A Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the Tower of London is a unique form of puzzle book, in which the reader must solve the riddles to escape the pages. The fourth title in this ingenious series of Sherlock Holmes Escape Books, The Adventure of the Tower of London is an exhilarating combination of escape room, puzzle book and adventure story. Inspired by the urban craze for escape rooms, where players tackle puzzles while trapped in a locked room, it is an escape room in the form of a locked book, filled with codes, ciphers, riddles and red herrings, and a clever Code Wheel set into the cover. In the latest adventure in the series, readers will take on the role of the world's foremost consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes. Holmes's nemesis Moriarty has locked Sherlock's friend, the musician Odon von Mihalovic, with the CrownJewels in a cage in Tower Bridge the night before a special ceremony is due to be held for the Queen. Holmes and Watson are themselves trapped in the nearby Tower of London by Moriarty, and they must work through the night and against the clock to find and free Odon from the cage to prevent him being disgraced in the ceremony the following morning. Combines riddles, logic puzzles, timed challenges, mathematical brain-teasers, maps and mazes.

A Sherlock Holmes Escape Book: The Adventure of the Analytical Engine is a unique form of puzzle book, in which the reader must solve the riddles to escape the pages. The third title in this ingenious series of Sherlock Holmes Escape Books, The Adventure of the Analytical Engine is an exhilarating combination of escape room, puzzle book and adventure story. Inspired by the urban craze for escape rooms, where players tackle puzzles while trapped in a locked room, it is an escape room in the form of a locked book, filled with codes, ciphers, riddles and red herrings, and a clever Code Wheel set into the cover. In this new adventure, readers will take on the role of the world's foremost consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, snared at the centre of a cunning plot, after receiving a mysterious letter from beyond the grave. Intrigued by an invitation from mathematician Charles Babbage to view his newly completed pioneering contraption, Holmes becomes imprisoned in a magnificent London villa, where tricks, traps and illusions aim to divert him from uncovering the true purpose of the reimagined Analytical Engine. Combines riddles, logic puzzles, timed challenges, mathematical brain-teasers, maps and mazes.

The Alcatraz Escape Book is a unique form of puzzle book, in which the reader must solve the riddles to escape the pages. An exhilarating combination of escape room, puzzle book and adventure story, this book is inspired by the urban craze for escape rooms as well as the history surrounding America's most infamous prison. Readers will take on the role of Scott Wilson, a member of an underground US environmental movement called the Wilderness, who has discovered that a farming lobby is illegally using toxic pesticides to sell large amounts of land cheaply to corrupt politicians. There is enough evidence safely tucked away in a secret location to bring these criminals to justice, but failed sting operation takes place which leaves an FBI agent dead and Scott framed for the murder. Framed as a traitor and a murderer and sent to Alcatraz as a result, the reader must escape the forbidding, top-security jail, recover the lost evidence and stop the pollution and land sale before it's too late. Surrounded by the most notorious, dangerous and unpredictable inmates, the reader will quickly learn that their only means of escape will be from solving hidden puzzles using the code wheel left behind by the renowned criminal mastermind Robert Stroud - the famous Birdman of Alcatraz. Nobody has ever escaped Alcatraz alive, and with time quickly running out, the reader will have to find unlikely allies who can help them break out and aid them when they come to face the perilous waters surrounding the prison in order to escape the Rock. Combines riddles, logic puzzles, timed challenges, mathematical brain-teasers, maps and mazes.

Britain's royal history brought to life with 200 contemporary and historical illustrations, maps, shields and comprehensive genealogical tables. It includes the story of King Arthur, why William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, how Robert the Bruce guarded Scottish independence, and the search for the body of Richard III. Throughout the book specially commissioned maps, plans, timelines and family trees highlight the vital events of every reign. It is a valuable reference book for any historian, with fact boxes to highlight important events for each reign. The royal history of the monarchs of Britain continues to fascinate. This book tells the story from the rise of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and Alfred the Great to the Union of the English and Scottish Crowns in 1603. Family trees trace the line of succession in the English royal houses of Wessex, the Danes, the Normans and the Plantaganets, and the Scottish houses of Macalpine, Dunkeld, Balliol, Bruce and Stewart. Pictures include paintings and contemporary portraits, manuscript drawings, sculptures and photographs. Charting nearly 1500 years of royal rule, this informative history brings the lives of Britain's ancient and medieval monarchs into focus.

In battle, the medieval knight was the equivalent of the modern tank. A knight could plough his way through ranks of foot-soldiers, and on massive warhorses in tight formation, a cavalry charge was devastating. This book covers every aspect of the role of knights in feudal Europe: their nobility, social status, rigorous training, horsemanship, military exploits, responsibilities and privileges. Included are revered knights such as Charlemagne, Richard the Lionheart, Edward the Black Prince, and William Wallace, plus features on King Arthur, medieval poetry and courtly romances, stories of the crusaders, and folktales of rogue and errant knights.

In this beautifully illustrated and fully updated edition, Charles Phillips charts the complete history of the royal families of Britain. Beginning in the earliest times with the legend of King Arthur, Eric Bloodaxe and the real-life history of Macbeth, he describes the lives and legends of the kings and queens of Britain, their consorts and children, and the pretenders, usurpers and regents who played a role in the making of the United Kingdom. Fact boxes highlight the essential events of each reign, as well as maps, charts and family trees. Over 500 fine art paintings, sculptures, engravings, artefacts, photographs, maps and illustrations reveal the heritage and pageantry of royal Britain. A valuable reference book for any historian, this guide will fascinate every reader interested in one of the longest-running monarchies in the world.

The definitive chronicle of the ancient peoples of Central America & Mexico – including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec and Zapotec In a sumptuous new large-format edition, this wide-ranging reference book covers almost 3000 years of history, offering enthralling insights into the art and architecture, myths and legends, and everyday life of the many different empires of Central America and Mexico. Stories of sun-gods and blood sacrifice, of pyramids and temples, and of the fabulous treasuries filled with gold have fascinated many generations. This book unravels the true facts behind the stories and looks at how myth and legends can tell us much about the cult of war in these pre-industrial nations. The magnificent architectural and cultural achievements of a succession of Mesoamerican peoples - the Olmecs, Maya, Zapotecs, Toltecs, Mixtec and Aztecs - cover almost 3000 years. These achievements range from the temple-pyramids and colossal stone carvings of the Olmecs to the awe-inspiring cities, vast trading networks and complex religious societies of the Aztecs and Maya. The World Heritage sites of historic Mexico City and Tenochtitlán, Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá, Tikal and Monte Albán, are examined giving life to the civic, military and everyday world of the time. Archaeological finds and surviving documents provide intriguing insights into astronomy, the development of calendars, mathematics, writing and the arts. They also reveal a grim commitment to war and a savage religious devotion to gods who demanded the blood of human sacrifice. Pottery and textiles, carvings, mosaics, and gold and metalwork show the technological innovations of these pre-industrial civilizations. Superbly illustrated throughout, with more than 1000 colour photographs, artworks, maps and plans, the book reveals every aspect of the history of these lost civilizations. This unrivalled volume is not only a perfect introduction to the subject but also a stunning visual record of a fascinating period that has helped to shape our world.

This book examines the historical brotherhood of knights, how they were governed by their feudal lord, the moral code of the church, and the ideal of the chivalric code. Knights drew inspiration from portrayals of knighthood in the literature of chivalry - in heroic chansons de geste, poems of courtly love and prose and verse of romances that told of knights' great deeds in war and love. Together, the chivalric code and the art and literature of the time embodied a vision of how knights should and could behave. With sections on the knightly heroes of the Bible, the classical worlds, and the enduring tales of King Arthur, there is also a discussion of how the knights of history lived up to these ideals, and were themselves made into legendary figures. This is a description and explanation of the code of chivalry, who inspired and compiled it, and how it bound together the knights who swore to it. It contains a detailed analysis of the rich romantic art that chivalry inspired, including the chansons de gestes that influenced the knights and kings. Special sections cover the most revered and honoured knights of the time, including King Edward I of England, Sir John Chandos, The Black Prince, El Cid and William Wallace. It offers an intelligent and thoughtful discussion on the importance of the code of chivalry, with a comparison of how its idealistic rules matched up to the reality of combat and politics. It is lavishly illustrated with over 200 beautiful illustrations that shows knights on the battlefield, at the tournament, and in love.

Here is an outstanding visual reference guide to one of the most exciting and dynamic periods of British history. In this lavishly illustrated chronicle, Charles Phillips traces the royal family from the accession of the German king George I, in 1714, through the development of the worldwide British Empire under Queen Victoria to the glorious reign of Elizabeth II. Fact boxes, feature spreads and maps trace the birth of the Empire and the development of the modern Commonwealth.

A beautifully illustrated and unique history of the rose-the "queen of flowers"-in art, medicine, cuisine, and more "From noted rosarian Peter Kukielski comes this unique and handsome book that traces the many ways that roses have captured human imagination throughout the history of civilization."-Meghan Shinn, Horticulture "I would recommend Rosa as a gift for anyone who loves flowers, although once purchased you would find it hard to pass on!"-Judith Blacklock, Flora Magazine Few flowers have quite the same allure or as significant a place in history as the rose. A symbol of love, power, royalty, beauty, and joy, the rose has played many roles, both literal and symbolic, in poetry, art, literature, music, fashion, medicine, perfume, decoration, cuisine, and more. In this beautifully illustrated guide, award-winning horticulturist Peter E. Kukielski and his coauthor, Charles Phillips, tell the fascinating and many-layered history of this "queen of flowers." The book explores many stories from the long association of roses with human societies, from their first cultivation-likely in China some five thousand years ago-to their modern genetic cultivars. It shows how roses have been prominent across time and many cultures, including ancient Greece and Rome, Christianity, Islam, and Sufism. The book, with more than 140 color illustrations, offers a unique look at the essential contributions that roses have made throughout human history.

This meticulously researched book provides an accessible history of the nine crusades between 1096 and 1272 plus smaller campaigns across Europe culminating in the Holy League's victory over the Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto. It covers the land the crusading knights lost and won, the kingdoms they established, the inspiration that motivated them, and the controversies that still surround them. It also features some of the larger-than-life knights such as Robert of Jerusalem, Godfrey of Bouillon, Frederick II, and Richard the Lionheart and their contribution to the holy wars. Illustrated with over 400 fine art images, and with expert text, this book is a beautiful and fascinating account of an extraordinary historical period.

The crusades of 1200-1588 in Palestine, Spain, Italy and Northern Europe, from the Sack of Constantinople to the crusades against the Hussites, depicted in over 150 fine art images. This title offers an evocative account of what are known as the Late Crusades: the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eight and ninth crusades between 1200 and 1588. It explains the political and religious background to the struggles in Palestine, the Christian determination to regain Spain, and the rise of the Ottomans in Egypt. It includes the wars waged by fellow Christians with the papal campaigns against the Cathars and Hussites, as well as against the pagan tribes in the Baltic states. It features the brotherhoods of warrior monks, including the Knights of St John, and the Knights Templar. It includes special sections on the crusading knights, generals and princes of that time such as: Prince Edward of England, King Peter of Cyprus, and Grand Master Jacques de Molay. This title is richly illustrated throughout with over 150 images of the battles, fortresses and epic journeys of the crusaders. This expertly researched and vividly illustrated book details the fascinating later crusades, which were fought between 1200 and 1588. These began with the attempts to regain the city of Jerusalem, held by the Christians for two generations but lost to Saladin in 1187. Conflict soon spread to Egypt, Spain and Italy, and then beyond, as the Pope used his call to arms to invoke campaigns against European pagans and Christian heretics. Charles Philips succeeds in explaining this complex period of history, and examining how the crusades impacted on the religious, social and political aspects of life in that time.

For sophomore/junior-level signals and systems courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. This text provides a clear, comprehensive presentation of both the theory and applications in signals, systems, and transforms. It presents the mathematical background of signals and systems, including the Fourier transform, the Fourier series, the Laplace transform, the discrete-time and the discrete Fourier transforms, and the z-transform. The text integrates MATLAB examples into the presentation of signal and system theory and applications.

Discover Britain's magnificent heritage of country houses in this lavishly illustrated guide to the architectural treasures of the United Kingdom. Spanning the years from 1714 to the start of the 21st century, this book includes the period's finest examples of architecture, such as Blenheim Palace, Arundel Castle and Clarence House. An in-depth guide to the history of every house features information on its design, construction and the stories of its best-known inhabitants, as well as profiles of celebrated architects. Timelines and maps trace the development of Britain's architectural legacy, while a glossary introduces key terms and an A-Z listing make it easy to find every property listed. This complete reference book will delight and inform in equal measure.

This sumptuously illustrated history presents, in an updated new edition, an in-depth account of Britain's most important buildings, from castles, royal palaces and stately homes to fortified manors and the great country houses, and provides a wealth of stories and information on this glorious architectural past and heritage. Detailed coverage is given of the World Heritage Sites of Edward I's castles at Beaumaris, Harlech, Caenarvon and Conwy, plus other spectacular buildings such as Blenheim Palace, The Tower of London, Burghley House and Windsor Castle. Special features focus on important art and architectural movements and on the great architects including Wren, Adam, Wyatt and Lutyens.

This boxed set of two encyclopedias charts the rise and fall of the ancient American empires - including the Chavin, Paracas, Moche, Olmec and Zapotec. It is an absorbing guide to the lost world of the peoples of the sun, their awe-inspiring history, myths and culture. You can explore dozens of vitally important World Heritage sites, including Teotihuacan, Cuzco and the Nazca lines. It describes burial practices, mummies, ritual sacrifice and the importance of gold as well as exploring the impact on native religion of the coming of Christianity. 1000 stunning photographs, statues, sculptures, paintings, maps and illustrations reveal an amazing visual history. This two-volume comprehensive and authoritative history describes the political, military and social world of ancient America. It explores the region's vivid mythology, including tales of creation, earth and sky; legends of the gods, goddesses and heroes; and stories of fertility, harvest and the afterlife. The first book focuses on the Maya and Aztec civilizations of Mexico and Central America, and the second on the Inca Empire that stretched the length of South America. Taking in many other cultures, this is a perfect introduction to the subject and also a stunning visual record of a fascinating period that has helped to shape our world.

- Discover the beauty of Britain's pre-eminent World Heritage sites such as William the Conqueror's Tower of London and the historic Palace of Westminster.
- Location maps and an A-to-Z property listing make it easy to find every castle and fort, palace and stately house, manor house and hall described in this excellent book.

Logical thinking allows you to make effective decisions, even when faced with stressful situations. Everyone can improve their logical-thinking abilities - it just takes an understanding of a few basic principles and practice. These brain-training puzzles will boost your ability to think things through and come up with the right solutions, no matter what the problem. Includes an extended introduction with pointers on how to think logically, as well as How to Think tips to improve your analytical skills as you work through 50 rigorously challenging puzzles.

Britain's royal, architectural and historic heritage is celebrated in one stunningly illustrated volume. This is a biographical account of every monarch from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth I and Victoria to the present day. It features in-depth illustrated surveys of over 120 of the most significant castles, palaces and stately houses. It includes over 1000 photographs, fine-art paintings, drawings, maps and family trees tracing the Royal Line of Succession. Explore the history of the British Isles in this celebration of its monarchs, and the development of its fine architectural legacy. The first half is a magnificent illustrated history of Britain's kings and queens, including such internationally recognized characters as Henry VIII and Elizabeth II. The second part focuses on many fascinating historic sites in Britain and Ireland, including Tintagel, Windsor and Chatsworth. From castles to kings, from stately houses to statesmen and nobles, the legacy of Britain's past is an intrinsic part of the country today. This expert and comprehensive guide to British royalty and architecture will delight and inform every reader.

This title examines the institutions of the Church and explores the significance of the sacraments, with over 180 photographs. It offers an introduction to the traditions of Catholic ritual. It describes the administrative structure of the Church, and also examines the duties performed by different sorts of nuns and priests and the vows they take. It explains the seven sacraments. It features a guide to the festivals and holy days in the Catholic calendar and the customs associated with them. The Catholic religion has a spiritual, cultural and historical heritage that spans more than 2000 years. The first part of the book explains the hierarchy and structure of the Church, from the Pope who provides guidance to the bishops in their dioceses, to the priests in their parishes. The seven sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, penance and reconciliation, the anointing of the sick, holy orders and Holy Matrimony are all described. Finally, important days and festivals in the Catholic calendar are discussed, such as Lent, The Resurrection and Easter. This title is lavishly illustrated with more than 180 photographs and fine-art paintings.

How do captains of industry and the greatest strategic minds come to the decisions they do? Learn how to think in ways that will help keep you one step ahead, while completing enjoyable brain-training puzzles. Debating skills, sound logical reasoning and thinking outside the box are all examined, bringing you a new understanding of tactics, strategy and decision-making. Includes an extended introduction with advice on how to think in tactical ways, as well as How to Think tips to improve your critical-thinking skills as you work through 50 testing puzzles.

Don't get stuck in a rut - unleash your ingenuity with these creative puzzles. Imaginative thinking helps you in all aspects of life. It allows you to become more resourceful at problem solving, or to develop unorthodox strategies for dealing with any situation that might come your way. These brain-training puzzles will teach you how to break out of the thought patterns that are stifling your ingenuity. Includes an extended introduction with advice on how to think in new creative ways, as well as How to Think tips to improve your innovative-thinking skills as you power through 50 visually stimulating puzzles.