This history of medieval inventions, focusing on the eleventh to the fourteenth centuries, vividly portrays a thriving era of human ingenuity--and the results are still being felt to this day. From th
A veteran political analyst examines the forces that led to the rise of populism and considers their continuing influence into the future.What political, social, and cultural forces led to the electio
A leading technology expert examines ways to manage the rapid proliferation of technology and come to grips with its pervasive influence.Technology--always a key driver of historical change--is now tr
Two veteran math educators concisely profile leading mathematicians throughout history highlighting their often unusual personalities and lives while giving average readers insights into the importanc
A popular clinical psychologist explores an often misunderstood and unrecognized emotion that's the root cause of many self-defeating and harmful behaviors.Emotional paralysis, a distorted view of sel
A NASA insider tells the exciting story of the people, some well-known but many unrecognized, who were responsible for so many daring space missions.Award-winning science writer Rod Pyle profiles the
This engaging biography of Jacob Bronowski celebrates his many accomplishments, highlighting his role as one of the leading science educators of his generation.Best remembered today for his blockbuste
An astute analysis of today's political chaos showing that the current period of disruptive change is part of a recurring pattern in American politics.What's happening to American politics? Old politi
An evolutionary psychologist traces the roots of political divisions back to our primate ancestors and male-dominated social hierarchies.Through the lens of evolutionary science, this book offers a no
A Protestant minister and an atheist philosopher interact in a constructive and respectful dialogue about their differing views on life, stressing the importance of honesty, civility, and community en
The whole story of laser weapons with a focus on its many interesting characters and sometimes bizarre schemesThe laser--a milestone invention of the mid-twentieth century--quickly captured the imagin
This disturbing exposé describes a secret alliance forged at the close of World War II by the CIA, the Sicilian and US mafias, and the Vatican to thwart the possibility of a Communist invasion
Defending the role that science must play in democratic society--science defined not just in terms of technology but as a way of approaching problems and viewing the world.In this collection of origin
A technology expert describes the ever-increasing role of artificial intelligence in weapons development, the ethical dilemmas these weapons pose, and the potential threat to humanity.Artificial intel
The first biography in English of a leading Dutch American physicist, who discovered the subatomic property of "spin" and spearheaded the search for Hitler's atom bomb as World War II came to an end.T
Brings to light the long history of spies posing as journalists in Washington.Covert intelligence gathering, propaganda, fake news stories, dirty tricks--these tools of spy craft have been used for se
A tech-industry insider takes a critical look at the effect games are having on our short- and long-term happiness and assesses the cultural prospects of a society increasingly obsessed with gaming.Th
A legal scholar and animal-rights expert argues for a practical approach to using animals respectfully.In this fresh approach to the animal rights debate, a legal scholar and expert on the humane trea
Focusing on German society immediately following the First World War, this vivid historical narrative explains how fake news and political uproar influenced Hitler and put him on the path toward dicta
This trenchant analysis examines the many ways our society's increasingly tenuous commitment to facts laid the groundwork for Donald Trump's rise to power.Award-winning journalist Nathan Bomey argues
An expert on the psychology of belief examines how our thoughts and feelings, actions and reactions, respond not to the world as it actually is but to the world as we believe it to be.This book explor
Science writer David DiSalvo distills the latest research on how our brains work into easy-to-understand lessons that will give average readers insights into their habitual behavior.This book reveals
A former congressional staffer and Capitol Hill veteran recounts the colorful history of presidential advisers, showing how influential these unelected appointees have been.This revealing book examine
An accessible introduction to core concepts in evolution for lay readers, which shows that random events have played a critical role in the development of lifeCritical historical events--or "turning p
Two scientists give an enthusiastic, layperson's overview of a new supermaterial now in development that could transform many features of daily life, from creating new conveniences to improving health
What is the difference between those bold enough to pursue their dreams and others who never get comfortable enough to ignite their lives? The doers are "Firestarters" and, because of them, the world
Highlights a little-known expedition of General George Custer to the Black Hills of South Dakota, showing how it set the stage for later conflict with the Sioux and the Battle of Little Bighorn. This
An overview and appreciation of Renaissance literature for lay readers that takes account of major intellectual trends, various genres, and key historical figures of the period.This engaging survey of
A leading advocate for immigration reform interviews a wide range of citizens from communities throughout the nation to gauge the level of acceptance of new immigrants.This compelling approach to the
A noted space expert explains the current revolution in spaceflight, where it leads, and why we need it."At last, here is the vision we were aiming for when we landed on the Moon. The Case for Space i
Will help you appreciate and understand the significance of Isaac Newton's masterpiece--what many regard as the greatest scientific contribution of all time.Despite its dazzling reputation, Isaac Newt
Would you kill for love? True-crime master Ron Franscell tells the grisly story of Alice and Gerald Uden, a loving couple who murdered at least four people, and live happily ever after--while cops try
An expert on US election law presents an encouraging assessment of current efforts to make our voting system more accessible, reliable, and effective.In contrast to the anxiety surrounding our voting
A leading psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist specializing in violence, psychosis, and criminal pathology offer chilling insights into the minds of murderers through a hierarchy of criminal behav
Critiquing assumptions on both the left and the right, noted historian of ideas and political theorist David Selbourne stresses the importance of shared community and civic duty.How stable are free so
Based on newly available information, the son of famed U-2 pilot, Francis Gary Powers, presents the facts and dispels misinformation about the Cold War espionage program that his father was part of.On