Zuzana Krulichová Book order

'Superb ... likely to become a classic' Observer In the summer of 1914 most of Europe plunged into a war so catastrophic that it unhinged the continent's politics and beliefs in a way that took generations to recover from. The disaster terrified its survivors, shocked that a civilization that had blandly assumed itself to be a model for the rest of the world had collapsed into a chaotic savagery beyond any comparison. In 1939 Europeans would initiate a second conflict that managed to be even worse - a war in which the killing of civilians was central and which culminated in the Holocaust. To Hell and Back tells this story with humanity, flair and originality. Kershaw gives a compelling narrative of events, but he also wrestles with the most difficult issues that the events raise - with what it meant for the Europeans who initiated and lived through such fearful times - and what this means for us.

In Acquired Tastes, Peter Mayle, the acclaimed author of A Year in Provence, embarks on a global journey to uncover the finest pleasures life has to offer. He shares insights on everything from sourcing the world's best caviar to ordering custom-made shoes worth thirteen hundred dollars. Mayle also explores the intricacies of maintaining a stylish mistress and the benefits and drawbacks of household servants, providing essential knowledge for the affluent and those who aspire to such a lifestyle. Covering topics from gastronomy to matrimony and the sartorial to the baronial, this book presents an irreverent smorgasbord of indulgences. Praise for the work highlights Mayle's entertaining style, with The New York Times Book Review noting his ability to craft engaging essays on any subject. Craig Claiborne lauds him as one of the finest modern writers on taste, while Kirkus Reviews suggests enjoying the book with a magnum of Dom Pérignon and Beluga caviar. James Villas describes the essays as witty and stylish, and Publishers Weekly celebrates the delightful exploration of life’s extravagances, filled with humor and sharp observations. The Chicago Sun-Times finds the collection intriguing, making it a must-read for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

An epic tale of the path to power of Vladimir Putin, emerging from obscurity to become one of the world's most conflicted and important leaders.