Explore the beautiful and complex world of art!Too often, textbooks obscure the beauty and wonder of fine art with tedious discourse that even Leonardo da Vinci would oppose. Art 101 cuts out the boring details and lengthy explanations, and instead, gives you a lesson in artistic expression that keeps you engaged as you discover the world's greatest artists and their masterpieces.From color theory and Claude Monet to Jackson Pollock and Cubism, this primer is pac...

Easy solutions for life's toughest scenariosWhen there's a 1 in 12 million chance of a shark attack occurring and a 1 in 5 chance of bed-bug infestation, it's easy to see which scenario is worth preparing for. What Do I Do If...? helps you solve the far more common, but no less devastating, of life's little curveballs. From accidentally dropping your ring down the drain to blowing out a tire at 65 mph to dealing with a friend who won't pay you back, each entry offers pract...

Whoever said, "sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you" never met an a**hole. Here, you'll find more than 1,200 of the most biting quotes, comments, and comebacks ever uttered, including:"I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would be an affront to your intelligence." --George Bernard Shaw"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." --Albert Einstein"If they ca...

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of All Things WeirdSure, you probably know that George Washington was our first president and that Christopher Columbus accidentally discovered America in 1492, but did you know that there are more plastic flamingos in the United States than there are real ones and that Disneyland employees were not permitted to wear their own underwear while dressing in character until 2001?Behind the portrait of America that history classes,...

With his own BBC One chat show and regular slot on Radio 2 Graham Norton has become a hugely popular presenter and comedian.

The situation is grave. Vampires are vamping. Werewolves are shape shifting. And zombies are lurching into the garden. Is this modern-day ferment of paranormal activity, ah, normal? Learn all about it in this nifty new guide to man's best fiends: VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, ZOMBIES: Compendium Monstrum. Fascinating facts revealed in the book include documented ''sparkling vampires'' in 19th-century folklore, why wolfsbane is sometimes known as ''Dumbledore's Delight'', and much more. Illustrated ...

What is it to be a work of art? Renowned author and critic Arthur C. Danto addresses this fundamental, complex question. Part philosophical monograph and part memoiristic meditation, What Art Is challenges the popular interpretation that art is an indefinable concept, instead bringing to light the properties that constitute universal meaning. Danto argues that despite varied approaches, a work of art is always defined by two essential criteria: meaning and embodiment, as well a...

From national bestselling author and retired Navy SEAL Clint Emerson comes the essential guide for surviving today’s emergencies—from navigating in the wild to staying alive in any disaster.These 100 skills, adapted for civilians from actual field experiences of special forces operations, offer a complete hands-on and practical guide to help you survive in the wild no matter the climate or terrain; be prepared for any crisis; and have the critical life-saving knowl...

Farewell to faux pas!Minding your manners is an acquired skill, but what serves you well elsewhere could trip you up in Japan. Save yourself possible embarrassment with Etiquette Guide to Japan. An inside look at Japanese social graces, it answers all the questions of the thoughtful traveler. Extensive, specific information on Japanese business etiquette assists readers traveling to Japan for business.Although often overshadowed by a modern facade,...

An e-book this bizarre could only come from the warped minds at the Bathroom Readers’ Institute!Uncle John donned his snorkel, dove head-first into the bottomless Bathroom Reader archives, and emerged with this one-of-a-kind e-book: Life Is Strange. Readers will be both delighted and dumbfounded as they scroll through the most peculiar articles that have ever graced our pages. And just make it even weirder, we’ve added several all-new tidbits to this stran...

This book is a sweeping historical portrait of the floating city of Venice from its foundations to the present day. Joanne M. Ferraro considers Venice's unique construction within an amphibious environment and identifies the Asian, European and North African exchange networks that made it a vibrant and ethnically diverse Mediterranean cultural centre. Incorporating recent scholarly insights, the author discusses key themes related to the city's social, cultural, religious and environmental...

From the New York Times bestselling author of Audrey Style comes a charming guide to Audrey Hepburn?inspired living for the modern womanAudrey Hepburn epitomized grace and style, not only in her appearance but in her very essence. Whether in fashion, relationships, her work on the screen, or for UNICEF and her home life, there is no one more worthy of imitation.How did she do it? What Would Audrey Do? is the answer: a complete Aud...