Hidden Patrons

An enduring myth of Georgian architecture is that it was purely the pursuit of male architects and their wealthy male patrons. History states that it was men who owned grand estates and houses, who commissioned famous architects, and who embarked upon elaborate architectural schemes. Hidden Patrons dismantles this myth - revealing instead that women were at the heart of the architectural patronage of the day, exerting far more influence and agency than has previously been recognised. Architectural drawing and design, discourse, and patronage were interests shared by many women in the eighteenth century. Far from being the preserve of elite men, architecture was a passion shared by both sexes, intellectually and practically, as long as they possessed sufficient wealth and autonomy. In an accessible, readable account, Hidden Patrons uncovers the role of women as important patrons and designers of architecture and interiors in eighteenth-century Britain and Ireland. Exploring country houses, Georgian townhouses, villas, estates, and gardens, it analyses female patronage from across the architectural spectrum, and examines the work of a range of pioneering women from grand duchesses to businesswomen to lowly courtesans. Re-examining well-known Georgian masterpieces alongside lesser-known architectural gems, Hidden Patrons unearths unseen archival material to provide a fascinating new view of the role of women in the architecture of the Georgian era.

The Indiscerniblity of Identicals is the principle that if two objects are absolutely identical then they must be indistinguishable from one another with respect to all of their properties. But does that include the context of the identical objects? The notion of identical gives rise to many philosophical problems, including: 1. What does it mean for an object to be the same as itself? 2. If x and y are identical (are the same thing), must they always be identical? Are they necessarily identical? 3. What does it mean for an object to be the same, if it changes over time? (Is applet the same as applet+1?) 4. If an object's parts are entirely replaced over time, in what way is it the same?

Strange visitors throw a planet of refugees into chaos in this science fiction adventure by the author of New York Times bestseller The Uplift War. Book One in the Uplift Storm Trilogy Centuries ago, the Buyur race abandoned Jijo. Now off-limits to settlers, it’s warded by guardian machines who will protect the planet until the Institutes of the Five Galaxies declare Jijo ready—in another million years—for new civilization. But mere laws and guardians can’t keep out the desperate. Clandestine bands of “sooners” have sneaked down to the lonely planet. Six intelligent races—all refugees—have bickered . . . then built a new society in the wilds of Jijo, hidden beneath forest canopies. Together they live in harmony—and in fear of the day their illegal colony will be discovered and judgment from the Five Galaxies will rain down upon them. One day a strange starship finally does appear on Jijo. But its owners do not bring law or judgment. Only dire secrets. And they’ll do whatever it takes to keep them . . . This ebook features a new introduction by the author. Hugo Award Finalist “A captivating read . . . Brightness Reef leaves you looking forward to more. It’s a worthy addition to what promises to be a great science fiction series.” —Star Tribune “Brin is a skillful storyteller. . . . There is more than enough action to keep the book exciting, and like all good serials, the first volume ends with a bang.” —The Plain Dealer “A universe that’s immensely appealing, leaving readers hungry for more of this exciting, epic adventure.” —Publishers Weekly “Tremendously inventive, ambitious work.” —Kirkus Reviews “A timely, science fictional contemplation of the refugee experience.”—Santa Fe Reporter

The official hardcover release of one of the most popular 5th Edition Tabletop RPG supplements of all time, the Compendium of Forgotten Secrets: Awakening features hundreds of new options for players and game masters alike! 50 Full-Color Illustrations, 34 Player Subclasses, Over 100 new spells, feats, and invocations, Top Rated by Popular Vote