Books published by publisher Lucent Press

Jane Austen's novels have inspired readers for centuries, and modern adaptations continue to captivate audiences today. While all of Austen's works have legions of fans, she's best known as the author of one of literature's great love stories: Pride and Prejudice. However, this novel is far more than a romance, and readers discover this as they're introduced to the sharp social commentary Austen presented in her writing. Complete with primary sources, graphic organizers, and detailed sidebars, this inside look at Austen's life is sure to inspire the next generation of fans.

Since prescription drugs can be obtained legally and found in medicine cabinets in young adults own homes, there is a perception that they are not as dangerous as other types of drugs. However, abuse of prescriptions can have hazardoussometimes even deadlyconsequences, which readers discover in great detail. Enlightening charts and sidebars augment the discussion of prescription drug abuse, and a list of websites provides resources for those who may already be struggling with this addiction.

"For years, scientists have been genetically modifying plants and animals to increase their potential as food, and the ethics of this have long been debated. Discussions about genetically modified organisms, GMOs, take place often on social media and in the news. Readers are prepared to take part in these discussions as they learn what genetic engineering is, how it is done, and what the future of GMOs looks like"--

How did the popularity of the Beatles lead to the birth of metal music? What do metal artists have in common with classical composers such as Bach and Vivaldi? Readers will explore the answers to these questions and more as they journey through the history of metal music, from Black Sabbath to Slipknot. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation for this complex genre as they explore the evolution of metal and its sub-genres through annotated quotes from musicians and critics, full-color photographs, and a discography of some of the most influential albums in headbanging history.

Surrealism was a cultural movement started in France in the 1920s, which is best known for producing stunning visual artwork and inspirational writings, among other artistic achievements. Through well-researched main text, readers will learn about the lives of influential Surrealists such as Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, and others who contributed to this essential period of art history. In addition, informative sidebars; annotated quotes from artists, historians, and other experts; and bold examples of renowned Surrealist artwork provide extra insight into this captivating topic, which will stimulate the minds of young artists and art lovers.

Although alcohol is a popular substance in the United States, its use can have dangerous consequences, especially for young adults. Underage drinking has been declining in recent years, but it remains a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Readers explore the main issues that surround American youth and alcohol, from the legal fights over the drinking age to the binge drinking epidemic. Detailed main text and sidebars, annotated quotes from experts, and informative graphics help readers understand the consequences of alcohol abuse and the many points of view people have about young adults and alcohol.

"For years, scientists have been genetically modifying plants and animals to increase their potential as food, and the ethics of this have long been debated. Discussions about genetically modified organisms, GMOs, take place often on social media and in the news. Readers are prepared to take part in these discussions as they learn what genetic engineering is, how it is done, and what the future of GMOs looks like"--

Postmodern art emerged in the late 1960s following a time period when art had been defined by superstars like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dal. Rejecting the idea of art being exclusive to professionals, artists who emerged during the postmodern era believed anyone could be an artist and anything could be art. Through exciting main text featuring annotated quotes from experts, detailed sidebars, and examples of postmodern art, readers explore how the foundations of art were challenged by postmodern artists such as Andy Warhol and Barbara Kruger and also how their work still impacts today's art world.

This vintage book contains an exhaustive dictionary of fashion terms, with instructions for pronunciation, brief explanations, and lists of synonyms. Timeless and comprehensive, “The Language Of Fashion Dictionary And Digest Of Fabric, Sewing And Dress” will be of utility to those involved in the fashion industry, and is not to be missed by the discerning collector. Contents include: “Belts”, “Bindings”, “Blouses”, “Bobs”, “Bodices”, “Bonnets”, “Boots”, “Bows”, “Bracelets”, “Braids”, “Buckles”, “Bustles”, “Buttons”, “Buttonholes”, “Canvas”, “Caps”, “Capes”, “Checks”, “Coats”, “Collars”, “Color”, “Combs”, “Cottons”, “Crepes”, “Cuffs”, “Dots”, “Dress and Dresses”, “Dyeing”, “Embroideries”, “Eyelets”, “Fabric”, “Fancy Dress”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the history of textiles and weaving. This book was first published in 1939.

While steroids are medically useful in small, prescribed doses, they are too often abused in sports alongside other performance-enhancing drugs. Young athletes may feel their natural performance is not good enough, so they may turn to these drugs to get ahead. Young athletes are informed about the risky effects of abusing these drugs to combat the allure of being perceived as a better player. Sidebars and full-color photographs help portray the dangerous consequences of this type of drug abuse.

World War I forever changed how nations engage in warfare. Airplanes, tanks, and submarines were used on a larger scale than ever before. This volume examines the root causes of World War I, which escalated from a small political incident into a massive global crisis. It also details the impact of this war in its immediate aftermath and in the decades that followed. Readers will be engaged by the accessible text, which is enhanced with historical photographs, primary sources, and in-depth sidebars.

Before the Civil War, a large part of the U.S. economy was built on slave labor. Readers learn that goods could be produced and sold cheaply because the slaves were unpaid for their labor. Millions of black men, women, and children were treated as property. Although slavery has been abolished, the racism that sprang from this period still haunts America today. Accessible text, primary sources, and informative sidebars provide readers with an unvarnished look at a tragic period in Americas past.