Christina Sommers

Explore the captivating and contentious history of the Elgin Marbles - the finest and most famous marbles of antiquity. This story recreates the "greatest art theft in history," a tale of obsession, intrigue, adultery, and ruin. As the British ambassador to Constantinople, Lord Elgin encountered some of the most significant figures of the nineteenth century including Napoleon, Sultan Selim III, Lord Nelson, Lord Byron, and Keats. Through original source material, this book brings to life the fascinating stories behind these infamous marbles.

Discover the miraculous benefits of reading aloud with The Enchanted Hour. Drawing from literature and the latest neuroscience and behavioral research, Meghan Cox Gurdon reveals how this ancient practice can make adults and children smarter, happier, healthier, and more closely attached. Whether it's bedtime stories for little kids or engaging the mind in complex narratives for teens and adults, reading aloud is an irreplaceable gift that builds vocabulary, fosters imagination, and kindles a lifelong appreciation of language, stories, and pictures. Don't miss out on this conversation-changing book that will inspire you to share the invaluable tradition of reading aloud with your loved ones.

Experience the beauty and danger of surfing in William Finnegan's memoir, "Barbarian Days". This coming-of-age story takes readers on a global journey as Finnegan chases waves and navigates life's ups and downs. From a whites-only gang in Hawaii to a picturesque fishing village in Samoa, Finnegan explores the complexities of close male friendships, social upheavals, sexual politics, and more. This book is an adventure story, an intellectual autobiography, and an extraordinary exploration of the mastery of a little-understood art. It's no wonder why some call it the finest surf book ever written.