This book examines the writings of four ancient Greeks-Homer, Thucydides, Euripides, and Aristophanes. Each of these four individuals represents a different approach toward the human condition, ranging from the heroic and tragic to the comic and absurd. This book focuses on how the human condition can best be understood within the framework of these four perspectives by examining the major contributions of these Greek writers, whether in the form of epic (Homer's Iliad), history (Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War), or drama (the plays of Euripides and Aristophanes). These various perceptions of Greek thought illuminate our understanding of what it means to be fully human. By focusing on the concepts of the heroic, tragic, comic, and absurd, we can see how these ancient Greek authors still provide key insights for us today as they clarify those timeless features that define the human condition.

High-yield microbiology cases help students apply knowledge and prepare for board exams Learning Microbiology and Infectious Diseases: Clinical Case Prep for the USMLE (R) by Tracey A. H. Taylor, Dwayne Baxa, and Matthew Sims presents diverse cases that encourage problem-based learning, which is key to building diagnostic skills. Each case portrays a real-life scenario, promoting a bridge from foundational knowledge to its application. A series of USMLE-style questions with thorough explanations provide an understanding of microbiology and infectious diseases, an ability to differentiate between infections and viruses, and identify bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Questions cover causative agents, disease transmission, mechanism of pathogenesis action, and pharmacotherapy. Key Features 50 case studies with images mirror situations seen in everyday practice An intermingling of bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology cases, and organ systems reflect real-world patient scenarios and encourage critical thinking Comprehensive cases encompass symptoms and duration, medical and family history, physical exam and lab findings, differential diagnosis, and treatment and prevention This essential, highly practical resource will help medical students build problem-solving skills, assess microbiology and infectious disease knowledge, and fully prepare for the boards.

For travelers everywhere. If you like the travel writing of Bill Bryson, Pico Iyer, and Anthony Bourdain, you will love Peaks and Valleys. Tibetan Buddhists believe that making a journey around a sacred site brings merit in the next life. Author Matthew Sims believes that meaningful travel brings merit in this life. After the death of his closest friend, New York jazz guitarist Scott Sherwood, Sims takes a journey alone and on foot across the Alps. Along the way he meets a group of septuagenarian Austrian superwomen, a Tibetan refugee, a legendary chef who is a dead-ringer for Mussolini, and others who either help or hinder him on this 250 mile journey across parts of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. This sometimes humorous, sometimes touching travel memoir takes readers through stunning landscapes and quaint villages and uncovers much about the kindness of strangers as well as the colorful history of the central Alps (think witch hunts, sheep obsessions, avalanches, and assassins in bear suits).