"The beauty of good writing is that it transports the reader inside another person's experience in some other physical place and culture," writes Padma Lakshmi in her introduction, "and, at its best, evokes a palpable feeling of being in a specific moment in time and space." The essays in this year's Best American Travel Writing are an antidote to the isolation of the year 2020, giving us views into experiences unlike our own and taking us on journeys we could not take ourselves. From the lively music of West Africa, to the rich culinary traditions of Muslims in Northwest China, to the thrill of a hunt in Alaska, this collection is a treasure trove of diverse places and cultures, providing the comfort, excitement, and joy of feeling elsewhere. THE BEST AMERICAN TRAVEL WRITING 2021 INCLUDES KIESE MAKEBA LAYMON - LESLIE JAMISON - BILL BUFORD - JON LEE ANDERSON - MEGHAN DAUM LIGAYA MISHAN - PAUL THEROUX and others

Sean Bean returns as the swashbuckling soldier Richard Sharpe in this double-bill of the ITV drama based on the popular characters created by Bernard Cornwell. In 'Sharpe's Challenge' it's 1817, two years after the final defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, and the Duke of Wellington (Hugh Fraser) dispatches Sharpe to India to rescue a general's daughter who has been captured by an Indian warlord. With the loyal Sergeant Harper (Daragh O'Malley) at his side, Sharpe travels deep into enemy territory, searching for the kidnapped girl while at the same time trying to avoid the attentions of the beautiful - but deadly - Indian princess Madhuvanthi (Padma Lakshmi). In 'Sharpe's Peril', Sharpe (Bean) and Harper (O'Malley) are travelling through bandit country on their way to Madras when they come across a run-down army unit fearful of attack. When the dreaded onslaught finally happens, Sharpe is called on to take control of the situation and lead the survivors to safety.

From the Emmy-nominated host of the award-winning Top Chef, an A-to-Z compendium of spices, herbs, salts, peppers, and blends, with beautiful photography and a wealth of explanation, history, and cooking advice. Award-winning cookbook author and television host Padma Lakshmi, inspired by her life of traveling across the globe, brings together the world's spices and herbs in a vibrant, comprehensive alphabetical guide. This definitive culinary reference book is illustrated with rich color photographs that capture the essence of a diverse range of spices and their authentic flavors. The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs includes complete descriptions, histories, and cooking suggestions for ingredients from basic herbs to the most exotic seeds and chilies, as well as information on toasting spices, making teas, and infusing various oils and vinegars. And no other market epitomizes Padma's love for spices and global cuisine than where she spent her childhood-lingering in the aisles of the iconic gourmet food store Kalustyan's, in New York City. Perfect for the holiday season and essential to any well-stocked kitchen or cooking enthusiast, The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs is an invaluable resource as well as a stunning and adventurous tour of some of the most wondrous and majestic flavors on earth.

Inspired by her travels to some of the most secluded corners of the planet, Padma Lakshmi shares the origins and secrets of her latest recipes for simple to prepare, international cuisine. She makes it easy to delight your guests with savory and sweet dishes such as Keralan Crab Cakes, Fresh Green Beans with Lentils and Coconut, Krispy Fried Chicken, BBQ Korean Short Ribs, and Chocolate Amaretto Ice Cream. By introducing a host of enticing flavors and spices, an everyday kitchen is transformed into a global one. Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet is both a culinary and personal scrapbook of Padma's life, highlighted by dazzling photography and evocative personal stories about her lifelong connection to food and cooking. From appetizers to entrees, soups to desserts -- Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet is perfect for anyone who wants cooking to be easy, elegant, and unforgettable.

Dramatic retelling of the biblical story of Moses, who returns to Egypt to free the Hebrews from slavery after receiving a fiery message from God. Dougray Scott stars as Moses, leading a cast that also includes Linus Roache, Mia Maestro, Richard O'Brien, Raul Rhys and Omar Sharif.