Participation in America represents the largest study ever conducted of the ways in which citizens participate in American political life. Sidney Verba and Norman H. Nie addresses the question of who participates in the American democratic process, how, and with what effects. They distinguish four kinds of political participation: voting, campaigning, communal activity, and interaction with a public official to achieve a personal goal. Using a national sample survey and interviews with leaders in 64 communities, the authors investigate the correlation between socioeconomic status and political participation. Recipient of the Kammerer Award (1972), Participation in America provides fundamental information about the nature of American democracy.

150 Nature Hot Spots in California: The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places

History

Brown, Ann Marie

Americas

Firefly Books

Visible and Invisible Realms: Power, Magic, and Colonial Conquest in Bali

In 1908, the ruler of the Balinese realm of Klungkung and more than 100 members of his family and court were massacred when they marched deliberately into the fire of the Dutch colonial army. The question of what their action meant and its continued significance in contemporary Klungkung forms the basis of Margaret Wiener's complex anthropolological history. Wiener challenges colonial and academic claims that Klungkung had no "real" power and argues that such claims enabled colonial domination. By focusing on Balinese discourses she makes clear the choices open to Balinese, both at the time of the Dutch conquest and in its narration. At the same time, she shows how these discourses, which revolve around magical weapons acquired from invisible agents such as gods, spirits, and ancestors, offer an alternative understanding of Klungkung's power. Moving between Balinese and Dutch narratives and between past and present, Wiener critiques colonial accounts by recounting Balinese memories and interpretations. Her attention to history and local situations illuminates the ways in which colonialism and orientalist scholarship have obscured the power of indigenous rulers and shows how Klungkung, once Bali's paramount realm, was relegated to a peripheral corner of the Indonesian nation-state. Both as a fascinating story and as a rich example of interdisciplinary scholarship, this book will interest students of colonialism, anthropology, history, religion, and Southeast Asia.

Illustrated Human Anatomy: The Authoritative Visual Guide to the Human Body

Vayttaden PhD, Dr. Sharat

Gustafson, Dr. Dana

A charming story about friendship and acceptance.  A lion finds a baby elephant, cold and alone outside the door of his castle. The lion takes in the elephant and they become friends. They play games (mostly what the lion wants) and the small elephant sings for the lion, songs that his mother taught him. The lion tells the elephant many stories of his adventurous life, his travels, the animals he fought, his many grand possessions and, most especially, his throne and crown. For, he is the king. "You big and me small" becomes their secret couplet of affection.  But soon the elephant outgrows the lion, as an elephant will. The lion is unhappy. He no longer feels like the king, he is no longer bigger. The elephant goes on his knees so the lion can ride on his back. Still the lion feels small. The elephant sings to the lion that even though he is the smaller, he will always be the greater, for he is a lion. Still it is not enough for the lion. In a sour mood, he sends the elephant away.  Time passes. One day, the elephant is riding through town in a taxi when he sees someone on a sidewalk, draped in a blanket. It is the lion, cold and alone. "Good morning majesty! Can I help you?" "Majesty?" asks the lion, astonished. "I recognize you! You are the little elephant that I brought in and then drove out of my house! I am big and you are small!" "You big and me small!" replies the elephant. They throw themselves into each other's arms. "What has happened to you?" asks the elephant. "Oh," said the lion. "I have not been a king for a long time. I was chased away. I was too proud!" The elephant reassures the king that while he may not have a crown, he will always be great, he will always be big. "You are always the king!" And this time it is the elephant that helps the lion.

You Big and Me Small

Children's Books

SOLOTAREFF, GRÉGOIRE

Growing Up & Facts of Life

A big lift-the-flaps book full of surprises. 
 Rabbit has come to Frog's house but where is Frog? He's hearing noises, but everywhere he looks, Frog is not there. Who is making the noise? Lift the flaps to discover Frog's animal friends hiding, but unable to keep quiet. Wait... here is Frog! He's hiding in the bed! 
 Max Velthuijs' trademark bright colors and simple lines create animals with a surprising amount of personality, including Frog, his most famous creation. Made for the earliest readers, Where Is Frog? will delight again and again.

Where is Frog?

Velthuijs, Max

Animals

"Freedman's book is distinctive owing to its treatment of pro venues... Many of the color photographs are generously laid out. A nice compendium that conveniently brings together some arcane facts and particulars, this cross between a reference book and a pictorial work will appeal to hard-core football fans." -- Library Journal 
 Fully updated to include the recent changes to NFL home stadiums, Football Stadiums tells the stories of 140 great stadiums standing across the United States that have hosted pro football or college football play. These are the home fields of NFL franchises and college teams and as such are a source of endless fascination, research and discussion. They carry vivid memories of victories and losses, and remind spectators of their home town or college life. To loyal fans, they are hallowed ground and the even the destination of pilgrimages. 
 The new stadiums included are: 
<ul>
<li> Atlanta Falcons have left the Georgia Dome for the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, opened 2017</li> <li> Minnesota Vikings have left Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for the new U.S. Bank Stadium, opened 2016</li> <li> Los Angeles Rams were at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, temporarily, and have moved, again temporarily, to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, while their new stadium is under construction</li> <li> San Francisco 49ers, no longer at the storied Candlestick Park, are at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara</li> <li> San Diego Chargers have left Qualcomm Stadium for temporary quarters in L.A.'s StubHub Center while the new stadium is under construction. </li>
</ul>
 Americans love football. Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, has been called "a shrine to pro football." It takes just over 73,000 fans to fill its seats yet more than 81,000 names are on the season-ticket waiting list. The average wait time is 30 years. Lambeau is just one of America's many stadiums that embody the spirit of the game. Football Stadiums is a loving tribute to the sport's greatest shrines.

Football Stadiums: A Guide to Professional and Top College Stadiums

Sports & Outdoors

Freedman, Lew

Football (American)

"Lavishly illustrated, Gems of the World is intended for anyone who has ever been fascinated by crystals, jewelry, and gems, from general readers to seasoned professionals. It is a fine addition to general collections." --Booklist, on the previous edition 
 Gems of the World is a practical and comprehensive guide to the identification and properties of precious and semiprecious gems, novelty stones, agates and crystals. This edition has been revised and thoroughly updated. Changes and new features include updated maps of recently established diamond bourses and geographical country changes, plus new gem varieties and localities where they are found, new techniques for producing synthetic gemstones and simulants, and much more. 
 There is comprehensive information on gems: 
<li> gem formation </li> <li> mining </li> <li> the diamond industry </li> <li> conflict diamonds </li> <li> ethical sourcing </li> <li> crystal structure (diagrams and cuts) </li> <li> optical and physical properties </li> <li> fashioning and cutting (properties and uses) </li> <li> gemstone cuts for diamonds </li> <li> buying a diamond </li> <li> buying colored gemstones </li> <li> imitation and synthetic gemstones </li> <li> gemstone enhancement </li> <li> history of gems </li> <li> famous diamonds </li> <li> caring for gemstones and jewelry </li> <li> a color key of 139 gemstones. </li> The text describes the world's diamond cutting and trading centers, the "diamond pipeline" that flows from mine to retail, and information on the gemstone industry, ethical mining, conflict diamonds and the emergence of new diamond centers. 
 The description directory of gemstones is organized by their chemical composition. The 139 profiles describe each gem's geology, chemistry, properties (such as color, refractive index, and luster), cultural use in history and its value in jewelry. Photographs show the gem as a raw crystal, in common cuts, polished for use, and in some cases, also in a piece of jewelry. 
 Gems of the World is an ideal reference for gemologists, collectors and general readers.

Gems of the World

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Oldershaw, Cally

Crafts & Hobbies

Reviews for the limited edition: "(A) sumptuous love letter capturing the essence of Vogue: beautiful women in beautiful gowns." --Library Journal 
 "An art book about gowns must be as opulent and enchanting as its lavish subject. So it is with this grandly produced and mesmerizing celebration of Vogue's devotion to the ultimate haute couture confection." --Booklist 
 This landmark book is a beautiful celebration of haute couture dresses from the early 20th century to today. More than 300 photographs are grouped into five thematic chapters: Classical, Fantasy, Drama, Decorative and Modernist. More than a collection of photographs of dresses organized in categories, it is a curated exploration of 20th-century fashion and fashion photography. 
 The photographers and their set designers, stylists, hair and make-up assistants were inspired by literature, art, history and current trends when they created these elaborately detailed fantasies. The model and the gown are part of a whole yet also the focus. 
 Extended captions with date, photographers, designer and model place the gowns and the models in the history of couture and fashion photography. Many of the fashion superstars are here: Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Twiggy, Scarlett Johansson, Christy Turlington, Cate Blanchett, Marlene Dietrich, Bianca Jagger, Jennifer Lawrence, Cindy Crawford and Vivien Leigh. 
 The gowns are from the world's great fashion houses -- Versace, Givenchy, Galliano, McQueen, Cavalli, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Lagerfeld, Valentino, Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Stella McCartney, Christian Lacroix, Prada and more. 
 Vogue: The Gown is an evocative celebration of almost a century of fashion history and a stunning collection of work from the very best fashion photographers, including Mario Testino, Helmut Newton, David Bailey, Herb Ritts, Corinne Day, Cecil Beaton and Horst. 
 Presented in saturated color printed on heavy stock with Cate Blanchett on the jacket, Vogue: The Gown is a mesmerizing exhibition of the best and most iconic images from the pages of the world's most fashionable magazine.

Vogue: The Gown

Arts & Photography

Ellison, Jo

Graphic Design

A highly illustrated volume tracing the emergence of modern railways. 
 Praise for the author's previous title, America Discovered: "Hayes offers more than just the state's emergent political boundaries and geological elevations. He presents a fascinating, map-based chronicle of the region's legendary gold rush, the gradual domination of its railroads, the development of its diverse ethnic composition, its blazing urban cataclysms, and its role in World War II. While laudably information-dense, the text is also an appealing, highly enjoyable read." --Library Journal 
 In this book, Derek Hayes compiles archival maps and illustrations, many never before published, showing the locations and routes of the world's early railways, as well as the locomotive and rail technology that was key to the development of those railroads. In addition to maps, the illustrations include photos of most of the surviving first locomotives from collections around the world and of replicas too, where they exist. 
 Much of the world's early railways originated in Britain, but Hayes also considers the earliest systems in North America, continental Europe, and elsewhere. The book covers the emergence of the first steam locomotives, including the historically important Stockton and Darlington, the world's first public railway system to use steam locomotives, and Liverpool and Manchester, for its pioneering use of cast iron girders. 
 In addition to mainstream railways, atmospheric railways are considered as well as electric railways, underground railways, monorails, and mountain (rack) railways, all of which have fascinating histories. 
 For The First Railroads, Derek Hayes travelled to most of the locations mentioned and visited railway museums all over the world, amassing a wealth of information and illustrative materials, including never before seen ephemera. Here he proves again his reputation for in-depth research and rare photographs and maps -- and for making it enjoyably readable.

The First Railroads: Atlas of Early Railroads

Reference

Hayes, Derek

Atlases & Maps

An eye-opening journey that will broaden children's knowledge about the world. 
 The British Library has one of the largest collections of maps, plans and topographical views in the world, numbering some 4.5 million and with a chronological spread of over 2,000 years. This book compiles eighty maps to take readers on a fabulous journey around the globe. With a nod to Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days, the trip starts and ends in London, crossing the oceans and stopping at some of the world's most fascinating places. 
 Maps are marvelous documents. Not only colorful and revealing, they are a record of a place at a particular time. Here, the maps exploit children's preferences for visuals while educating and entertaining. 
 There are details to pore over as well as stories about how and why these maps were made and by whom. Concise and informative text explores each place in more depth, revealing its history, famous people, landmarks, wildlife, culture and customs. Helpful fact files provide at-a-glance information to broaden geographical knowledge. 
 Maps include: 
<li> World, 1623 </li> <li> Europe, 1851 </li> <li> Corsica, 1489 </li> <li> Venice, 1720 </li> <li> Zurich (aerial), 1576 </li> <li> Moscow, 1575 </li> <li> Egypt, 1600's </li> <li> Istanbul, 1422 </li> <li> California, 1777 </li> <li> St. Louis (aerial), 1764 </li> <li> Virginia, 1590 </li> <li> Arctic, 1595. </li> Children will enjoy browsing the maps, learning along the way and sparking interest in the world and dreams of adventures. An ideal gift book.

Around the World in 80 Maps

Hibbert, Clare

A simple and entertaining introduction to the building blocks of the universe. 
 In 2014 the Lego® Group sold 62 billion Lego® pieces. That's 102 Lego® bricks for every person in the world. That's nothing however to the estimated seven billion billion billion atoms that make up each of us, let alone the between ten quadrillion vigintillion and one-hundred thousand quadrillion vigintillion atoms in the known observable universe. 
 Thankfully, understanding atomic and subatomic physics need not be infathomable. Lego® bricks are a great way to visualize the blueprint of the Universe, right down to its smallest elements. 
 Particle Physics Brick by Brick explains how and with what the universe came to be. It introduces the Standard Model of Physics, the "rule book" of physics which has been proven correct again and again since its mid-20 century development. Today, it is the gaps in the model that keep physicists busy. 
 In concise chapters, the book assigns to each atomic element a colored Lego® brick, such as neutrons, leptons, and quarks. By assembling actual or imaginary bricks and observing their relationships and interactions, particle physics becomes clear. The book opens with the Standard Model of Physics, the physicists and the discoveries made over history, and directions on how to use the book. 
 The chapters that follow are: 
<li> Building Blocks and Construction Rules </li> <li> Building a Universe </li> <li> Electromagnetism and QED (Quantum ElectroDynamics) </li> <li> The Strong Force and QCD (Quantum ChromoDynamics) </li> <li> The Weak Force and Breaking Symmetries </li> <li> Broken Symmetry and Mass </li> <li> Problems with Ghosts </li> <li> Violated Symmetry </li> <li> The Future. </li> Particle Physics Brick by Brick is a succinct introduction for anyone that wants to gain a basic understanding of the atomic world, its elements and how they interact. By using tangible substitutes -- bricks -- it brings the unseen atomic world into the realm of the visual.

Particle Physics Brick by Brick: Atomic and Subatomic Physics Explained... in LEGO

Science & Math

Still PhD, Dr. Ben

Physics

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Books by Firefly Books