This book is a simple, non-technical introduction to cosmology, explaining what it is and what cosmologists do. Peter Coles discusses the history of the subject, the development of the Big Bang theory, and more speculative modern issues like quantum cosmology, superstrings, and dark matter.

The young sailor Edmond Dantes is arrested on his wedding day and imprisoned in the island fortress of the Chateau d'If. His daring escape, recovery of Monte Cristo's fabulous treasure, and revenge on his enemies make this one of the great thrillers of all time. This is a newly revised, unabridged translation.

A major contribution to the economic and social history of a mysterious period, the years around 1500, using new evidence and methods of analysis. Presents a fresh and engaging view of history by highlighting an individual, John Heritage.

This representative selection includes five tales of very different kinds written in the 1850s and the longer Cousin Phillis. Immensely readable and sophisticated works of art, they show Gaskell's mastery of the genre, in an edition that celebrates her achievements in shorter fiction and the context in which they first appeared.

A new take on the origins of the English civil war and English Revolution, offering the first full study of the Protestation, the first state oath to be issued under parliamentary authority, swearing loyalty to king and country, but with the radical outcome of offering a political voice to those hitherto excluded by class, age, or gender.

What drove the evolution of humans, with our uniquely big brains? The Cradle of Humanity presents fascinating and controversial new research which suggests that the geological and climatic history of East Africa's Rift Valley are at the heart of the answer.

Cranford is a vivid and affectionate portrait of a provincial town in early Victorian England, dominated by its independent and refined women, a blend of social comedy and astute observation. This edition includes two related short works by Gaskell and contemporary comment on the novel, household management, fashion, and financial scandals.