New Releases by J. Smith

A comprehensive introduction to the comic arts From the introduction by Paul Levitz "If ever there was a medium characterized by its unexamined self-expression, it''s comics. For decades after the medium''s birth, it was free of organized critical analysis, its creators generally disinclined to self-analysis or formal documentation. The average reader didn''t know who created the comics, how or why . . . and except for a uniquely destructive period during America''s witch-hunting of the 1950s, didn''t seem to care. As the medium has matured, however, and the creativity of comics began to touch the mainstream of popular culture in many ways, curiosity followed, leading to journalism and eventually, scholarship, and so here we are." The Power of Comics is the first introductory textbook for comic art studies courses. Lending a broader understanding of the medium and its communication potential, it provides students with a coherent and comprehensive explanation of comic books and graphic novels, including coverage of their history and their communication techniques, research into their meanings and effects and an overview of industry practices and fan culture. Co-authors randy Duncan and Matthew J. Smith draw on their own years of experience teaching comics studies courses and the scholarly literature across several disciplines to create a text with the following features: Discussion questions for each chapter Activities to engage readers Recommended reading suggestions Over 150 illustrations Bibliography Glossary The Power of Comics deals exclusively with comic books and graphic novels. One reason for this focus is that no one text can hope to do justice to both strips and books; there is simply too much to cover. Preference is given to comic books because in their longer form, the graphic novel, they have the greatest potential for depth and complexity of expression. As comic strips shrink in size and become more inane in content, comic books are becoming a serious art form.

The state of Yucatan is commonly considered to have been a hotbed of radical feminism during the Mexican Revolution. Challenging this romanticized view, Stephanie Smith examines the revolutionary reforms designed to break women''s ties to tradition and religion, as well as the ways in which women shaped these developments. Smith analyzes the various regulations introduced by Yucatan''s two revolution-era governors, Salvador Alvarado and Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Like many revolutionary leaders throughout Mexico, the Yucatan policy makers professed allegiance to women''s rights and socialist principles. Yet they, too, passed laws and condoned legal practices that excluded women from equal participation and reinforced their inferior status. Using court cases brought by ordinary women, including those of Mayan descent, Smith demonstrates the importance of women''s agency during the Mexican Revolution. But, she says, despite the intervention of women at many levels of Yucatecan society, the rigid definition of women''s social roles as strictly that of wives and mothers within the Mexican nation guaranteed that long-term, substantial gains remained out of reach for most women for years to come.

A clear introduction to English between the 5th century and 1066, specifically designed for use on one-term course modules.

Night World Volume 1 includes books one through three of the New York Times bestselling series by the author of The Vampire Diaries. Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters -- they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World. In Secret Vampire, Poppy thought the summer would last forever. Then she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now Poppy''s only hope for survival is James, her friend and secret love. A vampire in the Night World, James can make Poppy immortal. But first they both must risk everything to go against the laws of Night World. Fugitives from Night World, three vampire sisters leave their isolated home to live among humans in Daughters of Darkness. Their brother, Ash, is sent to bring the girls back, but he falls in love with their beautiful friend. Two witch cousins fight over their high school crush. It''s a battle between black magic and white magic in Spellbinder.

This regional study looks at the topography and epigraphy of Megaris, the territory between Attica, Corinth and Boetia, focusing on the Post-Classical periods. Philip Smith examines in turn, the archaeological, literary and epigraphic evidence for the region, compiling a useful catalogue of sites on the Megarid, with numerous maps and plans. All inscriptions cited are included in an appendix. In conclusion Smith posits an unusually stable transition between Classical and Hellenistic, with the region possibly even witnessing economic growth. From the epigraphic evidence observations are made as to the administrative and religious structures of Megarian society.

The "bible" of radiography, this comprehensive resource presents more than 400 projections. Clear, step-by-step instructions explain all commonly performed procedures. Merrill''s shows how to properly position the patient so that each radiograph provides the information the physician needs to make a correct diagnosis. Separate chapters cover each bone group or organ system, all illustrated in full color and augmented with MRI images as appropriate. This text is so highly regarded that many state boards and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists refer to it when designing their certification exams. Special chapters help students prepare for the full scope of experiences as a radiographer. Summaries of pathology describe and define conditions. Summaries of projections list all projections by anatomical area. Exposure technique charts in positioning chapters list technique factors for the various projections. New Compensating Filters chapter explains how filters are used in patient positioning, presents photographs of all the filters currently in use, and provides samples of radiographs produced using the filters. A special icon identifies selected projections that are enhanced with the use of an appropriate compensating filter. Enhanced content includes material on age-related competencies. More than 90 new high-quality radiographs include many new MRI and CT images. A digital radiography icon identifies projections that require special consideration when using digital imaging. Expanded anatomy sections include over 40 CT and MRI images to augment the traditional anatomy art, covering sectional anatomy at the same time as traditional anatomy and preparing students for the proposed new CT competency. Abbreviations boxes highlight the abbreviations used in each chapter for quick reference. New and revised projections include: New axial lateromedial projection (Coyle Method) of the elbow. Modified AP oblique projection of the acetabulum (Judet Method). Twinning Method, Pawlow Method, and Modified Pawlow Method of imaging the cervicothoracic region modified and simplified into one projection.

Pop culture meets pop reference in this irreverent tour of twenty unlikely events, innovations, and individuals that forever changed how we live today -- the food we eat, the places we live, the love we make, the fads we follow, the clothes we wear, the products we buy, and much more. Veteran journalists Martin J. Smith and Patrick J. Kiger make the offbeat their beat, revealing the odd, surprising, and amusing origins of inexplicable cultural phenomena. From slam dunks to rock ''n'' roll punks, permanent press to pantyhose, black velvet painting to point-click culture, high-tech diapers to low-brow entertainment -- they cover sports, business, music, media, film, fashion, and science, and explain a lot about why life today is so weird: If homeowners hate yardwork, why do most suburban homes have lawns? In the best-fed country on earth, how did thin become "in"? When did the "convenience" of convenience food become more important than the food? Was the sexual revolution really sparked by the disastrous honeymoon of a science geek? Why are today''s multimillion-dollar design and marketing plans for cars based on the biggest failure in automotive history? How did the invention of air conditioning radically rebalance political power and affect the paths of presidents? The untold, unexpected, sometimes unholy stories are here, providing instant inside knowledge and richly entertaining insights into how and why we live as we do.

This volume reviews major topics in human, primate, and mammalian evolution with an emphasis on systematic paleoenvironmental and behavioral questions, and the epistemological problems of interpreting the past with fossil data.

Since September 11, 2001, many people have been asking, What is Islam? Is it a peaceful religion? Who was Muhammad? What is the Koran? How does the Koran differ from the Bible? What, if anything, does the Bible have to say about events like the extremist attacks on America and across the world? Differences: The Bible and the Koran was written to give readers a brief introduction to the Bible and the Koran. It is a topical compilation of passages from the two books, offering insights into the teachings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Written in layman''s language with an easy-to-read style, Differences: The Bible and the Koran does not explore the many possible interpretations and various doctrinal theories of the two religions. No attempt has been made to interpret the Bible passages or to explain the meanings of each verse and sura. Discovery and understanding are left to the reader after comparing the texts dear to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. Some of the subjects treated are adultery, booty, creation, enemies, faith, the Garden of Eden, God, heaven, hell, Jesus, Jinns, love, Moses, sin, unbelievers, vengeance, war, wives, and women.

This authoritative survey offers a concise description of Middle English, the language of Chaucer, during the period from 1100 to 1500. Middle English is discussed in relation to both earlier and later stages in the history of English and in regard to other languages with which it came into contact. The book covers the principal features of Middle English spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary and also introduces Middle English textual studies.

Accompanying CD-ROM has the text of the book in electronic form.

Cassie is initiated into her hometown''s coven of witches but her love for the coven leader''s boyfriend could prove deadly.

After investigating anti-aging techniques and alternative medicine for 25 years, Smith presents a ground-breaking program to help people extend their lives by regenerating the cells through balanced nutrition; using nutritional, herbal, and hormonal supplements to fight off diseases; and incorporating a fitness plan. Major direct mail push.

"A richly detailed ethnography on Khmer social practices and concepts of socialization in the diaspora community that is unparalleled in the English language."—Kate Frieson, University of Victoria

A thorough analysis of the economic development of Palestine during the first years of British mandatory rule and, in particular, of the British government''s preferential policy regarding Jewish settlement and enterprise sets the tone for this groundbreaking study. Using a wealth of previously unpublished documentation, the author proves that British mandatory policy provided the perfect environment for the growth of a largest and more homogeneous Zionist enclave, which in turn led to the inevitable split in Palestine''s economy.

Four children set out to rescue a sorceress held captive in a parallel world.

The Ecole Normale Supérieure was founded during the Revolutionary era to dominate the educational structure of France. During the Third Republic, the French academic elite trained at the Ecole Normale Supérieure greatly expanded its national role and enhanced its prestige and influence. In this book, the first full treatment of the social and political history of the Ecole Normale Supérieure in recent times, Robert J. Smith has examined the changing world of the normaliens under the Third Republic and their new, but temporary, cultural and political importance. His comparative study of the social origins, education, political ideas, and careers of the normaliens and students of other grandes écoles documents the segmented character of French elites and indicates the evolution of French society during this period.