Books in 50 Things You Should Know About series

Across 50 bite-sized chunks of information (and generously illustrated with photos, sketches and infographics), all the presidents are covered - from the first person to take office, George Washington to Barack Obama. Fascinating facts are included on each page: for example, did you know that Franklin D Roosevelt is the longest serving president? The US political system is clearly explained, with the major changes throughout the decades highlighted for easy reference.

In the ancient world, philosopher Archimedes designed new machines for farming. During the Renaissance, artist Leonardo da Vinci sketched his ideas for wondrous flying machines. Scientist James Watt provided ideas that would power the Industrial Revolution, while American inventor Thomas Edison patented more than 1000 inventions that would shape modern life, including the movie camera and the electric light bulb. Today's inventors still explore ideas for new and clever technology, producing miniature machines that we can only see under a microscope. Step inside the world of invention and see where it might take us next...

The human body is complicated and incredible! The many parts of the body form a network of systems that work together to keep you alive and active. Each chapter focuses on a different system: Outer Body, Nervous System, Skeleton and Muscles, Breathing System, Heart and Blood, Digestive System, Urinary System, Growing and Changing. Body maps are included to show how organs and systems all function together. The mechanics of the human body are described in concise and easy-to understand text while infographics and photographs bring the various systems to life. Fact panels provide fascinating snippets of extra information.

50 Things You Should Know About the Second World War is the second instalment and follows the successful title on the First World War. Discover what caused the war and why it eventually affected every corner of the globe. The key battles, events and figures are all explored and recounted in succinct and easy-to understand text while illustrations and photographs bring the past vividly back to life.

From the icy poles to the evergreen rainforests, life has found a way to flourish in nearly every environment on Earth. This book explores the startling discoveries of new life forms in extreme environments, such as the strange worlds of the ocean depths. Whilst marvelling the world around us, it also confronts the human impact on the environment. The mounting evidence for global warming is explored and challenges us to work towards a more sustainable future. Packed with facts, diagrams, infographics and photos, this is the perfect introduction to the wonder and intrigue of our environment.

Known for their vicious raids, love of treasure, and fierce warriors: the vikings were the most feared invaders of the Medieval period. For 300 years, they terrorized the world in their hunt for land and power, but they also had a rich culture in art, literature, and law. Packed with facts, maps, infographics, and photos, this is the perfect introduction to the most feared invaders of the Middle Ages. Covering where they came from and who they conquered, their commerce and culture (including their bloodthirsty stories), their travel and trade, and the reasons behind their demise, this complete guide provides a comprehensive exploration of who these peoples were – and who they were not. For while there is no doubt that some Vikings launched bloodthirsty attacks in this period, pillaging communities and plundering treasure, many more were peaceful traders and settlers. Going beyond the fearsome warriors, battles, and adventures we associate with Vikings, this detailed book provides an insight into the everyday life of the people, to examine how and what they traded, what Viking village life was like, and how they made and sailed their famous long ships. It explores the rich culture of the Vikings, including the beautiful art they created, the legendary stories they told, and the complex law systems they built to maintain a civilized society as well as how their culture and influence lives on in the world today.

What exactly goes on at the International Space Station and why does the Earth spin? Just how big is our galaxy and how did the Moon form? From constellations to space shuttles, Space is as endlessly fascinating as the universe itself. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about space missions, colliding galaxies, light years, solar eclipses, the surface of the Sun and much, much more in this exciting title.Packed with facts and figures, you'll also find out about astronomers, astronauts and scientists and how their incredible jobs have enabled us to learn so much about our Universe.

The largest ocean liner of her time, Titanic was hailed as the ultimate in luxury travel, with grand dining halls and the latest technology, including an onboard telephone system. She set off on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912 with more than 2,000 people on board. Just four days later, the ship struck an iceberg off the coast of Canada, and the unthinkable happened: Titanic sank. Find out what caused more than 1,000 people to drown and why the ship was so woefully ill-equipped for such a disaster. Through eyewitness accounts and from evidence found in the wreck, Titanic's fateful voyage has been meticulously pieced together to tell a riveting story of ambition, arrogance and folly.

This new title from the 50 Things You Should Know About series is packed full of infographics, illustrations, maps, and color photographs from the period. Not only identifying major political and military figures from both sides of the conflict with the 'Who's Who' pages, this title also documents the significance of medical workers, protesters, and civilians caught in the crossfire. Photos of memorabilia, such as patches, pins, and bracelets, add a personal aspect to the war.

In 1860, the North and the South of the United States were very different societies. The North had abolished slavery in the early 19th century, while the South still relied on slaves to work on its farms and plantations. The first chapter will set the scene, showing how simmering tensions over the right to keep slaves in the new states that were being founded as the country pushed westwards eventually erupted into war following the election of the pro-abolition president, Abraham Lincoln. The middle chapters provide an overview of the major battles that followed the South's decision to secede from the Union. Momentum swung backwards and forwards in the early years before the North eventually gained the upper hand, forcing the South’s surrender in 1865. The final chapter looks at the aftermath and consequences of the war, as the United States of America began the process of healing and reconstruction in the post-slavery era. The book highlights all the most important figures of the period, as well as focusing on the military and political strategies of both sides and the influence of the wider world on the conflict. The text is lively and clearly presented with fact panels providing fascinating extra pieces of information and background stories.

From the rock and pop of Western youth culture to the haunting sounds of traditional Mongolian throat singers, all humans in all parts of the world make music. Its harmonies affect us in a deep way and its beauty is universal.We have developed hundreds of styles of music played with all kinds of instruments, large and small. The very first instruments were simple flutes made from animal bones, but we soon developed a vast array, making all kinds of sounds. Today we can use the latest computer technology to create any sound imaginable, and musicians continue to explore the endless possibilities of music. Presented chronologically to show how music has developed and changed over time, this book pinpoints the musicians, genres and musical events that everyone should know.

Rain or shine - the weather impacts on everything we do. What makes the wind blow? Or snow fall? And what happens when the weather goes WILD? Packed with facts, diagrams, infographics and photos, this is the perfect introduction to our planet's amazing wild weather. From dust devils to flying frogs and twisting tornadoes, Wild Weather takes you on a whirlwind of discovery. Covering the earth's atmosphere and how weather works, you'll find out all you need to know about weather fronts, heat waves, hurricanes, avalanches, ice storms, climate change and much, much more. Packed with facts, figures and world records for the wildest weather ever documented, you'll also find out about storm chasers and weather scientists who have tried their best to keep the weather in check. Be warned - it's a stormy ride.