A tremendously insightful biography of the man who helmed the Velvet Underground and single-handedly created alternative rock This book covers not only the highlights of Reed’s career, but explores
Katharine Wright embodied the worldly, independent, and self-fulfilled New Woman of the early twentieth century, yet she remained in many ways a Victorian. Torn between duty and love, she agonized for
A decade after fleeing the Congo for the United States, having endured rape, imprisonment, and torture in her homeland, Regina Bakala found herself locked in a US prison facing deportation to almost c
Going behind the headlines and deep into the brutal world of the Congo, this exposé examines why eastern Congo is the most dangerous place on the planet. While the Western world takes for granted its
“A valuable combination of scholarship, telling anecdote, and informed opinion.” —Stephen Kinzer Unfinished Revolution is the first full-length biography of Daniel Ortega. It traces his life from his
From the author of Backyard Ballistics comes a new DIY handbook on building cannons and other fun things that shoot, from whiffle ball launchers and marshmallow bazookas to super-powered water guns an
Ever lusted for a cool braid style, but just can’t figure out how? Thanks to The Braid Book, now you can! Sarah Hiscox and Willa Burton, founders of London’s hip The Braid Bar, show you how to style b
Being a wizard takes training, practice, and a few tips from an expert. Author and professional toy designer John Austin, creator of the popular MiniWeapons of Mass Destruction series, provides dozens
The GIs called her Joey. Hundreds owed their lives to the tiny Filipina who stashed explosives in spare tires, tracked Japanese troop movements, and smuggled maps of fortifications across enemy lines.
Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich made international headlines when he was arrested by the FBI, accused of running the state government as a criminal racket and, most shockingly, of trying to sell Bar
Fred Pascente is the man who links Tony Spilotro, one of Chicago’s most notorious mob figures, to William Hanhardt, chief of detectives of the Chicago Police Department. Pascente and Spilotro grew up
Charlotte Pierce-Baker and her husband were always there for their son Mark, providing not only emotional support but the best education possible, the freedom to choose his own path, and every opportu
“Frank writes from the gut on how he was able to work and study to devise ways to defeat opponents who were bigger or stronger.” —George ForemanFrank Shamrock won titles in all three major North Ameri
“Tom Williams is the third and best biographer of Chandler. . . . [His] packed, insightful, entertaining biography will, I feel, be the last.” —(London)TimesThe life of Raymond Chandler has long been
The Carnival Campaign tells the fascinating story of the pivotal 1840 presidential campaign of General William Henry Harrison and John Tyler—“Tippecanoe and Tyler Too.” Pulitzer Prize–nominated former
More than six years after his death, Michael Jackson continues to fascinate the world. Shana Mangatal was one of Jackson’s only constant and true rocks of stability for nearly two decades. Their relat
The first comprehensive parenting guide to violence and aggression in youth,Warning Signs provides practical methods to reduce harm to and by children. Doctors Johnson and Berdahl present the most com
In the decades following his death, many of those who knew James Dean best––actors, directors, friends, lovers (both men and women), photographers, and Hollywood columnists––shared stories of their fi
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky are widely considered the greatest of Russian science fiction masters, and their most famous work, Roadside Picnic, has enjoyed great popularity worldwide. Yet the nov
Art historian Simonetta Carr draws on recent scholarship that challenges the traditional view of Michelangelo as a recluse. Readers will also learn about the complex and fluid era of the Italian Renai
Chronicling the rich and fascinating history of Washington, DC, this useful resource for teachers and parents, reveals to young readers the city’s remarkable past through 21 hands-on activities. Child
Judy Garland on Judy Garland is the closest we will likely come to experiencing and exploring the legend’s abandoned autobiography. Collecting and presenting the most important Garland interviews and
Brilliant, intensely political, and inseparable for nearly 70 years, Lucie Aubrac and her husband, Raymond, are legendary figures of the French Resistance. Founding leaders of Liberation-Sud, one of t
This collection of gripping short biographies brings to life the brave and often surprising exploits of 16 fascinating women from around the world who served their countries at a time when most of the
One Man’s War is a gripping novel that follows the journey of one man, Bob Kafak, through World War II. It takes you where he fought, what he saw, what he did, and how he felt. The story focuses on th
The golden days of complimentary in-flight champagne and cushy sleeping car coaches on the Orient Express are largely behind us. Say hello to $50 “leg room upgrade” fees and bedbug-infested hotels. Wh
Revealing the warm and astonishing story of an influential jazz legend, this personal narrative tells the story of a man’s journey from a Southern upbringing to a career touring the world to play for
Years before Diana Ross, Mary Wells was the first Motown solo superstar, the internationally popular songstress who sang the megahit “My Guy.” Her songs consistently and repeatedly reached huge audien
Offering a unique analysis and discussion of her life, career, and work, this is the true story of Patti Smith. Widely acknowledged as one of the most significant American artists of the rock age, an
Junk has become a national obsession. Who doesn’t have a basement, attic, closet, or storage unit filled with stuff too good to throw away? Or, more accurately, stuffyou think is too good to throw awa
This fast-paced mystery is set in the otherworldly and spy-filled Galapagos Islands in 1938 during the lead-up to World War II. A fugitive New York City cop is on the run from both the law and the maf
Twenty years ago, in the middle of the night and on the last day of session, the New York State Legislature created a publicly funded school district to cater to the interests of a religious sect call
In 1921, one of the biggest movie stars in the world was accused of killing a woman. What followed was an unprecedented avalanche of press coverage, the original “trial of the century,” and a wave of
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference while on vacation—simultaneously getting away and using your talents to improve the world—this guide shows you how a short-term volunteer stint can tra
The story of California is the story of dreamers—explorers, gold miners, immigrants, ranchers, moviemakers, farmers, and everyday Americans who headed west for a fresh start. The first native inhabita
Humankind needs to find and develop alternative forms of energy. As the world’s population continues to grow, more people will need access to lighting, communication, transit, and computing. Fossil fu
Explaining the language of finance and the skill of investing, this guide gives kids an early start at making their money grow. The book explains the general concept of money and demonstrates how savi
Even in Chicago, a city steeped in mob history and legend, the Family Secrets case was a true spectacle when it made it to court in 2007. A top mob boss, a reputed consigliere, and other high-profile
Offering a rarely seen female perspective on gang life, this raw and powerful memoir tells not only of one woman’s struggle to survive the streets but also of her ascent to the top ranks of the new ma
If you've ever wondered how a microwave heats food, why aluminum foil is shiny on one side and dull on the other, or whether it is better to use cold or hot water in a garbage disposal, now you'll ha
