Originally trained as a physician, the biologist and thinker Ernst Haeckel (1834 1919), was an evolutionist who remained sceptical of natural selection. This book, which first appeared in German in 1899, sold 10,000 copies in its first few months and was published in an English translation the following year. In the preface, Haeckel applauds the technological progress of the nineteenth century, but bemoans the lack of communication between empirical scientists and abstract philosophers in the search for truth. The book carefully outlines Haeckel's monistic philosophy and ethics, which he sees as the key to human progress. Its twenty chapters cover anthropology, psychology, cosmology and theology, ranging from the embryology of the soul to a debate on Christianity and science. Haeckel's philosophy attracted a sizeable following for several decades, and it remains of interest to historians working on the reception of Darwinism as well as on its appropriation into Nazi ideology.

Most Batman fans have enjoyed the Dark Knight in comics or on the big screen and are eagerly anticipating the release of the new Justice League movie. But only real fans know the other characters who have donned the cowl in place of Bruce Wayne, or know the full origin stories of those who make up the rogues gallery. 100 Things Batman Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource for true fans, whether you're a comic book collector, an aficionado of Christopher Nolan's films, or both! Joseph McCabe of Nerdist.com has collected every essential piece of Dark Knight knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom. Contains exclusive interviews with Batman creators!

Probably no religious institution in the world has had so remarkable a history, and assuredly none has attracted so large and varied a literature, as the Papacy. This book contains a study of twenty famous popes whose careers and whose influence were important in the development of the church and in the history of the world. It provides a view of the Papacy from the early 3rd to the early 20th century.