New Releases by John Riddle

This clear and comprehensive text covers the Middle Ages from the classical era to the late medieval period. Distinguished historian John Riddle provides a cogent analysis of the rulers, wars, and events—both natural and human—that defined the medieval era. Taking a broad geographical perspective, Riddle includes northern and eastern Europe, Byzantine civilization, and the Islamic states. Each, he convincingly shows, offered values and institutions—religious devotion, toleration and intolerance, laws, ways of thinking, and changing roles of women—that presaged modernity. In addition to traditional topics of pen, sword, and word, the author explores other driving forces such as science, religion, and technology in ways that previous textbooks have not. He also examines such often-overlooked issues as medieval gender roles and medicine and seminal events such as the crusades from the vantage point of both Muslims and eastern and western Christians. In addition to a thorough chronological narrative, the text offers humanizing features to engage students. Each chapter opens with a theme-setting vignette about the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people. The book also introduces students to key controversies and themes in historiography by featuring in each chapter a prominent medieval historian and how his or her ideas have shaped contemporary thinking about the Middle Ages. Richly illustrated with color plates, this lively, engaging book will immerse readers in the medieval world, an era that shaped the foundation for the modern world.

Robert F. Scott led two British Navy missions to explore Antarctica, each one lasting several years. On his second trip to the Antarctic, Scott and his team made it to the South Pole, but they found a group from Norway had beaten them to it. Though Scott and his team died in the cold on the way back from the South Pole, the British Navy officer and explorer is remembered today for his brave and curious spirit. Learn the story of one of Britain's most famous explorers in Robert F. Scott: British Explorer of the South Pole.

Trader Marco Polo was one of the first Europeans to travel to China, staying away from his homeland in Italy for 24 years before returning. After he came back to Italy, Marco wrote of his travels and adventures in East Asia in his book Il Milione, sharing his tales with other Europeans. Polo changed the way Europeans saw the world by opening their eyes to the wonderful culture and people of China. Learn the story of one of the world's most famous explorers and traders in Marco Polo: 13th-Century Italian Trader.

Find out what it takes to be a veterinarian with character... Veterinarians need many skills, including: •The ability to analyze problems; •Knowledge of new developments and techniques in veterinarian medicine; •The confidence to handle animals who are sick or injured; and •Communication skills for speaking with animal owners and other professionals. Veterinarians don't only work with animals; they also work with people. That's why these professionals need the core qualities of good character— Integrity... Compassion... Courage... Responsibility... A sense of fairness... Self-discipline... And citizenship. A career in veterinary medicine can be both rewarding and exciting. Veterinarian will tell you more.

Find out what it takes to be a firefighter with character... Applicants for paid fire-fighting jobs must usually meet several requirements: •A written exam; •Tests of strength, physical stamina, coordination, and agility; and •A medical examination that includes drug screening. Training programs can help you prepare for this job—but to be a good firefighter you'll need more than any program can offer. Firefighters need character qualities like courage to face dangerous situations... Self-discipline to work hard even when they're tired... A sense of justice to protect all members of society equally... And a sense of citizenship to responsibly serve society with compassion and integrity. Do you have what it takes to do the job? Read Firefighter and decide.

Brian Honour was born in the former pit village of Horden, County Durham, and his passion from a young age was always to become a professional footballer. Despite the odds and many setbacks, that's exactly what he achieved, giving his all to the game and earning respect from fans, fellow players and the media alike. Many believed his skills would clinch him a place with a Premiership side and, although this was never to be, he is rightly considered a legend and The Life of Brian is a fitting tribute to the man who was affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Hartlepool United'. Brian first became involved in football at the age of four, when Sir Stanley Matthews visited his home. He subsequently signed Schoolboy forms for Aston Villa, where he stayed for three years before being rejected as being too small. He then went for a trial at Darlington and signed as an apprentice, and in 1982, at the age of 18, he obtained a full professional contract. However, his dreams were soon shattered for a second time, when again he was told he was too small by the former Tottenham Hotspur and England fullback Cyril Knowles, then the Darlington manager. Brian moved into non-League football with Peterlee Newtown, before being plucked from the mist at Tow Law by Billy Horner, the Hartlepool United manager. He would stay at the Victoria Ground for almost 11 years as a player before persistent injury forced him to retire. He was voted the supporters’ Player of the Season three times and was a member of the promotion-winning side of 1991. He has proved to be an excellent and inspiring youth coach, and spells in non-League football with Durham City, Horden Colliery Welfare and Bishop Auckland (twice) have run in tandem with his business ‘The Brian Honour Football School’.

The King of Cappielow, with a fitting Foreword by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, is a tribute to the much-loved Scottish footballing legend, Andy Ritchie. He was born in Glasgow in 1956 and developed a passion for football from a young age. As a teenager he went for trials with several English clubs, but in the end joined Celtic in 1971 at the age of 15, signing professional forms in 1973. In 1976, after one too many alleged disputes with manager, Jock Stein, he became part of a transfer deal, moving to Greenock Morton in exchange for their goalkeeper, Roy Baines. And thus, for the next seven years, Andy Ritchie built his reputation as the ‘King of Cappielow'. Adored by the fans, but attracting less regal labels by the media, such as the ‘Idle Idol' and the ‘Ambling Alp’, due to his large build and less than energetic footballing style, Ritchie proved his incredible ball skills time after time, netting 133 goals in 246 matches and achieving the honour of top goalscorer in the Premier League for three consecutive years. He became renowned for his ability to curl the ball into the net from free kicks, particularly corners, an expertise he purportedly developed from watching the Brazilians training for the 1974 World Cup, even though he sadly never got to play for Scotland. On leaving Morton, Andy Ritchie played briefly for Motherwell and was player/manager at Albion Rovers for a season before retiring from football in 1985, aged 28. The call of Scotland and football ever strong, he eventually returned to his roots from a management position at the Barbican in London and, after some time as a football scout, he took on his current role of SPL delegate/match observer. Although he received the coveted Football Writers’ Player of the Year award in 1979, he is yet to be inducted into the Scotland Hall of Fame. Maybe with this publication his time for full recognition will come.

As U.S. soldiers battle terrorists around the globe, Americans--from Main Street to Hollywood--are viewing the military with a renewed respect. Now comes an exciting biographical collection of a vital, but often overlooked, member of the military: the Christian chaplain. Featuring the stories of Timothy Dwight, grandson of Jonathan Edwards and Revolutionary War chaplain; E. M. Bounds, the famed theologian who served as a Confederate army chaplain; George Fox, one of the "Immortal Chaplains" of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester; and Robert Preston Taylor, who willingly suffered with his men in a Japanese prison camp, For God and Country will stir readers with the courage of these specially called ministers of the gospel.

A book for boys to answer questions about puberty. Written in a funny and engaging style. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Explores the history of coal, its benefits as a fuel resource, the improvements that have been made to burn coal safely, and the effects it could have on the economy in the future.

This lively, easy-to-use edition has been updated with new proven techniques, hints and tips for creating "bankable" business plans and getting results.