Under the auspices of one of the world's premier libraries, The New York Public Library Science Desk Reference offers the most comprehensive single volume available of frequently needed information on science. More than a simple dictionary or encyclopedia yet easier to use and understand than a textbook, it offers an enormous wealth of information on each of the major scientific disciplines, including: topic overviews, definitions of terms and theories, lists and descriptions of key scientists and discoveries, tables and charts of commonly needed scientific data, lists of additional sources of information...and lots more. Best of all, this reference is written and designed to be both accurate and accessible. More than 100 original state-of-the-art computer illustrations illuminate the text, while countless sidebars present information on connected topics, and extensive cross-references make it easy to explore related issues. Finally, an entire chapter is devoted to resources, including such useful information as a complete list of Nobel Prize winners and names and addresses of scientific organizations, publications, museums, nature centers, and other places to visit.

Covering a wide range of knowledge, The New York Public Library African American Desk Reference is a magnificent resource for home, family, and business, and an essential addition to your personal reference library. "Indispensable for those interested in the African American experience. We have no better source for quick and reliable information." --Cornel West, Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, Harvard University "As much about African American culture as one could possibly gain from one volume is now available in this highly readable, easily accessible, genuinely informative desk reference." --Johnetta B. Cole, PhD, President Emerita, Spelman College; Presidential Distinguished Professor, Emory University In over 5,000 fascinating information capsules, this landmark reference captures the most vital people, places, organizations, movements, and creative works of a people, and provides a practical resource for everyday living. In its nineteen chapters, you’ll find: * Timelines of African American History * Political and Civil Rights Leaders * African Contributions to the Making of the Americas * Holidays and Celebrations * Museums and Historical Sites * Religion and Spirituality * Health Tips and Recipes * Business Contacts and Professional Associations * Demographics and Population * Major Writers, Artists, and Musicians * Musical Forms * Sports * and more

"A researcher's dream and a browser's delight, this brand-new edition of the national bestseller puts at your fingertips the best resources of one of the world's finest libraries. More permanent than an almanac, handier than an encyclopedia, The New York Public Library Desk Reference is the first place to look for quick answers to all your reference questions." "In this completely updated and revised edition, you will find an incredible variety of people, events, facts, dates, terms, and much more. Organized into twenty-six subject categories for ease of use, this unique volume also features dozens of side bars, illustrations, an atlas, charts, graphs, tables, and lists, as well as sources for additional reading. No other one-volume work offers such a wide range of commonly needed information." "Open to "The Arts" for a list of musical terms or major playwrights and their best-known works. Or to "Personal Finances" for interest tables and tips on making a household budget. Settle arguments with your friends with "Sports and Games," which provides the winner of every World Series, Super Bowl, Masters Championship, and Wimbledon, to name only a few." "Brush up your "Grammar and Punctuation," polish your "Etiquette," and refer to the "Useful Addresses," including those of senators and representatives, major newspapers, and hot lines. Every page of The New York Public Library Desk Reference is chock-full of useful, hard-to-find, and entertaining information." "For writers, students, businesspeople, and everyone who needs quick information on our multifaceted world, The New York Public Library Desk Reference takes its place beside the dictionary and thesaurus as a standard reference work that no home or office should be without."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This excellent reference puts the answers to thousands of questions right at a student's fingertips. Culled from the resources of the world's greatest libraries, and based on the questions that young students most frequently ask reference librarians, this remarkable volume is organized into 24 chapters, covering a wide range of topics. 200 illustrations, charts, and diagrams. 4-color atlas.

In the tradition of the highly regarded New York Public Library Desk Reference, this all-encompassing, up-to-date volume tells you everything you need to know about running a successful business. Clear, concise and easy-to-use, it covers business travel, office etiquette, the legalities of contracts, choosing the best financial software and more. Communication is extensively discussed with examples of effective correspondence, e-mails, reports and memos. Filled with fact-packed tables, lists, and charts, glossary of business terms and comprehensive index.

The Reference of Choice for Today's Engineer. Revised, expanded, updated -- and ready to use! Every engineer should have a copy of the bestselling Wiley Engineer's Desk Reference -- the ideal all-in-one resource for practical engineering applications and daily problem solving. Now fully updated to address the latest developments in theory and practice, this brand-new Second Edition balances authoritative coverage of classical engineering topics with new material on state-of-the-art subjects such as composites, lasers, automatic data collection, and more. No other book on the market covers the broad spectrum of engineering in as concise a fashion. So whether you're looking for a specific piece of data or general background knowledge, this conveniently sized ready reference puts the information you need right at your fingertips. Contents include: * Mathematics * Mechanics and materials * Hydraulics * Structures * Thermodynamics * Electricity and electronics * Process control * Statistics and economics * Energy sources * Engineering practice * The design process * Tables and reference data.

Here is the comprehensive yet quick-answer guide to one of the most popular topics in home reference: American history. With succinct, clearly written topical overviews, timelines, and capsule biographies, accompanied by sidebars and illustrations, this single volume incorporates all major events and contributions from the earliest inhabitants of North America to the present age. 90 illustrations. 10 maps.

The 17th century was a time of transition for the study of science and mathematics. The technological achievements of this time directly impacted both society and the future of science. This reference resource explores the major scientific and mathematical milestones of this era, and examines them from both their scientific and sociological perspectives. Over fifty entries, arranged alphabetically, illustrate how this was a time marking the first wide-spread application of experimentation and mathematics to the study of science--an exciting time brought to life through this unique exploration. Students will find not only the familiar names like Galileo and Newton who are well-recognized for their contributions in science, but they will also encounter the names of lesser-known scientists and inventors who challenged long-held doctrines and beliefs. The contributions of the scientists, mathemeticians, and inventors of the 17th century would have a significant impact on the course of science into modern times. This impact is explored in detail to provide an understanding of how scientific study affects everyday life and how it evolves to provide a better understanding of our world.

The bestselling, "excellent…poignant—and scientifically lucid—portrait" (New York Times Book Review) of the remarkable Marie Curie. Through family interviews, diaries, letters, and workbooks that had been sealed for over sixty years, Barbara Goldsmith reveals the Marie Curie behind the myth—an all-too-human woman struggling to balance a spectacular scientific career, a demanding family, the prejudice of society, and her own passionate nature. Obsessive Genius is a dazzling portrait of Curie, her amazing scientific success, and the price she paid for fame.