The Tycoon and the Bard

The Tycoon and the Bard
Author: John Cairney
Publisher: Luath Press Ltd
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2016-01-31
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1910324752

Andrew Carnegie: self-made Scottish-American steel millionaire and international philanthropist, remembered through trusts, charities and public buildings on both sides of the Atlantic. Robert Burns: Scotland's greatest poet and most famous philanderer; an inspiration for future liberal politicians and an almost mythical cultural icon. What do the world's greatest tycoon and Scotland's finest bard have in common? More than you might think. Despite dying thirty nine years prior to Carnegie's birth, Burns' work so inspired the philanthropist that he recited all eleven verses of 'Man Was Made to Mourn' at just eight years old. Carnegie's enthusiasm for the poet was to accompany him throughout his life, as unbeknownst to him parallels between himself and his idol emerged time and again. Fuelled by ambition, both brilliant Scots went to unusual lengths to better their lives. While Burns travelled the length and breadth of their homeland writing poetry that would endure for generations, Carnegie left Scotland for America to forge his place in the industrial revolution. The connections between Andrew Carnegie and Robert Burns are unexpected and fascinating, running from their humble beginnings to their enduring legacies. John Cairney

The Importance of Being

The Importance of Being
Author: John Cairney
Publisher: Luath Press Ltd
Total Pages: 255
Release: 2014-12-19
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1910324132

Life is there for the taking. We can choose to take it, or leave it to float by as it will. If we have the confidence, we can reach out and grab it. Life is divided into four sections: birth, adolescence, maturity and old age. Writing from 'the final quarter', John Cairney looks over each section of his life and draws wisdom from the places he has been, the people he has met and the events he has experienced. He's been shot at (twice). Survived a hurricane at sea and an earthquake. He has taken risks and been derided as well as applauded. He is an extraordinary survivor. His attitude has been that 'life is there for the taking', and he has engaged with it passionately throughout his 84 years. The Importance of Being reveals the private, more reflective and unexpectedly philosophical side of a man better known for his public face in a long theatre, film and television career. Exploring notions of love and courage, interspersed with dry Glaswegian humour, this book will make you laugh and ponder the complexities of life at the same time. Nothing lasts forever, certainly not life itself. In these supposedly civilised and sophisticated times, no one appears to accept the moment for the present it is and revel in the free gift that is the day at hand.

[With Bonus Episode !]KEPT BY THE TYCOON

[With Bonus Episode !]KEPT BY THE TYCOON
Author: Lee Wilkinson
Publisher: Harlequin / SB Creative
Total Pages: 136
Release: 2020-07-17
Genre: Comics & Graphic Novels
ISBN: 4596785023

[With Bonus Episode !] Including 4 special pages of additional story.Physiotherapist Maddie keeps firmly refusing the assertive invitations of one of her very charming patients, Rafe. She can’t get over the tragedy that killed her husband. Rafe is honest, though, and the two finally give themselves to each other, but the honeymoon doesn’t last long. A woman claiming to be Rafe’s fiancée appears, and Maddie gives up hope and breaks off the relationship. But Rafe can’t let his beloved get away that easily…

Sevyns Life: A Story About The First Black Billionaire Transgender Woman

Sevyns Life: A Story About The First Black Billionaire Transgender Woman
Author: MarthaK Sayz
Publisher: MarthaK LLC
Total Pages: 1000
Release: 2024-04-06
Genre: Art
ISBN:

This story provides an intriguing glimpse into the life of its protagonist, Sevyn, from her humble beginnings growing up in the Cabrini Green housing projects of Chicago all the way to her current status as a billionaire transgender businesswoman living in an opulent mansion in Dubai. The narrative seamlessly jumps between the present and flashes back to Sevyn’s childhood, painting a picture of how she has risen from nothing to achieve immense success against all odds. From the very first chapter, the author establishes Sevyn as a strong, driven woman who hasn’t let her past hold her back. We find her waking up beside her loving husband Rich in their sprawling Dubai estate, but even amid this life of luxury, the scent of coffee and bacon takes her back to memories of her grandmother’s kitchen in Cabrini Green. These glimpses into Sevyn’s childhood highlight the grit and resilience she developed early on, traits that would serve her well on her journey. Despite everything she endured growing up in such an impoverished environment, she has never stopped believing in herself or her ability to make her dreams a reality. After reconnecting with memories of her family and upbringing over breakfast, Sevyn begins to open up to Rich about her history, hinting at secrets from her past that will alter their understanding of who she is. This sets the stage for what is sure to be a revealing tale of Sevyn’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I’m eager to learn more about the obstacles she had to overcome to reach her current position of wealth and influence. Her determination to keep striving despite facing adversity serves as an inspiration. That night, Sevyn has another taping of her show “SS Diaries,” though she neglects practicing her monologue as ghosts from her past resurface. Through the description of her silhouette dancing in the mirror fragments cast by the chandelier, the author builds an evocative sense of the inner turmoil Sevyn feels as her demons emerge. But she is able to channel her memories of poverty and homelessness into finding her voice, and delivers a passionate speech touching on themes of perseverance that resonates with her massive global audience. After filming, Sevyn and Rich retreat to the secret cellar chamber of their mansion, where in addition to cannabis and music, they keep priceless works of art, family portraits, and evidence of their philanthropic ambitions. Sevyn’s successful career has clearly provided rich material comforts, but her history still haunts her as she gazes at photos reminding her of harsher times. Rich remains devotedly by her side, supporting her through the resurfacing of painful recollections. Their loving relationship, established family, and hopes for the future offer rays of light amid the shadows of Sevyn’s past that continue emerging. I’m left wanting to know more about the specific hardships she faced and how she was finally able to overcome them. Her journey seems sure to inspire with its message of empowerment and achieving the impossible through grit, resilience and an unbreakable spirit. The author provides vivid sensory details that transport the reader directly into Sevyn’s lavish yet conflicted world. From the scents and sounds that transport her back to her childhood, to the reflection of her quivering form in the mirrors as trauma resurfaces, one can feel the visceral experience of Sevyn’s memories and emotions. The interweaving of flashbacks with the present day also builds engaging dramatic tension, making me eager to watch as more of Sevyn’s history is revealed piece by piece. Both Sevyn and Rich come across as complex, multilayered characters, and I appreciate the glimpses into Rich’s background and support of Sevyn that help balance the focus on her experiences. Their caring partnership serves as a strong foundation that clearly played a role in helping Sevyn achieve all she has. Her determination to keep growing in her philanthropy work despite struggles with her past shows an evolved character who wants to use her platform to help others facing similar adversity. In summary, this novel introduction draws the reader deeply into Sevyn’s intriguing world through vivid sensory storytelling and bits of mystery surrounding her past. Both the present-day scenes of luxury and the historical flashes back to harder times feel richly realized. Sevyn emerges as a compelling protagonist whose journey of perseverance through challenge upon challenge promises to hold inspiration. I look forward to seeing how the author continues to peel back the layers on Sevyn’s history while advancing the engaging plotlines of her marriage, career, and philanthropic ambitions. This shows great promise as a story of empowerment and overcoming the odds through grit and resilience.

A Walk in the Park

A Walk in the Park
Author: John Cairney
Publisher: Luath Press Ltd
Total Pages: 200
Release: 2017-03-09
Genre: History
ISBN: 1910324906

A wander through twelve of Glasgow's finest parks, and through the mind of a treasured Glasgow resident, John Cairney. Cairney's exploration of his home city's dear green places ranges from Tollcross Park in the east, to the Botanic Gardens, pride of the West End, and even right out to Hogganfield Loch in the city's furthest reaches. Written with a deep love of the city, A Walk in the Park takes us on a journey into Glasgow's past as well as through its outdoor spaces. Cairney traces his city's history back a millennium to its founding by that great wanderer, St Mungo. Through the stories of its parks Glasgow comes to life, a post-industrial city with an unmatched individuality, a thriving cultural scene, and a lot to look forward to.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy
Author: Paul Vallely
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 901
Release: 2020-09-17
Genre: History
ISBN: 1472920139

'This is the definitive book on philanthropy – its history, contradictions and future' – John Gray, Emeritus Professor of European Thought, London School of Economics 'Good books lay out the lie of the land. Important books change it. This book is both' – Giles Fraser, priest, journalist and broadcaster The super-rich are silently and secretly shaping our world. In this groundbreaking exploration of historical and contemporary philanthropy, bestselling author Paul Vallely reveals how this far-reaching change came about. Vivid with anecdote and scholarly insight, this magisterial survey – from the ancient Greeks to today's high-tech geeks – provides an original take on the history of philanthropy. It shows how giving has, variously, been a matter of honour, altruism, religious injunction, political control, moral activism, enlightened self-interest, public good, personal fulfilment and plutocratic manipulation. Its narrative moves from the Greek man of honour and Roman patron, via the Jewish prophet and Christian scholastic – through the Elizabethan machiavel, Puritan proto-capitalist, Enlightenment activist and Victorian moralist – to the robber-baron philanthropist, the welfare socialist, the celebrity activist and today's wealthy mega-giver. In the process it discovers that philanthropy lost an essential element as it entered the modern era. The book then embarks on a journey to determine where today's philanthropists come closest to recovering that missing dimension. Philanthropy explores the successes and failures of philanthrocapitalism, examines its claims and contradictions, and asks tough questions of top philanthropists and leading thinkers – among them Richard Branson, Eliza Manningham-Buller, Jonathan Ruffer, David Sainsbury, John Studzinski, Bob Geldof, Naser Haghamed, Lenny Henry, Jonathan Sacks, Rowan Williams, Ngaire Woods, and the presidents of the Rockefeller and Soros foundations, Rajiv Shah and Patrick Gaspard. In extended conversations they explore the relationship between philanthropy and family, faith, society, art, politics, and the creation and distribution of wealth. Highly engaging and meticulously researched, Paul Vallely's authoritative account of philanthropy then and now critiques the excessive utilitarianism of much modern philanthrocapitalism and points to how philanthropy can rediscover its soul.

Italian Politics

Italian Politics
Author: Richard S Katz
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2018-05-04
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0429968094

This book describes all the crucial issues that defined Italian political and social life during 1994 and interpreted by renowned scholars from Italy, the United States, and Britain, who provide an indispensable guide for understanding Italy's political transformation.