Writing at the time of political and social crisis in Athens, Aristophanes was an eloquent yet bawdy challenger to the demagogue and the sophist. The Achanians is a plea for peace set against the background of the long war with Sparta.

It is the design of this work to narrate, in a clear, simple, and intelligible manner, the leading events connected with the history of our country, from the earliest periods, down, as nearly as practicable, to the present time. The work is intended to comprise, in a distinct and connected narrative, all that it is essential for the general reader to understand in respect to the subject of it, while for those who have time for more extended studies, it may serve as an introduction to other and more copious sources of information. The author hopes also that the work may be found useful to the young, in awakening in their minds an interest in the history of their country, and a desire for further instruction in respect to it. While it is doubtless true that such a subject can be really grasped only by minds in some degree mature, still the author believes that many young persons, especially such as are intelligent and thoughtful in disposition and character, may derive both entertainment and instruction from a perusal of these pages.

Michelangelo: A Reference Guide to His Life and Works cover the life and works of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Michelangelo is considered to be one of the greatest masters in history and he produced some of the most notable icons of civilization, including the Sistine Ceiling frescoes, the Moses, and the Pietà at St. Peter’s. Includes a detailed chronology of Michelangelo’s life, family, and work. The A to Z section includes the major events, places, and people in Michelangelo’s life and the complete works of his sculptures, paintings, architectural designs, drawings, and poetry. The bibliography includes a list of publications concerning his life and work. The index thoroughly cross-references the chronological and encyclopedic entries.