As an archaeologist, Steven Mithen has worked on the Hebridean island of Islay over a period of many years. In this book he introduces the sites and monuments and tells the story of the island's people from the earliest stone age hunter-gatherers to those who lived in townships and in the grandeur of Islay House. He visits the tombs of Neolithic farmers, forts of Iron Age chiefs and castles of medieval warlords, discovers where Bronze Age gold was found, treacherous plots were made against the Scottish crown, and explores the island of today, which was forged more recently by those who mined for lead, grew flax, fished for herring and distilled whisky – the industry for which the island is best known today. Although an island history, this is far from an insular story: Islay has always been at a cultural crossroads, receiving a constant influx of new people and new ideas, making it a microcosm for the story of Scotland, Britain and beyond.

A far from willing conscript into a war instigated by a foreign empire, Graven, not much more than a boy, is forced to take up the sword - or die. He finds his life spiraling into a web of violence and betrayal. In a world of uncertain alliances and where life is cheap, he must stay alive and prove his worth. His simple, sheltered village upbringing has not prepared him for the carnage and horror he must now face if ever he is to see his homeland again. In a bitter struggle that will rip away the innocent youth and leave a harsh and uncompromising man, his arduous journey begins.

Peter Kenez's comprehensive study of the Soviet propaganda system, describes how the Bolshevik Party went about reaching the Russian people. Kenez focuses on the experiences of the Russian people. The book is both a major contribution to our understanding of the genius of the Soviet state, and of the nature of propaganda in the twentieth-century.

Companion disc features recordings of popular songs and vaudeville skits performed by some of Russia's most famous singers and comics of early twentieth century.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is a small country thats had an amazing influence on the history of Europe and the world. It formed the heart of Shakespeares Illyria. For centuries, its people were a mainstay of the Roman Empire, providing it with elite troops and several of its greatest emperors. In Bosnian Phoenix, author Miljan Peter Ilich offers a novel and enlightening perspective on the astounding historical importance of Bosnia. He emphasizes the resilience of the country throughout its evolution from its ancient historical roots. Its territory has fluctuated, but the basic geographical extent of what is defined as Bosnia and Herzegovina has been remarkably stable for a long time. Ilich offers an understanding of the conflictual relations in Bosnia by analyzing the inadequately recognized centuries-long significance of that nation in regional and European affairs. For about a century, Bosnia took the lead in defending Europe from Turkish invasions and was a champion of religious liberty within the Christian world. Ilich maintains that since Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been a multiethnic society, its history aids in the understanding of social evolution in other multiethnic societies. The Bosnian story will be meaningful to people in other countries since, with increased globalization, the entire world is fast becoming one huge, complex, multiethnic society. Bosnian Phoenix addresses a host of myths about Bosnia and presents insight into this country and what it offers to the world.