All readers - The book "Portugal: Inspiring History and Ongoing Excellence" is an exceptional work that takes readers on an engaging journey through the history and heritage of Portugal, revealing the prominent figures who have shaped its cultural and historical identity. It delves into the stories of brave explorers who opened new sea routes and revolutionized global trade, as well as the writers and artists who enriched the country's literary and artistic heritage. The book also highlights the role of prominent politicians in guiding governance and developing policies, along with the field heroes in the world of football who contributed to building Portugal's reputation on the global sports stage. By blending historical facts with inspiring narratives, the book provides a comprehensive view of Portugal's rich heritage and its continued impact on the contemporary world. This unique work reflects the uniqueness and diversity of Portugal's heritage, making it one of the countries with significant influence and a great history.

There is a paradox about Africa: it remains a subject that attracts considerable attention yet rarely is there a full appreciation of its complexity. African historiography has typically consisted of writing Africa for Europe—instead of writing Africa for itself, as itself, from its own perspectives. The History of Africa redresses this by letting the perspectives of Africans themselves take center stage. Authoritative and comprehensive, this book provides a wide-ranging history of Africa from earliest prehistory to the present day—using the cultural, social, political, and economic lenses of Africa as instruments to illuminate the ordinary lives of Africans. The result is a fresh survey that includes a wealth of indigenous ideas, African concepts, and traditional outlooks that have escaped the writing of African history in the West. The new edition includes information on the Arab Spring, the rise of FrancAfrica, the presence of the Chinese in Africa, and the birth of South Sudan. The chapters go up to the present day, addressing US President Barack Obama's policies toward Africa. A new companion website provides students and scholars of Africa with access to a wealth of supporting resources for each chapter, including images, video and audio clips, and links to sites for further research. This straightforward, illustrated, and factual text allows the reader to access the major developments, personalities, and events on the African continent. This groundbreaking survey is an indispensable guide to African history.

"Cristiano Ronaldo: Soccer Legend, Inspiration, and Icon" delves into the extraordinary life and career of one of football's greatest players, Cristiano Ronaldo. This comprehensive biography explores Ronaldo's journey from his humble beginnings in Madeira to his status as a global sporting superstar, offering an unparalleled look at his professional achievements and personal life. The book spans 35 detailed chapters, each focusing on a distinct aspect of Ronaldo's life, both on and off the pitch. From his early days in Madeira, where he first discovered his love for football, through his meteoric rise at Sporting Lisbon and his defining years at Manchester United, to his iconic status at Real Madrid and beyond. The narrative captures his intense rivalries, his record-breaking performances in the Champions League, and his strategic plays in La Liga and Serie A. Beyond the statistics and trophies, the biography reveals the man behind the celebrity. It delves into Ronaldo's rigorous training regime and diet, which have allowed him to compete at the highest level well into his thirties. It also explores his role as a father, a philanthropist, and a business mogul, demonstrating how his influence extends far beyond football. The book not only chronicles his numerous accolades, including multiple Ballon d’Or titles and countless league titles, but also addresses the controversies and challenges he has faced, portraying a multifaceted view of his character and career. Each chapter also reflects on the broader impact of Ronaldo's career on the sport and culture at large, examining how he has shaped and been shaped by the world of professional football. "Cristiano Ronaldo: Soccer Legend, Inspiration, and Icon" is more than a biography. It is a source of inspiration that showcases the perseverance, resilience, and unwavering ambition of Ronaldo. It's a must-read for fans of football and those interested in the life of a man who has continually defied expectations and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sports.

This book is the first to compare Denmark and Portugal systematically in the High Middle Ages and demonstrates how the two countries became strong kingdoms and important powers internationally by their participation in the crusading movement. Communication in the Middle Ages was better developed than often assumed and institutions, ideas, and military technology was exchanged rapidly, meaning it was possible to coordinate great military expeditions across the geographical periphery of Western Europe. Both Denmark and Portugal were closely connected to the sea and developed strong fleets, at the entrance to the Baltic and in the Mediterranean Seas respectively. They also both had religious borders, to the pagan Wends and to the Muslims, that were pushed forward in almost continuous crusades throughout the centuries. Crusading at the Edges of Europe follows the major campaigns of the kings and crusaders in Denmark and Portugal and compares war-technology and crusading ideology, highlighting how the countries learned from each other and became organised for war.