An easy-to-use guide to the world's first computer, from its historical origins and how it works to how to use it to perform an array of mathematical feats.The abacus is as efficient and useful a tool today as it was when it was first devised many centuries ago. Whether you're a computer expert or you're mastering arithmetic and word problems for the first time, it won't take long to learn the basics (and even the not-so-basics) of adding, subtracting, multiplying,...

"Walker takes us on a fascinating and enjoyable wander through the confluence of science, nature, and spirituality without getting us lost." ―Terence McKeown, documentary filmmaker, producer of Planet Hunters , Playing God with Planet Earth , and Stonehenge UncoveredWhen science and spirituality coalesce, secrets of the natural world a...

The sinking of the Titanic on its maiden voyage in 1912 is one of the most dramatic stories in maritime history. The largest passenger steamship in the world, fitted with more advanced safety features than any of her rivals, she was proclaimed to be virtually unsinkable. Just how and why the Titanic foundered on such a beautiful April evening is the subject of this fascinating book.Author Rupert Matthews has written a highly readable account of the story of the

'Turing writes on codebreaking with understandable authority and compelling panache.'- Michael Smith, bestselling author of Station X.The Enigma cipher was supposed to be the German's impenetrable defence for its military communications against prying eyes during World War II. All manner of secrets were entrusted to it. When the Allies finally managed to crack the code, it heralded a turning point in the war.Written by Dermot Turing ...

Regain personal power and eliminate procrastination—more than 100 exercises to master self disciplineIt's easy to get distracted by day-to-day life. Especially when the tasks feel endless and your motivation is nowhere to be seen. With 5-Minute Self Discipline Exercises, you can get back on track by gaining the tools you need to reconnect with your energy, overcome your resistance, and achieve your goals sans procrastination.Use the bite-sized 5-mi...

Why does the United States go to war? A leading Harper’s commentator on U.S. foreign affairs offers a withering exposé of runaway military spending and the profit-driven U.S. war machine.America has a long tradition of justifying war as the defense of democracy. The War on Terror was waged to protect the West from the dangers of Islamists. The US soldiers stationed in over 800 locations across the world are meant to be the righteous arbiters of ju...

A New York Times bestsellling author separates history from myth from the Pharaohs to Blackbeard and Captain Kidd to today.Soon after the first maritime trade routes became operational, seafaring bandits appeared to prey upon the cargo, crews, and ships of others. Crimson Waters traces the history of piracy around the globe, stretching back from its roots in 2500 BCE, through the Golden Age of Piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries, and up to the m...

Star charts, step-by-step projects, photos, and more: " The Total Skywatcher's Manual is a fun book, but more importantly, it's a useful book." — Sky & TelescopeWith fully illustrated star charts, gorgeous astrophotography, and step-by-step project instruction, this is the only guide you need to navigate the night (and day) sky. Learn about the phases of the moon, how to conduct your own deep-sky observations, how the universe is expanding, our sea...

Whatever happened to the Nazis after World War II? While the Nuremberg trials saw key party members prosecuted, it was impossible to imprison every German who had supported the Third Reich. This is the story of what happened to the Nazis who escaped justice.These cases include:• The Nazis who ran away to South America and the Nazi hunters who tracked them down• 'Useful' Nazis such as Wernher von Braun who became the rocket scientists for other nations• Those wh...

"Engrossing . . . Leave[s] us with a richer picture of physics as a lived activity." — Los Angeles Review of BooksIn Quantum Legacies, David Kaiser introduces readers to iconic episodes in physicists' still-unfolding quest to understand space, time, and matter at their most fundamental. In a series of vibrant essays, Kaiser takes us inside moments of discovery and debate among the great minds of the era—Albert Einstein, Erwin Schrödinger, Stephen H...

Make easy and delicious ramen recipes at homeFrom the simple and straightforward, to the more complex and creative, Ramen for Beginners includes over 75 mouth-watering ramen recipes. Packed with umami, this ramen cookbook contains step-by-step instructions for beginners, including a primer on ingredients and getting your kitchen ramen-ready. Start with one of the "building block" recipes, like a rich chicken bone broth, then choose from seasoning and toppi...

A variety of letter and number puzzles and games to exercise the mind that will help you hone your critical thinking skills.Looking for a way to keep your brain on its toes? Well, there is nothing more mentally stimulating or fun than good old-fashioned brain teasers. And since everyday life doesn't throw perplexing riddles at us very often, Brain Teasers for Adults offers a variety of tricky, yet "doable" puzzles to help build your logic, math, and wordpl...