Essential Histories

Julius Caesar was one of the most ambitious and successful politicians of the late Roman Republic and his short but bloody conquest of the Celtic tribes led to the establishment of the Roman province of Gaul (modern France). Caesar's commentaries on his Gallic Wars provide us with the most detailed surviving eyewitness account of a campaign from antiquity. In this book, respected Roman military historian Kate Gilliver makes use of this account and other surviving evidence to consider the importance of the Gallic Wars.

There are moments in American history when all eyes are focused on a federal court: when its bench speaks for millions of Americans, and when its decision changes the course of history. More often, the story of the federal judiciary is simply a tale of hard work: of finding order in the chaotic system of state and federal law, local custom, and contentious lawyering. The Federal Courts is a story of all of these courts and the judges and justices who served on them, of the case law they made, and of the acts of Congress and the administrative organs that shaped the courts.

Artificial intelligence surrounds us. More and more of the systems and services you interact with every day are based on AI technology. Most AI is narrowly specific; that is, it can only do a single thing, in a single context. Human intelligence is different. We can solve a variety of tasks, including those we have not seen before. In Artificial General Intelligence, Julian Togelius explores technical approaches to developing more general artificial intelligence and asks what general AI would mean for human civilization.

A history primer of events that shaped America from 1525 to the present. Starting with events in England that led to the American Revolution to the present. Includes developments in the United States and abroad, e.g., the rise of Hitler, Communism and our dependence on Arabian oil.

Discover the secrets of our past and unlock a deeper understanding of human development. Immerse yourself in the legacies of ancient civilizations and uncover the interconnectedness and impact they still hold today. Gain a comprehensive overview of the most pivotal societies that have shaped human history. Experience the achievements, beliefs, and complexities of ancient cultures through captivating narratives. Delve into the advancements of ancient China, the diverse culture of the Persian Empire, and the enduring legacies of the Maurya and Byzantine Empires. Learn about the foundational ...

Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, Zinn's A People's History is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of, and in the words of, its women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers. Here we learn that many of our country's greatest battles (labor laws, women's rights, racial equality) were carried out at the grassroots level, against bloody resistance.

Americans have debated the Constitution since the day it was signed, but rarely in its 223-year history have so many disagreed so fiercely about so much. Everywhere there seems to be debate about the Constitution's meaning and message. The Tea Party, with its almost fanatical focus on the founding document, contends that its primary purpose is to restrain the federal government-but does it really say that?

Step into your power and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment by harnessing the magic of Hoodoo and Witchcraft Are you ready to harness the ancient power of Hoodoo magic and transform your life? If you're curious about the mystical world of witchcraft and spellcasting, or long to tap into your ancestral wisdom and reclaim your spiritual heritage, then Beginner's Guide to Hoodoo and Witchcraft Mastery is your gateway to a world of empowerment and transformation. Imagine yourself harnessing the power of Hoodoo to manifest your dreams, protect your loved ones, and create a life ...

Unlock the secrets of Buddhist wisdom with "The Tripitaka and Milarepa: An Essential Guide," a meticulously crafted 2-in-1 volume that combines "The Tripitaka for Beginners" and "Milarepa: A Beginner's Guide." This indispensable guide is designed to illuminate your path to spiritual enlightenment and personal growth. Immerse yourself in the profound teachings of the Three Baskets and the life of Milarepa, one of Tibet's most revered masters. Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking to deepen your understanding, this book offers invaluable insights that are both timeless and transformative...

This is a short autobiographical pamphlet written by a senior physicist and sprinkled with quotes from wiser people’s writings. From the Preface: When I was young, my father – a talented engineer and a caring but austere parent – liked to remind me of the old proverb, Wise people learn by others’ mistakes, fools by their own, and complete idiots do not learn even by their own blunders. He accompanied each reminder with the same advice: It doesn’t look like you have a chance to reach the first of these categories. So, try to cling to the second of them as much as you can, making ...

Bestselling author Dr. Josh Axe explains how to treat more than seventy diseases, lose weight, and increase vitality with traditional healing practices passed down through the ages. Long before the first pharmaceutical companies opened their doors in the 1850s, doctors treated people, not...

Unlock the Secrets to Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits! Are you nearing retirement and feeling overwhelmed by Social Security? Social Security Essentials is here to help. In this easy-to-read guide, financial expert Jeff Kikel walks you through everything you need to know to make the best decisions about your Social Security benefits. What You’ll Learn: When to file for Social Security to maximize your benefits How your filing age impacts your monthly checks Spousal and survivor benefits—and how to get the most from them The truth about taxes on Social Security Special rules for...

Essential 1970s Horror Movies: A Complete Guide to the Decade’s Scariest and Most Influential Films is your ultimate journey into the golden age of horror cinema. From groundbreaking psychological thrillers to terrifying tales of possession, monstrous mutations, and the bloody birth of the modern slasher film, this comprehensive guide explores the films that redefined the genre and left a permanent scar on pop culture. With in-depth chapters on iconic trends such as Italian Giallo, body horror, cult classics, and the rise of feminist themes in horror, this book highlights how the 1970s ...

Discover the Inspiring Life of the Buddha in this brief and engaging biographyThis concise and accessible book offers a perfect introduction to one of history’s most influential spiritual leaders, Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Written for beginners, The Buddha’s Life and Legacy takes you on a journey through the Buddha’s extraordinary life—from his sheltered upbringing as a prince to his profound awakening under the Bodhi tree and his enduring legacy as a teacher of wisdom and compassion. What You’ll Learn The key events in the Buddha’s life, including his birth, the Four ...

This book is not about the newest trends or the latest hacks. Instead, it revisits the early practices and principles that shaped social media, reminding us that the roots of Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more still matter today. If you’re searching for new tricks, this book is not for you. But if you want to rediscover the timeless foundations that built social media, then you’ve found the right guide.

Ragtime Music History: The Complete Guide to the Origins, Legacy, and Essential Recordings of America’s First Popular Music is your ultimate deep dive into one of the most influential musical genres in American culture. From its syncopated origins in African American communities to its peak in the saloons, parlors, and vaudeville stages of the early 20th century, this beautifully written guide explores the evolution, key figures, cultural impact, and lasting legacy of ragtime. Discover the stories of Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Eubie Blake; learn how ragtime shaped early jazz, inspired...

Discover the world's greatest thinkers and their groundbreaking notions! Too often, textbooks turn the noteworthy theories, principles, and figures of philosophy into tedious discourse that even Plato would reject. Philosophy 101 cuts out the boring details and exhausting philosophical...

In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers. Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru's origins in Scandinavian and German paganism to its recognition as an official religion in the 1970s and its widespread acceptance today.

He was the Great Compromiser, a canny and colorful legislator whose life mirrors the story of America from its founding until the eve of the Civil War. Speaker of the House, senator, secretary of state, five-time presidential candidate, and idol to the young Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay is captured in full at last in this rich and sweeping biography.

More than 100 years after his birth, Pablo Neruda's poetry is as vital and beloved as ever. This collection presents 50 of the most essential poems by one of history's greatest poets in dynamic new translations, the result of an unprecedented collaboration among a team of poets, translators, and the world's leading Neruda scholars.