A systematic and original study of feminist issues, The Sceptical Feminist fights a battle on two fronts: against the view that little or nothing is wrong with women's position, and at the same time against much current feminist dogma. It is written by a philosopher who, in the tradition of John Stuart Mill's classic The Subjection of Women, avoids the psychological and sociological speculation characteristic of much recent feminism and concentrates on the analysis of arguments. By these means she constructs a powerful and often unexpected case for radical change in the position of women, as well as for a change of attitude among many feminists. From her analysis, Janet Radcliffe Richards argues that positive discrimination in favour of women is essential for justice, that traditional sexual roles never had anything to do with beliefs about each sex's capabilities, that current abortion practice reflects a disguised wish to punish women's sexual activity, that 'women's work' is rightly little valued, and that traditional ideals of femininity are inherently pernicious. But she also argues that a movement for sexual justice cannot 'take the woman's side in everything', that feminism should not be thought of as the primary struggle, that dismissing 'male' logic and science will undermine feminists' own intentions, that the state should not subsidise motherhood, that ever available creches would be disastrous for women, that there is no inherent degradation in prostitution, and that contempt for beauty and adornment has nothing to do with feminism. This is a book for feminists, for their critics, and for students of moral, political and social philosophy.

In Society and Death in Ancient Egypt, Janet Richards considers social stratification in Middle Kingdom Egypt, taking as the point of departure the assumption that a 'middle class' arose during this period. By focusing on the entire range of mortuary behavior, rather than on elite remains, she shows how social and political processes can be reconstructed. Richards demonstrates that the roots of the middle class can be traced to the later Old Kingdom and First Intermediate Period. Combining information from excavations, ancient Egyptian texts, and decorative reliefs and statuary, the book weaves together a wide variety of sources that aid us in understanding how Middle Kingdom Egyptians thought about society and death and how their practices and landscapes relating to death reveal information about the living society.

In a very influential paper published in 1994, John Baines and Norman Yoffee produced the first analysis to examine the impact of wealth and high culture on the development of states. The contributors to this book apply that model to a range of ancient states around the world, providing evidence on the production and uses of "high culture," literature and monumental architecture. There are chapters on Mesoamerica, the Andes, the Indus Valley, China, and Greece, while others expand on the original Egypt-Mesopotamia comparison.

In Society and Death in Ancient Egypt, Janet Richards considers social stratification in Middle Kingdom Egypt, taking as the point of departure the assumption that a 'middle class' arose during this period. By focusing on the entire range of mortuary behavior, rather than on elite remains, she shows how social and political processes can be reconstructed. Richards demonstrates that the roots of the middle class can be traced to the later Old Kingdom and First Intermediate Period. Combining information from excavations, ancient Egyptian texts, and decorative reliefs and statuary, the book weaves together a wide variety of sources that aid us in understanding how Middle Kingdom Egyptians thought about society and death and how their practices and landscapes relating to death reveal information about the living society.

Crossing the River Sorrow tells the story of one woman's plunge from a sheltered childhood in the '50's into the world of medicine, and her personal search for answers to questions about suffering. A single moment at the bedside of a paralyzed girl begins her journey on the River Sorrow, which takes her on a life-long quest to come to terms with the problem of pain.

More than medical case stories or tales of overcoming, Crossing the River Sorrow is a narrative told from the perspective an ordinary wife, mother, and nurse, as she lives her way to peace in the face of some of life's most troubling questions.

"From the first pages I immediately realized I was in the presence of a gifted writer. In Nurse Richards, you find a gentle yet courageous soul, an artistic master of words, intellectual and guileless with an endearing simplicity of heart. Follow her as she battles unseen enemies with refreshing candor while deftly drawing the reader into her struggles against the stark and dark realities of adversity. This work is the story of a soul coming to a profound understanding of Christ, the gospels and the cross-a place where all should journey. Read. You will be nursed into someone you need to become." -Dan'l C. Markham, Director of Partner Relations at Life Without Limbs Author, with Nick Vujicic, of the Lost Mandate, A Christ Command Revealed

The story of the miraculous birth and survival of now nine-year-old Jason Richards. His grandfather, the author of this book, started writing him personal letters when he was three years old and continued until publication of the collection. Jason's story shows the love of God not only for him but for all humans.

Short lessons with a big impact!Respond to your writersAE needs with mini-lessons that will improve their craft and confidence. From the start, the oI Can!oe chapter sets up writers to know what they can do, by learning to note and record their own strengths. Every chapter models strategies that foster studentsAE self-regulated, independent writing, and includes adaptations that show how to adjust teaching for advanced writers, writers who struggle, English language learners, and extending the strategies across content areas. Each mini-lesson is laid out step by step for ease of use, including sections on:Materials neededModeling the lessonStudent practiceIndependent writing