Provides answers to questions on subjects ranging from famous people and historical events to holidays and traditions, sports, and food.

Using a question-answer format, this chronological overview offers an informal introduction to American history and features annotated reading lists and biographical profiles.

Product Description: Following his New York Times bestseller America's Hidden History, Kenneth C. Davis explores the gritty first half of the nineteenth century—among the most tumultuous periods in this nation's short life. In the dramatic period that spans roughly from 1800 through 1850, the United States emerged from its inauspicious beginning as a tiny newborn nation, struggling for survival and political cohesion on the Atlantic seaboard, to a near-empire that spanned the continent...read more

Where do we come from? Why do stars shine and the seasons change? What is evil? Since the beginning of time, people have answered such questions by crafting imaginative stories that have served as religion, science, philosophy, and popular literature. Inhis irreverent a question-and-answer style, Davis introduces and explains the great myths of the world, as well as the works of literature that have made them famous. He tackles Mesopotamia's Gilgamesh, the first hero in world mythology; Achilles and theTrojan War; Stonehenge and the Druids; Thor, the Nordic god of thunder; Chinese oracle bones; the use of peyote in ancient Native American rites; and the dramatic life and times of the man who would be Buddha. Ever familiar and instructive, Davis shows why the ancient tales of gods and heroes--from Mount Olympus to Machu Picchu, from ancient Rome to the icy land of the Norse--continue to speak to us today, in our movies, art, language, and music.--From publisher description.Uses examples ranging from Mount Olympus and the Maya of Central America to ancient Rome and the land of the Norse to share tales and commentary pertaining to mythological creation stories, gods, and heroes.

A new, completely revised, expanded and updated edition of the million-selling New York Times bestseller that launched the entire Don't Know Much About® series When Don't Know Much About® History first appeared thirteen years ago, it created a sensation. With humor, wit, great stories, and a trademark conversational style, the book brought Americans a fresh new take on history. Shattering myths and vividly bringing the past to life, it spent thirty-five consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Davis proved that Americans don't hate history -- they just hate the dull textbook version they were force-fed in school. The book became an instant classic, an "anti -textbook" that has sold more than 1.3 million copies. In his irreverent and popular question-and- answer style, Davis now returns with a completely revised edition that brings history right up to the moment -- covering such topics as the end of the Cold War, Clinton's impeachment, the bizarre election of 2000, and the events that led to September 11. Incorporating new research and discoveries, Davis also updates and expands on such long-standing American controversies as the Jefferson-Hemings affair, the Alger Hiss trial, and the Rosenberg spy case. And he includes an expanded "civics lesson" that examines some of America's hottest social and political issues, such as the death penalty, gun control, and school prayer. For history buffs and history-phobes alike, longtime fans who need a refresher course, and for a new generation of Americans who are still in the dark about America's past, Davis proves once more why People magazine said, "Reading him is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher you ever had."

Based on new research and translations, a new guide to understanding and enjoying the Bible pierces through the mythology to reveal a book very much rooted in history and tradition, exploring the truths and myths of the Bible through retellings of popular stories from the Old and New Testaments, and a review of the historical events happening at that time. Read by Jeff Woodman. Book available.

Product Description: What was the leading cause of death among Civil War soldiers? Why did Robert E. Lee resign from the U.S. army? Which group was exempt from the Confederate draft? Whom did the Emancipation Proclamation emancipate? Was the Gettysburg Address truly written on the back of an envelope? Did General Sherman really say, "War is Hell?"If you can't answer most of these questions, you're not alone...read more

Product Description: Did George Washington really chop down the cherry tree? How was James Madison a father if he didn't have any children? Where in the White House did William Howard Taft get stuck? Hail to the chief! The commander in chief is the leader of our nation—the president of the United States...read more

Product Description: For years, Kenneth C. Davis has enlightened and enthralled us, opening our minds and tickling our fancies with his wonderfully irreverent, fun, and factual Don't Know Much About® books. He has carried readers on wild and edifying rides through history, mythology, geography, the Bible, the Civil War, even across the universe...read more

Product Description: Kenneth C. Davis, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Don't Know Much About History, presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nation's destiny and character...read more

A tour of space exploration covers the theories, people, and discoveries relevant to human interest in the heavens, from ancient astrology to the visions of modern-day Hollywood directors.

Product Description: Kenneth C. Davis presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nation’s destiny and character. Davis’s dramatic narratives set the record straight, busting myths and bringing to light little-known but fascinating facts from a time when the nation’s fate hung in the balance...read more

A latest edition to a popular series is a treasury of general knowledge on everything from famous personalities to historical myths, in a volume that is presented in the author's irreverent question-and-answer style. Simultaneous.

Filled with fast facts, sidebar notes, quizzes, and more, an illustrated and comprehensive book provides readers with the complete story about the Pilgrims and how Thanksgiving came to be. Reprint.

A tour of space exploration covers the theories, people, and discoveries relevant to human interest in the heavens, from ancient astrology to the visions of modern-day Hollywood directors.

Examines the amusing perceptions that people historically have had about the world and the universe, with a look at the world map today and passages from memorable travel writers. 15,000 first printing.

A new installment of the best-selling series takes readers from Mount Olympus and the Maya of Central America to ancient Rome and the land of the Norse, sharing a wide range of tales and accessible commentary pertaining to mythological creation stories, gods, heroes, and more. Simultaneous.

A new installment of the best-selling series takes readers from Mount Olympus and the Maya of Central America to ancient Rome and the land of the Norse, sharing a wide range of tales and accessible commentary pertaining to mythological creation stories, gods, heroes, and more. Simultaneous.

Using a question-answer format, this chronological overview offers an informal introduction to American history and features annotated reading lists and biographical profiles.

Explores the truths and myths of the Bible through retellings of popular stories from the Old and New Testaments, and a review of the historical events happening at that time.

In a question-and-answer format, describes the life and career of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including his accomplishments in the Civil Rights Movement and his impact on American history. Simultaneous.

From 'natural' mummies frozen in ice to the elaborate burial ceremonies of the ancient Egyptians, an addition to a popular series gives the real scoop about a variety of intriguing mummies through a question-and-answer format which also features quotes, sidebars, quizzes, and fun artwork.