The Light That Never Failed

A landmark book that completely transforms our understanding of the crisis of liberalism, from two pre-eminent intellectuals Why did the West, after winning the Cold War, lose its political balance? In the early 1990s, hopes for the eastward spread of liberal democracy were high. And yet the transformation of Eastern European countries gave rise to a bitter repudiation of liberalism itself, not only there but also back in the heartland of the West. In this brilliant work of political psychology, Ivan Krastev and Stephen Holmes argue that the supposed end of history turned out to be only the beginning of an Age of Imitation. Reckoning with the history of the last thirty years, they show that the most powerful force behind the wave of populist xenophobia that began in Eastern Europe stems from resentment at the post-1989 imperative to become Westernized. Through this prism, the Trump revolution represents an ironic fulfillment of the promise that the nations exiting from communist rule would come to resemble the United States. In a strange twist, Trump has elevated Putin's Russia and Orbán's Hungary into models for the United States. Written by two pre-eminent intellectuals bridging the East/West divide, The Light that Failed is a landmark book that sheds light on the extraordinary history of our Age of Imitation.

The definitive book about The Smiths, one of the most beloved, respected, and storied indie rock bands in music history. They were, their fans believe, the best band in the world. Hailing from Manchester, England, The Smiths--Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce--were critical and popular favorites throughout their mid-1980s heyday and beyond. To this day, due to their unforgettable songs and lyrics, they are considered one of the greatest British rock groups of all time--up there with the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, and the Clash. Tony Fletcher paints a vivid portrait of the fascinating personalities within the group: Morrissey, the witty, literate lead singer whose loner personality and complex lyrics made him an icon for teenagers who felt forlorn and forgotten; his songwriting partner Marr, the gregarious guitarist who became a rock god for a generation of indie kids; and the talented, good-looking rhythm section duo of bassist Rourke and drummer Joyce. Despite the band's tragic breakup at the height of their success, A Light That Never Goes Out is a celebration: the saga of four working-class kids from a northern English city who come together despite contrasting personalities, find a musical bond, inspire a fanatical following, and leave a legacy that changed the music world--and the lives of their fans.

The Complete Novels of Rudyard Kipling offers readers a comprehensive collection of the author's most renowned works, including The Light That Failed, Captain Courageous, Kim, and The Naulahka. Kipling's writing style seamlessly blends adventure with social commentary, capturing the essence of British Imperialism and cultural clashes in colonial settings. Each novel showcases Kipling's mastery of language, vivid imagery, and intricate character development, making them enduring classics in English literature. The themes of loyalty, identity, and the impact of colonization are recurrent throughout the collection, providing readers with a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience. Rudyard Kipling, a Nobel Prize-winning author, was born in British India and drew inspiration for his literary works from his experiences in the colonial environment. His deep understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures allowed him to create rich, multi-dimensional narratives that continue to resonate with readers worldwide. Kipling's unique perspective and storytelling prowess set him apart as a literary giant of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I highly recommend The Complete Novels of Rudyard Kipling to readers who enjoy engaging with timeless classics that delve into complex themes and offer profound insights into the human experience. This collection is a must-read for those interested in exploring the impact of imperialism and cultural diversity through the lens of a master storyteller.

Drama, family problems, drugs, alcoholism, adolescence... On the brink of turning fifteen, alcohol is no longer enough to help Luz forget who she is. At a time when dreams are nothing but falsities of other worlds, the present brings nothing but one disappointment after another, and when invertebrates are so sure that there's nothing better for them that they commit suicide, will the stars align with her decision?

"Jon Fine spent nearly thirty years performing and recording with bands that played various forms of aggressive and challenging underground rock music, and, as he writes in this memoir, at no point were any of those bands 'ever threatened, even distantly, by actual fame.' Yet when members of his first band, Bitch Magnet, reunited after twenty-one years to tour ... diehard longtime fans traveled from far and wide to attend those shows, despite creeping middle-age obligations of parenthood and 9-to-5 jobs, testament to the remarkable staying power of the indie culture that the bands predating the likes of Bitch Magnet--among them Black Flag, Mission of Burma, and Sonic Youth --willed into existence through sheer determination and a shared disdain for the mediocrity of contemporary popular music"--Amazon.com.

After returning to London following the war in the Sudan, war artist Dick Helder is gradually losing his sight. He struggles to complete his masterpiece, the portrait of Bessie Broke, a Cockney girl, before his eyesight fails him.