The Danvers Touch

"Explores the art of John Singer Sargent in the context of nineteenth-century botany, gynecology, literature, and visual culture. Argues that the artist was elaborating both a period poetics of homosexuality and a new sense of subjectivity, anticipating certain aspects of artistic modernism"--Provided by publisher.

The first months of London’s Great Plague of 1665 give no hope of any improvement, only an ominous warning of worse to come. Those who can are fleeing the city. Those who can’t – the poor, the old, and a dedicated few – must stay to face the growing danger. The ancient women of the parish of St Cyneswide and St Tibba, the Searchers, Viewers and Keepers, who have weathered the disappearance of one of their own, face further calls on their courage and resilience. The plot against the King simmers, supported by folk of fire and faith, dismissed by others as the work of fanatics. There are those who will stop at nothing and threaten the whole city. But … the parish still finds solace in singing; small children play their joyous, sometimes fractious, street games; and young people find each other. Volume 2 of Plague Searchers – Flee quick, go far – continues this gripping tale with its friendships and feuds, songs and psalms, plots and betrayals. ‘The product of capacious knowledge, a sharp, affectionate eye and a well-tuned ear, this book is a reel through the stinks and miasmas of plague-stricken London in the company of reflective, funny, fatalistic souls from another time entirely, who are also – mysteriously, deliriously – us. This is a classic.’ – Janita Cunnington, author of The River House and Child of Mine ‘The Searchers walk the streets with their red wands, seeking out sufferers of the plague. Rob Wills brings these forgotten women of history to dramatic life in his vast sweep of a novel, full of character and intrigue. If you like Hilary Mantel, you’ll love this.’ – Bronwen Levy, writer and critic To find out more about “Plague Searchers” – the people, the politics, the songs, the sources – you’ll find a wealth of information on the website: Plaguesearchers.com

Magical sea glass A century-old abandoned inn Two drowned lovers. Murdered, says the bride’s ghost. A heartbroken charter boat captain and a haunted boating accident survivor become unwilling partners when they investigate an abandoned, hundred-year-old inn and two ghostly lovers—forever separated. Before a curse unleashes retribution and a deadly storm throughout the Pacific Northwest archipelago…and they lose each other in the maelstrom.

Florida has long been a mecca for those looking for a change of scenery, pace, or fortune. One way or another, all who enter Florida are "Touched by the Sun." Its powerful rays leave them with a sense of well-being, better health, or maybe just a sunburn. Come meet some of the glorious sun-drenched characters. In this third volume of the Florida Chronicles, a continuing series on the states history, author Stuart B. McIver tells his tales of Florida through the often tangled lives of people who could never be brushed aside as ordinary. These players in that great theatrical production called Florida include presidents, cowboys, gangsters, baseball players, writers, politicians, captains of industry, inventors, movie stars, and even a fire chief. See all of the books in this series