The Rawlinson collection of seal matrices in the University of Oxford is the most important early collection of European seal matrices to survive. Created by Dr Richard Rawlinson (1690-1755) in the first half of the eighteenth century, it consists of 830 matrices ranging in date from the 13th to the early 18th century. It includes the collection of seal matrices formed by Giovanni Andrea Lorenzani, a Roman bronze caster, which Rawlinson acquired in Rome together with a catalogue written in 1708. This collection is primarily Italian, but the Rawlinson collection also includes examples from many other countries England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany Spain, and Scandinavia as well as Italy. The study of seals was much neglected in the middle of the twentieth century, but the study now attracts greater interest. This is due to their visual appeal, sense of identity and their representation of symbols. This book will appeal to a wide variety of readers from those interested in collecting, Jacobitism, history of the early eighteenth century, the Grand Tour, antiquaries, and seals and seal matrices. This book has four introductory chapters which set the scene for the collecting of seal matrices, tell the life of Richard Rawlinson and Giovanni Andrea Lorenzani, analyse their collections and relate the history of the collection after Rawlinson's death in 1755. One hundred seals, all illustrated, are described in detail, with much unpublished data, and an indication is given of the contribution they make to the sigillography of the different countries.

Farewell my joy, and welcome paine, till I see my lady againe. The quest is the essence of medieval romance, whether the search is for the ideal beloved or for the Holy Grail. Love was sometimes the object and sometimes a snare that hindered the completion of the quest. This giftbook combines the two distinct but related themes of love and romance, illustrating original texts with the images of medieval romances (stories of knightly adventures and quests) such as "La Chatelaine de Vergi", "Troilus and Cressida" and "Tristram and Isolde". The book also juxtaposes words of love (posies) alongside images of gold jewellery and other inscribed mementoes. The illustrations are chosen from objects of gold, ivory, enamel, ceramic, woodwork and leather in the British Museum and manuscript illuminations in the British Library and the Bodieian Library, Oxford. Jeweis and rings, mirror cases and caskets all evoke the medieval world of love, making this the perfect gift for anyone's beloved. The introduction explains the medieval fascination with the quest and its ideals of beauty and chivalry, and the plots of the major romances are summarized. Further reading and brief descriptions of the sources are also provided.

Nearly all the "hot button" world and domestic issues, as well as several unique subjects are covered in extensive detail from over ten years of research. Interjected with humor, sarcasm, and strong opinions, road rage, immigration, terrorism, energy, education, religion, the media, insurance, government, music, exercise, smoking, sports personalities, homosexuality and personal relationships are among the subject matter. Catch an "inside look" at the University of North Carolina's athletic operation, and the Carolina-Duke basketball rivalry. The main focus is encouraging Americans to become knowledgeable on the issues, while offering workable solutions to help the U.S. from being destroyed by its problems.

Beginning the night of February 9, 1964, John Cherry was a Beatle fan. The group provided the best of music until their breakup in 1970. As solo artists, each Beatle continued to provide excellent music. Cherry makes the case that Paul McCartney was the most successful Beatle and the most successful solo artist from the group. The comparison is appropriately made to John Lennon's work, both as a Beatle and solo artist. The book is largely an in-depth examination of McCartney and Lennon music based on their fan's preferences. It also compares their individual talents and presents the opinions of those that worked with them or closely followed their music.

"There are many books about The Beatles; few authors can take the reader inside the story like John Cherry. If you read Better Than Lennon, you will want to read this one. Real fans understand that musicians have their up's and down's. John Cherry calls it how it is." Simon Barrett"John has put together another fun, fact-filled book on Paul's solo career. You'll be Amazed at the inspiration for many of Macca's songs. A compelling and fun book!" Joe Johnson Host of the nationally syndicated Beatle Brunch radio show - This is John Cherry's third book, following War on U.S. -How Policies and People are Destroying America, (2008) and Better Than Lennon - The Music and Talent of Paul McCartney, (2009, updated 2010). Visit: www.betterthanlennon.com

Made in gold and enamel and decorated with precious stones, the Holy Thorn Reliquary depicts the salvation of mankind through the sacrifice of Christ. It was commissioned around 1400-10 by Jean, duc de Berry, a member of the French royal family, to house a single thorn from the relic of Christs Crown of Thorns. Having left the dukes possession, it was recorded in Vienna from around 1544 until the 1860s, eventually being acquired by a member of the wealthy Rothschild family, with its true identity remaining undiscovered until the twentieth century. This book explores the meaning and history of this fascinating object, and tells the tale of its remarkable survival and eventual passage to the British Museum.