Illustrated edition of the complete text captures the spirit of the Regency era.

Who was vicious, who was vile and who was just very, very bad — or just mad? Discover what the Vikings were really like and what they were up to, and learn whether they really were that rotten. These colorful books are packed with the fun and grossness kids love, and also the real historical facts that parents and teachers want them reading. A half-illustrated, half-photographic approach creates a feeling of real depth, and fuses the twin strands of imagination and historical reality.

In the heart of the Cold War, they sent him to plot the ultimate assassination. Now they want him dead... It is 1953. Joseph Stalin, the world's most tyrannical dictator, is teetering on the edge of insanity, and about to plunge the world into nuclear chaos. Only one man and one woman can penetrate the Iron Curtain and stop this madman, before it's too late. But someone inside the Kremlin knows. And as the KGB's deadliest manhunter pursues these two CIA-hired assassins, another duel unfolds, between secret warriors of the West and East, with a U.S. agent caught in between. Now that agent must do the unthinkable: find his way to the heart of the Soviet Union and stop the mission he himself set in motion-before it ignites World War III.

Orphaned and penniless at the height of the Depression, Jacob Jankowski escapes everything he knows by jumping on a passing train-and inadvertently runs away with the circus. So begins Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen's darkly beautiful tale about the characters who inhabit the less-than-greatest show on earth. Jacob finds a place tending the circus animals, including a seemingly untrainable elephant named Rosie. He also comes to know Marlena, the star of the equestrian act-and wife of August, a charismatic but cruel animal trainer. Caught between his love for Marlena and his need to belong in the crazy family of travelling performers, Jacob is freed only by a murderous secret that will bring the big top down. Water for Elephants is an enchanting page-turner, the kind of book that creates a world that engulfs you from the first page to the last.

The earliest short and medium-length fiction by Philip K. Dick (including several previously unpublished stories) during the years 1952-1955 is contained in this collection of science fiction stories. In addition to the title story, the volume includes Beyond Lies the Wub, The Short Happy Life of the Brown Oxford, The Variable Man, and many others.

On June 22, 1941, Hitler launched a massive three-pronged attack on the Soviet Union, and in days his troops were within reach of Moscow. The attack was stunning, but Stalin's response was even more astonishing. During the invasion, the mighty Soviet military stood in place while its soldiers were slaughtered by the hundreds of thousands. Drawing on a wealth of newly available documents, from classified Politburo papers and diaries of key generals to diplomatic cables and secret police memos, the Russian historian Constantine Pleshakov paints a startling portrait of Stalin, one of history's most feared despots, as a vulnerable and paralyzed leader. Refusing to believe that the Germans would strike first, despite repeated warnings, he continued to supply them with war materials in the days before the attack, then tied his generals' hands in the crucial first hours of the invasion. For more than a week, while Hitler rolled over Soviet territory, Stalin cowered in his dacha, leaving the country rudderless and — as Pleshakov reveals here — nearly losing power. The Red Army's effort to regain the territory lost in those first ten days cost more than 10 million Soviet lives. Stalin's Folly is a dramatic hour-by-hour account that sheds light on an enigmatic and ruthless figure while providing a new and far deeper understanding of Russian history.

America's most-loved holiday poem is now presented by one of the world's favorite musical groups, and illustrated by the artist of the best-selling Puff, the Magic Dragon. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a reading of Clement C. Moore's classic verse, which has brightened the season ever since it was first published in 1823. And now this heartwarming poem is more dazzling than ever before. Acclaimed painter Eric Puybaret enchantingly captures the story's magic and wide-eyed wonder: a cozy home with stockings hung by a mantel; visions of sugarplums dancing in the dreams of sleeping children; a miniature sleigh pulled by eight prancing reindeer; and of course, jolly Santa, with his merry dimples and twinkling eyes, coming down the chimney with a bagful of toys. Along with the beautiful book comes a specially created three-track musical and narrative CD, including Moore's tale stunningly set to music by Noel Paul Stookey, an enchanting reading by Mary Travers over a special score composed by Peter Yarrow with Peter and Noel joining Mary one last time in her final performance, plus the classic Peter, Paul and Mary holiday favorite, A' Soalin. Families will gather together to read and listen and experience Moore's wondrous world as never before.

The shocking first-hand account of one man's remarkable fight for freedom; now an award-winning motion picture. 'Why had I not died in my young years — before God had given me children to love and live for? What unhappiness and suffering and sorrow it would have prevented. I sighed for liberty; but the bondsman's chain was round me, and could not be shaken off.' 1841: Solomon Northup is a successful violinist when he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Taken from his family in New York State — with no hope of ever seeing them again — and forced to work on the cotton plantations in the Deep South, he spends the next twelve years in captivity until his eventual escape in 1853. First published in 1853, this extraordinary true story proved to be a powerful voice in the debate over slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War. It is a true-life testament of one man's courage and conviction in the face of unfathomable injustice and brutality: its influence on the course of American history cannot be overstated.

Though he's only thirteen, Theodore Boone has spent more time in the courtroom than almost anywhere else, and there's always a new adventure waiting. After having been falsely accused of vandalism and theft, Theo is happy to finally be out of the hot seat, once more dispensing legal advice to friends and community members, when an exciting new case demands his urgent attention.

The Ripley's Believe It or Not! Cool Coloring Book is full of amazing and extraordinary pictures to color. This unique children's coloring book is loaded with unbelievable facts, amazing stories, and incredible animals. It is sure to keep kids entertained and make learning fun. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Cool Coloring Book is imaginative and entertaining. The pictures and coloring opportunities inside feature incredible animals, amazing scenes and bizarre facts straight from the Ripley's Believe It or Not! archives. Designed for children ages 6-9, this unique activity book is packed with a range of coloring opportunities and guides that are certain to keep kids laughing and learning for hours! Be sure to check out the other great titles in the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Activity Book series.

At bedtime, Big Bear patiently reassures Little Bear that he needn't fear the dark, in this tale for readers and listeners up to 5 by the author of Farmer Duck and Owl Babies. When all the lanterns in the cave aren't enough to comfort Little Bear, his father takes him outside to show him that the dark is lit up by the bright yellow moon and the twinkling stars. Barbara Firth's very cozy watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations could almost make you forget that this adorable duo are actually bears. A DVD comes with the book, featuring a short film of the story with narration by actor Kevin Whately.

The surprisingly aggressive Little Rabbit Foo Foo rides though the forest on his motorbike, picking up the field mice, wriggly worms, tigers, and goblins — and bopping them on the head with his red mallet. Again and again, the Good Fairy warns the mischievous bunny that if he doesn't stop, she will turn him into a goonie. What's a goonie? You'll just have to see. Arthur Robins's expressive cartoons skillfully add riotous humor to the familiar text for prereaders. A DVD comes with the book, featuring a short film of the story, narrated by actor Kevin Whately.

The seventh book to feature the classic crime-solving detective, Chief Inspector Wexford. It seems fitting that the final resting place of a girl's body should be in a graveyard. But this is no peaceful burial. This is a brutal murder scene. Under strict orders from his doctor to indulge in no criminal investigation, Wexford is sent to London for a break away from the pressures of the Kingsmarkham police force. But then he discovers that his nephew Howard is heading the investigation into the macabre murder of Loveday Morgan, whose body was found abandoned in Kenbourne Cemetery. Despite opposition from Howard and his team, Wexford is drawn to the case. And when he unearths Loveday's connection to a religious cult whose leader was imprisoned for sexual absue, he relentlessly pursues this sinister new lead...

On a tree in the woods, three baby owls, Sarah and Percy and Bill, sit and think and wait for their Owl Mother to come home. Offering a whole new storytelling experience, this picture book and DVD edition features a charming story animation narrated by Emilia Fox.

«One day, when Sid the dog is walking to school, he suddenly gets a happy feeling and he floats right up to the sky, in this gentle tale for prereaders by the author of Duck in the Truck and My Friend Bear. Sid can't wait to tell his friends at school, but everyone reminds him, «You're a dog, and dogs don't fly.» When Sid starts feeling down, though, his Dad tells him an exciting secret that changes everything. Jez Alborough's painted illustrations show great attentiveness to facial expressions, and his bright palette makes the dogs seem to pop off the page. A DVD comes with the book, featuring a short film of the story, narrated by actor Kevin Whately.»

Beginning with an atmospheric account of Tyburn — a village synonymous with capital punishment in Britain — the author of Bedlam and Necropolis leads a grisly excursion through London as a city of ne'er-do-wells, taking in beheadings and brutality at the Tower, Elizabethan street crime, highway robbers, the 18th-century Gordon Riots, and the Victorian era of incarceration. Catharine Arnold also surveys the grotesque punishments meted out to those who transgressed the law, and investigates the influence of London's criminal classes on the literature of the 19th and 20th centuries.

«Za-Za Zebra can't help feeling left out when Mum comes home with a new baby, in this book for prereaders by the creator of Maisy the mouse. After delayed meals, curtailed fun, and lots of «Later, Za-Za, « the young zebra finally fusses «I want a hug now!» «Why don't you hug the baby?» asks Mum, and soon Za-Za begins to understand what's wonderful about having a little brother. A DVD comes with the book, featuring a short film of the story, narrated by actress Adjoa Andoh.»

This is the book that inspired 'Crossbones' the new NBC television series written and produced by Neil 'Luther' Cross and starring John Malkovich. In the early eighteenth century a number of the great pirate captains, including Edward Blackbeard Teach and Black Sam Bellamy, joined forces. This infamous Flying Gang was more than simply a thieving band of brothers. Many of its members had come to piracy as a revolt against conditions in the merchant fleet and in the cities and plantations in the Old and New Worlds. Inspired by notions of self-government, they established a crude but distinctive form of democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own zone of freedom in which indentured servants were released and leaders chosen or deposed by a vote. They were ultimately overcome by their archnemesis, Captain Woodes Rogers — a merchant fleet owner and former privateer — and the brief though glorious moment of the Republic of Pirates came to an end. In this unique and fascinating book, Colin Woodard brings to life this virtually unexplored chapter in the Golden Age of Piracy.

Have you ever wondered how the Leopard got his spots, how the Rhinosaurus got his skin, or how the Alphabet was made? This witty and wonderful collection embarks upon a fanciful voyage to unearth the answers to these very questions, and more. The Just So Stories have long been regarded as a true classic of children's literature. This Heritage edition is published with Rudyard Kipling's original 1902 drawings, and color illustrations by Chris Riddell.

For decades families have gathered together to read Clement C. Moore's enchanting holiday poem. Featuring beautiful original illustrations by award-winning artist Tom Browning, this stunning edition stands apart from the rest. Browning has created a classic Saint Nick—the quintessential round, jolly, white-bearded figure that everyone imagines. The look is timeless, filled with warmth and sentiment: exactly what Christmas should be. The story's enduring charm and Browning's memorable art make The Night Before Christmas a must-have for any child who is just discovering the tale—and every adult who has loved it forever.