From the author of Skippy Dies comes a dazzlingly intricate and poignant tragicomedy about family, fortune, and the struggle to be a good man at the end of the world.

The Barnes family is in trouble. Dickie's car business is going under, but instead of doing anything about it, he's out in the woods preparing for the actual end of the world. Meanwhile his wife Imelda is selling off her jewellery on eBay and half-heartedly dodging the attentions of fast-talking local wrongun Big Mike. Their teenage daughter Cass, usually top of her class, seems determined to drink her way through the whole thing. And twelve year old PJ is spending more and more time on video game forums, where he's met a friendly boy named Ethan who never turns his camera on and wants PJ to run away from home.

Digging down through layers of family history, the roots of this crisis stretch deep into the past. Meanwhile in the present, the fault lines keep spreading, ghosts slipping in through the cracks, and every step brings the Barneses closer to a fatal precipice. When the moment of reckoning finally arrives, all four of them must decide how far they're willing to go to save the family, and whether - if the story's already been written - there's still time to give it a happy ending...

From the author of Skippy Dies comes a dazzlingly intricate and poignant tragicomedy about family, fortune, and the struggle to be a good man at the end of the world.

The Barnes family is in trouble. Dickie's car business is going under, but instead of doing anything about it, he's out in the woods preparing for the actual end of the world. Meanwhile his wife Imelda is selling off her jewellery on eBay and half-heartedly dodging the attentions of fast-talking local wrongun Big Mike. Their teenage daughter Cass, usually top of her class, seems determined to drink her way through the whole thing. And twelve year old PJ is spending more and more time on video game forums, where he's met a friendly boy named Ethan who never turns his camera on and wants PJ to run away from home.

Digging down through layers of family history, the roots of this crisis stretch deep into the past. Meanwhile in the present, the fault lines keep spreading, ghosts slipping in through the cracks, and every step brings the Barneses closer to a fatal precipice. When the moment of reckoning finally arrives, all four of them must decide how far they're willing to go to save the family, and whether - if the story's already been written - there's still time to give it a happy ending...

Irresistibly funny, wise and thought-provoking - a tragicomic tour de force about family, fortune, and the struggle to be a good person when the world is falling apart... 'It's a thing of beauty, a novel that will fill your heart' Observer 'I experienced every possible human emotion while reading The Bee Sting... Its ambition and scale are astonishing. A remarkable feat of storytelling' Mark O'Connell The Barnes family is in trouble. Dickie's once-lucrative car business is going under - but rather than face the music, he's spending his days in the woods, building an apocalypse-proof bunker with a renegade handyman. His wife Imelda is selling off her jewellery on eBay while their teenage daughter Cass, formerly top of her class, seems determined to binge-drink her way to her final exams. And twelve-year-old PJ is putting the final touches to his grand plan to run away from home. Where did it all go wrong? A patch of ice on the tarmac, a casual favour to a charming stranger, a bee caught beneath a bridal veil - can a single moment of bad luck change the direction of a life? And if the story has already been written - is there still time to find a happy ending?

"Extravagantly entertaining . . . One of the great pleasures of this novel is how confidently Paul Murray] addresses such disparate topics as quantum physics, video games, early-20th-century mysticism, celebrity infatuation, drug dealing, Irish folklore and pornography." --Dan Kois, "The New York Times Book Review"
"Murray's humor and inventiveness never flag . . . "Skippy Dies" leaves you feeling hopeful and hungry for life." --"Entertainment Weekly" (Grade: A)
"Dazzling . . . It's the "Moby-Dick" of Irish prep schools . . . In short, it's like childhood. In shorter, like life." --Jess Walter, "The Washington Post Book World" (a pick for Best Fiction of 2010)

"Funny, tragic, thoroughly captivating . . . One of the most enjoyable books of the year." --Michael Berry, "San Francisco Chronicle"

"Skippy is so desperately, painfully alive that you hope the mere act of reading about him will save him . . . A virtuosic display you'd expect from a writer with the confidence to kill off his title character in the title." --Radhika Jones, "Time"

Contents include: PREFACE: PROLOGUE BOOK ONE The Kings Brother Part One Richard, Duke of Gloucester 4 49 60 81 89 107 122 33 142 150 162 181 193 207 218 239 8 RICHARD THE THIRD VI. THE ROAD TO THE THRONE 255 VII. THE CHOICE 267 Part T wo Richard, by Grace of God . . . i. ENGLAND 1483 277 II. THE KINGS PROGRESS 299 III. CONSPIRACY 3 1 2 IV. THE GREAT REBELLION 323 V. SPRING 334 VI. SUMMER 351 VII. CHRISTMAS 365 VIII. MAN AND GOVERNOR 370 IX. CASTLE OF HIS CARE 392 X. INVASION 410 XI. BOS WORTH FIELD 428 EPILOGUE 44J APPENDIX I. WHO MURDERED THE PRINCES 465 APPENDIX ii. RICHARDS REPUTATION 496 NOTES 5 BIBLIOGRAPHY 580 INDEX Illustrations Between pages 304 and 305 Richard III Edward IV Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV Middleham Castle from the South The Battle of Barnet Henry VI Tewkesbury Abbey Margaret of York Antoine, Bastard of Burgundy Parchment with signatures EDWARDUS QUINTUS etc, The Hall of Crosbys Place, Richards town house in Chelsea The Tower of London York Minster Lady Margaret Beaufort, Mother of Henry VII Thomas, Lord Stanley Henry VII MAPS England endpapers Battle of Barnet I0 g Battle of Tewkesbury no Eve of Bosworth 438 Battle of Bosworth 430 GENEALOGICAL TREE Lancaster and York 9. Preface: RICHARD the Third is perhaps the most polemical figure in the reaches of English history. Ever since the Tudor his torians of the sixteenth century developed their picture of an archvillain, he has been the subject of bitter argument by those attacking or defending this view of him, which Shake speare epitomizes in his popular tragedy Richard the Third. In the course of this long controversy, Richards career has usually been approached as stuff from which to create a case, andhis character has been treated as a cardboard counter, black or white, to be pushed back and forth in the struggles of the Great Debate. Is he a villain or is he not Did he murder the Princes or did he not Does the Tudor tradition present an ac curate likeness, or is it a base slander The books written about Richard have been largely devoted to arguing the answers to these questions. The heats of argument are inimical to the art of biography. In this sense, it can be said that no life of Richard has ever been written. The object of this volume is to attempt such a life. I have sought to portray what manner of man Richard was, what manner of life he led, and something of the times of which he was a part. Moral judgments I have left as far as possible to the reader. I have ignored the Tudor tradition, except in so far as it ap pears to offer bits of reliable evidence, and I have based this biography almost entirely upon source material contemporary with Richards day. Since Richard is so controversial a figure, I have provided in the notes an opportunity for the reader to criticize the con clusions which I have drawn from conflicting or ambiguous testimony. Numbers which are starred refer to notes in which evidence is discussed or additional information is supplied the other numbers refer simply to sources. I have tried to indicate clearly, either in the text or in the notes, what is fact and what is my own conjecture and for con jectures of any importance I have given the reasons or evidence on which they are based. If the events of Richards life and the general shape of his character had been previously established, I would probably have given freer rein to speculation. As it is, I havesought to hew him out of the facts, or as close an ap proach to the facts as I could make. Nevertheless, a biography is a work of interpretation. A suc cession of facts does not create a life or reveal a character. The accuracy of my portrait of Richard depends, in the last analy sis, on the validity of the imaginative judgments that I have drawn from the facts...

Written with both passion and precision, God's Spies is a work that will be welcomed by anyone interested in the vital interplay between poetry and religion. The authors represented, including poets such as Michelangelo, St Francis of Assisi, Charles Peguy, Dante and Shakespeare, all possess one great and surprising quality in common: audacity. All of them in their work offer fresh and unforeseen perspectives on life and literature. Some of these authors are religious in the strict meaning of the word, their work indicating a devout turning away from the distractions of the world to focus on God. Others, in contrast, are poets whose work is distinguished by a remarkable visionary focus on the many small and great dramas of life, attending with bright, imaginative genius to what Shakespeare calls 'the mystery of things'.

As well as providing a much needed perspective on Hearn's Japan years, this study offers a much more informed view of Hearn's life, times and writings than seen before.

Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) has long been marginalized as a failed Victorian Romantic whose writings on Japan were poetic but inconsequential; as a person, he has been portrayed as a one-dimensional neurotic. In this study, based on hitherto unpublished sources, and offering a fresh reading of Hearn's writings, Paul Murray reveals a multi-faceted character of considerable depth, intelligence and literary skill. This book, therefore, is of interest at various levels. The story of Hearn's life in itself makes fascinating reading: his fantastic journey took him from conception outside marriage on a Greek island to a privileged upbringing in Dublin; from a Gothic education in England to Cincinnati in the United States where, as Paddy Hearn, he established himself as a journalist of the macabre par excellence. In New Orleans in the 1860s, he transformed himself into Lafcadio Hearn, Litterateur and man of the South. Finally, after two years in the West Indies, he spent the last 14 years of his life in Japan, arriving in Yokohama in 1890. Although he always had an ambiguous relationship with his adopted country, Hearn gave the world some of the most valuable and enduring insights into Japa

There is little general agreement about the battles which have most decisively changed the course of history. Those given the fullest description in this book have been chosen on two considerations: each has played a marked part in the making of history and each illustrates an important change in the making of war.

The dead wreak revenge on the living, paintings come alive, spectral brides possess mortal men and a priest devours human flesh in these chilling Japanese ghost stories retold by a master of the supernatural. Lafcadio Hearn drew on the phantoms and ghouls of traditional Japanese folklore - including the headless 'rokuro-kubi', the monstrous goblins 'jikininki' or the faceless 'mujina' who stalk lonely neighbourhoods - and infused them with his own memories of his haunted childhood in nineteenth-century Ireland to create these terrifying tales of striking and eerie power. Today they are regarded in Japan as classics in their own right. Edited with an introduction by Paul Murray

Set against a backdrop of grey spruce and muskeg, Cowboy tells the story of Gilles Desches, a twenty-something who moves from Montreal to Grande-Ourse, a northern Quebec town haunted by the grisly memory of a twelve-year-old murder.

Located at the back of beyond, Grande-Ourse is a dismal place with a bleak future. Until, that is, a Quebec consortium buys up the town, wanting to turn it into a hunting and fishing paradise for wealthy Americans seeking city comforts in the middle of nature.

Working as a clerk for the Outfitters' general store, Gilles is confronted by a harsh reality in which Whites are pitted against Natives. He tries to understand, tries to fit in, but only manages to be caught in the middle of two colliding worlds, discovering a colourful cast of characters in the process.

This volume proposes a fresh strategy for ecumenical engagement -- "Receptive Ecumenism" -- that is fitted to the challenges of the contemporary context and has already been internationally recognized as making a distinctive and important new contribution to ecumenical thought and practice. Beyond this, the volume tests and illustrates this proposal by examining what Roman Catholicism in particular might fruitfully learn from its ecumenical others.
Challenging the tendency for ecumenical studies to ask, whether explicitly or implicitly, "What do our others need to learn from us?" this volume presents a radical challenge to see ecumenism move forward into action by highlighting the opposite question "hat can we learn with integrity from our others?"
This approach is not simply ecumenism as shared mission, or ecumenism as problem-solving and incremental agreement but ecumenism as a vital long-term program of individual, communal and structural conversion driven, like the Gospel that inspires it, by the promise of conversion into greater life and flourishing. The aim is for the Christian traditions to become more, not less, than they currently are by learning from, or receiving of, each other's gifts.
The 32 original essays that have been written for this unique volume explore these issues from a wide variety of denominational and disciplinary perspectives, drawing together ecclesiologists, professional ecumenists, sociologists, psychologists, and organizational experts.

This volume proposes a fresh strategy for ecumenical engagement - 'Receptive Ecumenism' - that is fitted to the challenges of the contemporary context and has already been internationally recognised as making a distinctive and important new contribution to ecumenical thought and practice. Beyond this, the volume tests and illustrates this proposal by examining what Roman Catholicism in particular might fruitfully learn from its ecumenical others.
Challenging the tendency for ecumenical studies to ask, whether explicitly or implicitly, 'What do our others need to learn from us?', this volume presents a radical challenge to see ecumenism move forward into action by highlighting the opposite question 'What can we learn with integrity from our others?'
This approach is not simply ecumenism as shared mission, or ecumenism as problem-solving and incremental agreement but ecumenism as a vital long-term programme of individual, communal and structural conversion driven, like the Gospel that inspires it, by the promise of conversion into greater life and flourishing. The aim is for the Christian traditions to become more, not less, than they currently are by learning from, or receiving of, each other's gifts.
The 32 original essays that have been written for this unique volume explore these issues from a wide variety of denominational and disciplinary perspectives, drawing together ecclesiologists, professional ecumenists, sociologists, psychologists, and organizational experts.

The new, fourth edition of Bradt's Zimbabwe remains the most authoritative guide available to one of southern Africa's premier wildlife and cultural destinations. Zimbabwe-based author, tour guide and archaeologist Paul Hubbard picks up the mantle of this new edition, ensuring that it remains bang up to date and an ideal companion for everyone from wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers to adventure seekers and hikers. All the most recent developments in the rejuvenation of Zimbabwe's national parks are covered, with in-depth information on facilities, advice on itinerary planning as well as how to select a safari. Also included is a range of clear, comprehensive maps that is unique to this guide, with many not being featured in other publications. With increased business confidence in Zimbabwe, scores of new hotels and guest lodges have opened countrywide. Comprehensive and detailed accommodation listings cover everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays for younger travellers who arrive overland, heading for the fast flowing waters of the Zambezi gorge, plus details of en-route accommodation not found in other guides. Recent years have brought significant change to Zimbabwe, notably with the fall of Robert Mugabe, resulting in increased investment and development in the tourism sector. Bradt's Zimbabwe is an invaluable aid for independent travellers as well as those on an organised tour. Many activities and off-the-beaten-track attractions countrywide are featured, plus historical and cultural sights such as the World Heritage-listed stone-built cities of Great Zimbabwe and Khami. Iconic Victoria Falls is also covered, and the mighty Zambezi River - perfect for adventure holidays - and the country's impressive range of birdlife which continues to draw enthusiasts year-round.

Achieving a sustainable society is the biggest issue of our time. It is not an issue confined to a particular subject area or to certain jobs. It is a way of thinking and behaving that will need to be embedded in all aspects of all of our lives.

The Sustainable Self is the perfect resource for lecturers, trainers, students and professionals of any discipline who need to teach or learn about sustainability. There is widespread agreement that we need to live more sustainable lives. But when up against entrenched habits and everyday obstacles, it can be difficult to turn good intentions into action.

This book presents a complete curriculum for effecting a personal transformation towards sustainability, showing you how to align your personal and professional actions with your values and beliefs. Full of activities that can be done individually or in groups, it is supported by additional resources online including downloadable worksheets and directories of sustainability organisations. Recommended readings at the end of each chapter enable readers to pursue areas of personal or professional interest.

The world was shocked when the letters of Mother Teresa were published last year for the first time. The media focused attention at once on the unexpected phenomenon of darkness in the life of the saint, the astonishing revelation that, for decades, Mother Teresa had struggled mightily with belief in God. To some, this seemed to lend support to the arguments of the "new atheists." But what we are offered in this beautiful book is, at last, a serious grappling with the deeper meaning of her darkness, a work of sharp and unusual insight, written by someone who knew her.

In this intimate look at her "private writings," Paul Murray illumines the meaning of a life which is only now beginning to be understood.

"I Loved Jesus in the Night" is one priest's compelling account of meeting with the saint of Calcutta. Sharing anecdotes and first-hand experiences, Paul Murray offers a glimpse into why Mother Teresa could declare, in one of her letters, that if ever she were to "become a saint," she would surely be one of "darkness."

This very personal yet powerful book is an attempt to come to terms with the dark night experiences endured by Mother Teresa in the light of the Gospel and the mystical teachings of St John of the Cross. And something else as well...revelations of Mother Teresa's sense of humor

This lively and compelling book by Paul Murray OP names and celebrates aspects of the Dominican tradition which are at the very core of its spirituality. This tradition has often been described in the past, and for good reason, as scholarly and intellectual. But the lives of the Dominicans whose voices we hear in this book were also, and to an extraordinary degree, apostolic, exuberant, evangelical, risk-taking, mystical, and robust. One of the things which has characterized the Dominican spirit from the beginning is a sense of openness to the world. Dominicans, such as Thomas Aquinas, Jordan of Saxony, and Catherine of Siena, were not only impressive celebrants of grace. They were also defenders of nature. After the example of St. Dominic himself, they learned to drink deep from the wine of God's Word, and became witnesses not only of certain great moral and doctrinal truths but witnesses also of an unimaginable joy. One reason, in society today, why so many feel unfulfilled and are not happy is because the vision of life offered is one that is restricted to a pragmatic, one-dimensional view of the world. The Dominican vision of life we find presented in this book is one that is truly broad and joyous. It is a path of spirituality open to people of all kinds and conditions.