A brilliant and bloody examination of the axe's foundational role in human history, from prehistoric violence, to war and executions, to newspaper headlines and popular culture.For as long as the axe has been in our hands, we have used it to kill.Much like the wheel, the boat, and the telephone, the axe is a transformative piece of technology—one that has been with us since prehistory. And just as early humans used the axe to chop down trees, hunt ...

Archibald Menzies was one of a legion of intrepid Scots plant collectors in the 18th and 19th centuries who roamed the world and, by a combination of toughness and knowledge, established the foundations of the botany of the British Empire. This is a fascinating tale of how he brought the monkey puzzle to England for the first time and provides an insight to international plant collecting in the 18th century. Based on his diaries, the author recounts how Menzies, whilst on a classic voyage ...

A fascinating account of an extraordinary life, this book records naval history in the early 19th century and the adventures of an indefatigable traveller. Famous for his early descriptions of Korea, China, and Borneo, he also provides vivid insights into naval life. Previously unpublished correspondence offers a revealing glimpse of Edinburgh and London high society, making this both a historical and social portrait of the period.

Liverpool are one of the most successful English clubs of all time. From their five European Cups to their eighteen League titles, they are one of the finest clubs in the history of the game. From their diehard fans, who will always get behind their team to their legendary players this book will explore the history of Liverpool Football Club from the highs to the lows. This book charts the early days when Liverpool were actually a part of Everton Football Club, something which seems mad to...

This is the definitive story of the trials and tribulations of Michael Jackson, the biggest star in the history of pop music, but he was also a man who fought a life-long battle against his own inner demons. From his early childhood and tough upbringing at the hands of his father, this eBook covers Michael's meteoric rise from backing singer to stellar solo artist. Also included is an in-depth track-by-track analysis of his solo studio albums. This independent and unaligned eBook was made ...

Football is about winning; and all of the greatest triumphs in the history of Manchester United are recalled in this highly compelling account of the club which has learned to make winning a glorious tradition.This illustrated edition features all of the most important events in the history of a footballing institution. Nothing is missed from the early days as a railway company works team through the tragedy of The Busby Babes. We relive the triumphs through the era of George Best to Eric ...

When Catechism of the Catholic Church broke onto the N.Y. Times bestseller list, its astonishing success confirmed the overwhelming interest of Catholics and Protestants in understanding modern Catholicism. Has the recent openness among denominations affected Catholic teachings? In the new spirit of cooperation, is there any reason why Catholics and Protestants should remain divided?This powerful and insightful examination of the Catholic Church provides:...

An Edgar Award finalist for Best Fact Crime, The Man from the Train is an “impressive…open-eyed investigative inquiry wrapped within a cultural history of rural America” (The Wall Street Journal). In this groundbreaking work of historical true crime, legendary statistician and baseball writer Bill James applies his analytical genius to crack an unsolved century-old mystery surrounding one of the deadliest serial killers in American history.Between...

One of The Atlantic’s “Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years,” now with a new foreword by Marlon JamesWidely considered one of the finest novels by a living writer, Blood Meridian is an epic tale of the violence and corruption that attended America’s westward expansion, brilliantly subverting the conventions of the Western novel and the mythology of the “Wild West.” Its wounded hero, the Kid, a fourteen-year-old Tennessean, must confront the...

This is the true story of the worlds greatest pop band. This uncensored and independent title has not been viewed or approved by the band or its management and is completely free to tell the unvarnished story of Take That as it really happened. Featuring a masterful and comprehensive text by James McCarthy packed with great photographs of the band, the departure of Robbie Williams, the split, the re-union and the return of Robbie to the Take That fold are all featured. This amazing eBook i...

This is the true story of Lady Gaga featuring explosive interviews with Lady Gaga from around the world.The real influences, desires and aspirations of Lady Gaga are laid bare in this powerful and candid eBook and which features a unique and totally uncensored profile of Lady Gaga and her work.The pressures of her rapid ascent to fame and stardom are explored in a host of celebrity interviewees including Angie Bowie. Made with complete editorial freedom this powerful independent eBook has ...

Caught in an Atlantic storm the ‘Annie L.’ is sinking. With its motley crew the trawler is an accident waiting to happen. They are hundreds of miles from their homeport on the picturesque Achill Island on the west coast of Ireland and there may be no chance of rescue.The crew; the Skipper, his sensible nephew Pat and deck hand Coleman seem to have a death wish. Life had failed each of them in its own way. The exception is the beautiful red haired marine biologist from Finland who i...