More than 2,500 years ago, the people of ancient Greece created one of the most advanced and influential civilizations of the world. Greek civilization reached a peak between 500 and 336 b.c.e, a period called the Classical Age. The Greeks invented science, philosophy, theater, and politics, and also introduced the alphabet to Europe. Greek stories are still told today, and their plays performed. They were also wonderful artists and builders whose temples, such as the Parthenon in Athens, are still considered to be some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

View the world as seen through the eyes of the legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh in this follow-up to the wildly successful "Through the Eyes of Leonardo da Vinci." Beautiful color illustrations by Van Gogh are accompanied by informative and captivating text. Learn about the themes, motives, and meanings behind the drawings and paintings of one of the most fascinating artists of the nineteenth century. All of Van Gogh's major works are here, from portraits such as that of postman Joseph-Etienne Roulin to the best-known landscape "Starry Night."

More than half a century after the birth of rock, the musical genre that began as a rebellious underground phenomenon is now acknowledged as America's-and the world's-most popular and influential musical medium, as well as the soundtrack to several generations' worth of history. From Ray Charles to Joni Mitchell to Nirvana, rock music has been an undeniable force in both reflecting and shaping our cultural landscape.
Icons of Rock offers a vivid overview of rock's pervasive role in contemporary society by profiling the lives and work of the music's most legendary artists. Most rock histories, by virtue of their all-encompassing scope, are unable to cover the lives and work of individual artists in depth, or to place those artists in a broader context.
This two-volume set, by contrast, provides extensive biographies of the 24 greatest rock n' rollers of all time, examining their influences, innovations, and impact in a critical and historical perspective. Entries inside this unique reference explore the issues, trends, and movements that defined the cultural and social climate of the artists' music. Sidebars spotlight the many iconic elements associated with rock, such as rock festivals, protest songs, and the British Invasion. Providing a wealth of information on the icons, culture, and mythology of America's most beloved music, this biographical encyclopedia will serve as an invaluable resource for students and music fans alike.