Books in the The Handy Answer Book Series series

Brutality and fear. Heroism and sacrifice. Military history is a fascinating, complex, and often contradictory subject. War and fighting between tribes, clans, groups and countries has been with us forever. Great leaders, great villains, pivotal moments and events become transformative, causing political, social, and technological upheavals, which were often built on the foundation of war. The Handy Military History Answer Book is a captivating, concise, and convenient look at how the world, the United States, and the lives we lead today have been changed by war and the military. The weapons, leaders, soldiers, battles, tactics, strategies, blunders, technologies, and outcomes are all examined in this powerful primer on the military, its historyand world history.From early Greeks and Romans to Genghis Kahn and other great conquering militaries of the past, continuing on through the civil wars and world wars that shaped the boundaries of todays nations, and to the modern weapons, technologies, guerrilla warfare, and terrorism currently reported in the nightly news, this book investigates everything from the smallest miscalculations and maneuvers to the biggest invasions and battles, as well as the cutting-edge technologies and firepower that led to victories and helped change the world.The Handy Military History Answer Book looks at the who, the what, the why, and the how of conflicts throughout history. It answers over 1,100 questions, from the mostly widely asked to the more obscure, such as:Who cast the first stone (of human history)?Who were the "e;Sea Peoples?"e;Is there anything to the story of Ancient Troy?Could Alexander the Great have conquered the early Roman Republic?How wealthy would each of Alexander's men been had the treasure at Persepolis been divided?How many Romans lost their lives at the Battle of Cannae?Why did people underestimate Julius Caesar when he was in his thirties?How many men, and auxiliary fighters, were there in a Roman legion?Was the Battle of Actium truly decisive? And what way?Which precious metal did the Vikings prefer above all others?Do we even have his name--Genghis Khan--right?Who employed the composite bow with greater effectiveness: the Arabs or the Turks?Why did Pope Urban II go to central France in 1095?Where did Richard the Lion-Heart get his nickname?Why on earth did Hitler code-name his invasion of Russia for a German emperor who drowned?Who was the greater wit: Voltaire or King Frederick the Great?About whom did King George II remark: "e;Mad, is he? Well I hope he bites some of my other generals?"e;What great poet spent years gathering food and wine for the Spanish Armada?What was the price for King Francis' freedom, in 1526?How long did it take to learn how to use the longbow?What was the largest of the cannon brought by the Ottoman Turks to the siege of ConstantinopleWho took over when Genghis Khan died (after a fall from his horse)?What did the Franciscan monks say when they returned from Karakorum?Was Napoleon really not French?Who won the Battle of the Nile, and how?Where was the world's first submarine deployed?When did George Washington have to alter all his plans: and how did he go about making the change?How many people died at the Siege of Fort Sumter?What was the worst day of the Civil War, in the Far West?When were balloons first deployed in warfare?Where did the name "e;Uncle Sam"e; come from?What signals did Paul Revere watch for on the evening of April 18, 1775?What did Rasputin have to say about the approach of the First World War?How close did Hitler come to victory at Moscow in 1941?What ten days decided the outcome of World War II?What was so special about the B-24?When did the Cold War commence?What was the last action of the Yom Kippur War?What role did Colin Powell play in the run-up to war in Iraq?

Difficult philosophy made easy. The universe and our place in it, the meaning of life, the nature of justice and the good society, and the powers of reason. All these topics explored, questioned, and explained.Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Stoicism, Skepticism, Cynicism, Continental philosophy, ethics, government and governing, virtue, love, life, and death. Heidegger, Husserl, Merleau-Ponty, Derrida, Bertrand Russell, and Michel Foucault From famous figures in the history of philosophy to the deepest questions of religion to the relationship between knowledge and power, The Handy Western Philosophy Answer Book: The Ancient Greek Influence on Modern Understanding makes esoteric ideas and the jumble of names easy to understand, enriching readers' lives and answering the question, What does philosophy have to teach us about life and society? Today many people experience a loss of trust in government and organized religion. There's increased social isolation and a rise in insult politics. Seeking an alternative, some have experimented with new forms of politics, social organization, and spirituality. All these developments have led to a great deal of confusion and puzzlement. Who and what can we believe, and how can we know it is correct? From its beginning, philosophy was conceived as a conversation or dialogue, and The Handy Western Philosophy Answer Book raises and offers answers to questions like these What is philosophy? What is metaphysics? What is logic? How is ethics different than morality? How did Pre-Socratic philosophy get started? What is the arrow paradox? Who was Pythagoras? How did Stoicism inspire modern cognitive psychotherapy? Who was the founder of Western philosophy? What is a harmonic sequence in music? What are the four cardinal virtues? Was pederasty condoned in ancient Greece? How, according to Plato, is philosophy like making love? What are the three parts of the soul? How does democracy degenerate into tyranny? What is the history of Alexander the Great's military campaigns? How did Alexander the Great change the course of the history of philosophy? What did Aristotle say about the social nature of human beings? What is Aristotle's conception of the soul? What is the soul of a plant? What is virtue? What is an emotion? Why do we need friends? Why did Aristotle believe that the state has a responsibility to educate its citizens? What did Aristotle think about money? What is the meaning and origin of the Serenity Prayer? What impact did the Epicureans have on the modern world? What was the museum of Alexandria? How did Stoicism inspire modern cognitive psychotherapy? What is the problem with the sentence "e;The present king of France is bald"e;? What is the postmodern condition?Philosophy is the pursuit of answers to big questions about the purpose of life, death, and existence. Philosophy is about how to reason and find the answers for yourself. Philosophy is a puzzle. You collect clues. You make connections. The Handy Western Philosophy Answer Book is a perfect companion for anyone seeking wider truths and happiness. It is an informative, accessible, easy-to-understand guide to the big questions about living. With more than 120 photos and graphics, it is richly illustrated. Plus, its helpful bibliography, glossary of terms, and extensive index add to its usefulness.

From the Origin of Humans to Today ... All in One Volume!Highlights. Low lights. The twists and turns of social, political, and cultural history gathered in one fun and fascinating title! The Handy History Answer Book: From the Stone Age to the Digital Age takes a riveting walk through the ages, looking at the most important events of the past 5,000 years, including wars, disasters, pandemics, births, lives, and more. It supplies context to the past with a wealth of information on invention, philosophy, science, politics, culture, sports, business, law, media, and religion. A concise guide to all things historical, this feast of facts and compelling stories recounts the revolutionary ideas, acts, and inventions that changed the world. It surveys significant people, times, and events worldwide, with a special focus on U.S. history from its beginnings to the present. Fully revised and updated, this new edition of The Handy History Answer Book answers over 1,600 of the most frequently asked, most interesting, and unusual history questions, including What was the Stone Age?Why was Julius Caesar murdered?What are the origins of the religion of Islam?Why is the COVID-19 pandemic so significant?Why is the shamrock the symbol of St. Patrick?What is the legacy of the Crusades today?What are England's royal "e;houses"e;?Did Marie Antoinette really say, "e;Let them eat cake"e;?When did people first migrate to North America?Who are the Cajuns?What is the Hubble Space Telescope?What were the first political parties in the United States? Who was Black Elk?When did chain stores first appear? Were the Nazi's socialists? How long have hurricanes been given names?Who was Typhoid Mary?What happened at Pearl Harbor?What was the Bataan Death March?What is NATO?What is habeas corpus?Who was Emmett Till?Who was Genghis Khan?What was the triangular trade?Who is called the "e;Father of the Interstate System"e;?Who is Bernie Madoff? Who were the Wobblies?What was the Beat movement?Who is Ralph Nader??What is the Occupy movement?What is the strongest earthquake ever measured?What happened on Apollo 13?What is Gray's Anatomy?What is origin of ListerineWhat is the problem with antibiotics today?Who developed the first MRI machine? How does it work?What are the Ivy League colleges?Who were the Brothers Grimm?Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean?What was the Motion Picture Production Code?Which entertainers were in the Rat Pack?Who wrote the first computer program?What is unique about the Trump presidency?If "e;History doesn't repeat itself but it often rhymes"e; (as Mark Twain is reputed to have said) then The Handy History Answer Book is a lyrical and poetic treat. Clear, concise, and straightforward, this informative primer is a resource for brushing up on the events, terms, and history-makers many of us remember from school but can't completely recall. Wide-ranging and comprehensive with nearly 250 illustrations, this information-rich tome also includes a helpful bibliography and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness. A perfect companion for history buffs of all ages.

Featuring more than 600 questions about dinosaurssuch as What dinosaurs are thought to have evolved into birds? Did dinosaurs travel in herds? and Where and what is the Dinosaur Freeway?this fun-filled fact-book provides a wealth of information on the lives and habits of these astonishing creatures. From the Tyrannosaurus rex to the Stegosaurus, the guide profiles numerous species, chronicling their time on earth and exploring their roles in archaeological expeditions and museums today. Delightful and intriguing, this comprehensive record includes the debates still surrounding the origins and fate of these creatures that dominated the earth for millions of years but seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye.

From planetary movements and the exploration of our solar system to black holes and dark matter, this comprehensive reference simplifies all aspects of astronomy with an approachable question-and-answer format. With chapters broken into various astronomical studiesincluding the universe, galaxies, planets, and space explorationthis fully updated resource is an ideal companion for students, teachers, and amateur astronomers, answering more than 1,00 questions, such as Is the universe infinite? What would happen to you if you fell onto a black hole? What are the basic concepts of Einstein's special theory of relativity? and Who was the first person in space?

Battles, Blood, Honor, and HeroismThe nations highest-casualty, bloodiest war is still discussed, studied, and acted out. It continues to affect the political boundaries of today. From the economic, political, and social forces behind the conflict, through the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the military strategies, battles, and people, and from Lees surrender at Appomattox to the Southern reconstruction and modern aftermath, The Handy Civil War Answer Book is a captivating, concise, and convenient history of Americas defining conflict.The complex, turbulent, and difficult events leading to the war are explained. The genius and folly of Union and Confederate generals, major battles, and the experiences of lesser-known soldiers and civilians are examined. Blending historical review with a little surprising trivia into an engaging question-and-answer format, it is perfect for browsing and answers more than 900 questions, including *; How did the MexicanAmerican War influence 1850s America?*; What was Robert E. Lees connection to George Washington?*; What was so important about the Homestead Act?*; Would North and South have been reconciled if Lincoln had not been assassinated?*; What became of Generals Grant and Lee after the war?

In an age of continued Middle East volatility, religious extremists, and terrorist threats, the mere mention of Islam and Muslims too often provokes misunderstanding and even rancor. Often overlooked are the important links between the Qur'an and the Bible. Also ignored are the significant historical overlap between Islamic interpretation of history with those of Christianity and Judaism, including the monotheistic belief in a single God. Islam is too often confusing and even opaque to those unfamiliar with it.The Handy Islam Answer Book, is clearly and eloquently written by John Renard, Ph.D., a scholar of Islam with more than 40 years of research and teaching experience. He provides detailed descriptions of the history, beliefs, symbols, rituals, observations, customs, leaders, and organization of the worlds second largest religion. Renard explains the significance of the Five Pillars, Muhammad, various sects, the Qur'an, Islamic law, and much more. This engaging primer is a resource for reliable information about Islam and Muslims and it brings an understanding of the shared humanity that joins Muslims and non-Muslims far more deeply than cultural or religious differences separate them. Truly a must-have reference for our changing and trying times, this user-friendly guide answers nearly 800 questions and offers fun facts that cover Islamic history, religious practices, and Muslim cultural perspectives, including When did Islam begin? Why is Mecca a holy city for Muslims? Do Muslims worship Muhammad? What was the fate of Medieval Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land? What do Muslims mean by the term "e;Allah"e;? What does the crescent moon and star symbol mean to Muslims? What is the Muslim call to prayer? Is it similar to church bells? Do Muslims believe that God tests people? Does Muhammad play a role in Islamic spirituality in a manner similar to Jesus role in Christianity? Is jihad a legal concept for Muslims? Is it true that Muhammad both preached and engaged in military campaigns? Do Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the same God? Why do Jews, Christians, and Muslims all claim parts of Israel/Palestine as Holy Land? Why do some people, such as the Taliban, not want girls to get an education? Does Islam require wearing face veils? Does Islam have theologians like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas and the other great Christian thinkers? Is there any similarity between Muslim and Christian art?Muslims are diverse, and they have a vast spectrum of views about Islam. The Handy Islam Answer Book aims for understanding, which is the first step to uniting, instead of dividing. This helpful books provides a historic timeline, a glossary of commonly used terms, a genealogy from Adam to Muhammad and beyond, a calendar of major observances, and a bibliography help further exploration of one of the worlds great religions.

A newly updated and revised edition of this best-selling The Handy Science Answer Book.

How did colonies, territories, and land purchases shape the United States of America? What differencesand similaritiesare there between the states? What does each state bring to the union? From sea to shining sea, The Handy State-by-State Answer Book: Faces, Places, and Famous Dates for All Fifty States explores the history, growth, politics, people, and more of each of the 50 states. It is a resource for learning about the events and personalities that influenced and affected each state, its history, government, cities, and culture. It is a convenient place to look for state facts and trivia.In addition to the state motto, nickname, and when it entered the union, The Handy State-by-State Answer Book answers intriguing questions about the people, places, and events that lend a unique character to each state's boundaries, government, and places of interest, such as: How important were the Beach Boys to the making of Californias culture? Are the Hawaiians still in charge of their state and its economy? Why was it so easy for the Pilgrims and the Puritans to take over eastern Massachusetts? Who were the first inhabitants of what is now South Dakota? Does it ever stop raining on the Washington coast?

Whether it's called Beantown, The Olde Towne, Titletown, The Cradle of Liberty, The Athens of America, The Puritan City, The City on a Hill, or any of its other obscure or oft-repeated nicknames, Boston has a long and varied history. Its universities and hospitals lead the nation, and its sports teams, politicians, and colloquialisms continue to captivate. Exploring this citys fascinating history, people, myths, culture, and trivia, The Handy Boston Answer Book takes an in-depth look at one of America's oldest major cities.Learn about the citys founding by Puritan settlers, the Boston Massacre, the Great Fire, the opening of the T, the busing desegregation strife, the Big Dig, the local sports fanatics, ethnic enclaves, and the surrounding suburbs, notable sons and daughters, and more are all packed into this comprehensive guide to the city of Boston. Through facts, stats, and history, as well as the unusual and quirky, it answers 1,200 fascinating questions, including What cities and towns comprise the Greater Boston region? What do Samuel Adams, James Taylor, Benjamin Franklin, and Taylor Schilling have in common? Are Tonics and Whoopie Pies available at most Spas? What do the colored lights on top of the old Hancock signal?

California is the country's most populous state. The home of the entertainment industry and silicon valley. It's known for its beaches, its redwood forests, and as the land of fruit and nuts. Its people, industries, politicians, climate, and allure captivates the world and draws millions of visitors each year. Exploring the states fascinating history, people, myths, culture, and trivia, The Handy California Answer Book takes an in-depth look look at this fascinating, quirky, and diverse state.Learn about the original Indigenous peoples, the Spanish explorers, the independence from Spain, the secession from Mexico, the Gold Rush, the building of the Los Angeles Aqueducts, the earthquakes, the water shortages, and much, much more. Tour landmarks, learn about famous sons and daughters, the sports teams, and the unique character of the state through a combination of facts, stats, and history, as well as the unusual and quirky. This comprehensive guide to California answers more than 1,100 intriguing questions, including How did Eureka! become the state motto? Why is a grizzly bear on the state flag when no grizzlies exist in California? Was the coast of California ever attacked by pirates? How did Silicon Valley become a center for the high tech industry?

Powerful oratory. Persuasive arguments. Succinct business pitches. Speeches and emails. From cave walls to the printing press, and from Cicero to TED talks, The Handy Communication Answer Book traces the history, explains the concepts, and examines the skills needed to master effective and efficient communication for every occasion. Providing insights and advice, this useful primer looks at how to improve verbal, nonverbal, and written communications.Communication is a subject that fascinates and frustrates people. It varies by context, audience, purpose, and form. From speeches to body language and from legalese and technical writing to how the Internet changed everything, this informative book brings the intricacies of speaking, writing, listening, and reading into focus through its well-researched answers to nearly 800 common communication questions, such as What are some common barriers to communication? How did early radio affect American politics? What was Aristotles influence on rhetoric? How should I deal with a social media troll? How can I stop saying things like um and ah? How can I project authority without being overbearing? How can I better communicate up the corporate ladder? What clichs and common gaffes are easily avoided? Why are Ikea instructions an example of genius?

Stick handlers without helmets rushing goaltenders without masks on rinks lacking side boards gives way to a faster game with bigger players and overtime shootouts. The National Hockey League goes from a Canadian and regional sport to one that is watched by more fans throughout North America than ever. Hockey may have changed, but its essence and appeal remain.The Handy Hockey Answer Book, written by hockey historian, broadcaster, author and self-professed Hockey Maven, Stan Fischler, brings the game to life through exciting game action, vital stats, players, rules, and more. It traces the early spread of hockey, Lord Stanley's involvement, and the birth of the cup, then explains the rules, the equipment, strategies, and positioning, before following the ups and downs of the National Hockey League and its teams and players.From the traditions, all-time cup- and award-winners and record-breakers to the modern game,The Handy Hockey Answer Book answers more than 800 questions on the game, greats, goals, and growing popularity of hockey, including Where does hockey come from?What was the Stanley Cup first called?Where did the name Patrick Division come from and why are the Patrick brothers important?When was six-man hockey invented and who was its creator?What is a Zamboni and after whom was it named?What was the Gretzky Rule?How did the hockey puck develop its present shape?Which is the oldest current NHL team?Why is the term Original Six a misnomer?Which Hall of Famer trained on champagne?Who holds the Montreal Canadiens franchise record for career goals?Who centered Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsey on Detroits legendary Production Line.Which team was the first to come back from being down 3-0 in a series.Who played right wing on a line with Phil Esposito for the Bruins in the late 60s and 70s?Who was the first European player to lead the league in scoring?What NHL team won and loss the Stanley Cup on the same day?Which hockey player was supposed to be kidnapped as part of a scheme to increase attendance at New York Rangers games?Did an NHL club ever play all its home games of the Stanley Cup finals on the road?A glossary of terms and a bibliography for further reading round out this helpful primer on the sport.

The story of the United States military is the story of the countryitself. Both have grown and changed over time. Learn about the uniquehistories, traditions, weapons, leaders, stats, and fun facts of theArmy, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force,and their roles within the military in this fun and fascinatingguide! From the few hundred soldiers in its ranks when it was first established,to the over one million service members today, the U.S. military hasgrown in power and size over its 250-year history. Its organizationand branches have changed to adapt to new technologies and nationalneeds. The Handy Armed Forces Answer Book: Your Guide to theWhats and Whys of the U.S. Military looks at each branch ofthe U.S. military. It answers more than 500 of the most intriguing questions,including Howis the U.S. military organized?Howdo the branches work together?Whendid the Army Air Corps become the U.S. Army Air Force?Whatis the selection process like for Special Forces?Whowas the Continental Armys first Commander in Chief?Howdoes the military rank structure function?Howdoes somebody become an Air Force officer?Whatwas the Brown Water Navy?Whatis the motto of the Coast Guard?Howmany bases does the military have?Whatis the Marine Corps Hymn?Didany Coast Guard vessels serve in combat?Whattype of aircraft is Air Force One?Whosaid Retreat? Hell! We just got here!Whowere the Buffalo Soldiers?Whatare the Blue Angels?Whatis the most challenging USAF plane to fly?Whatis the origin of the Coast Guard racing stripe?Doesthe Space Force have any operational bases?Howdid a mutiny help establish the United States Naval Academy?Whatis the longest-serving personal weapon used by the American soldier?Whatis the difference between a UAV and a drone?Whatattack submarines does the Navy deploy?Whodefends the United States against cyberattacks and other digitalthreats?The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Forceare uniquely American, each in their own way. Learn what makes eachbranch special in The Handy Armed Forces Answer Book!With more than 140 photos and graphics, this fascinating to me isrichly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography and extensive index addto its usefulness.

Fully updated with the latest advances in meteorology as well as an additional section on climate change, this comprehensive reference addresses all aspects of weather in an accessible questionandanswer format. All the basic elements of weather are discussed, as are all types of weather phenomena and the science of forecasting. In addition, the relationships between weather and oceanography, geology, and space science are expertly covered. Included are more than 1,000 questions and answers such as, Has a hurricane ever struck southern California? Could our oceans have originated in space? and What is bioclimatology? This resource is an ideal reference for students, teachers, and amateur meteorologists.

Kids ask the darndest things . . . and here are the answersall in one helpful book!Anyone who has ever been a kid, raised a kid, or spent any time with kids knows that asking questions is a critical part of growing up. Kids have curious minds and they come up with some very interesting questions. But the truth is adults don't always know the answers. The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) comes to the rescue. Written with a child's imagination in mind, this easy-to-understand book is a launching pad for curious young minds and a life raft for parents at wits end. It addresses nearly 800 queries with enough depth and detail to both satisfy the curiosity of persistent young inquisitors and provide parents with a secure sense of a job well done. It'll equip every parent for those difficult, absurd, or sometimes funny questions from their kids, such as Is there life on Mars? Do rivers ever dry up? Why are there wars? Is there such a thing as a funny bone? Why do dogs bark? Why is the sky blue? Why do people have to grow old? Why do people speak different languages?

Combining a basic history of philosophical thought with the often quirky personal stories of famous philosophers, this comprehensive introduction to the world of philosophy answers more than 1,000 questions, ranging from What was the Enlightenment? to Why did the Pythagorians avoid fava beans? Analyzing the collective effort of philosophers throughout history in the pursuit of truth and wisdom, the guide explores the tangible significance of philosophical thought to modern society and civilization as a whole. With a wide range of information suitable for various knowledge basesfrom junior high to junior collegethis is an ideal resource for anyone looking to get a better grasp of the history of thought.