Books with author Dan Harmon

Ibn Battuta, a fourteenth-century Moroccan adventurer and religious scholar, was one of the most ambitious travelers of the Silk Road. Scholars estimate his lifelong journeys covered no fewer than 75,000 miles. Because of his knowledge of Muslim history and laws, he was greatly respected by the Muslim rulers he visited. His geographical records helped fill in the pieces of a mysterious world, a world in which people of different regions knew little or nothing about what lay over the horizon. It was Ibn Battuta, more than any other explorer of his era, who was able to make intra-cultural introductions.

In 1913, Universal Studios released a silent film, The Werewolf, based on an 1898 short story about Native Canadian wolf-humans who terrorized white settlers. This movie is believed to be the first to draw from werewolf lore. Since then, films have taken various approaches to lycanthropes, or werewolves. This absorbing narrative examines people's fascination with werewolves in movies, television series, and literature. Besides werewolf myths, readers consider the special effects, makeup, acting, and impact of major werewolf productions, from the Hollywood monster classic The Wolf Man (1941) to the Twilight and Harry Potter movies and beyond.

With the capture of high-profile terrorists like Osama Bin Laden and accused Boston Marathon bombers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, military intelligence work is frequently in the headlines. This captivating book discusses the differences between information and intelligence, answering many questions about what intelligence work involves and some of the tools and technology that are put to use. It delves into the history of military intelligence, starting with Revolutionary War-era spy efforts, and continues to the tech-heavy weapons and intelligence tools common today. Readers will find it hard to put down this fascinating book of mystery and intrigue.

When they first begin to jam and develop a unique style and sound, few young garage band players are thinking of music as a business. Little do they realize what will be involved if they pursue professional music careers. This insightful volume provides readers with valuable information about managing a band: what to look for in a band manager or management team, getting gigs, controlling a band's sound, and much more. Readers will learn through clear, age-appropriate text, about legal matters, such as a band members' agreement, manager's contract, lawyer fees, security and insurance issues, and ways to protect a band's name and music.

There is nothing like the emotions athletes feel in victory and defeat. Sports coverage provides a similar rush for the media professionals who witness the action and make it real for their audiences. In this volume, readers learn about the exciting careers of sportswriters, announcers, and the dedicated professionals who work away from the public eye and the skills and preparation that these jobs require. Print and broadcast employers need workers talented and trained in writing and speaking, electronics and art, and photography and personal communications. Sidebars profile sports journalists, photographers, and commentators such as ESPN's Holly Rowe.

Marketing and PR professionals are trained to effectively communicate a seller's message to a buying public. These professionals work in community relations, public and media relations, government relations, investor relations, corporate communications, marketing communications, public affairs, advertising, writing, editing, training and teaching, photography and video production, graphic design, and human resources. This comprehensive volume presents young people with exciting, diverse career opportunities to consider. Marketing campaigns, running a marketing firm, client relations, connecting with the community, putting together a resume, working as a freelancer, pitching a client, and business-building strategies are just some of the topics covered in this all-inclusive career guide.

Fatty foods are worrisome to health professionals and consumers alike, and for good reason. Obesity rates are alarming, and people of all ages struggle to control their weight. Many fail to understand, though, that fats are necessary for growth and for maintaining healthy bodies. They cushion and protect vital organs and store reserves of energy. This volume explains for young children both the positive and negative aspects of fat-containing foods. It differentiates the types of fats people consume, notes the links between fats and calories and fats and cholesterol, and addresses such issues as the dangers of dieting by fasting.