In the past few decades, thousands of new memorials to executed witches, victims of terrorism, and dead astronauts, along with those that pay tribute to civil rights, organ donors, and the end of Communism have dotted the American landscape. Equally ubiquitous, though until now less the subject of serious inquiry, are temporary memorials: spontaneous offerings of flowers and candles that materialize at sites of tragic and traumatic death. In Memorial Mania, Erika Doss argues that these memorials underscore our obsession with issues of memory and history, and the urgent desire to express—and claim—those issues in visibly public contexts. Doss shows how this desire to memorialize the past disposes itself to individual anniversaries and personal grievances, to stories of tragedy and trauma, and to the social and political agendas of diverse numbers of Americans. By offering a framework for understanding these sites, Doss engages the larger issues behind our culture of commemoration. Driven by heated struggles over identity and the politics of representation, Memorial Mania is a testament to the fevered pitch of public feelings in America today.

Smeetha Bhoumik is an artist celebrating her deep engagement with poetry. Her main theme of work is the Universe Series, exploring the mystery, oneness and unifying energies of the universe in oils and new media, shown in national and international exhibitions.

George Rawlinson's 'History of the Phoenician Civilization' is a comprehensive examination of the ancient Phoenician culture, exploring their contributions to trade, navigation, and civilization as a whole. Rawlinson's scholarly approach illuminates the influence of the Phoenicians on later cultures, providing a detailed account of their cities, customs, and religious practices. The book showcases Rawlinson's meticulous research and vivid storytelling, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in ancient history and the development of early civilizations. Rawlinson's narrative style captures the essence of the Phoenician civilization, shedding light on their impact on the Mediterranean world and beyond. Through detailed analysis and engaging prose, Rawlinson brings the Phoenician culture to life, offering a compelling read for scholars and history enthusiasts alike.

This carefully edited historical collection has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. The Ancient Near East was the home of early civilizations within a region roughly corresponding to the modern Middle East: Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, ancient Iran Asia Minor and Armenian Highlands, the Levant, Cyprus and the Arabian Peninsula. This book covers the history of the entire region through the period of over three millennia. It brings political and cultural history of eight most important kingdoms and empires of the region: Egypt, Parthia, Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylon, Persia and Sasanian Empire. Content: Egypt Phoenicia Chaldea Assyria Media Babylon Persia Parthia Sasanian Empire The Kings of Israel and Judah The History of Herodotus: The Original Source