Fiona MacDonald

Helps you rediscover the lost world of ancient Central America, with 450 pictures and 15 step-by-step projects. This title lets you step back in time to Central America before the Spanish conquest and discover fascinating facts about the people who lived there. It also explores the cultures and beliefs of the Olmecs, Maya, Toltecs and Aztecs.

Whisky, A Very Peculiar History' takes a sideways look at this most inebriating beverage from its simplistic origins to its pride of place in the drinks cabinets of the world. When Henry VIII disbanded the monasteries and let those brewing monks out into the wilderness, he had no idea of the kind of beast he'd unleashed. Whisky was used as a medicine, giving 'the glow of apparent well-being' and even horses were known to be given a dram here and there...

Dragged from the deepest, darkest depths of the 'Very Peculiar History' vaults, this book collects tales of terror, morbid myths and frightening facts that will chill you witless. Introduced by everyone's favourite bloodsucker, Count Dracula, 'Vampires: A Very Peculiar History' features the origin of vampire-like creatures and a biological and mythological look at human blood (including the best places to bite if you were a vampire!) alongside tales...

It's not all longing looks across the dining room from that high-class gentleman! Life as a Victorian servant was tough, tough, tough! Discover the bizarre and oh-so-strict rules one had to keep to when serving the dignitaries in 'Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History'. Rise up through the ranks from washerwoman to housemaid to ladies' maid and beyond, but mind you don't keep any 'followers', as boyfriends are immoral and are strictly not allowed!...

The world's myths are filled with characters, creatures, and stories that have fascinated people for thousands of years. This series mixes dramatic retellings and non-fiction information to give a full picture of a culture's myths. This book explores the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Egyptian myths and legends so compelling.

Just when you thought it was safe to take a sneak peek into your stocking, it's 'Christmas: A Very Peculiar History'. Taking an unbiased view of the myth and mystery surrounding the origins of the yuletide season, this book introduces mindbending facts about the holiday season and shatters the myths surrounding some of Christmas' most treasured and well-known facets: When exactly was Jesus born? Why is Santa's outfit red and white? Where do we get...

Collins Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 4-11 edited by Cliff Moon. Top children's authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that your children will love to read, banded to help you choose the right book for every child. Practical ideas for guided reading are included at the back of each book. Follow a river from its source to the sea and see how it adapts to its surroundings in this highly photographic non-fiction...

"For thousands of years, nurses have tended to the sick and the wounded. Although they don't get the glory, nurses are just as important as doctors. Read all about the eventful history of nursing and marvel at how nurses today take care of us in the hospital or at home, comfort relatives, cheer us up when we have to stay in bed, and help us make a complete recovery,"--back cover.

Today, going to the dentist is usually a safe and painless experience. In past centuries, that wasn't always the case. Read and learn how lucky we are to live in modern times.

Describes what life was like in medieval dungeons during the late fifteenth century, as seen through the eyes of the jailer.