Practical American English

Weird but True Stories from the American Old West: Strange and Bizarre Tales from the Frontier, 1865–1895 is a thrilling journey through the most unusual, mysterious, and downright bizarre real-life stories to come out of the Wild West. From haunted saloon pianos and vanishing mining towns to storm-riding cowboys and a decapitated outlaw whose ghost still roams the gallows, this captivating collection brings to life the stranger side of frontier history. Every chapter reveals a unique tale rooted in actual accounts, period newspapers, or enduring local legends—all set west of the ...

Discover the essence of American English with "American Idioms for Everyday Use". This guide unlocks the special phrases and slang that define American conversations, from New York's hustle to California's laid-back vibes.

This first-of-its-kind herbal guide takes you through the origins of herbal practices rooted in African American tradition—from Ancient Egypt and the African tropics to the Caribbean and the United States. Inside you'll find the stories of herbal healers like Emma Dupree and Henrietta Jeffries, who made modern American herbalism what it is today. After rediscovering the forgotten legacies of these healers, African American Herbalism dives into the important contributions they made to the world of herbalism.

Weird but True Stories from the 1950's: Bizarre, Shocking, and Unbelievable Tales from America’s Atomic Age Think you know the 1950's? Think again. Beneath the surface of poodle skirts, chrome diners, and black-and-white TV was a decade overflowing with mystery, irony, and stranger-than-fiction true stories. This captivating collection reveals ten astonishing real-life events from the 1950's that defy expectation and logic—each one verified and rooted in historical fact. From radar panic over Washington D.C. to the eerie Phantom Whistler of New Jersey, from mid-air collisions with ...

History books usually fall into two categories: impossibly dry or hopelessly long. This one is neither. Instead, think of it as the “greatest hits album” of American history. It’s packed with the stories, characters, and oddball events that shaped a very unruly nation. From rebellious colonists tossing tea into Boston Harbor, to presidents who rewrote the rules of leadership, to astronauts, inventors, protestors, and entrepreneurs who changed the world (sometimes by accident), this book walks you through the drama with a side order of fun.

A mix of memoir, spiritual teachings, and practices from Afro American traditions, Jambalaya offers a fascinating introduction to the world of nature-based spirituality, goddess worship, and rituals from the African diaspora. More relevant today than it was 36 years ago, the wisdom of Jambalaya reconnects us to the natural and spiritual world, and the centuries-old traditions of African ancestors, whose voices echo through time, guiding us and blending with our own.

Weird but True Stories from South American History: Bizarre, Shocking, and Unbelievable Tales from the Continent of Wonders takes readers on a thrilling journey through the most surprising, eerie, and astonishing true events in South America's past. From ancient lost cities swallowed by jungle to the sacred child mummies left high in the Andes, this book uncovers ten bizarre but historically verified tales that showcase the strange brilliance of the continent’s history. Each chapter explores a unique story backed by real evidence, providing a captivating blend of mystery, archaeology, ...

Discover the strangest side of the Civil War that textbooks left behind. From sneezed-out bullets and exploding mules to musical ceasefires and sky-high spies in balloons, Weird but True Stories from the Civil War reveals the bizarre, hilarious, and unbelievable moments that actually happened during America’s deadliest conflict. These aren’t fictional tales—they’re real events, drawn from eyewitness accounts, battlefield reports, and historical archives. Explore ten shocking stories that shine a light on the surreal side of 19th-century warfare, including a Confederate soldier who ...

Pragmatism Explained: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Philosophy of Practical Thought and Action is your essential introduction to one of the most influential philosophical traditions of the modern era. Born in nineteenth-century America through the work of Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey, pragmatism redefined the way we think about truth, knowledge, and progress. Instead of seeking abstract and eternal principles, pragmatism insists that the meaning of any idea must be measured by its practical consequences. This accessible guide explores the origins of ...

American Musical Theatre History: A Complete Guide to Broadway from 1968 to 1980 is the ultimate exploration of one of Broadway’s most daring and transformative eras. From the groundbreaking energy of Hair to the dark brilliance of Sweeney Todd, this book takes readers deep into the world of musicals that reshaped the stage and forever changed American culture. Spanning twelve pivotal years, this comprehensive guide examines how Broadway navigated cultural upheaval, economic struggles, and artistic experimentation. Discover how the rise of the concept musical redefined storytelling, how ...

American Musical Theatre History: A Complete Guide to the Origins and Golden Age Foundations (1600s–1939) Before Broadway became the shining center of American culture, musical theatre grew from folk traditions, European operettas, vaudeville stages, Tin Pan Alley, and the innovations of African American artists who reshaped the sound of popular music. From the colonial ballad operas of the eighteenth century to the groundbreaking debut of Show Boat in 1927 and the dazzling productions of the 1930s, this book tells the complete story of how the American musical came to life. In this ...

American Musical Theatre History: A Complete Guide to Broadway from 1940 to 1954 takes readers deep into one of the most transformative eras in Broadway history. This richly detailed book explores how American musicals evolved during the 1940s and early 1950s, moving from lighthearted revues to fully integrated works of art that combined story, song, and dance in powerful new ways. From Rodgers and Hammerstein’s groundbreaking Oklahoma! to Frank Loesser’s unforgettable Guys and Dolls, this period produced classics that continue to shape the stage today. Readers will discover how World ...

American Musical Theatre History: A Complete Guide to Broadway from 2011 to 2025 is the definitive account of one of the most transformative eras in Broadway history. Covering blockbuster sensations, groundbreaking diversity, pandemic shutdowns, and the digital revolution, this book provides readers with an engaging and comprehensive portrait of musical theatre in the twenty-first century. From the explosive rise of Hamilton to the intimate brilliance of Kimberly Akimbo, from the resilience of Broadway during the COVID-19 shutdown to the new global audiences created through streaming and ...

Weird but True Stories from the Great Depression: Bizarre, Shocking, and Unbelievable Tales from America's Darkest Decade Step beyond the breadlines and dust storms into the strangest corners of America’s hardest era. This captivating collection of weird but true stories from the Great Depression reveals a side of the 1930s you've never seen—filled with eccentric survival strategies, bizarre public stunts, surreal government projects, and the unforgettable humans behind it all. Meet the man who couldn’t be killed—even when poisoned, frozen, and gassed. Discover how flour sacks ...

Explore the hidden and often shocking history of cults in the United States in Cults in America: A Deep Dive into the Dark History of U.S. Cults and Their Lasting Impact. From 19th-century utopian experiments to the devastating events at Jonestown and Waco, this comprehensive guide reveals how cults have shaped American society, politics, and culture across the centuries. Discover the psychological tactics that cults use to control followers, the warning signs of recruitment, and the rise of digital-age movements like QAnon and NXIVM. This compelling and informative book balances historical...

Step into the golden era of Broadway and discover the unforgettable shows, stars, and innovations that defined American musical theatre between 1955 and 1967. From the sweeping romance of My Fair Lady and the groundbreaking choreography of West Side Story to the biting satire of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and the daring experimentation of Cabaret, this period produced some of the most influential musicals in history. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll explore how Broadway balanced tradition with innovation, blending lush scores and dazzling performances with social ...

American Musical Theatre History 1981–1994: A Complete Guide to Broadway’s Transitional Era explores one of the most dramatic and transformative periods in Broadway history. In the years after the Golden Age and before the blockbuster renaissance of the late 1990s, Broadway stood at a crossroads. Megamusicals dominated the stage, Andrew Lloyd Webber reshaped the business of theatre, Stephen Sondheim pushed boundaries with daring experiments, and Disney arrived to make Broadway family-friendly once again. This comprehensive guide traces the rise of international spectacles like Cats, Les...

Step right up and discover the fascinating story of how traveling sideshows and carnivals captured the imagination of generations. From their roots in medieval European fairs to the dazzling spectacle of the American midway, carnivals have always been more than rides and games. They were places where wonder thrived, where the boundaries between reality and illusion blurred, and where communities came together to marvel at the extraordinary. In this richly detailed history, you’ll explore the rise of the American carnival after the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, meet legendary ...

American Musical Theatre History 1995–2010: A Complete Guide to Broadway’s New Millennium explores one of the most transformative eras in Broadway history. From the rise of Disney as a theatrical powerhouse to the daring innovation of new composers and storytellers, this book provides an in-depth look at how American musical theatre entered the new millennium with boldness, resilience, and global influence. Spanning fifteen years of productions, cultural shifts, and technological breakthroughs, this comprehensive guide covers: The arrival of Disney on Broadway with The Lion King, Aida, ...

Discover the rich heritage and timeless sound of American folk music with this beginner-friendly guide. Getting Started with American Folk Music is your gateway to the songs, stories, and social movements that shaped America’s most enduring musical tradition. Whether you're a curious listener, a budding musician, or someone drawn to the authentic roots of American culture, this practical and engaging book walks you through the history, artists, genres, and modern evolution of folk music. Inside, you’ll learn: What defines American folk music and why it still matters today The cultural ...