Catalog Search Results
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 heart of Greek mythology are exciting stories of drama, action, and adventure featuring gods and goddesses, who, while physically superior to humans, share many of their weaknesses. Readers will be introduced to the many figures once believed to populate
...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 because of a hacked email account can understand the need for cryptography and the importance of encryption—essentially the need to code information to keep it safe. This detailed volume examines the logic and science behind various ciphers, their
...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 during his lifetime were the fertile ground from which the Bard drew inspiration. Shakespeare's life is surveyed and the social context in which he created his greatest drama and poetry is examined.
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 agriculture as vital to their survival as it is to ours. The cultivation of various crops and livestock over time and throughout the world are examined, revealing the history behind and importance of much of the food we eat today. Also covered are
...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 took to new heights. Both literary form, including his two historical tetralogies, and his narrative poems, in addition to the particular form of sonnet that now bears his name are examined through engaging text. A brief treatise on the music within and
...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 looking far past their own borders to gain a better understanding of the world and its many resources. The individuals who set out on behalf of the countries they represented came from a variety of backgrounds, and included master navigators
...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 unrivalled. Readers examine the Bard's major tragedies and their significance, and touch upon the state of theatre and dramatic performance in Shakespeare's England for good measure.
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 was reflected not only in the job market of the era but in its art, society, and politics as well. Illuminating information allows readers to examine the economic causes and effects of the Great Depression, as well as the federal and global responses
...13) Barack Obama
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 election represented a historic milestone, both socially and politically. The 44th president's remarkable journey from Hawaii and Indonesia to Chicago and the White House is chronicled, and the major issues—including the financial crisis, healthcare,
...15) Electricity
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 such folk musicians as Bob Dylan and the explosion of soul, with such legends as Aretha Franklin and James Brown providing the soundtrack to the fight for civil rights. Accessible text captures the extraordinary sounds of this unforgettable
...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, Little Richard, and the Supremes came a new attitude that allowed fans—many of them young—to look past the social norms of the time, a shift that included a greater interaction with and understanding between the races. This stunning,
...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 playwright examines other defining characteristics of comedic drama—the social interactions of common folks and a focus on the contradictions inherent in everyday life. Readers explore the major themes of Shakespearean comedies, which have
...Didn't find it?
Can't find what you are looking for? Try our Materials Request Service. Submit Request