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Meet Marie Curie - An eStory
By Charles Margerison. 2011
Meet Marie Curie! She was the first person in the world to be honored with two Nobel Prizes. Gain a…
unique insight into her amazing life and what actually inspired her. Get a personal insight into her relationship with her husband, Pierre. Be inspired by her amazing story as it comes alive through BioViews®?A BioView® is a short biographical story, similar to an interview. These unique stories provide an easy way of learning about amazing people who made major contributions to our world.Meet Charles Darwin - An eStory
By Charles Margerison. 2011
Meet Charles Darwin, responsible for the theory of natural selection and author of On Origin of the Species. Darwin is…
arguably one of the most influential characters in world history, in that he redefined so many pre-conceived ideas. He was far ahead of his time. His amazing life comes alive through BioViews. You can follow the young Darwin from his early years, when his mother died, to his medical studies where his curiosity in natural order and development sent him off on explorations that would ultimately change the way the world is regarded.A BioView® is a short biographical story, similar to an interview. These unique audio stories provide an easy way of learning about amazing people who made major contributions to our world.Reggie The Rocket: What Goes Up Usually Comes Back Down
By Douglas Anderson. 2015
The story of Reggie The Rocket closely tracks the history of the 1960s British Blue Streak rocket program. The author…
Douglas Anderson worked on the assembly and testing of the Rolls-Royce RZ2 engines powering the Blue Streak and was present in Woomera, Australia, for the launch of F3. Based on that experience, Douglas has assigned a personality to the rockets and has thus woven a whimsical element into an otherwise historical account of the Blue Streak Program. Reggie The Rocket is F3, the third in line to be launched, and Douglas was there to cheer him on. It is a sad reality that most heavy-lift booster rockets have been launched only to return to earth as scrap metal or to have disappeared into the ocean depths. Only now, fifty years after Blue Streak, are serious attempts being made to return booster rockets safely back to the launch pad under their own power so they can be reused. The days of 'throw away' rockets must surely come to an end if humans are to continue with orbital flights and deep space exploration.Blood and Bitter Wind
By Earl Murray. 2003
You Can Almost Taste the Old West!Renowned for his detailed research and compelling characters, Earl Murray is an esteemed name…
in the historical fiction of the American Frontier and he proves it again in his newest novel of Old California.Los Angeles . . . in the1850s. John Dimas, a California Ranger goes undercover, following treacherous trails deep into the Sierra Nevada gold country in an attempt to do the impossible--infiltrate the elusive band of California's most notorious desperado, the feared Joaquin Murrieta. The course of this journey will take Dimas through a beautiful but perilous land, searching the daytime arenas where bullfights entertain bloodthirsty audiences, the midnight faro games and fandango halls where knife and pistol rule the night. Along the way, he will meet Maura Walsh, a beautiful lady of means come to unite with her fiancé, Trenton Kerns, a man with a dangerous connection to the evil and powerful Don Luis Markham. In a twist of treacherous fate, Dimas' secret mission will place him squarely in Markham's path. It is a confrontation he cannot hope to win. . . .Set against the raw turbulence and sudden violence of California's Gold Rush and the exploits of the famed Joaquin Murietta--the real-life inspiration for Zorro--Earl Murray's riveting new novel wonderfully re-creates a fascinating period in American history with the tension of a high-voltage thriller.Meet Henry Wellcome - An eStory
By Charles Margerison. 2011
Meet Henry Wellcome. Discover his amazing life story in this unique audio story from The Amazing People Club. He may…
have saved your life with the medicines he developed and produced. Henry willed his entire fortune to further development and research to The Wellcome Trust, which is one of the largest biomedical charities in the world. Travel with Henry Wellcome from the log cabin in which he was born in Wisconsin on his epic journeys around the world, driven by his thirst for knowledge and insatiable curiosity. Henry Wellcome's story comes to life through BioViews®. These are short biographical narratives, similar to interviews. They provide an easy way of learning about amazing people who made major contributions and changed our world.The Collapse of Western Civilization
By Erik M. Conway, Naomi Oreskes. 2014
The year is 2393, and a senior scholar of the Second People's Republic of China presents a gripping and deeply…
disturbing account of how the children of the Enlightenment, the political and economic elites of the so-called advanced industrial societies, entered into a Penumbral period in the early decades of the twenty-first century, a time when sound science and rational discourse about global change were prohibited and clear warnings of climate catastrophe were ignored. What ensues when soaring temperatures, rising sea levels, drought, and mass migrations disrupt the global governmental and economic regimes? The Great Collapse of 2093.This work is an important title that will change how readers look at the world. Dramatizing climate change in ways traditional nonfiction cannot, this inventive, at times humorous work reasserts the importance of scientists and the work they do and reveals the self-serving interests of the so called "carbon industrial complex" that have turned the practice of sound science into political fodder. The authors conclude with a critique of the philosophical frameworks, most notably neo-liberalism, that do their part to hasten civilization's demise. Based on sound scholarship yet unafraid to tilt at sacred cows in both science and policy, this book provides a welcome moment of clarity amid the cacophony of climate change literature. It includes a lexicon of historical and scientific terms that enriches the narrative and an interview with the authors.The Collapse of Western Civilization: A View from the Future
By Naomi Oreskes, Erik Conway. 2014
The year is 2393, and the world is almost unrecognizable. Clear warnings of climate catastrophe went ignored for decades, leading…
to soaring temperatures, rising sea levels, widespread drought and—finally—the disaster now known as the Great Collapse of 2093, when the disintegration of the West Antarctica Ice Sheet led to mass migration and a complete reshuffling of the global order. Writing from the Second People's Republic of China on the 300th anniversary of the Great Collapse, a senior scholar presents a gripping and deeply disturbing account of how the children of the Enlightenment—the political and economic elites of the so-called advanced industrial societies—failed to act, and so brought about the collapse of Western civilization. In this haunting, provocative work of science-based fiction, Naomi Oreskes and Eric M. Conway imagine a world devastated by climate change. Dramatizing the science in ways traditional nonfiction cannot, the book reasserts the importance of scientists and the work they do and reveals the self-serving interests of the so called "carbon combustion complex" that have turned the practice of science into political fodder. Based on sound scholarship and yet unafraid to speak boldly, this book provides a welcome moment of clarity amid the cacophony of climate change literature.The Science of Middle-earth: A New Understanding of Tolkien and His World
By Arnaud Rafaelian. 2021
The surprising and illuminating look at how Tolkien's love of science and natural history shaped the creation of his Middle…
Earth, from its flora and fauna to its landscapes.The world J.R.R. Tolkien created is one of the most beloved in all of literature, and continues to capture hearts and imaginations around the world. From Oxford to ComiCon, the Middle Earth is analyzed and interpreted through a multitude of perspectives. But one essential facet of Tolkien and his Middle Earth has been overlooked: science. This great writer, creator of worlds and unforgettable character, and inventor of language was also a scientific autodidact, with an innate interest and grasp of botany, paleontologist and geologist, with additional passions for archeology and chemistry. Tolkien was an acute observer of flora and fauna and mined the minds of his scientific friends about ocean currents and volcanoes. It is these layers science that give his imaginary universe—and the creatures and characters that inhabit it—such concreteness. Within this gorgeously illustrated edition, a range of scientists—from astrophysicists to physicians, botanists to volcanologists—explore Tolkien&’s novels, poems, and letters to reveal their fascinating scientific roots. A rewarding combination of literary exploration and scientific discovery, The Science of Middle Earth reveals the hidden meaning of the Ring&’s corruption, why Hobbits have big feet, the origins of the Dwarves, the animals which inspired the dragons, and even whether or not an Ent is possible. Enhanced by superb original drawings, this transportive work will delight both Tolkien fans and science lovers and inspire us to view both Middle Earth—and our own world—with fresh eyes.The Sixteen Trees of the Somme
By Lars Mytting. 2014
A family story of epic scale, by the author of NORWEGIAN WOOD and THE BELL IN THE LAKE."An intricate story…
about war, family, secrets and,yes, wood ... An engaging, satisfying read" The Times"So cleverly plotted, and it builds up such effortless dramatic momentum as it zeroes in on its conclusion" ScotsmanEdvard grows up on a remote mountain farmstead in Norway with his taciturn grandfather, Sverre. The death of his parents, when he was three years old, has always been shrouded in mystery - he has never been told how or where it took place and has only a distant memory of his mother. But he knows that the fate of his grandfather's brother, Einar, is somehow bound up with this mystery. One day a coffin is delivered for his grandfather long before his death - a meticulous, beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Perhaps Einar is not dead after all. Edvard's desperate quest to unlock the family's tragic secrets takes him on a long journey - from Norway to the Shetlands, and to the battlefields of France - to the discovery of a very unusual inheritance. The Sixteen Trees of the Somme is about the love of wood and finding your own self, a beautifully intricate and moving tale that spans an entire century.A TIMES BESTSELLERMytting's book is as much a romantic historical thriller as it is a book of promise, a page-turner as it is a reflective journey into selfhood, history, life's meaning and individual moral responsibility - Mika Provata-Carlone, BookanistaTranslated from the Norwegian by Paul Russell GarrettA myth-busting, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping and fun-filled expedition through the world of Game of Thrones.Do dragons actually exist? Is it possible…
to crush a person's head with your bare hands?What really happened when royal families interbreed? How does wildfire win wars? Can you really kill someone with molten gold?Award-winning comedian and popular-science writer Helen Keen uncovers the astounding science behind the world's most popular television show. Join Helen as she sifts the fact from fantasy, discovers the truth beneath the togas, and reveals a world more fantastical than Daenerys Targaryen's wildest dreams. So pour yourself a bowl of brown, climb on your beast of burden, and prepare yourself for an amazing adventure. It's time to see the Seven Kingdoms as you have never seen them before.The compelling first book in the beloved classic series from 'one of the nation's favourite saga author' (Lancashire Post) in…
the grand tradition of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox.Jennie's heartwarming and heartrending sagas are richly praised!'Jennie Felton knows how to tell a cracking story and keep the reader gripped... if you enjoy reading books in the style of Catherine Cookson then this one is for you' Books With Wine and Chocolate'Another superbly woven and character-rich story from a saga author who writes from the heart' Peterborough Telegraph'Packed full of Jennie's signature strong heroines, this book will keep you guessing' MNR JournalShattered by tragedy, can the Donovan family find happiness again?When terrible tragedy strikes at the local colliery, the residents of Fairley Terrace's ten houses suffer more than one loss and, for Maggie Donovan at number six, the world turns upside down. Turning for comfort to the one man she can trust, she finds a sudden and undeniable passion instead. But any future with Josh Withers seems a betrayal of her past, and Maggie realises the only way to survive is to conceal a very dark secret of her own...*Includes a preview of the next book in the series and bonus material from the author.*Don't miss Jennie's the rest Families of Fairley Terrace series, which begins with Maggie's story in All The Dark Secrets and continues with Lucy's story in The Miner's Daughter, Edie's story in The Girl Below Stairs, Carina's story in The Widow's Promise and Laurel's story in The Sister's Secret.Plus look out for Jennie's page-turning standalones - The Stolen Child, A Mother's Sacrifice and The Smuggler's Girl - coming soon!This Thing Of Darkness
By Harry Thompson. 2005
The 15th anniversary edition of a brilliant, action-packed and gripping novel of Charles Darwin's voyage on the Beagle - longlisted…
for the Man Booker Prize. New introduction from Daisy Goodwin.'A master storyteller' Sunday TimesIn 1831 Charles Darwin set off in HMS Beagle under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy on a voyage that would change the world. This is the story of a deep friendship between two men, and the twin obsessions that tear them apart, leading one to triumph, and the other to disaster.'An outstandingly good first novel. A page-turning action-adventure combined with subtle intellectual arguments. The meticulous research enriches this fascinating tale' Sunday TelegraphThe Dare and the Doctor: Winner Takes All 3 (Winner Takes All)
By Kate Noble. 2016
From Kate Noble, part of the sensational writing team behind The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, comes the third novel in a…
dazzling and superbly witty historical romance series that's part Trading Places, part Pride and Prejudice. Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Stephanie Laurens and Tessa Dare.The best of friends might be the perfect match . . . What's the worst that can happen?Margaret Babcock had always been content with her quiet life in the country. But with her late mother's words 'What's the worst that could happen?' ringing in her ears, she longs to spread her wings. So when her long-time correspondent Dr Rhys Gray invites her to London, she eagerly accepts.Many happy hours are spent touring the wonders of the city - purely as friends, of course. But would friends miss each other so fiercely when they're apart? Or feel such a spark together? And matters are complicated even further when it transpires that Rhys may be promised to another. Will their 'friendship' survive?Be dazzled by Kate Noble's previous Winner Takes All books: The Game and the Governess and The Lie and the Lady.Inventing Iron Man: The Possibility of a Human Machine
By E. Paul Zehr. 2011
Tony Stark has been battling bad guys and protecting innocent civilians since he first donned his mechanized armor in the…
1963 debut of Iron Man in Marvel Comics. Over the years, Stark’s suit has allowed him to smash through walls, fly through the air like a human jet, control a bewildering array of weaponry by thought alone, and perform an uncountable number of other fantastic feats. The man who showed us all what it would take to become Batman probes whether science—and humankind—is up to the task of inventing a real-life Iron Man.E. Paul Zehr physically deconstructs Iron Man to find out how we could use modern-day technology to create a suit of armor similar to the one Stark made. Applying scientific principles and an incredibly creative mind to the question, Zehr looks at how Iron Man’s suit allows Stark to become a superhero. He discusses the mind-boggling and body-straining feats Iron Man performed to defeat villains like Crimson Dynamo, Iron Monger, and Whiplash and how such acts would play out in the real world. Zehr finds that science is nearing the point where a suit like Iron Man’s could be made. But superherodom is not just about technology. Zehr also discusses our own physical limitations and asks whether an extremely well-conditioned person could use Iron Man’s armor and do what he does.A scientifically sound look at brain-machine interfaces and the outer limits where neuroscience and neural plasticity meet, Inventing Iron Man is a fun comparison between comic book science fiction and modern science. If you’ve ever wondered whether you have what it takes to be the ultimate human-machine hero, then this book is for you.The Cartoon Guide to Biology
By Larry Gonick, David Wessner. 2019
From New York Times bestselling author Larry Gonick and Davidson College biology professor David Wessner comes this comprehensive and humorous…
cartoon guide to topics in biologyDid you faint when your middle school science teacher asked you to dissect a frog? Do you think DNA stands for “Don’t Know the Answer”? Do you still cling to the belief that osmosis was the name of Ozzy Osbourne’s last tour? If you said yes to any of these questions—or even if you didn’t—then you need The Cartoon Guide to Biology. The latest from New York Times bestselling author Larry Gonick—writing with Davidson College biology professor David Wessner—is a hilarious and informative handbook to the science of life. From the inner workings of the cell, to the magic of gene expression, to the Krebs and Calvin cycles, to sexual and asexual reproduction, The Cartoon Guide to Biology uses simple, clear, humorous illustrations to make biology’s most complex concepts understandable and entertaining. Whether you’re peering into the microscope for the first time or brushing up after decades of de-evolution, this book has you covered.All The Dark Secrets is a powerful saga in the Families of Fairley Terrace series from Jennie Felton, in the…
grand tradition of Katie Flynn, Dilly Court and Josephine Cox, of one woman's quest for happiness after a bitter tragedy, filled with romance, drama and triumph in adversity.Shattered by tragedy, can the Donovan family find happiness again?When terrible tragedy strikes at the local colliery, the residents of Fairley Terrace's ten houses suffer more than one loss and, for Maggie Donovan at number six, the world turns upside down. Turning for comfort to the one man she can trust, she finds a sudden and undeniable passion instead. But any future with Josh Withers seems a betrayal of her past, and Maggie realises the only way to survive is to conceal a very dark secret of her own...*Includes a preview of the next book in the series and bonus material from the author.*Don't miss Jennie's Families of Fairley Terrace series, which began with Maggie's story in All The Dark Secrets and continued with Lucy's story in The Miner's Daughter, Edie's story in The Girl Below Stairs, Carina's story in The Widow's Promise and Laurel's story in The Sister's Secret.This Thing Of Darkness
By Harry Thompson. 2005
A brilliant, action-packed and gripping novel of Charles Darwin's voyage on the Beagle - longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.…
In 1831 Charles Darwin set off in HMS Beagle under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy on a voyage that would change the world. 'An outstandingly good first novel. A page-turning action-adventure combined with subtle intellectual arguments. The meticulous research enriches this fascinating tale' Sunday Telegraph 'A master storyteller' Sunday TimesBrilliant young naval officer Robert FitzRoy is given the captaincy of HMS Beagle, surveying the wilds of Tierra del Fuego. He's a man of tradition and principle, with a firm belief in the sanctity of the individual in a world created by God. On board, is a passenger, Charles Darwin - a young trainee cleric, and amateur geologist. This is the story of a deep friendship between two men, and the twin obsessions that tear them apart, leading one to triumph, and the other to disaster.Brief Histories of Everyday Objects
By Andy Warner. 2016
NOW A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Hilarious, entertaining, and illustrated histories behind some of life's most common and underappreciated objects…
- from the paperclip and the toothbrush to the sports bra and roller skatesBrief Histories of Everyday Objects is a graphic tour through the unusual creation of some of the mundane items that surround us in our daily lives. Chapters are peppered with ballpoint pen riots, cowboy wars, and really bad Victorian practical jokes. Structured around the different locations in our home and daily life—the kitchen, the bathroom, the office, and the grocery store—award-nominated illustrator Andy Warner traces the often surprising and sometimes complex histories behind the items we often take for granted. Readers learn how Velcro was created after a Swiss engineer took his dog for a walk; how a naval engineer invented the Slinky; a German housewife, the coffee filter; and a radical feminist and anti-capitalist, the game Monopoly. This is both a book of histories and a book about histories. It explores how lies become legends, trade routes spring up, and empires rise and fall—all from the perspective of your toothbrush or toilet.