· 2007
Evolution is designed to serve as the primary text for undergraduate courses in evolution. It differs from currently available alternatives in containing more molecular biology than is traditionally the case.
· 2008
Computer role-playing games (CRPGs) are a special genre of computer games that bring the tabletop role-playing experience of games such as Dungeons & Dragons to the computer screen. This genre includes classics such as Ultima and The Bard's Tale as well as more modern games such as World of Warcraft and Guild Wars. Written in an engaging style for
· 2020
A literary history of our most influential book of all time, by an Oxford scholar and Anglican priest In our culture, the Bible is monolithic: It is a collection of books that has been unchanged and unchallenged since the earliest days of the Christian church. The idea of the Bible as "Holy Scripture," a non-negotiable authority straight from God, has prevailed in Western society for some time. And while it provides a firm foundation for centuries of Christian teaching, it denies the depth, variety, and richness of this fascinating text. In A History of the Bible, John Barton argues that the Bible is not a prescription to a complete, fixed religious system, but rather a product of a long and intriguing process, which has inspired Judaism and Christianity, but still does not describe the whole of either religion. Barton shows how the Bible is indeed an important source of religious insight for Jews and Christians alike, yet argues that it must be read in its historical context--from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries. It is a book full of narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems, and letters, each with their own character and origin stories. Barton explains how and by whom these disparate pieces were written, how they were canonized (and which ones weren't), and how they were assembled, disseminated, and interpreted around the world--and, importantly, to what effect. Ultimately, A History of the Bible argues that a thorough understanding of the history and context of its writing encourages religious communities to move away from the Bible's literal wording--which is impossible to determine--and focus instead on the broader meanings of scripture.
· 2002
The nation-states and peoples of South and Central America, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, that together form the political geographical region of Latin America, encompass a wide range of societies, politics and economies. This text exposes the differences between places, regions and countries, individuals and societies, offering an invaluable insight into the themes of political and economic development, and provides a guide to understanding power and space relations. From the Antarctic to the tropical jungles, the coastal communities to the highland villages, the mega-cities to isolated rural existence, the political geographies of lives, localities, cities and rurality are too sophisticated to be subjected to generalizations. Adopting a critical human geography perspective, Jonathon Barton provides an understanding of similarities, difference and sophisticated human geographies.
· 2023
In "The Life of Clara Barton," William E. Barton crafts a meticulously researched biography that illuminates the profound contributions of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Written in a thoughtful and engaging literary style, the book delves deep into Barton's early life, her pioneering work in humanitarian efforts, and her role in the American Civil War. Barton emerges not only as a dedicated nurse and reformer but also as a symbol of compassion and resilience in times of conflict. Barton's founder of the Red Cross epitomizes the intersection of an evolving society and the nascent field of organized medical aid, reflecting a vital period in American history where social responsibility began to take shape. William E. Barton, an esteemed historian known for his comprehensive studies on American figures, draws upon abundant primary sources, letters, and contemporaneous accounts to construct this vivid portrait of Barton. His extensive academic background, specifically in American history and social reform movements, serves as a foundation for this biography, enabling him to contextualize Barton's achievements within the broader scope of 19th-century America. This book is highly recommended for both general readers and scholars alike, offering valuable insights into philanthropy and social justice. "The Life of Clara Barton" not only honors a remarkable woman but also invites reflection on the moral imperatives of service and compassion in our contemporary society.
· 2012
This book provides a detailed exploration of the important elements of the theology underlying the book of Amos. It considers Amos as a figure representing social justice, surveys major developments in the critical assessment of the book, and examines the history of the book's reception.
· 1994
"What happens to a people ... when it becomes divided and separated through a great overseas migration? ... how do the two parts of such a divided people relate to each other? What ideas do they have regarding each other as the process continues and as time and circumstance cause them to develop in separate ways of their own? The purpose of this book is to seek answers to such questions in the case of the Swedes during the period of their great migration, between roughly 1840 and 1940." -- Pref.
· 1907
Clara Barton, the popular name of Clarissa Harlowe Barton (1821-1912), is best known as the founder of the American Red Cross. She worked as a schoolteacher from 1836 to 1854 and later as a copyist in the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, DC. During the American Civil War, she organized relief for wounded soldiers and became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." She later worked for the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. She established the U.S. branch of the Red Cross in 1881, and served as the organization's president from 1881 to 1904. Barton wrote The Story of My Childhood in retirement at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland. Her purpose in writing the book, she explained in the preface, was to respond to requests from children who were studying her in their American history classes at school and wanted to know more about her life and career. The book recounts her life growing up on a farm in Oxford, Massachusetts, as the youngest of ten children and recalls two formative experiences that shaped her later work: nursing her brother David back to health after he was seriously injured in an accident, and becoming an elementary-school teacher at age 17.