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Books in Essential Library of the Civil War series

  • Bhagavad Gita

    Edward Viljoen

    Paperback (Griffin, June 11, 2019)
    The Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God Retold in Simplified English is the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library. This unique edition of the timeless epic is designed to be accessible for readers without any prior experience of Hinduism. Not simply a translation of the original, Viljoen has simplified and restated the Gita’s complex ideas, so that a first-time reader can fully appreciate the scope and beauty of this magnificent Indian classic. Written in concise, modern language the retelling vividly captures the power and depth of the original work.Part of the Mahabharata, the Gita is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. Its verses contain some of the key ideas of Hindu philosophy―Dharma, Moksha, and various yogic practices. Originally written well over a thousand years ago, the Gita has proven to be a timeless source of wisdom, inspiring philosophers and revolutionaries alike in the millennia since it was written. In addition to the retelling of the text, this edition includes a character list, a glossary of important terms, and chapters exploring the back-story from the Mahabharata and the impact and meaning of the Bhagavad Gita itself. The Bhagavad Gita is an approachable way for today’s readers to engage with one of history's richest spiritual epics.
  • Buddhism: An Introduction to the Buddha's Life, Teachings, and Practices

    Joan Duncan Oliver

    Paperback (St. Martin's Essentials, April 30, 2019)
    A modern guide to the teachings of Buddhism Buddhism: An Introduction to the Buddha’s Life, Teachings, and Practices is an indispensable guide to a 2,600-year-old wisdom tradition that has transformed the lives of millions across centuries and around the world. Readers will learn how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time, and discover how they too can follow his revolutionary methods to attain happiness and inner freedom. Along with accessible overviews of central teachings―the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, karma, core virtues like kindness and compassion, and more―Buddhism covers such basics as:- the three main Buddhist traditions―Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana―historically and their relevance today- the role of meditation and mindfulness in Buddhist practice- step-by-step instruction in key Buddhist practices Writing in an engaging, approachable style, author Joan Duncan Oliver outlines the fundamentals of Buddhism for every reader, revealing its timeless truths and their relevance for finding peace in uncertain times. A practitioner of Buddhist meditation for forty years, Oliver has written extensively on Buddhist wisdom and its application to daily life. Her practical approach makes Buddhism an essential modern guidebook to an ancient tradition.
  • Civil War Weapons

    Nelson Yomtov

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    "This title introduces readers to the wide variety of weapons used by both sides during the Civil War, ranging from rifles and pistols to cannons to powerful ironclad ships."--Publisher's website.
  • Civil War Leaders

    Judy Dodge Cummings

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    This title examines the presidents, generals, and other leaders who shaped the course of the Civil War.
  • African Americans in the Civil War

    Kari A. Cornell

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    This title examines the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War, including enslaved people, free men and women, and those who contributed to the Union war effort. Gripping narrative text, historic photographs, and primary sources make the book perfect for report writing. Features include a glossary, additional resources, source notes, and an index, plus a timeline and essential facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
  • Civil War Aftermath and Reconstruction

    Susan E. Hamen

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    This title examines the period the following the Civil War, in which the nation's leadership, former slaves, and veterans of the conflict grappled with the changes of the postwar era. Gripping narrative text, historic photographs, and primary sources make the book perfect for report writing. Features include a glossary, additional resources, source notes, and an index, plus a timeline and essential facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
  • Civil War Spies

    Robert Grayson

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    "This title takes a close look at the operatives who collected intelligence for the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War, introducing readers to these colorful characters and explaining how they carried out their risky missions."--Publisher's website.
  • Women in the Civil War

    Kari A. Cornell

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    Introduces the role of women in the Civil War and the effects it had on their lives, including women's organizations, female soldiers, nurses, women in the North and the South, African American women, and the survivers of those who died.
  • Civil War Causes

    Michael Capek, Essential Library

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    Provides historical context for the American Civil War, discussing such topics as national expansion, the Dred Scott decision, and "Bleeding Kansas."
  • The Emancipation Proclamation

    Judy Dodge Cummings

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    This title presents the politics and root issues of the Civil War and examines how President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation changed history. Gripping narrative text, historic photographs, and primary sources make the book perfect for report writing. Features include a glossary, additional resources, source notes, and an index, plus a timeline and essential facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
  • The Battle of Gettysburg

    Tom Streissguth

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    Introduces the events of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 1-3, 1863, the bloodiest battle ever fought on United States soil, and explains its role in the progress of the war.
  • The Battle of Antietam

    Tom Streissguth

    Library Binding (Essential Library, Aug. 15, 2016)
    This title covers the Civil War's deadliest one-day battle, discussing the critical elements of strategy, tactics, and leadership that led to a Union victory.Gripping narrative text, historic photographs, and primary sources make the book perfect for report writing. Features include a glossary, additional resources, source notes, and an index, plus a timeline and essential facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.