The Handy History Answer Book: From the Stone Age to the Digital Age (The Handy Answer Book Series)

From the Origin of Humans to Today … World history in one volume!

Highlights. Low lights. The twists and turns of social, political, and cultural history gathered in one fun and fascinating title! The Handy History Answer Book: From the Stone Age to the Digital Age takes a riveting walk through the ages, looking at the most important events of the past 5,000 years, including wars, disasters, pandemics, births, lives, and more. It supplies context to the past with a wealth of information on invention, philosophy, science, politics, culture, sports, business, law, media, and religion.

A concise guide to all things historical, this feast of facts and compelling stories recounts the revolutionary ideas, acts, and inventions that changed the world. It surveys significant people, times, and events worldwide, with a special focus on U.S. history from its beginnings to the present. Fully revised and updated, this new edition of The Handy History Answer Book answers over 1,600 of the most frequently asked, most interesting, and unusual history questions, including …

What was the Stone Age?

Why was Julius Caesar murdered?

Why is the shamrock the symbol of St. Patrick?

What are England’s royal “houses”?

Did Marie Antoinette really say, “Let them eat cake”?

When did people first migrate to North America?

What were the first political parties in the United States?

When did chain stores first appear?

Were the Nazi’s socialists?

Who was Typhoid Mary?

What happened at Pearl Harbor?

Who was Genghis Khan?

What is the strongest earthquake ever measured?

What happened on Apollo 13?

Who developed the first MRI machine? How does it work?

What are the Ivy League colleges?

Who were the Brothers Grimm?

Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean?

Who wrote the first computer program?

What is unique about the Trump presidency?

If “History doesn't repeat itself but it often rhymes” (as Mark Twain is reputed to have said) then The Handy History Answer Book is a lyrical and poetic treat. Clear, concise, and straightforward, this informative primer is a resource for brushing up on the events, terms, and history-makers many of us remember from school but can’t completely recall. A perfect companion for history buffs of all ages!

Stephen A. Werner, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Historical Study of Christian Theology from Saint Louis University. He has nearly 30 years of experience teaching humanities courses at several universities in the St. Louis area. Along with courses on human culture and history, mythology, and religious history; he has taught American culture classes, covering such figures as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. His previous books include The Handy Christianity Answer Book and How to Study Religion, which provides an introduction to religion for college students or for those who are curious about religion. His other writings focus on American religious history in the 20th century. Werner is also the writer of plays, musicals, and an opera. His song “Irish Farewell” has been popular on YouTube. He resides in St. Louis, Missouri.