The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece


Book Description

The overwhelming influence of Ancient Greek culture on everything from science and literature to politics continues to be both relevant and hotly debated. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Ancient Greece, you are invited to meet the Ancient Greeks and to understand their legacy by entering their world. Profiles the most important contributions of Greek culture, including mythology, philosophy, medicine and the Olympic Games. Includes further reading and travel information to help in planning a personal odyssey.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece


Book Description

A thorough and insightful introduction to not only the essentials but the essence of Greek history and culture and its legacy.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Roman Empire


Book Description

You’re no idiot, of course. The battle scenes in Gladiator had you on the edge of your seat and wondering where you could find more information on the rise and fall of ancient Rome. But so far, your search has left you feeling like a blundering barbarian. Pick yourself up off the coliseum floor! Consult The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Roman Empire—a fun-to-read introduction to the fascinating history, people, and culture of ancient Rome. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: --The history of the Roman Empire’s rise and fall. --An idiot-proof introduction to the great epic literature of the Roman Republic. --A survey of the Romans in arts and popular culture. --Fascinating details of some of history’s most nefarious emperors, including Nero, Caligula, and Commodus.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology


Book Description

An introduction to Greek and Roman mythology provides explanations of all the gods and their roles, origins of the myths and theories on who wrote them, and the function of myths in society




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Italian History and Culture


Book Description

Offers an introduction to Italy's history and culture, from ancient Rome and the power of the Vatican to Mussolini's rise to power, Milan's fashion designers, and Italian cuisine.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Book of Revelation


Book Description

You’re no idiot, of course. You’re familiar with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Judgment Day—especially in the wake of the new millennium. However, the Book of Revelation has existed for almost 2,000 years and is open to countless interpretations. Don’t get confused by scholarly analysis and religious dogma! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the Book of Revelation shows you how so many meanings are derived from the book’s text. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Various ways to interpret Revelation and its symbols • A detailed examination of the key elements, including the Seven Seals and the Antichrist • A look at how the Jewish Old Testament and prophecies relate to Revelation




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Women in Sports


Book Description

From Gertrude Ederle's historic swim across the English Channel to Billie Jean King's victory over Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Women in Sports traces the opposition women athletes faced throughout history and catalogues their incredible achievements. This fun, fact-filled guide includes loads of fascinating quotes and trivia to test your knowledge, as well as complete "rules of the game" for each sport. -- The history of women's participation in Olympic games, from the first female spectators who were thrown off cliffs in ancient Greece, to the amazing female feats from the 2000 Summer games in Sydney, Australia. -- Groundbreaking champions, such as Babe Didrikson, Wilma Rudolph, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Gertrude Ederlem Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Manon Rheaume. -- Modern day superstars, including Tara Lupinsky, Mia Hamm, and Anna Kournikova. -- Emerging women's sports, such as boxing and race car driving.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pentagon


Book Description

Provides an introduction to the command center for United States miliary operations, and discusses the history of the physical structure, its organization, personnel, and some of its residents including the CIA, NSA, and NIMA.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vampires


Book Description

Vampires are the hottest topic in popular culture today. From the now classic novels of Anne Rice, to the mega-selling series by Stephanie Meyer to the hit HBO series True Blood based on the bestselling novels of Charlaine Harris, the undead are certainly not dead in terms of books sales. Now, those curious about the history and lore of these creatures can get up to speed in the refreshed edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Vampires. It provides a detailed explanation of the origins of vampires and insight into the fascination they hold in literature and belief. • Complete history and origins of this mythic creature • An explanation of the various rules that vampires exist by • A lively and exhaustive literary discussion of vampires and their importance in fiction




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology


Book Description

Presents an introduction to myths, explaining what they are, their origins, and functions; provides Greek and Roman versions of a selection of classical myths; and includes a descriptive listing of gods, heroes, and creatures.