Title search results
Showing 1493881 - 1493900 of 1497355 items
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Christian fiction
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
In A Plain and Simple Christmas, from the author of the widely popular Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, shunned Anna Mae…
doesn’t receive the welcome she expects when she pays a visit for Christmas and her world begins to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in her family—and her faith in God. Set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Naomi’s Gift reintroduces twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has given up her dreams of finding true love. But when a young widower stirs surprising feelings in her, Naomi cautiously opens her heart to him and receives an unexpected response that once again turns her world upside-down. Author Amy Clipston artfully paints a panorama of simple lives full of complex relationships, and she carefully explores cultural differences and human similarities, with inspirational results.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Christian fiction, Gentle romance, Contemporary romance
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Can they put their trust in love?His Suitable Amish Wife by Rebecca KertzWhen Ellie Stoltzfus arrives to provide housecleaning and…
child-care services for her friend’s brother, Reuben Miller, the Amish widower is reluctant to agree. But, smitten with Reuben’s young son, Ellie is determined to see the job through. There’s no denying Ellie is good for both father and son, but still-grieving Reuben won’t marry for love again. Can he convince Ellie to be his wife…in name only?Amish Covert Operation by Meghan CarverAfter Amish widow Katie Schwartz’s search for her reclusive brother results in a shooting and her finding a cryptic message, she must rely on federal agent Adam Troyer to shield her. But, undercover as a Plain man, can Adam save her brother’s life and protect Katie? Trusting the handsome Englisch agent is already dangerous…but falling for him could risk everything Katie holds dear.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Science and technology, General non-fiction
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Practise and prepare for AQA A-level Biology with hundreds of topic-based questions and one complete set of exam practice papers…
designed to strengthen knowledge and prepare students for the exams.This extensive practice book raises students' performance by providing 'shed loads of practice', following the 'SLOP' learning approach that's recommended by teachers.- Consolidate knowledge and understanding with practice questions for every topic and type of question, including multiple-choice, multi-step calculations and extended response questions.- Develop the mathematical, literacy and practical skills required for the exams; each question indicates in the margin which skills are being tested.- Confidently approach the exam having completed one set of exam-style practice papers that replicate the types, wording and structure of the questions students will face.- Identify topics and skills for revision, using the page references in the margin to refer back to the specification and accompanying Hodder Education Student Books for remediation.- Easily check answers with fully worked solutions and mark schemes provided in the book.
DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip)
Science and technology
Human-narrated audio
An exploration of two geniuses with limitless minds and the conflict that has lasted beyond their lifetimes.Every Living Thing centres…
on the rivalry pledged between two scientists, Linnaeus and Buffon, who, from 1743 to 1778 raced each other to complete an inventory of all life on Earth. Their focus was on scientific immortality and the core conception of our relationship to the natural world. Their catalogues were starkly different and showed a divergence of opinion on the creation of nature and humanity. Buffon advocating for a natural system of classification, while Linnaeus was dedicated to naming and classifying objects of nature. This book coins this competition the Nature Wars, and combines comprehensive narrative, interweaving the personal journeys of Linnaeus and Buffon, telling their moments of accomplishment and loss, persistence and sacrifice. Reflecting on this rivalry, Every Living Thing confronts how the Nature Wars are still being waged today. Current innovations in science and technology, as artificial intelligence seeps into our daily lives and modern DNA labs are forcing us to reconsider the legacies of these great thinkers, and with this, re-imagine our relationship to the natural world.Every Living Thing is an enthralling account of historic rivals who were forced to comes to terms with the vast and complex reality of life on Earth, exploring the evolution of science from the 18th Century to the present times, it tells of the displacement that has occurred as new discoveries create dramatic shifts in the mechanisms of the world.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
General non-fiction, Science and technology
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Equip learners with the tools for success in a career as a plumber with this comprehensive and updated edition of…
our bestselling textbook, published in association with City & Guilds.The new edition will help learners to: - Study with confidence, covering all core content for the 6035, 9189 and 8202 specifications, as well as the 355 and 356 plumbing and heating T Level occupational specialisms.- Target learning with detailed qualification mapping grids.- Get to grips with technical content presented in accessible language.- Enhance their understanding of plumbing practice with clear and accurate illustrations and diagrams demonstrating the technical skills you need to master.- Practise maths and English in context, with embedded 'Improve your maths' and 'Improve your English' activities.- Test their knowledge with end-of-chapter practice questions, synoptic assessments and practical tasks.- Prepare for the workplace with up-to-date information on relevant key regulations and industry standards.- Keep their knowledge current, with clear coverage of major modern cold water, hot water, central heating, sanitation, rainwater systems and environmental technologies.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
General non-fiction
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Do you know how school inspectors will be judging effectiveness? Have you considered how you can demonstrate the effectiveness of…
your governing body? This new guide takes a practical approach, with key questions, key actions and key information supported by case studies of good practice from a wide variety of schools. It will provide you with support and guidance in undertaking the responsibilities of governance. Each section links to the new Ofsted criteria, provides you with an understanding of 'effectiveness' and a framework of questions and actions which you can use to review your current practice and focus your professional development as a governing body. The case studies are centred on a key question from the relevant section and provide you with a 'live' example of how a school is demonstrating effectiveness.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Self help
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
In this mindset-shifting New York Times bestselling guide to meaningful change, a pastor and entrepreneur shares how we can think…
differently and find the courage to challenge the status quo. For most of our lives, we are encouraged to trudge along the well-worn paths of those who have come before us. We learn the rules—in our families, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our churches—and most of the messages we receive tell us that following the rules will allow us to arrive at the lives we desire. But when change becomes not only desirable but also urgently necessary, this way of being no longer serves us. In fact, in every human endeavor, every major leap forward, has involved a cataclysmic challenge to existing ways of thinking and being. Breakthroughs, by definition, run against the grain and almost always encounter skepticism and opposition. In this book for leaders, thinkers, doers, and creators, Bishop T.D. Jakes illuminates the pathway to encouraging and unleashing disruptive thinking and provides the wisdom and practical skills we need to evolve our most original and potentially transformational ideas from vision to reality. Through his insight into how our minds and emotions work and through his own experiences, Bishop Jakes leads us into a new way of relating to and transforming the world around us for good. Disruptive Thinking will show you the mindset and the tools you need to create groundbreaking and meaningful change in your own life and in the world around you. A Study Guide is also available for purchase.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Criticism, General non-fiction
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Enable students to achieve their best grade in AS/A-level English Literature with this year-round course companion; designed to instil in-depth…
textual understanding as students read, analyse and revise A Streetcar Named Desire throughout the course.This Study and Revise guide:- Increases students' knowledge of A Streetcar Named Desire as they progress through the detailed commentary and contextual information written by experienced teachers and examiners- Develops understanding of characterisation, themes, form, structure and language, equipping students with a rich bank of textual examples to enhance their coursework and exam responses- Builds critical and analytical skills through challenging, thought-provoking questions and tasks that encourage students to form their own personal responses to the text- Extends learning and prepares students for higher-level study by introducing critical viewpoints, comparative references to other literary works and suggestions for independent research- Helps students maximise their exam potential using clear explanations of the Assessment Objectives, sample student answers and examiner insights- Improves students' extended writing techniques through targeted advice on planning and structuring a successful essay
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Hobbies and crafts
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Crochet the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe with this fully illustrated guide to making your own barefoot sandals. …
Perfect for summer beach weddings, garden parties, outdoor festivals or just longing by the pool, barefoot sandals are all the rage—and now this fun fashion trend can be your next crochet project. Crochet Barefoot Sandals features eight cute and crafty designs, including a fish motif with glass beads on the ties, asymmetric ivory stars, a bright mandala pattern, and more! Crocheted sandals are an ideal summer craft project, and these quick and easy patterns are perfect for crocheters of all skill levels. This collection features designs by four different pattern designers including crochet blogger and author Sarah Shrimpton.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
European history, History
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
This is volume 97 issue 2 of The Journal of Modern History. The Journal of Modern History is recognized as…
the leading journal worldwide for the study of all varieties of European history. The journal's broad geographical and temporal scope-the history of Europe since the Renaissance-makes it unique: JMH explores not only events and movements in single countries but also broader questions that span particular times and places.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
LGBTQ+ fiction
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
'A thrilling star-crossed romance filled with intrigue, longing, and the looming dread of impending disaster. The explosive finale will have…
readers holding their breath'Erik J. Brown, author of All That's Left in the WorldFelix is a cunning thief. Loren is a temple attendant. Thrown together, the boys have to piece together their fates to make it out of a burning city. A stunning queer YA fantasy debut set in ancient Pompeii, for fans of THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END, ALL THAT'S LEFT IN THE WORLD and LIES WE SING TO THE SEA. Give him your heart. Grasp your destiny. Get out alive.Clever thief Felix seizes an opportunity to steal a helmet in Pompeii. But as he's chased by a mysterious patrician, Felix discovers the helmet is not only a priceless artefact but a relic of the god Mercury. When Felix touches it, pieces of his forgotten past begin to simmer.Loren, an aspiring councilman and temple attendant, is plagued by nightmares of Pompeii's destruction. Nightmares that feature Felix, who stumbles into Loren's temple as an earthquake rocks the city.Loren knows they have mere days to uncover Felix's ties to the relic and to Loren's own dreams if they have any hope of saving Pompeii from the boiling fury of Mount Vesuvius. But the Ancient Roman world is ruled by bloody politics and unstoppable destinies, with dangerous, desperate people lurking in every shadow. Felix and Loren will have to piece together their fates - and their growing feelings for one another - to make it out of a burning city alive.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Music
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
There is a myth that the long, dark days before punk were full of legions of British prog rock groups;…
that the likes of Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Emerson Lake & Palmer and Jethro Tull roamed the land, soiling the culture like university-educated Orcs.Wrong.The mid-seventies were dense with extraordinarily sophisticated, mature rock music made by singers, songwriters and musicians who had no problem calling themselves artists. And the records they made aspired to artistic status: everyone was trying to make their own masterpiece, and the sense of competitiveness was like something not seen since the mid-sixties. Three-minute pop singles had given way to concept albums and pop-package tours had been supplanted by rock festivals, and rock in general had a renewed sense of ambition.1975 was the apotheosis of the adult pop, the most important year in the narrative arc of post-war music, and a year that was rich with masterpieces: Blood on the Tracks by Bob Dylan, The Who by Numbers by the Who, Young Americans by David Bowie, Another Green World by Brian Eno, The Hissing of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell and A Night at the Opera by Queen, amongst countless other legendary albums.These records were magisterial; records that couldn't be bettered. Who could realistically make a more sophisticated album than The Hissing of Summer Lawns? Or a more complex hard-rock album than Physical Graffiti? Or indeed a record as unimpeachable and as prescient as Horses?1975, as Dylan Jones expertly illustrates, was the greatest year of them all.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Contemporary romance, Romance
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
❤️🔥The second in a sexy, fun wedding-themed rom-com duology from Tessa Bailey, #1 New York Times bestselling author of It…
Happened One Summer - now with a beautiful new package!It's Naomi Clemons's big day. Her dream wedding. And she's outta here. One moment. A fleeting gaze through the church window with someone familiar, dripping in intrigue. And just like that, Naomi realizes . . . she's boring. A blonde, cookie cutter, well-mannered trophy wife-to-be. How can she expect to lead a fulfilling married life when she's never lived?Special Forces diver Jason Bristow needs a beauty pageant coach. Not for himself - although the tattooed bruiser could definitely use some charm - but for his little sister who he has returned to St. Augustine, Florida to raise. When a beautiful southern debutante lands on his doorstep, she awakens a hunger that won't be ignored. If only she wasn't planning on winning back the ex-fiancé she left at the altar . . .Despite the potential for ruin, heat continues to build between Naomi and Jason beneath the sultry Florida sunshine, consuming them both. But they're on borrowed time . . . and it's about to run out.💗Why readers LOVE Tessa Bailey . . . 💗'One of my all-time favourite authors!' SALLY THORNE 'Tessa Bailey is the queen of rom-coms. Long may she reign!' JULIE MURPHY'Nothing makes my heart catch fire like a Tessa Bailey book. She is all things magic and dirty talk' ELENA ARMAS
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Contemporary romance, Romance
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
💘💒 The first in a sexy, fun wedding-themed romcom duology from Tessa Bailey, #1 New York Times bestselling author of…
It Happened One Summer - now in a beautiful new package!She crashed the wedding. Now she's the jilted groom's only escape. After a six-year absence, Addison Potts is back in Charleston to stir things up. And what better place to make her villainous return than her estranged cousin's wedding? Only, the nuptials hit a snag when the bride doesn't show, leaving Addison to play getaway driver for Elijah, the jilted groom. A groom whose heartbreaking smile and deep, southern drawl she should not be noticing . . . Elijah Montgomery Du Pont is the future mayor of Charleston. From his military career to city hall, every detail of his life has been meticulously planned. Until now. His only respite from life's sudden upheaval is Addison, his new, improbable best friend. She makes him happy. Grounds him. And public disapproval be damned, he's not willing to give her up. But with an election on the line and public pressure rising, Addison - and the cruel hand of fate - might not give him a choice.💕Why readers LOVE Tessa Bailey . . . 💕'One of my all-time favourite authors!' SALLY THORNE 'Tessa Bailey is the queen of rom-coms. Long may she reign!' JULIE MURPHY'Nothing makes my heart catch fire like a Tessa Bailey book. She is all things magic and dirty talk' ELENA ARMAS
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Arts and entertainment
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Liberty is the last word in bohemian luxury, a destination and brand celebrated for its unique blend of avant-garde design…
and expert craftsmanship.Liberty: The History celebrates the historic beginnings of the iconic store as well as their contemporary vision - from their 'Eastern Bazaar' of objets d'art, rugs and textiles from Japan and the East to the brand's association with the developing Art Nouveau movement, their whimsical window displays and quintessential Art Fabrics, to the innovations in design and printmaking and the savvy collaborations and creative direction that have kept Liberty at the forefront of the fashion world.With treasures from the Liberty archives including classic silk scarves, designs spanning over a century and original sketches for Liberty Art Fabrics, this is the official invitation into a London institution and a global icon.This deluxe edition features a cloth-bound hardback book, 10 exquisite art prints and a stunning collectible gift box.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Serious and literary fiction, Historical romance
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
'A gift I didn't know I needed' Leone Ross'Jamaica Road exudes love . . . with a wisdom and warmth…
that jumps off the page' Vanessa ChanSouth London, 1981: Daphne is the only Black girl in her class. All she wants is to keep her head down, preferably in a book. The easiest way to survive is to go unnoticed. Daphne's attempts at invisibility are upended when a boy named Connie Small arrives from Jamaica. Connie is the opposite of small in every way: lanky, outgoing, and unapologetically himself. Daphne tries to keep her distance, but Connie is magnetic, and they form an intense bond. As they navigate growing up in a volatile, rapidly changing city, their families become close, and their friendship begins to shift into something more complicated. But when Connie reveals that he is 'nuh land' - meaning he's in England illegally - Daphne realizes that she is dangerously entangled in Connie's fragile home life. Soon, long-buried secrets in both families threaten to tear them apart permanently.Spanning one tumultuous decade, from the industrial docklands of the Thames to the sandy beaches of Calabash Bay, Jamaica Road is a deftly plotted and emotionally expansive debut novel about race and class, the family you're born with and the family you choose and the limits of what true love can really conquer.READERS ARE SAYING:'A love story for the ages!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'WHAT. A. BOOK . . . Made me feel ALL the feels' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Beautifully rich . . . Book clubs are going to love this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A beautiful coming-of-age love story that flows so effortlessly . . . This book spoke to my heart' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Urgent, warm, romantic . . . Truly excellent' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Romance
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
'Fun, sexy, and overflowing with heart. I'm #Thasher & Chip Pons's biggest fan' - HANNAH GRACE, #1 NEW YORK TIMES…
BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ICEBREAKER'I can't wait for everyone to get their hands and hearts on this book' B. K. BORISON, USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LOVELIGHT FARMS SERIESCatching flights... & feelings... has never been more complicated.Asher Bennet thought his relationship was just fine. Until he's unceremoniously dumped at the Boston airport ahead of the world-wide travel competition reality show, The Epic Trek. Armed with only a ticket and righteous indignation, Asher finds the closest solace he can: a mimosa and mozzarella sticks combo at an airport TGI Fridays. Still, Asher is determined to find a new partner and luckily, right in front of him is a smooth-talking airline pilot ready for takeoff. Theo Fernandez has been grounded. He's the only pilot that has never taken a vacation and the edict has been passed down: prove you're prioritizing a work-life balance or say goodbye to your wings. As he struggles to bask in his new downtime, without reconnecting with his family, he stumbles upon the perfect opportunity. The handsome guy who "stole" his mozzarella sticks at his favorite terminal eatery has a sudden opening for a partner...on a nationally televised reality show.Theo and Asher buckle up to fake date for the cameras, but as they do the undercurrents of attraction make them wonder if their on-screen chemistry hints at something bigger. Do they have the courage to leave behind their baggage, and wing it together for another chance at love?TROPES INCLUDE💗 Fake Dating📺 Reality TV Romance🫂 Forced Proximity♥️ Strangers to Friends to Lovers🧪Biomedical Engineer/Pilot🥵Only One Bed (Every Location)✈️Adventure / Challenges🔥Mozzarella Meet Cute🥰 Wait...Is it real?A totally hilarious and utterly romantic travel rom-com perfect for fans of B.K. Borison and Casey McQuiston.'A must-read for anyone craving a funny, feel-good rom-com!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'If you're a sucker for fake dating, reality show chaos (think Survivor meets Fear Factor meets The Amazing Race), and charming, swoony moments, Winging It With You by Chip Pons is a must read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I loved this book. Loved it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Theo must be protected!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'LOVE LOVE LOVE this. Asher and Theo were so damn precious' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Chip Pons wrote characters that feel like the most genuinely kind and real people, who you'd want to be best friends with, and are rooting for right from the beginning' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Fake dating. Reality TV (think Amazing Race). Only one bed. Such a fun book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The best MM romance I've read since Red, White & Royal Blue, and it gives that book a run for the money' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Ancient history, Reference, General non-fiction
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Growing from humble origins into a world-spanning empire, the Ancient Roman civilization has captured human imagination for generations. Uncover its…
history, from the legendary Roman army and its conquests to the art, culture and everyday life of its citizens, in this fascinating little book, which will be your pocket-sized window into the past.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Health and medicine, Self help
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Fall asleep every night with this little book of sleep meditations that will leave you feeling rested and revitalized. Packed…
with advice on better sleep hygiene, and 5-, 10- and 15-minute meditations, it will help you change your sleeping habits and ease your anxious thoughts. Your journey towards a better night's sleep starts now.
Braille (Contracted), Electronic braille (Contracted), DAISY Audio (CD), DAISY Audio (Direct to Player), DAISY Audio (Zip), DAISY text (Direct to player), DAISY text (Zip), Word (Zip), ePub (Zip)
Ancient history, Reference, General non-fiction
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
If you've ever been curious about the rich culture and vibrant history of Ancient Greece, dive into this whirlwind tour…
of the highlights of this epic civilization. From warfare and politics, to art, culture and everyday life, uncover the key events, people and trivia you need to know to understand this remarkable period of history.