Books with author Paul Williams

Thirteen-year-old Erica Pickins does not want to play the piano—and she definitely does not want to go to England. But her father must take family and students for a fall semester abroad, and her mother insists she still practice, every day. In England, their new home becomes Hengrave Hall, a sixteenth-century manor house presided over by a group of nuns. While exploring with her new friend Pedro, Erica walks through a chamber door…into the Year of Our Lord 1578. There she is startled to find a music master in doublet and hose impatiently waiting for her. He mistakes her for Margaret, the elder daughter of the house, who is late for a lesson on the virginal—a forerunner of the piano. It seems that in a matter of days Queen Elizabeth will arrive on a formal visit, and the girl is to play for her as part of the planned entertainments. Erica has no choice but to play along and pretend that she is Margaret. With a little help from her brainy friend Pedro, and after making a few whopping social blunders in welcoming the Queen of England, Erica manages to pull off her final performance—but not before the real Margaret reappears at exactly the wrong moment….

Slavery helped finance the Industrial Revolution in England. Plantation owners, shipbuilders, and merchants connected with the slave trade accumulated vast fortunes that established banks and heavy industry in Europe and expanded the reach of capitalism worldwide. Eric Williams advanced these powerful ideas in Capitalism and Slavery, published in 1944. Years ahead of its time, his profound critique became the foundation for studies of imperialism and economic development. Binding an economic view of history with strong moral argument, Williams's study of the role of slavery in financing the Industrial Revolution refuted traditional ideas of economic and moral progress and firmly established the centrality of the African slave trade in European economic development. He also showed that mature industrial capitalism in turn helped destroy the slave system. Establishing the exploitation of commercial capitalism and its link to racial attitudes, Williams employed a historicist vision that set the tone for future studies. In a new introduction, Colin Palmer assesses the lasting impact of Williams's groundbreaking work and analyzes the heated scholarly debates it generated when it first appeared.

In this 2018 New York Times Notable Book, Paige Williams "does for fossils what Susan Orlean did for orchids" (Book Riot) in her account of one Florida man's attempt to sell a dinosaur skeleton from Mongolia--a story "steeped in natural history, human nature, commerce, crime, science, and politics" (Rebecca Skloot). In 2012, a New York auction catalogue boasted an unusual offering: "a superb Tyrannosaurus skeleton." In fact, Lot 49135 consisted of a nearly complete T. bataar, a close cousin to the most famous animal that ever lived. The fossils now on display in a Manhattan event space had been unearthed in Mongolia, more than 6,000 miles away. At eight-feet high and 24 feet long, the specimen was spectacular, and when the gavel sounded the winning bid was over $1 million. Eric Prokopi, a thirty-eight-year-old Floridian, was the man who had brought this extraordinary skeleton to market. A onetime swimmer who spent his teenage years diving for shark teeth, Prokopi's singular obsession with fossils fueled a thriving business hunting, preparing, and selling specimens, to clients ranging from natural history museums to avid private collectors like actor Leonardo DiCaprio. But there was a problem. This time, facing financial strain, had Prokopi gone too far? As the T. bataar went to auction, a network of paleontologists alerted the government of Mongolia to the eye-catching lot. As an international custody battle ensued, Prokopi watched as his own world unraveled. In the tradition of The Orchid Thief, The Dinosaur Artist is a stunning work of narrative journalism about humans' relationship with natural history and a seemingly intractable conflict between science and commerce. A story that stretches from Florida's Land O' Lakes to the Gobi Desert, The Dinosaur Artist illuminates the history of fossil collecting--a murky, sometimes risky business, populated by eccentrics and obsessives, where the lines between poacher and hunter, collector and smuggler, enthusiast and opportunist, can easily blur. In her first book, Paige Williams has given readers an irresistible story that spans continents, cultures, and millennia as she examines the question of who, ultimately, owns the past.

In June 1876 the 7th U.S. Cavalry was savagely defeated at the Little Bighorn in the Montana wilderness during an attempt to seize Sioux and Cheyenne hunting grounds. Three years later redcoats mirrored this utter disaster with an equally high-handed grab for Zulu lands in South Africa. Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer and Lieutenant Colonel Anthony W. Durnford had much in common, from modes of dress to the way they died. This book interweaves the stories of the two soldiers and their final battles, revealing how, to an astonishing degree, similar personalities, aims, tactics, weapons, stupidity and a gross underestimation of the powers of the native people led to calamitous defeat.

Want to improve your English writing skills?This guide will quickly and clearly teach you how to master written language. You’ll learn:How to write concisely, to be easily understoodHow to vary your structure and vocabulary, to keep readers engagedHow to use advanced language appropriatelyHow to edit your work, and adapt it for different subjects…and much more!In Advanced Writing Skills for Students of English, writing tips are presented with a focus on why different styles and techniques work. You’ll not only learn what makes writing most effective, you’ll discover the reasoning behind it, making it easier to remember and apply. As well as covering general writing tips, across all subjects, this book also offers guidance on specific areas of writing, including business, academic and creative writing. You'll advance faster with this guide, thanks to Phil Williams’ usual accessible and flexible style.

In June 1876 the 7th U.S. Cavalry was savagely defeated at the Little Bighorn in the Montana wilderness during an attempt to seize Sioux and Cheyenne hunting grounds. Three years later redcoats mirrored this utter disaster with an equally high-handed grab for Zulu lands in South Africa. Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer and Lieutenant Colonel Anthony W. Durnford had much in common, from modes of dress to the way they died. This book interweaves the stories of the two soldiers and their final battles, revealing how, to an astonishing degree, similar personalities, aims, tactics, weapons, stupidity and a gross underestimation of the powers of the native people led to calamitous defeat.

A quiet English village where nothing ever happens. Until… After her boyfriend runs out on her with the contents of their joint bank account, Kat Latcham has no choice but to return to the tiny Somerset village of Much Winchmoor, where she grew up. A place, she reckons, that is not so much sleepy as comatose, and she longs for something exciting to happen to lessen the boredom of living with her parents.But when she and her childhood friend, Will Manning, discover a body, and Will's father, John, is arrested for the murder, Kat suddenly realises she should have heeded the saying "be careful what you wish for”.Much Winchmoor is a hotbed of gossip, and everyone is convinced John Manning is guilty. Only Kat and Will believe he's innocent. When there's a second murder, Kat is sure she knows the identity of the murderer – and sets out to prove it. But in doing so, she almost becomes the murderer's third victim.Readers of Sue Grafton might enjoy the Much Winchmoor series of cosy murder mysteries spiked with humour and sprinkled with romance.

Want to know how to write better in English?How do you make your message clear and easy to understand? How do you vary your sentences and vocabulary to keep readers engaged? How do you use advanced language without being confusing?The answers to these questions and more can be found in Advanced Writing Skills for Students of English. Through discussing wide range of topics, Phil Williams presents a series of tips for better writing with a focus on analysing the grammatical rules and reasoning behind each. This guide also looks, in brief, at the considerations required for specific areas of writing.Writing is a skill that takes time and personal practice to master, and Phil Williams’ latest language guide is a simply-presented aide to start you on that journey today.

In this 2018 New York Times Notable Book, Paige Williams "does for fossils what Susan Orlean did for orchids" (Book Riot) in her account of one Florida man's reckless attempt to sell a dinosaur skeleton from Mongolia--a story "steeped in natural history, human nature, commerce, crime, science, and politics" (Rebecca Skloot). In 2012, a New York auction catalogue boasted an unusual offering: "a superb Tyrannosaurus skeleton." In fact, Lot 49135 consisted of a nearly complete T. bataar, a close cousin to the most famous animal that ever lived. The fossils now on display in a Manhattan event space had been unearthed in Mongolia, more than 6,000 miles away. At eight-feet high and twenty-four feet long, the specimen was spectacular, and when the gavel sounded, the winning bid was over $1 million. Eric Prokopi, a thirty-eight-year-old Floridian, was the man who had brought this extraordinary skeleton to market. A onetime collegiate-level swimmer who spent his teenage years diving for shark teeth, Prokopi's singular obsession with fossils fueled a thriving business hunting, preparing, and selling specimens, to clients ranging from natural history museums to avid private collectors like actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicolas Cage. But there was a problem. This time, facing financial strain, had Prokopi gone too far? As the T. bataar went to auction, a network of paleontologists alerted the government of Mongolia to the eye-catching lot. An international custody battle ensued, and Prokopi watched his own world unravel. In the tradition of The Orchid Thief, The Dinosaur Artist is a stunning work of narrative journalism about humans' relationship with natural history and a seemingly intractable conflict between science and commerce. A story that stretches from Florida's Land O' Lakes to the Gobi Desert, The Dinosaur Artist illuminates the history of fossil collecting--a murky, sometimes risky business, populated by eccentrics and obsessives, where the lines between poacher and hunter, collector and smuggler, enthusiast and opportunist, can easily blur. In her first book, Paige Williams has given readers an irresistible story that spans continents, cultures, and millennia as she examines the question of who, ultimately, owns the past.

A hidden labyrinth. A book of horrors. Can Pax solve her city’s mysteries before they kill her?Pax thought she knew the dark side of Ordshaw. A poker pro who hustles bankers and gangsters, she can take care of herself. But she’s about to discover the shadows hide worse things than criminals.When a thief steals her bankroll, Pax risks losing her home. But following his trail unearths truths that threaten her life. As a sinister government agency and a gang who call themselves “Fae” close in, Pax needs allies fast. With an alcoholic thug-turned-family man and a psychotic anonymous caller to choose between, her options are thin.People have disappeared simply for discovering what's lurking under Ordshaw.To get her life back, Pax needs to go much further than that.Fans of Neil Gaiman and Guy Ritchie alike will love this clash of contemporary fantasy and gritty British gangster noir.Get it now.What reviewers are saying about the Ordshaw series..."I have no hesitation in recommending this...I was pretty much hooked to the story from start to finish." - Lynn's Books"a fun, thrill-a-minute urban fantasy full of unique characters, exciting action and wonderfully comic moments" - Phil Parker, author of The Knights' Protocol Trilogy"I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fellow urban fantasy enthusiasts" - Steph, Bookshine and Readbows"I was thoroughly hooked with this absolute page turner." - Jolene, Babydolls and Razorblades"a really fun adventure with a lot of interesting characters (and creatures)" - Jordan, Forever Lost in Literature"A truly unique and interesting Urban Fantasy series" - Becky, Crooks Books"a promising peek into a bizarre world" - Maddalena, Space and Sorcery"Recommended for fans of well-written urban fantasy, who'd appreciate something a little different." - Sarah Higbee, author of the Sunblinded Trilogy

Samuel Orzabal is celebrating his fifteenth birthday with his mom and grandfather. He is given an old envelope and is told it is from his long-deceased uncle Rufus who requested that Gramps give it to Sam on his Fifteenth birthday. The envelope reads 'Open in Private' - It includes a map, two keys and a letter. Sam discovers that his dear old uncle was working on a mysterious project before he died. A project he wants Sam to complete. Sam discovers his Uncle Rufus was a genius inventor and created some extraordinary machines - One turns ordinary rocks into gold, another can transport him to an alternative dimension. What is the plight of this other world and why is it so important Sam connect with them? Sam knows he will need the help of his two best friends, Sean and Curt to continue this quest.