New Releases by Kenneth C. Davis

This entertaining guide to some of the best short novels of all time, from a bestselling historian, is the “perfect gift for busy bibliophiles” (BookPage). Experience the joys of literature with this this “exciting guide to all that the world of fiction has to offer” (The New York Times Book Review): a compulsively readable, deeply engaging discussion of great short novels. A journey into fiction designed with our contemporary attention spans in mind, Great Short Books suggests fifty-eight excellent short novels, all under 200 pages—easily readable in a week or less—a fresh approach to a fun, fascinating year of reading. From hard-boiled fiction to magical realism, the 18th century to the present day, Great Short Books spans genres, cultures, countries, and time to present an enchanting and diverse selection of acclaimed and canonical novels. From works in translation like Yu Miri’s Tokyo Ueno Station and Marguerite Duras’s The Lover to popular, acclaimed authors like Toni Morrison and James Baldwin, this compilation is a celebration of classics from the historic to contemporary—plus a few bestsellers, including Stephen King and Colson Whitehead. Each entry includes the novel’s opening lines, a spoiler-free plot summary, a “why you should read it” section, and suggestions for what to read next. “An entertaining journey with a fun, knowledgeable guide” (Booklist), this eclectic collection is a fun and practical book for any passionate reader hoping to broaden their literary IQ—or anyone who wants to find an effortless reentry into reading.

A New York Times bestseller · More than 1.7 Million Copies Sold! “Reading Davis is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher you ever had!” —People magazine From the arrival of Columbus through the historic election of Barack Obama and beyond, Kenneth C. Davis carries readers on a rollicking ride through more than five hundred years of American history. In this 30th anniversary edition of the classic anti-textbook—which includes a new preface by Davis—he debunks, recounts, and serves up the real story behind the myths and fallacies of American history.

A dramatic account of the origins of democracy, the history of authoritarianism, and the reigns of five of history’s deadliest dictators. A Washington Post Best Book of the Yearfrom the bestselling author of the Don’t Know Much About®books What makes a country fall to a dictator? How do authoritarian leaders—strongmen—capable of killing millions acquire their power? How are they able to defeat the ideal of democracy? And what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again? By profiling five of the most notoriously ruthless dictators in history—Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Saddam Hussein—Kenneth C. Davis seeks to answer these questions, examining the forces in these strongmen’s personal lives and historical periods that shaped the leaders they’d become. Meticulously researched and complete with photographs, Strongman provides insight into the lives of five leaders who callously transformed the world and serves as an invaluable resource in an era when democracy itself seems in peril. Praise for Strongman A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year A YALSA 2021 Nonfiction Award Nominee “A fascinating, highly readable portrayal of infamous men that provides urgent lessons for democracy now.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “Strongman is a book that is both deeply researched and deeply felt, both an alarming warning and a galvanizing call to action, both daunting and necessary to read and discuss.” —Cynthia Levinson, author of Fault Lines in the Constitution

A New York Times bestseller - More than 1.6 Million Copies Sold! "Reading Davis is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher you ever had!" --People magazine From the arrival of Columbus through the historic election of Barack Obama and beyond, Kenneth C. Davis carries readers on a rollicking ride through more than five hundred years of American history. In this revised, expanded, and updated edition of the classic anti-textbook, he debunks, recounts, and serves up the real story behind the myths and fallacies of American history. --Dallas News

A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Month, More Deadly Than War from New York Times bestselling author Kenneth C. Davis explores the hidden history of the Spanish influenza pandemic during World War I. 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the worst disease outbreak in modern times: the Spanish flu, a story even more relevant today. This dramatic narrative, told through the stories and voices of the people caught in the deadly maelstrom, explores how this vast, global epidemic was intertwined with the horrors of World War I—and how it could happen again. Complete with photographs, period documents, modern research, and firsthand reports by medical professionals and survivors, More Deadly Than War provides captivating insight into a catastrophe that transformed America in the early twentieth century. A Junior Library Guild Selection! “An important history—and an important reminder that we could very well face such a threat again.”—Deborah Blum, New York Times bestselling author of The Poison Guide: One Chemist’s Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century “In an age of Ebola and Zika, this vivid account is a cautionary tale that will have you rushing to wash your hands for protection.”—Karen Blumenthal, award-winning author of Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights

Um livro para aprendizes de mitologia, entusiastas do assunto ou qualquer pessoa que goste de uma boa narrativa. De onde viemos? Por que as estrelas brilham e as estações do ano mudam? O que é o mal? Desde o princípio dos tempos, a humanidade vem respondendo a essas perguntas com histórias criativas, que já foram utilizadas pela religião, pela ciência, pela filosofia e pela literatura popular. Neste volume, Davis introduz e explica os grandes mitos universais, bem como as obras de literatura que os tornaram famosos, abordando, entre outros, o mesopotâmico Gilgamesh, o primeiro herói da mitologia; Aquiles e a Guerra de Troia; Stonehenge e os druidas; Thor, o deus nórdico dos trovões; e a vida e as grandes dificuldades enfrentadas pelo homem que se tornou Buda. Sempre informal e instrutivo, o autor mostra por que as narrativas ancestrais sobre deuses e heróis continuam nos emocionando até hoje, em filmes, arte, linguagem e música.

An examination of American slavery through the true stories of five enslaved people who were considered the property of some of our best-known presidents.

Multi-million-copy bestselling historian Kenneth C. Davis sets his sights on war stories in The Hidden History of America at War. In prose that will remind you of "the best teacher you ever had" (People Magazine), Davis brings to life six emblematic battles, revealing untold tales that span our nation''s history, from the Revolutionary War to Iraq. Along the way, he illuminates why we go to war, who fights, the grunt''s-eye view of combat, and how these conflicts reshaped our military and national identity. From the Battle of Yorktown (1781), where a fledgling America learned hard lessons about what kind of military it would need to survive, to Fallujah (2004), which epitomized the dawn of the privatization of war, Hidden History of America at War takes readers inside the battlefield, introducing them to key characters and events that will shatter myths, misconceptions, and romanticism, replacing them with rich insight.

The excerpts featured in this free sampler come from some of our most popular nonfiction books for middle and high school classrooms—making them ideal choices to meet the new Common Core Standards for the English Language Arts. From the primary documents of The American Reader to The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind—the story of young man from an impoverished African village who built a windmill to bring life-changing electricity to his community—these books will take students across time periods and around the world. They''ll grapple with complex ideas and meet people from the past and present who will inspire them. Along the way, your students will come to understand the components of critical thinking and good writing—and why they matter.

A latest edition to a popular series is a treasury of general knowledge on everything from famous personalities to historical myths, in a volume that is presented in the author''s irreverent question-and-answer style. Simultaneous.

From a New York Times bestselling author, a captivating and unique overview of the first 44 presidents of the United States, from George Washington to Barack Obama. Using his entertaining question-and-answer style to chart the history of the presidency itself as well as debunk the myths of America''s. Here''s the young Lincoln building his mother''s coffin and dragging a tragic burden through the snow to the burial; Theodore Roosevelt, America''s youngest president, shockingly pushed into the presidency–with greatness thrust upon him; FDR, the only man elected four times, concealing his crippling disability from the American public as he led the nation through depression and world war; and Lyndon Johnson, reelected in a landslide, then crushed by the weight of the Vietnam War. For history buffs and history-phobes alike, this book is packed with memorable facts that will change your understanding of the highest office in the land and the men who have occupied it.

Davis has brought his groundbreaking work up to the present, including the history of an "Era of Broken Trust," from the end of the Clinton administration through the recent Great Recession. This additional material covers the horrific events of 9/11 andthe rise of conspiracy theorists, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the New Orleans levees, the global financial meltdown, the election of Barack Obama, and the national controversy of same-sex marriage.

Relates historical events that significantly impacted the development of the United States in the years prior to Washington''s inauguration, considering such subjects as the nation''s real first pilgrims and the lesser-known aspects of the first Thanksgiving.

“History in Davis’s hands is loud, coarse, painful, funny, irreverent—and memorable.” — San Francisco Chronicle Following on his New York Times bestsellers America’s Hidden History and Don’t Know Much About History, Ken Davis explores the next chapter in the country’s hidden history: the gritty first half of the 19th century, among the most tumultuous in the nation’s short life.

“Reading [Davis] is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher you ever had.”— People For years, Kenneth C. Davis has enlightened and enthralled us, opening our minds and tickling our fancies with his wonderfully irreverent, fun, and factual Don''t Know Much About® series. He has carried readers on wild and edifying rides through history, mythology, geography, the Bible, the Civil War, even across the universe. Now, following on the heels of his triumphant New York Times bestseller Don''t Know Much About® Anything, comes Don''t Know Much About® Anything Else, a one-stop potpourri of intriguing information. Chock-full of delightful historical snippets and fascinating people, remarkable milestones and boneheaded blunders, and eye-opening, brain-boggling facts about simply anything and everything in the world, here is the ideal companion for those long car rides, plane flights, quality family hours, or relaxing downtime.

Desde las antiguas civilizaciones que hicieron mapas de los cielos a Star Trek, X-Files y Apolo 13, el espacio sideral ha intrigado a la gente por mucho tiempo. Sin embargo, la mayoría de nosotros miramos el cielo nocturno y sentimos que no sabemos nada en cuanto a los hechos principales del universo. Kenneth C. Davis nos ofrece una animada e interesante guía a los descubrimientos, las teorías y las verdaderas personas que arrojaron luz sobre los misterios y las maravillas de los cosmos. Descubre por qué Einstein era tan genio, la verdad tras una o dos lunas azules, los increíbles secretos tras Stonehenge y cómo un gran astrónomo perdió la nariz. Con el divertido formato de preguntas y respuestas que tanto atrae a los millones de lectores de su popular serie Qué Sé Yo, disfrutarás de una exploración del sistema solar, la Vía Láctea y el más allá.

Con humor, ingenio y un extraordinario talento para convertir la historia más complicada en informativos testimonios ydivertidas anécdotas, Kenneth C. Davis nos explica el mundo del Antiguo y del Nuevo Testamento como nunca antes. Disponible por primera vez en español, Qué Sé Yo de la Biblia es una herramienta indispensable para comprender el libro sagrado.

From Homer to Harry Potter, from Chaucer to Charlotte''s Web, a compelling book of quizzes on history''s most influential literary works and writers Did a whale named "Mocha Dick" inspire Melville''s masterpiece? Who was the first poet to speak at a presidential inauguration? Which French-speaking high school football star shook up the literary world? Do you freeze when someone mentions Faulkner? When the conversation turns to the Odyssey, do you want to take a hike? Have no fear. For years, Kenneth C. Davis''s New York Times bestselling Don''t Know Much About® books have enlightened and enthralled us with a winning blend of fascinating facts and wonderfully irreverent fun. Now he sets his sights on our literary IQ in Don''t Know Much About® Literature. With this rich treasure trove of knowledge and intriguing information about the world''s great books and authors, Kenneth Davis and his daughter, Jenny, demystify Dracula, capture Kafka, and help you brush up on your BrontË in the inimitable and endlessly entertaining Don''t Know Much About® style.

From Homer to Harry Potter, from Chaucer to Charlotte''s Web, a compelling book of quizzes on history''s most influential literary works and writers Did a whale named "Mocha Dick" inspire Melville''s masterpiece? Who was the first poet to speak at a presidential inauguration? Which French-speaking high school football star shook up the literary world? Do you freeze when someone mentions Faulkner? When the conversation turns to the Odyssey, do you want to take a hike? Have no fear. For years, Kenneth C. Davis''s New York Times bestselling Don''t Know Much About® books have enlightened and enthralled us with a winning blend of fascinating facts and wonderfully irreverent fun. Now he sets his sights on our literary IQ in Don''t Know Much About® Literature. With this rich treasure trove of knowledge and intriguing information about the world''s great books and authors, Kenneth Davis and his daughter, Jenny, demystify Dracula, capture Kafka, and help you brush up on your BrontË in the inimitable and endlessly entertaining Don''t Know Much About® style.

“Highly informative and entertaining…propels the reader light years beyond dull textbooks and Gone with the Wind.” —San Francisco Chronicle It has been 150 years since the opening salvo of America’s War Between the States. New York Times bestselling author Ken Davis tells us everything we never knew about our nation’s bloodiest conflict in Don’t Know Much About ® the Civil War—another fascinating and fun installment in his acclaimed series.

Forty-four presidents One White House And hundreds of grand facts about our country’s leaders Which president was also a movie star? (see page 56) What happened five days after the Union won the Civil War? (see page 28) What food did Americans think was poisonous until Thomas Jefferson ate some? (see page 12) Hail to the chief! Here’s your chance to learn all about the presidents’ important political achievements, their nicknames, hobbies—even what kind of foods they ate. Bestselling author Kenneth C. Davis packs fun facts and cool quotes into his signature question-and-answer format. Who knows? After you learn so much about the presidents, maybe you will want to run for office someday, too!

Learn about the life of the great civil rights leader.

The latest installment in the New York Times bestselling Don''t Know Much About® series -- a magical journey into the timeless world of mythology It has been fifteen years since Kenneth C. Davis first dazzled audiences with his instant classic Don''t Know Much About® History, vividly bringing the past to life and proving that Americans don''t hate history, they just hate the dull, textbook version they were fed in school. With humor, wit, and a knack for storytelling, Davis has been bringing readers of all ages up to speed on history, geography, and science ever since. Now, in the classic traditions of Edith Hamilton and Joseph Campbell, he turns his talents to the world of myth. Where do we come from? Why do stars shine and the seasons change? What is evil? Since the beginning of time, people have answered such questions by crafting imaginative stories that have served as religion, science, philosophy, and popular literature. In his irreverent and popular question-and-answer style, Davis introduces and explains the great myths of the world, as well as the works of literature that have made them famous. In a single volume, he tackles Mesopotamia''s Gilgamesh, the first hero in world mythology; Achilles and the Trojan War; Stonehenge and the Druids; Thor, the Nordic god of thunder; Chinese oracle bones; the use of peyote in ancient Native American rites; and the dramatic life and times of the man who would be Buddha. Ever familiar and instructive, Davis shows why the ancient tales of gods and heroes -- from Mount Olympus to Machu Picchu, from ancient Rome to the icy land of the Norse -- continue to speak to us today, in our movies, art, language, and music. For mythology novices and buffs alike, and for anyone who loves a good story, Don''t Know Much About® Mythology is a lively and insightful look into the greatest stories ever told.

Do you feel totally in the dark when it comes to the basic facts about the universe? Ken Davis steps into that void with a lively guide to the discoveries, theories, & real people who have shed light on the mysteries & wonders of the cosmos. With the engaging question-&-answer format that has appealed to the millions of readers of his best-selling Don''t Know Much About” series, you''ll be taking off on an exciting armchair exploration of the solar system, the Milky Way, & beyond! This handy reference book contains a slew of good information & a host of age-old questions, intelligently arranged & amusingly addressed. Reading him is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher.” Illustrations.

Examines a variety of mummies, from "natural" mummies frozen in ice to the elaborate burial ceremonies of the ancient Egyptians, through a question-and-answer format which also features quotes, sidebars, quizzes, and artwork.

Examines a variety of mummies, from "natural" mummies frozen in ice to the elaborate burial ceremonies of the ancient Egyptians, through a question-and-answer format which also features quotes, sidebars, quizzes, and artwork.

Why did the Mesopotamian hero Gilgamesh search for eternal youth? (see page 21) What is the Chinese recipe for creating the universe? (see page 67) How did the Blackfoot maiden Feather Woman turn the world upside down? (see page 122) Whether it''s the adventures of Greek gods and goddesses or Norse trickster tales, we all love to hear a good story. Best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis gives readers a taste of these enchanting myths and the diverse people who tell them. In his trademark question-and-answer style peppered with entertaining sidebars and quotes, he also shows how almost every civilization''s mythology shares common themes. Some stories celebrate the creation of the earth and the arrival of the first humans; others mourn a massive flood of destruction. Our wide world is linked together by the stories we tell. A wealth of photographs and art reproductions, along with clever black-and-white illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier, helps convey the vitality of these amazing myths.

Biography of the civil rights activist, Rosa Parks, well-known for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus.