Density of housing in late medieval and early modern London could make access to light and privacy incompatible, provoking neighbor disputes. This book examines the Custom of London on light, which reflected centuries-old ideas about the right to have, or prevent neighbors from having, windows. The volume explores the background of the Custom and its enforcement by legal action in the Mayor’s Court and by less formal action in the Court of Aldermen, discussing the effect of decisions on the architecture and appearance of the City. It investigates the reasons behind householders’ strongly held feelings about windows, with the need for light and the status evidenced by glazed windows balanced by an insistence on privacy, fear of intruders or accidents, and expense. Over time amendments were made in practice and the Custom survived the Great Fire of 1666, reflecting the continuity of long-held ideas about property rights and acceptable behavior. With both legal and social themes, the book will be of interest to historians, architects, city planners, lawyers curious about the background for modern law on physical privacy, and anyone fascinated by the history of London.

A number of nations, conspicuously Israel and the United States, have been increasingly attracted to the use of strategic barriers to promote national defense. In Do Good Fences Make Good Neighbors?, defense analyst Brent Sterling examines the historical use of strategic defenses such as walls or fortifications to evaluate their effectiveness and consider their implications for modern security. Sterling studies six famous defenses spanning 2,500 years, representing both democratic and authoritarian regimes: the Long Walls of Athens, Hadrian’s Wall in Roman Britain, the Ming Great Wall of China, Louis XIV’s Pré Carré, France’s Maginot Line, and Israel’s Bar Lev Line. Although many of these barriers were effective in the short term, they also affected the states that created them in terms of cost, strategic outlook, military readiness, and relations with neighbors. Sterling assesses how modern barriers against ground and air threats could influence threat perceptions, alter the military balance, and influence the builder’s subsequent policy choices. Advocates and critics of strategic defenses often bolster their arguments by selectively distorting history. Sterling emphasizes the need for an impartial examination of what past experience can teach us. His study yields nuanced lessons about strategic barriers and international security and yields findings that are relevant for security scholars and compelling to general readers.

So your neighbor's giant sequoia is blocking your view. Who ya gonna call? The search for a 'dispute buster' should end with this helpful new book. Sunset Magazine - For anyone with a neighbor problem, [Neighbor Law] is a handy book indeed. It walks the reader through written and common law, tells you what your rights are and how to follow through on a complaint all the way to court, if necessary.- Oakland Tribune - Explains how to use mediation services, research local laws, and present a convincing case in small claims court. - Reuters - Surprisingly, this is a fun read. The author includes interesting sidebars and court decisions to clarify her explanations. - Sacramento Bee - A Nolo book that gives practical, no-nonsense approaches to handling neighbor disputes. - Los Angeles Times - This classic book, which keeps getting better with each new edition, answers virtually all questions regarding fences, trees, boundaries and noise.- Orlando Sentinel - Jordan peppers the book with real stories of problems neighbors have with each other. The stories are interesting and, in some cases, hilarious. - Arizona Republic - Even if you don't have a serious neighbor problem yet, this well-written and complete book is a fun and educational read. It is extremely thorough and well-documented. 4 stars: excellent. - Robert Bruss, nationally syndicated real-estate columnist

“Ronni’s mind fell completely silent. She stopped being aware of the room around her, there was only the hateful figure of a bully and an abuser ahead of her, all else was a blur.” You’re in a strange city. Your friend is missing. Could you find the courage to do what is necessary? Would you even know where to start? These are the questions faced by law graduate Ronni Wong when her friend Jenny disappears after a date with a man she met online. Finding evidence suggesting that Jenny’s internet lover hides the darkest of secrets, Ronni is forced to embark on a journey through social media to discover the identity of a kidnapper, and then a dangerous race against time through the streets of Metro Manila to save her friend’s life. The clock is ticking, can Ronni make it in time? Join Ronni as her investigation into one disappearance leads her into mortal danger. Social Murder will keep you on the edge of your seat, and at the same time challenge you to think about how you use social media. Are you safe online?

“Addictive, suspenseful and masterfully written...will delight fans of Big Little Lies.” —Michele Campbell “[A] witty, hyperlocal mystery...With a light, Liane Moriarty-esque touch...” —New York Times L. Alison Heller, whose work has been praised by Liane Moriarty as "warm, witty...refreshingly true to life,” explores the ultimate sacrifices of parenting in The Neighbor’s Secret, a propulsive and juicy novel filled with gripping twists and instantly recognizable characters. How well do you really know your neighbors? With its sprawling yards and excellent schools, Cottonwood Estates is the perfect place to raise children. The Cottonwood Book Club serves as the subdivision’s eyes and ears, meeting once a month for discussion, gossip, and cocktails. If their selections trend toward twisty thrillers and salacious murder mysteries, it’s only because the members feel secure that such evil has no place in their own cul-de-sacs. Or does it? What happened to Lena’s family fifteen years ago was a tragic accident, and she will never admit otherwise. Devoted wife and mother Annie refuses to acknowledge—even to herself—the weight of a past shame. And new resident Jen wants friends, but as always, worry about her troubled son gets in the way. When late-night acts of vandalism target the women of the book club in increasingly violent and personal ways, they will be forced to decide how far to go to keep their secrets. At least they all agree on what’s most important: protecting their children at any cost—even if it means someone has to die.

BAD IDEA #241: Sending a dirty text to your number neighbor.In my defense, my friends did it too, and their neighbors took it as the joke it was.Mine didn't. He responded with a dirty text of his own. Next thing I know, I have a standing texting date every night at ten-thirty.Until I have to miss it because the stray kitten who adopted me one week ago is sick. The only person I know who can help me at this time of night is my British next-door neighbor and local vet, Isaac Cooper.I'll keep him overnight, he says. Here's my number to call me in the morning, he says.The problem?I know that number.Because I've been texting it every night for the last four days...

A reclusive woman opens up her home to her neighbors in the wake of a devastating earthquake, setting off events that reveal secrets, break relationships apart, and bring strangers together to forge powerful new bonds.