Books with author John R Matthews

Where would we be without planes, trains, and automobiles? This book explores the importance of the railway system as it impacted life from the Industrial Revolution with steam driven engines to today's futuristic maglev. An exploration of history and technology examines culture's dependence on one of the world's most solution oriented contribution.

Inventions That Shaped the World introduces young readers to revolutionary inventions, and emphasizes the impact the inventions had upon life at the time of their creation and beyond. Also explored is the featured invention's cultural significance, as well as the patterns of change that resulted from its origination. Chapters cover topics such as life before the invention, the need for the invention, its development, its influence upon culture, its evolution, and a biography on the inventor. Four-color photos, sidebars, a glossary, a timeline, an index, and a To Find Out More section complement the text. Imagine life without electric light. This comprehensive book explores a time of candles, gaslight, and kerosene lamps up to the time of neon light and fluorescent bulbs. Also explored is how electricity and the light bulb lit the way for change in daily life in an easy-to-read format, enhanced by interesting sidebars and four-color photos.

Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, Black Sam Bellamy the very names conjure up hair-raising images of razor-sharp cutlasses, buried treasure, the skull and crossbones, and walking the plank. Containing biographies of legendary buccaneers plus details on their weapons, codes of conduct, and punishments, this lavishly illustrated book beautifully captures the swashbuckling world of pirates and paints a compelling portrait of life at sea in a bygone era.