Fictions of Advice historicizes the late medieval mirrors (or handbooks) for princes to reveal how the ambiguities and contradictions characteristic of the genre are responses to—as well as attempts to manage—the risks implicit in advising a king. Often thought of as moralizing advice unable to engage political conflicts, the mirrors for princes have been taken for dull and conventionalized testimonies to the medieval taste for platitude. Judith Ferster maintains that advice was at the center of one of the important political debates in the late Middle Ages: how to constrain the king and allow for his subjects' participation. Fictions of Advice rereads the English mirrors for princes to show how their moralizing was often highly topical and even subversive. Although overtly deferential to the rulers they address, the mirrors' authors were surprisingly capable of criticism and opposition. In putting the texts back into their historical contexts, Ferster reveals the vital cultural and political function they fulfilled in their societies.

Does anxiety have a hold on you and your life? Do panic and worry tend to dominate every moment? You’re not alone – Making Friends with Anxiety is here to help. In this friendly and supportive little book, bestselling author Sarah Rayner draws on her own experience of living with an anxiety disorder and shares the life-changing coping techniques that have helped her manage her anxiety and panic at home, at work and in all areas of life. Packed with bite-size tips, this must-have handbook has already helped thousands of anxiety sufferers across the world. Sarah takes you by the hand as a friend and explains what causes worry and panic to become such a problem for many of us, including: The seven elements that commonly contribute to anxiety, from negative thinking to fear of the future. How our bodies physically respond to stress and worry, and how to calm yourself down during a panic attack. Tips on how to be kind to yourself when you’re having a difficult time, and how to be your own best friend in times of stress. If you suffer from panic attacks and anxiety, or simply want to spend less time worrying, Making Friends with Anxiety will be your friend in times of need, helping you to feel calmer and happier every day. Read what everyone is saying about Making Friends with Anxiety: ‘Perfect little book that helped me understand what my anxiety entails... better than any therapy session!!!!’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Loved this book!... Thank you, Sarah, wish you were my friend.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Amazing… This book made me feel that I was not alone in dealing with anxiety… provided many light-bulb moments for me… great advice and techniques.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fantastic. Wonderful.’ Amazon reviewer 5 stars ‘Positive, uplifting, realistic and practical. Helped to calm me and give me things to do instantly… Made me feel normal, safe and more in control at a time in my life when it felt like I was slipping under. Written in a supportive and compassionate way, easy to understand and full of 'aha moments' for me.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars 'Simple, lucid advice on how to accept anxiety.' Matt Haig, Sunday Times bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive ‘Reads like chatting with an old friend; one with wit, wisdom and experience.’ Laura Lockington, The Brighton & Hove Independent ‘Reassuring, informative and written in a kind, inclusive tone that makes sense of everyday anxiety-provoking situations, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.’ Josie Lloyd, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Cancer Women’s Running Club ‘Sarah's advice is very sage… Deeply personal yet eminently practical… accessible and engaging… extremely helpful to anyone trying to cope with anxiety.’ Dr Ian Williams, GP and author ‘A great book… practical and, most importantly, compassionate… I will be recommending this book to my patients.’ Dr Patrick Fitzgerald, GP

A master storyteller and teacher talks about the tools of the fiction writer's craft

In this indispensable guide for anyone who must communicate in speech or writing, Schwartzberg shows that most of us fail to convince because we don't have a point-a concrete contention that we can argue, defend, illustrate, and prove. He lays out, step-by-step, how to develop one. In Joel's Schwartzberg's ten-plus years as a strategic communications trainer, the biggest obstacle he's come across-one that connects directly to nervousness, stammering, rambling, and epic fail-is that most speakers and writers don't have a point. They typically have just a title, a theme, a topic, an idea, an assertion, a catchphrase, or even something much less. A point is something more. It's a contention you can propose, argue, defend, illustrate, and prove. A point offers a position of potential value. Global warming is real is not a point. Scientific evidence shows that global warming is a real, human-generated problem that will have a devastating environmental and financial impact is a point. When we have a point, our influence snaps into place. We communicate belief, conviction, and urgency. This book shows you how to identify your point, leverage it, stick to it, and sell it and how to train others to identify and successfully make their own points.

The author, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family.

Night sweats, mood swings, weight gain – the menopause can be a challenging time, leaving us feeling isolated and as if we’re losing touch with ourselves. But you are not alone – Making Friends with the Menopause is here to help. From bestselling author Sarah Rayner, with Dr Patrick Fitzgerald, comes a clear and comforting guide to the menopause that reads like a chat with a good friend. Written with warmth and humour, and packed with practical, bite-size tips from women experiencing menopause themselves, as well as essential insights from Dr Patrick, this life-changing little handbook includes: Comprehensive guidance on the range of treatments available including traditional and complementary medicine. Tried and tested tips to alleviate the symptoms of menopause including hot flushes, insomnia, forgetfulness, and rising anxiety. How to deal with the psychological impact of hormonal changes and lift your self-esteem. Suggestions for your sex life and how to talk to your partner about the change you’re going through. How to find the joy in this period and focus more on yourself and your own wellbeing. If you’re struggling with the symptoms of menopause, simply want to take care of yourself well or if you’re looking for support from a friend who knows exactly how you feel, Making Friends with the Menopause will be your guide. It will give you the understanding and confidence you need to navigate this profound change and fully embrace this new chapter of your life with open arms. Read what everyone is saying about Making Friends with the Menopause: ‘Would give 10 stars if I could. Love this book.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘The best I have ever read about the menopause. I learnt so much about myself and at what stage I am at.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fabulous! A must read for every woman 40+… Sensible, comprehensive, factual, positive, giving lots of great information and advice… I'm left feeling much more positive about my perimenopause.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Brilliant and makes you feel like you are not alone!… feels like talking to a friend. I felt so much better after reading it, and keep dipping into it when I need a reminder.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Superb… can't praise it enough. Made me realise I am normal, thank goodness!’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Incredibly helpful and informative… so helpful I can't recommend it enough.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars ‘Comforting words and real-life examples, I felt much better simply having read this.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars