New Releases by Ian Graham

"This is a beautiful book, replete with illustrations, photos, diagrams, and maps. The text balances technicality with storytelling, scholarly analysis with entertainment. It''s a sweeping, fascinating look at barges, battleships, caravels, dhows, submarines, and more, placing them all in context with the battles, countries, discoveries, inventions, and people that surrounded them. Readers interested in history of any kind will enjoy this highly accessible book." -- Publishers Weekly From an ancient funeral ship to the Rainbow Warrior -- war, trade, science and pleasure on the open seas. Fifty Ships that Changed the Course of History is a beautiful guide to 50 water vessels that played a key role in world history and had a great impact on human civilization. The book presents the ships chronologically, beginning with Pharaoh Khufu''s solar barge from about 2566 BCE. The chapter includes a photograph of the reconstructed ship, discovered in 1954 near the Great Pyramid. Religious beliefs held that in the afterlife the pharaoh would need a ship to sail the cosmic waters of the sky with the sun god, Ra. The book closes with another sun-seeking ship 4,000 years later. The epitome of an ocean cruise ship, the MS Allure of the Seas is the biggest passenger ship ever built. An Oasis-class cruise ship, it is a destination in itself, complete with a Central Park-like oasis, 18 decks, 5,492 passengers, and a crew of 2,384. Between these landmark vessels is a variety of ships used for all of mankind''s needs, from hunters searching for food, traders with goods to barter and warriors bent on conquest, to explorers longing to see what lay beyond the horizon. Over time, the first small primitive watercraft evolved into bigger seagoing vessels, shaping our history, culture and civilization along the way. This attractive reference provides an innovative perspective on maritime and world history. It is an excellent selection for all collections.

We depend on electricity in almost everything that we do. It gives us heat, light, transportation and entertainment. Electricity has always existed, but it is only in the last 200 years or so that we have learned how to make use of it. Find out what electricity does for us – and how we managed without it in the past. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Electricity! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

The invention of plastics was one of the most important discoveries of the past century, revolutionising the way things are made, stored, and packaged. This book tells the story of plastics, from the science behind their creation, to their use across all aspects of society. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Plastic! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

Robots are machines that can be programmed to carry out a series of complex actions automatically or under the control of an operator. They come in all shapes and sizes, from mechanical arms and driverless vehicles to walking, talking, artificial people. Learn about how robots are helping humanity by doing jobs that are too dangerous for people, exploring places that humans cannot reach, and becoming our helpers and companions. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Robots! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

You’re one of the brave American astronauts who set out on the voyage of a lifetime in 1970 to land on the moon. After months of practise, they blasted off from Earth to the cheers of bystanders, but things took a turn for the worse and they had to face up to the perils of space travel. This title in the best-selling children’s history series, You Wouldn''t Want To…, features full-colour illustrations which combine humour and accurate technical detail and a narrative approach placing readers at the centre of the history, encouraging them to become emotionally-involved with the characters and aiding their understanding of what life would have been like as an astronaut on Apollo 13. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of information books for young readers. It is an ideal text for Key Stage 2 shared and guided reading and helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14.

Meet Stellar - urban crime-fighter who tackles injustice with swift and decisive action, carrying the burden of freeing society from oppression, fighting for the weak and wounded. She is brave. She is beautiful. She is just a comic book character... or at least she was. Macy Davis is an athletic high school student with an eye for Patrick Newell, the young artist who created Stellar. When Macy''s best friend, Keri Cartwright, discovers Patrick''s comic book heroine, she convinces Macy to masquerade as Stellar because to Macy, Stellar is Patrick''s perfect girl. But when Macy dons a homemade costume to surprise Patrick at the Halloween Dance, her debut takes an unexpected twist and the reveal is more than anyone, including Macy, could have ever imagined.

The solar system can be a complicated topic, especially with young readers trying to obtain a grasp on this mind-boggling subject. However, this volume acts as an engaging primer to help young readers learn about the sun, the planets, and other aspects of the solar system. Challenging questions encourage readers to think about what they already know about the solar system. After a bit of self-query and pondering, they''re provided with enlightening answers that also reinforce crucial concepts from the elementary science curriculum. They''ll learn answers to where the sun goes at night, why the planets are different colors, why Earth is called Earth, and if there is life anywhere else.

Build your own rocket and blast off with the Smithsonian! A 2017 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award Winner Travel out of this world with the Smithsonian in this exciting kit! Smithsonian Build the Rocket lets curious kids discover the thrilling science of space travel by examining spacecrafts in ways they never have before. Have fun with colorful illustrations and infographics, fascinating facts about rockets, and finally building your very own 2½-foot-tall model from the ground up. Launch yourself into the world of space exploration and learn everything you need to know about these space-traveling shuttles. Includes: 32-page nonfiction book on space travel and the science of rockets 88 slotted cardstock pieces to build a three-dimensional 2 ½-foot-tall rocket

Describes what it was like to be an astronaut on the "unlucky" 1970 Apollo 13 mission to the moon.

Build a Rocketis the perfect, accessible and interactive guide to rockets and their role in space exploration, with a full-scale model rocket to build included.

This book explains the evidence that supports our understanding of the solar system, including the very latest discoveries.

Discover the most amazing building designs since 1900. From the Empire State Building to modern design, this book charts the story of design that led to some amazing games and gadgets. We look at the needs that prompted their design, the architects responsible for breaking boundariesand the technology that made them possible.

Discover the most amazing gadget designs since 1900. From the Japanese Tamagotchi to the iPhone, this book charts the story of design that led to some amazing games and gadgets. We look at the needs that prompted their design, the designers responsible for breaking boundariesand the technology that made them possible.

Designed for readers from grade 6 and up, this lavishly illustrated set provides comprehensive coverage of the history of aviation, including space flight, as well as the science and technology on which it depends. Detailed A-Z entries trace the development of human flight from ancient myths and legends through today''s space exploration, highlighting scientific discoveries and innovations that made aviation possible."IFlight and Motion" also celebrates the contributions and achievements of the pioneers and visionaries of air and space flight, from inventors and innovators to pilots, astronauts, and cosmonauts. Detailed illustrated diagrams give readers a general understanding of the mechanics of flight and of the physics and technology involved. The set also highlights key air and spacecrafts that have made a unique mark in the history of flight. It features more than 500 full-color and black-and-white photos and illustrations, and also includes a timeline, a listing of museums and exhibits, further reading lists, a comprehensive glossary, and general and subject indexes.

Each book in this series follows a packet of energy along a journey. Each stage of the journey is described in a short chapter, and we learn what alternative paths the energy might have taken along the way. This book shows how the energy in falling water is turned into energy to power an electric car. It explains how hydroelectric power stations work, the science of electricity, how cars are made and how they use electricity, and how electric cars work. The topics covered are illustrated with experiments, amazing facts and scientific discoveries.

An unfamiliar noise stops shoppers in their tracks: cars and a truck are crashing into each other. Fortunately no-one is hurt seriously, but what has caused the accident? This book looks at the topics of forces and motion to explain about speed, acceleration, friction, and momentum. It shows how investigators can use their knowledge of science and technology to sift through the evidence to determine the cause of the crash.

A former Soviet-trained IRA soldier turned businessman finds himself catapulted into his old life when he accidentally witnesses a murder as well as the murderer.

This book explians what happens through the stages of a car''s life cycle, from design & construction to sale to use to disposal. Covers such concepts as prototyping, production, and recycling.

Patriots & Tyrants: A Black Shuck Thriller "Ian Graham writes the kind of stories I want to read. Full on, Action packed, adrenaline fueled. Keep your eye on this author, he''s going to be a big name in thrillers before long." - Matt Hilton (author of the Joe Hunter thriller series) During the fall of the Soviet Union an elite team of operatives were trained on the steppes of Russia. Loyal to the Provisional Irish Republican Army, they were created for a single purpose; to bring about the downfall of the entire British government in one terrifying attack. They were known only by their codename, Black Shuck. In the years that followed—betrayed from within by the internal power struggles of the IRA—the team members were hunted down. Forced into a battle for their lives, three survived, fading into the turbulent streets of Northern Ireland. To this day, their identities remain a mystery— but nothing can stay hidden forever. ---------- Patriots & Tyrants is a suspense laden, action filled collection of stories featuring characters from the upcoming Black Shuck thriller series that follows former IRA volunteer turned American patriot, Declan McIver. Can Mossad agent Abaddon Kafni capture an Iranian arms dealer? Can former IRA volunteer Declan McIver stop a friend from being murdered in Boston''s seedy underworld? Can internationally feared assassin Torrance "AU" Sands succeed in killing a vicious cult leader? Can Russian soldiers capture Chechen terrorist Ruslan Baktayev in the aftermath of the Beslan School Massacre?

Which species of moth was nearly killed off by the fight for cleaner air? How does a cow''s bottom contribute to global warming? Could warmer mean colder? All these questions and more are answered in ''Global Warming: A Very Peculiar History''. This book arms you with an introduction to the scientific concepts behind global warming then hits you hard with the bizarre and at times disputed facts that go along with the theory. ''Global Warming, A Very Peculiar History'' includes information on the potentially disastrous effects of global warming and what we can do to stop them. It features diagrams and fascinating fact sheets which will boggle the mind. Discover where the theory came from and what we were (or weren''t) doing to help protect the Earth in past times. This book looks at both sides of the debate and covers the scientific and historical background of our troubled relationship with the planet on which we live.

Great Britain can be accused of many things; a proliferation of queuing, a fondness of the demon drink; but it''s not without more than its fair share of important historical and modern people. ''Great Britons: A Very Peculiar History'' looks at a myriad brillliant Britons and their influence on the world. The book features a short potted history of each person, detailing their acheivements, personalities and lifestyles in a quirky and memorable way. From kings and queens, pirates and politicians, actors and directors to sportsmen, explorers, scientists and inventors, ''Great Britons: A Very Peculiar History'' celebrates the men and women who have shaped Great Britain and made it what it is today.

These exciting hands-on experiments, from creating balloon rockets or glow-in-the-dark jelly to making metal detectors, will help your child get to grips with science. The book covers all areas of science, from life on Earth to physical science.

Describes failed projects and inventions in transportation, military and government technology, medicine, gadgets, the environment, buildings, and structures; and examines what was learned from each.

Bursting with hundreds of facts and the highest quality photography and artwork, these books enthrall and stimulate the minds of struggling readers. Nonfiction titles cover core subjects in a consistent format. Each book, written by an expert in the field, guides the reader methodically through the topic. Difficult terms are spelled phonetically. With over 100 color images per title, readers gain multiple access points to truly engage text. Nonfiction titles are ideal for research, and perfect for a thrilling, fact-filled read. A comprehensive, informative, and highly readable introduction to the topic of genetics. Written by Ian Graham, an expert in the field, this book is based on the very latest research.

Forensic Technology looks at new and future developments in fingerprint technology, and detecting and understanding trace evidence left at scenes of crimes. It also explores DNA profiling and how it can be used, and how forensics experts use new technology to uncover information about fires and explosions, and detect fakes and forgeries. The New Technology series is an exciting, up-to-date look at new technology and the effect it is having on the world. Each title looks forward to likely future technological advances that will affect our everyday lives.

Robot Technology looks at robots that are used in space exploration, and developments that may happen in the future, for example, landing on Mars. It looks at robot explorers that go to places humans cannot reach, such as the sea bed, and into the craters of volcanoes. The title explores military machines, and discusses the possibility of humanoid robots. It also asks important questions about whether advances in robot technology could threaten humans. New Technology is an exciting, up-to-date look at new technology and the effect it is having on the world. Each title looks forward to likely future technological advances that will affect our everyday lives.

For anyone who ever wanted to be an archaeologist, Ian Graham could be a hero. This lively memoir chronicles Graham''s career as the "last explorer" and a fierce advocate for the protection and preservation of Maya sites and monuments across Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It is also full of adventure and high society, for the self-deprecating Graham traveled to remote lands such as Afghanistan in wonderful company. He tells entertaining stories about his encounters with a host of notables beginning with Rudyard Kipling, a family friend from Graham''s childhood.Born in 1923 into an aristocratic family descended from Oliver Cromwell, Ian Graham was educated at Winchester, Cambridge, and Trinity College, Dublin. His career in Mesoamerican archaeology can be said to have begun in 1959 when he turned south in his Rolls Royce and began traveling through the Maya lowlands photographing ruins. He has worked as an artist, cartographer, and photographer, and has mapped and documented inscriptions at hundreds of Maya sites, persevering under rugged field conditions. Graham is best known as the founding director of the Corpus of Maya Hieroglyphic Inscriptions Program at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University. He was awarded a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" in 1981, and he remained the Maya Corpus program director until his retirement in 2004. Graham''s careful recordings of Maya inscriptions are often credited with making the deciphering of Maya hieroglyphics possible. But it is the romance of his work and the graceful conversational style of his writing that make this autobiography must reading not just for Mayanists but for anyone with a taste for the adventure of archaeology.

Describes the geography, history, industries, education, government, and cultures of the Caribbean Islands, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados. Includes maps, charts, and graphs.