John Kay

A leading economist charts the indirect road to happiness and wealth. Using dozens of practical examples from the worlds of business, politics, science, sports, literature, even parenting, esteemed economist John Kay proves a notion that feels at once paradoxical and deeply commonsensical: The best way to achieve any complex or broadly defined goal-from happiness to wealth to profit to preventing forest fires-is the indirect way. As Kay points out,...

Sovereign of the Seas was the most spectacular, extravagant and controversial warship of the early seventeenth century. The ultimate royal prestige project, whose armament was increased by the King's decree to the unheard-of figure of 100 guns, the ship finally cost the equivalent of ten more conventional warships. A significant proportion of this total was spent on her gilded decoration, which gave the ship a unique combination of firepower and visual...

John Henry Mackay (1864-1933) wrote in a variety of styles. This volume of his shorter fiction contains twenty-five stories, ranging in length from one page to the longer novella. In this range, it is essentially complete. The themes also vary considerably, for Mackay did not like to repeat himself. Nevertheless, as might be expected from the biographer of the egoist philosopher Max Stirner, they often illustrate strong individuals. Such are, for...

In a small, remote village in the Outer Scottish Hebrides, Kirsty yearns for adventure and another life across the ocean. Though she finds comfort in time spent with her mother and younger sister, she sees hope and a future with Murdo, an intelligent, curious poet. The two fall in love as World War I looms, and Murdo is soon conscripted to join the other men of the village to fight. As a gesture of farewell, the village hosts a road dance, a celebration...

British ex-pat Dr. Ruby Walker has left the Good Karma Hospital to practice as a GP near her family in rural India. But when a medical crisis forces her to return, Ruby must make peace with the hospital's intimidating head, Dr. Lydia Fonseca, and face her handsome but reticent colleague, Dr. Gabriel Varma. Just as Ruby feels ready to rekindle her romance with Gabriel, the sudden arrival of his former mentor, brilliant and beautiful plastic surgeon...