If memory was simply about past events, public authorities would never put their ever-shrinking budgets at its service. Rather, memory is actually about the present moment, as Pierre Nora puts it: “Through the past, we venerate above all ourselves.” This book examines how collective memory and material culture are used to support present political and ideological needs in contemporary society. Using the memorialization of the Troubles in contemporary Northern Ireland as a case study, this book investigates how non-state, often proscribed, organizations have filled a societal vacuum in the creation of public memorials. In particular, these groups have sifted through the past to propose “official” collective narratives of national identification, historical legitimation, and moral justifications for violence.

"A collection of meditations like polished stones--painstakingly worded, tough-minded, yet partial to mystery, and peerless when it comes to injecting larger resonances into the natural world." — Kirkus Reviews Here, in this compelling assembly of writings, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard explores the world of natural facts and human meanings. Veering away from the long, meditative studies of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek or Holy the Firm, Annie Dillard explores and celebrates moments of spirituality, dipping into descriptions of encounters with flora and fauna, stars, and more, from Ecuador to Miami.

This is an anthology of prose and poetry meant for use as a textbook for General English classes at the intermediate and undergraduate levels. The exercises are innovative and perceptive in nature and open out new ways of looking at prose and poetry texts. The selections are made with the student in mind and enable the student to learn how to appreciate creativity and writing skills.

Approximately seventy thousand souls lay in rest at historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. They are the silent witnesses of what has gone on before. Their stones carry their stories and the history of Atlanta. Cathy Kaemmerlen, renowned storyteller and Georgia author, explores the tales behind many of the cemetery's notable figures, including: " Margaret Mitchell, of Gone with the Wind fame " Bobby Jones, 1930 winner of all four major golf championships " The Rich brothers, founders of Rich's Department Store " Joseph Jacobs, in whose pharmacy the first Coca-Cola was served