U.S. Landmark Books Series by C.S. Forester, John Toland, Bruce Bliven Jr., Shirley Jackson, James Daugherty, Quentin Reynolds

Learn how and why the Pilgrims left England to come to America!In England in the early 1600s, everyone was forced to join the Church of England. Young William Bradford and his friends believed they had every right to belong to whichever church they wanted. In the name of religious freedom, they fled to Holland, then sailed to America to start a new life. But the winter was harsh, and before a year passed, half the settlers had died... moreLearn how and why the Pilgrims left England to come to America!In England in the early 1600s, everyone was forced to join the Church of England. Young William Bradford and his friends believed they had every right to belong to whichever church they wanted. In the name of religious freedom, they fled to Holland, then sailed to America to start a new life. But the winter was harsh, and before a year passed, half the settlers had died. Yet, through hard work and strong faith, a tough group of Pilgrims did survive. Their belief in freedom of religion became an American ideal that still lives on today.James Daugherty draws on the Pilgrims' own journals to give a fresh and moving account of their life and traditions, their quest for religious freedom, and the founding of one of our nation's most beloved holidays; Thanksgiving. less

A biography of the two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, who built and flew the first airplane... moreA biography of the two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, who built and flew the first airplane.Contents:Learning from Mother --"Get It Right on Paper" --Building a Wagon --Their First Pocket Money --Making Kites --Wilbur's Illness --The Helecopter --The "West Side News" --The Wright Cycle Company --The Bicycle Race --In the Bicycle Business --Typhoid Fever --Learning Through Reading --They Make a Glider --Kitty Hawk --Improving the Glider --The Wright Engine --The Flying Machine --Airplane in a Cow Pasture --Fame and Success -- less

C.S. Forester, creator of the beloved Horatio Hornblower series, takes young readers on an exciting adventure to the shores of Tripoli in North Africa. That’s where, more than 200 years ago, the United States was threatened by “pirates” who snatched American merchant ships and imprisoned sailors—and the country’s young, untested navy took on the task of fighting the pirates in their home waters... moreC.S. Forester, creator of the beloved Horatio Hornblower series, takes young readers on an exciting adventure to the shores of Tripoli in North Africa. That’s where, more than 200 years ago, the United States was threatened by “pirates” who snatched American merchant ships and imprisoned sailors—and the country’s young, untested navy took on the task of fighting the pirates in their home waters. This true tale features thrilling ocean battles, hand-to-hand combat, and the first landing on foreign soil by the US Marines, and it’s as fresh and relevant today as when it was first published. less

June 6, 1944: The greatest amphibious invasion the world had ever seen was launched, involving thousands of ships, incredible planning and preparation, and a million courageous soldiers, sailors, and airmen willing to sacrifice their lives for victory. Author and journalist Bruce Bliven was there that day, on the beaches of France, and he recounts it all, from the risky plans developed by the American and British military leaders through the daring landing itself... moreJune 6, 1944: The greatest amphibious invasion the world had ever seen was launched, involving thousands of ships, incredible planning and preparation, and a million courageous soldiers, sailors, and airmen willing to sacrifice their lives for victory. Author and journalist Bruce Bliven was there that day, on the beaches of France, and he recounts it all, from the risky plans developed by the American and British military leaders through the daring landing itself. Most important, he shares stories of individual bravery shown by soldiers who waded or parachuted ashore in what became the turning point of the war. less

A detailed account of one of the strangest and most shocking episodes in American history, written by the author of "The Lottery"Stories of magic, superstition, and witchcraft were strictly forbidden in the little town of Salem Village. But a group of young girls ignored those rules, spellbound by the tales told by a woman named Tituba. When questioned about their activities, the terrified girls set off a whirlwind of controversy as they accused townsperson after townsperson of being witches... moreA detailed account of one of the strangest and most shocking episodes in American history, written by the author of "The Lottery"Stories of magic, superstition, and witchcraft were strictly forbidden in the little town of Salem Village. But a group of young girls ignored those rules, spellbound by the tales told by a woman named Tituba. When questioned about their activities, the terrified girls set off a whirlwind of controversy as they accused townsperson after townsperson of being witches. Author Shirley Jackson examines in careful detail this horrifying true story of accusations, trials, and executions that shook a community to its foundations. less

John Toland, most well-known for his definitive biography of Adolf Hitler, here describes in vivid, confronting detail one of the most important battles of World War II. Included are intuitive maps to help the visualization process, as well as a host of WWII era photos of generals and other personalities.