NCW Libraries

"Give us this day our daily bread. "From ancient Egypt to modern times, bread is the essential food, the symbol of fundamental well-being. H.E. Jacob takes readers through the history of this staple, examining its role in politics, religion, and technology, and answering such questions as how bread caused Napoleon' s defeat. The fascinating voyage begins with " The Bread of Prehistoric Man, " and continues with an exploration of the plow, the discovery...

What is human consciousness, where did it come from, and how does it determine who we are and how we live in the world? At the heart of this book is the theory that human consciousness did not develop over time--that, in fact, ancient peoples from mesopotamia to Peru did not "think" as we do and therefore were not conscious. Drawing on laboratory studies of the brain and clos examination of archaeological evidence, the author concludes that consciousness...

"Award-winning author Simon Barnes selects the one hundred animals who have had the greatest impact on humanity and on whom humanity has had the greatest effect. He shows how we have domesticated animals for food and for transport, and how animals powered agriculture, making civilisation possible. In short, he charts the close relationship between humans and animals, finding examples from around the planet that bring the story of life on earth vividly...

"Whether we start from the pandemic, climate change, the inequality engendered by capitalism, the violence of racism and sexism, or any of a number of global crises, it is apparent that we are far from any idea of a common world, a world that is a site of belonging. Such a world would require a fundamental transformation of how we understand value--that everyone's life has value beyond market value and that the world is structured to facilitate everyone's...

A New York Times-bestselling historian charts how and why societies from ancient Greece to the modern era chose to utterly destroy their foes, and warns that similar wars of obliteration are possible in our time. War can settle disputes, topple tyrants, and bend the trajectory of civilization--sometimes to the breaking point. From Troy to Hiroshima, moments when war has ended in utter annihilation have reverberated through the centuries, signaling...

History comes alive in this beautifully illustrated book with bite-size facts (along with a touch of humor) that will engage and entertain young curious minds. Jam-packed with important events, inspiring accomplishments by remarkable people, and groundbreaking inventions, this super-fun fact-filled book, the first kids book from History Channel, includes the most interesting historical facts-from early civilization up to the 21st century all around...

"History leaps from the page in this completely revised and updated edition of the critically acclaimed Kingfisher History Encyclopedia. From humankind's earliest history right through to the technological and social revolutions of the current day--including the fight for equality, the threat of climate change, the COVID-19 crisis, and the latest space exploration-- this trusted reference provides a one-stop source for research, and is the perfect...

Sapiens: A Graphic History-The Masters of History takes us on an immersive and hilarious ride through the human past to discover the forces that change our world, bring us together, and just as often... tear us apart. Grab a front-row seat to the greatest show on earth, and explore the rise of money, religion and empire. Join our fabulous host Heroda Tush, as she wonders: Which historical superhero will display the power to make civilizations rise...

The Anthropocene -- the Human Age -- provides Diane Ackerman with the subject for her 24th and most ambitious book. Ackerman has established herself over the past quarter of a century as one of our most adventurous, charismatic and engrossing public science writers. Since her 1990 breakout title, "A Natural History of the Senses, "she has demonstrated a rare versatility, a contagious curiosity and a gift for painting quick, memorable tableaus drawn...