Who wore the first pants? Who painted the first masterpiece? Who first rode the horse? Who invented soap? This madcap adventure across ancient history uses everything from modern genetics to archaeology to uncover the geniuses behind these and other world-changing innovations. Who invented the wheel? Who told the first joke? Who drank the first beer? Who was the murderer in the first murder mystery, who was the first surgeon, who sparked the first fire--and most critically, who was the first to brave the slimy, pale oyster? In this book, writer Cody Cassidy digs deep into the latest research to uncover the untold stories of some of these incredible innovators (or participants in lucky accidents). With a sharp sense of humor and boundless enthusiasm for the wonders of our ancient ancestors, Who Ate the First Oyster? profiles the perpetrators of the greatest firsts and catastrophes of prehistory, using the lives of individuals to provide a glimpse into ancient cultures, show how and why these critical developments occurred, and educate us on a period of time that until recently we've known almost nothing about.

Robert seems like such a regal name. Hmm . . . maybe not. This name is held by some of history's most notorious criminals, scoundrels and utter failures. In this book, you'll encounter killers, spies, gunslingers, corrupt politicians and crooked businessmen, all named Robert or Bobby. Meet the ultra-religious spy, the killer nurse and the actor who was a porn pioneer. It's the perfect book for anyone named Robert, Bob or Bobby.

‘Caroline Taggart has carved out a niche for herself in user-friendly, wittily written factual books.’ – Yorkshire Post ______________________ The huge variety of colourful phrases contained in the English language are notoriously varied and, often, notably odd. From blue-blooded (an invention of aristocratic Spaniards) to limelight (a way of lighting Victorian theatres), passing an exam with flying colours (an image from sailing ships) to winning hands down (from horse racing), the fascinating expressions that make up our language are explored in Humble Pie and Cold Turkey. In this highly entertaining book, language enthusiast and Sunday Times best-selling author Caroline Taggart browses through thousands of years of history to shed light on why we use the words and phrases we do. Arranged by themes including food, the household, childhood, romance and more, this intriguing book looks at the origins of our language from their historical context. For example, did you know that: If you rest on your laurels, you’re imitating a complacent Roman general? If you eavesdrop, you’re likely to get wet? If you’re taken aback, you should, strictly speaking, be a sailing ship? If you’re galvanized into action, you’re behaving like Frankenstein’s monster? Humble Pie and Cold Turkey will prompt you to question the downright bizarre idioms we use to express ourselves, and answer questions you may never have thought to ask. Including why turkeys need to be cold and how pies came to be humble.

James seems like such a noble name. Hmm . . . maybe not. The names James and Jim are held by some of history's most notorious criminals, scoundrels and utter failures. In this book, you'll encounter killers, con men, spies, mobsters and corrupt politicians - all named James. Meet the hit man turned stoolie, the spy who reached the highest levels of the U.S. military and the mayor more interested in a good time than good government. It's the perfect book for anyone named James, Jim or Jimmy.

Michael seems like such a noble name. Hmm . . . maybe not. The name Michael is held by some of history's most notorious criminals, scoundrels and utter failures. In this book, you'll encounter killers, con men, spies, mobsters and corrupt politicians - all named Mike. Meet the gunslinger that began a war over cows, the doctor who killed more than he healed and the gangster who just wouldn't die. It's the perfect book for anyone named Michael, Mike and Mickey.

John seems like such a noble name. Hmm...maybe not. The names John and Jonathan are held by some of history's most notorious criminals, scoundrels and utter failures. In this book, you'll encounter killers, con men, spies, mobsters and corrupt politicians--all named John. Meet the boy who turned the papal residence into a brothel, the emperor who was a cannibal and the sailor with a hook for a hand. It's the perfect book for anyone named John, Jonathan or Jack.

In his wildly entertaining, winningly irreverent, "New York Times" bestselling Don't Know Much About(R) 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 sky's the limit in his latest irresistible installment--a 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!"

A burning bush that won't burn. A kid who defeats a giant. A rescue from a den of lions!

Get Ready to explore these stories and more!

77 Bible Quizzes for Kids: Old Testament takes kids on a journey starting a the very beginning when God created the world.

The stories travel through the lives of men and women like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Ruth, and Esther. Each story is followed by a short quiz to help kids remember these important testimonies of God's goodness and faithfulness.

Start reading and see if you can conquer the quiz?

Special features:

• Softcover
• Gloss Laminated Cover
• One-color insides
• For 8-to-10-year-olds