Showing results by author "Hilary Brown" in All Categories

Alcatraz, the Maze, Rikers, Bangkwang, Sabaneta, ADX Florence - the names alone can chill the blood. Along with La Santé, Diyarbakir, Tadmor, and Carandiru, these are 10 of the toughest prisons in the world. Their walls have housed those guilty of some of the most heinous crimes in history - and frequently served as virtual torture chambers for those whose only crime is to fight for their political beliefs. Some have been the scene of massacres and other atrocities, while others house their inmates in conditions judged inhumane and degrading.

Pioneers: The Men Who Built Britain spans the centuries, from 17th-century Restoration Britain to the darkest days of World War II, presenting in-depth profiles of some of the characters whose genius as engineers, designers, entrepreneurs and businessmen made Britain great. Sir Christopher Wren, George Stephenson, James Brindley, R.J. Mitchell and Isambard Kingdom Brunel - arguably the greatest engineer in history - all feature in this publication.

The African Congress called him "South Africa's best known and loved hero", a man whose vision was plain, clear and simple: to bring about the abolition of apartheid. He is Nelson Mandela - known affectionately and respectfully during his life by his clan name, Madiba - one of the most remarkable and significant global figures of the past century. This publication tells the story of the man who changed the course of a nation's history.

Throughout art history, certain creative geniuses have helped to steer art in a completely new direction - and their influence has in many cases been extraordinary, enduring down the centuries to impact on future generations of artists, sculptors and architects. This lavish publication looks back over the centuries to explore the life and work of some of history's most influential artists.

This book pays tribute to one of history's most celebrated and revered families. It is the story of an Irish immigrant family who, through hard work, unparalleled drive and ruthless ambition, worked their way up the ladder of American society, ultimately reaching the highest office in the land. The story of the Kennedys is a true reflection of the American dream and is one you will want to hear again and again.

This publication takes an in-depth look at the grand conflict between East and West that ebbed and flowed for almost 200 years. Providing fascinating background and context, as well as profiles of some of the most interesting historical names associated with the period, this book offers a fresh, colorful perspective on the crusades.

It lasted four-and-a-half years, left cities, towns and vast tracts of land as blasted wildernesses, and cost the lives of 16 million people. Packed with fascinating detail, this publication presents a penetrating portrait of World War I. It sets the scene by examining the seismic train of events that led to war, charts its progress through key battles, and concludes by examining how the post-war punishments meted out to Germany set the world on course for the next global conflict.

Featuring royal residences and aristocratic splendors such as Blenheim Palace and Highclere Castle - the setting for Downton Abbey - this wonderful publication delves into the history of some of Britain's most famous historic houses. Secrets of the Manor House provides a fascinating insight into life at these splendid properties down the centuries and profiles the celebrated personalities who have left their mark on these architectural masterpieces.

Packed with a wealth of information, this publication charts the evolution of garden design through a selection of some of our best-loved country house estates and historic gardens, including Hampton Court Palace, Chatsworth, Sissinghurst, and Kew. In addition, it also provides fascinating profiles on the geniuses who created some of our most inspirational gardens, including William Kent, Lancelot "Capability" Brown, Humphry Repton, Gertrude Jekyll, and Sir Joseph Paxton.

Take a trip back in time to the foggy streets of Victorian London, where a madman stalks the night. Investigate the savage murders attributed to Jack the Ripper using all the evidence available, including letters purporting to be from the killer himself. This publication features up-to-date theories on the identity of the Whitechapel murderer, detailing all the major suspects.

If you know your Alexander McQueen from your Marc Jacobs, this publication is for you as we take a look at the world's greatest models and designers. Twenty kings and queens of the catwalk strut their stuff in an elite look at some of the industry's biggest names. From established supermodels including Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss, to current stars like Cara Delevingne, find out who has made the cut as we recall the careers of these icons of fashion.

The Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Pharos of Alexandria, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis and the Great Pyramids at Giza; of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only the last one is still in existence. Yet, through this recording, it is possible to step back in time and experience the extravagant glory of these incredible feats of human construction.

From its mythical origins, stunning architecture, innovative engineering, and mighty army that led Rome's meteoric rise to become the world's most powerful empire, to the debauchery, excess and self-obsessed emperors that caused its eventual decline and self-destruction, this publication is a wonderfully illustrative and informative history of a once magnificent ancient civilization.

Thousands of years ago, did technologically sophisticated life forms really visit our planet, interact with ancient civilizations, and change the course of our development? On a quest for the truth, this audiobook explores multiple aspects of the arcane worlds of aliens, UFOs, gods, myths, and monsters. It includes the mysteries of astronomically aligned structures, the "angel phenomenon", Nazis and the Atlantis myth, and the most sensational UFO incident in history.