Scientists have a reputation for being focused on their work—and maybe even dull. But take another look. Did you know that it’s believed Galileo was scolded by the Roman Inquisition for sassing his mo
"This fascinating new installment in the popular Lives of . . . series of collective biographies is full of juicy tidbits about history's greatest explorers"--
Most people can name some famous artists and recognize their best-known works. But what's behind all that painting, drawing, and sculpting? What was Leonardo da Vinci's snack of choice while he painte
Shakespeare wrote with a feather quill and ink; Emily Dickinson wrote with a fountain pen; Isaac Bashevis Singer wrote on a Yiddish typewriter. But what did such writers do when they weren't writing?
Every kid knows that pirates talk funny, swing a big sword, and seek buried treasure—don’t they? What do we really know about Blackbeard, Madame Cheng, Sir Francis Drake, and other men and women of p
Here are the life stories of such diverse figures as Vivaldi, Mozart, Scott Joplin, Nadia Boulanger, and Woody Guthrie. Readers will learn of both their musical natures and the personal, humorous char
A latest entry in the series that includes Lives of the Presidents profiles many of history's most noteworthy scientists from Zhang Heng and Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein and Barbara McClintock, sha
“Fabulous reading, great for research, deliciously…feminist.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewKathleen Krull turns her spotlight on twenty powerful women from Cleopatra to RIgoberta Menchu Tum, reveali
Almost everybody can reel off stats about a favorite athlete, but few fans know the person behind the trophies and medals. Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought) tells
History comes to life in this dynamic volume! Here are inside views of twenty writers—people of all shapes, sizes, temperaments, and lifestyles, from various countries and historical periods. Include
In this entertaining, informative collection, readers will discover the idiosyncrasies—sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic—of twenty famous artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Peter
Every U.S. president is the focus of public scrutiny, but how well do we know these men? What kind of fathers do presidents make? Husbands? Neighbors? Other books focus on the historical achievements
Every kid knows that pirates talk funny, swing a big sword, and seek buried treasure—don’t they? What do we really know about Blackbeard, Madame Cheng, Sir Francis Drake, and other men and women of pi
Not all governments have been run by men. Lives of Extraordinary Women turns the spotlight on women who have wielded power, revealing their feats--and flaws--for all the world to see. Here you'll find
What is your favorite athlete's biggest fear? Strangest habit? Craziest quirk? And what did their neighbors have to say about them? Find out all you ever wanted to know about your favorite sports star
In this entertaining, informative collection, readers discover the idiosyncrasies-sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic-of twenty famous artists, including Michelangelo, Cassatt, van Gogh, Kahlo, and W
Here are inside views of twenty writers--people of all shapes, sizes, temperaments, and lifestyles, from various countries and historical periods. Included are William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, M
You might know that Marco Polo traveled the Silk Road, Lewis and Clark headed west with the help of Sacajawea, and Sally Ride blasted into space. But what do you really know about these bold explorers
Not all governments have been run by men. Lives of Extraordinary Women turns the spotlight on women who have wielded power, revealing their feats--and flaws--for all the world to see. Here you'll find
Almost everybody can reel off stats about a favorite athlete, but few fans know the person behind the trophies and medals. Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought) tells
Here is Wagner as an important figure in the development of the theatre, in particular, the founding of the Bayreuth Festival, which established the paradigm for all modern theatre and music festivals