Britannica Educational Publishing

"Amidst constant warfare and surges of cultural achievement, ancient Rome luxuriated in the splendors of its conquests and the glory of its Empire. Under the powerful direction of such leaders as Julius Caesar and Augustus, Rome secured its legacy as a foundation for much of the modern Western world. This provocative volume examines the many advances in governance, law, and engineering attributed to the Roman Empire as well as the individuals who...

"Home to some of the most remarkable feats of engineering as well as awe-inspiring natural vistas, ancient Egypt was a land of great promise fulfilled. Its pyramids, writing systems, and art all predate the Islamic conquest and are symbols of the civilization's vitality. This volume invites readers to indulge in the splendors of ancient Egyptian culture and discover the traditions that have fired imaginations for generations. A detailed appendix profiles...

"So automatic and mechanical is breathing for most of us that we often fail to consider the complexities of respiration. Engaging the lungs, airways, and more, the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide are only the most apparent aspects of a much longer routine. Although vulnerable to various infections and other disorders, the respiratory system by and large continues to function in order to sustain us. This book explores each element involved...

"It is almost impossible to think about Italy without recalling its Renaissance art masterpieces, its spectacular landscapes, or its widely loved cuisine. Although these combined elements hint at a united Italian culture, Italy is truly a country comprised of individual regions, each with their own identities, histories, and traditions. Readers will follow Italy's trajectory from a land of disparate barbarian kingdoms to a republic, discovering along...

"With their potential to wreak massive or total devastation, nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons have dramatically escalated the stakes of war. As stockpiles of such weapons continue to grow around the world, especially in the years since the Second World War, countries have recognized the need to check their powers. This detailed volume examines various weapons of mass destruction and the science behind them, their effects on conflict, and...

"Some of the world's most celebrated works of art-the Mona Lisa and The Birth of Venus, to name just two-were produced during the period of cultural reawakening known as the Renaissance. Painters of the era incorporated new techniques and ideals while reflecting in their works the dramatic social, religious, and political changes of the time. Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and El Greco are just a few of the notable Renaissance artists profiled in this...

"The dynamism of the natural world means that it is constantly changing, sometimes rapidly, sometimes gradually. By mathematically interpreting the continuous change that characterizes so many natural processes, analysis and calculus have become indispensable to bridging the divide between mathematics and the sciences. This comprehensive volume examines the key concepts of calculus, providing students with a robust understanding of integration and...

"Witty and charming, Ronald Reagan could as easily enchant political assemblies as he could movie-goers. As the first U.S. president to reach the White House by way of Hollywood, Reagan may have seemed an unlikely candidate. But throughout his life, Reagan had demonstrated a talent and passion for politics, even during his time as an actor, and his combination of knowledge and charisma won over voters. Readers examine Ronald Reagan's life and career,...

"The satisfaction derived from savoring a steak or indulging in an ice cream sundae is only one aspect of a larger process that occurs in the human digestive system. From the moment food enters our mouths until long after we have finished a meal, the body engages in an extensive routine designed to retain nutrients and discard waste. This comprehensive book examines all the vital components involved in consuming and digesting food as well as the diseases...

"From Romanticism to Realism, the 19th century saw a flourishing of literary movements, as well as the arrival of several now-revered luminaries on the literary scene. Authors experimented with new styles that elevated the novel as a significant literary form, while new techniques and themes were also introduced into poetry and drama. These compelling profiles examine the lives of some of the 19th century's greatest writers-Jane Austen, Charles Dickens,...