The Washington Monument.The pyramid on the $1 bill.The Skull and Bones Society at Yale University.Common American icons-or secret symbols? From our founding fathers to our most prestigious institutions, this is a nation built on such secret symbols, rites, and rituals. So forget the textbook version of history-and embark on a fascinating and fantastic journey of America's hidden past.This tell-all handbook is your personal guide to the secret-laden people, pla...

• An affordable, accessible companion to vampire literature, films, and TV • Several vampire movies are due out in 2008 and 2009: Twilight, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, and The Historian • Vampire communities are flourishing on the Internet—a simple “vampire societies” search on Google yields over 580,000 results • Everything reference books have sold more than 575,000 copies! Bram Stoker’s Dracula Anne Rice’s Lestat Stephenie Meyer’s Edward Who can resist these erotic, exotic creatures...

Filmmaking is a notoriously difficult field to break into—a script’s chance of making it to production is a staggering 1 in every 140,000. But the millions of aspiring filmmakers can up their odds with The Everything Filmmaking Book. This engaging, easy-to-follow guide takes readers step-by-step through the filmmaking process, including:-Writing a marketable script-Understanding all aspects of pre-production-Shooting on location-Working with the cast

The real-life adventures of the paranormal investigators-slash-plumbers who star in the hit television show Ghost Hunters.The Atlantic Paranormal Society, also known as TAPS, is the brainchild of two plumbers by day, paranormal investigators by night: Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson. Their hair-raising investigations, fueled by their unique abilities and a healthy dose of scientific method, have made them the subject of a hit TV show: Ghost Hunters.

Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantès is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration.This English translation, dating back to 1846, has never been authoritatively traced to a translator—a longstanding literary mystery bef...

Take a left on the road and you might just hear about the man who disappears each time you knock him down. Take a right and you will hear that going towards the white gates may just well be the headless horseman on his favorite white horse. Take a straight road down and you might learn about the hanging tree known to hang people for crimes as simple as stealing potatoes. Stand yourself in one of the ancient castles in the late hours of the night, and heaven knows what brushes past you!...

A comprehensive guidebook to over one hundred occult secrets from throughout the world and throughout the ages.From the strange symbols on a one-dollar bill to the secret signs of the Knights Templar and Freemasons, invisible societies, and the world of magic and alchemy, The Book of Secrets is a comprehensive introduction to the world of secret and esoteric knowledge throughout history.In the mystery tradition, "secrets" are levels of consciousness ...

An exploration of the influence of secret societies on the formative documents and symbols of the United States• Reveals the Founding Fathers’ spiritual vision for America as encoded in the Great Seal• Traces the influence of the Iroquois League of Nations upon the Constitution• Exposes the deep connections the Founding Fathers had with the Freemasons and other secret societiesAll children growing up in America learn who the Founding Fathers were. Most, howe...

What’s hiding in the woods? Here is the definitive account of today’s nationwide sightings of upright, canine creatures – which resemble traditional werewolves – and a thorough exploration of the nature and possible origins of the mysterious beast.“She has the ability to send chills up and down your spine.”—Brad Steiger, author of Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits, and Haunted Places“If you thought the likes of The Wolfman, The Twil...

• Insider author gives no-nonsense advice• Required reading for film students, educators, anyone interested in filmFrom script analysis to post production, here is the all-inclusive guide to directing for film and television. Written by noted director-producer Myrl Schreibman, The Film Director Prepares offers practical insights on filmmaking, using real-life examples directors won’t learn in school. With topics including working with actors, using the came...

From pre-Columbian legends to modern-day eyewitness accounts, this comprehensive guide covers the history, sightings and lore surrounding the most mysterious monsters in America—including Bigfoot, the Jersey Devil, and more.Bigfoot, the chupacabra, and thunderbirds aren’t just figments of our overactive imaginations—according to thousands of eyewitnesses, they exist, in every corner of the United States. Throughout America’s history, shocked onlookers have seen unb...

Five keys to creating authentic, distinctive work, whether you are a student, professional or simply love making films on your ownFor Creative Filmmaking from the Inside Out, three professors at the renowned University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television interviewed fifteen outstanding filmmakers, then distilled their insights into the "Five I's" of creativity. Learn how to: Uncover your unique creative voice (Introspection)...