A Nation of Shopkeepers explores the unstoppable rise of the petty bourgeoisie, one of the most powerful, but underexplored, classes in modern society.
Alison Wright Books
“My husband Jan finished me on 17 June 1439. . . . My age was 33 years.” So speaks Margaret van Eyck from the frame of her portrait. This painted inscription honors its maker Jan van Eyck, even as it blurs the distinction between living subject and painted double. Frame Work, an in-depth study of paintings, sculpture, and manuscript illumination in their varied social settings, argues that frames and framing devices are central to how Renaissance images operate. In a period of rapid cultural change, framing began to secure the very notion of an independent “artwork,” and reframings could regulate the meaning attached to works of art—a process that continues in the present day. Highlighting innovations in framing introduced by figures such as Donatello, Giovanni Bellini, and Jean Fouquet, this original book shows how the inventive character of Renaissance frames responds to broader sociopolitical and religious change. The frame emerges as a site of beauty, display, and persuasion, and as a mechanism of control.
The narrative follows a gripping journey through personal and societal challenges, highlighting resilience and the human spirit. It intertwines rich character development with thought-provoking themes, offering readers a profound exploration of relationships and identity. The story is set against a backdrop that enhances its emotional depth, making it both relatable and impactful. With its engaging prose and compelling plot twists, it captivates readers from start to finish, ensuring a memorable reading experience.
The level of legal, accounting, and regulatory complexity associated with employee stock options continues to grow. This book presents a straightforward, comprehensive overview of both the big-picture issues and the technical details related to designing and implementing equity compensation plans, emphasizing stock option plans and employee stock purchase plans. The book also looks at hot issues and provides illustrative exhibits, a glossary, a bibliography, and primary source materials, plus a seminal article by Corey Rosen on plan design. The 25th edition (2025) includes updates to chapters 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9.
