Books in Don't Know Much series

For years, Kenneth C. Davis has enlightened and enthralled us, opening our minds and tickling our fancies with his wonderfully irreverent, fun, and factual Don't Know Much About® books. He has carried readers on wild and edifying rides through history, mythology, geography, the Bible, the Civil War, even across the universe. Now, following on the heels of his triumphant New York Times bestseller Don't Know Much About® Anything, comes Don't Know Much About® Anything Else, his latest one-stop potpourri of intriguing information. Chock-full of delightful historical snippets and fascinating people, remarkable milestones and boneheaded blunders, and eye-opening, brain-boggling facts about simply anything and everything in the world, here is the ideal companion for those long car rides, plane flights, quality family hours, or relaxing downtime.

Nine out of ten Americans own a Bible, but how much do they know about the one book that has influenced human history more than any other? Don't Know Much About® the Bible by New York Times bestselling author Kenneth C. Davis is designed to illuminate everything we need to know about the Good Book but never learned. With wit, authority, and intelligence, Davis brings the world of the Old and New Testaments to vivid life, setting the panorama of the Scriptures against the historical events that shaped them; clearing up misconceptions and mistranslations; summarizing Bible stories, parables, and miracles; and adding fresh new insights to the world's most owned, least understood book.Davis is uniquely qualified for the assignment. The creator of the bestselling Don't Know Much About® series, he now illuminates the bestselling book of all time, using his inimitable question-and-answer approach and providing a key to the people, places, and "household names" we need to unlock "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Writes Davis, "I believe people are starved for knowledge. They just want it in a more appealing style than the way it was presented back in school."Relying on up-to-date research and improved translations, Davis sets out to uncover what the Bible says--and doesn't say. Don't Know Much About® the Bible is the result of his efforts and includes the following observations: There are two different Creation stories told in Genesis, but no apple in the Garden of Eden story. There was no "coat of many colors" in the story of Joseph and his jealous brothers, but rather a long-sleeved robe. Moses didn't write the Torah and he didn't part the Red Sea in his escape from Pharaoh. The Sixth Commandment does not condemn all killing. King David probably didn't kill Goliath and didn't write the Psalms. Jesus wasn't born on Christmas.Davis brings readers up-to-date on findings gleaned from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Gnostic Gospels that prompt serious scholars to ask such questions as: Who wrote the Bible? Did Jesus say everything we were taught he did? Did he say more? By examining the Bible historically, Davis also shows which biblical teachings may have suited an ancient, semi-nomadic world but no longer apply to life at the dawn of the twenty-first century.

When did King first encounter an integrated world? (see page 20)How did he learn about nonviolent movements? (see page 53)Why did King need so much paper in the Birmingham jail? (see page 88)Best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis sheds light on the most prominent leader of the Civil Rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. had big dreams about ending segregation and fervently advocated nonviolent protests. Tragically, his life was cut short. Davis weaves a smooth, flowing narrative through his trademark question-and-answer format, peppering the text with informational sidebars and compelling quotes. Dramatic photographs and stirring black-and-white illustrations by Machiyo Kodaira reveal King's public courage and private fear, as well as the tumultuous times in which he lived.

Did young Thomas Jefferson like to fiddle? What sweet treat did he discover in Italy? Whom did Jefferson send to map the West? Best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis tells the story of one extraordinary man who shaped our young nation. Besides serving as president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson also made his mark in the fields of architecture, philosophy, and science. In this stellar biography, Davis weaves a smooth, flowing narrative into his trademark question-and-answer format, peppering the text with informational sidebars and compelling quotes. Maps, reproductions from the period, and striking black-and-white illustrations by Rob Shepperson help capture the amazing diversity of Jefferson's talents, as well as the vitality of these revolutionary times.

Did young Rosa always follow the rules?Why did she join the NAACP in 1943?How did Rosa Parks get around Montgomery during the bus boycott?After Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white person, she became known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. But long before her arrest, she knew that the laws separating blacks from whites were wrong. Learn how her family encouraged her to stick up for herself. Read about her active role in the NAACP. Discover how she persevered for Civil Rights during the trying Montgomery bus boycott and the difficult years that followed.With great sensitivity, best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis describes Rosa Parks's decisive courage and the hardships she endured. Noteworthy photographs and dramatic black-and-white illustrations by Sergio Martinez capture the turbulent emotions of the Civil Rights era.

From Homer to Harry Potter, from Chaucer to Charlotte's Web, a compelling book of quizzes on history's most influential literary works and writers Did a whale named "Mocha Dick" inspire Melville's masterpiece? Who was the first poet to speak at a presidential inauguration? Which French-speaking high school football star shook up the literary world? Do you freeze when someone mentions Faulkner? When the conversation turns to the Odyssey, do you want to take a hike? Have no fear. For years, Kenneth C. Davis's New York Times bestselling Don't Know Much About® books have enlightened and enthralled us with a winning blend of fascinating facts and wonderfully irreverent fun. Now he sets his sights on our literary IQ in Don't Know Much About® Literature. With this rich treasure trove of knowledge and intriguing information about the world's great books and authors, Kenneth Davis and his daughter, Jenny, demystify Dracula, capture Kafka, and help you brush up on your BrontË in the inimitable and endlessly entertaining Don't Know Much About® style.

How did some plant-eating dinosaurs "chew" with their stomachs?Which dinosaurs were the best musicians?How did T. rex attack its prey?Dinosaurs were some of the most fascinating animals that ever lived on our planet. Some were huge, and some were tiny; some ate leaves, and some loved to chomp on other dinosaurs! In Don't Know Much About Dinosaurs, you'll discover dinosaurs that had a thousand teeth, dinosaurs that could run forty miles per hour, and dinosaurs that ate an entire school-bus-sized pile of vegetables in a single day! And you'll learn how paleontologists discovered the most famous dinosaur of all -- the ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex.Kenneth C. Davis brings the great reptiles of the past back to life with his trademark question-and-answer format. Full of cool quotes, fun facts, and detailed artwork by Pedro Martin, the latest addition to the Don't Know Much About® series brings out the paleontologist in everyone.

Which president was also a movie star? What happened five days after the Union won the Civil War? What food did Americans think was poisonous until Thomas Jefferson ate some? Hail to the chief! Here's your chance to learn all about the presidents' important political achievements, their nicknames, hobbies -- even what kind of foods they ate. Best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis packs fun facts and cool quotes into his signature question-and-answer format. Who knows? After you learn so much about the presidents, maybe you will want to run for office someday, too!

Forty-four presidentsOne White HouseAnd hundreds of grand facts about our country’s leadersWhich president was also a movie star? (see page 56)What happened five days after the Union won the Civil War? (see page 28)What food did Americans think was poisonous until Thomas Jefferson ate some? (see page 12)Hail to the chief! Here’s your chance to learn all about the presidents’ important political achievements, their nicknames, hobbies—even what kind of foods they ate. Bestselling author Kenneth C. Davis packs fun facts and cool quotes into his signature question-and-answer format. Who knows? After you learn so much about the presidents, maybe you will want to run for office someday, too!