"It's a dangerous business, going out your front door."In the age of men, one must face myriad challenges: epic quests, imminent danger, the evil gaze of Sauron . . . okay, so maybe not. But wouldn't life's day-to-day challenges be easier if one were to take a cue from the diminutive hobbit? With The Unofficial Hobbit Handbook as your guide, you'll be ready to brave the difficulties, discomforts, and occasional orcs you may encounter.Become acquainted and form fellowships with the peoples of Middle-earth: elves, dwarves, wizards, Ents, and moreLearn about the dangerous creatures that lurk in the lands beyond the Shire: orcs, wolves, and dragonsUse hobbit tactics of running away, hiding, and disappearing (with or without the use of magical rings)Discover the proper etiquette for the delivery and solving or riddlesSo put another log on the fire, cut another slice of seed-cake (is it time for elevenses already?) and curl up with The Unofficial...

This fascinating new book reveals the origins of the Vikings—from Thor and Leif Erikson to Loki and the Valkyries—and the tales that have influenced our own lives.For thousands of years, Vikings have held a storied place in our culture—their distinct appearance, their mighty longships, their reputation for causing death and destruction. But who were these strange and mysterious folk? The Book of Viking Myths retells the stories of the Viking people, with myths of their gods and goddesses, monsters, and great heroes. From tales of the beautiful and powerful Freyja, to the gold-toothed Heimdallr, to the wolf Fenrir, Peter Archer explores all the figures and tales that make up Norse mythology. Along with these legends of seafaring, dwarves, giants, and the exploits of Thor, you will also discover the influences that Viking culture has had on our own lives. It's a true exploration of Nordic culture—and a glimpse into the history and...

It is a truth universally acknowledged that an author as popular as Jane Austen should be imitated, expanded upon, and parodied. Now, in the tradition of the Bulwer Lytton Contest and the Bad Hemingway and Bad Faulkner contests comes a new collection of hilarious efforts to write the worst opening paragraph of the novel Jane Austen never wrote. Using entries from badausten website, this collection presents the best of the worst entries for the first paragraph of Austen's unwritten classics. From "Star Wars" meets Elizabeth Bennett to "Northanger Abbey" translated into a setting for cats and dogs, here are the stories Jane Austen would never have written.

Gerrard's Legacy A collection of powerful magical artifacts is the only defense against the forces of evil that are arrayed against Dominaria. Gerrard, the heir to the Legacy, together with Sisay, captain of the flying ship Weatherlight, has sought out many parts of the Legacy. Gerrard's Quest Sisay has been kidnapped by Volrath, ruler of the plane of Rath. Gerrard stands at a crossroads. His companion is in danger, the Legacy may be lost forever. Only he—with the loyal crew of the Weatherlight— can rescue Sisay and recover the Legacy.