New Releases by Stewart Ross

This much needed new edition provides a complete and essential guide to this fast developing, ever changing and often tense region. This book, fully updated for 2024, examines the origins and development of the events which have dominated the headlines for the last seven decades. Covering everything from religion and politics in the aftermath of the Second World War to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, terrorism, war in Iraq and Syria and the extraordinary economic growth of the Gulf states, it will change the way you think about the region and provide balance and clarity.

The longest-reigning monarch in European history! If the news about Harry, William, Kate, Meghan, and the rest of the British royals has you wondering about how this latest generation of princes, princesses, dukes, and duchesses got their start, you’re not alone. Queen Elizabeth II For Dummies takes you on a fascinating journey through the life of Great Britain’s longest-serving monarch. You’ll find revealing stories about Queen Elizabeth II’s family background, her childhood, early ascension to the throne, and her role during times of national crisis and triumph. The book combines must-know facts about the monarchy with details of the remarkable woman who has held the crown for over 68 years (and counting). You’ll also read about: Where shows like The Crown stay true-to-life and where they take artistic liberties with historical fact Queen Elizabeth II’s relationship with Prince Charles, the late Prince Phillip, Princess Diana, and the thousands of famous figures she has encountered during her reign The subtle and at times controversial role of a hereditary Head of State in a democracy Perfect for anyone with an interest in the monarchy, British governance, power and society, leadership, or the resurgence of the British monarchy in popular culture, Queen Elizabeth II For Dummies is a cracking read full of trivia, secrets, and history that puts one of the most central figures of the 20th and 21st centuries in the palm of your hand.

A comprehensive collection of fun facts about the origins of pretty much everything, from windows to washing machines to websites. This fact-packed collection recounts the origins, invention, and discovery of just about everything, from the big bang to driverless cars. With sections covering topics such as the arts, sports, weapons, buildings, medicine, food, and many more, you can find out intriguing answers to questions like: What material was the first clothing made out of? Who invented bathtubs? Who paved the first road? What came first: wine or whiskey? Perfect for history buffs, science lovers, or all-around trivia junkies, this entertaining and enlightening collection is for curious minds wondering about the mysteries of the beginning of all things.

Once upon a time, a fairy tale went very wrong! This new twist on a traditional children''s story is packed with fun. In this whale of a tale, the Big Bad Shark is looking for a tasty snack... when he comes across three delicious-looking narwhals! The loveable, pointy-horned creatures-show-off Spike, arty Spiral, and shy Stubby-discover a sunken pirate ship, and are using the parts to build their own homes. Now they are out of their depth, locked in a battle of wits with the munching, crunching villain. ABOUT THE SERIES: Twisted Fairy Tales are classic children''s stories retold with a hilarious spin for young readers. Meet alternative heroes as they encounter strange sidekicks and not-so-arch-enemies. But will they get their happy ever after? These laugh-out-loud tales are brought to life by the cheeky full-colour illustrations.

Once upon a time, a fairy tale went very wrong! This new twist on a traditional story is packed with fun, humour, and energy. Long ago, in ancient Japan, two ninja warriors had everything they wanted in life, except for a child. So they decided to bake one! Out of the oven leaped a speedy, sneaky, and brave Ninjabread Man... who went on to cause absolute chaos! This hilarious tale will be sure to thrill readers aged 6+. ABOUT THE SERIES: Twisted Fairy Tales are classic children''s stories retold with a hilarious spin for young readers. Meet alternative heroes as they encounter strange sidekicks and not-so-arch-enemies. But will they get their happy ever after? These laugh-out-loud tales are brought to life by the cheeky full-colour illustrations.

A lively and highly readable account of human invention, innovation and discovery. The First of Everything recounts the origins, invention and discovery of just about everything on the planet, from the Big Bang to driverless cars.

If you''ve always fancied yourself a bit of a Sherlock Holmes, there''s no better way to test yourself than against these ingenious puzzles. In this intriguing book, Stewart Ross presents 25 new Sherlock Holmes cases and challenges you to pit your powers of deduction against those of the Great Detective. Full of the atmosphere and ambience of 221b Baker Street, you''ll feel like you''ve stepped back into the pages of Arthur Conan Doyle . except, this time, with the chance to prove you''re a match for the super sleuth. Each case provides all the evidence you''ll need to crack it, provided you''re sharp enough to pick up on all the clues, with challenges from codebreaking to lateral thinking, memory to logic . and of course, how Sherlock came up with the solutions can be found at the back of the book in case you''re feeling more like Watson than Holmes. The detective managed to solve 24 out of the 25 cases in this book - perhaps you can go one better.

Written in British English, Pearl Harbor tells the story of how the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii became the target of a surprise attack by the Japanese in December 1941.

Twelve fascinating tales about the adventurers who travelled all over the globe, finding new plants and the amazing things they produce. Join Joseph Banks as he gets stranded on the Australian Great Barrier Reef whilst searching for new botanical specimens. Battle with the Mexican Emperor Montezuma against the invading Hernando Cortes - and watch as Cortes introduces chocolate to the rest of the world! Struggle with other travellers as they fight starvation, bears, strange diseases and tropical storms. Exciting, witty and wacky, these true-life tales span centuries and the globe, feature famous historical figures such as Captain Bligh, Darwin and Columbus and put the origins of ''everyday'' plants into perspective.

Decide whether Henry VIII isguilty or not guilty of ruling as a tyrantThe TimeWarp Trials putsHenry VIIIon trial beginning with an introduction of the accused. The prosecution then presents the case and questions Queen Catherinefollowed by arguments from thedefense calling Thomas Cromwellas their key witness. The reader is a member of the jury and when the trial comes to end, they must decideguilty or not guilty."

This exciting new History series approaches the stories of familiar characters such as Henry VIII and Boudicca from a fresh, new angle. Imagine if you could bring important historical figures back to life and put them on trial, with you, the reader, as the jury. Hear the testimonies of the defendants and witnesses, then go on-line to place your vote: innocent or guilty. With engaging and humorous illustrations by Tim Archbold, these will draw in young readers.

Here, Stewart Ross looks at new interventions and current developments within sport technology.

The ''Start-Up'' series has been rewritten to emphasise the cross-curricular teaching potential of each title. They provide notes and activities, spread by spread, highlighting ways in which learning can be extended into various subject areas. They also contain internet and web resource information.

This anthology features the eleven winning stories from the World Book Day Secondary Competition finalists.

Sport is undergoing a global technological revolution. Year on year, records are smashed, equipment gets more sophisticated, facilities improve almost beyond recognition. These changes are impacting on all areas of sport, from shoes to cycles and stadia. Is this making sport more exciting for participants and spectators? Or are talent and determination becoming secondary to money and technology, devaluing honest competition? In Higher, Further, Faster..., Stewart Ross looks at these questions and much more. Starting with a description of technology''s impact on elements common to various sports, such as bats, balls, pitches and special clothing, he then examines the controversies that arise almost daily, from golf club technology to the use of Hawk-eye in tennis. He also looks ahead to the techno-future of major sports such as football, tennis, golf, cricket, cycling and motor sport, and asks where they are going: Are referees and umpires becoming redundant? If drugs will always win, do we really have a choice about using them? Will we ever see a Super-Human Olympics? Is modern professional sport more about technology than talent? Can athletes from the developing world ever hope to compete in modern sport? This book is a must-read for all participants and fans who want to understand the technological upheaval that is shaking modern sport to its very foundations. One thing''s for sure: whether you find it stimulating or just plain scary, the future will be very, very different... About the author Stewart Ross is a full-time writer with some 200 published titles to his credit. He is also an occasional journalist and broadcaster, a frequent lecturer, notably on the QE2 and at ICES (La Roche sur Yon, France, where he lectures to science students), and a much sought-after presenter of workshops to schools and adult groups. www.stewartross.net

Watch the past come to life in this gripping comic-book story, Instruments of Death. Travel back in time to Ancient China and meet Shen, a talented zither player taken from his home to play for the great Emperor at court. It''s a great honour and a dangerous mission. On his travels, Shen is attacked by pirates and becomes a hero, rescuing friends of the Emperor from certain death - as a reward he''s asked to play at a great banquet. But how safe is this new assignment and will Shen or the Emperor live to tell the tale? Combining the excellent content of DK Readers with the excitement of a graphic novel, these thrilling books use rich, historically accurate settings-such as Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome-as the backdrops for tales of murder, betrayal, and revenge Reference section provides nonfiction context, including timeline, maps, and glossary.

Illustrations, photographs, and text describe the various forms of entertainment of the ancient Greek period.

This series uses primary source evidence such as diaries, posters, newspaper cuttings and oral accounts to portray life on the Home Front. This title discusses the intense bombing of Great Britain by Germany in World War II - called the Blitz (Blitzkrieg).

Discover how one assassination led to world war. This book focuses on the assassination in Sarajevo, analyzing how it came about, describing it, and discussing its consequences on history. Investigate the timeline to understand crucial dates surrounding the assassination. Read the debate section so you can consider the arguments and weigh the evidence about its role in history. Clear photographs, maps, contemporary views, a glossary, and tips for future research are included to help you to understand the importance of this turning point in history.

An account of the ancient British queen Boudicca, leader of the Iceni, and her revolt against the ruling Romans and their legions.

Grace is determined to stay in London with her mother. But when their Battersea home is bombed during an air raid, Grace agrees to evacuate and stay with her mysterious aunt—for her mom''s sake. The trouble is she misses her mom too much! This story will help readers better understand what Londoners went through during World War II.

Presents full-color illustrated photographs and drawings depicting ancient Egyptian civilization, and examines ancient ruins, works of art, and what life was life in ancient Egypt.

This title examines the bitter conflict that has raged since 1948 when the state of Israel was created between the Arabs and the Israelis. The complexities of the Palestinian question are examined in a clear and non-partisan fashion. The author looks at the wide-ranging consequences of the conflict, from the plight of refugees to the intensification of the Cold War, and at the more recent peace initiatives and the on-going quest for a solution to the violence.

Introduces the life and work of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose works include "The Marriage of Figaro," "The Jupiter Symphony," and "The Magic Flute."

Describes the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, which cost the Allies fifty-eight thousand troops on the first day of fighting; and provides a short account of the Second Battle of the Somme in 1918.

Read the action-packed adventures of the greatest athletes in ancient Greece and find out what it was really like to live in this land of legends and gods. Every page is packed with amazing illustrations, astonishing facts and detailed cutaways.

Introducing and explaining the causes and consequences of World War II, this book is one of a series which explain the contributory factors leading up to some of the most significant events of the 20th century and the effects of those events on the world.

Discusses the events which led up to the formation of the United Nations, offers an introduction to the structure and agencies of the organization, and explains its mission of peace and world justice.

In early 1999, two teenage girls, an Albanian and a Serbian, become friends, but when their families become enemies during the Serb-Albanian conflict, their friendship is put to the test.