Eric Chaline Livres

Explains the excercises of tai chi with photographs illustrating each step.

The world we live in is usually benign and forgiving, but on numerous occasions over the course of history it has also acted as a reminder of the precarious nature of our existence. Starting with the Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction, author Eric Chaline takes you on a tour of humanity’s disasters, with triggers caused by nature as well as combined natural-human influences such as the HIV-AIDS pandemic and the Irish Famine, and even events dictated solely by human actions, such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill and 9/11. The scope of History’s Worst Disasters is to go beyond cataloging death and destruction in order to examine the consequences of these terrible events.

Chosen for their powerful symbolism, the illustrations in this book range from the myths and legends of the ancient world to the icons used in modern culture and science. You will discover the fascinating origins and meanings of over 500 signs and symbols, from the secrets of the Maya calendar to demon- summoning seals and secretive symbols of the hermetic orders. Divided into seven thematic sections – astrology; the natural world; sacred writings; alchemy, numerology and sacred geometry; magic; demonology; and the western esoteric tradition – this decoding guide is the ultimate resource for unlocking the secret language of signs and symbols for the modern occultist.

Charting the relationship between humans and animals and how certain species have been instrumental in the development of our understanding of the evolution of the natural world, this title explores the role animals have played in our culture and history.

Zen seems to revel in mystification, but does the hype live up to close scrutiny? This introduction to Zen explains the principles, practices and history of Zen and points the way to heightened consciousness and spiritual fulfilment. It traces the history of Zen through India, China, Korea and finally its home in Japan through the charismatic, historical characters that developed its traditions. Seeking to explore the Zen principles of emptiness, illusion and Buddha nature, the book takes readers through how they can experience a transcendental state of enlightenment by following the practices of zazen and shikantaza. It instructs readers in incorporating Zen into their lives, through painting, poetry, ikebana and the ritual of the tea ceremony, and takes the reader on a path to innner peace.

Combining the format of a guidebook with the content of a history, this book will show readers what it would have been like in Attica in the year 415 BCE, listing everything from how to buy a slave to where to get a room for the night.

Martial arts provide a great workout for anyone, but for women, they present some special and positive advantages. Inside this book, find out how martial arts training can improve your fitness, help with your personal confidence, and train you mentally to face the challenges of life. Having a positive self-image and feeling physically confident can translate into many phases of your life. The focus and all-around fitness that martial arts can bring might be your ticket to a high-flying leap forward in your life.

According to the Bible, human history began with the first big lie (the Serpent's deception of Eve), closely followed by the second (Eve's deception of Adam). And, as you peruse the fifty entries listed in History's Greatest Deceptions, you will realise that humans have been trying to put one over on the other guy ever since. No matter what period or country, religion or ideology you examine, humans have lied, faked, forged, hoaxed, deceived, defrauded, and scammed their brothers and sisters in search of a quick buck, fame, glory, power, amusement... or just to see if they could get away with it.

A light-hearted look at fifty of the grandest predictions ever made - and how they proved to be spectacularly wrong.

History's Worst Predictions is a lighthearted look at fifty of the grandest predictions the world has seen - and how they proved to be spectacularly wrong. Every aspect of human life - religion, politics, science, economy, culture and war - has provided material for the most far-fetched and inaccurate of predictions. The book asks why we are still here, given that the end of the world has been foretold over 200 times, including: for 1833 by William Miller, who claimed to be in direct contact with God, and for 1997 by Nostradamus, king of the poor prediction. This beautifully illustrated, full-colour volume contains photographs and maps that bring each chapter to life, depicting the people and institutions responsible for some of the most infamous predictions in human history.