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The basis for the new Peacock television series: The classic, in-depth account of the ancient Romans’ obsession with the bloody and brutal gladiatorial games. “If you can imagine a superior American sports writer suddenly being transported back in time to cover the ancient Roman games, you will have some idea of the flavor and zest of [Those About to Die],” said the Los Angeles Times about Daniel P. Mannix’s century-by-century—and nearly moment-by-moment—narrative of the Roman Empire’s national institution. Putting the games in the context of Rome’s rise and dramatic fall, Mannix captures all the history, planning, and savage pageantry that went into creating the first specta...
Unhappy with city life and at odds with his step-father, fourteen year old Billy is sent to live in the country with his eccentric great-uncle — a powwow man and natural healer who teaches him the lore of a vanishing world.
Torture has been an intrinsic part of the legal process in most cultures for centuries. Indeed, the violence we witness daily in our own society and recent revelations about the continued use of torture, seems proof that inflicting extreme mental or physical pain on an individual to achieve one's own ends is not a taboo practice buried in the past. This incomparable, extremely thorough book — told with a frightening and factual honesty — examines every aspect of torture: professional torturers, theories and techniques, the role of torture in history, moral implications, and the refinements brought to the practice of torture by individual fanatics, religious groups, the military, and, ind...
A noir classic about the era of the sideshow when freaks were the star attraction — respected and revered by other carnival members. Their stories are frankly and tenderly told by an author who lived and worked as a carny.
Daniel P. Mannix's father and grandfather were distinguished navel officers who expected Daniel to keep up the family tradition. Daniel tried, he really did, but when all those attempting to mold him into a respectable cadet eventually gave up, well, what else can a navel academy flunkie do — TA DA! Join a carnival, of course. Inspired by the perseverance, bold imagination, and showmanship of the performers, Daniel was soon eating flaming torches, swallowing swords and neon lights, walking on knives, assisting as a mentalist, and writing stories about all he experienced. From the pen of a man who lived the life and loved and respected carnival folk, Step Right Up! will take the reader on a comprehensive and highly entertaining excursion into the vanishing world of sideshow performers. Fire-eating and sword swallowing are not tricks, ladies and gentlemen. Allow the talented Daniel P Mannix to explain!
A terrifying, suspenseful, and grim exploration of the circumstances under which animals become man-killers as told from the perspective of a huge and formidable wolf-dog. Based on true events in 18th century France.
Daniel Pratt Mannix 3rd was the quintessential man of his time and the manner in which he lived his life mirrored the strengths and weaknesses of his age. At four, he spoke Mandarin Chinese better than he did English. When he went out to play he wore a false pigtail pinned to the back of his cap. It was a practical necessity for a little American boy in the China of 1882 who wanted to be accepted by his Chinese playmates; it was also the beginning of a lifetime education in the ways of the world. His country was embarking on a similar education. Pratt's father was a Marine officer who had been "lent" to Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi's government for the purpose of opening a torpedo school to train...
Peter Ryhiner — hero, adventurer, and romantic — was one of the world's most active wild animal collectors. Born in Basel, Switzerland, on January 1, 1920, Peter knew by the time he was eight years old that he wanted to be a naturalist and explorer — and thought about nothing else. His parents listened to him with good natured amusement, but were not so amused when his interests caused him to flunk out of two schools and precipitated his expulsion from a third for truancy. Eventually, throwing up their hands in frustration, his family cut off his funds, and Peter had to use all his ingenuity to figure out how to continue collecting and studying animals — including breeding and develo...
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A baby bald eagle is raised by attentive parents in a tall tree overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. A story overflowing with eagle facts and information, feathered with humor, and nested in a commentary on the fate of the bald eagle in North America.