作者: Britannica Educational Publishing

The system of courts in the United States serves to enforce the laws of the nation as well as act as a check to make sure the other branches of government obey the powers set forth by the Constitutio …

Space travel is a familiar concept. Such was not the case in the early 20th century, when the United States and the former Soviet Union were locked in a race to send humans into orbit. This book deta …

Leonardo da Vinci’s study of mechanics led to the creation of early prototypes of flying machines and submarines. Biologist Carolus Linnaeus pioneered the hierarchal system of taxonomic classificatio …

If necessity is indeed the mother of invention, then the individuals profiled in this volume should be considered the most laudable of all midwives. They each saw a need and met it. Readers will lear …

The Renaissance was a fantastic period of rebirth in terms of art and culture. This book recounts the struggles and victories of the most celebrated artists who lived and worked at this time. The mas …

The American Civil War hit close to home as it pitted brother against brother, Americans fighting one another to defend their differing beliefs. Years of war were followed by a subsequent period of R …

World War II was a very different war than had previously been fought in the course of history-new technologies and ideas were employed making way for widespread death and new atrocities. This book i …

In the 1950s and 1960s and on into the 1970s, the United States was involved in two wars fought far from home-one in aid of South Korea against the neighboring Communist North Korea, and a second wag …

Beginning with the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, World War I, sometimes called the Great War, spiraled into a struggle lasting four years, leaving ten million dead, and affectin …

Many Americans buoy their national pride and patriotism in the tableau of the American Revolution-in which every day men rose up against taxation from abroad to defeat one of the most powerful countr …

The planets closest to the Sun-Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars-include the world we know and its closest neighbors. However, despite our proximity, these rocky, silicate-based planets still represent …

Beyond Earth’s small, red neighbor Mars lie the gaseous, giant planets of the Outer Solar System. This book investigates these behemoths and dwarf planet Pluto, as well as other curiosities within th …

Satellites and robotic spacecraft have long travelled where humankind cannot, or dare not, go. By delving into the pages of this book, readers will learn about the technology, people, and organizatio …

The Sun is merely one of some 200 billion stars that make up the Milky Way–and the Milky Way is only one of a billion galaxies in the known universe. Packed with fascinating facts and stunning photo …

The night sky is positively teeming with wonders, from star clusters and nebulae to quasars. Astronomy is the means by which these and other similar phenomena are discovered and observed. This stella …

The universe has been both a subject of study and supplier of fresh mysteries. This book tackles a topic that is infinitely broad with extreme precision and careful organization, bringing the far rea …

Welcome to a veritable feast for readers’ eyes, minds, and, by extension, ears. Filled with profiles of truly accomplished musicians across a broad spectrum of musical styles and genres, this volume …

I think, therefore I am … influential. Leading philosophers conduct a rational investigation of truth to arrive at a set of principles that others believe and adopt. This compendium of the world’s …

Through the ages women have had to fight to be taken seriously, have their work accepted, and be considered the equal of men intellectually and creatively. This book tips its hat to women such as Cle …

It takes a great deal of personal strength, charisma, and intelligence to lead others. Some leaders improve the lives of their fellow citizens while others rule with an iron fist, oblivious to the pl …

Islam is the second most followed religion on Earth, with more than one billion practicing Muslims around the globe. However, few Westerners fully understand the beliefs of the religion nor the cultu …

Given that Islam predominates in over thirty countries around the world, the history of the Islamic world requires a broad perspective. This in-depth look at the history of the religion and culture o …

Few forces are more powerful than a group of people united by a common cause. Collective objectives, known as movements, have been known to radically alter the course of human history. This book trac …

There was a time when people assumed that the world was flat. Once an alternate theory was proposed, however, that conceit was challenged and, eventually, disproved. In short, theories and ideas can …

By their very nature, inventions change the status quo. The innovations highlighted in this book have done so in a most dramatic, memorable, or effective fashion. Through engaging narrative and accom …

There was a time when every voyage contained an element of the unknown. Today, however, the world spreads out before us carefully mapped and plotted. One must credit explorers with this transformatio …

The founders of the Constitution created the office of the President to be the Chief Executive of the United States, as well as an important figure the nation could turn to. This book covers the role …

The Legislative Branch, created by Article I of the Constitution, is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. This book not only studi …

There are few tools more powerful than the written word. Writers who finely hone their craft possess the ability to spread messages, change minds, or merely create something beautiful. As shown in th …

The many followers of Islam are spread around the globe from traditional lands in the Middle East and parts of Africa to metropolitan European cities. This extremely varied group of people neverthele …

Debates on nature versus nurture rage on and the question of identity looms large for almost everybody at some point in their lives. Thanks to continuing developments in genetics research, some of th …

Notwithstanding its detractors, evolutionary science has anticipated modern genetic research and continued to illuminate mysteries about our past and our connectedness to the species around us. Detai …

As the world’s resources continue to suffer from overuse and the effects of human activity, understanding the causes and effects of pollution is critical to preserving the land, water, and air that a …

At the expense of basic human rights, dignity, and decency, Africans were torn from their native countries and first brought to the United State as slaves. Yet even in the face of injustice and hards …

From the abolitionists and civil rights leaders who struggled to secure basic freedoms to the scientists, entertainers, and public servants who have nurtured innovation in their respective fields, Af …

The outlawing of desegregation and attainment of equal rights facilitated a new era of possibility throughout American society. This book details the historic deeds that redefined the American landsc …

China’s unmatched ability to reinvent itself over the centuries is perhaps its most timeless asset. Even in the wake of violent civil wars, Mongol invaders, and turbulent governance, China has endure …

With its flourishing metropolises, China has come to be identified with urban life and rapid technological advancement. Yet much of its landscape also boasts communities sustained by wondrous natural …

Reverberations of China’s diversity and multiethnic heritage are visible in everything from the cuisine and languages to the beliefs and arts of the vast nation. In addition to linking the Chinese to …

The devastation wrought by earthquakes and volcanoes often obscures the fact that these destructive forces are also some of the most creative on the planet birthing mountains and other land forms. Wi …

Whether ruining a commute or devastating entire countries, inclement weather has the power to capture attention and headlines. This book examines the science that gives us a greater understanding of …

Glaciers and sea ice are vital to sustaining aquatic ecosystems and regulating ocean water temperature. Permafrost, a type of ground ice, dramatically affects the infrastructure and agricultural outp …

Dinosaurs have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike since the first fossil discoveries mapped them onto our general body of knowledge. This book journeys to an era long before human …

Its constant evolution over the millennia since its inception has made the Earth a dynamic entity, subject to numerous climactic and environmental forces that are forever changing this planet. In its …

Though it encompasses the majority of the Earth’s history, much about Precambrian time still remains unknown to us. With its climate extremes and unstable surfaces, Precambrian Earth hardly resembled …

Characterized by a surge in biodiversity and evolutionary development, the Paleozoic Era ushered in the beginnings of life as we know it. Within these pages, readers will discover the fossil and geol …

Because of its natural wealth, India has long been a tempting prize for invaders, yet foreign forces such as the Mughal Empire and the British did not destroy India’s vibrant spirit. Rather, external …

With a landscape as diverse as the multitude of people that inhabit it, India hosts a wide range of communities, from remote villages nestled in the Himalayas to thriving urban centers. In many ways, …

Heir to a diverse array of traditions, the Indian subcontinent boasts customs that are distinguished by a constant juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern. The omnibus culture that has resulted f …

Echoes of ancient Roman concepts of governance, law, and society still ring throughout the world today. A stranger to neither war nor wealth, ancient Rome was shaped as much by strife as it was by pr …

Celebrated for numerous developments in the areas of law, writing, religion, and mathematics, Mesopotamia has been immortalized as the cradle of civilization. Its fabled cities, including Babylon and …

From Archaic times to the reign of Alexander the Great, Greek unity was tenuous, yet Ancient Greece was a place where culture flourished and intellectual achievement knew no bounds. Ancient Greek ide …

Home to some of the most remarkable feats of engineering as well as awe-inspiring natural vistas, ancient Egypt was a land of great promise fulfilled. Its pyramids, writing systems, and art all preda …

From the Mayan calendar to the Toltec architecture at Chichen Itza, the bequests of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations have endured long after the societies that created them declined. The intellectu …

More than a study of shapes and angles, geometry reflects an amalgamation of discoveries over time. This book not only provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of geometric shapes, axioms, …

Communication and, indeed, our comprehension of the world in general are largely ordered by the number and measurement systems that have arisen over time. This book delves into the history of mathema …

Calculating and manipulating the unknown has been the enterprise of the field of algebra since its earliest inception in Babylon and ancient Egypt. Trigonometry draws on principles presented in algeb …

The dynamism of the natural world means that it is constantly changing, sometimes rapidly, sometimes gradually. By mathematically interpreting the continuous change that characterizes so many natural …

The field of mathematics today represents an ongoing global effort, spanning both countries and centuries. Through this in-depth narrative, students will learn how major mathematical concepts were fi …

By observing patterns and repeated behaviors, mathematicians have devised calculations to significantly reduce human potential for error. This volume introduces the historical and mathematical basis …

From the whimsical idealism of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote to the magical realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude, Spanish-language literature has substantially enriched the gl …

Retaining the thrill and tone of oral storytelling as the written word became increasingly widespread was the charge of early English writing. Beginning in the Old English period and continuing throu …

Both the form and content of literature today owes much to the developments that took place in England between the Restoration and Romantic periods. The emergence of the novel triggered the creation …

As the British empire expanded ever outward, English writers of the 19th and early 20th centuries such as Charles Dickens, T.S. Eliot, and Virginia Woolf turned their gaze inward to matters of ethica …

Fiercely nationalistic, the first prominent American writers exhibited a profound pride in the territory that would come to be known as the United States. Predating even the Declaration of Independen …

Deviating from the romanticism of earlier works, American literature that emerged after the mid-19th century adopted a distinct realism and an often critical view of American society. With penetratin …

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of American literature composed after World War II is the rejection of conventional form and structure with its increasingly uninhibited and experimental styl …

Supplanting mythical explanations with those based on observation, early Greeks and some of their contemporaries sought to comprehend worldly phenomena in terms of more universal truths. This book in …

Philosophers of the Middle Ages endeavored to reconcile two seemingly incompatible concepts: religion and reason. By drawing extensively from the work of their predecessors, like Plato and Aristotle, …

Concerned more with rationality, human nature, and human interaction with society and the world than the theological questions of the Middle Ages, contemporary philosophy has advanced study of the li …

The seeming simplicity of day-to-day movement can belie the complexity of the structures that facilitate motion. More than just a framework around which the body develops, the human skeleton has evol …

Although its ubiquity in the human body may make it seem unremarkable, simply put, blood makes life possible. It nourishes cells throughout the body and transports carbon dioxide to the lungs. Withou …

Though only about the size of a clenched fist, the human heart bears the immense burden of sustaining human life and activity. Functioning to circulate blood throughout the body, the heart is an orga …

The satisfaction derived from savoring a steak or indulging in an ice cream sundae is only one aspect of a larger process that occurs in the human digestive system. From the moment food enters our mo …

Although much is now known about the biology of reproduction, a great deal remains to be discovered about the diseases and disorders that can damage the reproductive system. Ethical concerns surround …

So automatic and mechanical is breathing for most of us that we often fail to consider the complexities of respiration. Engaging the lungs, airways, and more, the intake of oxygen and release of carb …

The human eye has been the subject of endless fascination. Indeed, the very nature of sensory perception is shaped by the visual cues the brain receives, thus rendering the eye one of the most crucia …

Necessary for everything from reflexes to reading to running, it’s no exaggeration to say that the brain and nervous system are responsible for nearly every endeavor of human activity. The sheer volu …

With the advent of European colonization, the North American landscape and the indigenous cultures that inhabited it changed irrevocably. While a large part of Native Americans’ past has been marked …

Even as contact with European cultures eroded indigenous lifestyles across North America, many Native American groups found ways to preserve the integrity of their communities through the arts, custo …

Catalyzed by the introduction of writing and the unifying force of Christianity, prehistoric European societies became flourishing civilizations in the early stages of European history. This period u …

Audio and visual cues facilitate some of our most powerful sensory experiences and embed themselves deeply into our memories and subconscious. Sound and light waves interact with our ears and eyes-ou …

Ethics is the business of moral philosophy by which humans try to determine what behaviors are right and wrong; good and bad; noble and ignoble. Each person strives for rectitude as they understand i …

The sometimes insidious effects of bacterial diseases and viral infections can obscure the incredible significance of the microscopic organisms that cause them. Bacteria and viruses are among the old …

Earth’s biosphere supports several unique biomes and ecosystems. Though they operate as self-contained units, these regions also operate as part of a global network, nurturing interdependence among g …

From our television sets to the magnets that dot our refrigerators, electricity and magnetism are ever-present in our everyday lives. Even aside from our modern technology, electrical charges can be …

Many of the world’s most common processes and interactions are governed by the laws of thermodynamics and mechanics. While the transfer, release, or absorption of heat often accompany chemical reacti …

The study of matter is the study of all material things, as well as their ability to transform from one state to another. All matter assumes one of several basic states-solid, liquid, gas, and plasma …

While the atom is universally acknowledged as the basis for most branches of physics, the study of its constituent particles has illuminated significant new areas of research. The behavior of subatom …

The oft-referenced "E = mc2" may perhaps be one of the world’s most famous equations, but it actually represents only one aspect of the complex branch of physics known as relativity. Togeth …

Common to all matter and its smallest and most fundamental unit, the atom determines the properties of a substance and how it responds to other materials and stimuli. Dividing the atom further reveal …

Sharp-toothed and quick-footed, carnivorous mammals are primed for the hunt. Far from ruthless, however, carnivores-hunters by nature and necessity-are integral to maintaining ecological balance. Whi …

A single cell can be a self-sustaining organism or one of trillions in a larger life form. Though visible only with the help of a microscope, cells are highly structured entities that perform a myria …

The development and evolution of all species can, in many ways, be traced to a few biochemical reactions that facilitate metabolic and/or photosynthetic changes in each life form. Indeed, advances in …

As a fixture in recent headlines, the Earth’s climate has commanded much attention. While environmental and atmospheric conditions in large part determine the climate of a region, the impact of human …

The building blocks of all life-human and otherwise-are basic chemical molecules common to all organisms that simultaneously unite all species and set them apart. Together, nucleic acids, amino acids …

The Earth’s capacity to sustain life increasingly depends on the actions of humans and our commitment to preserving the planet’s incredible biodiversity. Because its ecosystems are vulnerable to poll …

Characterized by uncompromising climate, sparse population density, and extreme aridity, deserts, steppes, and scrublands represent some of the least accessible regions on the planet. However, despit …

The dynasties of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs are among the more storied elements of Egypt’s rich heritage, but the long era of foreign rule that followed has in many ways been more crucial to the develo …

At the end of the Renaissance, the Western world was beginning to change. Explorers brought back treasures from other lands. Merchants helped develop the rudiments of a modern economy. The new Protes …

Between their verdant canopies and shaded floors, forests contain a multi-tiered ecosystem that supports an abundance of flora and fauna. Together with the grasses and vegetation in the grasslands to …

A long, often fractious history has shaped relations between present-day Israel and the emerging Palestinian autonomous areas. This area of the MIddle East has a significant role as the cradle of two …

The abundance of natural resources endemic to central and eastern Africa has been critical in shaping the trajectory of the civilizations that have made the region their home. Like the rest of the co …

Alternately identified with either the countries of the Mediterranean, those of the Middle East, or other African territories, the nations of northern Africa occupy a unique physical and historical p …

The history of southern Africa is marked by both the convergence and divergence of diverse cultures. Clashes between European settlers and indigenous peoples throughout this section of the continent …

From its ancient kingdoms to the independent post-colonial states that make up the region today, western Africa has transformed dramatically over the centuries. Economically lucrative for European sl …

Outbreaks of infectious disease pose some of the greatest public health risks to humans across the globe. Although an increasing number of preventative measures and cures are available against a numb …

Iran’s cultural and historical significance is unquestionable. The land of celebrated poets such as Rumi and Hafez, as well as the magnificent ruins of Persepolis, it is a place where ancient traditi …

Venerated as the cradle of civilization since the days of ancient Mesopotamia, Iraq served as an intellectual and cultural center in the Arab world for much of its history. Unwilling to let the turbu …

Lakes and wetlands are significant ecosystems that nourish, sustain, and house many of the planet’s plant and animal species. Though both of these regions are defined by water-both fresh and saline-e …

Primeval jungles, mountain ranges, and the cover of deep forests are not the only domains of meat-eating creatures. Carnivores also can be found stalking prey from the air, in ocean depths, and marsh …

The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease remains a challenging undertaking as emerging disorders and pandemics are constantly presenting new opposition. Behind the practice of medicine is …

Constituting more than 70 percent of Earth’s surface, the world’s oceans are so vast as to remain something of an enigma to this day. Navigating these imposing seas and unlocking their secrets is the …

Though smaller than most other Arab countries, the gulf states of Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates represent some of the most fascinating areas of the Middle East. A blend o …

From lemurs to apes to human beings, primates are unique among mammals-for example, our brains are large compared to our size. Our complex interactions, intricate social structures, and extensive ran …

While we may often find them nestled in the corners of our attics or traversing our yards, rodents and bats are more frequently found in nature and originate in a large variety of shapes and sizes. T …

More than 15, 000 species of reptiles and amphibians roam planet Earth today. Believed to be descendents of the dinosaurs, reptiles are scaly and cold-blooded. Amphibians lead something of a double-l …

Winding their way through the planet’s landscapes and supplying some of its most prosperous cities with fresh water, food, and transportation conduits, rivers and streams have critical ecological and …

While they share a border and a rich heritage, Saudi Arabia and Yemen are also a study in contrasts. Where Saudi Arabia has a largely urban population that enjoys the benefits of its thriving economy …

Consumed for a wide range of reasons, substances that alter a person’s mood and mind are widespread in most societies. Although many such substances initially had been valued for their medicinal prop …

While each country’s centrality to the future of Middle East politics and strategy remains unequivocal, the social and cultural traditions of Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan reveal a robust blend of Medit …

Perspectives on moral behavior and ethical action are wide-ranging, and often involve divergent standards and approaches that produce ambiguous conclusions-yet we still arrive at universals. Echoes o …

Beginning with the Industrial Revolution, Europe was seized by the spirit of political and social innovation and reform that has continued into the 21st century. The general atmosphere of the contine …

Fungi, protists, and algae are among the most diverse life forms on the planet. Tiny protists range from plants to animals. Algae range from single celled plants to 60-foot-long kelp. Fungi occupy a …

While they come in all shapes, textures, and sizes, animals that subsist on the Earth’s natural vegetation share many common elements as well. Occupying a unique place in the food chain, grazers all …

As the world’s population expands, so too does the risk of communicable disease and global pandemics. Consequently, healthcare has assumed a greater centrality in the public consciousness both in the …

The planet’s natural dips and elevations, slopes and structures, stud the world’s landscapes and enrich its panoramas. However, the Earth’s landforms should not be viewed as anomalies in its topograp …

With a Diaspora that has spread to nearly every continent, the Judaic tradition has been an integral part of the history and development of societies the world over. As the oldest of the world’s thre …

With growing populations across the world consuming Earth’s limited oil and natural gas reserves, the environmental and economic toll of energy dependence becomes an increasingly global concern. The …

Verse and drama have provided outlets for emotive expression and the creative impulse for centuries. Poignant, inspiring, and thought-provoking, plays and poems spoken or written in any language help …

Accounting for more than 90 percent of the world’s energy supply, fossil fuels-coal, petroleum, and natural gas-are not an infinite resource. Formed by the lengthy decomposition of organic matter, fo …

Often concealing millennia worth of Earth’s history, rocks seem to project an impression of durability and permanence that belies their transformation over time. Seen in all shapes and sizes and foun …

Arguably one the greatest influences on the Western world, if not the world as a whole, the Christian faith can be described as a cultural and religious colossus for the tremendous effect it has had …

Narratives come in many forms, fall into many genres, and tell the stories of an endless assortment of characters. Despite recurring themes and conceits in works from around the world, each story-fro …

Described as craggy, rocky, or glacial, among a host of other descriptors, the Earth’s geosphere-that is, its solid foundation-is subject to incredible variation. It is these permutations that inform …

As the often unnoticed architect of a region’s landscapes and terrains, climate shapes the way life and societies develop in any given area. Reflecting the aggregate weather patterns of a place, clim …

Contained in the immensity and depths of the Earth’s oceans, many of the planet’s species and resources thrive far away from the reaches of human civilization. With expanses that have yet to be disco …

It may be hard to believe that the Earth, with all the complexity and biodiversity we observe today, originated in a cloud of gas and dust. Yet much of the plant and animal life that seems so common …

From the food available at the local store to the clothes we choose to wear every day, weather determines many of the major decisions we make and the actions we pursue. While we may not be able to co …

Together, minerals, rocks, and fossils communicate much about Earth’s history. Much more than ornaments on a landscape, minerals and rocks are significant components of the planet’s foundation, while …

The sub-zero temperatures and glacial conditions to which the polar regions of the Earth are often subject would make it difficult for many of us to survive there for long periods of time. Yet life i …

Perhaps the most prominent elements in the patchwork pattern formed by Earth’s regions and ecosystems are its deserts, grasslands, and rainforests. Though vastly different from one another and often …

Even though a growing number of people have begun to consider the impact of their actions on the environment, the planet remains vulnerable to human activity and the byproducts of modern conveniences …

Some of the planet’s most destructive forces-including earthquakes and volcanic activity-are caused by the same factors that helped shape much of the Earth as it is today. Plate tectonics, or movemen …

Even as environmental consciousness and "green" habits become increasingly embedded with numerous individuals, many of the planet’s natural resources and species remain in danger. On a glob …

Global warming, often a source of much politicization and debate, has recast international dialogue with respect to environmental responsibility and activism. While it is generally agreed that global …

Life on Earth can be viewed as a complex network of interactions between living organisms and their respective environments. By parsing the natural world into various ecosystems and biomes, the exten …

Although industrialization and modernization have dramatically improved the quality of our lives, they have also largely contributed to the destruction of our natural resources by engendering waste a …

Drawing crowds for its displays of both raw athleticism and spectacular showmanship, basketball has become one of the most exciting spectator sports in the United States, as well as the world. Player …

Perhaps the most iconic representation of Americana, baseball captured the hearts of the American public when it first gained traction around the country in the mid-19th century. The sport continues …

Anyone who has experienced the thrill of watching his or her team win on Super Bowl Sunday will recognize the exhilaration that the game of football generates. Gridiron football is a complex game tha …

Despite their proximity to Earth, much remains to be learned about the origins and conditions of Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The three smallest planets in our solar system and the three closest to the …

Frequently cited as a land that birthed civilization and culture as we know it, the impact of ancient Greece on the world cannot be overstated. Its flourishing city-states laid the creative foundatio …

Formalizing study of the natural world may seem like a daunting task considering the sheer breadth and variety of living things that inhabit the planet. From the microscopic organisms in the world’s …

Routinely going through daily life, people may be inured to the fact that Earth takes up only a small fraction of a solar system, let alone the universe. Still, the planet we call home is unique for …

With a following that remains unmatched by any other sport, soccer has commanded the loyalties of peoples of all backgrounds around the world, stirring the passions of all. National associations in c …

Peering through a telescope, you are likely to encounter a host of celestial bodies-anything from another planet to a comet-speckling the night sky. Careful observation has shown that while each obje …

As our ability to observe space improves with ever-progressing technology, we better grasp the farthest reaches of the cosmos and heighten our understanding of the universe in its entirety. Spacecraf …

Most avid sky gazers wait until nightfall to catch a glimpse of the stars that are scattered across the heavens. The fact of the matter is that one needs only to feel the Sun’s rays in order to exper …

Fathoming the boundlessness of space and the universe, we are immediately filled with curiosity about our own origins and wonder about the objects, life forms, and matter that populate the cosmos. Th …

Integral to the consciousness of the American people, the sport of baseball has become a steadfast institution in a nation whose identity is constantly evolving. Although the game has undergone its o …

Amidst constant warfare and surges of cultural achievement, ancient Rome luxuriated in the splendors of its conquests and the glory of its Empire. Under the powerful direction of such leaders as Juli …

The iconic pyramids and striking hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt are but a limited representation of the resplendent culture that once inhabited the Nile Valley. The ancient Egyptians developed sophis …

From Europe’s rugby and soccer evolved a truly American sport. Played across the United States at parks, schools, universities, and in stadiums, football is as much a part of America’s iconographic e …

The cultural and intellectual achievements of Old World civilizations-ancient Greece or Egypt, for instance-can be glimpsed in present-day societies the world over. Unfortunately, accomplishments of …

Responsible for the first writing system and home to elaborate kingdoms and societies, Mesopotamia has been aptly labeled as the birthplace of the world’s first advanced civilizations. Although much …

Although we often search social and historical documents for clues to our past, biological "documents" perhaps hold the most important evidence of our heritage. The traits we inherit from o …

Despite its American origins, the fast-paced and often acrobatic game of basketball commands the attention of audiences around the world. The sport’s seeming simplicity-put the ball in the basket-is …

For many of us, plants herald the change of seasons, represent the promise of nourishment, or serve as stunning visual reminders of Earth’s natural beauty. As vital components of nearly every ecosyst …

The life cycle of a plant can be truly remarkable to observe, and the energy of plant life can be truly mystifying; consider how certain environments are inhospitable to life, yet they’re sprinkled w …

Distinguished by their highly developed mental faculties and their capacity for reason, humans are often said to reign sovereign in the animal kingdom. With their complex interactions, intricate soci …

Although it assumes different monikers in various parts of the world and has appeared in various incarnations over time, the game of soccer has retained a great deal of its original character. While …

Anyone who has marveled at the glimmer of a perfectly cut diamond, tended a garden, or consumed a nutritious meal has appreciated some of the many roles that minerals play in our lives. Present in ma …

Life comes in all shapes and forms, and living entities dwell in all types of habitats. There are seven characteristics that all life forms share-the ability to move, to sense, to respire, to consume …

Bacteria, algae, and protozoa-microorganisms that are easily overlooked in our daily lives-can be found in a wide variety of locations and serve innumerable ecological purposes. While some such organ …

Humans have long attempted to mechanize calculations-mathematical and otherwise-and build problem-solving machines. Yet it was not until the 20th century, with the advent of the computer, that such t …

Even a quick look at the surface of human skin reveals its many complexities. Much more than a simple shell for the human body, the skin helps protect internal organs and, working in conjunction with …

The interconnectedness of the ear, nose, and throat is evident when you consider how the smell of garlic cloves on the grill or chocolate chip cookies in the oven can affect your perception of their …

The newly reunified United States experienced a tenuous peace following the American Civil War. It was a period characterized by great technological advances, but also by increased political, economi …

While the United States represents freedom to many, much of its history tragically includes the enslavement of a large portion of its population. When the fight for emancipation came to an epic head, …

The geographically distinct American territories of California, the Great Basin, and the Southwest have long sustained a variety of indigenous peoples, including the Miwok, Comanche, and Navajo, resp …

The indigenous peoples of North America and Greenland have long inhabited and thrived in a variety of terrains and climates. The three different culture areas of the Arctic, American Subarctic, and A …

Sharing a number of traditions and practices, the Native American tribes of the Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States are sometimes considered as a single culture area known as the Eas …

The use of horses has perhaps most dramatically shaped the way of life for Native American tribes in the Plateau and Plains regions of North America, but the practices and traditions of both culture …

Struggling against unjust taxation and British intervention in colonial affairs, the colonies that would come to be part of the United States of America were ripe for revolution in the late eighteent …

The rapid development of computer technology since the mid-20th century would not have even been imaginable without the brainpower of individuals dedicated to innovation and turning the seemingly imp …

Religious freedom, economic security, and the allure of a second chance drew thousands of settlers away from their European homeland to the shores of what would one day become the United States. Unde …

Rejecting British authority and profoundly committed to the principles of liberty and justice as well as the land they called home, American colonists from all walks of life answered the resounding c …

In the wake of the American Revolution, the United States of America was faced with the task of evolving into an independent republic This move was facilitated by a number of visionaries who rose to …

With their eyes set on distant horizons, explorers from across Europe-including Leif Eriksson, Sir Francis Drake, and Alexander von Humboldt-voyaged to the New World. They discovered the lands that w …

Following the end of the American Civil War, the country’s landscape transformed dramatically as it experienced economic growth, saw the emergence of various progressive social movements, and engaged …

Nowhere can intricacies of the ideological, regional, and economic tensions that erupted into the American Civil War be better seen than in the individual actors who fought both on and off the battle …

In an age where near-instantaneous communication is available through all manners of portable and pocket-sized devices, it is easy to overlook the genesis of telecommunication instrumentation-the tel …

Humans have long dreamt of communing with the skies and acquiring the ability to fly. The first experiments with balloon flight through the development of the Concorde and everything in between, avia …

Traversing landscapes and expediting travel, railroads have allowed us to conquer once elusive frontiers to improve both transportation and commerce. Railroad design has changed remarkably little in …

Even as airlines provide faster means of travel, ships and boats remain as important as ever in transporting passengers and cargo across the world’s bodies of water. While ship design has become incr …

While the wheel itself has changed little over time, it has immeasurably altered the nature of transportation. This insightful volume examines the various wheeled conveyances that have been instrumen …

Electrical charges pervade nature, including lightning in a thunderstorm and the signals within our own bodies. Electrical energy also powers many of the devices-refrigerators, televisions, and compu …

Although most people would scarcely be able to make it through the day without using some type of electronic device-computers, televisions, and MP3 players, to name a few-the inner workings of such d …

The endocrine system, comprised of a number of hormone-secreting glands, is vital to the functioning of the human body. In addition to its role in reproductive activity, the endocrine system regulate …

While it cannot be seen, energy is all around us. Defined as the capacity to do work, energy can be transferred from one entity to another, and exists in many different forms. This detailed volume ex …

For as long as individuals have lived alongside one another there have been governing structures-bodies established to maintain order and justice, entrusted to provide basic needs and services to the …

The New World, as the land that comprises the United States was once known, held the promise of opportunity and changing fortunes for those who discovered and colonized it. Even before becoming an in …

Characterized largely by expansionism, economic growth, and social and political reform, the period in American history following the War of 1812 proved advantageous to a number of Americans. Even as …

Boasting vivid graphics, rapid pacing, and complex narratives, electronic games have evolved both visually and substantially since the early days of Spacewar! and Pong. By allowing users to explore f …

So rapid has been the growth of the United States since the mid-20th century and so profound the changes it has experienced that its current superpower status in the world sometimes obscures the radi …

The technological phenomenon known as the Internet has revolutionized the way people work, play, consume, socialize-essentially the way humans interact in general. Along with unparalleled access to i …

Responsible for managing the body’s waste and regulating the balance of water and electrolytes, the kidneys and renal system, in a sense, make up the body’s plumbing network. When any part of the sys …

The inward-looking, isolationist tendencies of the United States as it emerged from the first World War may give the impression of a country vastly different from the outward-looking incipient superp …

Battling disease, championing new techniques, recommending necessary medications, and offering comfort and guidance to those in need are just some of the many responsibilities with which healers over …

The pioneers of astronomy and space exploration have advanced humankind’s understanding of the universe. These individuals include earthbound theorists such as Aristotle, Ptolemy, and Galileo, as wel …

Sometimes fickle and often devastating in its most extreme forms, the weather can seem inscrutable. Yet our understanding of weather systems and climate has improved greatly over the years due to the …

The peaceful coexistence between humans and nature is vital to the survival of every living thing on Earth. Naturalists, conservationists, and environmental activists are dedicated to curbing a numbe …

Rapidly developing technological innovation and mass production have become such hallmarks of our industrialized world that we may fail to consider the events and individuals that laid the groundwork …

Divergence in opinions, beliefs, and interests is a fundamental aspect of every society. Such plurality often spurs the development of various factions and groups, each seeking to attain its objectiv …

Governance is a complex process, often divided among various structures and institutions. Local, regional, national, and even supranational entities each have their own formal and informal institutio …

Complementary and mutually reinforcing, political science and political philosophy lie at the heart of the study of governance. The concept of how government could or should operate in the abstract i …

As the foundation for other natural sciences, physics helps us interpret both our most basic and complex observations of the natural world. Physics encompasses such topics as mechanics, relativity, t …

War, while often gruesome and devastating, can also be viewed as a science or art, involving the translation of theory into practice. Even as weapons grow in sophistication over time, war has always …

With their potential to wreak massive or total devastation, nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons have dramatically escalated the stakes of war. As stockpiles of such weapons continue to grow aro …

Long before they took to the sea and air, warring factions engaged in land-based conflicts that involved close-range combat with rudimentary defenses and weapons. As civilizations have advanced, so t …

Although conflict was once restricted to land, the introduction of warships and planes eventually expanded the theater of war to include both water and sky. New combat strategies emerged with these c …

With one eye on the world and one on the home front, the United States at the turn of the 20th century was distinguished both by its emerging global engagements-including the acquisition of new terri …

Although one of the shortest written constitutions in the world, the U.S. Constitution, designed to embody the rights, laws, and guiding principles of a diverse and ever-changing populace, remains an …

The diversity of the various states of matter-solids, liquids, and gases-belies their essential similarities. All matter is composed of atoms that combine in different ways, giving us the multitude o …

Our body’s interpretation of hot and cold instinctively alerts us to the existence of temperature differences and gives us some sense of the concept of heat. Heat-the energy that is transferred from …

Our visual experience of the world and our ability to perceive the objects and people around us would be impossible without light and the many roles it plays in our daily lives. In addition to facili …

Sound has the power to soothe, excite, warn, protect, and inform. Indeed, the transmission and reception of audio signals pervade our daily lives. Readers will examine the mechanics and properties of …

The allure of far-off lands, the promise of untapped resources, and a hunger for building global empires prompted Renaissance explorers to journey into the unknown. Battling harsh seafaring condition …

The score of Western music was writ large during the Renaissance. Secular music rivaled church music for prominence, harmonic lines intertwined and changed music forever with the emergence of polypho …

Some of the world’s most celebrated works of art-the Mona Lisa and The Birth of Venus, to name just two-were produced during the period of cultural reawakening known as the Renaissance. Painters of t …

The ingenuity evidenced during the Renaissance was not just limited to the fine arts. A number of scientists and inventors also made astonishing breakthroughs in astronomy, medicine, physics, and mor …

Banks and businesses today often deal with so many different operations, it may be seem difficult to see the purpose of each and how they relate to each other or how they relate to our daily lives. L …

Although individuals and countries, for centuries, have exchanged goods and services for money, the formal field of economics-the study of wealth and how it is produced and distributed-is relatively …

One of the greatest economic crises in history, the Great Depression of the 1930s caused much hardship both in the United States and throughout the world. The economic impact of this difficult period …

Money can be paper or metal, can come in dollars, euros, pesos, or one of many other forms of currency, and can be used to pay for goods and services. Explanations of topics such as how we determine …

In many ways, modern economics can be seen as the sum total of the works of leading thinkers in the field. Including Adam Smith with his groundbreaking study of capitalism and Paul Krugman’s study of …

With music today available on You Tube, online and satellite radio, MTV, through digital downloads, and on i Pods and other handheld devices, we may think that we have heard all there is to hear abou …

When rock and roll first burst onto the scene in the 1950s, it was more than a new form of music-it was a rebellion against the past. With the music of such artists as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Lit …

Although rock music continued to dominate the music scene, the sounds of the 1970s and ’80s differed greatly from the music of the preceding decades, reflecting newer social realities. The aggressive …

The music of the 1960s is perhaps as memorable as the historical milestones of the era. Timeless bands, such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, emerged from England while the U.S. saw the rise of …

Agriculture-that is, using and managing natural resources-has a long and complex history. For thousands of years, societies have relied on plants and animals for food and other items, making agricult …

From a young age we have been told to take our vitamins, eat our fruits and vegetables, and limit sugar and fat. Readers examine what makes certain foods better nutritionally than others and how vari …

Before Shakespeare, few dramatists had used historical figures as characters in a play, or actual historical events as elements of a plot. Likewise, the Bard was a pioneer of the sonnet, which he too …

As with many writers before and since, William Shakespeare was influenced by the events that took shape all around him. Sweeping changes to England’s politics, language, and culture that took place d …

Shakespeare’s gift for writing tragedies was powerful indeed. His ability to create epic tragic characters-think Hamlet, Lear, and the star-crossed Romeo and Juliet-and scenarios is virtually unrival …

In Shakespeare’s time, the term "comedy" did not necessarily denote something funny or amusing. Rather, through such plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice, the …

It may be little exaggeration to say that the figure of Abraham Lincoln embodies the American ideal more so than any other U.S. president. Although he came from humble beginnings and held several odd …

The seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson is often remembered for his "firsts"; he was the first leader from west of the Appalachians and the first to win office by directl …

Sweeping into the office of U.S. president with his mesmerizing oratory of hope and change, Barack Obama forever transformed American politics. As the first African American to hold the title, his el …

Although more than 200 years have passed since the death of the first U.S. president, the name George Washington still invokes deep patriotism and pride in the country he helped found. A leader on th …

Though he had less than three years in office, John F. Kennedy made a lasting and profound mark as U.S. president. Deftly handling the Cuban Missile Crisis and supporting civil rights laws and the sp …

Witty and charming, Ronald Reagan could as easily enchant political assemblies as he could movie-goers. As the first U.S. president to reach the White House by way of Hollywood, Reagan may have seeme …

As skilled at architecture and inventing as he was at politics, Thomas Jefferson was a man of many talents who was invaluable to the founding of the United States. After loaning his expertise to writ …

Despite its comparatively small size, England has been a nation of considerable stature on the international stage for much of its history. As the home of parliamentary government, William Shakespear …

Although vastly different in many ways, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia together form the heart of Central Europe. Austria has historically been much more visible in European politics than either Croa …

Despite being known as the Low Countries, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are far from insignificant. The Benelux Economic Union, which sought economic integration between the three countrie …

France’s cultural and historical legacies are numerous and diverse. It has long played a dominant role on the world stage, and as one of the largest countries of the European Union, its global influe …

Germany’s complex past is riddled with both stunning triumphs and staggering failures. Once little more than a federation of tribes, over the course of its history, it formed various alliances, some …

For centuries islands of the Mediterranean served as a cultural crossroads, with the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs variously settling and colonizing the area. Cyprus, Greece, and Malta in particular …

Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia share a remarkably similar trajectory on their individual paths to becoming the nations they are today. Each had ties to the Roman, Byzant …

It is almost impossible to think about Italy without recalling its Renaissance art masterpieces, its spectacular landscapes, or its widely loved cuisine. Although these combined elements hint at a un …

After emerging from the long shadow cast by the Soviet Union, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and neighboring Poland transitioned from communism to market economies and instituted …

As neighbors and early rival nations, Portugal and Spain have been associated for much of their histories. Yet despite their geographic proximity on the Iberian Peninsula and shared past, each boasts …

The Nordic region of northern Europe is indelibly linked in the minds of many with the Viking cultures that populated the area eons ago. Yet, as this intricate study of Denmark, Finland, and Sweden a …

Since ancient times, storytelling has been a valued art form that enables traditions, beliefs, and lessons to be transmitted from one generation to the next. Epics such as Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’ …

From Romanticism to Realism, the 19th century saw a flourishing of literary movements, as well as the arrival of several now-revered luminaries on the literary scene. Authors experimented with new st …

Starting at the dawn of the 20th century, writers began experimenting with literary styles as never before. As perhaps the most far-reaching movement, Modernism swept across both the United States an …

Reason, rationality, and reform were perhaps the biggest buzzwords of the Enlightenment era and the themes of much of the writing that appeared at that time. As thinkers increasingly began turning a …

As Europe’s religious, social, economic, and cultural identity began to take more definite shape in the medieval and Renaissance eras, so too did its literary identity. By capturing in ink the spirit …

Contemporary literature encompasses so many genres, literary forms, and themes that it would seem almost impossible to identify a unifying thread between them. Yet in the tradition established by lit …

The Age of Exploration, which spanned roughly from 1400 to 1550, was the first time in history that European powers-eyeing new trade routes to the East or seeking to establish empires-began actively …

Technological advances-including pressurized cabins for hot air balloons, rocketry that powers spacecraft, and deep-sea diving gear-have changed the face of exploration. What hasn’t changed since anc …

Crossing geographic and cultural boundaries at a time when much of the world remained uncharted was a challenge faced by ancient explorers. Long before the Golden Age of Exploration, an assortment of …

As the Age of Exploration came to a close, the world seemed to be a significantly smaller place than it once was, with more major landmasses identified on the global map. Yet questions and unknowns r …

Although the once-fuzzy outlines of the global map had largely been defined by the 19th century, much had yet to be learned. As some explorers continued to search either for resources or for unknown …

While cracking a code might seem like something few of us would encounter in our daily lives, it is actually far more prevalent than we may realize. Anyone who has had personal information taken beca …

The idea of espionage might immediately bring to mind images of danger, state secrets, and cutting-edge technologies. While these can be elements of intelligence operations, they do not provide a com …

Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales-storied lands that have sparked the global imagination through their legends and centuries-old traditions-often seem to be eclipsed by the neighboring England. W …

Although the independent Irish republic emerged only relatively recently, its rich history and cultural bounties date back centuries. The Irish have long endured strife, struggling against external c …

Of the many millions of books written over the course of history, only a relatively small percentage have been deemed classics. Authors of classic literature are those who have penned works definitiv …

While a number of genres-including mystery, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, literary fiction, and thrillers, among others-comprise the broader category of fiction, few authors in those gen …

As with novelists and short story writers, the job of poets and playwrights is to elicit emotion and generate thought. The difference is that the latter authors do so while adhering to rules differen …

Fantastical realms, enchanted creatures, and imaginative technologies are but a few of the many elements that draw readers to the science fiction and fantasy genres of literature. Great science ficti …

Of the many millions of books written over the course of history, only a relatively small percentage have been deemed classics. Authors of classic literature are those who have penned works definitiv …

Mysteries, horror stories, and thrillers keep readers’ hearts pounding and their bodies firmly planted on the edge of their seats. The authors who have provided some of the greatest literary adrenali …

Few stories have the power to stay with us the way the tales we hear in childhood do. Great children’s book authors have at their disposal countless techniques to channel young imaginations and appea …

The scientific discoveries of ancient philosophers such as Aristotle were considered to be in the realm of "natural philosophy." Today philosophy and science are considered separate discipl …

Today we have countless scientific laws and principles that help explain our observations of the natural world. However, this was not always the case. Although individuals have long sought to underst …

While much in the history of music builds on what came before it, each generation witnesses musical innovations that define a genre and can endure long after their creation. The individuals profiled …

Political leaders have the power to effect great change and unite disparate peoples. Unfortunately, as Lord Acton and others have noted, power also can corrupt those who wield it. Throughout time, th …

Women have faced oppression and gender inequality throughout history. Yet despite overwhelming odds stacked against them, there have always been a brave few who challenged the status quo and wound up …

The influence of art on culture and society at large is irrefutable, and the 101 artists included in this book are some of the most recognizable names in the history of Western art. These biographies …

Although their methodologies, areas of focus, and conclusions may diverge greatly, all philosophers in some form or another pose questions about universal truths. These individuals have elevated disc …

Major sports stars share many traits, among them self-discipline through regimented training, competition at the highest level, and mastery of their respective sports. Embedded in the public’s consci …

This high interest book delves into the compositions, command structures, and histories of the greatest armies in the world. Beginning with ancient armies from Egypt, Greece, and Assyria, this title …

An essential guide for all readers interested in high seas combat, this book covers the history of navies from the time of ancient Greek galleys to the development of battleships in the late 19th and …

The introduction of aircraft to the world’s armed forces helped produce some of the greatest advances in modern warfare and the led to the creation of air forces in many of the world’s militaries. Th …

By combining both naval and terrestrial tactics, marine forces have formed a key part of many armed forces in history and are notably often among the first to fight. This thorough guide to the world’ …

Giving Western literature and art many of its most enduring themes and archetypes, Greek mythology and the gods and goddesses at its core are a fundamental part of the popular imagination. At the hea …

Gods and goddesses-in human, animal, and other forms-were central to the ancient Egyptian way of life. Identified with the natural world, daily living, and the afterlife, they maintained order and pr …

While the ancient Roman pantheon in many ways resembles that of ancient Greece, there is much that sets apart Roman mythology. Romans also borrowed from the religions of ancient Egypt, Asia Minor, an …

Mesopotamian religion was one of the earliest religious systems to develop with-and in turn influence-a high civilization. Followed by the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, Mesopotami …