"Thanatopsis" is a renowned poem written by William Cullen Bryant, an American poet and editor of the 19th century. First published in 1817 when Bryant was just 17 years old, the poem is considered one of the early masterpieces of American literature. In "Thanatopsis," Bryant explores themes related to death and nature, contemplating the idea of mortality and the interconnectedness of life and death. The title, derived from the Greek words "thanatos" (death) and "opsis" (view), suggests a meditation on the contemplation of death. The poem begins with an invocation to nature, portraying it as a grand and eternal force. Bryant expresses the idea that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, and all living things ultimately return to the earth. He emphasizes the consoling and unifying aspects of death, encouraging readers to view it as a peaceful and harmonious process. "Thanatopsis" reflects the Romantic literary movement's appreciation for nature and its role in shaping human perspectives. Bryant's eloquent language and profound reflections on mortality contribute to the enduring appeal of the poem.

"My Dream of Heaven...captures Biblical truths with emotional impressions." - Rev. Billy Graham Facing Death and the Life After This nineteenth century classic inspires the reader with new confidence and excitement about an eternal home and reunion with loved ones gone on before. It contains two missing chapters that have not appeared...

This book explores 11 popular misconceptions about the Vikings. Each chapter looks at a particular misconception, examines how it became popular, discusses what we now believe to be the truth, and provides excerpts from primary source documents. When people think of the Vikings, they often envision marauding barbarians who lived violent lives. While a number of mistaken beliefs about the Vikings have become engrained in popular culture, they are not grounded in historical facts. This book examines popular misconceptions related to the Vikings and the historical truths that contradict the fictions. The book discusses 11 mistaken notions about the Vikings, with each fiction treated in its own chapter. Topics include whether the Vikings wore horned helmets, whether they were unhygienic, whether they had primitive weapons, whether they drank out of skull cups, and more. Each chapter examines how the misconception proliferated and discusses what we now believe to be the facts contradicting the fictions. Excerpts from primary source documents help readers to understand how the misconceptions came to be throughout history and provide evidence for the historical truths.

This gripping and important book brings alive over two hundred years of humanitarian interventions. Freedom’s Battle illuminates the passionate debates between conscience and imperialism ignited by the first human rights activists in the 19th century, and shows how a newly emergent free press galvanized British, American, and French citizens to action by exposing them to distant atrocities. Wildly romantic and full of bizarre enthusiasms, these activists were pioneers of a new political consciousness. And their legacy has much to teach us about today’s human rights crises.