This book describes the most important events and people in Jewish history from Abraham to the present day, in a very concise, accessible way. These 'read-bites' include up-to-date essays discussing the impact of 9-11; the Iraq War, Muslim fundamentalism, and rise of European anti-Semitism on the Jewish people.

How does this Jewish history book differ from all others? Instead of burdening the reader with endless details about every single aspect of Jewish history, Pasachoff and Littman provide essential information, easily digested by readers of all ages, that chronicles only the major events and people of the past. The history of the Jews covers a period of over 3,500 years, with an overwhelming number of countries and lands. It is a microcosm of the history of the world. Consequently, even a one-volume work can be difficult to read from cover to cover to gain the sweep of Jewish history. This book speaks to the reader who is interested in individual topics or periods and wants a quick-reference guide to the people and places that truly shaped Jewish history. At the same time, if read from beginning to end, these 'nutshells' will provide a chronological history of the Jews.

How does this Jewish history book differ from all others? Instead of burdening the reader with endless details about every single aspect of Jewish history, Pasachoff and Littman provide essential information, easily digested by readers of all ages, that chronicles only the major events and people of the past. The history of the Jews covers a period of over 3,500 years, with an overwhelming number of countries and lands. It is a microcosm of the history of the world. Consequently, even a one-volume work can be difficult to read from cover to cover to gain the sweep of Jewish history. This book speaks to the reader who is interested in individual topics or periods and wants a quick-reference guide to the people and places that truly shaped Jewish history. At the same time, if read from beginning to end, these 'nutshells' will provide a chronological history of the Jews.

Astronomy leads to an understanding of the history and nature of science, and attracts many young people to education in science and technology. But while in many countries astronomy is not part of the standard curriculum, many scientific and educational societies and government agencies have produced materials and educational resources in astronomy for all educational levels. This volume highlights the general strategies for effective teaching and introduces innovative points of view regarding methods of teaching and learning, particularly those using new technologies. Technology is used in astronomy both for obtaining observations and for teaching. The book also presents ideas for how astronomy can be connected to environmental issues and other topics of public interest. This valuable overview is based on papers and posters presented by many of the world's leading astronomy educators at a Special Session of the International Astronomical Union General Assembly in Prague in 2006.

Alexander Graham Bell forever changed the world. The telephone and his many other landmark inventions rank among the most transforming and enduring of the modern era. But it was his work with the deaf, teaching as well as inventing tools to ease communication, that he considered his life's work. The son of a speech therapist father and hearing impaired mother, his stellar achievements in sound reproduction and aviation give proof that he fit his own definition of an inventor. He said, "An inventor a man who looks upon the world and is not contented with things as they are. He wants to improve whatever he sees, he wants to benefit the world." This is a compelling biography of a true scientific visionary.

Oxford Portraits in Science is an on-going series of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

This book tells the remarkable lives of the pioneers of science - from Galileo and Newton, Faraday and Darwin, Pasteur and Marie Curie, to Einstein, Freud, Turing, and Crick and Watson. A series of seventy articles, written by an international team of distinguished scientists, historians of science and science writers, provides an unrivalled account of the lives and personalities behind the greatest scientific breakthroughs of all time. Organized thematically, starting at the 'Universe', and moving smaller through the 'Earth' and 'Molecules and Matter' to 'Inside the Atom', with the final two sections looking at 'Life' and 'Body and Mind', it covers all the major scientific disciplines, including astronomy, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computing, ecology, geology, medicine, neurology, physics and psychology, as well as mathematics. The Scientists will intrigue budding scientists, those fascinated by the lives of great individuals, and anyone curious to know how over the centuries we came to understand the physical world around us and inside us.

Marie Curie discovered radium and went on to lead the scientific community in studying the theory behind and the uses of radioactivity. She left a vast legacy to future scientists through her research, her teaching, and her contributions to the welfare of humankind. She was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, yet upon her death in 1934, Albert Einstein was moved to say, "Marie Curie is, of all celebrated beings, the only one whom fame has not corrupted." She was a physicist, a wife and mother, and a groundbreaking professional woman. This biography is an inspirational and exciting story of scientific discovery and personal commitment.

Astronomy leads to an understanding of the history and nature of science, and attracts many young people to education in science and technology. But while in many countries astronomy is not part of the standard curriculum, many scientific and educational societies and government agencies have produced materials and educational resources in astronomy for all educational levels. This volume highlights the general strategies for effective teaching and introduces innovative points of view regarding methods of teaching and learning, particularly those using new technologies. Technology is used in astronomy both for obtaining observations and for teaching. The book also presents ideas for how astronomy can be connected to environmental issues and other topics of public interest. This valuable overview is based on papers and posters presented by many of the world's leading astronomy educators at a Special Session of the International Astronomical Union General Assembly in Prague in 2006.