Books with author Winchester

Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis. Headline-making natural disasters with devastating consequences for millions of people. But what do we actually know about these literally earth-shaking events? New York Times bestselling author, explorer, journalist, and geologist Simon Winchester—who’s been shaken by earthquakes in New Zealand, skied through Greenland to help prove the theory of plate tectonics, and even charred the soles of his boots climbing a volcano—looks at the science, technology, and societal impact of these inter-connected natural phenomena. A master nonfiction storyteller, Winchester digs deep into the powerful natural forces that shape the earth, exploring the how and why of world-changing events from the 19th-century’s infamous volcanic eruption at Krakatoa and the earthquake that flattened San Francisco, to the 21st-century tsunamis that devastated Indonesia and Japan. It’s a gripping story about what happens when our seemingly unmovable planet shakes, explodes, and floods—all richly illustrated with fascinating historical and stunning contemporary photographs.

From pioneering failures to multimillion dollar disasters. Features 150 of the worst aircraft ever to leave the drawing board, from the Seddon Mayfly, which didn't fly, to a flying tank which surprisingly did. Includes a brief history of each aircraft design, explaining why the idea didn't take off. Each type is illustrated with annotated photography and artwork, highlighting key faults and unusual design features.

Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis. Headline-making natural disasters with devastating consequences for millions of people. But what do we actually know about these literally earth-shaking events? New York Times bestselling author, explorer, journalist, and geologist Simon Winchester—who’s been shaken by earthquakes in New Zealand, skied through Greenland to help prove the theory of plate tectonics, and even charred the soles of his boots climbing a volcano—looks at the science, technology, and societal impact of these inter-connected natural phenomena. A master nonfiction storyteller, Winchester digs deep into the powerful natural forces that shape the earth, exploring the how and why of world-changing events from the 19th-century’s infamous volcanic eruption at Krakatoa and the earthquake that flattened San Francisco, to the 21st-century tsunamis that devastated Indonesia and Japan. It’s a gripping story about what happens when our seemingly unmovable planet shakes, explodes, and floods—all richly illustrated with fascinating historical and stunning contemporary photographs.

The national bestseller that chronicles the fascinating story of two extraordinary men and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary—now available in a limited Olive Edition.“The linguistic detective story of the decade.”—William Safire, New York Times MagazineMasterfully researched and eloquently written, The Professor and the Madman is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary—and literary history. The compilation of the OED began in 1857, it was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.

Boeing and Airbus may dominate today’s commercial aircraft market, but there are dozens of smaller manufacturers producing excellent airplanes to service short- and medium-distance routes. Dozens of these commercial aircraft—from the immortal Douglas DC-3 to the unrivaled Boeing 747—are covered here, along with business jets, leisure aircraft, and police and firefighting aircraft from around the world. 600 color and archival black-and-white photographs are included.

The Professor and the Madman, masterfully researched and eloquently written, is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary -- and literary history. The compilation of the OED, begun in 1857, was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W.C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.This audio also includes a conversation between Simon Winchester and John Simpson, editor of the Oxford English Dictionary

Simon Winchester, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Atlantic and The Professor and the Madman, delivers his first book about America: a fascinating popular history that illuminates the men who toiled fearlessly to discover, connect, and bond the citizenry and geography of the U.S.A. from its beginnings.How did America become “one nation, indivisible”? What unified a growing number of disparate states into the modern country we recognize today? To answer these questions, Winchester follows in the footsteps of America’s most essential explorers, thinkers, and innovators, such as Lewis and Clark and the leaders of the Great Surveys; the builders of the first transcontinental telegraph and the powerful civil engineer behind the Interstate Highway System. He treks vast swaths of territory, from Pittsburgh to Portland, Rochester to San Francisco, Seattle to Anchorage, introducing the fascinating people who played a pivotal role in creating today’s United States.Throughout, he ponders whether the historic work of uniting the States has succeeded, and to what degree. Featuring 32 illustrations throughout the text, The Men Who United the States is a fresh look at the way in which the most powerful nation on earth came together.

There's a new pest roaming the woods between two neighborhoods. It's got wings, fangs and an attitude. Can you imagine trying to play in your backyard with a hungry dragon flying around? Neither can Mason and his little brother Cooper. After being chased out of their neighborhood by the dragon, they meet Elijah and Levi, two brothers who hold the only key to defeating it. Can they team up and send the dragon back to its 200 year sleep before it gets big enough to eat everything in sight?JOIN THE ADVENTURE: Leave a review with your suggestions for the next book!

Would you rather... be dressed up as a leprechaun OR the Easter Bunny for a whole day?Have you ever wondered what kind of choices your kids would make in different scenarios? Has family game night been a little dry or boring recently? Or maybe you want to make Easter extra fun this year? Well this special Easter edition of the popular Would You Rather game is sure to change that! Get ready to have a super fun-filled night for the whole family that is sure to be filled with just as many laughs as "serious thinking faces". This book also works great at breaking the ice in a social setting, as a party game, or as a travel companion especially for roadtrips!Some of the effects and side effects from this book include:Countless laughs and even more groans that will make unforgettable memories!Challenging scenarios and difficult choices to think about!Getting to know your loved ones better in different ways!Parental approval because of the clean and kid-friendly humor!A special bonus at the end of the book for even more laughs!A unique tutorial on how to play Would You Rather! So what are you waiting for?! Add to Cart NOW and make this Easter the best one yet!

The international bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman and Krakatoa vividly brings to life the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake that leveled a city symbolic of America's relentless western expansion. Simon Winchester has also fashioned an enthralling and informative look at the tumultuous subterranean world that produces earthquakes, the planet's most sudden and destructive force.In the early morning hours of April 18, 1906, San Francisco and a string of other towns were overcome by an earthquake registering 8.25 on the Richter scale, resulting from a rupture in the San Andreas fault. Lasting little more than a minute, the earthquake wrecked 490 blocks, toppled a total of 25,000 buildings, broke open gas mains, cut off electric power lines, and effectively destroyed the gold rush capital that had stood there for a half century.Winchester brings his inimitable storytelling abilities -- as well as his unique understanding of geology -- to this extraordinary event, exploring not only what happened in northern California in 1906 but what we have learned since about the geological underpinnings that caused the earthquake in the first place. A Crack in the Edge of the World is the definitive account of the San Francisco earthquake and a fascinating exploration of a legendary event that changed the way we look at the planet on which we live.