Medici in Florence, after the restoration of 1512. Carafulla, historical Jester, leading the (Venetian) Ship of Fools in the pageant through the streets of Florence in the Midsummer festival of St John the Baptist,1514. The antics of the jesters have meaning. This is gradually unfolded during the journey of the ship in the book. It is done by focusing on the visual and narrative riddles of the jesters and other characters analysed with the help of a background on the festive tradition (Carnival) in Europe, and of published and unpublished (personal letters of the Medici) material. Gradually the pranks and jests reveal earnest and controversial contents which reflect on political relationships between Rome (the Medici pope, Leo X), Florence (the member of the Medici family ruling there) and the Republic of Venice (provider of fleets and reformist thought). Rumours, humours and emulations between Florence Rome and Venice.

In this lively work, Beatrice K. Otto takes us on a journey around the world in search of one of the most colorful characters in history—the court jester. Though not always clad in cap and bells, these witty, quirky characters crop up everywhere, from the courts of ancient China and the Mogul emperors of India to those of medieval Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. With a wealth of anecdotes, jokes, quotations, epigraphs, and illustrations (including flip art), Otto brings to light little-known jesters, highlighting their humanizing influence on people with power and position and placing otherwise remote historical figures in a more idiosyncratic, intimate light. Most of the work on the court jester has concentrated on Europe; Otto draws on previously untranslated classical Chinese writings and other sources to correct this bias and also looks at jesters in literature, mythology, and drama. Written with wit and humor, Fools Are Everywhere is the most comprehensive look at these roguish characters who risked their necks not only to mock and entertain but also to fulfill a deep and widespread human and social need.

You are about to begin the most thrilling James Patterson novel yet. Hugh De Luc returns from the Crusades to discover that his terrifying nightmare has just begun. Merciless killers have slain his young son, kidnapped his wife, Sophie, and destroyed his town in their search for a priceless relic from the Crucifixion. Hugh's quest to find Sophie is one of the most pulse-pounding adventures, mysteries, and unforgettable love stories in all of thriller fiction.

1796. A diminutive, Corsican-born French general has inherited a ragtag army and turned it into an unstoppable fighting force. Within months, Napoleon's storm rolls across Italy and strikes a lethal blow against the Austrian empire. But while the soil of Piedmont and Tuscany runs with blood, another battle takes shape on the mysterious Adriatic Sea. Alan Lewrie and his 18-gun sloop, HMS Jester are part of a squadron of four British warships and sail into the thick of things. But with England's allies falling, Napoleon busy rearranging the world map, and their squadron stretched dangerously thin along the Croatian coast, the British squadron commander strikes a devil's bargain: enlisting the aid of Serbian pirates.

Jesus Christ: from savior to Satan. The story of Jesus Christ is the greatest story that has ever been told, but the true story of Jesus Christ has never been told, until now! Though I have little doubt that Jesus Christ was the savior, I have no doubt that today's belief in Jesus is Satan: the adversary of all things good and true.

What's a nice tiefling like Jester doing in a party like the Mighty Nein? Jester Lavorre had an unconventional upbringing, even for one born in cosmopolitan Nicodranas. Daughter of the famed Ruby of the Sea, she had many opportunities for mischief as a small child, of which she took full advantage! Dive into the mystery of Jester's early years, her first meeting with the Traveler, and the fateful events that set her on a path to eventually join the Mighty Nein. Jester's story is brought to life by writer Sam Maggs (Captain Marvel; The Unstoppable Wasp) with art by Hunter Severn Bonyun, in direct consultation with Laura Bailey! It's available as a gorgeous hardcover, ready to take its place in your Critical Role library!