The Conscript, a Short Story by Honoré de Balzac

The Elixir of Life is a fantastic tale by the French novelist and writer Honoré de Balzac in which he gives a satirical version of the legend of Don Juan...

The unknown masterpiece, or "Le chef-d'oeuvre inconnu", is a story by French author Honoré de Balzac...

Where do you turn when you want to ride in the mountains, to follow in the wheeltracks of professional racers by climbing the famous passes of the Tour de France? There are several books and websites that highlight these renowned ascents, detailing their location, length and every little change in gradient. But how do you go about finding a route that links these passes together, that describes not only where they are and what they're like to ride, but highlights which is the best side to tackle them from and which roads to avoid?Award-winning author Peter Cossins's new series of guides to riding in the Western Europe's high mountains will provide these details - and much more. Inspired by Alfred Wainwright's walking guides to the Lake District, they are intended as the bible for any cyclist riding in Europe's most stunning terrain.   The first in the series is The Roads, Cols and Passes of the Pyrenees, which is duefor publication by Great Northern Books in June 2020. Featuring 120 r…

Gustave Flaubert is one of the major figures of French literature...

The creative collaboration between British comic legend Liam Sharp, known for his work on various comic series such as Wonder Woman, Spawn and Spider-Man, and the Japanese horror punk band Balzac resulted in an impressive version of the legendary Skullman.The band Balzac made Skullman the symbol of their horror concept and integrated the sinister character into their music, album covers and merchandise. This was also the case on the cover of the album Hatred: Destruction = Construction. None other than comic mastermind Liam Sharp (Marvel, DC, Image, among others) was responsible for the design. It shows Skullman in a particularly sinister version, surrounded by demons in the fog.The design of the Skullman statue is based on this depiction. Liam Sharp is known for his detailed and dynamic drawing style. From the boot buckle to the cruel claws, the statue accurately depicts the Nordic version of the Grim Reaper after his work is done. You can even see the fresh blood dripping from the si…

This guidebook covers 66 varied via ferratas in the French Alps. The routes are spread over six areas: Geneva and the Northern Alps, Chambéry, Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble and Briançon, amid the Mont Blanc, Vanoise and Queyras ranges. Difficulty ranges from easy, protected routes through to exposed, technical challenges. With some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the French Alps have long been a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor activities. In recent years, the region has seen the arrival of a growing number of via ferrata routes.   Via ferrata climbing – using fixed cables, bridges and ladders to explore terrain that is normally only accessible to experienced rock climbers – combines elements of scrambling, mountaineering and rock climbing, yet is a very distinct pursuit. Increasingly popular, recent years have seen a surge in the number of routes being established in these iconic mountains.   The routes in this guidebook range from straightforw…

Anyone who has visited Tahiti retains fond memories of a wonderful Polynesian paradise. This map shows the major islands of French Polynesia as a series of large insets on Side 1. An overall inset map showing the many islands is also shown, but for showing detail, one must expand the individual islands. The largest one is the volcanic Tahiti Nui, with the capital city of Pape’ete (or Papeete in English), for which a detailed inset map is included. Most visitors stay in the vicinity of Papeete, along the coast. We show several popular resorts. There is a good circular road around the island’s shoreline, but no roads in the interior. The island is joined to another, called Tahiti Iti, or Little Tahiti, and roads extend partway around this less-developed part of the combined island. Most of the other islands are rarely visited, although they have resorts, beaches, and a lifestyle of their own. Names like Huahine, Riatea, Tahaa, and Maiao may not be as familiar as they should be, but all …

Provence – The name alone sounds inviting to every traveller. The region’s wonderfully mild climate and many quiet paved roads makes it an ideal destination for bicycle tourists year round. Let yourself be enchanted by ancient towns and historic monasteries, by the scent from fields of rich lavender, the charm of tiny villages and French joie de vivre. Enjoy the contrasts presented by the peaceful expanses of the Camargue, with its glittering blue bays and herds of Camargue horses grazing in a landscape dotted with brilliantly white farmsteads. A refreshing plunge into the Mediterranean is just one of the many highlights of this bicycle tour. This Cycling Guide includes detailed maps of the countryside and of many cities and towns, precise route descriptions, information about historic and cultural sites as well as background information and a comprehensive list of overnight accommodations. The only thing this guide cannot provide is fine cycling weather, but we hope you find nothing …

Zeer goede gids voor Madagaskar en betrouwbaar alternatief voor de Lonely Planet. Zo mogelijk nog completer! Zelfde soort informatie als de Lonely Planet: vol met praktische feiten en achtegronden. Engels. Bradt Guide A new, thoroughly updated 13th edition of Bradt's Madagascar, the leading and most comprehensive guide to this unique island nation, written by Hilary Bradt, who first visited in 1976 and has returned roughly 35 times, and Daniel Austin, who has visited 12 times and continues to travel there annually. Bradt's Madagascar is by far the most thorough guide to the country in English and is written and updated by established experts whose unparalleled knowledge of Madagascar combines with contributions from over 50 experts in a book which has been the most authoritative guide to the country for three decades. It covers national parks and protected areas and includes itineraries to suit all interests and budgets, plus details of around 1,000 hotels and restaurants. Madagascar …

This stylish and inspiring book contains all the information campers need to make the most of the wonderful waterside locations throughout the UK and Ireland. Covering all kinds of camping (caravan, campsite and wild), the book starts by showing how to plan your trip, what gear to take and how to get stuck into all the fantastic water-based activities on offer, such as sailing, kayaking, angling, surfing and wild swimming. Tip boxes, top 10 features and gorgeous photos combine to give readers all the knowledge and inspiration they need to get out there, whether they're on their own, part of a family or with a group of friends. The main part of the guide is organised by region, but also searchable by activity. Each region has an overview, and within it the best sites to visit, with useful information (best times of year to go, activities on offer, facilities, cost), advice on most attractive pitches, contact details and photos. There is a huge variety of sites here, all with something…