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.

We grow what we know. As a boy in Drew County, Arkansas, author James Willis grew into what he knew. In this memoir, he provides insight into who he was, what he did, and how his circumstances, experiences, and relationships helped him mature to the man he is today. "What Almost Did Not Happen" chronicles the details of Willis' life-his birth in 1938 in Monticello, Arkansas; being raised as an only child by his parents; growing up against the backdrop of the 1940s; his various national and international travels; his education and work as a high school teacher and university professor; marriage and raising children; being a grandfather; and the people and places that shaped his life. An engaging account, "What Almost Did Not Happen" preserves the memories of Willis's life and records the history of an uncommonly common man and how he became that man.

When CSA Lieutenant William Joseph Butler, or Billy, as family and friends know him, becomes a target of revenge for a wealthy planter on the Mississippi, Billy's father allows him to follow his brother into the army. Seventeen-year-old Billy finds his brother and regiment at Corinth, just before the battle of Shiloh in April of 1862.

War is not what young Billy imagined it to be. Educated and inquisitive, he questions much of what he sees and experiences, and Billy finds himself contemplating the true nature and validity of the war he's fighting-and losing. After his first battle, Billy realizes glory is not a holy grail to be sought or bought-glory is made when soldiers are brutally slain, unable to strike the heroic pose. Yet Billy still finds reason to continue the war effort at each junction, risking losses beyond anything he has known in his short life.

From the fragrant stalls of a livery stable to the bloodstained battlefields of the Civil War, "The Other Side of Silence" vividly portrays the life of a soldier who becomes disillusioned with war and the quest for glory.

Painting buildings is an exciting and versatile genre - it allows you to enjoy the lines of architecture but also to add feeling and context to a picture. This practical book explains the full depth of the subject, from first sketches to final presentation. Using a range of examples, it is packed with advice and information, and follows the riches of painting the built landscape. Not just a handy reference, this is a beautiful and inspirational guide for every artist who wants to capture and interpret a scene. Topics covered include: Drawing - practise observation and sketching to identify the principal lines of view. Perspective - understand three-dimensional structures and their position to each other and in space. Oils - use the versatility of the paint to express and experiment with your ideas. Location - develop your paintings outdoors and in the studio. Style - add figures, weather and atmosphere to your work to give it character and mood. Finally, Inspiration - learn new ideas and themes from finished examples by a number of leading artists.

The dark side of Milton Keynes is revealed; supernatural lore, urban legends, symbolism and conspiracy. Cryptids, Satan, fairies, witchcraft, relics and miracles. Strange deaths, mysteries, curses, and unsettling folklore. Anyone interested in local history, even for a relatively new town will find this fascinating. As will all those who love ghosts and ghouls, witches and miracles. Mysterious Milton Keynes delves into the urban legends, supernatural tales and strange phenomena associated with the modern city of Milton Keynes. The book explores the hidden symbolism behind the layout, buildings and street installations: it explores local conspiracy theories and shows how they are subtly revealed in road names, incidents and stories throughout the city's contemporary history. From the Devil's Olney residence, to the fairies of Bow Brickhill, the lid is lifted upon the city's witchcraft, relics, miracles and extensive supernatural lore. Take a walk on the wild side with the unnatural creatures of the alien zoo which prowl the parks, suburbs and waterways. There are strange deaths, mysteries, curses and unsettling folklore which cannot easily be ignored.