Mr. Allport's works are simply a must read for history buffs and those who never go out on Saturday nights.

This eighth installment of Salem's Great Events from History series identifies key events that helped to shape the course of the history of the world from 1901 to 1940. In more than 1,000 essays, a plethora of topics are presented, including Canada claiming the Arctic Islands (1901); the plague killing 1.2 million in India (1907); Gertrude Ederle swimming the English Channel (1926); Stalin beginning the Purge Trials (1934); and Germany hosting the 1936 Olympics. A number of the entries are revisions of material appearing in earlier Salem publications, such as Great Events from History (1972–1980). Approximately one-quarter of the content is new. Each signed essay—averaging three to five pages—presents material in a similar, user-friendly format. At a quick glance, bold type indicates the exact date of the event, its locale, various topical categories (e.g., civil rights and liberties, science and technology), and major figures involved. This information is followed by a summary describing the event and an assessment of the historical significance or long-term ramifications. A generous annotated list of resources amd see also references wrap things up. The text is relieved somewhat by black-and-white photographs, illustrations, tables, maps, and diagrams. Sidebars provide extra information or excerpts from primary sources (speeches, writings, and other documents). Each volume also has its own unique table of contents and historical maps representing the world regions, but an alphabetically arranged keyword list of contents and a list of maps, tables, and sidebars for the whole set are also included. Volume 6, in addition to essays, houses all the indexes (geographical, category, personage, and subject); a bibliography; a "Chronological List of Entries"; and a directory of suggested electronic resources. Initially daunting in appearance due to its size, this resource is remarkably readable, and the reader is able to locate essential facts with ease. A fount of accessible, valuable material, it is a necessary purchase for libraries already owning earlier installments of this series or for institutions where curriculum has a strong focus on the early part of the twentieth century. Recommended for high-school students and above.

Northanger Abbey follows Catherine Morland and family friends Mr. and Mrs. Allen as they visit Bath. Northanger Abbey tells the story of a young girl, Catherine Morland who leaves her sheltered, rural home to enter the busy, sophisticated world of Bath in the late I 790s. Austen observes with insight and humour the interaction between Catherine and the various characters whom she meets there, and tracks her growing understanding of the world about her. In this, her first full-length novel, Austen also fixes her sharp, ironic gaze on other kinds of contemporary novel, especially the Gothic school made famous by Ann Radcliffe.

The 22nd edition of The Economist's annual compilation of forecasts, The World in 2008 examines critical issues that will shape the year ahead. Journalists from The Economist, prominent politicians and luminaries from the world of business look ahead to bring you their considered predictions on business, politics, technology and more.

Among the contributors to The World in 2008 are President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, President Felipe Calderon of Mexico, Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York, and Ban Ki-moon, the secretary-general of the United Nations. Angelina Jolie writes in her capacity as a UNHCR goodwill ambassador, and there are articles from PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi and from one of China's best-known bosses, Jack Ma of Alibaba. Indeed, there is a special section on China (the Beijing Olympics will hog the headlines in 2008), including an article by the Dalai Lama. As ever, the publication is both entertaining and informative, telling readers what to expect in 2008 on topics ranging from James Bond to the International Year of the Potato.

A plain-English guide to Britons in battle, from the Roman invasion to the ongoing Iraqi war
Charging through the Britain's military past, this accessible guide brings to life the battles and wars that shaped the history of Britain-and the world. The book profiles commanders, explains strategies and tactics, and covers key developments in weaponry and technology.