A compendium containing the origins and history of some of the most common words and phrases in the English language.Once upon a time . . .Tying the knot actually involved tying a knot—not saying vows. Meanwhile, a thinking cap wasn't just a cute idea for schoolchildren, but an actual hat worn by scholars in the Middle Ages. Oh, and when you make no bones about something, you should consider yourself lucky you aren't choking on a chicken foot.Wh...

Even though there is no better way to let God speak to you, reading the entire Bible-all 66 books and 1,186 chapters-can be intimidating. A Guide to Reading the Entire Bible in One Year overcomes this intimidation by providing a clear, easy-to-follow guide that takes you from Genesis, the book of beginnings, to Revelation, the last book of the Bible.As you discover how God worked in the lives of people in the Bible, you will better understand what difference God can make i...

Think you know your Civil War History? No matter how well-versed you think you are in Civil War facts and trivia, this book will enlighten and entertain you with little-known details of one of the most important events in American history.Civil War Trivia and Fact Book is your ultimate resource for mastering the minutia of America’s War Between the States. Compiled by Civil War expert Webb Garrison, this book is packed with more than 2,000 fascinating fact...

The Civil War is most often described as one in which brother fought against brother. But the most devastating war fought on American soil was also one in which women demonstrated heroic deeds, selfless acts, and courage beyond measure. Women mobilized soup kitchens and relief societies. Women cared for wounded soldiers. Women were effective spies. And it is estimated that 300 women fought on the battlefields, usually disguised as men. The most fascinating Civil War women include:...

An illustrated compendium of obscure facts and little-known wonders from the Civil War Era, a perfect gift for history buffs and Civil war enthusiasts.With three million soldiers scattered along a 10,000-mile front and more than 1,000 engagements, the Civil War was one in which fascinating anecdotes, colorful stories, humorous tales, and unusual coincidences were frequent. Historian Webb Garrison has gathered together these hidden gems in this fully illustrated and ...

Civil War buffs, be warned: Webb Garrison's Curiosities of the Civil War may catch you off guard.Packed with obscurities and bizarre anecdotes, it spills over with specifics you've likely never heard. Debated, reenacted, and analyzed, the Civil War has been the subject of countless books, films, and scholarly research—many of them quite repetitious. This nuanced perspective on the war provides a glimpse beyond the bloody battles, casualties, and political conflict. You'll ...

Containing updated editions of the What's in a Word and Why You Say it, this compendium reveals the history of common words and phrases.Are you a lover of language? Awaken your passion for words, and savor the sheer deliciousness of the things people say!Casual Lex holds the hidden pleasures found in our usage of words. This fresh edition of two etymology classics by Webb Garrison will turn you on to the fascinating—and often surpri...

Unusual, interesting and little known stories of the state of Minnesota. Minnesota Tales is aimed at the target of familiarity-plus-novelty. These suspense-packed stories constitute "history for the ordinary person," and a few include really great traditions passed orally from generation to generation.

Why are spectacularly successful movies called blockbusters? Why does "putting your best foot forward" mean you hope to make a good impression? Why is rowdy and prankish behavior called horseplay and what does it have to do with the rarity of horses? Word Nerds Unite! shares 200 fascinating word meanings for fans of Wordle, Scrabble, and other word games.You've probably used words or phrases like these without giving them a second thought. But you'll be su...

More than 100 true stories of comrade killing comrade:defective ammunitionaccidental shootingsblinding smokedeliberate fire upon comrademistaken uniformsinexperienced troopsunknown passwordsOn May 2, 1863, Stonewall Jackson was on the verge of the greatest victory of his career. Shortly before 10 P.M. he rode through the woods near Chancellorsville, Virginia, to find where the Federals had established ...

When the Civil War broke out, leaders on both sides had to develop strategies for fighting the conflict and considered almost any suggestion. This book chronicles some of the most intriguing and unusual plans devised by these leaders.

Unusual, interesting and little known stories of the state of Iowa. A Treasury of IowaTales is aimed at the target of familiarity-plus-novelty. These suspense-packed stories constitute "history for the ordinary person," and a few include really great traditions passed orally from generation to generation.