Mythical History

With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present, and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions; a democracy with an emperor as head of state; a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world's most active earthquake zone; a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests.

NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS’ CHOICE The captivating, deeply reported true story of how one of the most notorious novels ever written—Marquis de Sade’s 120 Days of Sodom—landed at the heart of one of the biggest scams in modern literary history. “Reading The Curse of the Marquis de Sade...

This history will be of interest to people who know nothing about Japan, but also full of insights for those who do. Lesley Downer takes the listener through the great sweep of Japanese history, focusing on the dramatic stories of larger-than-life individuals—from emperors descended from the Sun Goddess to warlords, samurai, merchants, court ladies, women warriors, geisha, and businessmen who shaped this extraordinary modern society.

Infused with magic, shadows and starlight, the powerful godblades were believed to be lost nearly half a millennia ago, when the Godswar ended. Now, however, one has been found by the unlikeliest of wielders: Sampson Gaard, a blind but ambitious prince with something to prove. The only question is whether he controls the blade or the blade him. With an insidious evil lurking in the shadows, the answer may very well determine the fate of all Kingfall.

Bigfoot is an instantly recognizable figure. Through the decades, this elusive primate has been featured in movies and books, and on coffee mugs, beer koozies, car polish, and CBD oil. Which begs the question: what is it about Bigfoot that's caught hold of our imaginations? Journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O'Connor is fascinated by Sasquatch. Curious to learn more, he embarks on a quest through the North American wilds in search of Bigfoot, its myth and meaning.

Long before the age of men, one girl’s courage sparked the dawn of humankind. Step 24,000 years into the past—to a world of lost tribes, star-born gods, and a sky about to fall. When a star crashes to earth, Kaya—a young warrior fighting to save her tribe—meets Ethan, a man from a dying future. She lived before history. He’s yet to be born. Their destiny was forged in battle. Their love, written in the stars. What began as a fight for survival became an impossible romance that spans all of human history. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ““Imagine Outlander set in the world of Clan of the ...

“A beautiful and powerful book.” —Candice Millard, New York Times bestselling author of The River of Doubt “Valuable, revelatory, and contagiously page-turning.” —David Michaelis, New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor For lovers of history, nature, and adventure, the stunning...

Uncover Japan's Secrets in One Epic Volume From the mysterious Jōmon people to the heights of its technological prowess, Japan’s story is a 10,000-year saga of ruthless warriors, spiritual emperors, and revolutionary rebirth. Beneath the history books lie the timeless legends: the divine creation myths, the harrowing ghost stories, and the tales of samurai honor that define the nation's soul. Two manuscripts in one book: History of Japan: An Enthralling Journey Through Ancient Japanese Empires, the Shogunate Era, Cultural Renaissance, and Modern Period Japanese Folktales and Legends: An ...

A fascinating, beautifully illustrated guide to the monsters that are part of our collective psyche, featuring stories from the Lore podcast—now a streaming television series—including “They Made a Tonic,” “Passed Notes,” and “Unboxed,” as well as rare material. They live in...

People have always been afraid of the dead. Since the dawn of humanity, people have both cared for those who are deceased yet also tried to keep them away. There are a myriad of legends and beliefs about the dead coming back, and one of the more persistent ones is of the vampire.

Three years after her fateful journeys through the forbidding mountains of Vystrana, Mrs. Camherst defies family and convention to embark on an expedition to the war-torn continent of Eriga, home of such exotic draconian species as the grass-dwelling snakes of the savannah, arboreal tree snakes, and, most elusive of all, the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics. The expedition is not an easy one.

What if your dreams weren't dreams at all, but whispers of someone calling to you from the future? She lived before history. He’s yet to be born. Their destiny was forged in battle. Their love, written in the stars. 24,000 B.C. When a falling star fractures her primitive world, young hunter Kaya is thrust onto an epic journey of survival, ancient magic, and self-discovery. Haunted by visions of Ethan, a young man from a dystopian future, she struggles to unravel the mysterious threads of time that bind them together and the star-crossed love that defies fate. But some secrets should never...

La gente siempre ha tenido miedo de los muertos. Desde los albores de la humanidad, las personas se han preocupado por aquellos que han fallecido, y también han tratado de mantenerlos alejados. Hay una miríada de leyendas y creencias acerca de muertos que regresan, y una de las más persistentes, es la del vampiro.

Weird but True Stories from Norwegian Myth and Folklore: Bizarre, Shocking, and Unbelievable Tales from the Land of the Midnight Sun takes readers on a haunting and unforgettable journey through one of the most unique storytelling traditions in the world. From the eerie fiddle songs of the water-dwelling nøkk to the undead draugr guarding Viking tombs, and from seductive forest spirits with hidden tails to the serpent of Lake Seljord, this collection uncovers ten chilling and true tales drawn from authentic Norwegian folklore. Rooted in real locations and passed down through centuries of ...

Aurican and Darlantan, mighty serpents of gold and silver, have been nurtured in a world of wisdom, meditation, and sublime faith. On the other side of Ansalon, Crematia, a dragon of red, inherits the Dark Queen's legacy of betrayal, violence, conquest, and plunder. The advent of a worldwide war sweeps these powerful beings and many more into desperate strife. Battles rage over Krynn with a fury that threatens to annihilate nations and whole races - even dragonkind.

Embark on an epic journey into the captivating world of Norse mythology, where gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures come alive with rich detail and vibrant storytelling. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned enthusiast, this book offers a fresh, accessible gateway into the lore that shaped Viking heritage. Struggling to untangle the complexities of Odin, Thor, and Loki’s adventures? Overwhelmed by dry or overly dense texts? Norse Mythology Unleashed bridges the gap, combining accurate research with engaging narratives that breathe life into ancient tales.

Revered for the rebellion she led against the gods to save the earth, the Moon Goddess Bulan wants a body to possess and control. The opportunity presents itself in the form of a girl desperate to usurp the goddess’s powers and use them to rescue her mother from Datu Dungog, a village chief who also wants the goddess’s power. If Lin-ay gains the coveted powers, she can defeat the moon-eating serpent and rescue her mother, but will spend eternity as a shell under the goddess’s complete control. Will Lin-ay rescue her mother and escape the goddess’s clutches, or will her daring ...

Given life by gods, the Ogres were the most intelligent and beautful of the early races on Krynn, and they reigned supreme in their perfect kingdom.... Until that fabled race was weakened by clan rivalries and evil ambition, their downfall orchestrated by the hand of the Dark Queen, Takhisis.... Until the once-proud Ogres were cursed by their own mistakes and transformed into one of Krynn's most ugly, despised, and villainous species.... All except a small group, the Irda, who learned to accept goodness, fight for their freedom, and escape to build a utopian civilization of their own on a paradise island in the Dragon Isles.

Sword And Fire - The Mercian Chronicles ‘I was hooked from the very start! This series is a must-read for fans of rich high fantasy adventure.’ A Reader The war drums sounded through the foothills surrounding the mighty fortress. Their low ominous beat a warning of impending, inevitable doom. Death was coming, he could feel it. Meloc came to Welfasten to warn Feitar, the city chief of an evil presence growing in the darkness and the disappearances of the Mercian magikborne. However, he had not made it past the great city walls and had been thrown in prison accused of practising illegal ...

Throughout the time of Krynn, one race has remained strong in its pride and beliefs. The minotaurs envision themselves as the children of destiny, the future masters of the world. Despite adversity, defeat, and enslavement, that belief has never wavered.