Amy McKenna

The abundance of natural resources endemic to central and eastern Africa has been critical in shaping the trajectory of the civilizations that have made the region their home. Like the rest of the continent, however, the areas' riches also made them vulnerable to slave traders and colonizers who left a devastating legacy in their wake. This engrossing selection documents the history of a region that witnessed some of the world's most brutal and destructive...

If necessity is indeed the mother of invention, then the individuals profiled in this volume should be considered the most laudable of all midwives. They each saw a need and met it. Readers will learn more about the lives and methodologies of well-known inventors such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison, and become familiar with several more whose creations have sometimes outstripped their personal fame.

The Nordic region of northern Europe is indelibly linked in the minds of many with the Viking cultures that populated the area eons ago. Yet, as this intricate study of Denmark, Finland, and Sweden attests, there's so much more to the story than that. These nations have emerged from the long shadow of their early days in the Viking era to become vibrant societies with proud traditions, distinct customs, and promising futures. Readers will learn about...

Welcome to a veritable feast for readers' eyes, minds, and, by extension, ears. Filled with profiles of truly accomplished musicians across a broad spectrum of musical styles and genres, this volume includes such varied musical artists as Ludwig von Beethoven, Elvis Presley, and hip-hop artist Jay-Z.

From its ancient kingdoms to the independent post-colonial states that make up the region today, western Africa has transformed dramatically over the centuries. Economically lucrative for European slave traders and later for their colonial successors, the territories along Africa's Atlantic coast were forced to overcome great adversity before achieving autonomy. This volume surveys the history of the many nations of western Africa where vestiges of...

Through the ages women have had to fight to be taken seriously, have their work accepted, and be considered the equal of men intellectually and creatively. This book tips its hat to women such as Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Sojourner Truth, and Princess Diana, who have made their mark and forever changed the world with their contributions.

It takes a great deal of personal strength, charisma, and intelligence to lead others. Some leaders improve the lives of their fellow citizens while others rule with an iron fist, oblivious to the plight of others. This book covers the lives and agendas of leaders good and bad, those who history has justifiably vilified and others who will be cherished for years to come.

When threads from Batman's past begin to unravel, the race is on for the Dark Knight to crack Hush's deadly game.

After Superman is put to rest, following his battle with Doomsday, his body is stolen from its tomb. As authorities investigate, new and completely different Supermen start appearing on the scene, making everyone wonder if Superman has been reincarnated, and if so, which of the new Supermen is the real Man-of-Steel?

Trying to put their mystery-solving days behind them, the Scooby gang go on an all-expense-paid trip to a mysterious (and strangely familiar) tropical island where their vacation is cut short by an army of marauding zombies and creepy cat people.