Tools and treasures of the ancient Maya

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Jill Rubalcaba

Long before European boats reached the shores of the Americas, sophisticated civilizations had already developed throughout the continents. The empire of the Maya, located in modern Mexico and Central America, influenced civilization there for centuries. The ancient Maya had fully developed the idea of the calendar, detailed a writing system, pioneered new ideas in agriculture, and built towering palaces and temples that still stand today. "Empire of the Ancient Maya" gives a brief summary of the history of the empire, placing it within the context of its time period and geographical location, and then explores the evolution of Maya civilization from its origin through the classic period to the Spanish conquest. Delving into daily life, the book includes Maya achievements in mathematics, astronomy, technology, political organization, commerce, architecture, and the arts.

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Nicolas Brasch

People in Asia Minor developed the first coin-based currency, but long before that humans would exchange precious objects for the things necessary for their daily life. Currency is a fact of human life, and this book explores its genesis, beginning with those early coins and precious objects and tracing their legacy to the banknotes and fraud-detecting devices of the twenty-first century. Photographs and illustrations explore the remarkable diversity and detail of contemporary currency, while engaging text explores money's utility and places it within a social context.

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written and with photographs by Raymond Bial

Discusses the history and culture of the Cajuns, French-speaking people who settled deep in the woods and bayous of Louisiana.

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Karen Zeinert

Relates the causes, events, and aftermath of the witchcraft trials which took place in Salem, Massachusetts, in the early 1690's and resulted in the deaths of more than nineteen people.