In the first biography of U.S. House Speaker John W. McCormack, author Garrison Nelson uncovers previously forgotten FBI files, birth and death records, and correspondence long thought lost or buried. For such an influential figure, McCormack tried to dismiss the past, almost erasing his legacy from the public's mind. John William McCormack: A Political Biography sheds light on the behind-the-curtain machinations of American politics and the origins of the modern-day Democratic pa...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

One father's mission to find his daughter, 18 years before the chilling confession of Joran van der Sloot.I am a father who has no idea what has happened to his child. The questions run through my mind all day long. They keep me awake at night. Is she dead? Is she alive? Is she being held captive somewhere? Are they hurting her? Is she crying out for me?These are the impassioned words of Dave Holloway, father of Natalee Holloway, whose disappearanc...

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...

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.

How will you respond when your child makes a decision you don't agree with?Parents and kids will never agree on everything but what can mom and dad do when that decision—whether a matter of preference, spirituality, or morality—is something they think is totally wrong? Author and speaker Brenda Garrison knows all too well that how parents respond will either build a wall or a bridge between them and their child.Brenda and her husband were forced to answer thi...

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.