Books with author Sherman Hollar

Perhaps the most prominent elements in the patchwork pattern formed by Earths regions and ecosystems are its deserts, grasslands, and rainforests. Though vastly different from one another and often separated by thousands of miles, these biomes are all life-sustaining components of a larger environmental network. This volume examines each of these captivating regions in turn as well as the various species that thrive within them. Vivid images provide colorful glimpses of the vistas and organisms that comprise each biome.

Nowhere can intricacies of the ideological, regional, and economic tensions that erupted into the American Civil War be better seen than in the individual actors who fought both on and off the battlefields and on either side for what they believed. While some vigorously struggled for emancipation, others vehemently resisted such a notion, while still others were motivated primarily by regional loyalties and the desire to preserve the only way of life they knew. This penetrating volume profiles many of the soldiers, generals, political leaders, and social activists who left indelible marks on the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, thereby altering the entire course of American history.

Life on Earth can be viewed as a complex network of interactions between living organisms and their respective environments. By parsing the natural world into various ecosystems and biomes, the extent and significance of such interaction among species and between organisms and their natural habitats becomes abundantly clear. The study of ecology forms the heart of this engaging volume, which explores the formation of ecological communities and examines the biological diversity that forms the backbone of life on the planet.

For many of us, plants herald the change of seasons, represent the promise of nourishment, or serve as stunning visual reminders of Earths natural beauty. As vital components of nearly every ecosystem on the planet, plants play a fundamental ecological role in the lives of most organisms for their utility in food and clothing production, fuel, shelter, and a host of other activities. Complete with images and diagrams depicting the parts and growth stages of plants, this volume clarifies what defines a plant and introduces readers to the structures of various plants as well as their complex roles within our environment.

The iconic pyramids and striking hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt are but a limited representation of the resplendent culture that once inhabited the Nile Valley. The ancient Egyptians developed sophisticated societies and belief systems, bestowing the world with plenitudes in the way of intellectual and cultural achievement. The vibrance of the ancient Egyptian lifefrom the dynasties to the massesare captured in this volume, which also explores the political and social development of the region.

The sub-zero temperatures and glacial conditions to which the polar regions of the Earth are often subject would make it difficult for many of us to survive there for long periods of time. Yet life is present in both the Arctic and Antarctic, and the lure of discovering new territories and resources has attracted both researchers and explorers to these icy expanses. Readers will journey alongside some of the early expeditions and will learn about the conditions and life that comprise the polar ecosystems.

Distinguished by their highly developed mental faculties and their capacity for reason, humans are often said to reign sovereign in the animal kingdom. With their complex interactions, intricate social structures, and extensive range of displayed emotions, however, all creatures can be said to contribute uniquely to the planet and to the subsistence of all other beings. This colorful volume surveys the various members of the animal kingdom and the habits, behaviors, and physical characteristics that unite and distinguish all animals.

In the wake of the American Revolution, the United States of America was faced with the task of evolving into an independent republic This move was facilitated by a number of visionaries who rose to the challenge of crafting what would become Americas national ethos. Readers will be absorbed as this volume surveys the lives of the individuals responsible for some of the nations earliest political, social, and cultural achievements.

Even though a growing number of people have begun to consider the impact of their actions on the environment, the planet remains vulnerable to human activity and the byproducts of modern conveniences. Thanks to an increasing number of conservation efforts, the planets ecosystems may emerge from the looming shadow of ecological threats. This stimulating volume examines the various individual-level and institutional responses to Earths damaged natural resources, discussing ways to stem the tide of disappearing species and habitats and examining potential methods of protecting the planet for future generations.

Rapidly developing technological innovation and mass production have become such hallmarks of our industrialized world that we may fail to consider the events and individuals that laid the groundwork for our many conveniences today. Beginning in Europe in the mid-18th century, the Industrial Revolution continued growing and spreading as innovators around the world began modifying old machinery and