How can a poem transform a life? Could poetry change the world? In this accessible volume, spoken-word stars Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley roll out the welcome mat and prove that poetry is for everyone. Whether lapsed poetry lovers, aspiring poets, or total novices, readers will learn to uncover verse in unexpected places, find their way through a poem when they don't quite "get it," and discover just how transformative poetry can be. This is a gorgeous and inspiring gift for any fan of the written word.

The British monarchy’s rich and storied heritage has been preserved for centuries, and The Queen’s People, made with Royal Household approval, presents a magnificent collection of photography that brings Queen Elizabeth II and important members of Her Majesty’s court to life as rarely seen before. Featuring forty-two unique portraits by prominent British photographer Hugo Rittson Thomas, this hand-bound limited-edition volume captures the pageantry of the Royal Court’s intricate ceremonial dress and regalia, and highlights the pride each individual takes in serving his or her nation and sovereign. A historical essay by the Garter Principal King of Arms completes this grand tome.

"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time.

" Well, when it was discovered that the trolls had switched you babies (you in your floating water lily cradle, with the other babe in a nest of down), my friend the kingfisher was to give you each a gift. You see, we never knew that you had been changed in your cradle until it came time for your wings to grow and you to be starting to flutter and the other to be learning to dive. By then we loved you, and the water sprites loved her, and it was beyond changing things back. But your mother wept because you couldn't fly, and the water sprite mother wept because her babe couldn't breathe underwater, so the kingfisher tried to make it right.... "

This book investigates the agency and influence of medieval queens in late fourteenth-century England, focusing on the patronage and intercessory activities of the queens Philippa of Hainault and Anne of Bohemia, as well as the princess Joan of Kent. It examines the ways in which royal women were able to participate in traditional queenly customs such as intercession, and whether it was motherhood that gave power to a queen. This study focuses particularly on types of patronage, and also considers the importance of coronation, especially for Joan of Kent, who was neither a queen consort nor a dowager, yet still fulfilled some queenly duties. Crucially, the author highlights the transactional nature of the queen’s role at court, as she accumulated wealth from land, rights and traditions, which in turn funded patronage activities.