Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: American    5. Reference    6. Statistics    7. United States    8. United States - General    9. American history    10. History / United States / General    11. Reference works    12. USA   

Reviews (3)

Lives up to the Pirate Soul Museum!
Croce's Pirate Soul book is an amazing achievement in that it captures a large part of the history, interactive entertainment and pirate lore residing within Croce's one of a kind Pirate museum in Key West, FL. This is no small feat given the quality and scope (over 500 authentic artifacts) of the museum and is a testament to Pat's emerging presence as the foremost pirate expert. Whether you wish to relive your Pirate Soul museum experience or get a taste of the world's largest collection of pirate artifacts, this book is a must read!

the perfect pirate book!!
this book is a major WOW!everything you'd ever want to know about the golden age of piracy while making the trip so fun and hands on.i just keep going back through it and finding more and more "stuff"!i love just leaving it out on my coffee table -- no one is shy about playing with it and talking about it. a great gift this holiday season for all pirate lovers.

Brilliant interactive adventure and wonderful learning experience
Croce has introduced a whole new way of learning about Pirates that children and adults can enjoy.This book makes the experience of reading to your child truly enjoyable.The numerous 3-D representation of Pirate artifacts is a great way to tell the story.The playing cards, fold-out map and the Henry Every's "Wanted" poster are brilliant additions to this book.My children (all ages 6 and below) were fascinated by the history and Pirate culture.There are many imitations, but this book is the real deal!!!!!Buy it for you, your child (as a treasure/keepsake) and for a relative!!!!Worth every bit of the price!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Maritime History    6. Navigation    7. Reference    8. Travel writing    9. World history: c 1500 to c 1750   

Subjects:  1. Civilization    2. Dictionaries    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Intellectual life    6. Philosophy    7. Reference    8. World - General    9. History of ideas, intellectual history   

Editorial Review

From abortion to "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, Abrams vs. United States tothe Zenger trial, and abstract impressionism to Dr. Marie Zakrzewska, Read more

Reviews (4)

Fails as a Guide to American History
Students and history buffs need a good, comprehensive volume on the significant people, events, movements and changes in the United States over the course of its history. This volume, from the leading publisher of reference books in the English language, fails and disappoints with regard to these goals. This Oxford Companion tries to be the United States History of Everything, as a result it misses key aspects of political history and what it does cover is often inadequate and incomplete. a vital and reliable companion to u.s. history today
This volume contains entries that deal with concepts, events, persons, and movements in u.s. history. The length of the entries is appropriate to the topic considered. In addition, the entires both inform the reader with up-to-date information and indicate how revisionist historians have resahped opionions or refocused the discipline. The entries are clearly written and eminently readable. They are persuasive in thier opionions, yet respectful of other stances. The cross references are helpful and ample. The same obtains for the bibliographies. The Oxford Companion to U.S. History far surpasses some other contemporary dictionaries in U.S. history. Its articles are treated in more depth and greater nuances. The entries in the other dictionaries are too short and far too superficial. I would highly recommend this for people involved in serious historical study and research.

a vital and reliable companion to u.s. history today
This volume contains entries that deal with concepts, events, persons, and movements in u.s. history. The length of the entries is appropriate to the topic considered. In addition, the entires both inform the reader with up-to-date information and indicate how revisionist historians have resahped opionions or refocused the discipline. The entries are clearly written and eminently readable. They are persuasive in thier opionions, yet respectful of other stances. The cross references are helpful and ample. The same obtains for the bibliographies. The Oxford Companion to U.S. History far surpasses some other contemporary dictionaries in U.S. history. Its articles are treated in more depth and greater nuances. The entries in the other dictionaries are too short and far too superficial. I would highly recommend this for people involved in serious historical study and research. The price, especially the discounted one offered by amazon.com, is well worth the investment for scholars,libraries, and families. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americas (North Central South West Indies)    2. Encyclopedias    3. History    4. History - U.S.    5. History: American    6. Reference    7. United States    8. United States - General    9. United States History (General)    10. American history    11. History / United States / General    12. History, American    13. Reference works    14. USA   

Reviews (1)

An Uneven Work
When I look at some of the entries in the Encyclopedia, I found unfortunate errors and very superficial research. The entry on Orangeburg County relies on the 1898 (that's right, 108 years old) history of the county by Alexander Salley, an ancient secondary source notorious for its inaccuracies. Several entries describe the early Swiss settlers (who dominated the earliest settlement of several large SC counties) as Lutherans, when in fact they were overwhelmingly Swiss Reformed, or Calvinist. Familiarity with primary sources would have told the authors and editor this. When we look for the settlers in Swiss parish records, they are in Reformed congregations. When we find records of the ordinations of ministers (prior to Giessendanner converting to the established Church of England in order to be paid by the colony) they are Reformed ordinations in Europe (for example Zubly, Theus) or Presbyterian if in South Carolina (for example, Giessendanner).When knowledgeable contemporaries refer to the religion of the Swiss settlers in Carolina, they say or imply that they were Reformed or Calvinist. Even Reimensperger's brochure encouraging Swiss to settle in Carolina specifies that potential settlers should be Reformed. Secondary sources would also provide the same information. Modern histories of the Presbyterian and Lutheran denominations in South Carolina acknowledge that the Swiss immigrants were Reformed. The Lutherans appear in SC only with the somewhat later immigration of Germans, who differed from the Swiss in other aspects of culture and history, as well as in religion. It is hard to understand how such a basic error regarding a significant part of early settlement in the state could be made in the Encyclopedia. Another entry tells us that the most "vibrant" German-speaking community in SC was in Charleston. I'm afraid the authors didn't have much information on which to base a comparison.
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Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: World    5. Reference    6. South Carolina    7. United States - State & Local - South    8. American history    9. American studies    10. Reference works   

Editorial Review

One of the beautiful things about comics is that it is possibly the best medium for combining education and entertainment. No one knows this better than Larry Gonick, whose Cartoon History series spans many subjects.Whether you are a fan of history, comics, or Gonick's books, Read more

Reviews (46)

Great Classroom Library Addition
I bought this book for my 6th grade classroom and ended up reading it myself.It's a favorite with the students though there is a bit of nudity that I had to censor with a black marker.

superb
Larry Gonick's book on statistics inspired me. I still don't understand probability but I was amused. His history text shows again that he is smarter then I am but I understoond the text and learned about the time it took to get here from the beginning of time and the maze of attorcities that leads from one powerful kingdom to another. Cartoons help make powerful messages more tolerable. I may buy all of his work.

More Informative Than A Semester In World Civ 101
The first and best volume in Mr. Gonick's history series (just when IS the fourth book coming out???) truly does present more practical information about the history of our planet and the rise of the human species, than any history class I was ever in. And whatsmore, the author has made it fun to learn all this. I understand this book was edited by the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and what a gem she found to give us! Not only would I enthusiastically recommend this and all works in Larry Gonick's series to historian or casual reader alike, I would go so far as to say these are all masterpieces of erudition and intelligent presentation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caricatures and cartoons    2. Cartoons and caricatures    3. Comics & Cartoons    4. Graphic Satire And Humor    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Reference    8. World history    9. Cartoons & comic strips    10. Comics & Graphic Novels / Comics & Cartoons   

Subjects:  1. Discovery And Exploration (General)    2. Europe - General    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History Of Civilization And Culture (General)    6. History: World    7. Reference    8. Renaissance    9. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    10. Europe    11. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    12. History / Renaissance    13. Social history    14. The Americas    15. c 1500 to c 1600    16. c 1600 to c 1700   

Reviews (23)

A Fun, Easy & Educational Read for All Ages
What a great little book!Based on a series of History Minutes developed to air on The History Channel, every two-page spread of this little gem provides a short, easy-to-read and very interesting story-behind-the-story that most of us don't know.
Who'da thought?!
Some simply amazing stories.My ten-year old son chose this book for his "bedtime reading".Educational AND Entertaining.

Fun facts to share with others...
This is the most fun to read and 'trivia contest' your friends with! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curiosities & Wonders    2. History    3. History - General History    4. Military    5. Military - General    6. Miscellanea    7. Reference    8. World history    9. History / Reference   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Economic History    3. History    4. History: World    5. Reference    6. 20th century    7. Finance    8. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (4)

Excellent on the Basics
I received my copy from our Grand Master.I immediately read it and enjoyed it greatly.My only complaint was that some of the book repeated itself and was a bit basic.But, it is a great place to start oneself on the path further light in Masonry.

Wealth of knowledge
Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry is for everyone that wants to know or even think that they know what freemasonry is about.

The BEST book on Freemasonry
Dr. Morris has done the world of Freemasonry a great service by writing this book and, through his erudition and scholarship, he has also advanced the cause of knowledge and learning generally, for which everyone ought to be thankful. This is by far the BEST, one volume reference book on Freemasonry published to date. It is an excellent, all purpose book. It covers all aspect of American and international Freemasonry, it discusses, history, rituals, anti-Masonry, and even includes a photo section classifying and explaining a wide assortment of Masonic symbols, emblems, and regalia. Perfect for the non-Mason who wants to know "what's really going on," perfect for the new Master Mason seeking more light, and equally perfect for longtime members of the Craft who have forgotten more than they knew, and wish to have a handy, easy to read but astonishingly thorough book on hand. Thank you, Brent Morris, for this superbly done book. Highly recommended to all! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Sociology Of Organizations    7. Freemasonry & secret societies    8. History / Reference    9. Social history   

Reviews (3)

Calling all educators: A MUST HAVE!
OK, the fact that he is "the" professor who changed the course of my life notwithstanding: This is a terrific book, one that opens doors for teachers who want to think about "what" they do, "how" they do it, "why" they use the materials that they do, and, ultimately, what critical pathways they have opened in their students at the end of the day. An Interview with Sam Wineburg about "Historical Thinking"
Historical Thinking: Training Ground for Democracy
[Note: This review appeared in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on June 1, 2001. Go to online copy at the newspaper's website ..., or see the text below: Read more

Subjects:  1. Culture conflict    2. Curricula    3. Education / Teaching    4. Historiography    5. History    6. History: World    7. Philosophy    8. Study & Teaching    9. Study and teaching    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Social Science    11. United States    12. Cognition & cognitive psychology    13. History: theory & methods    14. Teaching of a specific subject    15. USA   

Reviews (1)

An Excellent Collection of Current Scholarship in Islamics
The Encyclopaedia of the Qur'an represents the most current knowledge available regarding Islam and Qur'anic Studies.Jane Dammen Mcauliffe has done an excellent job compiling contributions from an impressive list of scholars.Andrew Rippin, G.R. Hawting, Patricia Crone, Herbert Berg, Bowering, Beatrice Greundler, and a host of others all weigh in on issues ranging from the Chronology of the Qur'an to its Compilation; and from Exegetical issues to the controversial questions of the Origins of the Qur'an.Excellent Scholarship marks the first volume's entries on the topics of Arabic Scripts, Language, and Paleography.It draws on recent research and scholarship, including the "paper grave" of manuscripts discovered in Sana'a Yemen which are currently being analyzed by German Professor Gerhard Puin.This first available volume covers topics from "A" through "D", and makes many references to future entries in the volumes which are to follow. While the entries are based on thorough research and academic study, several of the conclusions and observations will be quite controversial in the Muslim community, particularly those which call into question the reliability of Muslim Literary Traditions, and those which are damaging to the traditional understandings of the nature of the Qur'an as a monolithic, unevolved (or even uncreated) source of Divine Revelation.This volume, and those which follow, are certain to establish themselves as instant classics in the libraries of scholars and academic students of Islam around the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Islamic Studies    4. Reference    5. Sociology    6. Islam    7. Reference works    8. Sacred texts   

Reviews (7)

Horrible mistake in regards to PERSIAN GOLF ****************
What the hell is going on... I wonder wich rich royal family in the mid-east has funded this unbeleivable mistake!!!
Historical information in this book was manipulated
In this book, unfortunately due to powerful anti-Iranian (Persian) activities and the typical incompetence of the Islamic Republic that occupies Iran, the southern states of the Persian Gulf who have only come to existence thanks to foreign powers, have slowly become more brazen. As a result the National Geographic Society has printed at least three major erroneous statements in its Atlas of the World 2005 (Eighth Edition, ISBN: 0-7922-7543-8 & ISBN: 0-7922-7542-x) regarding Iran and the Persian Gulf.
Fine history tome but not really an atlas....
I give this book four stars because, while it is really not an atlas, it is a wonderful overview of history.Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlases    2. Atlases - Historical    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Reference    6. World - General    7. World history    8. Maps, charts & atlases    9. Reference / General   

Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. Military - Naval    3. Military Science    4. Reference    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - Pictorial    6. Yearbooks & Annuals    7. 21st century    8. Naval forces & warfare    9. Weapons & equipment    10. Yearbooks, annuals, almanacs   

Reviews (11)

Costume in Detail: 1730-1930
I bought this as a gift but I want a copy for myself. Can I say better?

costume survey
the best of its kind. library copies constantly used by local stage costumers. a brilliant piece of work!

Very detailed
I would have loved to had seen the pieces of the garment drawn in their pattern shapes, but otherwise an excellent book with much detail written about each garment. Only other problem was that sometimes the writer's handwriting about the details on the drawings were a bit hard to decifer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Costume    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. History    5. History: World    6. Performing Arts    7. Reference    8. Theater - Stagecraft    9. 20th century    10. Fashion design    11. c 1700 to c 1800    12. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (6)

Excellent for what it offers....though it's lacking....
I really love a book I just got, called the "Encyclopedia of Battles: From 1479 B.C. to Present"...that's a great book, not because it gives super large descriptions of battles, but because it HAS every battle and war in history. It also includes wars, and lists battles in order of these wars. I do not mind the lack of information, since I am merely using this book to look things up online in detail at wikipedia.com, so I'll be an expert on war and battles in history.
Military History: A Dispassionate View
War is both bloody and chaotic, yet if one wishes to understand it then one must not be so.In THE OXFORD COMPANION TO MILITARY HISTORY, editor Richard Holmes gathers the expertise of dozens of experts in military history to produce a massive text (more than 1,000 pages) on the entire spectrum of military history.When readers think of this topic they tend to think of battles and wars, and this text lists all the important ones and some that are known only to specialists.You want to know a one or two page summary of the battle of Stalingrad in 1942?Battles like this are discussed in detail and with clarity, often with surprisingly detailed illustrations and maps.Yet, this history includes far more than battles fought.Battles are not just set piece encounters of troop movements; they include the human element of both rank and file grunt and their respective commander.Further, battles are often won and lost solely on the basis of the technological superiority of one side over the other.Holmes' text includes all that and more.So for whom is this history intended?It it not for one who has no interest in matters of killing and strategy.It is for one who has a previous interest in a battle, a soldier, or a weapon.It is for one who has seen the film PEARL HARBOR and wishes to separate celluloid fantasy from historical fact.It is for the high school or college student who needs to know more than what is normally contained in a general history.And finally, it is for those who wish to have a handy one volume text of military arcana as the next step on a personal project or quest that involves using what Holmes' experts have to say.TOCMH is a superb gift to anyone who falls into any of the above categories.

Oxford Companion to Military History
This book is very thorough for the type of history it covers, but it has biases that detract it from receiving the highest rating.
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Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Military - General    6. Military History (General)    7. Military history    8. Reference    9. History / Military / General    10. History of specific subjects    11. History, Other | Military History    12. Reference works    13. Theory of warfare & military science    14. War & defence operations   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Reference    4. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    5. Islam    6. Reference works    7. Sacred texts   

Subjects:  1. Bibliography    2. Caribbean & West Indies - General    3. Caribbean Area - History    4. Dictionaries    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Reference    9. Trinidad and Tobago    10. American history    11. Reference works    12. Social Science / Reference    13. Trinidad & Tobago   

Editorial Review

Legendary scholar-activist W.E.B. Du Bois labored to complete an "Encyclopedia Africana" before his death in 1963. Just over 35 years later, two Harvard educators, Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Ghanaian-born Kwame Anthony Appiah, have brought Du Bois' intellectual dream to life in

Reviews (25)

No comprehensive Index again!
As a university professor in African American Studies, I looked forward to the first edition and bought it. But I was disappointed by the woefully lacking index which is also the case with the 2nd edition.
Great Coffee Table Book...
This encyclopedia has plenty of useful information and gives the reader easy access to black history that is not easily researched (especially considering this Eurocentric world we live in). Great to have on your coffee table, exposed, so that guests can have a quick and random look at some black facts and history. This encyclopedia has entries that I would suggest be used to wet your appetite for knowledge and spark your desire to learn more, but not to be used as the sole source of info on any given topic.

Bernadette Pruitt, Ph.D.
Thank you for your promptness.The recipient truly loved the gift.Thank you once again.Bernadette ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - General    2. African Americans    3. African diaspora    4. Blacks    5. Encyclopedias    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Reference    10. Africa    11. African history    12. Encyclopaedias & Reference Works    13. History / Reference    14. History, American | African American    15. Social history   

Subjects:  1. History & Surveys - General    2. Philosophy    3. Reference    4. History of ideas, intellectual history    5. History: theory & methods    6. Modern Western philosophy, c 1600 to the present    7. Philosophy / History, Criticism, Surveys