An “insightful cultural history of the mythical, self-immolating bird” from Ancient Egypt to contemporary pop culture by the author of The Book of Gryphons (Library Journal). The phoenix, which rises again and again from its own ashes, has been a symbol of resilience and renewal for thousands of years. But how did this mythical bird come to play a part in cultures around the world and throughout human history? Here, mythologist Joseph Nigg presents a comprehensive biography of this legendary creature. Beginning in ancient Egypt, Nigg’s sweeping narrative discusses the many myths and representations of the phoenix, including legends of the Chinese, where it was considered a sacred creature that presided over China’s destiny; classical Greece and Rome, where it appears in the writings of Herodotus and Ovid; medieval Christianity, in which it came to embody the resurrection; and in Europe during the Renaissance, when it was a popular emblem of royals. Nigg examines the various phoenix traditions, the beliefs and tales associated with them, their symbolic and metaphoric use, and their appearance in religion, bestiaries, and even contemporary popular culture, in which the ageless bird of renewal is employed as a mascot and logo. “An exceptional work of scholarship.”—Publishers Weekly

By following the stories of nine contemporary Chinese artists, The Phoenix Years shows how China's rise unleashed creativity, thwarted hopes, and sparked tensions between the individual and the state that continue to this day. It relates the heady years of hope and creativity in the 1980s, which ended in the disaster of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Following that tragedy comes China's meteoric economic rise, and the opportunities that emerged alongside the difficult compromises artists and others have to make to be citizens in modern China.Foreign correspondent Madeleine O'Dea has been an eyewitness for over thirty years to the rise of China, the explosion of its contemporary art and cultural scene, and the long, ongoing struggle for free expression. The stories of these artists and their art mirror the history of their country. The Phoenix Years is vital reading for anyone interested in China today.

They thought they'd eliminated the threat. Instead, they provoked her. Stolen away in the dead of night, Anastasia was plunged into a life of misery. Her only source of comfort came from the boy who lived next door. Now, twenty years later, she's finally living the life she'd only dare dream about with the boy who turned into a man she couldn't live without. But after an unprovoked attack leaves her clinging to survival, Anastasia is forced to make a choice. Stay and risk death to be with the man she's always wanted, or escape through a portal with a stranger promising to keep her alive. Fantasy like you've never experienced. This coming-of-age adult fantasy series is addicting and will have you cheering for the underdog from page one. Please note: This series contains darker elements, including explicit language, mentions of abuse, and torture. It is not intended for anyone under the age of 18. This is the first book in a completed five-book series.

Praise for The Phoenix The constant pressures from the men she dared to love caused Melanie to crumble under their attacks. She is now soaring on the wings of an eagle, flying high into the deep blue sky, moving forward to fulfill her destiny. A must-read! Minister Vickie Robertson, The Fellowship of Faith Church, Huntsville, AL Uniquely Christian, uniquely honest this book amazes, delights, saddens and ultimately encourages each reader who knows the joy and pain inside a marriage. With shocking honesty, author Dian Griffin Jackson tells a story of love, abuse and the hard work of rebuilding. A must read book for pastor and parishioner alike anyone ready to know the reality of resurrection. Rev. Dr. Nancy Ellett Allison, Pastor, Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, Charlotte, NC Melanie Bella university graduate, devoted wife and mother, pastor, and many things in betweensearches for the love and acceptance that has eluded her since birth. The Phoenix Rising from the Ashes follows Melanies struggles as a teenage mom who became a wife and mother of two early in life and as a woman who loved her husband and desired to please him above all else and make him happy. During therapy, she learns theres a thirsty, hungry, needy little girl inside who is looking for her parents love and acceptance. After leaving her abusive husband, she sets out to find a man who will love her enough to help her right the wrongs both she and her mother experienced. She is also determined to reconcile the disenfranchised little girl with the beautiful, phenomenal woman she is certain the Creator has made her to be. A story of growing up too soon, this novel shares the journey of a woman who has been through the fires and storms of life and realized thatdespite the teachings of the church intended to dehumanize her by telling her she is dirty, wretched, and uncleanshe has had Gods favor her entire life.

'A tour de force of biography, history, politics, philosophy and experimental science' ECONOMIST The remarkable and inspiring story of how London was transformed after the Great Fire of 1666 into the most powerful city in the world, and the men who were responsible for that achievement. 'Wonderfully rich and informative ... a rare achievement' Tom Holland 'Fascinating' Lucy Moore 'An ingenious and fluent overview of extraordinary men at an extraordinary moment, with St Paul's standing as its symbolic heart' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH Opening in the 1640s, as the city was gripped in tumult leading up to the English Civil War, THE PHOENIX charts the lives and works of five extraordinary men, who would grow up in the chaos of a world turned upside down: the architect, Sir Christopher Wren; gardener and virtuosi, John Evelyn; the scientist, Robert Hooke; the radical philosopher, John Locke and the builder, Nicholas Barbon. At the heart of the story is the rebuilding of London's iconic cathedral, St Paul's. Interweaving science, architecture, history and philosophy, THE PHOENIX tells the story of the formation of the first modern city.