Books published by publisher Abc-Clio Inc

A comprehensive collection of biographies of the most prominent military leaders in American history.American Military Leaders contains over 400 A–Z biographies of individuals such as Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who ended hundreds of years of tradition by allowing women to serve on Navy ships; and, Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, whose rules of clandestine warfare are still followed by the U.S. Special Forces.Coverage centers on the outstanding generals, sergeants, fighter aces, militiamen, theorists, doctors, and nurses who make up America's military history. This volume presents their backgrounds, contributions, and significance to America's fortunes in war. This title also cites works for further research, includes a list of leaders organized by their military titles, and a comprehensive index.• 422 A–Z biographies highlight each individual's background, contributions, and significance to America's fortunes in war• Illustrated• Cites works for further research and includes a list of leaders organized by their military titles

An encyclopedic collection of key scientists and the tools and concepts they developed that transformed our understanding of the physical world.Many are familiar with the ideas of Copernicus, Descartes, and Galileo. But here the reader is also introduced to lesser known ideas and contributors to the Scientific Revolution, such as the mathematical Bernoulli Family and Andreas Vesalius, whose anatomical charts revolutionized the study of the human body. More marginal characters include the magician Robert Fludd. The encyclopedia also discusses subjects like Arabic science and the bizarre history of blood transfusions, and institutions like the Universities of Padua and Leiden, which were dominant forces in academic medicine and science.• Includes over 200 A–Z entries covering topics ranging from Gregorian reform of the calendar to Thomas Hobbes, navigation, thermometers, and the trial of Galileo• Provides a chronology of the scientific revolution from the founding of the Casa de la Contratacion, a repository of navigational and cartographic knowledge, in 1503, to the death of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek in 1727

A survey of the interaction between science and Anglo-American literature from the late medieval period to the 20th century, examining how authors, thinkers, and philosophers have viewed science in literary texts, and used science as a window to the future.Spanning six centuries, this survey of the interplay between science and literature in the West begins with Chaucer's Treatise on the Astrolabe and includes commentary on key trends in contemporary literature.Beginning with the birth of science fiction, the authors examine the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne as well as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein within the context of a wider analysis of the impact of major historical developments like the Renaissance, the scientific revolution, the Enlightenment, and Romanticism. The book balances readings of literature with explanations of the impact of key scientific ideas. Focusing primarily on British and American literature, the book also takes an informed but accessible approach to the history of science, with seminal scientific works discussed in a critical rather than overly theoretical manner.• Gives clear explanations of scientific ideas ranging from medieval cosmology to modern concepts in astronomy• Organizes the material in chronological order with a chronology and bibliographic essay accompanying each chapter

The first introductory A–Z resource on the dynamic achievements in science from the late 1600s to 1820, including the great minds behind the developments and science's new cultural role.Though the Enlightenment was a time of amazing scientific change, science is an often-neglected facet of that time. Now, Science in the Enlightenment redresses the balance by covering all the major scientific developments in the period between Newton's discoveries in the late 1600s to the early 1800s of Michael Faraday and Georges Cuvier.Over 200 A-Z entries explore a range of disciplines, including astronomy and medicine, scientists such as Sir Humphry Davy and Benjamin Franklin, and instruments such as the telescope and calorimeter. Emphasis is placed on the role of women, and proper attention is given to the shifts in the worldview brought about by Newtonian physics, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier's "chemical revolution," and universal systems of botanical and zoological classification. Moreover, the social impact of science is explored, as well as the ways in which the work of scientists influenced the thinking of philosophers such as Voltaire and Denis Diderot and the writers and artists of the romantic movement.• Over 200 A–Z entries on scientific disciplines, organizations, instruments, events, practices, and cultural influences during the period• Over 40 illustrations present some of the inventions and instruments of the age

This unique reference work traces the story of nursing from Roman times to the present, including the evolution of military nursing.The book's numerous biographies of health care pioneers include many first-person narratives and eyewitness accounts, from Mother Teresa to Walt Whitman. A timeline of landmarks in nursing offers a concise overview of the profession, and the book also includes a detailed bibliography and index.Numerous biographies of healthcare pioneers, including many first-person narratives and eyewitness accounts, from Mother Teresa to Walt WhitmanProvides a timeline of landmarks, a detailed bibliography, and a comprehensive index

From Angkor Wat to Agent Orange, Southeast Asia An Environmental History tells the story of some of the most dramatic effects humans have had on the natural and developed environment anywhere in the world and examines the ways in which environmental factors have helped shape the culture, politics, and societies of the region.Ever since the first humanlike creatures arrived some 80,000 years ago, Southeast Asia's varied and challenging environment has helped shape the course of human destiny. From the importance of its spices to 17th-century Europeans to the jungle canopies that sheltered Communist insurgents throughout much of the 20th century, the region's environment has often proven decisive in human affairs.Packed with key facts and analysis, Southeast Asia provides an expert guide to the complex interplay between human societies and the environment from Burma to the Philippines and from Vietnam to Indonesia. How has the environment helped shape politics, trade, and religion? What are the likely consequences of ongoing deforestation for Southeast Asia's people and animals? Part of ABC-CLIO's Nature and Human Societies series, this work charts the region's environmental history from prehistory to modern times and is essential reading for students and experts alike.• The book includes 17 tables of climate features and socioeconomic variables• Each chapter comes with a bibliographic essay

An objective examination of the Second Amendment, focusing on the intentions of its authors, its evolution from America's beginnings to the present, and the views expressed by the courts.In The Right to Bear Arms: Rights and Liberties under the Law, the first volume in ABC-CLIO's America's Freedoms series, political scientist Robert J. Spitzer combats hysteria and rhetoric with simple facts.He takes no position on whether more or fewer gun control laws are needed or whether guns are good or bad. Instead, he traces the roots of the Second Amendment, analyzes the opinions and intentions of its authors, follows its application and evolution from its beginnings, and explores the views expressed by the courts. He then carefully compares the intended and the implied meaning of this amendment with the views expressed by the entire spectrum of groups involved in the gun control issue. Armed with the facts, readers can decide for themselves.• A detailed analysis traces the right to bear arms from its origins in Britain into the 21st century• The book includes key primary source documents, such as federal regulations and Supreme Court decisions, a list of the right to bear arms provisions from 44 state constitutions, and excerpts from the Republican and Democratic Party platforms

This resource guide in The Individual in History series uses defining moments in environmental activism to explore the impact of the individual on American history.Case studies focusing on two defining moments in American environmentalism, one centered on the environmentalists who were a part of the progressive movement and another centered on 60s activist and author, Rachel CarsonA detailed chronology highlighting key events in the history of environmental activism in the United States, from the colonial era to the transcendentalist movement to An Inconvenient TruthEssays from scholar Adam Sowards, assistant professor of history and director of the Institute for Pacific Northwest Studies at University of Idaho, that offer a foundation of knowledge about significant individuals, events, and issuesOver 140 primary and secondary sources, including excerpts from environmental books and publications, paintings, biographies, overviews of events, government acts, historic photographs, and quotes from leading activistsReady-made handouts that support the activities, which include student questionnaires, document analysis of the writings of John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and Henry David Thoreau; simulated debate over the use of Hetch Hetchy Valley; source analysis of Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring; and a poster gallery in which students examine issues and take a stance

A concise yet thorough overview of the environmental issues, problems, and controversies facing Latin America and the Caribbean―from the tip of South America to the Windward Islands.Home to Earth's longest mountain range, largest river, and greatest rainforest, no region boasts greater geographic extremes, faces greater environmental dangers, and enjoys more economic potential from its biodiversity than Latin America and the Caribbean.What are the political and economic factors affecting the Amazon's rapidly disappearing rainforest? What is being done to harvest life-saving drugs from the plants of the Orinoco? And what lies behind the mysterious disappearance of Central America's frogs? The work includes essays, tables and figures, and an appendix titled International Environmental and Developmental Agencies, Organizations, and Programs on the World Wide Web. Latin America & the Caribbean examines a region waking up to its environmental problems and possibilities.• Interesting sidebar articles, tables, and figures• Photos illustrating environmental resources and threats

This fascinating book examines 50 capital crimes committed in Great Britain in the 20th century in which the accused was found guilty and either executed or sentenced to life imprisonment.• Chronological essays explain why there was reasonable doubt as to either the guilt or sanity of the accused and present the prosecution's perspective for balanced and informative coverage• Introduction, bibliography, and illustrations

From colonial times to the present, an insightful examination of how courts have determined the extent to which religion is accommodated in American public life.From the internationally renowned Scopes "Monkey Trial" of 1925, which pitted a public school teacher arrested for teaching evolution against the state of Tennessee, Religion on Trial chronicles key court cases that have shaped the tumultuous relationship between church and state throughout U.S. history.This volume chronicles such groundbreaking cases as the 1991 decision ordering blood transfusions for children of Christian Scientists in Norwood Hospital v. Munoz and the infamous case, Engel v. Vitale, that banned prayer in schools and ignited calls for Chief Justice Earl Warren's impeachment. The work addresses such inflammatory contemporary disputes as prayer in schools, allegiance to the flag, and the display of religious symbols on public property, and the impact they have had on American society.• A–Z entries cover people, laws, events, and concepts that have shaped the legal debate over religion in the United States• A chronology begins in colonial times and extends through the present, with a special focus on important court cases of the 20th century