The World Encyclopedia of Christmas contains articles on the history of Christmas baking, drinking, and merrymaking, and Christmas dramas, music, literature, art, and films. It includes entries on the evolution of the Christmas tree and the Christmas card, gift-giving, and decoration of church and home. There are profiles of the many gift-bringers, from Santa Claus to Babouschka, and miraculous tales of the numerous saints associated with the season. And there are histories of seasonal celebrations and folk customs around the world, from the United States to Japan, from Egypt to Iceland.Who, for example, knew the links between the Punch and Judy show and Christmas? That the medieval Paradise tree hung with tempting apples was the forerunner of the Christmas tree? About the Peerie Guizers, who terrorized the Shetland Islands, going door-to-door for Christmas charity? Or what Freudians make of our interest in Christmas stockings and Santa’s entrance through the chimney? There are detailed accounts of Wren Boys and Star Boys, mumming and wassailing, the Feast of Fools and the origins of eggnog. And of course stories of the Nativity and legends of the Magi.With beautifully illustrated accounts ranging from the pagan roots of Yuletide, through the birth of Christ, and the long and fascinating history of the festival ever since, The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, is a rich and continually surprising array of religious and secular history, trivia, literature, and art. This wonderful book deserves to find a home with every family that celebrates Christmas.From the Hardcover edition.

    A deluxe edition featuring 48 of Guthrie's legendary songs along with a bio, introduction, complete lyrics, a discography, photos and sketches. Songs include: Jig Along Home * Roll On, Columbia * Sinking of the Reuben James * This Land Is Your Land * Tom Joad * and more.

    Here, too, are the phobias, compulsions, odd beliefs, and weird habits that have placed them in the ranks of the bizarre, curious, and strange. You will discover, for instance, that Elvis Presley was convinced he could turn Graceland's sprinkler system on and off by the sheer power of concentration, that Salvador Dali ate vast quantities of Camembert cheese before bedtime to make his dreams more vivid, that Florence Nightingale carried a miniature pet owl in her pocket, while Kaiser Wilhelm II always carried with him photos of his deceased relatives in their funeral attire. You will learn, too, that the Victorian judge Lord Monboddo spent his entire life convinced that babies were born with tails (which midwives cut off), and that John Harvey Kellogg of cereal fame spent his wedding night writing an essay on the evils of sexual intercourse. Throughout the pages of this mammoth book you'll find impulses, whims, obsessions, and hangups as skewed as the schemes of Francisco Lopez, the Paraguay president who attempted to rout the Brazilian army with a battalion of small boys wearing false beards. You'll find cases galore that are screwier, too.

    Murray has compiled an extensive list of box office hits that were filmed throughout the Southwest. From Stagecoach to Thelma and Louise to Star Wars the author discusses the significance of the landscapes, the literature related to the films, and the behind-the-scenes personalities that were so influential in Western filmmaking. An invaluable reference book and trip planner, this book is packed with interesting facts, stunning photography, and provides directions to the film sites.

    But the power of such systems goes beyond simple algebraic or numerical manipulation. In this practical resource Roman Maeder shows how computer-aided mathematics has reached a level where it can support effectively many of the computations in science and engineering. Besides treating traditional computer science topics, he demonstrates how scientists and engineers can use these computer-based tools to do scientific computations. A valuable text for computer science courses for scientists and engineers, this book will also prove useful to Mathematica users at all levels. Covering the latest release of Mathematica, the book includes useful tips and techniques to help even seasoned users.

    The book cites every hit that placed number two since 1955 and details each artist's or single's individual history. Songs include Blueberry Hill and Y.M.C.A..

    But when you travel to America, you get a funny look when you tell a colleague,"I'll knock you up tomorrow at half-eight." And you can't find bangers on a single restaurant menu.You feel like you speak a foreign language-because you do! You need to know how to survive in American English, and this book will help you do it. This user-friendly guide focuses on the vocabulary that newcomers to the U.S. really need to know. Arranged by subject, from driving to shopping to eating, the book includes information on basic cultural and linguistic differences between British and American English, including particular pitfalls to watch for, and a handy glossary. Each chapter begins with a quick-reference summary of key confusable words. Americanisms, grammar, and cultural points. Offers guidance on social issues such as tipping and addressing people. Perfect for travelers, businesspeople, and students.

    Toss in Marcia's peculiar obsession with Desi Arnaz Jr. and Greg's wacky "music" and there are plenty of reasons we could all relate to the pains of growing up dressed in groovy bell-bottoms with Astroturf for a backyard lawn.In this fun and challenging trivia book, Lauren Johnson tests the actual limits of your Brady knowledge. Johnson knows the Bradys better than anyone. How Brady savvy are you?Can you answer the following questions?-Who designed the Brady house? (level one)-Who said, "I'm looking for a wig"? (level one)-Who was "Harried and Hopeless"? (level two)-Why did the boys put itching powder in the girls' sleeping bags? (level two)-Carol and Marcia performed a song and dance from which musical? (level three)-Who said, "I'm a little Sunflower, sunny, brave, and true. From tiny bud to blossom, I do good deed for you"? (level three)With three difficulty levels and 1,500 questions, this book is sure to delight and amuse Brady maniacs everywhere. Just in case some fans (or closet fans) need assistance, the author has included a summary of each of the 117 episodes. When you've finished the book, you'll be an expert too. There's never been a better opportunity to get on the inside track in the Brady Bunch craze!