This work is an entertaining and authoritative introduction to the world of piracy - history comes to life through a compelling factual narrative and enlightening illustrations. Why did seamen become pirates? What was life like on board a pirate ship? How did they go about plundering the enemy's ship? What sort of treasure did they capture? "Collins Gem Pirates" vividly explains and illustrates the development of piracy from ancient times to the modern day. It addresses why piracy started and disappeared, but focuses on the so-called 'Golden Age' of piracy in the seventeenth century, debunking the myths that surround this period, and bringing it to life through an exploration of the personalities, vessels and places involved. They were a disciplined bunch, on the whole, with strict codes of conduct to adhere to and severe punishments for those who broke the rules. There is no evidence to suggest that pirates ever made their victims walk the plank; instead, they were more likely to be marooned on an island. Did you know that following his execution, Captain Kidd's body was dipped in tar and hung by chains along the River Thames, as a warning for would-be pirates? Or that the fearsome Edward Teach (a.k.a. Blackbeard) plundered over 40 ships, but probably never killed a man until his final battle? Or that captains Anne Bonny and Mary Read spent most of their careers disguised as men, because women on ship were thought to bring bad luck? The mysteries and myths surrounding piracy continue to fascinate children and adults alike. This gripping book provides a real and lively insight into this stimulating bygone era.

Pirates (Collins GEM)

Pickering, David

History

HARPERCOLLINS @ PUBLISHERS

All the essential facts on ancient Egypt covering mummification, the pharaohs, the pyramids and the mysterious rituals.
The ancient Egyptians have fascinated and enthralled the minds of millions down the centuries. With extensive scientific knowledge, splendid architecture and many artistic and cultural achievements, their civilisation stood apart as being ahead of its time. This compact and informative guide is perfect for all those studying ancient Egypt, visiting the sights, or curious to find out more about this fascinating period.
Includes a wide range of topics such as: • Geography – how the Nile added to the success of their civilisation • History – a timeline spanning 3,000 years from 3100BC to 395AD and covering each dynastic period • Religion – the role of the gods and goddesses • Pharaohs – Cheops, Nefertiti and Tutankhamun • Life in Ancient Egypt – different levels in society, the jobs, family life, leisure activities • Learning and knowledge – the hieroglyphs, the scribes • War – the armies, weapons and armour • Death, funeral rites and mummification • Tombs and pyramids • Egypt today – archaeology, discoveries and what one can see today

Ancient Egypt (Collins Gem)

Reference

Collins

From aqueducts to baths, from gladiators to emperors, the fascinating history and mythology of ancient Rome are brought to life in this entertaining and highly-readable guide. With their sophisticated army, monuments, and roads, the Romans literally paved the way to modern Europe. Learn about the hand-to-hand combat at gladiatorial shows, rediscover the myths and legends of the Roman gods, and find out how and why Rome became the conquering superpower that it did. History will come to life in this engaging and comprehensive introduction to one of the most fascinating and influential places the world has ever known. A map of the Roman Empire and a timeline with the accomplishments of the emperors illustrate the chapters on geography and history. Roman culture, the gods and religious festivals, and mythology including Virgil's Aeneid, Romulus, and Remus are all discussed. Daily life in ancient Greece is covered for all different levels in society, including the jobs, family life, and leisure activities. The transition from republic to dictatorship is an important part of the discussion of politics, and the section on learning and knowledge covers law, science, architecture, literature, and art. Important wars, the Empire, and the army and navy are all explored. Finally, a look at contemporary Rome includes temples, archaeology, and modern tourist sites.

Ancient Rome: The Entire Roman Empire in Your Pocket (Collins Gem)

Ancient Civilizations

Harpercollins Pub, Ltd.

From theatre to politics, no other single civilisation has influenced the Western world more profoundly than that of ancient Greece.From the roots of democracy to philosophy and mathematics, it’s fascinating to learn how much western civilisation has stemmed from that of ancient Greece. This book offers an introduction to the lives of the ancient Greeks, their mythologies and traditions and their culture and learning.With colour illustrations supporting a clear, informative and engaging text, this guide is a perfect companion for both adults and children alike.Includes:• Geography – map of Greece• History – the different civilizations from the Minoans through to the Hellenistic period• Religion – gods, festivals, oracles and muses• Mythology – Homer's Odyssey, the Minotaur, Icarus• Daily life in Ancient Greece – everyday life for all levels of society; the jobs, family life, leisure activities• Politics – democracy and the Athenian council• Learning and knowledge – philosophy, science,mathematics, medicine and literature• War – important wars; the army and navy• Greece Today – temples, archaeology and the monuments that can still be seen today

Ancient Greece (Collins Gem)

A compact introduction to ancient Greek culture and its lasting influence on the modern world cites the region's role in everything from mathematics and science to architecture and religion, in a reference that is complemented by illustrated mythological tales. Original.

Unearthing Ancient Greece (Collins Gem)

A smaller-sized resource covers the history of ancient Rome with illustrated chapters on such topics as religion, culture, and politics, in a guide that also features coverage of surviving Roman sites and artifacts. Original.

Unearthing Ancient Rome (Collins Gem)

A detailed pocket reference to everything from pyramids and mummies to pharaohs and hieroglyphics provides a wealth of information on ancient Egyptian culture, in an illustrated guide that also includes coverage of the region's modern life. Original.

Unearthing Ancient Egypt (Collins Gem)

Penguin Dictionary Of First Names 1st Edition

Dictionaries & Thesauruses

Penguin Uk

What's in a name? Rather more than you might at first suspect, for names are steeped in history and myth and have much to tell us about our past, our beliefs - even our personality traits. Now fully updated for its second edition, with 150 new entries, The Penguin Dictionary of First Names takes a close look at over 5,000 examples, ranging from the familiar to the comparatively obscure, drawn from all parts of the English-speaking world. Detailed and informative, it is essential reading for expectant parents and for anyone who is intrigued by the story attached to each name.

Penguin Dictionary Of First Names 2e

Have you heard the one about the man who walked into a bar? (Ouch!)... Penguin Pocket Jokes is essential (and hilarious) reading for anyone searching for the perfect joke. Whether you want a snappy wisecrack or a longer rib-tickler when making a speech, this easy-to-use guide will provide the perfect witticism.

Penguin Pocket Jokes

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Books by Pickering, David