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In mid-1940, the British Expeditionary Force desperately attempted to flee the small French port of Dunkirk and reach British shores. France was falling, and the men were well aware that the German army had already conquered Poland, Denmark, Norway, Holland, and Belgium. Only Britain remained. Churchill then proclaimed to the House of Commons, “Hitler will have to break us in this island or lose the war.” There were, perhaps, no more telling words spoken in World War II. For the following five months, Great Britain waged a heroic, and clandestine, struggle with Nazi Germany—one both psychological and diplomatic—over the fate of the world. World in the Balance recounts these pivotal months. Rallying after Churchill's speeches, destroying the French fleet so it would not fall to the Germans, fending off Nazi agents from former King Edward VIII, weakening England's defenses to build up those of Egypt, establishing a dedication to secret radar, and engaging in deft diplomacy—notably saving Gibraltar by keeping Spain neutral and successfully courting favor in the United States—set all the pieces in place for eventual victory over Axis fascism.

North against South. Grant versus Lee. Brother against brother. The Civil War split the nation into two warring parties and shaped American history and culture dramatically. This book provides a complete survey of the warÆs major events, including:Profiles of the Civil WarÆs great leadersThe struggle for African-American freedomMilitary strategy and weaponryLandmark historical documents like the Gettysburg AddressA detailed Civil War timelineThe heroicùand tragicùstories of the Civil War come alive in this extraordinary retelling, combining a compelling historical commentary with fascinating insights into the most prominent characters of that era.

New in Paperback!Furniture design is a complex art. Traditionally, techniques of the craft have been passed down from master to apprentice, but these days that is less and less the case in contemporary design. Students are now required to take courses and figure out much of it themselves. This book, as with others in the Design Secrets series, takes readers into the studio and reveals tips and techniques as well as the inspiration that brought the concept to life.Many graphic and product designers are crossing into furniture design, including Karim Rashid, a designer of product, space, light, and fashion, and Todd Oldham, a photographer, graphic designer, product designer, interior designer, and influence in film/video and TV. Oldham is now the star designer at Lazy Boy-a company that has experienced a remarkable rebirth and revamp.Design Secrets: Furniture shadows similar success stories by showcasing award-winning furniture designs from around the world. Each profile is complete with sketches, notes, and interim iterations revealing how the final piece came to be.