Visual Culture

Unlock the hidden language of signs and symbols that shapes your world. From the words we speak to the images we consume, semiotics—the study of signs, symbols, and meaning—reveals how communication works beneath the surface. Signs, Symbols, and Meaning: Exploring the World of Semiotics and Its Lasting Influence introduces readers to this fascinating discipline, tracing its origins in philosophy and linguistics, exploring the groundbreaking theories of Ferdinand de Saussure and Charles Sanders Peirce, and uncovering how signs operate in language, culture, media, advertising, politics, ...

Audiobook narrated by author. “Madia’s adventurous tales transcend their rugged terrain, telling, at the crux of it all, very human stories”—The Source New York Times bestselling author of Nowhere for Very Long and Never Leave the Dogs Behind Brianna Madia considers putting down...

Lean is not just about tools, boards, and processes—it is about people. In today's fast-changing world, true success comes from building a culture where individuals, teams, and leaders grow together. This book explores the human side of Lean, offering practical lessons on how to shape mindsets, habits, and behaviors that drive sustainable excellence. Drawing on real stories from Toyota's transformation journey, combined with modern practices and cultural insights, this book shows you how to: Understand the foundations of Lean culture and why it matters more than ever. Inspire people to ...

Learn Spanish naturally while exploring the wonders of Costa Rica! Are you an adult beginner (Level A1) looking for an enjoyable way to improve your Spanish? Forget about boring grammar tables and frustrating textbooks! Easy Spanish Short Stories for Beginners (Book 3: Costa Rica) is a visual and cultural adventure designed specifically to help you learn effortlessly. Follow relatable characters, Maya and Teo, as they taste traditional gallo pinto in a local soda, discover the secrets of Costa Rican coffee, hike around the majestic Arenal Volcano, spot sloths in the Monteverde cloud forest,...

Technology and screens are amazing and have the potential to serve us so well. Using evidenced-based methods as well as solution-focused strategies, Digital Jim Crow approaches the sensitive, yet often overlooked topic of digital wellness and digital literacy. Especially as it applies to marginalized populations. Extensively researched, while using a neuroaffirming approach, Digital Jim Crow acknowledges the broad factors that contribute to further marginalize and disenfranchise particular groups of people.

Are you tired of boring Spanish textbooks that feel like a chore to read? Most language books for beginners are packed with endless grammar rules and childish dialogues. They leave you feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. But what if you could learn Spanish naturally, just by enjoying a good story and looking at beautiful illustrations? Welcome to Easy Spanish Short Stories for Beginners, your visual ticket to mastering Spanish (Level A1) without the headaches. Unlike traditional methods, this book uses a unique Visual Storytelling Method designed specifically for adults. Through 7 engaging...

Discover the Invisible Architecture Behind Your Favorite Animated Films Why does a Disney movie make you feel like you can conquer the world, while a Studio Ghibli film makes you want to sit quietly in a forest? Pull back the curtain on the four creative superpowers that have defined modern storytelling: Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and Studio Ghibli. This is not just a history book. It is a deep dive into the divergent philosophies of East and West. Explore how Disney’s "Hero’s Journey" champions the triumph of the individual, while Ghibli’s "Kishōtenketsu" structure honors the quiet ...

The game-changing book about sex, consent, and the distortion of desire, a battle cry from a generation no longer prepared to stay silent. When activist and internationally renowned philanthropist, Chanel Contos asked her followers to share their stories of sexual assault, her post went viral...

Ireland – North and South – has sustained significant change in the last 100 years, accelerating at the end of the 20th century with the legalization of contraception, divorce, gay marriage, the end of the ‘Troubles’, and freedom to choose abortion and reproductive autonomy. This collection of specially commissioned essays tells the stories of cloth, clothing, textiles and materials that have been actually or symbolically stained by blood or other bodily fluids in Ireland’s last 100 years.

This study explores the phenomenon of the cults of Raphael and Michelangelo in relation to their death, burial, and posthumous fame—or second life—from their own times through the nineteenth century. These two artists inspired fervent followings like no other artists before them. The affective response of those touched by the potency of the physical presence of their art—works, personal effects, and remains—or even touched by the power of their creative legacy—opened up new avenues for artistic fame, divination, and commemoration.

The History of Hong Kong Photography From colonial beginnings to the digital age, The History of Hong Kong Photography traces the city’s evolution through the camera lens — a visual chronicle of transformation, resilience, and identity. This richly illustrated volume journeys across nearly two centuries of photographic heritage, from fragile glass negatives and sepia portraits to the vibrant imagery of today’s digital culture. Photography first reached Hong Kong in the mid-nineteenth century, when the territory was still a British outpost on the South China coast. Early foreign ...

A brilliantly original exploration of our obsession with the end of the world, from Mary Shelley’s The Last Man to the Manic Street Preachers’ Everything Must Go. 'Brilliant, scholarly, sharp and witty’ – Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived 'Will make...

Immerse yourself in the profound artistry and cultural tapestry of the Arctic with "Impressions of the North," an eBook weaving a compelling journey through the world of Inuit printmaking. This captivating volume invites readers to explore a realm where the profound heritage and stunning visuals collide to narrate the rich history and vibrant present of Inuit artistic expressions. Your expedition begins with the historical roots and evolution of Inuit printmaking, where you will uncover its cultural significance and symbolism. Delve into the lives of distinguished Inuit printmakers, whose ...

“A culturally layered and gripping collection of stories that are also a testament to their resilience.”—Vanessa Walters, the author of The Lagos Wife ?In this stunning collection, nine Nigerian women discover what it means to confront traditional expectations that have held them hostage...

They tell me to “fix” my hair. And by fix, they mean straighten, they mean whiten; but how do you fix this shipwrecked history of hair? In her most famous spoken-word poem, author of the Pura Belpré-winning novel-in-verse The Poet X Elizabeth Acevedo embraces all the complexities of Black...

The debut novel by the author of the critically acclaimed The Laughter, published in North America for the first time—the story of a mother who travels back to her home country of India to bring back her runaway son, and discovers anew the surprise and crises of the place she left behind...

Explore some of the world's most extraordinary bridges. This encyclopedia showcases centuries of engineering brilliance and architectural vision, presenting an intimate look at the structures that connect our cities and define our skylines. The comprehensive volume features over 50 remarkable bridges spanning six continents, examining each through the lens of both history and innovation. Rich with detailed architectural drawings, the book illuminates the physical grandeur of these crossings and their profound impact on the communities they serve. These pages tell the stories of visionaries ...

Dive deep into the fascinating nexus of stars and society with "Celestial Connections." This thought-provoking eBook immerses you into the powerful interplay between astronomy and popular culture across centuries, from classics to the digital world. The cosmic influence over arts, literature, and lifestyle is way beyond your wildest dreams. "Celestial Connections" unveils the intriguing presence of astronomical themes, stellar motifs, and celestial bodies in literature. Discover how they inspire narratives, spark creativity, and transcend eras. Explore the Space Age's wake of influence on ...

Read by the author, Dorian Lysnkey. 'I was blown away by this book. The staggering range of references, the razor-sharp analysis, the wisdom, left me gasping out loud at times. Lynskey also somehow manages to make a book about the end of the world feel . . . hopeful. One of the best non-fiction...

Join the art critic Ben Eastham on a private tour of an extraordinary museum. Let him walk you through a building constructed from memory and filled with a series of bewildering art works, while he delivers a guide comprised of personal experience, professional expertise and sympathy. In this...