Robert Steele

Color edition. Edited by Robert Steele. Illustrated by J. R. De Rosciszewski. A selection of some of the very best traditional Russian Folk Tales, translated from the original peasant chapbooks dating from 1830s Moscow by famed medievalist Robert Steele. The broad range of the fairy tales-some similar to, but others vastly different from, their Western European equivalents-is superbly captured in this collection, which includes such tempting titles as "The Mild Man and His Cantankerous Wife," and the "Story of the Most Wonderful and Noble Self-Playing Harp." As Steele notes in his introduction, some of the tales are obviously of German origin-adopted and made Russian, like that of the "Seven Simeons" or "Emelyan, the Fool," while others are as evidently Eastern. A few date from the Russian Epics, like that of "Iliya of Murom" and "Ivan the Peasant's Son;" others are of later date, like that of "The Judgment of Shemyaka," who was a historic character who lived about 1446. This delightful collection also offers a fascinating-and refreshing-look into classical Russian culture and folklore, as the editor pointed out: It is hardly necessary to dilate on the peculiar expressions here to be found; how that a child grows "not day by day, but hour by hour," how that when the Tsar wants to drink, "beer is not brewed nor brandy distilled," seeing he is served at once, how the hero passes through "thrice nine lands to the thirtieth country," how brothers are always in threes, and how the youngest always succeeds where his elders fail. Students of folklore will know all about them, and the rest of us must take them on trust. Do you know why you must never go under a ladder?

Edited by Robert Steele. Illustrated by J. R. De Rosciszewski. A selection of some of the very best traditional Russian Folk Tales, translated from the original peasant chapbooks dating from 1830s Moscow by famed medievalist Robert Steele. The broad range of the fairy tales-some similar to, but others vastly different from, their Western European equivalents-is superbly captured in this collection, which includes such tempting titles as "The Mild Man and His Cantankerous Wife," and the "Story of the Most Wonderful and Noble Self-Playing Harp." As Steele notes in his introduction, some of the tales are obviously of German origin-adopted and made Russian, like that of the "Seven Simeons" or "Emelyan, the Fool," while others are as evidently Eastern. A few date from the Russian Epics, like that of "Iliya of Murom" and "Ivan the Peasant's Son;" others are of later date, like that of "The Judgment of Shemyaka," who was a historic character who lived about 1446. This delightful collection also offers a fascinating-and refreshing-look into classical Russian culture and folklore, as the editor pointed out: It is hardly necessary to dilate on the peculiar expressions here to be found; how that a child grows "not day by day, but hour by hour," how that when the Tsar wants to drink, "beer is not brewed nor brandy distilled," seeing he is served at once, how the hero passes through "thrice nine lands to the thirtieth country," how brothers are always in threes, and how the youngest always succeeds where his elders fail. Students of folklore will know all about them, and the rest of us must take them on trust. Do you know why you must never go under a ladder?

This book presents the first comprehensive study of Iran's complex relationship with Africa during the late Pahlavi era. While many studies of Iran's foreign relations during the Cold War present Iranian policy as fully aligned with the United States, Robert Steele reveals Iran as an independent actor capable of forging its own path, and shows that Africa was central to Iran's economic policy and security strategy during the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Africa was where the shah sought allies to balance the radicalism of Nasser, often through Iranian aid, customers for Iranian oil and potential sources of uranium. Bolstered by the British withdrawal from the Persian Gulf in 1971 and the oil price hike of 1973, Steele also shows how the shah saw an opportunity for his Iran to play a leading role in the Indian Ocean, revealing the central place of Africa in Iran's global strategy.

Dive into the epic narrative of one of history's most compelling figures in "The Story of Alexander" by Robert Steele. This meticulously crafted historical account takes readers on a gripping journey through the life, ambitions, conquests, and enduring legacy of Alexander the Great. As Steele unfolds the pages of history, readers will be transported to the ancient world, where the young and ambitious Alexander rises to power, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a vision of conquest that would reshape the known world. From his tutelage under Aristotle to the legendary campaigns that stretched from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and beyond, Steele paints a vivid portrait of a military genius and visionary leader." The Story of Alexander" goes beyond the battlefields, delving into the complex character of a man whose legacy transcends time. Steele explores the relationships, challenges, and triumphs that shaped Alexander's destiny, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the man behind the myth. With meticulous research and a narrative style that captivates, Robert Steele weaves a tale that combines historical accuracy with a storyteller's flair. Readers will witness the strategic brilliance of Alexander's military campaigns, the cultural exchanges that occurred under his rule, and the lasting impact he left on the world. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a newcomer to the tales of ancient conquerors, "The Story of Alexander" promises an engaging and enlightening experience. Steele's masterful storytelling brings to life the extraordinary journey of a man who, against all odds, carved his name into the annals of history, leaving an indelible mark on civilizations that followed. Immerse yourself in the drama, intrigue, and grandeur of Alexander's legacy in this captivating exploration of one of history's greatest adventurers.

Mediaeval Lore from Bartholomew Anglicus, has been acknowledged as a major work throughout human history, and we have taken precautions to assure its preservation by republishing this book in a modern manner for both present and future generations. This book has been completely retyped, revised, and reformatted. The text is readable and clear because these books are not created from scanned copies.

First published in1894.

George Michael is the single most played artist on UK radio for the last two decades. He has sold 100 million albums world-wide and had seven UK number one singles and albums. This paperback edition of the biography tells his story from the formation of Wham! in the early 1980s with friend Andrew Ridgley. Their success with hits including Young Guns (Go For It), and Club Tropicana and their split in 1986. His success as a solo artist with albums including Faith and Listen Without Prejudice. His legal battle with Sony which cost him millions of his own money. His personal life including his secret boyfriend Anselmo Feleppo who died in 1993, his former muse Kathy Jeung and art dealer Kenny Goss. Careless Whispers is the final word on a true original.

In October 1971 Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, held a celebration to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great. Dozens of heads of state descended on Persepolis for these Celebrations, where they were regaled to sumptuous banquets and entertainment. Critical journalists in Western Europe and North America lambasted the Shah for holding such a decadent event while many of his people lived in poverty. Due to the overwhelmingly negative press at the time, the event is still today widely remembered as a catastrophic failure. It is even said by many to have sparked the unrest that eventually led to the revolution and the Shah’s downfall in 1979. In this first comprehensive academic study of the 2500th Anniversary Celebrations, Robert Steele looks beyond the pomp and splendour to examine the events’ origins, the goals the organisers set out to achieve with them and the extent to which these goals were accomplished. The book seeks to place the Celebrations in the context of the Shah’s rise, rather than his fall, uncovering the unparalleled international cultural and scholarly operation that was spurred by the Iranian regime for the occasion, exploring the effects the event had on Iran’s tourism industry and questioning narratives of the event’s cost.