Best Selling Books by Don Nardo

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 sent shockwaves around the globe that are still felt today. Nearly 3,000 people died in the terrorist attacks and thousands more were injured.æ On the afternoon of the attacks, three firefighters paused in their rescue work to raise an American flag at Ground Zero in New York City. In the midst of horror and despair, the iconic photo of the men would remind Americans that they were far from beaten. It represented the countryÍs strength, courage, decency, and its hope for the future.

Zeus (ZOOS) is a name that many people today recognize. When someone asks, "Who was Zeus?" the answer is often something like, "Um, wasn''t he the leader of the Greek gods?" Another common response is, "He''s the dude who threw thunderbolts at people!" It is not surprising that at least this much about him is fairly well known. After all, images from Greek mythology are widespread in modern books, graphic novels, TV shows, and movies.Beyond that, however, most people today know very little about Zeus. This is also not surprising. More than sixteen centuries have passed since the Greeks and Romans actually worshiped him. (The Romans called him Jupiter, pronounced JU-puh-ter.) In those days, almost everyone was very familiar with the many stories about his deeds and adventures. Today, those tales are called myths. And their details are known to only to a small minority of the population. Those who do take the time to learn about Zeus and his exploits, however, are never disappointed. They find that he was not only one of the most important gods in human history. He was also an extremely colorful and entertaining character.

"Discusses the iconic Blue Marble photo of Earth taken by the Apollo 17 astronauts in December 1972"--

This volume presents compelling entries that provide definitions of important terms, biographies of central figures, and brief narratives of pivotal events that transformed ancient Greece. Students will find quick and easily accessible answers to the difficult questions that arise while researching events, personalities, and issues of Greece''s past. A comprehensive bibliography offers further avenues for research.

The peoples of ancient Mesopotamia oversaw one of the major cradles of human civilization. The world''s first cities and empires grew on the plains of what is now Iraq. Some of the world''s first farmers worked land in what historians call the Fertile Crescent.

Biography of Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States.

Mathew Brady recognized that the new art of photography could be more than just a means of capturing people''s likenesses in portraits. Beginning with the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861 and continuing through the entire Civil War, Brady and his employees chronicled the long, bloody conflict, bringing images of war directly to the people. Brady knew the photos would create valuable historical records for later generations. More than any other photographer of his generation, Brady understood photography''s great potential and through his influence, he taught others to understand it as well.

Tycho Brahe was an eccentric Danish astronomer in the 1500s. Growing up in the wealthy home of his uncle, he was provided with the freedom to pursue his ambitions in life. While attending college, Tycho viewed a solar eclipse, which scholars had predicted would happen. He was fascinated that science could predict such phenomenal events, and he devoted much of his time to studying the heavens. Using modern instruments and techniques to measure the positions of the stars and the movements of the planets, Brahe revolutionized the way astronomers viewed the night sky.

In the mid-1860s, as the Union Pacific Railroad headed westward from Nebraska, another company, the Central Pacific, pushed eastward from California. Their goal was to meet somewhere in between, forming a single railway line that would bridge the continent. That historic meeting took place in May 1869 in northern Utah, and photographer Andrew J. Russell was there to document the historic event. His work resulted in one of the most important photos of the 19th century and probably the most famous railroad image of all time. The photo, often called ñEast and West,î was viewed by a worldwide audience and affirmed that railroads were at the cutting edge of transportation technology. The continent was now linked.

A series of photos taken from space more than 20 years ago revealed thousands of unknown galaxies in a tiny patch of "empty" space. Called the Hubble Deep Field, the amazing image is made up of hundreds of photos combined into one. It was taken over the course of 10 days from the Hubble Space Telescope and has prompted astronomers and other scientists to speculate about universe''s size, shape, and age. How long ago did the first galaxies appear? Have they always looked like they do today, or have their shapes evolved over time? And will they, along with the universe itself, go on expanding forever? The Hubble Deep Field has helped to answer some of these questions.

Explores and analyzes the historical context and significance of the iconic Dorothea Lange photograph of a migrant mother during the Grea Depression.

A biography of Maya Angelou, poet, performer and activist.

What was life really like for everyday people in Ancient Greece? In this detailed exploration of daily life in one of history''s greatest civilizations, readers will use primary sources and information from archeological discoveries to discover fascinating insights and debunk popular myths. Immersive timelines, maps and references to important people and events will bring children on a time-traveling journey through Ancient Greece.

Science.

Mass hysteria in the late 17th century led to trials of people suspected to be witches in Salem, Massachusetts. Anyone could be accused of causing mysterious maladies or unfortunate occurrences, such as the death of cattle. Readers discover important facts and captivating details about this fascinating time in American history. The dangers of leveling accusations without proof and succumbing to panic are discussed in this engaging text, which is supplemented with a fact-filled timeline, full-color photographs, and primary sources.

Describes the origins of the most important Greek myths along with the personalities and special powers of the major Greek gods and goddesses.

This must-have volume provides an overview of the rise and expansion of the Islamic Empire, Muslim conquests, and later dynasties and empires. Author Don Nardo presents a thorough and sensitive study of Islam''s past and present. Readers will learn about Muhammad and early Muslim conquests. They will learn about Islam''s golden age and its existence today. Full-color photographs, maps, illustrations, timelines, and sidebars support the text.

A biography of the Roman general and statesman whose brilliant military leadership helped make Rome the center of a vast empire.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt the longest serving president in U.S. history successfully guided Americans through two of the worst crises ever. He succeeded where others had failed in pulling the country back from the brink of collapse during the Great Depression. He lifted Americans spirits and turned them away from fear and defeatism. Then came the horrors and devastation of World War II. The brilliant and courageous Roosevelt proved to be an outstanding commander in chief, leading the world to victory over the powers of evil.

Evolution remains one of the most contentious topics in the ongoing confrontation between modern science and religion. In this volume, scientists, religious leaders, and others square off in pairs of pro and con essays. Topics include: the nineteenth-century controversy over evolution, modern advances in evolutionary theory, and the debate over teaching evolution in schools.