Books with author Matt Griffin

"The periodic table is the way scientists have organized the 118 known elements. But up-and-coming scientists can learn much from the periodic table as well. In this book, they'll learn how to read the periodic table, including what an element's atomic number means and what the rows and columns signify. They'll gather facts about common and interesting elements and even discover how they can predict how elements might chemically react from their position in the table. Fact boxes and images add additional information to the accessible text."--

In 1095, Pope Urban II ordered Christians to capture Jerusalem from the powerful Muslim forces that held it. This war would become known as the First Crusade, and many more crusades followed as Muslims and Christians contended for territory in the Middle Ages. Fascinated readers will find out why these wars were waged as well as the lasting effects they had on the Western world. Maps and a timeline help them follow the action, while stunning historical artwork illustrates the key figures in this bloody time in history.

"Many people are familiar with the states of matter called solid, liquid, and gas, but they may not have heard of the other two states, plasmas and Bose-Einstein condensates. In this notable book, readers will learn what all these states are as well as what happens to matter to trigger a change from one form to another. The comprehensible text is supported by clear and helpful images, diagrams, and fact boxes as well as vocabulary that serves to highlight key science terms."--

[Read by Jeremy Arthur]The definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood's Golden Age.Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the 50s and 60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the 70s and 80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio's resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson's wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson's troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson's classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.

Byzantine art and architecture are admired throughout the world, but many people are less familiar with the influential empire that produced it. Young historians will learn about the world power that was born out of the Roman Empire and lasted nearly 1,000 years after Rome fell. They'll read about important rulers such as Justinian and Constantine and how the Crusades finally caused the destruction of the mighty domain. Aspects of culture such as religion, art, and architecture are explained and beautifully displayed in the featured full-color artwork.

"The periodic table is the way scientists have organized the 118 known elements. But up-and-coming scientists can learn much from the periodic table as well. In this book, they'll learn how to read the periodic table, including what an element's atomic number means and what the rows and columns signify. They'll gather facts about common and interesting elements and even discover how they can predict how elements might chemically react from their position in the table. Fact boxes and images add additional information to the accessible text."--

Many people are familiar with the states of matter called solid, liquid, and gas, but they may not have heard of the other two states, plasmas and Bose-Einstein condensates. In this notable book, readers will learn what all these states are as well as what happens to matter to trigger a change from one form to another. The comprehensible text is supported by helpful images, diagrams, and fact boxes as well as vocabulary that serves to highlight key science terms.

In 1095, Pope Urban II ordered Christians to capture Jerusalem from the powerful Muslim forces that held it. This war would become known as the First Crusade, and many more crusades followed as Muslims and Christians contended for territory in the Middle Ages. Fascinated readers will find out why these wars were waged as well as the lasting effects they had on the Western world. Maps and a timeline help them follow the action, while stunning historical artwork illustrates the key figures in this bloody time in history.