Showing results by author "Steven Smith Smith" in All Categories

From mid-August to mid-September 1863, Union major general William S. Rosecrans's Army of the Cumberland maneuvered from Tennessee to north Georgia in a bid to rout Confederate general Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee and blaze the way for further Union advances. Meanwhile, Confederate reinforcements bolstered the numbers of the Army of Tennessee, and by the time the two armies met at the Battle of Chickamauga, in northern Georgia, the Confederates had gained numerical superiority.

A rediscovery of patriotism as a virtue in line with the core values of democracy in an extremist age.

Legend says that the haunting lights over the rapids on the James River at night are the ghosts of long-dead soldiers still fighting the Civil War. Just past the water lies historic Belle Isle, the former Union soldier prisoner-of-war camp, now a city park filled with crumbling ruins and dark wooded trails. When brothers Sam and Derek explore the island and local monuments to Richmond's past on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with their friend Caitlin, some ghosts may be more alive than they expected!

Something's lurking beneath the famous staircase at The Jefferson. Back in 1895, when the hotel opened, real alligators roamed free in the courtyard fountains. That was ages ago... or was it? When young brothers Sam and Derek arrive at The Jefferson for an elegant wedding weekend with their parents, they love exploring the old hotel. But when the wedding rings go missing and Sam is blamed, the boys and their friends must hunt down the truth no matter where it leads.

"Decoding The Grapes of Wrath" examines Steinbeck's multifaceted tapestry, reflecting the trials, tribulations, and resilience of the Joad family amidst the backdrop of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. This guide navigates through the novel's rich thematic landscape, uncovering layers of social injustice, unity, economic disparity, and the elusive American Dream. It reveals how these themes are not just historical footnotes, but resonate with enduring relevance, illustrating the profound struggles and hopes that define the human condition.

Sam, Derek, and Caitlin love solving mysteries, and when they visit Washington, DC, spies are lurking. What starts out as a fun game of pretend on the National Mall turns all too real when they follow a mysterious man to a meeting deep within the Capitol. To keep government secrets from falling into the wrong hands, the kids must work with federal agents and travel to historic Mount Vernon for a state dinner with the president and his son.

In the Golden Age of Piracy, none was more dreaded than Blackbeard. Sam, Derek, and Caitlin head for a week’s vacation at Virginia Beach, where 300 years ago, pirates sailed the waters off the Atlantic Coast. As the kids explore the beach, they find suspicious activity from the neighboring military base that points to the discovery of a historic shipwreck - maybe even lost pirate treasure!

Decoding Romeo and Juliet comprehensively analyzes the play's key elements, including its literary techniques, historical background, plot summary, themes, characters, and conflicts. It discusses the intricate narrative structure, explores Shakespeare's use of language and poetic devices, and examines the socio-cultural context of the Elizabethan era.

"Decoding Hamlet" offers in-depth analysis and insights into William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," one of English literature's most profound and enduring works. Tailored to facilitate a deeper understanding of the play's intricate plot, complex character development, and rich thematic content, this guide is invaluable for students, educators, and enthusiasts alike.

Buckle up for an explosive ride into the heart of battle with 'Contested Landing' – the ultimate anthology of military science fiction that'll leave you on the edge of your seat! Get ready to dive headfirst into the fray as fearless defenders clash with relentless invaders in heart-pounding actions across the cosmos. From pulse-pounding firefights to jaw-dropping heroics, these adrenaline-fueled tales will thrust you into the heart of interstellar conflict like never before.

Sam, Derek, and Caitlin have encountered many mysteries together, but when they visit Maymont, Richmond's historic estate, danger is lurking at every turn. A chance meeting with a mysterious stranger leads to a frantic chase and a desperate message to save Maymont's bald eagles. When Sam receives an eerie warning in the middle of the night, Derek and Caitlin devise a plan that leads them high into the Blue Ridge Mountains. To save the eagles, the kids must find a secret abandoned palace, survive the wilds of the Appalachian Trail, and avoid capture by criminals, all before midnight.

"Decoding The Merchant of Venice" offers insights into its plot, characters, relationships, and moral lessons. It highlights the central conflict between Antonio and Shylock, underpinned by themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice, setting the stage for the pivotal courtroom scene. Key character analyses include Shylock, depicted as both villain and victim, showcasing the play's complex portrayal of religious intolerance and justice.

"Decoding 1984" breaks down the narrative chapter by chapter, providing summaries that capture the essence of the plot while highlighting key details and developments. This structured overview ensures that listeners can grasp the progression of the story and the escalating tension as Winston Smith, the novel's protagonist, navigates the dangers of dissent in a society under constant surveillance.

Letters in a mysterious journal between two sisters describe a lost collection and a missing treasure. As Sam, Derek, and Caitlin realize the letters were between Thomas Jefferson’s granddaughters, they set out to do what they do best: solve the mystery! When the journal is stolen, the kids are forced to hunt down clues by following Jefferson’s footsteps to the University of Virginia, his mountaintop home of Monticello, and a little-known retreat called Poplar Forest.

Some 100,000 soldiers fought in the April 1862 battle of Shiloh, and nearly 20,000 men were killed or wounded; more Americans died on that Tennessee battlefield than had died in all the nation's previous wars combined. In the first book in his new series, Steven E. Woodworth has brought together a group of superb historians to reassess this significant battle and provide in-depth analyses of key aspects of the campaign and its aftermath.

In compelling detail two leading U.S. civil rights attorneys recount the extraordinary life and deliberate killing of the world's most storied revolutionary: Ernesto Che Guevara. Michael Ratner and Michael Steven Smith survey the extraordinary trajectory of Che's career, from an early politicization recounted in the Motorcycle Diaries, through meetings with his compaero Fidel Castro in Mexico, his vital role in the Cuban revolution, and his expeditions abroad to Africa and Latin America.

Unlock the depths of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, 'The Scarlet Letter', with our comprehensive study guide. This guide is designed to help students and literary enthusiasts alike to understand and appreciate the novel more fully. Our guide provides a detailed chapter summary and analysis to aid in your understanding of the intricate plot and the rich tapestry of symbolism used by Hawthorne. Get to know the complex characters of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth, and the enigmatic Pearl with our in-depth character analyses.

We all look up at the moon and wonder. And maybe dream. For centuries, the moon filled our imaginations. Eleven professional writers took those dreams and set original stories on moons scattered all over the galaxy. Yet, as the dreams of centuries, every story holds a human touch. From a mythical man fulfilling a childhood wish to a fantastic addition to Kristine Kathryn Rusch's best-selling Retrieval Artist series, this volume of Fiction River allows you to travel to 11 different moons without leaving the comfort of home.

"This comprehensive study guide provides a deep exploration of J.D. Salinger's classic novel, "The Catcher in the Rye." Designed to enhance listeners' understanding and analysis of the text, the guide delves into key themes, character analysis, literary techniques, and societal context. It offers thought-provoking discussion points, critical thinking questions, and reference to specific chapters for further exploration.

"Decoding To Kill a Mockingbird" is meticulously crafted to enhance the understanding and appreciation of one of the most significant novels in American literature. Dive into an in-depth analysis of the novel’s exploration of themes such as racial injustice, moral integrity, empathy, and the transition from innocence to a nuanced understanding of the world.