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  The Tangut Kingdom - And Its...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Tangut people, an ethnic group of uncertain origins, gradually emerged as a distinct force in northwestern China. They are believed to have descended from the Qiang tribes, a collection of nomadic and semi-nomadic groups that roamed the Tibetan Plateau and the Ordos region. Over centuries, they migrated and settled in what is now modern-day Ningxia and parts of Gansu and Inner Mongolia, where they established communities and developed a unique cultural identity. Their position between the Tibetan Plateau, the Central Asian steppes, and the Chinese heartland made them an important intermediary in regional affairs. 
  The Tangut rise to prominence was influenced by their interactions with the dominant powers of the region. The Tibetan Empire, which controlled vast areas of western China until its decline in the ninth century, played a significant role in shaping early Tangut culture and governance. The collapse of the Tibetan Empire created a power vacuum that allowed smaller groups like the Tangut to assert their independence. At the same time, the weakening of the Tang Dynasty left northern China vulnerable to fragmentation, further enabling the Tangut to carve out a space for themselves. 
  By the tenth century, the Tangut had developed into a formidable military and political entity, leveraging their strategic location along trade routes to establish economic and diplomatic ties with neighboring states. They maintained relations with the Song Dynasty to the east, the Tibetan remnants to the south, and the nomadic Khitan Liao Empire to the north. These interactions not only enriched Tangut society but also introduced them to a variety of political models, from the bureaucratic governance of the Chinese dynasties to the tribal confederations of the steppe.

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  The Flying Sabuki - A Father-Son...

  E.S. Curry

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  Do you know what a “Flying Sabuki” is?  
  During a week’s vacation together in the Adirondack Mountains, writer E.S. Curry discovers, through nature and his son Åsmund’s imagination, what this phenomenon is and so much more. This uplifting testament to the joys of fatherhood is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about the connection and bonding rituals that cement the father-son relationship—electronics and distraction-free.  
  E.S. Curry and his son Åsmund teach us about working together for mutual success, the Danish concept of Hygge, driving character and values through storytelling, and how being amongst nature creates an environment for connectedness. While there are scores of books for expecting fathers, The Flying Sabuki opens an intimate window into the formative Kindergarten years of a father and son relationship with a positive foundation.  
  The Flying Sabuki is a heartwarming tale that’s the perfect holiday or Father’s Day gift and a great book for parents looking for real-world insights on bonding with their child. 
  Stellar Five-Star Reviews 
  If you're a parent seeking ways to connect more closely with your child, or just someone who wants to create a closer bond with another person in your life, treat yourself to this beautiful story. It's about taking time, creating space, and living in the moments that happen when you're fully present with someone you love. The Flying Sabuki is the story of a father being fully present with his young son, and the profound lessons and heartening moments they experience during their vacation at a rustic camp in the Adirondacks. It's a wonderful, heartwarming story. 
  - Wendy Lindstrom, NY Times Bestselling Author

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  Chola Empire - Masters of the...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Chola Empire, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in South Indian history, has origins shrouded in legend and antiquity. The early Cholas find mention in Tamil literature and ancient inscriptions, tracing their lineage back to mythical rulers. The Sangam period texts, such as the Pattinappalai and Puranaanuru, speak of the valor and governance of early Chola kings, who ruled over fertile lands along the Kaveri River. However, after a period of decline, the Cholas reemerged as a dominant force in the 9th century CE under the leadership of Vijayalaya Chola, the founder of the imperial Chola dynasty. 
  Vijayalaya Chola, initially a minor chieftain under the Pallavas, seized the opportunity to establish his rule in the fertile region of Thanjavur around 850 CE. This marked the resurgence of Chola power after centuries of obscurity. By defeating the Mutharaiyars, who controlled the region, Vijayalaya laid the foundation for an empire that would dominate South India for the next four centuries. Under his rule, the Cholas not only expanded their territories but also strengthened their political and military structures. He initiated temple-building activities, commissioning the construction of the temple of Nisumbhasudani in Thanjavur, a precursor to the grand temple-building tradition that would define the dynasty. 
  His successor, Aditya I, continued the expansion by defeating the Pallavas, thereby establishing the Cholas as a formidable power in the region. This victory marked a turning point, allowing the Cholas to assert their dominance over Tamil Nadu. Aditya I’s campaigns also extended into Kongu Nadu and the northern parts of Kerala, laying the groundwork for further expansion. His administrative policies ensured a stable governance system, which helped integrate the newly conquered regions into the Chola fold.

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  HowExpert Guide to RV Life -...

  HowExpert, Charley Dickson

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  If you want to learn how to buy, drive, and maintain a recreational vehicle to travel and live the RV lifestyle, then check out HowExpert Guide to RV Life. 
  HowExpert Guide to RV Life is a book for folks who don’t know much about RVs but feel they need to learn more about them. It covers topics such as: 
  – What is an RV and how it can be used. 
  – Different types and classes of RVs from the smallest trailer RVs up to the largest motorhomes. 
  – Necessary terms and their definitions which RVers need to know. 
  – What makes an RV different or similar to a regular house. 
  – What homework and knowledge are needed to get the best RV for anyone. 
  – Points for each type of RV. 
  – How to find the best dinghy for folks with motorhomes. 
  – What might be a way to try before you buy an RV. 
  – What can be learned by going to an RV show. 
  – What type of motorhome will be the quietest and best riding one. 
  – What are the roomiest RVs. 
  – What are the least expensive RVs. 
  – Different ideas on where to travel once the RV is purchased. 
  – The difference between a “shake-down cruise” and a “maiden voyage.” 
  – Construction of RVs. 
  – What RV appliances are like, and which ones to watch out for. 
  – What “full hookup” means at campsites. 
  First-hand experiences and suggestions are given throughout the book, which can help the person looking for more information on RVs or the RV newbie with the beginning of their RV experience. 
  Check out HowExpert Guide to RV Life to learn how to buy, drive, and maintain a recreational vehicle to travel and live the RV lifestyle! 
  About the Author 
  Charley Dickson is a former Oregonian who now lives full-time in a 38’ Class A motorhome in various places around the country. 
  HowExpert publishes how to guides by everyday experts.

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  A Drop in the Ocean

  Jasna Tuta

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  Tales of great heroism and daring at sea are all well and good. But this isn’t one of them. Totally free of hyperbole and exaggeration, A Drop in the Ocean  is an honest and genuine account of what it is really like to cross a very big ocean, on a very small sailboat, for the very first time...When you raise the sails and head into the unknown, you take on the most fascinating challenge of your life. But you also embark upon a voyage of an entirely different nature. As the initial fear of the unknown slowly gives way to the daily rhythm of life at sea, something entirely unexpected happens. This book is one woman’s attempt to describe the nature and effect of this subtle transformation.

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  The Pharaoh's Cities - Urban...

  Omar Khalil

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  The emergence of ancient Egyptian cities was a direct result of environmental, political, and cultural forces that converged around the Nile River. The geography of Egypt—with its fertile riverbanks and harsh surrounding deserts—encouraged people to settle in concentrated areas where water and arable land were accessible. These early settlements began as small agricultural communities but gradually expanded into organized urban centers. 
  The Nile River played an essential role in this transformation. It provided not only irrigation for crops but also a natural transportation route that linked various parts of the country. The regular flooding of the Nile deposited nutrient-rich silt onto the land, ensuring a reliable agricultural cycle. This dependable environment allowed food surpluses to develop, leading to population growth and the specialization of labor—both critical components for urbanization. 
  As Egypt became unified under strong rulers, cities took on new roles beyond agriculture. Administrative centers emerged to coordinate the collection of taxes, the management of resources, and the oversight of large-scale projects like irrigation canals and temple construction. Memphis, established as the first capital of a unified Egypt, became a powerful political and religious hub. Likewise, Thebes rose in prominence as a center of worship and royal authority, especially during the Middle and New Kingdoms.

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