A collection of the best weird fantasy stories by the Doctor Who series writer and World Fantasy Award–winning author. SHORTLISTED FOR THE SHIRLEY JACKSON AWARD Prolific author and screenwriter Robert Shearman has won numerous awards for his short stories of dark fantasy and horror. In this collection, Shearman visits worlds that are unsettling and strange. Sometimes they are just like ours―except landlocked countries may disappear overnight, marriages to camels are the norm, and the dead turn into musical instruments. Sometimes they are quite alien―where children carve their own tongues from trees, and magic shows are performed to amuse the troops in the war between demons and angels. There is horror, and dreams—fulfilled and squandered—of true love. Venture into the world of Robert Shearman’s darkly exhilarating imagination. They do the same things different there.

Important American periodical dating back to 1850.

Learn how traditional herbal practitioners are responding to the sudden, massive popularity of herbal medicine! Herbal Voices: American Herbalism Through the Words of American Herbalists examines how herbal practitioners who started in the 1960s and 1970s are reacting to the mainstream popularity of herbal medicine today. This unique book features interviews with 20 of America’s most prominent herbalistsfocusing on their careers, their beliefs, and their perspectives on the contemporary herbal product boom in recent years. Also included is important information on herbal organizations, publications, schools, and companies where seeds and rootstock of endangered medicinal plants can be obtained, as well as a list of the United Plant Savers’ At Risk and To Watch medicinal plants. Herbal Voices synthesizes the words of a representative group of herbalists into a compelling picture of modern American herbalism as they offer their opinions on the roles of science, folklore, and spirituality in herbal medicine. This timely resource addresses controversial issues that arise within the herbal community, such as the endangered plant crisis, professionalism and licensure, and shifting the American consciousness toward a more Earth-centered way of life and health. In Herbal Voices, you’ll hear from many well-known herbal practitioners, including: Rosemary Gladstarfounder of The California School of Herbal Studies and United Plant Savers, co-founder of Sage Mountain Herbs, and author of Herbal Healing for Women and of the Sage Healing Way series James Greenformer Director of The California School of Herbal Studies, a member of the advisory committee for United Plant Savers, and author of both The Herbal Medicine-Makers Handbook and The Male Herbal David HoffmannFellow of Britain’s National Institute of Medical Herbalists, former President of the American Herbalists Guild, and author of The New Holistic Herbal, An Elder’s Herbal, and Therapeutic Herbalism Richo Cechherbalist, owner of Horizon Herbs, executive board member of United Plant Savers, and author of Growing Your Garden Pharmacy Sharol Tilgnerlicensed naturopathic physician, founder and current President of Wise Woman Herbals, Inc., editor of Herbal Transitions, associate editor of Medical Herbalism, and author of Herbal Medicines From the Heart of the Earth For the first time, these leading educators, clinicians, and business owners share the joys and pitfalls of practicing an age-old healing tradition in modern America. This rich resource of reflections fills a gap in the existing literature that will be useful for herbalists, herbal enthusiasts, historians, anthropologists, popular culturists, and holistic/alternative medical practitioners.

When tragedy strikes a family, their lives are never the same again... The Pride of Polly Perkins is a captivating saga of a warm Liverpudlian family hit by illness, and a nostalgic look back at the communities of yesteryear, from much-loved author Joan Jonker. Perfect for fans of Cathy Sharp and Katie Flynn. At the age of fourteen, happy-go-lucky Polly Perkins faces untold sadness when her beloved father is diagnosed with tuberculosis. As Tommy's stay in hospital turns from weeks into months, Polly's mother, Ada, becomes increasingly anxious as to how she will make ends meet. In an attempt to help out, Polly takes a job as a flowerseller, and when she sells a buttonhole to Charles Denholme, a member of the Liverpool gentry, she sets in motion a chain of events that changes her life forever... What readers are saying about The Pride of Polly Perkins: 'Joan Jonker is the best writer of good, old-fashioned story telling' 'This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. It brings out a mixture of emotions all in one book: tears, joy and above all laughter. I could not put it down. I would recommend it to anyone'

A sensitive and moving portrait of life and manners in an English country village during the 1830s, Cranford recounts the events and activities in the lives of a group of spinsters and widows.