A Rumor of Gems

A Rumor of Gems
Author: Ellen Steiber
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 474
Release: 2005-06
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9780312858797

"The magic held me in its grip from the very first page. What a mysterious, sexy, and startling world Steiber has created. This book passed my ultimate test-- "I didn't want it to end!""--R.L. Stine "Gods, shapeshifting tricksters and mortal lovers form the intersecting facets of Ellen Steiber's "A Rumor of Gems "in a contemporary setting at once strange and familiar. Fans of urban fantasy -- and gem lovers everywhere--will enjoy it!"--Jacqueline Carey "Steiber's prose is as multi-faceted, dazzling, and flawless as any gem."--Holly Black "City and mountains, shapeshifters and fashion designers, the god of Love and the god of Thieves, intrigue and supernatural danger," A Rumor of Gems" has them all--plus characters you really want to spend time with. A sophisticated and sensual treat."--Delia Sherman "A compelling and original novel full of subtle and sometimes erotic magic. Alasdair and Lucinda are the real gems here, and the city of Arcato itself places Ellen Steiber in the company of authors such as M. John Harrison, whose richly imagined cities prove endlessly intriguing."--Gregory Frost "Steiber's knowledge of gemstone lore makes for a rich and unusual fantasy background. I hope to see more of the city of Arcato!"-- Emma Bull "The city of Arcato holds masks and shape-shifters, tricksters and true love, gods and dragons, and a glittering hoard of amethysts and topaz, rubies and moonstones. Steiber weaves her spell with all this and more, to create a beautiful, dazzling, magical novel."--Lisa Goldstein

Jewels

Jewels
Author: Victoria Finlay
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Total Pages: 456
Release: 2006-08-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 0345493354

Throughout history, precious stones have inspired passions and poetry, quests and curses, sacred writings and unsacred actions. In this scintillating book, journalist Victoria Finlay embarks on her own globe-circling search for the real stories behind some of the gems we prize most. Blending adventure travel, geology, exciting new research, and her own irresistible charm, Finlay has fashioned a treasure hunt for some of the most valuable, glamorous, and mysterious substances on earth. With the same intense curiosity and narrative flair she displayed in her widely-praised book Color, Finlay journeys from the underground opal churches of outback Australia to the once pearl-rich rivers of Scotland; from the peridot mines on an Apache reservation in Arizona to the remote ruby mines in the mountains of northern Burma. She risks confronting scorpions to crawl through Cleopatra’s long-deserted emerald mines, tries her hand at gem cutting in the dusty Sri Lankan city where Marco Polo bartered for sapphires, and investigates a rumor that fifty years ago most of the world’s amber was mined by prisoners in a Soviet gulag. Jewels is a unique and often exhilarating voyage through history, across cultures, deep into the earth’s mantle, and up to the glittering heights of fame, power, and wealth. From the fabled curse of the Hope Diamond, to the disturbing truths about how pearls are cultured, to the peasants who were once executed for carrying amber to the centuries-old quest by magicians and scientists to make a perfect diamond, Jewels tells dazzling stories with a wonderment and brilliance truly worthy of its subjects.

How to Tell a Story

How to Tell a Story
Author: The Moth
Publisher: Crown
Total Pages: 353
Release: 2022-04-26
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0593139011

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The definitive guide to telling an unforgettable story in any setting, drawing on twenty-five years of experience from the storytelling experts at The Moth “From toasts to eulogies, from job interviews to social events, this book will help you with ideas, structure, delivery and more.”—CNN LONGLISTED FOR THE PORCHLIGHT BUSINESS BOOK AWARD Over the past twenty-five years, the directors of The Moth have worked with people from all walks of life—including astronauts, hairdressers, rock stars, a retired pickpocket, high school students, and Nobel Prize winners—to develop true personal stories that have moved and delighted live audiences and listeners of The Moth’s Peabody Award–winning radio hour and podcast. A leader in the modern storytelling movement, The Moth inspires thousands of people around the globe to share their stories each year. Now, with How to Tell a Story, The Moth will help you learn how to uncover and craft your own unique stories, like Moth storytellers Mike Birbiglia, Rosanne Cash, Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Gilbert, Padma Lakshmi, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Tig Notaro, Boots Riley, Betty Reid Soskin, John Turturro, and more. Whether your goal is to make it to the Moth stage, deliver the perfect wedding toast, wow clients at a business dinner, give a moving eulogy, ace a job interview, be a hit at parties, change the world, or simply connect more deeply to those around you, stories are essential. Sharing secrets of The Moth’s time-honed process and using examples from beloved storytellers, a team of Moth directors will show you how to • mine your memories for your best stories • explore structures that will boost the impact of your story • deliver your stories with confidence • tailor your stories for any occasion Filled with empowering, easy-to-follow tips for crafting stories that forge lasting bonds with friends, family, and colleagues alike, this book will help you connect authentically with the world around you and unleash the power of story in your life.

Koh-i-Noor

Koh-i-Noor
Author: William Dalrymple
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 307
Release: 2017-09-12
Genre: History
ISBN: 1635570778

From the internationally acclaimed and bestselling historians William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, the first comprehensive and authoritative history of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, arguably the most celebrated jewel in the world. On March 29, 1849, the ten-year-old leader of the Sikh kingdom of the Punjab was ushered into the magnificent Mirrored Hall at the center of the British fort in Lahore, India. There, in a formal Act of Submission, the frightened but dignified child handed over to the British East India Company swathes of the richest land in India and the single most valuable object in the subcontinent: the celebrated Koh-i-Noor diamond, otherwise known as the Mountain of Light. To celebrate the acquisition, the British East India Company commissioned a history of the diamond woven together from the gossip of the Delhi Bazaars. From that moment forward, the Koh-i-Noor became the most famous and mythological diamond in history, with thousands of people coming to see it at the 1851 Great Exhibition and still more thousands repeating the largely fictitious account of its passage through history. Using original eyewitness accounts and chronicles never before translated into English, Dalrymple and Anand trace the true history of the diamond and disperse the myths and fantastic tales that have long surrounded this awe-inspiring jewel. The resulting history of south and central Asia tells a true tale of greed, conquest, murder, torture, colonialism, and appropriation that shaped a continent and the Koh-i-Noor itself.

The Healing Power of Gemstones

The Healing Power of Gemstones
Author: Harish Johari
Publisher: Inner Traditions / Bear & Co
Total Pages: 244
Release: 1996-09
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 9780892816088

The author describes how to use the power of gemstones, using ancient Hindu disciplines, to heal and increase a sense of well-being.

Demigods and Monsters

Demigods and Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: BenBella Books, Inc.
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2013-07-02
Genre: Literary Collections
ISBN: 1937856372

Which Greek god makes the best parent? Would you want to be one of Artemis' Hunters? Why do so many monsters go into retail? Spend a little more time in Percy Jackson's world—a place where the gods bike among us, monsters man snack bars, and each of us has the potential to become a hero. Find out: • Why Dionysus might actually be the best director Camp Half-Blood could have • How to recognize a monster when you see one • Why even if we aren't facing manticores and minotaurs, reading myth can still help us deal with the scary things in our own lives Plus, consult our glossary of people, places, and things from Greek myth: how Medusa got her snake hair extensions, why Chiron isn't into partying and paintball like the rest of his centaur family, and the whole story on Percy's mythical namesake.

Forever with You

Forever with You
Author: Farrah Rochon
Publisher: Kimani Press
Total Pages: 217
Release: 2015-01-20
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 037386390X

"Category: African-American"--Page 4 of cover.

The Lost Gems of India

The Lost Gems of India
Author: StoryBuddiesPlay
Publisher: StoryBuddiesPlay
Total Pages: 81
Release: 2024-06-07
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

Dive into a captivating tale of forbidden love and thrilling adventure in "The Language of Spices," a historical romance set against the vibrant backdrop of 16th century India. Vasco, a daring Portuguese sailor, finds his heart entangled with Priya, a beautiful Indian woman. Their love blossoms amidst the bustling spice markets of Calicut, but their paths are tragically divided by cultural barriers. Unwilling to give up on his love, Vasco embarks on a perilous quest to prove himself worthy of Priya's hand. Whispers of lost gems and a hidden civilization lead him deep into the treacherous jungles of Kerala. With the help of Priya's unwavering love and his newfound understanding of Indian customs, Vasco must navigate treacherous landscapes, decipher ancient secrets, and face down a ruthless Maharaja determined to claim the legendary treasure for himself. But the true treasure lies not in glittering jewels, but in bridging the cultural divide that threatens to tear Vasco and Priya apart. Will Vasco's courage and newfound respect for Indian traditions be enough to win over Priya's family and secure their future together? "The Language of Spices" is a captivating story that transcends cultural boundaries, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of understanding. Get swept away by a love story unlike any other and discover the hidden secrets of a forgotten civilization!

Gems of the Apocalypse

Gems of the Apocalypse
Author: Remy Michaels
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 343
Release: 2011-05-19
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1257773194

A fictional depiction of the War of Armageddon. Becca, is a soul cast from heaven and forced to walk on earth until final judgment. Along the way, she meets Isaiah, her new friend and mentor, and also the first of their kind. He trains her to use her new powers and shows her the trial she will face, including her murderous husband. Hell wants her, Heaven fights for her, and nobody realizes how much Armageddon depends on her.