Best Selling Books by Diane Morgan

An introductory guide to the important elements of the world''s largest religion, including the Quran, the Pillars of Faith, and the life of Muhammad, as well as Islamic history, customs and rituals, and contributions to world culture. Essential Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice is the ideal beginner''s resource on the core elements of a faith that, like Christianity and Judaism, offers a guide to holy living and a path to salvation—one that like other world faiths has inspired peace and war, tolerance and brutality, enlightenment and abysmal ignorance. Essential Islam offers an insightful, objective look at Islam from its inception to the present day, including a discussion of Islamic beliefs about God, history, warfare, marriage, the afterlife, and the relationship between Islam and other faiths. It is a rich source for dispelling misconceptions—for example, only 10 percent of Muslims are Arabic, and only a quarter of those reside in the Middle East—and for understanding tensions between groups within and outside Islam. More importantly, it gives readers a portrait of Islam not as a religion of extremists, but as a dynamic living faith practiced by people of all kinds in virtually every corner of the world.

The snake is one of humankind''s most powerful and ambiguous symbols: it has at various times represented immortality and death, male and female, deity and demon, circle and line, killer and healer, the highest wisdom and the deepest subconscious. By virtue of its mysterious movement, potent poison, fearful grip, unblinking gaze and lightning quick strike, the power and image of the snake has wound its way into every culture. Whether snakes are worshipped as gods, feared as devils, or handled in religious ceremonies to test faith, snakes have played a critical role in the human heritage. This book explores the cult of the snake in world history, religion, and folklore. Fascination with snakes has been around since the dawn of time. Even today, images of snakes attract attention, fear, disgust, or admiration. Morgan examines that obsession with this mysterious creature, covering in vivid details such topics as mythical snakes like the Plumed Serpent, serpent iconography, tall tales, as well as the psychological symbolism that has attached itself to snakes. Cultures as diverse as pre-Columbian America, India, Egypt, China, sub-Saharan Africa, Celtic Europe, and the United States have all accorded the serpent a special place in their culture—apparently regardless of whether or not real snakes play an important part in the life of the people. Here, the mysterious nature of the snake unfolds, enchanting readers with a colorful and lively discussion of its place in our history, stories, religions, and cultures.

The acclaimed author of Delicious Dips presents sixty guilt-free twists on classic dips and spreads—plus a variety of healthy, homemade chips! Snack lovers everywhere will be drooling over the delectable dips and scrumptious spreads in this collection of low-calorie, low-fat favorites. James Beard Award–winning cookbook author Diane Morgan has crafted sixty healthy and flavorful versions of classic, crowd-pleasing dips, spreads, tapenades, salsas, and more. These festive treats are all about healthy indulgences that are heavy on rich, robust flavors. Complete with nutrition facts for each recipe, party planning advice, and do-ahead tips that make preparation a breeze, Skinny Dips makes it a snap to dip and be fit.

Learn how to unlock the mysteries of Eastern wisdom to help you lead a richer, fuller life. The Best Guide to Eastern Philosophy & Religion provides a thorough discussion of the most widely practiced belief systems of the East. Author Diane Morgan understands how to direct the materialistic, linear way of Western thinking toward a comprehension of the cyclical, metaphysical essence of Eastern philosophy. With an emphasis on the tenets and customs that Western seekers find most compelling, this text is accessible to the novice yet sophisticated enough for the experienced reader. Inside, you''ll find complete coverage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, as well as the less-widely practiced faiths of Shintoism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism. Learn the fundamentals of the tantric path to liberation and the relationship between sex and seeking. Discover the true meaning of Feng Shui, the philosophical underpinnings of Hatha Yoga and Taoist connection to the martial art of Tai chi chuan. And if you''ve ever wondered: what is the sound of one hand clapping?, this book will get you started on finding that answer. The Eastern traditions, with their emphasis on harmony and oneness, have much to offer us in our hectic, demanding lives. For a comprehensive, entertaining exploration of the beliefs of Asia, The Best Guide to Eastern Philosophy & Religion is the essential manual for the seeker in all of us.

An engaging, clear-sighted book that covers all aspects of this rich, peaceful, and insightful tradition. Author Diane Morgan brings her compelling writing style and deep understanding to Essential Buddhism: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice. This lively book presents a clear, thorough, and objective introduction to the many facets of Buddhist philosophy and faith, including basic beliefs, major texts, practices, and important figures of each branch of the tradition. The book devotes an entire chapter of the remarkable life of the Buddha, from his amazing conception to his future appearance. It discusses the sophisticated way in which Buddhism intertwines its complex metaphysics and practical ethics through the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path, and the doctrine of Dependent Arising, and also devotes detailed attention to such Buddhist basics as the Wheel of Becoming, the mysterious world of Tantra, and the riddles of Zen. Complete with stories, koans, and biography, the book will help readers see how each tradition developed within the larger context of the faith, even as they explore Buddhism''s remarkable facility for liberating the mind.

In this beautifully presented book, Sur La Table and Diane Morgan offer something for every level of cook, providing 40 accessible recipes delivered with helpful kitchen tips and ingredient notes, as well as guidance for artfully wrapping and presenting these edible gifts.

The Basset Hound Owner''s Survival Guide will delight every Basset Hound aficionado with its light-hearted look at this quirky breed of dog. Filled with charming stories, photos and drawings of Bassets, this book also provides the reader with Basset care essentials and a history of the breed. A must-have for every lover of the inscrutable Basset. A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

Morgan discusses the origin of the emerald, its peculiar structure, and its strange allure. The story weaves across several continents and thousands of years. It is a tale of conquistadors, treachery, shipwrecks, and alchemy. Along the way, we meet scientists and kings and bear witness as the great emeralds are born, mined, smuggled, cut, and sold. The book also discusses the modern art of making synthetic emeralds. From the fastnesses of Afghanistan to the steamy jungles of Colombia and Zimbabwe, from the sands of Egypt to the bitter Urals, this is the story of a stone whose strange journey reflects the yearnings, greed, passions, and longing for beauty of the human race.

The ruby is the world''s most precious and rare stone. For the ancient Hindus, the ruby was Rajnapura: the Gem of Gems, at whose heart surges an eternal, unquenchable flame. Yet, for all its rarity and beauty, the ruby has always been a slightly sinister stone. Indian legend says the ruby was born from the blood of a demon. Indeed, the ruby is very close to a wild, living being: fiery, passionate, and dangerous. It has been at the center of love and wars, a symbol of passion, greed, and strong magic. Ancient sages and modern crystal healers have credited it with strange powers—from the granting of prophetic insight to protecting one from bullets. It has long been part of the human journey: coveted, fought over, and feared. Morgan considers all the beautiful and terrifying facets of this magnificent stone: scientific, economic, mythological, and spiritual. She discusses the great stones and great heists of the ruby world—and the famous fakes, too—the great Black Prince and renowned Timur. She closes with a discussion of the making of synthetic rubies and the laser beam.

"Midnight Munchies" contains snacks to satisfy every pang, every craving, without fussing over time or ingredients. Mistress of munchies Diane Morgan also knows her party stuff, so there are plenty of ideas for entertaining fellow late-night revelers. It''s instant gratification--all in one smart package.

Discover how to raise, train, and enjoy your Siberian Husky with this fantastic resource The Second Edition of Siberian Huskies For Dummies offers the most up-to-date information about welcoming a Siberian Husky into your home and loving your new family member. Author and Husky owner Diane Morgan walks you through how to care for these beautiful, curious, and engaging dogs, as she: Suggests ideal methods for adopting and selecting a Husky right for you Examines ways to socialize your new Husky Shares details about Siberian Husky grooming and veterinary care Provides additional information about behavior correction and training Siberian Huskies For Dummies is packed full of practical tips about how to raise and have fun with your young or old Siberian Husky. The author shares her advice in plain English for people looking for accessible and approachable information. Perfect for new and experienced husky owners, Siberian Huskies For Dummies also belongs on the bookshelves of anyone who''s ever considered adopting one of these magnificent animals.

Recipes and crafts tocreate your own holiday tradition.

The diva of dips and champion of chips creates more than 50 recipes for everyone''s dipping and dunking party enjoyment. 24 color photos.

The ultimate pizza cookbook with more than sixty classic and creative recipes from a thirteen-time World Pizza Champion and a James Beard Award–winning author. Pizza master Tony Gemignani teams up with acclaimed cookbook author Diane Morgan to offer the definitive tome on the art of pizza-making. There are more than sixty selections on the menu, including the thick, rounded-edge crust of classic Neapolitan pizza Margherita, the thin crust New York style Italian Sausage and Three Pepper Pizza, and the stick-to-your-ribs, deep-dish kind, smothered in spinach and mozzarella. There are also plenty of new-fangled pizzas: layered with Thai curry flavored chicken or pineapple; cooked on the grill; even quick and easy versions using store-bought crust. Aficionados will find six pizza dough recipes ready to suit anyone''s crust preferences. Dough-tossing techniques and tips on using peels, stones, tiles, pans, grills, ovens, and more make this a complete pizza package.

"Just as the teachings of Jesus gave birth to Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and hundreds of different Protestant sects, the teachings of the historical Buddha developed into many different traditions. The Buddhist Experience in America examines how these traditions are practiced. The book also includes a discussion of the historical Buddha and an examination of how contemporary Buddhism has responded to current issues and concerns. Appendices include a glossary, a "who''s who" of Buddhism, a timeline, and a list of resources for further information."--Jacket.

"Dressed to Grill" is certain to appeal to the way women cook today: fast andfurious, with a healthy nod to low-fat ingredients.

From the author of more than 10 cookbooks comes this comprehensive guide and collection of recipes using root vegetables. Discover the fascinating history and lore of 29 major roots, their nutritional content, how to buy and store them, and much more, from the familiar (beets, carrots, potatoes) to the unfamiliar (jicama, salsify, malanga) to the practically unheard of (cassava, galangal, crosnes). The best part? More than 225 recipes—salads, soups, side dishes, main courses, drinks, and desserts—that bring out the earthy goodness of each and every one of these intriguing vegetables. From Andean tubers and burdock to yams and yuca, this essential culinary encyclopedia lets dedicated home cooks achieve a new level of taste and sophistication in their everyday cooking.

Secrets of the Manatee offers a fascinating look at Florida’s most mysterious marine creature. Floating just below the surface of the water, manatees have remained largely unknown and misunderstood by humans. Now, their very survival depends on a delicate balance between human interference and conservation. This book is written for people who care about manatees, who want to learn about them, and, ultimately, who want to save them. This book explores the evolutionary history and fascinating biology of the manatee, asking questions such as, why do they have solid bones and marching molars? Big tummies but no blubber? Lots of friends and no enemies? And other queries like, are manatees invasive? Do they speak or squeak? Why do they have whiskers? Are they dangerous? How can we help them thrive again? This book answers these—and many more—questions about this very special mammal.

A James Beard Award–winning author offers a primer for preparing the fabulous fish, plus forty-five recipes on which to try out your new skills. Salmon is the third-most consumed seafood in North America, not only for its exceptional flavor and versatility, but for its undeniable health benefits. Rich in Omega-3s, it''s a rich protein source for those looking to eat healthier, consume less meat, or transitioning to a paleo or pescatarian diet. Salmon features forty-five recipes showcasing the best ways to prepare this luscious, accessible fish. Acclaimed author Diane Morgan has crafted a go-to reference for home cooks who want to add more creative preparations of salmon to their repertoire. Recipes include all savory meal occasions—appetizers, dinner, pizza, brunch, and more—providing inspiration for healthy eaters and fish lovers alike.

The award-winning cookbook author delivers a master class on weeknight grilling, with 125 recipes plus essential grill maintenance and meal planning tips. Grilling isn''t just for weekends anymore. In her newest grilling cookbook, Diane Morgan makes a compelling case for using grills every night, complete with 125 recipes and the promise of less dishwashing. For novice grillers, she includes information on different types of grills, cleaning, safety, and tools. Mouthwatering recipes include meat and veggie entrees, side dishes, and even flame-broiled desserts like Bananas Slicked with Rum and Molasses. If that''s not enough, she''s even added The Grill Planner, a chapter devoted to ensuring that Tuesday''s leftover ingredients from Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with Garlic and Cilantro Drizzle will become Wednesday''s Pineapple, Shrimp, and Anaheim Chile Salad.