Collins GEM Series

This work is an entertaining and authoritative introduction to the world of piracy - history comes to life through a compelling factual narrative and enlightening illustrations. Why did seamen become pirates? What was life like on board a pirate ship? How did they go about plundering the enemy's ship? What sort of treasure did they capture? "Collins Gem Pirates" vividly explains and illustrates the development of piracy from ancient times to the modern day. It addresses why piracy started and disappeared, but focuses on the so-called 'Golden Age' of piracy in the seventeenth century, debunking the myths that surround this period, and bringing it to life through an exploration of the personalities, vessels and places involved. They were a disciplined bunch, on the whole, with strict codes of conduct to adhere to and severe punishments for those who broke the rules. There is no evidence to suggest that pirates ever made their victims walk the plank; instead, they were more likely to be marooned on an island. Did you know that following his execution, Captain Kidd's body was dipped in tar and hung by chains along the River Thames, as a warning for would-be pirates?
Or that the fearsome Edward Teach (a.k.a. Blackbeard) plundered over 40 ships, but probably never killed a man until his final battle? Or that captains Anne Bonny and Mary Read spent most of their careers disguised as men, because women on ship were thought to bring bad luck? The mysteries and myths surrounding piracy continue to fascinate children and adults alike. This gripping book provides a real and lively insight into this stimulating bygone era.

Ancient Rome

by David Pickering

Published 2 July 2007

From the Colosseum to Hadrian's Wall, Gem Ancient Rome shows us how Rome's vast empire laid the foundations of today's civilisation.

From aqueducts to baths, from gladiators to emperors, the fascinating history of and mythology of ancient Rome are brought to life in this entertaining and highly-readable guide.
With their sophisticated army, monuments and roads, the Romans literally paved the way to modern Europe.

Learn about the hand-to-hand combat at gladiatorial shows, rediscover the myths and legends of the Roman gods and find out how and why Rome became the conquering superpower that it did. History will come to life in this engaging and comprehensive introduction to one of the most fascinating and influential places the world has ever known.

Includes:

Geography - map of the Roman Empire
History - a timeline with the accomplishments of the emperors
Culture - what the Romans did for us
Religion - Gods and Festivals
Mythology - Virgil's Aeneid, Romulus and Remus
Daily life in Ancient Greece - different levels in society, the jobs, family life, leisure activities
Politics - transition from Republic to Dictatorship
Learning and knowledge - Law, Science, Architecture, Literature, Art
War - important wars, the Empire, the army and navy
Rome Today - temples, archaeology, and modern tourist sites

Ancient Greece

by David Pickering

Published 2 July 2007

From theatre to politics, no other single civilisation has influenced the Western world more profoundly than that of ancient Greece.

From the roots of democracy to philosophy and mathematics, it's fascinating to learn how much western civilisation has stemmed from that of ancient Greece. This book offers an introduction to the lives of the ancient Greeks, their mythologies and traditions and their culture and learning.

With colour illustrations supporting a clear, informative and engaging text, this guide is a perfect companion for both adults and children alike.

Includes:

Geography - map of Greece
History - the different civilizations from the Minoans through to the Hellenistic period
Religion - gods, festivals, oracles and muses
Mythology - Homer's Odyssey, the Minotaur, Icarus
Daily life in Ancient Greece - everyday life for all levels of society; the jobs, family life, leisure activities
Politics - democracy and the Athenian council
Learning and knowledge - philosophy, science,
mathematics, medicine and literature
War - important wars; the army and navy
Greece Today - temples, archaeology and the monuments that can still be seen today

Ancient Egypt

by David Pickering

Published 2 July 2007

All the essential facts on ancient Egypt covering mummification, the pharaohs, the pyramids and the mysterious rituals.

The ancient Egyptians have fascinated and enthralled the minds of millions down the centuries. With extensive scientific knowledge, splendid architecture and many artistic and cultural achievements, their civilisation stood apart as being ahead of its time. This compact and informative guide is perfect for all those studying ancient Egypt, visiting the sights, or curious to find out more about this fascinating period.

Includes a wide range of topics such as:
* Geography - how the Nile added to the success of their civilisation
* History - a timeline spanning 3,000 years from 3100BC to 395AD and covering each dynastic period
* Religion - the role of the gods and goddesses
* Pharaohs - Cheops, Nefertiti and Tutankhamun
* Life in Ancient Egypt - different levels in society, the jobs, family life, leisure activities
* Learning and knowledge - the hieroglyphs, the scribes
* War - the armies, weapons and armour
* Death, funeral rites and mummification
* Tombs and pyramids
* Egypt today - archaeology, discoveries and what one can see today