15 Great eBooks ! ! ! (eBook Compilation) ! ! !

material included:

1. Encyclopedia of Disasters: Environmental Catastrophes and Human Tragedies (Two Volumes)

This encyclopedia is a descriptive, illustrated account of disasters, both natural and human-induced, that have occurred throughout the world at different times over the past two thousand years. They include experiences of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, extremes of weather, droughts, pandemic illnesses, land subsidence and landslides.

Most troubling of all is a newcomer to the world of disasters, the terrorist
attack. While terrorists have, from time to time in the past, wrought
havoc on human environments, the expanded volume and brutality of
their activities over the past thirty years has gone beyond all previous acts
of violence. Terrorism is the type of disaster that may become increasingly
destructive in the future.

2. 10 Questions Science Can't Answer (Yet) - Michael Hanlon 2008

From the author of the bestselling The Science of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy comes another incredible trip to an even more mysterious terrain. Michael Hanlon identifies ten scientific questions that we simply can't seem to answer and explains why these compelling mysteries will remain unsolved for years to comeHow did life begin? Why are there two sexes? Where did language originate? In Hanlon's characteristically witty style, he ponders the ways these questions have persisted in frustrating the best minds and asks what might be needed to get to the bottom of it all. From politics to lack of technology, each question has its own set of circumstances holding it back. By exploring these unanswerable questions, Hanlon exposes some of science's greatest failings and missteps--and charts a hopeful direction for getting science back on the road to discovery.

3. Great Battles of the Ancient World - Peter Harrison

Based on the UK TV-series "Time Commanders" this book provides background on the major military engagements of the ancient world from Kadesh where two ancient empires of Egypt and Hittites clashed to Chalons, where later day Romans repulsed the Huns under Attila. Describes armies and fighting techniques that took part in these epic battles.

4. African Mythology A to Z - Patricia Ann Lynch 2004

The first humans may have come from Africa, and many great civilizations have flourished there. From the long history of human habitation in Africa; the diverse geography, flora, and fauna of the continent; and the variety of African cultural beliefs comes a fascinating and strong tradition of myth. African Mythology A to Z is a readable reference to the deities, places, events, animals, beliefs, and other subjects that appear in the myths of various African peoples. With nearly 300 entries written to inform and appeal to young people - and illustrations accompanying the text throughout - this valuable resource sheds light on a subject that many Americans, young and old, find themselves drawn to study. With an introduction that provides historical context for better understanding the myths, African Mythology A to Z fully describes, defines, and explains key stories, characters, themes, and other aspects of the myths of African peoples.

5. Ancient Europe 8000 B.C. A.D. 1000. Encyclopedia of the Barbarian World Vol.1 - Pam Crabtree & Peter Bogucki 2003...($280.00)

This detailed encyclopedia is the first to explore the many peoples of early European civilization. Viewed as "barbarian" through the lens of ancient Greece and Rome, these civilizations were responsible for such accomplishments as the rise of farming in the Neolithic era and the building of Stonehenge. Coverage extends from prehistoric origins through the early Middle Ages (8000 B.C. to A.D. 1000) when tribal movements helped define the end of ancient culture and the rise of the modern European world. Arrange topically and chronologically Ancient Europe, 8000 B.C. to A.D. 1000 features include 200 illustrations (including the black & white images, color images, and line drawings); 70 maps; a chronology; index; two eight-page color inserts; cartographic endpapers; glossary of key archaeological terms and more.

6. Ancient Mesopotamia New Perspectives - Jane McIntosh 2005...($75.00)

The first general introduction to Mesopotamia that covers all four of the area's major ancient civilizations-Sumer, Akkad, Assyria, and Babylonia. The eyes of the world are on Iraq and the surrounding region, witnessing conflict, chaos, and the effects of brutal dictatorship. But in ancient times, the civilizations that flourished there gave birth to some of humanity's most cherished achievements, including the written word, the city, the legal system, public education, and more. Ancient Mesopotamia: New Perspectives ranges from the region's cultural beginnings to its Persian "liberation," from simple farmers to mighty kings, from the marshy Gulf shores ard Arabian desert sands to the foothills of the Taurus and Zagros mountains. It is the first volume to capture the entire sweep of Mesopotamia's four major ancient cultures (Sumerian, Akkadian, Assyrian, Babylonian) in one concise and captivating volume. Ancient Mesopotamia reveals how archaeologists, geologists, geographers, and other scientists have pieced together an understanding of some of the most complex and accomplished civilizations in history: their economies, social orders, political systems, religions, intellectual accomplishments, and material culture. It offers a wealth of information and insights into the glorious past of a land in turmoil today.

7. The Ancient Greeks A New Perspective - Stephanie Budin 2004...($75.00)

Offering an insight into the ancient Greek world, this text introduces the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period, focusing on all aspects of history, culture and society.

8. Ancient Records of Egypt: The First Through the Seventeenth Dynasties, Vol.01 - 2001

Around the turn of the last century, James Breasted took on the challenge of assembling all the available historical documents of ancient Egypt and translating them into English. This prodigious undertaking involved traveling to the monuments extant in the Nile valley and in outlying areas of Egyptian conquest, as well as to museums throughout Europe where Egyptian relics were housed. Breasted made his own copies of hundreds of Egyptian records inscribed on papyrus or leather or carved in stone and engaged in a thorough study of the published records of Egyptian history in conjunction with his own transcription of the documents themselves. This five-volume compendium is the result. Breasted's monumental work, originally published from 1906 to 1907, encompasses twenty-six dynasties spanning more than three millennia: from ca. 3050 B.C. to 525 B.C. For each document, Breasted provides information on the location, condition, historical significance, and content. Beginning with the earliest known official annals of Egypt, the Palermo Stone, Breasted catalogs the realm's official activities, including royal succession, temple construction, property distribution, and foreign conquest. He tracks the careers of scores of kings, queens, government officials, military leaders, powerful statesmen, and influential courtiers, reproducing their autobiographies, letters of favor, paeans, mortuary gifts, and tomb inscriptions. Clearly annotated for the lay reader, the documents provide copious evidence of trade relations, construction activities, diplomatic envoys, foreign expeditions, and other aspects of a vigorous, highly organized and centrally controlled society. Breasted's commentary is both rigorously documented and accessible, suffused with a contagious fascination for the events, the personalities, the cultural practices, and the sophistication these records indicate. A herculean assemblage of primary documents, many of which have deteriorated to illegibility in the intervening century, Ancient Records of Egypt illuminates both the incredible complexity of Egyptian society and the almost insuperable difficulties of reconstructing a lost civilization. This first paperback edition of Ancient Records of Egypt features a new introduction and updated bibliography by Peter A. Piccione. Setting Breasted's work in the context of the development of American Egyptology, Piccione discusses Breasted's establishment of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, with corporate support by John D. Rockefeller and other benefactors, and surveys the ambitious body of publications with which Breasted laid the foundation for future Egyptian studies.

9. Granddad's Wonderful Book Of Chemistry - Kurt Saxon 1987

Granddad's Wonderful Book of Chemistry: 8½ X 11", 435 Pages The original methods of home manufacturing for everyone Make herbal extracts, essential oils, acids, gases alkaloids etcetera. Make most of the chemicals from easy-to-get raw chemicals. Plus a complete course in laboratory glass blowing; Dick's Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts and Processes, 1872; The Medical Students Manual of Chemistry, 1889; Chemical Magic, 1920; How to Make And Use A Small Chemical Laboratory, 1926.

10. The New World of Russian Small Arms Ammo - Charlie Cutshaw

Under Soviet rule, Russian small arms designers developed some of the most innovative small arms and ammo in history: underwater weapons; weapons that used silent ammo; whole families of rifles, pistols, shotguns and grenade launchers of truly advanced design favored by SPETsNAZ and the revolutionary new AN-94 assault rifle that is destined to replace the AK-74. This book contains detailed descriptions, specs and illustrations of the AN-94, PSS silent pistol, Bizon SMG, Saiga-12 tactical shotgun, GP-25 grenade launcher and more.

11. Black Medicine: The Dark Art of Death (Martial Arts) (DJVU FORMAT) - N.Mashiro Ph.D

One of the first books I ever owned on the subject!

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is N. Mashiro's, "Black Medicine: The Dark Art of Death."

This was one of the first books that I ever purchased years ago when I was in high school and starting to learn about the martial arts. This book gives you a very good overview on the vulnerable and vital points on the human body and is very informative. If you are interested in self-defense or any of the martial arts, I would definitely put this book on your too buy list.

Introduction:

1. The 3 Ways To Get Your Attacker To Stop Hurting You

a. Make him lose his concentration.
b. Interfere with his control over his body.
c. Destroy the integrity of his body.

2. The 3 Ways To Kill Your Opponent

a. Destroy the central nervous system.
b. Destroy or interfere with circulation.
c. Interfere with breathing.

What the author does with this book is to give you a fairly basic, yet detailed description of the locations of certain vulnerable and vital areas of the body, and the effects that certain blows can and will have when directed against these areas. This is done not only through accurate written descriptions, but also through the realistic and practical use of photographs and in some cases, illustrations.

The author breaks down the following chapters to vital points located in certain areas of the body and its extremities. They are as follows:

1. Vital Points of the Head
2. Vital Points of the Neck and Throat
3. Vital Points of the Upper Trunk
4. Vital Points of the Lower Trunk
5. Vital Points of the Hand and Arm
6. Vital Points of the Leg and Foot

The author concludes this book with a section on the vital points of pistol shooting. Which in and of itself is a remarkable section and one in which an entire book should be devoted.

This review is without a doubt the shortest one I have ever written, and on a book that should be a staple in the library of every martial artist and/or self-defense practitioner. Simply stated, "If you could only have a select number of books in your library, this book would definitely be one of them."

12. The Fall of Constantinople (Pivotal Moments in History) - Ruth Tenzer Feldman 2007

How did the loss of one city change the history of Europe? In the Middle Ages, Constantinople's perfect geographic location--positioned along a land trade route between Europe and Asia as well as on a strategic seaway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean-- made the city extremely desirous, and as a result, prone to attack. Under the control of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, Constantinople became known as "the Eye of the World," a center of government, trade, art, religion, and learning, and was even more desirous. Rulers built three sets of walls to protect Constantinople from attacks by Asiatic tribes. But the city's fall to the Turkish Ottomans in 1453 marked the official end of the Byzantine Empire--and the end of the Middle Ages. Learn how the fall of Constantinople became one of history's most pivotal moments.

13. American Gulag: Inside U.S. Immigration Prisons - Mark Dow 2005

Before September 11, 2001, few Americans had heard of immigration detention, but in fact a secret and repressive prison system run by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service has existed in this country for more than two decades. In American Gulag, prisoners, jailers, and whistle-blowing federal officials come forward to describe the frightening reality inside these INS facilities. Journalist Mark Dow's on-the-ground reporting brings to light documented cases of illegal beatings and psychological torment, prolonged detention, racism, and inhumane conditions. Intelligent, impassioned, and unlike anything that has been written on the topic, this gripping work of investigative journalism should be read by all Americans. It is a book that will change the way we see our country.
American Gulag takes us inside prisons such as the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami, the Corrections Corporation of America's Houston Processing Center, and county jails around the country that profit from contracts to hold INS prisoners. It contains disturbing in-depth profiles of detainees, including Emmy Kutesa, a defector from the Ugandan army who was tortured and then escaped to the United States, where he was imprisoned in Queens, and then undertook a hunger strike in protest. To provide a framework for understanding stories like these, Dow gives a brief history of immigration laws and practices in the United States--including the repercussions of September 11 and present-day policies. His book reveals that current immigration detentions are best understood not as a well-intentioned response to terrorism but rather as part of the larger context of INS secrecy and excessive authority.
American Gulag exposes the full story of a cruel prison system that is operating today with an astonishing lack of accountability.
Summary: Systemic Abuse
Rating: 5
Given the current focus on the mistreatment and torture of detainees in Iraq, Guantanamo and elsewhere and the debate over the origins of this abhorrent behavior, this is a very timely book. As well as describing the Kafkaesque intricacies of recent Immigration law, Dow documents the mistreatment of non-criminal detainees, showing that the abuse of human beings in detention has a long and institutionalized history within the United States. This book is further argument against the Bush Administration's insistence that the recent prisoner abuses in Iraq are isolated incidents, perpertrated by a few low-level prison guards. In fact, it is a reflection of common practice in a penal system that is as much out of control as the Iraq war situation. Dow writes with remarkable clarity, while treating both the incarcerated and their guards with humanity and respect. It is long past time that this secret world of incarceration has been brought into the light. Congratulations to Mr. Dow!
Summary: learn the way it really is
Rating: 5
immigration practice and policy is america's deep, dark secret. people are detained indefinitely for reasons that are often trivial and sometimes non-existent. this book shines a light into immigration policy and the detention facilities where noncitizens are held. everybody interested in how our justice system treats noncitizens should read this book. democrat or republican, conservative or liberal, this book will outrage you.

14. The Complete Idiots Guide to Tantric Sex

In this updated, fully illustrated second edition of the bestselling book, Dr. Judy Kuriansky—a certified associate Ipsalu Tantra Teacher—uncovers every aspect of this ancient practice. From the sacred beliefs behind Tantra and Tantric loving to the practice of Tantric techniques, this book includes a new chapter on sacred sex, an updated chapter on Tantra rituals, the author’s own Tantric sex therapy technique, tips from world-renowned Tantric experts, and listings of national Tantra instructors and workshops.

• Fully illustrated.
• Author is a tantric expert who has studied with pioneer Margot Anand.
• A basic introduction to the principles of Tantra.
• Tantric sex was recently featured in an episode of Sex and the City and in an article in New York magazine.

15. Horoscope in Your hand- By Sh. Rabinder Nath Bhandari