KENNETH C. DAVIS

¿Te has sentido perdido alguna vez, en el supermercado, el parque o la playa, sin saber dónde están tus padres? ¿Cómo te sentirías en una población de la que no conocieras las calles principales, el río que la cruza o cómo se llega a la estación...? Pues exactamente así, perdido. Y bastante incómodo, sin duda. Lo mismo ocurre con el planeta que habitamos: solemos saber muy poco de él. No se trata de aprendernos farragosas listas de países y sus capitales, de cordilleras, ríos y accidentes geográficos, sino de recorrer mentalmente y aprender a apreciar el maravilloso mundo en que vivimos. Si pese a ser ciudadano del mundo todavía no conoces tu propio planeta, éste es tu libro. Y si crees conocerlo, Todo lo que hay que saber sobre el planeta Tierra te demostrará que aún te quedan muchas cosas fascinantes por descubrir.

This entertaining guide to some of the best short novels of all time, from a bestselling historian, is the perfect gift for busy bibliophiles (BookPage).Experience the joys of literature with this this exciting guide to all that the world of fiction has to offer (The New York Times Book Review): a compulsively readable, deeply engaging discussion of great short novels. A journey into fiction designed with our contemporary attention spans in mind, Great Short Books suggests fifty-eight excellent short novels, all under 200 pageseasily readable in a week or lessa fresh approach to a fun, fascinating year of reading.From hard-boiled fiction to magical realism, the 18th century to the present day, Great Short Books spans genres, cultures, countries, and time to present an enchanting and diverse selection of acclaimed and canonical novels. From works in translation like Yu Miris Tokyo Ueno Station and Marguerite Durass The Lover to popular, acclaimed authors like Toni Morrison and James Baldwin, this compilation is a celebration of classics from the historic to contemporaryplus a few bestsellers, including Stephen King and Colson Whitehead. Each entry includes the novels opening lines, a spoiler-free plot summary, a why you should read it section, and suggestions for what to read next.An entertaining journey with a fun, knowledgeable guide (Booklist), this eclectic collection is a fun and practical book for any passionate reader hoping to broaden their literary IQor anyone who wants to find an effortless reentry into reading.

Desde la más remota antigüedad, el hombre ha contemplado el firmamento, y se ha interrogado acerca de él, con una mezcla de fascinación y temor reverencial. Desde que los babilonios, hace más de tres

A bestselling historian takes readers on an intellectual and cultural adventure, offering a carefully curated guide to great, short nonfiction works by some of the worlds most influential writersfrom Plato to Toni Morrison, Ernest Hemingway to bell hooks, and Marcus Aurelius to Joan Didion. A delightful roadmap to a years worth of reading briefly, plus biographies, fascinating facts, and idea-rich insights into the lives of the thinkers, historians, and literary giants who have shaped our world.For both avid readers and those looking to spark a new habit, The World in Books is an invitation to a more lively and meaningful intellectual life. Daviss literary adventure guides readers through some of the most important works of nonfiction of all time, offering a political, literary, and cultural history through reading.Each of the fifty-two entries provides the books opening lines or a brief excerpt from the work; a summary of the work; a biography of the author; why you should read the work; and what to read next. Davis offers insights into some of the most enduring issues of our timefrom the existential perspective in Viktor E. Frankls Mans Search for Meaning, to questions of race in Toni Morrisons The Origin of Others, and the climate crisis in Elizabeth Kolberts Under a White Sky. With insights from ancient times to the present day, Kenneth C. Davis offers a wide-ranging historical education through pleasure reading. In an accessible, conversational style, he explores texts that both mirror our contemporary moment and present new ways to think about our lives.These 52 selections, with books perfect for reading one week at a time, offer a year-long journey through history, philosophy, nature, and personal growth. More than just a literary companion, The World in Books is an education that combines wisdom with practical application. Daviss work has been called a wealth of succinct, entertaining advice (Kirkus Reviews). The World in Books provides an engaging way to explore some of the most influential books ever written. A refresher course for lifelong learners.

From a New York Times bestselling author comes a "guided tour" of the presidents of the United States. From the heated debates among the framers of the Constitution in 1787 over an "elected king," to the creation of the presidency, and on through rich profiles of each man who has held the office, author Kenneth C. Davis examines each chief executive, from the low lights to the bright lights, the memorable to the forgettable and the forgotten. Davis offers rich anecdotes about real people. He also charts the history of the presidency itself, debunking myths and grading the presidents from A+ to F. For history buffs and history-phobes alike, this entertaining book may change your understanding of the highest office in the land throughout more than two hundred years of history.

History in Daviss hands is loud, coarse, painful, funny, irreverentand memorable. San Francisco Chronicle Following on his New York Times bestsellers Americas Hidden History and Dont Know Much About History, Ken Davis explores the next chapter in the countrys hidden history: the gritty first half of the 19th century, among the most tumultuous in the nations short life.What happens when the celebrated myths of American history are stripped away?Political Conspiracy: Go inside the trial of Aaron Burr, a former Vice President accused of treason by a vengeful Thomas Jefferson in a case that pushed the young republic to its limits. Andrew Jacksons Indian Wars: Witness the brutal Creek War and the Fort Mims massacre, where Andrew Jacksons ruthless ambition forged a national reputation and decimated Native American nations. Forgotten Uprisings: Uncover the stories of courageous slave rebellions, including the bloody mutiny on the Creole, and the violent anti-immigrant Bible Riots that shattered the peace in Philadelphia. Manifest Destiny: Follow the epic journey of John C. Fremont and his wife, Jessie, whose ambition and exploration were instrumental in the conquest of California and the fulfillment of Americas coast-to-coast dream.

Reading [Davis] is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher you ever had. PeopleFor years, Kenneth C. Davis has enlightened and enthralled us, opening our minds and tickling our fancies with his wonderfully irreverent, fun, and factual Dont Know Much About series. He has carried readers on wild and edifying rides through history, mythology, geography, the Bible, the Civil War, even across the universe. Now, following on the heels of his triumphant New York Times bestseller Dont Know Much About Anything, comes Dont Know Much About Anything Else, a one-stop potpourri of intriguing information.Chock-full of delightful historical snippets and fascinating people, remarkable milestones and boneheaded blunders, and eye-opening, brain-boggling facts about simply anything and everything in the world, here is the ideal companion for those long car rides, plane flights, quality family hours, or relaxing downtime.This new collection of surprising answers and brain-boggling questions covers:Famous People: Discover the stories behind trailblazers like Clara Barton, eccentrics like Salvador Dali, and American icons like Daniel Boone. History Facts: Uncover the turning points you never learned in school, from the Battle of Saratoga to the truth about the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving. Remarkable Inventions: Explore the surprising origins of everyday things, from the first sports car to the revolutionary paperback book. Road Trip Activities: Hundreds of questions and answers perfect for keeping the whole family entertained and learning on long journeys.

The mysteries of outer space have intrigued people for millennia. Yet most of us look up at the night sky and feel totally in the dark when it comes to the basic facts about the universe. Best-selling author Kenneth Davis steps into that void with a lively and readable guide to the discoveries, theories, and people who have shed light on the wonders of the cosmos. With the fun question-and-answer format that has appealed to the millions of readers of his best-selling Dont Know Much About series, Davis reveals why Einstein was such a genius, the amazing secrets of Stonehenge, and even how one great astronomer lost his nose. Dont Know Much About the Universe is entertaining way to explore the Final Frontier without ever leaving home. Kenneth C. Davis speaks often on national television and radio. His USA Weekend column is seen weekly by millions of readers. In addition to his adult titles, he writes the Dont Know Much About Kids series published by HarperCollins. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children.Davis at his articulate and informative best. St. Louis Post Dispatch

From Homer to Harry Potter, from Chaucer to Charlottes Web, acompelling book of quizzes on historys most influential literary worksand writers Did a whale named "Mocha Dick" inspire Melvilles masterpiece? Who was the first poet to speak at a presidential inauguration? Which French-speaking high school football star shook up the literary world? Do you freeze when someone mentions Faulkner? When the conversation turns to the Odyssey, do you want to take a hike? Have no fear. For years, Kenneth C. Daviss New York Times bestselling Dont Know Much About books have enlightened and enthralled us with a winning blend of fascinating facts and wonderfully irreverent fun. Now he sets his sights on our literary IQ in Dont Know Much About Literature. With this rich treasure trove of knowledge and intriguing information about the worlds great books and authors, Kenneth Davis and his daughter, Jenny, demystify Dracula, capture Kafka, and help you brush up on your Bronte in the inimitable and endlessly entertaining Dont Know Much About style.

Um livro para aprendizes de mitologia, entusiastas do assunto ou qualquer pessoa que goste de uma boa narrativa. De onde viemos? Por que as estrelas brilham e as estações do ano mudam? O que é o mal?

Highly informative and entertainingpropels the reader light years beyond dull textbooks and Gone with the Wind.San Francisco ChronicleIt has been 150 years since the opening salvo of Americas War Between the States. New York Times bestselling author Ken Davis tells us everything we never knew about our nations bloodiest conflict in Dont Know Much About the Civil Waranother fascinating and fun installment in his acclaimed series.In his signature engaging style, Davis answers the real questions about Americas greatest conflict:The Truth About Slavery: Uncover why the "peculiar institution" was the undeniable cause of the war, a fact often obscured by discussions of states rights. Myth-Busting History: Go beyond dull textbooks and fictions like Gone with the Wind to discover the hidden stories of Americas defining struggle. Key Figures and Battles: Meet the real people behind the legendsfrom Lincoln and Lee to common soldiersand understand the turning points from Fort Sumter to Gettysburg. The Human Cost of War: Learn the shocking truth that disease, not combat, was the wars leading killer, and explore the untold stories of civilian life, riots, and atrocities.

Reading Davis is like returning to the classroom of the best teacher you ever had! People magazineA completely revised and updated version of the classic book Dont Know Much About The BibleNine out of ten Americans own a Bible, but how much do they know about the one book that has influenced human history more than any other? Dont Know Much About the Bible by New York Times bestselling author Kenneth C. Davis is designed to illuminate everything we need to know about the Good Book but never learned.With wit, authority, and intelligence, Davis brings the world of the Old and New Testaments to vivid life, setting the panorama of the Scriptures against the historical events that shaped them; clearing up misconceptions and mistranslations; summarizing Bible stories, parables, and miracles; and adding fresh new insights to the worlds most owned, least understood book.Relying on up-to-date research and improved translations, Davis set out to uncover what the Bible saysand doesnt say, with shocking discoveries, such as: There are two different Creation stories told in Genesis, but no apple in the Garden of Eden story. Noah invented wine and cursed the son who had seen him drunk and naked. There was no "coat of many colors" in the story of Joseph and his jealous brothers, but rather a long-sleeved robe. Moses didnt write the Torah and he didnt part the Red Sea in his escape from Pharaoh. The Sixth Commandment does not condemn all killing. Jerichos walls may have tumbled down because the city lies on a fault line. King David probably didnt kill Goliath and didnt write the Psalms. And more!

In this fascinating installment of the New York Times bestselling Dont Know Much About series, Kenneth C. Davis explores the great myths of the world and their implications for art, science, religion and culture throughout history.What is an Egyptian pyramid doing on the U. S. dollar bill? Did a pharaoh inspire Moses to worship one God? Whats a Canaanite demoness doing at a rock concert?Since the beginning of time, people have been insatiably curious. Theyve asked questions about where we come from, why the stars shine and the seasons change, and what constitutes evil. The imaginative answers crafted by our ancestors have served as religion, science, philosophy, and popular literature.In an engaging and delightfully irreverent question-and-answer style, Davis tackles the epic of Gilgamesh; Achilles and the Trojan War; Stonehenge and the Druids; Odin, Thor, and the entire Norse pantheon; Native American myths, and much more, including the dramatic life and times of the man who would be Buddha. From Mount Olympus to Machu Picchu, here is an insightful, lively look at the greatest stories ever told.Davis connects the dots between ancient legends and our modern world, revealing:Egyptian Mythology: Find out why a pharaohs radical idea might have inspired Moses and what an ancient pyramid is doing on the U.S. dollar bill. The Heros Quest: Follow the epic journeys of heroes like Odysseus and the flawed king Gilgamesh as they battle monsters, gods, and their own destinies. Celtic and Norse Myths: Meet the powerful pantheon of Asgard, from the thunderous Thor to the trickster Loki, and uncover the truth behind Stonehenge and the Druids. Enduring Legends: Learn how stories from the Buddha, Native American traditions, and even a Canaanite demoness have shaped art, culture, and modern rock concerts.

In his wildly entertaining, winningly irreverent, New York Times bestselling Dont Know Much About series, author Kenneth C. Davis has amused and edified us with fascinating facts about history, mythology, the Bible, the universe, geography, and the Civil War.Now, the skys the limit in his latest irresistible installmenta grand tour of knowledge that carries us from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Berlin Wall, from the Salem Witch Trials to Watergate, from Michelangelo to Houdini. Brimming with busted myths, gripping true stories, and peculiar particulars about a plethora of people, places, and events, this captivating compendium is guaranteed to delight information lovers everywhere as it feeds our insatiable appetite to know everything!

Kenneth C. Davis, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Dont Know Much About History, presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nations destiny and character. Daviss dramatic narratives set the record straight, busting myths and bringing to light little-known but fascinating facts from a time when the nations fate hung in the balance.Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washingtons inauguration in 1789, Americas Hidden History details these episodes, among others: The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war! Full of color, intrigue, and human interest, Americas Hidden History is an iconoclastic look at Americas past, connecting some of the dots between history and todays headlines, proving why Davis is truly Americas Teacher.

The mysteries of outer space have intrigued people for millennia. Yet most of us look up at the night sky and feel totally in the dark when it comes to the basic facts about the universe. Best-selling author Kenneth Davis steps into that void with a lively and readable guide to the discoveries, theories, and people who have shed light on the wonders of the cosmos. With the fun question-and-answer format that has appealed to the millions of readers of his best-selling Dont Know Much About series, Davis reveals why Einstein was such a genius, the amazing secrets of Stonehenge, and even how one great astronomer lost his nose. Dont Know Much About the Universe is entertaining way to explore the Final Frontier without ever leaving home. Kenneth C. Davis speaks often on national television and radio. His USA Weekend column is seen weekly by millions of readers. In addition to his adult titles, he writes the Dont Know Much About Kids series published by HarperCollins. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children.Davis at his articulate and informative best. St. Louis Post Dispatch