Elbe Spurling is an artist and author renowned for her distinctive approach to biblical texts. Her work, delving into ancient Christianity and Judaism, is characterized by meticulous attention to detail. Skillfully balancing humor and poignancy, Spurling uses her artistic vision to make scriptural content accessible to all, regardless of belief. Her creations offer a compelling fusion of visual art, literary interpretation, and a profound engagement with shared human narratives.
Focusing on the early English settlers in Ireland, the book explores their motivations for migration, interactions with native Irish communities, and their ties to England. It delves into the societal structures they established and draws comparisons with English expansion in Wales and Scotland, providing a broader context for understanding the complexities of English rule in Ireland from the twelfth century onward.
There is a growing interest in the history of relations among the English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish as the United Kingdom and Ireland begin to construct new political arrangements and to become more fully integrated into Europe. This book brings together the latest work on how these relations developed between 900 and 1300, a period crucial for the formation of national identities. Little has been published hitherto on this subject, and the book marks a major contribution to a topic of lasting interest.
Brendan Smith writes a weekly column for The Weirs Times weekly newspaper in New Hampshire, where he is also the editor. Since his first column in 1995, Brendan has used his humorous insights to describe his adjustments to living in New Hampshire after moving there from Long Island, New York, in 1985. These early columns were compiled in his first book The Flatlander Chronicles. In I Really Only Did It For The Socks -Stories And Thoughts On Aging, Brendan tackles the latest adjustment in his life that we all face regardless of our location - getting older. After his open-heart surgery and recovery in 2018, Brendan was inspired to write of that experience, along with updating some columns on aging previously published in The Weirs Times as well as some new stories and thoughts in print for the first time. "You don't have to be getting older to enjoy this book," said Brendan. "But it doesn't hurt. And when you are over sixty, anything that doesn't hurt is a plus." Brendan lives in Laconia, New Hampshire, with his wife Kimberly and their cat, Dagny.
Focusing on the English settlers in Louth, the book examines how they preserved their cultural identity amid the challenges of plague and warfare during the tumultuous period from 1330 to 1450. It delves into the social dynamics and resilience of these communities as they navigated significant historical adversities, highlighting the interplay between identity and survival in a time of crisis.
Brendan Smith's collection showcases his humorous and insightful observations on life in New Hampshire, reflecting his journey from Long Island to Central New Hampshire. His columns cover a wide array of topics, including politics, health, technology, and shopping, offering readers a blend of personal anecdotes and broader commentary. This compilation, drawn from his long-running A F.O.O.L. column, captures the essence of his unique perspective and entertaining style, making it a delightful read for both longtime fans and new audiences.
