Britannica Educational Publishing
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 sophisticated societies and belief systems, bestowing the world with plenitudes in the way of intellectual and cultural achievement. The vibrance of the ancient Egyptian life—from the dynasties to the masses—are captured in this volume, which also explores...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 countries across the globe have encouraged the emergence of numerous skilled players and advanced the level of competition and skill in the game, as is often demonstrated in each World Cup. The history, rules, and prominent players of this beloved sport...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 that demands both tactical ability and physical skill. This enthralling volume outlines the history and rules of American football, chronicles the rise of some of its greatest players, and illustrates how the game has become such a beloved cultural phenomenon....
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 Sun—Mercury, Venus, and Mars—differ greatly from each other and from the place we call home. This far-reaching volume travels to each of the inner planets in turn and details the physical characteristics as well as the exploration efforts made in order...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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. Thanks to an increasing number of conservation efforts, the planet's ecosystems may emerge from the looming shadow of ecological threats. This stimulating volume examines the various individual-level and institutional responses to Earth's damaged natural...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 experience the presence of a star. The Sun is an ordinary star, a ball of hot gas much like millions of others in the universe, but as the center of the solar system, it is critical to the survival of all life forms on Earth. This comprehensive volume examines...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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. Through the observations and work of astronomers over time, we have slowly been able to reduce the number of unknowns and develop explanations or theories for some of the celestial objects and phenomena we see. This space-traveling survey recounts some of...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Language
English
Description
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 a number of reasons. The more we can learn about Earth and its Moon—the two bodies in the solar system of which the most has been discovered to date—the more likely scientists are to uncover truths about the universe as a whole. The properties, motions,...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 own share of changes since it first took center stage, baseball has maintained an unwavering devotion among fans and players alike. This comprehensive volume details the rules of baseball, introduces some of its key personalities, and examines the historical...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 control the weather, understanding the factors that cause a hurricane or allow us to plant certain crops, for example, can help us better prepare for both natural disasters and our daily lives. Detailed illustrations and photographs, interesting sidebars,...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 the ancient civilizations of the New World have often been obscured by the colonial forces that eventually eradicated much of their populations. One glance at the imposing architecture left behind by the Inca or the mathematical strides made by the...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 discovered and enormous reservoirs of untapped potential, oceans provide fodder for all manners of research. This informative volume describes the features and properties of the bodies of water that make up 70 percent of the world's surface as well as the various...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 experience as apple pie. Emerging from college campuses, it has blossomed to become a popular form of recreation throughout the country, as well as a professional-sports juggernaut. This detailed narrative examines the history of gridiron football, including...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 now evolved relatively recently on the timeline of Earth's long history. The Earth's remarkable origins are chronicled in this insightful volume, which also examines the prehistoric organisms—from bacteria to dinosaurs—that populated the planet long...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 to enthrall audiences both in the United States and around the world through informal games, regional associations, and at the professional level. This volume introduces readers to the history of a sport that in many ways is inextricably tied to the American...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 delightfully offset by the complexity of the athleticism and strategy required to be successful at the game. Recounting the evolution of basketball and profiling greats from George Mikan to Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and beyond, this gripping volume...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2010
Language
English
Description
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 kingdom of their own. Although their place in nature—neither truly plants or animals—may make them seem strange, they are actually quite familiar to us for their use in various foods, medicines, and biotechnologies. Indeed, our consumption of bread...
Author
Series
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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. Players renowned for their maneuverability and skill—"Air" Jordan and his classic acrobatic moves, for instance—have intensified the level of competition in professional leagues and inspired everyday fans to "shoot hoops" in friendly games. This engaging...
19) Abraham Lincoln
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2013
Language
English
Description
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 jobs before launching his career in politics, Lincoln's determination and natural abilities brought him to the White House, where he led the struggle to preserve the union and emancipate the country's slaves. Lincoln's remarkable life—from his childhood...
Author
Publisher
Britannica Educational Publishing
Pub. Date
2011
Language
English
Description
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 fossils contain clues as to the various life forms that once inhabited the planet. Readers are invited to take a closer look at the materials that have, in many ways, facilitated life, and to explore the types and categories of minerals, rocks, and fossils...