Books published by publisher Chartwell Books, Inc.

Pirates and Privateers narrates the incredible careers of the most interesting and infamous pirates in history, including legends like Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, and Anne Bonney. The romantic image of the pirate has been seen as something of a Hollywood icon ever since Errol Flynn first climbed the rigging for the film Captain Blood, in 1935. The hugely successful Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, starring the megastar Johnny Depp, proved undoubtedly that swashbuckling sells. But what do we know about the real Captain Jack Sparrows of yesteryear? Who were they? Where did they come from? And what heinous and daring acts did they perform on the path towards riches and infamy?Pirates and Privateers delves into the real lives of these men and women, whose seafaring adventures have become legendary. It explores the criminal careers of some of the most fascinating scoundrels and scallywags in history, including Blackbeard, the Barbarossa Brothers, Captain Kidd, Anne Bonney and Mary Read.

This fascinating work provides a truly stunning visual guide to the beautiful world of gemstones. It brings together a wealth of information in clearly worded text accompanied by a dazzling collection of color photographs showing gems in their natural and cut states.From subjects as diverse as identifying and collecting minerals and advanced testing, to ethical sourcing of gems, every aspect of gemstones is covered, and is presented with a wealth of research in easy-to-understand sections, making it a must-have reference work for anyone who wants to delve into the exciting world of gems.

More than eighty years after his death, Charlotte Montague has written an intriguing biography of the enigmatic author and, in the process, uncovered the mystery of the strange man behind the darkness—H. P. Lovecraft—the master of modern horror fiction. Part of the Oxford People series, this book dares you to explore the hidden secrets of your own imagination through the life of a man whose writing was inspired by nightmares. H. P. Lovecraft was virtually unknown during his lifetime and only published his stories in pulp magazines such as Weird Tales and Astounding Stories. He died a recluse in poverty and obscurity, aged just 46. Consumed with self-doubt, despair, and monstrous inner demons, his nightmares inhabit every page of his writing. H. P. Lovecraft and the universe he created are part of an astonishing cultural phenomenon. Lovecraft's reputation has been revived to the point of reverence, and he now occupies a position of great respect within American literature—as one of the most significant horror fiction writers of the twentieth century. His dark grotesque creations have inspired authors such as Stephen King and Clive Barker, as well as film directors John Carpenter, Sturart Gordon, and Roger Corman. Dark forbidden knowledge is always a central theme in Lovecraft's stories, with protagonists who dare to discover hidden secrets which, in the end, completely destroy them.Explore the depths of H. P. Lovecraft's own dark secrets, and discover some things about your own.

The Complete Guide to Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Reptiles is a thorough guide to the days before humans evolved, when great lizards walked the earth. The reference book will walk readers through prehistoric eras, including the Triassic period, the Jurassic period, and the Cretaceous period. Details on early life, from single-celled ocean life to the first reptiles that walked on land, sets the stage for complex studies of flying reptiles, birdlike dinosaurs, carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores. Dinosaurs may be extinct, but they continue to fascinate. This comprehensive guide to prehistoric creatures identifies over 250 key species and provides detailed information on what they looked like, where and how they lived, how they fought, and how they died. Packed with the latest research and discoveries, and with vivid up-to-date illustrations throughout, this is the biggest and best dinosaur reference available.

The allure of beautiful and rare cars is timeless. Since the dawn of the automotive age, people have aspired to own and drive the fastest, the coolest, and the most expensive cars on the road. Million Dollar Classics: The World's Most Expensive Cars is a lavish photographic collection of some of the most sought after models that have been made available for auction in recent years. All of the cars featured in this elegant book attained auction prices upward of $1,000,000, making them the most desired cars in the world; as well as the most expensive. Captured on camera by specialist automobile photographer Simon Clay, the stunning images in this book are accompanied by an informative text that gives the reader the specs, history and other fascinating details of these dream vehicles. This book is perfect for any automobile lover, or collector and includes vehicles created by Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Jaguar, Maserati, and Aston Martin.

Made using only your hands and a flashlight or lamp, shadow animals have a charm that has lasted through the ages. Enjoy hours of entertainment with the kids by making shadows into all sorts of shapes. The practice of making shadow figures is simple enough for novices and experts alike. The only utensils needed for the creation of shadow puppets are hands, big or small, and a flashlight.If modern party games seem stiff and soulless, step out of the shadows with the nostalgic The Art of Making Shadows. Just a little practice will have you demonstrating the roar of a lion and the snap of a crocodile; and soon you'll be putting on an entire show to impress friends and family. What an fun addition to stories read in the living room, or around the campfire! Parents watch as kids become masters of their own fingers and create shows for their families. This book contains 100 shadow animals to learn, ranging from simple one hand creations to challenging two hand shadows. There is no shadow figure to small or too big for The Art of Making Shadows, this book is fun for the whole family, and perfect for the classroom. Shows how to put on a shadow show, with advice on using scenery and sound effects for a professional performance.

The Battle of Gettysburg is a landmark event in United States history. Widely recognized as the Civil War’s turning point, it accounted for the most casualties of any battle during the war and spelled the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. In this powerful graphic history, Wayne Vansant describes the history leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, as well all of the major military events on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, including the famous fight for Little Round Top on the second day and the death march known as Pickett’s Charge on the third and final day. He paints portraits of each army’s leaders, such as Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, George Meade, and the then little-known Joshua Chamberlain. Vansant concludes a few months later at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in November, 1863, when Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the most iconic speeches of all time, the Gettysburg Address. Gettysburg delivers one of the hallmark events of American history in an exciting and innovative format."Wayne Vansant has authored a graphic account of the Battle of Gettysburg with rich illustrations and narrative that makes history come alive. This book will not only spark an interest in the terrible battle and sad aftermath, but will provide the reader with a good understanding of the men and armies memorialized at Gettysburg National Military Park today." - John Heiser, Historian, Gettysburg, PA

History of Slavery tells the story of the development of slavery, describing the trans-Atlantic trade that brought 11 million slaves from Africa to the Americas in the course of 300 years and reviews the life of the slaves under the forcible subjugation and exploitation by other human beings. In strictly objective terms, this book deals with the historical controversies that have surrounded the study of slavery. Illustrated with over 300 pictures, including 40 in full color, drawn from archives around the world to highlight vital facets of the subject; it also includes eyewitness accounts and other documentary evidence that complement the text. The book also traces the history of the abolition movement, beginning in eighteenth-century England (one of the prime moves in establishing the slave trade in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries). This humanitarian philosophy is now taken for granted (at least officially) by every nation on earth. The author, Susanne Everett, also reviews those societies that did not readily accept abolition - the Arabs, who ravaged East Africa for slaves until well into this century, the Belgians, who initiated a reign of terror in the Congo in the late nineteenth century, and the Southerners who struggled to preserve their dominant position through the confrontations of Civil Rights. The book concludes with a reminder that slavery remains a vital issue today. Slave labor was imposed by the Russians and Germans during the Second World War and there are isolated instances - in South America and parts of Africa - that require continued policing by Anti-Slavery Commission of the United Nations.History of Slavery is a comprehensive, thoroughly illustrated account of human bondage, and an essential volume for everyone concerned with society and man's part in it.

The hardcover reference titles in the Day by Day series examine the evolution of wars in a chronological timeline, from the first skirmish to the last battle and everything in between. These books are a historical companion to each major war in the nineteenth and twentieth century. The fate of soldiers, battalions, armies, can change in the blink of an eye—with this comprehensive book readers can follow the conflicting sides in their strategy, weaponry, and policies.World War II Day by Day is a chronological history of the second World War from the beginning of the Polish campaign in September 1939 to the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. All the major war theaters are covered, as is the fighting in the air and the sea. The dated entries, which are written as though they have just happened, thereby recapturing the immediacy of the war, analyze the major battles and campaigns of the war, such as Stalingrad, Kursk, Midway, D-Day, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Berlin.Accompanying the entries in World War II Day by Day are longer features on various aspects of the conflict, such as the war's decisive weapons, strategic decisions, and policies. There are also biographical entries on the individuals who shaped and prosecuted the war in both Europe and the Pacific theaters: leaders such as Chamberlain, Stalin, Zhukov, MacArthur, Hitler, Manstein, and Eisenhower.

World War II Day by Day is a chronological history of the second Great War, from September 1939 to the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945.World War II Day by Day is a chronological history of the second World War from the beginning of the Nazi's campaign in Poland in September 1939 to the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. All major war theaters are covered, as is the fighting in the air and the sea. The dated entries, written as though they have just happened, recapture the immediacy of the war as they analyze the major battles and campaigns, including Stalingrad, Kursk, Midway, D-Day, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Berlin. Longer features on various aspects of the conflict accompany each entry. You will see the war's decisive weapons, strategic decisions, and policies. There are also biographical entries on the individuals who shaped and prosecuted the war in both Europe and the Pacific theaters: leaders such as Chamberlain, Stalin, Zhukov, MacArthur, Hitler, Manstein, and Eisenhower. The hardcover reference titles in the Day by Day series examine the evolution of wars in a chronological timeline, from the first skirmishes to the final battles. The fate of soldiers, battalions, armies, can change in the blink of an eye—with these comprehensive books, you can follow the conflicting sides in their strategy, weaponry, and policies.