How far will power go to hide the truth?

In a world teetering on the edge of collapse, where nuclear devastation and environmental ruin have ravaged the planet, the wealthy retreat into Verisim-a virtual haven designed to shield them from the crumbling wasteland outside. Safely cocooned in fully encapsulated pods, they live as avatars in a shimmering, sanitized simulation. Outside, the real world deteriorates, and the poor, trapped in a brutal reality, labor just to survive. They toil in digital arcades, scraping together enough credits to escape into Verisim's illusions, but true freedom remains forever out of reach.

Dylan McKnight, a disillusioned homicide detective, straddles both worlds. As one of Verisim's citizens, he enjoys privileges in the virtual utopia, yet he's haunted by the system's commercialization and the growing disparity between the wealthy and the struggling tourists. Despised by both the elite and the desperate, Dylan enforces laws in a world where real justice no longer exists.

When a high-profile murder exposes cracks in Verisim's pristine facade, Dylan finds himself targeted by a shadowy killer, pulling him into a conspiracy that reaches beyond the virtual walls. The truth he uncovers threatens to unravel not only Verisim's carefully controlled system but also the dying world outside.

As the body count rises, Dylan races against time to expose the hidden layers of control and deception that govern both realities. But the closer he gets to the truth, the more he risks becoming a pawn in a game far larger-and far deadlier-than he ever imagined.

Caught between the decaying world outside and the digital dream that offers a false sense of hope, Dylan must decide whether to confront the lies at the heart of Verisim or fall victim to them like so many before him.

Thrilling exploration of the intersection between digital escapism and reality.

- Publishers Weekly

Mark Campbell is a fantastic storyteller. The world and character building throughout the book is incredibly well done, with so many twists that keep you turning the pages.

- The Twilight Bookworm, Goodreads

A compellingly dark blend of noir, cyberpunk, and dystopian fiction.

- Kirkus Review

Alan J. Pakula's The Parallax View (1974) is a renowned example of the paranoid conspiracy thriller, a genre that was a marker of the 1970s. The period was haunted by the murders of John F Kennedy (1963), Malcolm X (1965), Martin Luther King (1968), and Robert Kennedy (1968), together with the crimes of the Manson family, Altamont, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal.

Mark Campbell's study of the film situates it within this historical moment of increasing paranoia and conspiracy, analyzing the ways in which it not only reflected, but also actively constructed, this febrile worldview. He contextualizes the film as an adaptation of Loren Singer's 1970 pulp novel by the same name, and highlights the role of influential cinematographer, Gordon Willis, in constructing the visual style that was essential to the filmic representation of paranoia.

Focusing on the film itself, Campbell provides a detailed analysis of key scenes, particularly the central six-minute brainwashing sequence which featured imagery drawn from pop culture, advertising slogans, and violent imagery. He examines Pakula's use of the film-within-a-film visual trope, and how the scene refers to the then widely-held suspicion that television and mass media were tools of psychological conditioning, highlighting how this concern was reflective of new anxieties about corporate and media power.

The necessity for a comprehensive work, giving a full and detailed explanation of the Art of manufacturing Hair Work in all its various branches, has been so frequently urged upon the attention of the author, that, in compliance with an almost universal demand, he has concluded to publish a book which will clearly illustrate the Art of Hair Dressing, and making Hair Jewelry and Hair Work of every description. His perfect familiarity with the business--the result of many years' successful experience--renders him eminently competent to impart the fullest information upon the subject of which he treats, while the great consumption and rapidly increasing demand for every description of Hair Goods, will make this work he now presents to the public

Haunted by heartbreak and a past decision in Tucson, Teddy Sanders resolves to no longer turn away from trouble-and in the aftermath of the H7N9 pandemic, trouble is all there is.

As the US government fortifies its power from within the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, it enacts Presidential Directive 40, declaring a national emergency. Under this directive, FEMA transforms into a militarized force, administering civilian work camps and enforcing martial law with an iron fist.

In one such camp, Teddy and his new ally, Ein, confront the brutalities of an authoritarian regime. Determined to escape, they navigate a landscape riddled with dangers and chilling secrets. With the oncoming winter and rising tensions, the camp teeters on the brink of collapse.

As the stakes escalate, Teddy and Ein are pushed to their limits. Will they break free, or will their aspirations for liberty be crushed under the regime's iron fist?

In a world ravaged by a mutating virus, every step is a fight for survival.

After escaping the crumbling order of quarantine centers and FEMA camps, Teddy Sanders and Ein Becker traverse the desolate remnants of the United States, searching for a semblance of sanctuary in a land where civilization has fallen.

The landscape is brutal: remnants of the government vie with rebel factions for control, and fortified cities promise safety at a steep cost. Beyond their walls, militias and settlements battle over the scraps of a once-thriving society.

As Teddy and Ein dodge relentless pursuit by military forces, their journey through hostile territories is fraught with treacherous alliances. The trust between them is strained to breaking when Teddy uncovers dark secrets that Ein has kept hidden.

With every secret revealed, Teddy and Ein's trust is tested to its limits. Can they survive the fallout, or will their fragile alliance shatter?

As a deadly virus cripples society, fate intertwines the lives of two survivors, forging an unlikely alliance in a world engulfed by chaos.

In Delaney, Georgia, an antigenic shift in the H7N9 bird flu virus triggers a catastrophic outbreak, jumping from birds to humans with devastating effects. Despite the federal government's attempts to downplay the severity, the contagion ravages communities, leading to an unprecedented death toll and the swift imposition of martial law.

At a maximum-security federal penitentiary south of Tucson, Arizona, Teddy Sanders watches the structured world around him crumble as the virus breaches the prison walls, indiscriminately claiming the lives of guards and inmates. Overwhelmed by chaos, Teddy navigates a maze of threats and alliances to escape his concrete tomb.

Just fifty miles away, Jane fights to keep her son safe in a rapidly deteriorating Tucson, battling looters and an increasingly oppressive military presence. Her desperate search for supplies becomes a daily struggle for survival.

As their paths intersect, Teddy and Jane must make pivotal choices that will shape their futures. Can they find hope and salvation in a world falling apart?

From humble beginnings in November 1963, Doctor Who has become a quintessential element of popular culture. With a comprehensive guide to every episode, Mark Campbell puts the show under the microscope with facts, figures, and options that will entertain long-term fans as well as Time Lord fanatics. He explores the adventures of all eleven Doctors, their faithful companions, a universe of aliens and villains from Daleks to Weeping Angels. Including sections on TV, radio, cinema, stage, and internet spin-offs, the guide delves into the world of Doctor Who.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Every professional photographer finds him or herself in a bit of a creative rut at some point in their career.
In this unique book, award-winning photographer and digital artist Mark Campbell (Wheeling, WV) shares with readers images that represent a three-year journey of creative self-discovery aimed at creating portraits that break the mold.

Campbell shows how he came up with four creative concept categories--Saints and Sinners, Body Art, Underwater Portraits, and Creative Freestyle--to really push the limits of his artistic approach and see his portrait sessions in a whole new light.

In this book, readers will learn the approaches Campbell used to create each striking work of art--from conceptualization to posing, lighting, camera techniques, and postprocessing. Armed with these techniques and inspirational images, readers will find themselves ready to take creative risks in order to break through plateaus and achieve greater artistic and financial gains.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1867.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1867 Edition.

Self-Instructor In The Art Of Hair Work: Dressing Hair, Making Curls, Switches, Braids, And Hair Jewelry Of Every Description is a comprehensive guidebook written by Mark Campbell in 1867. The book provides detailed instructions on various techniques of hairdressing, including curling, braiding, and making hair jewelry. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning the art of hair work, a popular craft during the Victorian era. The book also includes illustrations and diagrams to aid in the learning process. With its clear and concise instructions, Self-Instructor In The Art Of Hair Work is a timeless guide that is still relevant today for those interested in the art of hairdressing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Dr. Hubertus Strughold was an early pioneer of aerospace medicine. He was the Director of the Aeromedical Research Institute of the German Air Ministry in Berlin during World War II. After the war, he was brought to the U.S. as a part of Operation Paperclip and was instrumental in the early development of space medicine. His contributions were so fundamental that he is called The Father of Space Medicine and the Hubertus Strughold Award is given yearly by the Space Medicine Association for individual achievement in space medicine. Following his death, criticism of his possible involvement in World War II atrocities has emerged and most of his honors have been removed. This book is a detailed and well referenced biography of Dr. Strughold. The details concerning the controversy of his activities in World War II are covered comprehensively for the first time. We knew only a small part, and remained silent. We know more now and this along with the consciousness: if we would have known it, we would have also been silent. Existential philosopher K. Jaspers, Heidelberg 1947

Self-Instructor In The Art Of Hair Work: Dressing Hair, Making Curls, Switches, Braids, And Hair Jewelry Of Every Description (1867) is a comprehensive guidebook for anyone interested in the art of hair work. Written by Mark Campbell, this book provides detailed instructions on how to create a variety of hair accessories, including curls, switches, braids, and jewelry. The book begins with an introduction to the materials and tools needed for hair work, including hairpins, combs, and hair dyes. It then moves on to detailed instructions for creating different types of curls, including French curls, Grecian curls, and spiral curls. Next, the book covers the creation of switches, which are artificial hairpieces used to add volume and length to natural hair. The section on braids includes instructions for creating a variety of braids, including the fishtail braid, the French braid, and the rope braid. The book also provides instructions for creating hair jewelry, including hairpins, combs, and tiaras. Throughout the book, Campbell provides detailed illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand the techniques and methods involved in creating each hair accessory. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy for readers to follow along and learn the art of hair work. Overall, Self-Instructor In The Art Of Hair Work: Dressing Hair, Making Curls, Switches, Braids, And Hair Jewelry Of Every Description (1867) is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art of hair work, whether they are beginners or experienced practitioners.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

This astonishing book will explain to you what you have always thought but never quite understood - how it is that your favourite pussums went from being your cat to your master. This insightful account wittily describes the role of Cats throughout key events in our history, showing the subtle influence of the velvet paw in every area of human endeavour.

An informed introduction to the Christie phenomenon, updated to include new material on the final Poirot adaptation series and Sophie Hannah's The Monogram Murders

Since her debut in 1920 with The Mysterious Affair At Styles, Agatha Christie has become the chief proponent of the English village murder mystery. Although she created two enormously popular characters--the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and the inquisitive elderly spinster and amateur sleuth Miss Jane Marple of St Mary Mead--it is not generally acknowledged that she wrote in many different genres: comic mysteries (Why Didn't They Ask Evans?), atmospheric whodunits (Murder On The Orient Express), espionage thrillers (N or M?), romances (under the pseudonym of Mary Westmacott), plays (The Mousetrap), and poetry. She was never afraid to break the rules either, and provoked a storm of controversy with the unorthodox resolution of The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd, now acclaimed as one of the classics of British crime fiction. Christie wrote complex whodunits in a clear, readable style, which is why her books are as popular now as they were 80 years ago. Exemplary film and TV adaptations (Peter Ustinov and David Suchet as Poirot, Margaret Rutherford, and Joan Hickson as Miss Marple), have also encouraged new readers to search out her work. The film, TV, and stage adaptations are listed in this guide, and appendices point readers to books and websites where they can find out more.

This book explores the notion of architectural obsolescence through a study of the contemporary United States. While the US was the world's greatest economic, scientific and cultural force during the twentieth century, it now appears to be obsessed with its own decline. In this obsession the changing patterns of consumption and demand often result in an architectural redundancy where buildings exist as a form of by-product or residue. While our stereotypical image of the US reflects the heroic potential of production, this book examines the opposite - of that which isn't work. Or, more pointedly, those abandoned pleasures and lost paradises that remain when there is no longer any work left to define them.

With an introduction by Brett Steele and an afterword by Pier Vittorio Aureli

When Rugby League and Rugby Union fans were asked: 'Would you watch the Australian Kangaroos play the New Zealand All Blacks?' The unanimous reply was, 'Absolutely '

On the world stage, Australia dominates the League version of Rugby while in Union it is New Zealand. Undoubtedly, the best rugby players in Australia play League but, elsewhere, who has heard the names, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis or Jonathan Thurston?

When Mark Campbell, a self-confessed Rugby League 'tragic', saw South Africa win the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup, it inspired him to ask: 'How can the Springboks be the best Rugby team in the world when they have not beaten the Australian Kangaroos?' In response, he drafted a proposal to end the war and unify the two codes under the one banner - the Unified Sport of Rugby.

In his book, The Rugby Abstract, Mark examines the history of Rugby, shares his personal experience with both codes, outlines the benefits and challenges of creating a united sport, and discusses the potential rules in detail. It is a carefully considered attempt to reconcile these two popular sports on a level playing field.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1867.

An informed, engaging and accessible introduction to the Christie phenomenon, examining all her novels and short stories, aupdated to include new material on all recent film, TV and literary adaptations.

Since her debut in 1920 withThe Mysterious Affair At Styles, Agatha Christie has become the chief proponentoftheEnglishvillagemurdermystery.Althoughshecreatedtwoenormouslypopular characters - the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and the inquisitive elderly spinster and amateur sleuth Miss Jane Marple of St Mary Mead - it is not generally acknowledged that she wrote in many different genres: comic mysteries (Why Didn't They Ask Evans?), atmospheric whodunnits (Murder On The Orient Express), espionage thrillers (N or M?), romances (under the pseudonym of Mary Westmacott), plays (The Mousetrap) and poetry. She was never afraid to break the rules either, and provoked a storm of controversy with the unorthodox resolution ofThe Murder Of Roger Ackroyd, now acclaimed as one of the classics of British crime fiction.
Christie wrote complex whodunnits in a clear, readable style, which is why her books are as popular now as they were when she first wrote them. Exemplary film and TV adaptations (Kenneth Branagh, John Malkovich, Peter Ustinov and David Suchet as Poirot; Margaret Rutherford and Joan Hickson as Miss Marple), have also encouraged new readers to search out her work.