This book is devoted to medieval Iberian women, readers and writers. Focusing on the stories and texts women heard, visually experienced or read, and the stories that they rewrote, the work explores women’s experiences and cultural practices and their efforts to make sense of their place within their familial networks and communities. The study is based on two methodological and interpretive threads: a new paradigm to represent premodern reading and, a study of women’s writing, or, more precisely, women’s textualities, as a process of creating words but also acts, social practices, emotions and, ultimately, affectus, understood here as the embodiment of the ability to affect and be affected.

James Lee Burke developed the character of Cajun detective Dave Robicheaux through twenty mystery novels published over three decades. Despite readers’ increasing interest in Detective Robicheaux, his habits and preferences originate from a culture still unfamiliar to many of the books’ fans. In Robicheaux’s Roots, Patricia M. Gaitely explores the music, food, language, and folklore of southwest Louisiana and illuminates the cultural sources that Burke incorporated into this gripping series. Part of Robicheaux’s appeal, Gaitely shows, rests in his connection to his hometown of New Iberia, with its faults, charm, and reliance on the old ways. Multiple cultural strands coexist in this region, including Creole and Cajun French dialect; African American folk sayings; swamp pop, zydeco, and blues music; and voodoo, Catholicism, evangelicalism, and faith healing. These aspects of Cajun life weave throughout Robicheaux’s world. The commingling of so many traditions provides multiple meanings for even the most common encounters—water can be both natural element and medium between living and dead; and gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish may represent more than simply regional foods. Additionally, Gaitely demonstrates that beneath the pleasant veneer of southern hospitality, a persistent legacy of violence and vengeance leaves a lasting mark on the lives of Robicheaux and the other characters. Robicheaux’s Roots reveals how elements of south Louisiana’s culture signal a sense of belonging but also recall the area’s history of isolation. As a result, readers gain a deeper understanding of Robicheaux himself and an enhanced appreciation for Burke’s acclaimed series.

Appian's Iberike, the sixth book of his Roman History, chronicles the events of the Roman wars in the Iberian peninsula from the beginning of the Hannibalic wars in 218 BC until the capture of the Celtiberian city of Numantia in 133 BC. The Iberike is the only continuous source for much of the period and so provides a unique picture of this early period of Roman imperial expansion. This is the first English translation of the book, presented facing the Greek text, and is accompanied by a historical commentary and copious notes.

Flagging at work, being submerged in an illustrious corporate lifestyle, making money matters at whatever cost to the soul or planet, Jim battled to justify his increasing impact to an unsustainably selfish system. Jim was never destined for office work, but it consumed him nonetheless. As a West Country man in his mid-twenties - who crosses the border between immaturity and a midlife crisis - he quit his job and set off. Having recently passed his motorbike licence; this was his lifeline and an opportunity for reflection. In need of a new direction, Jim embraced the challenge of Iberia by Bike (Spain, Portugal and a bit more) riding almost 10,000 kilometres through southwest Europe with little more than a tent and his 'particular' companion. So you're struggling with the soul-sucking office job. What do you do? The short answer - be bold, it's your life, you choose! Dive into Spain, France and Portugal on this journey of discovery that encourages personal exploration and development. You'll encounter recommended remote spots, wild camping, city breaks, hidden gems and the paths and patios in between.