radically changes the solution to the initial data problem and the quantum origin of the universe. It lends support to the quantum beginning of the universe as an exact Chern-Simons Hartle-Hawking state that features Euclidean-Lorentzian instanton tunneling. A signature of this state is that it manifests, at the lowest order approximation, scale-invariant two-point correlation function for transverse-traceless quantum metric fluctuations. This initial quantum state also implies, at the level of expectation values, a low-entropy hot smooth Robertson-Walker beginning that is in accord with Penrose's Weyl Curvature Hypothesis. Consequently, the gravitational arrow of time of increasing spatial volume and the thermodynamic second law arrow of time of increasing entropy concur as our universe expands and ages.

Known as a "pianist's composer," Chopin's love, passion and devotion to piano music resulted in more than 200 compositions. This collection contains the more accessible pieces which still have vivid melodies and lush harmonies. The Alfred Masterwork CD Editions conveniently combine each exceptional volume with a professionally recorded CD that is sure to inspire artistic performances.
Pianist Valery Lloyd-Watts studied at the Conservatory of Music in Toronto and the Royal College of Music in London. She earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin, where she studied with Paul Badura-Skoda. She co-authored the text Studying Suzuki Piano: More than Music, which was endorsed by Dr. Suzuki.

Known as a "pianist's composer," Chopin's love, passion and devotion to piano music resulted in over 200 compositions. This collection contains the more accessible pieces which still have vivd melodies and lush harmonies.

1. While previous books have offered social work perspectives or research on the victims of such crimes, this is the first to offer a criminological typology of the offenders. 2. This book connects academic research to practice, considering the implications for law enforcement, investigation and prevention.

A painstakingly researched edition of all of the mazurkas presently known to be authentic works of Chopin; 57 in all. The mazurka, a Polish national dance in triple meter, was first introduced to the realm of art music by Chopin. The works in this collection have been carefully edited from the original manuscripts and from the first German, French and English editions.

Kate Chopin's startling portrayal of Edna Pontellier, a young, upper-class woman who rejects her duties as a wife and mother, shocked readers upon its release in 1899. In lyrical and impressionistic prose, Chopin conveys "a part of female experience that had never before been acknowledged" (Barbara Kingsolver) -the inner turmoil of a young woman unable to find a way of living in the world that accommodates the person she has discovered herself to be. Its unflinching truth continues to resonate with readers even now, cementing The Awakening as Chopin's most famous and influential work.

This is the first paperback edition to bring out in one volume Kate Chopin's extraordinary novel The Awakening (1899), along with the complete text of her two collections of short stories, Bayou Folk (1894) and A Night in Acadie (1897), and twelve uncollected tales. The Awakening is a strikingly modern, evocative story of self-discovery and female emancipation, set in the sensuous environment of Southern Louisiana, where the young Edna Pontellier reclaims her own individuality, refusing to be defined by her roles of wife and mother. Chopin's stories are brilliantly observed, compassionate and often humorous, alert to the foibles, weaknesses and small triumphs of her characters. Overshadowed by the relatively recent fame of The Awakening, they contain some of the best work of this remarkably original author.

1. While previous books have offered social work perspectives or research on the victims of such crimes, this is the first to offer a criminological typology of the offenders. 2. This book connects academic research to practice, considering the implications for law enforcement, investigation and prevention.

Written in the late Victorian era, The Awakening features a young woman who flings aside the norms of society and rejects her role as wife and mother. She abandons her family for a hedonistic and contrarian lifestyle before eventually committing suicide. The novel deals with the issues of interracial marriage and contains passages of overt sexuality, both of which contributed to the widespread outcry upon its original publication in 1899. Today it is seen as a portent of the future and admired for its direct and naturalistic style. Flame Tree 451 presents a new series, The Foundations of Feminist Fiction. The early 1900s saw a quiet revolution in literature previously dominated by male adventure heroes. Both men and women moved beyond the norms of the male gaze to write from a different gender perspective, sometimes with female protagonists, but also expressing the universal freedom to write on any subject whatsoever. Each book features a brand new biography and a glossary of literary terms.

First appearing in 1899 The Awakening is regarded as work presaging both feminist fiction and literary modernism. The author's clear vision of a woman's internal and external conflicts continue to demand engagement and response from readers. The Awakening follows Edna Pontellier as she recognizes and attempts to deal with her confining lot as a woman and mother in the 19th century American South. Torn between traditional roles and an inchoate desire for independence and a more passionate life, she faces more than one difficult choice, leading to a grim reckoning. Initially receiving a mixed critical reception, including much condemnation for its frank depiction of adultery, the novel has gone on to be recognized as both a classic piece of fiction and a groundbreaking work of women's realism. The poignant portrayal of the protagonist attempting to determine her true feminine identity makes this one of the first novels willing to openly confront women's issues, to make clear that traditional roles could be limiting and to legitimatize an emotional life that transcended society's boundaries. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Awakening is both modern and readable.

Edna is an obedient wife and mother vacationing at Grand Isle with her family. While there, however, Edna become close to a young man named Robert Lebrun, but before they act on their mutual romantic interest in each other Robert leaves for Mexico. Edna is lonely without his companionship, and meets the attractive rake Alcee Arobin. Instead of spending her days concerned with household matters, Edna pursues her interest in painting. Rather than depending financially on her husband, Edna moves into a house of her own. By the time Robert returns, professing his love for Edna and his desire to marry her, Edna no longer believes in the limitations of traditional marriage. What will she choose instead? Is it possible to be a free woman and be responsible for the needs of others?

Some of Chopin's best-loved works are contained in this volume. More advanced than 14 of His Easiest Piano Selections, familiar preludes, waltzes and mazurkas are joined by "Fantaisie-Impromptu," "Etude in E Major" and "Polonaise in A Major." This versatile collection could be used over the span of several years as a student's facility develops. Helpful biographical and historical materials are provided for each work. Also included is an outstanding CD recording from the Naxos label by internationally renowned artist Idil Biret. She has made more than 70 recordings and has received numerous awards including: Lily Boulanger Memorial, Boston; Harriet Cohen - Dinu Lipatti gold medal, London; Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite, France; State Artist, Turkey and many others.