Bacon was also a legend in the London demimonde, a man who followed long nights of drinking, gambling, and sexual adventure with intense early morning encounters with the blank canvas.When Michael Peppiatt first met him in 1963, Bacon, then in his early fifties, was at the height of his powers. Over the next thirty years, Peppiatt became a close friend of Bacon's and one of his most perceptive critics, and he has produced a fascinating, disturbing portrait of this agonized modern artist.Bacon (1909–92) was raised in large country houses in rural Ireland by a family whose conventional expectations he rebelled against early on. As a young man he was introduced to the seamy side of life in London and Paris; but only after seeing a Picasso retrospective in 1928 did he become an artist. He sprang into prominence in 1944 with a triptych which shocked the art world with its sheer ferocity, and he soon emerged, with his friend Lucian Freud, as a leader of an informal “School of London,” which favored figurative painting in an age dominated by abstraction.As retrospectives of Bacon's work in Paris, London, and New York made his reputation soar, his nighttime exploits grew wilder and wilder; charming and confident, with a strong sadomasochistic streak, he was drawn to “rough trade” in London clubs and pushed all situations to the edge. At the same time, he was a deeply cultivated and thoughtful artist who was obsessively guarded about the sources of his inspiration.Peppiatt has unlocked many of the enigmas of Bacon's life and work. Bacon talked openly to Peppiatt about his early life, his sexuality, his fantasies, and his ambitions, aware that all was being recorded for publication. At the suggestion that some of his remarks would sound indiscreet, Bacon replied: “The more indiscreet, the more interesting it will be.” Together with many new facts, unpublished documents, and penetrating analyses of key paintings, these conversations have been integrated into what is the most complete and riveting account of one of the greatest artists of our time.

    From Aztec princess to slave and concubine, Hummingbird--or HuitzitzilAAn in her native Nahuatl--recounts her life during the Spanish conquest of Mexico to Father Benito, the priest who seeks to confess and convert her, to offer her an absolution she neither needs nor wants. Instead, she forces him to see the conquest, for the first time, through the eyes of the conquered. Other novels by Graciela Limon available from SPD include IN SEARCH OF BERNABE, THE DAY OF THE MOON, ERASED FACES, and THE MEMORIES OF ANA CALDERON.

    Today, western Christianity in a special way, needs to rediscover the intimate union which must exist--in prayer just as in any aspect of Christian life--between theory and practice, between contemplation and practical exercise. One learns how to pray by praying, and the whole of our being is called to participate in this work: the mind, the heart, but also the body, the gaze, the senses.Fr. Gabriel Bunge, a hermit with great spiritual discernment and profound knowledge of the Fathers of the desert, presents with masterly coherence this important unity between what one believes and what one expresses in the practice of prayer: a fascinating rediscovery of the valuable treasure contained in the teachings of the Church Fathers on the practice of personal prayer.

    Buck was one of the most renowned, interesting, and controversial figures ever to influence American and Chinese cultural and literary history--and yet she remains one of the least studied, honored, or remembered. In this richly illustrated and meticulously crafted narrative, Conn recounts Buck's life in absorbing detail, tracing the parallel course of American and Chinese history. This cultural biography thus offers a dual portrait: of Buck, a figure greater than history cares to remember, and of the era she helped to shape.

    The polar bear is the largest terrestrial carnivore, uniquely adapted to thrive in the harsh environment of the Far North. In The World of the Polar Bear, renowned nature photographer Norbert Rosing follows the polar bear through each season. With its thorough and engaging text and spectacular photography, the book provides: * A season-by-season account of the life of the polar bear, including feeding, mating, rearing of cubs and journeying from the ice>An intimate look at the animals that share the polar bear's environment, including seals, arctic foxes, walruses and muskoxen* A section on such northern sky phenomena as sun dogs and the northern lights* Many anecdotes and insights about the polar bear -- at once a loving parent, a fierce predator and a natural jester.In addition to the 175 truly remarkable color photographs, there are four spectacular gatefolds. The World of the Polar Bear will appeal to any reader interested in natural history, animals, and the Arctic. Polar bears are seriously threatened by global warming, and this book will attract considerable press attention.

    In many circles this disease, still known as Yuppi Flu, is dismissed as a psychological aberration. For the nearly two million people who have endured its traumatic and very real debilitating physical effects, however, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is no joke.

    Half organic/half mechanical, the Borg were relentless and bent on conquering and "assimilating" all intelligent life; a single Borg vessel destroyed 39 Federation starships, decimating Starfleet. Stronger and more dangerous than ever, they are ready to launch a new attack against the Federation, one that threatens its past... its present... and its future. Only the courage and determination of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew can prevent the Borg from striking at the heart of the Federation and Earth.

    It emphasizes the motto "Clarity of intent, not just clarity of beat," in various contexts throughout the book--suggesting that a technical approach should be complimented with musical insight and an understanding of conducting as a gesture. This text details baton timing techniques; shows the relationship of time, speed, and motion; discusses subdivided beats, the expressive gestures, and the development of the left hand; looks at twentieth-century innovations, and much more. For individuals preparing for a career in conducting.

    A full 10% shorter than its predecessor, the Second Edition has tightened organization throughout to make room for recent research and descriptions of the current issues and events that define Europe's role in the world today.

    Ignatius of Loyola (c. 1491-1556) was a passionate and unique spiritual thinker and visionary. The works gathered here provide a first-hand, personal introduction to this remarkable character: a man who turned away from the Spanish nobility to create the revolutionary Jesuit Order, inspired by the desire to help people follow Christ. His Reminiscences describe his early life, his religious conversion following near-paralysis in battle, and his spiritual and physical ordeals as he struggled to assist those in need, including plague, persecution and imprisonment. The Spiritual Exercises offer guidelines to those seeking the will of God, and the Spiritual Diary shows Ignatius in daily mystical contact with God during a personal strugg;e. The Letters collected here provide an insight into Ignatius' ceaseless campaign to assist those seeking enlightenment and to direct the young Society of Jesus.

    The issues of mikvah and Jewish family purity are addressed from philosophic, psychological, mystical, legal, practical, historical, and personal points of view.

    The first of two planned volumes, Making Peoples begins with the Polynesian settlement of New Zealand and the development of Maori tribes in the eleventh century.

    -- The Independent One of the many merits of Ben Pimlott's superbly judicious biography of Elizabeth II is that it understands this connection between monarchy and masses, and carefully evokes its political importance. -- The New York Times Book Review The best all-around study of the Queen so far, showing understanding as well as amused irony. -- Sunday Telegraph Written by Ben Pimlott, considered Britain's most respected political biographer, The Queen brings us the most authentic life yet of the reigning monarch. For the first time, Buckingham Place opened its doors and those closest to the queen provided compelling new information into Elizabeth's life and reign. New sources include the unpublished diaries of Jock Colville, public secretary to both Churchill and Elizabeth, as well as interviews with Princess Margaret, Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Runcie, and longtime private secretary Lord Charteris.

    But instead of attracting metal, she attracts food. All kinds of food, even peas!AWARDS1994 - Shortlisted, Young Adults Best Book Awards (YABBA)

    We journey with James through Italy and France, witness his first love affair in Paris, and settle with him in London at the height of Empire in the Victorian Age. We scale the heights of London society with him, and as the world opens to James we share with him the experience of writing a series of celebrated and successful novels, culminating with Washington Square (on which the play The Heiress is based) and his masterpiece The Portrait of a Lady. The Washington Post Book World notes: “It is no small ambition to write a biography of James that is commensurate with that master, and Sheldon Novick has done it.”“Splendidly written . . . Novick has aimed to bring James back to life and he has succeeded brilliantly.”–The Washington Post Book World“Like a movie of James’s life, as it unfold moment to moment.”–The New York Times“Masterful in bringing James and his world to life.”–San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle“Beautifully written, with a grace that enables [Sheldon Novick] to weave his subject’s words in and out of his own with a properly Jamesian suavity . . . Novick’s account gives one a profound respect for James’s persistence and power of will.”–The New Republic