Incredible True Adventures

In the course of just over half, a century, aeronautics and space travel has progressed from one man, Chuck Yeager, breaking the sound barrier in an airplane to building an International Space Station, which has hosted numerous individuals from at least eight different countries. Readers will delight in this high-interest coverage of key missions in the history of spaceflight as the text provides important factual background and recreates the experiences of astronauts. Supported by beautiful illustrations and dramatic photographs, the book relates tales of triumph and disaster, including the first spacewalk, the moon landings, and the Challenger explosion.

For a long time, aviation experts and pilots thought aircraft couldn't fly faster than the speed of sound. They believed there was a point where the plane and pilot would just explode! They called it the sound barrier. In 1947, Chuck Yeager proved that to be untrue, and in 2012, a skydiver broke the sound barrier without a plane to fly in! From the challenges of airplane technology to daredevil parachutists, the story of breaking the sound barrier is one that will have readers on the edge of their seat. Full-color images and detailed sidebars take history to new heights.

To this day, the least explored part of Earth lies beneath the ocean. Covering more than 70 percent of the planet, the oceans hold many secrets that scientists and adventurers continue to uncover. From the discovery of the depths of Challenger Deep within the Mariana Trench to director James Cameron's expedition to the ocean floor, the adventures beneath the sea are many. Readers can dive into the fascinating explorations with full-color photographs, descriptive sidebars, and plenty of mystery for future, curious scientists to ponder!

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh took a big risk flying from New York City to Paris nonstop. He wanted to do it in a single-engine plane alone, something that had never been attempted before. Through a detailed account of Lindbergh's remarkable flight, readers are introduced to the history of aviation and the innovations that followed his feat. Full-color photographs allow readers to travel aboard the Spirit of St. Louis with Lindbergh and further onto the first airlines, World War II bombers, and more. Sidebars offer historical context to bring Lindbergh's flight into focus with other events of the 20th century.

From Egyptian mummies hidden for centuries to lost Mayan cities, when ancient discoveries are found, often by accident, they cause great excitement and provided a glimpse into history. This gorgeously illustrated compilation of some of history's most enthralling discoveries draws readers into a world of mystery, intrigue, and adventure. In lavish color and inky shadows, readers pursue a thrilling trail of investigation that leads to stunning discoveries-from King Tut's tomb to the terracotta army of China. Featuring dynamic spreads in which history and mythology mingles with beautifully rendered illustrations and color photographs of unearthed artifacts, readers are treating to a rich feast of archaeology, mythology, history, cultural studies, and high art.

An exciting collection of true stories about shipwrecks and nautical disasters, this dramatically illustrated book relates tales of the sinking and salvage of the Titanic and nine other ships from throughout history. Each chapter provides a wealth of background information and fascinating photographs of the important artifacts recovered from these wrecks. Many of the ship excavations described are marvels of engineering and true treasures of maritime history.

For centuries, people have been puzzled and fascinated by famous mysteries from UFOs and monsters swimming in the dark depths of Loch Ness to huge ape-like creatures and the Bermuda Triangle. Readers will feel the chills and thrills of danger, mystery, and the eternal unknown as they delve into each lavishly illustrated spread that is generously packed with intriguing history, theories, evidence, and educated speculation. This book allows readers to draw their own conclusions based on the available presented evidence, and many of them will simply be content to wander throughout the book's enchanted visual worlds.

Before 1953, no one had ever reached the top of Mount Everest. The highest mountain in the world, Everest was finally conquered by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on a May morning. Many people were inspired by their accomplishment and thousands have attempted to replicate the success of their ascent. Readers learn how Hillary and Tenzing climbed this huge peak and how their feat affected future climbers. Sidebars provide information about the dangers of climbing Mount Everest as well as the history of tragedy on the mountain. Full-color photographs of the majestic mountain and their historic climb keep readers engaged throughout this volume.