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American Culture: An Anthology brings together primary texts from 1600 to the present day to provide a comprehensive introduction to American culture. The 130 texts are taken from sources such as political addresses, articles, interviews, oral histories, songs and advertisements. The documents throughout the volume are quite short, typically three or four pages and are organized into 13 sections. Each section is organized chronologically and begins with a 2-3 page introduction of relevant issues and debates. A highly recommended title! The book provides:

This is an unbiased and concisely organized overview of American government and politics, updated with complete Election 2008 coverage. The text's fundamental theme is the importance of active citizenship. It emphasizes continual critical thinking about political issues. The authors incorporate lots of current examples, including increased coverage of the impact of the Internet and other media. Authors: Barbara A. Bardes and Mack C. Shelley. (640 pages)
Level: Gymnasium/A Teacher's Resource/OBS! Ringbindsudgave — nem at fotokopiere

• Thorough coverage in a streamlined format!
• What If, Beyond Our Borders, and Did You Know? features encourage students to think critically about key concepts and develop a global perspective.
• Politics And… features introduce important current issues  including diversity, ideology, and religion.
• Which Side Are You On? features present controversial topics in ways that encourage students to clarify their own opinions.
• E-Mocracy features suggest websites and Internet activities to help students learn more.

This work maps out the history, beliefs, influence and interactions of the world's religions:

The world's religions have emerged as one of the great geopolitical forces shaping our lives. Understanding these beliefs is crucial to understanding ethnic tension and the clash of cultures as well as being fundamental to world peace. Even where people have moved away from formal religious practices, the legacies of traditional beliefs continue to inform their sense of self, and their values and customs. This atlas maps the current impact of major religions and their divisions. It shows country by country how religions spread their influence through broadcasting, missionary work, schooling and banking; how they relate to government, laws and world hunger; and the role they play in wars. It traces the emergence of new religious movements, the survival of traditional beliefs, and the presence of atheism and agnosticism. It also maps the origins of each of the major religions as well as their heartlands and the sacred places of the world. For essential background, there is also a table on the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Taoism. Authors: Joanne O’Brien and Martin Palmer (advisers to the International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture, WWF, the World Bank, the World Council of Churches and UNESCO).

Contents: Introduction • Part I: Beginnings • Part II: Beliefs • Part III: Structures • Part IV: Conflicts And Tensions • Part V: Contemporary Challenges • Part VI: The Heartlands • Part VII: World Table • Index

Level: Library/Interdisciplinary projects at all level of the gymnasium

Buddhism (from the Atlas)

World events continue to reveal the importance of understanding how women live across continents and cultures:

Using maps, text, and other graphics this eye-opening book employs up-to-the-minute research and data to show what shifts have occurred in the ten years since the first edition was published — the strides made by women and the distance still to be travelled. She explores the current status of women in relation to key issues including: equality; women at works; the culture of beauty; women in the global economy; women's health; feminism; household trends; lesbian rights; domestic violence; women in government; and motherhood. Author: Joni Seager.

Contents: 40 chapters in seven parts: I: Women in the World • II: Families • III: Birthrights • IV: Body Politics • V: Work • VI: To Have and Have Not • VII: Power • World Tables • Sources, Index.

Level: Library/Interdisciplinary projects at all level of the gymnasium

A fantastic value set of eight documentaries looking at British life from the Victorian era through to the swinging '60s:

1) Victorian Britain (the age of industrial expansion and empire)
2) Music Hall Days (the great performers from the Music Halls and beyond, including “the songs that won the war”)
3) East End Through the Ages (the history of the East End from the turn of the 19th century)
4) Britain in the 1940s (the fortitude of the British people during and after the war)
5) Britain in the 1950s (how Britons dressed, laughed, holidayed etc.)
6) Britain in the 1960s (Britain in the Swinging Sixties)
7) Classic Love Stories of the 20th Century
8) Story of the Royal Family (from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II).

This impressive book was published to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the start of the Cold War. It is a graphic account of this long-running global drama, which encompassed moments of high tension, such as the Berlin Crisis of 1961, the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the nuclear alerts of 1973 and 1983. At times the world stood on the brink of nuclear Armageddon, but these dangerous moments all ended with both sides drawing back, until the long confrontation ended peacefully. Written by a leading American defence analyst, Dr Norman Friedman, and including a DVD of several classic US public information films from the era, The Cold War Experience contains 30 facsimile items of memorabilia (where necessary translated into English at the end of the book) in special pockets. Re-live history by examining maps, diaries, letters and other items which, up till now, have remained filed or exhibited in the Imperial War Museum and other museum collections in Northern Europe and America.
Contents: Introduction; A Failed Peace; The Iron Curtain; The Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, NATO; The Berlin Airlift; China and De-Colonization; McCarthyism; Korea: The Cold War Becomes a Military Struggle; Why The War Never Became Hot: The Bomb; Explosions in Europe: Poland & the GDR Uprising; Explosions in Europe: The Hungarian Uprising; Secret Services: East; Secret Services: West; Missiles, Sputnik, and the H-Bomb; Cuba: Bay of Pigs; The Berlin Wall; Cuban Missile Crisis; Vietnam; The Prague Spring; Detente: The Peak of Soviet Power; Afghanistan; Dissidents; Poland; President Reagan's Offensive; Living with the Bomb; Gorbachev: A Man to Do Business With; The Wall Comes Down; Revolutions in Eastern Europe; Fall of the Soviet Union; Index/memorabilia translations.
A magnificent large-format boxed hardback.
Level: Gymnasiet etc./A teacher's resource for use in projects on the The Cold War, for instance co-operation with History–Danish–Russian/Library/Depot

2009 revised edition! Australia is the last continent to be settled by Europeans, but it also sustains a people and a culture tens of thousands years old. For much of the past 200 years the newcomers have sought to replace the old with the new. This book tells how they imposed themselves on the land, and brought technology, institutions and ideas to make it their own. It relates the advance from penal colony to a prosperous free nation and illustrates how, as a nation created by waves of newcomers, the search for binding traditions was long frustrated by the feeling of rootlessness, until it came to terms with its origins. This book recounts the key factors — social, economic and political — that have shaped modern-day Australia. The new edition covers the rise and fall of the Howard government, the 2007 election and the apology to the stolen generation. Author: Stuart Macintyre (354 pages)
Contents: 1. Beginnings; 2. Newcomers, c.1600-1792; 3. Coercion, 1793-1821; 4. Emancipation, 1822-1850; 5. In thrall to progress, 1851-1888; 6. National reconstruction, 1889-1913; 7. Sacrifice, 1914-1945; 8. Golden age, 1946-1974; 9. Reinventing Australia, 1975-2008; 10. What next?

If  your knowledge of British history is rusty, this book will help you to find new perspectives in it again — leading historians select and describe the 20 most significant events in British History:

BBC History Magazine asked a selection of leading historians to choose and describe the twenty most important turning points in British history from AD 1000 to 2000. Collected together, their choices present a new way of looking at Britain's history. From the Danish invasion of Britain in 1016, to the Suez crisis in 1956, the key moments include victories (or defeats) both at home and abroad, plague, reform and revolutions that have reshaped the British way of life. Each contribution brings the past to life, offering new perspectives and food for debate: did the Battle of Agincourt change England's role in Europe? What was the impact of American independence on Britain? Was 1916 more important than 1939? A collection of thought-provoking and inspiring accounts. Editor: Michael Wood. (210 pages)
Level: Gymnasiet/Projects/Inspiration for the teacher

A History of Modern Britain tells the story of how the great political visions of a New Jerusalem or a second Elizabethan Age came to be defeated in post-war Britain by a culture of consumerism, celebrity and self-gratification. In each decade, political leaders think they know what they are doing, but find themselves confounded. Every time, the British people turn out to be stroppier and harder to herd than predicted. Throughout, Britain is a country on the edge — first of invasion, then of bankruptcy, then on the vulnerable front line of the Cold War and later in the forefront of the great opening up of capital and migration now reshaping the world. This history follows all the political and economic stories, but also deals with comedy, cars, the war against homosexuals, Sixties anarchists, oil-men and punks, Margaret Thatcher's wonderful good luck, political lies and the true heroes of British theatre. Very readable, many useable excerpts. Author: Andrew Marr (political journalist).  (640 pages)
Level: Gymnasium — a resource for the teacher/Library/Depot

A detailed, highly illustrated world history for young people. It spans every continent and era,  from the time when humans first walked on the Earth to the present day. Excellent if you are looking for a couple of pages of condensed, illustrated information about Africa 1800-1850, The Industrial Revolution, World War I, The End of Communism etc.  Large format. (400 pages)
Level: Interdisciplinary projects, especially at 9.-10. kl. level or the start of the gymnasium

This series takes a fresh look at history by using original documents as the starting point for studying major events or periods in the past. The author draws on a wide range of sources, from diaries and letters to speeches and legal documents. Each document is set in context and fully annotated. The books are highly illustrated with photographs, reproductions and maps:

The Industrial Revolution tells the story of the revolution that created the modern, industrial world in which we live in today, charting the move of industrialisation from 1850 in Western Europe and the USA, right up to the end of the 19th Century when it reached Russia and Japan. It also looks at the effects, good and bad, on how people lived and worked. (62 pages/Large format)

Contents: Introduction: Looking at Documents — What Revolution?;  Why Britain?: Stability — More of Everything — A Revolution in Farming — Machines and Nature — The Global Adventure;  Take Off: Spinning and Weaving — Mill and Factory — Power — Coal and Iron — Workshop of the World — Canals and Railways — King Cotton;  Consequences: Making a Fortune — The Environment — Slums and Sweat — The Labour Movement — Reform — Trade and Imperialism;  The Revolution Spreads: Expansion — Germany and Russia — The Industrialisation of America — The American Way — Japan's Cultural Borrowing — An Industrial World; Glossary.

Level: Beginning of the Gymnasium

A New Introduction to American Studies provides a coherent portrait of American history, literature, culture and society, and also deals with some of the central themes and preoccupations of American life. It provides a comprehensive re-evaluation of America's place in the world and the often tangled paths that led her there. Fundamental American ideals such as the commitment to liberty, equality and material progress are fully examined and light is shed on the sometime contradictory ways in which these ideals have informed the nation's history and culture. Using fundamental influences like the machine and the city, and subjects such as imagery and icongraphy, myth, national identity, ideology, popular culture and painting are analysed in order to provoke students into thinking about what it actually means to study a culture. Editors: Howard Temperley and Christopher Bigsby. (413 pages)
Level: Velegnet til Linjefag/Enkelte kapitler kan bruges i gymnasiet

Contents: The human and natural environment — From settlement to independence — American political culture — Slavery and secession — Native Americans — Revisiting the American West — American immigration — Nineteenth-century American literature — Industry and technology — The twentieth-century American novel — Twentieth-century American poetry — Twentieth-century American drama — America and war — American women — Popular culture — America at the millennium

What is the United Nations? What are its component parts and how do they operate? Who owns the organisation and to whom is it accountable? What are its true capabilities? The No-Nonsense Guide to the United Nations conveys the complexity of the UN, assesses its record, and considers options for reform. This is the first book to distil the entire history of the United Nations into one accessible volume. It includes the UN’s creation and early history; how it is structured and whether it is well constituted in its functions; relief, development and law. It also considers possibilities for reform to make it more democratic, effective and fit for purpose. Throughout the book, there is a particular focus on the core questions: how much can it do if its members are unwilling to provide the necessary resources, mechanisms, and mandate? It spends considerable resources on conducting global studies, conferences and reports but what actually does this international outpouring of words achieve? Is the UN just a vast talking shop? Author: Maggie Black. (160 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Gymnasium

Contents: Foreword by Sir Jeremy Greenstock; Introduction; 1. Great expectations; 2. Ending the scourge of war; 3. Rescue and relief; 4. UN development assistance: good, bad or indifferent?; 5. Human rights: the law and the prophets; 6. Protecting and managing the global commons; 7. The future: what chances of UN reform; List of bodies within the UN system; Index.

“A Very Short Introduction”. A good chronological introduction to the development and present status of the Northern Ireland. Accessible to good students.

Contents: Divided Ulster – from Plant-ation to Partition; Home Rule in Ulster – Stormont's Record; Life Cheapens – The Descent into War; The Long War; The Long "Peace". (172 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Students writing papers

Now in a cheaper edition! The Oxford Companion to Black British History is an essential resource for understanding the long history of black people in the British Isles, from African auxiliaries stationed on Hadrian's Wall in the 2nd century AD to Mary Seacole, the “Black Florence Nightingale”, Walter Tull, footballer and First World War officer ... and our own day. 400+ articles consider key concepts such as Racism, Emancipation, and Reparations; historical events; literature; music; organizations; leading figures; publications; politics; religion; slavery and much more. This book provides a fine overview of the black presence in Britain and its contribution to British society. (562 pages)
Contents: Introduction; Editors, Advisory Editors, and Contributors; Note to the Reader; Thematic Contents List; A-Z entries; Timeline; Select Bibliography
Level: Library/Depot (partnership with: Historie)

The 2010 edition has been completely revised and expanded. Pocket World in Figures contains rankings on topics in subject areas that include geography, population, business, the economy, trade, transport, finance, industry, demographics, the environment, society, culture and crime. Where is economic growth fastest? Where is inflation highest? Who consumes the most energy? Where is innovation highest? Where is computer and mobile phone ownership highest? Which countries have the most asylum seekers? Who spends most, and who the least, on healthcare? Who are the heaviest drinkers and smokers? Who recycle most? This book has the answers! It now contains facts on more than 200 topics, data on more than 180 countries and profiles of more than 65 of the world's major economies, the Euro Zone etc.
Level: A resource for any teacher

A whistle-stop tour through the history of Scotland's politics, religion, education, economy and culture:
Since Devolution in 1999 Scotland has become a focus of intense interest both within Britain and throughout the wider world. In this Very Short Introduction, Rab Houston explores how an independent Scottish nation emerged in the Middle Ages, how it was irrevocably altered by the Reformation, links with England and economic change, and how Scotland influenced the development of the modern world. Examining politics, law, society, religion, education, migration, and culture, he looks at how the nation's history has made it distinct from England, both before and after Union; how it overcame internal tensions between Highland and Lowland society; and how it has today arrived at a political, social and culture watershed. Ranging widely over issues of environment, people, and identity, this is Scotland's story without myths.

Contents: Introduction; 1. Politics and Government; 2. Religion; 3. Education; 4. Society; 5. Economy and Environment; 6. Scotland and the Wider World; 7. Culture; Conclusions

This collection of primary sources presents a view of America's history as seen through the eyes of African Americans and helps students relate to the experiences of ordinary people by offering a vivid snapshot of their lives in different historical periods.
Level: Gymnasiet/Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects with History

This series takes a fresh look at history by using original documents as the starting point for studying major events or periods in the past. The author draws on a wide range of sources, from diaries and letters to speeches and legal documents. Each document is set in context and fully annotated. The books are highly illustrated with photographs, reproductions and maps:

Slavery Charts the history of 24 million people taken from their homes in West Africa by force, and their journey across the Atlantic Ocean to start their new lives in the Americas. This book also looks at their constant fight against enslavement, as well as examining the developments in Europe and the USA that brought slavery to an end. (63 pages/Large format)

Contents: Introduction: Looking at Documents;  Origins: West Africa — The Americas — Agriculture and Trade;  The Triangular Trade: Slaving — Crossing the Atlantic — Slaves for Sale — Growth and Profit;  Slave Life: Farms and Plantations — Domestic Slavery — Slave Families — Slave Religion — Slave Laws and Punishments — Runaways;  Revolution and Rebellion: The American Revolution — North and South — Free Blacks — King Cotton — Rebellion in the USA — Rebellion in the Caribbean;  Abolition and After: The End of the Slave Trade — Freedom and Apprenticeship — The Caribbean after Abolition — The Road to War — The American Civil War — Reconstruction — Conclusion; Glossary.

Level: Beginning of the Gymnasium