New Releases by Paul DOWSWELL

Published in association with the Imperial War Museum.

When Lukas Declercq is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a refuge for Europe''s greatest alchemists and natural philosophers, offering to take him on as an apprentice. Uncle Anselmus is court physician to Rudolph II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also curator of Rudolph''s bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities, a series of vast rooms stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as a nail from Noah''s Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which fascinate Lukas. As Rudolph retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolph to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the Emperor''s favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet, and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it works only in the presence of the Emperor. Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes''s mission. But sinister forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina''s loyalty in order to save his own life.

Provides information on astronomy for young readers, including telescopes, space travel, and the solar system.

One of a series of titles aimed at Key Stage 3 readers and upwards that looks at different systems of government and discusses their origins, history and practical application in the modern world.

(Bag) This kit includes two spy ears so you and a friend can communicate in whispers and nobody else can hear you. It also comes with a secret agent badge with a place for your photograph and your secret agent name. Includes two different stick-on moustaches

What are real spies like? Some, like beautiful Mata Hari, are every bit as glamorous as famous fictional agents such as James Bond. But, as you''ll see, spies often live shadowy double lives, risking imprisonment, torture and execution for a chance to change history.

Want to know what was happening in the world before the arrival of the first civilizations? Then read all about it in The Stone Age Sentinel - a fresh and lively look at prehistoric times, cunningly disguised as a tabloid newspaper. Covering a mere four million years, it''s packed full of facts and humour. Ape Man in Walking Sensation, Mammoth Shortage Causes Concern, Farming Frenzy Hits Fertile Crescent - these are just some of the top stories in The Stone Age Sentinel. It''s basic news from basic people.

Each book in the True Stories series contains thrilling stories of heroism, bravery and battling the odds, providing young readers with a truly compelling read. Ages 8+.

Contains thirty-three true stories of survival, heroes, and spies from throughout history.

From firefighters battling with a nuclear reactor to a helicopter rescue team on board a fast-sinking ship, this is a collection of stories about men and women whose extraordinary courage has captured the imagination of millions.

This story is designed to help beginner readers grasp the important link between sounds and the letters that represent them. Helps to build reading confidence Supports early learning skills Includes advice on how to teach your child

Presents a number of illustrated photographs and interesting facts and figures about military aircraft including early fighters and bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, biplanes and triplanes, World War Two fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and Japanese Zero, and the various types of helicopters designed after the war.

This book explores the science of genetics and examines our changing attitudes toward genetic engineering.

Ten true stories of maritime adventure, disaster, and recovery. The sea has always been a place of mystery, discovery and fear. For thousands of years it has tested those people daring enough to sail out into its vastness. From shipwrecks to submarine attacks, these ten adventure stories explore the incredible allure of the world''s oceans.

Illustrated account of the major events associated with the Second World War.

These small-format reference books are packed full of essential information, representing excellent value for money. Clear, informative and engaging text, stunning illustrations and photographs, detailed maps and informative diagrams combine to make each of these reference books an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience for young children. Each title is internet-linked, with recommended websites checked and updated regularly.

A collection of true accounts of explorers and adventurers in some of the Earth''s most challenging environments.

LOCKED DOORS, HIGH PRISON WALLS AND BARBED WIRE ARE FORMIDABLE ENOUGH OBSTACLES, BUT MANY ESCAPING PRISONERS ALSO FACE SAVAGE DOGS AND ARMED GUARDS WHO SHOOT TO KILL. FROM ALCATRAZ TO DEVIL''S ISLAND, TRUE ESCAPE STORIES TELLS THE EXTRAORDINARY TALES OF MEN WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR FREEDOM.

WHAT ARE REAL SPIES LIKE? SOME, LIKE BEAUTIFUL MATA HARI, ARE EVERY BIT AS GLAMOROUS AS FAMOUS FICTIONAL AGENTS SUCH AS JAMES BOND. BUT, AS YOU''LL SEE IN TRUE SPY STORIES, SPIES USUALLY LIVE SHADOWY DOUBLE LIVES, RISKING IMPRISONMENT, TORTURE AND EXECUTION FOR A CHANCE TO CHANGE HISTORY.

Through detailed, real-life case studies, this series presents the history, theory, and practical application of crime solving through the use of forensics. Features include eyewitness testimony and step-by-step descriptions of techniques used in case studies.

A collection of stories about the events during World War II and some of their later results.

This series takes a journey around the world exploring the ways in which humans, both past and present, decorate their bodies. It examines the use of tattooing, piercing, body paint and hair decoration for religious, social and cultural reasons, and looks at the many techniques used to achieve such diverse effects.

Describes ten dangerous situations in which ingenuity and determination proved to be important survival skills.

Examines key events of the 20th century, with each title outlining the lead-up and aftermath, exploring the issues at stake, and introducing leaders and key figures.

Detailed maps, primary sources, and stunning photographs bring alive pivotal days that literally changed the course of history. Readers learn about the detailed background and the consequences of these earthshaking events. Intriguing first-person accounts and fascinating details included in each book help readers understand these important events in contemporary history.

This high-drama account of the Russian Revolution starts by looking at events leading up to 25 October 1917 - when the old order in Russia was replaced by a new Communist one. It then focuses in on the actual day, dramatically telling the story of the revolution in a minute-by-minute account. The book finishes by looking at how the Bolsheviks, once in power, gained control of this vast sprawling country, before looking at the revolution''s impact on the rest of the world. Moment-in-time boxes, describing eye-witness accounts, give a sense of drama and immediacy to the book.

This book examines the main causes of the greatest war of the 20th century and the events that led to its beginning. Readers will learn: why World War II started so soon after World War I had ended; and how Adolf Hitler gained power and led Germany into w

Significant historical events sometimes take place over long periods of time; sometimes they can occur in a single day. This high-drama book looks at how, in 24 hours, the explosion in a nuclear power plant in the former Soviet Union would have an impact on subsequent world history.

"All the dinosaurs you''ve ever heard of-and many more that you haven''t-are lurking inside the beautifully illustrated pages of this book. Come and explore the colorful world of dinosaurs, from the most enormous to the tiniest, from the fiercest meat-eating monster to the gentlest plant eater. Find our what they looked like, where they lived, what they ate, and much,much more"--Page 4 of cover.

Color pictures of animals and myriad facts about them.