A history of the development and uses of boats, ships, and rafts, from birch-bark canoes to luxury liners.
This superb collection of specially commissioned photographs tells the fascinating story of how and why boats, rafts, and ships have changed over the years. See how a plank boat is constructed, and look at sails from around the world, from the elegant junks and dhows of Asia to the many-masted clippers that sailed the seven seas during the 19th century. Learn why the Titanic was though to be "unsinkable," and how it feels to be standing on the bridge of a modern fire ship. From fishermen on kayaks, to soldiers on galleys, cargo on steamships to sailors on yachts, this book will show you the importance and perils of a life at sea. Boat is a compelling and informative guide to the history and development of boats and ships worldwide.

Full-color photos. Discover the history and workings of boats and ships, what life was like aboard an 18th-century schooner, how giant trawlers locate schools of fish, and how various ships are built and stay afloat.

 This colorful book from the DK Readers series introduces kids to chocolate, from its raw state in cacao trees to candy bars. Following a discussion of how cocoa beans grow and are harvested, Polin traces the product's history over 2,000 years and discusses current methods of processing.

A Brief History of Peru provides a concise yet comprehensive narrative of Peruvian history from the first civilizations established on the slopes of the Andes around the second millennium BCE through the most recent social unrest and political developments. From the accomplishments of early civilizations that culminated in the great Inca Empire of the 14th to 16th centuries to Spanish conquest and colonization; from independence in 1821 to the election of centrist leader Alejandro Toledo for president in June 2001 Peru's history is presented in a clear narrative line and with a non-specialist audience in mind.

The "Brief History" series introduces readers to the dramatic events, notable people, and special customs and traditions that have shaped many of the world's countries. Each engaging volume covers a specific country and offers a concise history of the struggles and triumphs of the peoples and cultures that have called that country home. Touching on factors as diverse as the development of the economy to the role of women in society to changes in the political landscape, these comprehensive volumes provide the key background information readers need to put current global events in historical perspective.

"Canada's history has been a long, fascinating, and very independent evolution, in marked contrast to the violence that typifies the United States's story. Most Americans know embarrassingly little about their northern neighbor's unique history, from its first sighting by the Norse to its full confederation in 1922 to today's social democracy. Now, in the wake of NAFTA and the Quebec crisis, an understanding of the forces that have driven Canada's development over the last 400 years is more important than ever.