A gorgeous illustrated edition of the third book in the beloved A Song of Ice and Fire series, for fans of HBO's Game of Thrones The twentieth-anniversary celebration of George R. R. Martin’s landmark saga continues with this beautifully illustrated special edition of the third book in the series. With twenty-five all-new illustrations in both color and black-and-white from acclaimed artist Gary Gianni—who also illustrated A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms—this modern classic takes on a truly timeless feel sure to delight its legion of fans. A STORM OF SWORDS A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: BOOK THREE With a special foreword by Neil Gaiman Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as violently as ever, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey, of House Lannister, sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the land of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, the victim of the jealous sorceress who holds him in her evil thrall. But young Robb, of House Stark, still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Robb plots against his despised Lannister enemies, even as they hold his sister hostage at King's Landing, the seat of the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. . . . But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost line of civilization. In their vanguard is a horde of mythical Others--a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords. . . .

A review and record of current literature.

How Japan captured the Victorian imagination and transformed Western aesthetics From the opening of trade with Britain in the 1850s, Japan occupied a unique and contradictory place in the Victorian imagination, regarded as both a rival empire and a cradle of exquisite beauty. Quaint, Exquisite explores the enduring impact of this dramatic encounter, showing how the rise of Japan led to a major transformation of Western aesthetics at the dawn of globalization. Drawing on philosophy, psychoanalysis, queer theory, textual criticism, and a wealth of in-depth archival research, Grace Lavery provides a radical new genealogy of aesthetic experience in modernity. She argues that the global popularity of Japanese art in the late nineteenth century reflected an imagined universal standard of taste that Kant described as the “subjective universal” condition of aesthetic judgment. The book features illuminating cultural histories of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado, English derivations of the haiku, and retellings of the Madame Butterfly story, and sheds critical light on lesser-known figures such as Winnifred Eaton, an Anglo-Chinese novelist who wrote under the Japanese pseudonym Onoto Watanna, and Mikimoto Ryuzo, a Japanese enthusiast of the Victorian art critic John Ruskin. Lavery also explains the importance and symbolic power of such material objects as W. B. Yeats’s prized katana sword and the “Japanese vellum” luxury editions of Oscar Wilde. Quaint, Exquisite provides essential insights into the modern understanding of beauty as a vehicle for both intimacy and violence, and the lasting influence of Japanese forms today on writers and artists such as Quentin Tarantino.

DUMAS - The Greatest Works of the Father and Son presents a compelling compilation that showcases the exceptional range and depth of one of literature's most celebrated familial legacies. This anthology masterfully juxtaposes the adventurous historical narratives of Alexandre Dumas with the poignant, socially conscious dramas of his son, Alexandre Dumas fils, highlighting the diverse literary styles and thematic explorations of both authors. The collection not only provides a panoramic view of the evolution of literary movements from romanticism to realism but also encapsulates the zeitgeist of 19th-century France, underscoring the transformative power of literature across generations. The contributors, Alexandre Dumas and his son, emerge from distinct yet complementary literary spheres, embodying the spirit of their respective eras. The elder Dumas, renowned for his high adventure tales, and his son, a leading figure in the realist movement, collectively portray a rich tapestry of historical and cultural narratives. This anthology serves as a testament to their individual and collective contributions to French literature and their influence on the portrayal of moral and social dilemmas of their time. DUMAS - The Greatest Works of the Father and Son is indispensable for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the splendor of French literature through the lens of one of its most prestigious lineages. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the full spectrum of emotions, from the thrill of adventure to the stirrings of social conscience, woven into the fabric of these masterpieces. This collection not only educates but also enthralls, making it a must-read for aficionados of classic literature and those yearning to understand the dynamic interplay between personal conviction and social commentary.

In 'The Collected Works of Alexandre Dumas, The Older and The Younger,' readers are invited into a riveting universe where history blends with fiction, and the boundaries of love, honor, and betrayal are explored through a diverse range of literary styles. This anthology showcases the remarkable depth and variety of the Dumas lineage, bringing together the swashbuckling adventures of Alexandre Dumas père with the poignant dramas of his son, Alexandre Dumas fils. Highlighting masterpieces such as 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' 'The Three Musketeers,' and 'La Dame aux Camélias,' this collection illustrates the unique and complementary talents of father and son, offering an unparalleled exploration of 19th-century French literature. The contributors, Alexandre Dumas and Alexandre Dumas fils, epitomize a fascinating period in literary history, bridging the Romantic movement and the advent of realism. The elder Dumas's legendary historical novels and the younger's societal plays challenge and entertain, capturing the spirit of their times with wit and compassion. Their works reflect the cultural, social, and political landscapes of France, highlighting issues of class, justice, and moral integrity. This anthology is a vital acquisition for those intrigued by the complexity of human nature and the art of storytelling. It invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Dumas' narratives, offering a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of one family's literary genius. Engage with these timeless classics to understand the evolution of modern narrative and the enduring power of story to reflect and transform society.