Although he was alive around 300 BC, Chinese philosopher Mencius helped pave the way for future generations of Chinese thinkers and theologians. He is best known for his work with Confucianism, and his interpretations of Confucius' sayings shaped the way that the religion is now practiced. He also was one of the scholars at the Jixia Academy, a prestigious school for philosophers. His status allowed him to be one of China's most respected officials....

Yoga is an exercise and meditation philosophy that has been taking the United States by storm over the past several decades. Yet many are unaware that there is an entire, ancient religion that prefaces this phenomenon. Yoga is one of six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, and "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" contains 196 aphorisms that form the basis of Raja Yoga. Patanjali uses his text to explain different facets of the philosophy, leading people to...

Farid ud-Din Attar was a Persian poet, druggist, and social theorist of Sufism, who wrote much of his poetry while treating hundreds of patients a day with his herbal remedies. As a young man he made a pilgrimage to Mecca, and sought wisdom during his travels in Egypt, Damascus, and India. His masterpiece, "The Conference of the Birds", has survived centuries because of its captivating poetic style and its symbolic exploration on the true nature of...

"Illuminating a thrilling untold chapter of the Cold War, The Double Life of Katharine Clark shares the forgotten story of a remarkable woman who pioneered a career in a male-dominated profession. In 1955, Katharine Clark became the first female American wire reporter behind the Iron Curtain, forging a career as a journalist, befriending a leading Communist, and risking her life to smuggle away books that exposed the truth about Communism to the world....

The Book of Five Rings (五輪書, Go Rin no Sho) is a text on kenjutsu and the martial arts in general, written by the Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi around 1645. Many translations have been made, and it enjoys an audience considerably broader than other martial artists and people across East Asia. For instance, some foreign business leaders find its discussion of conflict and taking the advantage to be relevant to their work in a business context....

This edition of “Bradt's Bosnia and Herzegovina” remains the only full-length English-language guide to this cultural and outdoor adventure Balkan crossroads. Written by an expert who came to volunteer during the war and ended up staying almost thirty years, it offers a unique first-hand account combined with practical information that goes beyond any other guide available. New for this sixth edition are updated maps, contacts and detailed visitor...

Fully updated for this third edition by expert author Annie Kay (for over 10 years Chairman of the British-Bulgarian Society and a part-time resident of Sofia), Bradt's Bulgaria offers a comprehensive guide to this increasingly popular country. Detailed background information is combined with everything from tips on the best hotels and mehanas to hiking through the Rila Mountains in search of brown bear or simply strolling around Nesebur's harbour....

This new, third edition of Bradt's Romania: Transylvania remains the only standalone English language guide to this legendary and enchanting region. Comprehensive chapter-per-county coverage is offered, including details to cater for the diverse range of travellers to the region, from city breaks to rural escapes, ski enthusiasts to charity volunteers. Thoroughly updated, this new edition reflects all the changes of the past few years, from improved...

This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Bratislava remains the only guide dedicated to this compact and increasingly popular city. Split into ten easy-to-follow chapters, the guide covers everything from local politics and cultural etiquette in the opening sections, followed by information on planning, practical information, local transport (including the new bike-sharing scheme), accommodation, eating and drinking, entertainment, nightlife,...

Oriental Magic is recognized as a brilliant study of how, what and why people think, in territories extending from North Africa to Japan. Profusely illustrated, the book is the product of years of research and field-work in a dozen different cultural regions. Its scholarly accuracy and genuine contribution to cultural understanding have made it a key text for anyone interested in informal beliefs, and esoteric practices. The work includes material...