Los Angeles Times Summer Reading Pick

A “fascinating read” that explores theories for the origin of the universe from throughout history (New Scientist).

“Clegg follows the footsteps of Carl Sagan’s Cosmos, Steven Hawking’s A Brief History of Time and Timothy Ferris’s Coming of Age in the Milky Way. He shares his predecessors’ enthusiasm, eloquence and ability to explain complex ideas but provides a bonus by covering startling developments of the past decade. Anyone looking for an introduction to or a refresher course in cosmology need look no further.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Learn to find inspiration, plan your approach, and create stunning watercolor paintings inspired by the natural world.

In this classic international crime thriller by a New York Times bestselling author, a man is caught between the Mafia and a mercenary army.

“Higgins is the master.” —Tom Clancy

New York Times bestseller

A small-town doctor acquitted of murdering his pregnant wife faces new accusations in this novel set in the early days of modern medicine.

“Taylor Caldwell never falters when it comes to storytelling.” —Publishers Weekly

Sheikh Prince Raja al-Somari knows that sacrificing his freedom for the good of his country isn't a choice; it's a duty. But he's going to have to use more pleasurable tactics to convince his new bride.…

#1 New York Times bestseller

This extraordinary history traces the rise of the Guggenheims, the Goldmans, and other prominent Jewish families from immigrant poverty to membership in New York’s elite.

“When it comes to the folkways of the rich, the powerful, and the privileged, Stephen Birmingham knows what he’s talking about.” —Los Angeles Times

Hadrian’s Wall is the largest and one of the most enigmatic historical monuments in Britain. This book explores who built the Wall, how it was built, why it was built, and how it affected the native peoples who lived in its mighty shadow. The result is a unique and fascinating insight into one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Learning how to sew has never been simpler! Like having a personal instructor at your side, this beginner’s guide teaches you to sew stitches both by hand and with a machine.

Ever wondered what it's like to work with the world's biggest idiots? Leland Gregory has the answer. From clueless coworkers to boneheaded bosses, Idiots at Work is a hilarious collection of true workplace tales that will make you laugh, cringe, and question humanity. Get ready to encounter the most mind-boggling blunders and the most absurd office antics.

Longlisted for the 2015 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, Shortlisted for Physics World's Book of the Year, The Sunday Times (UK) Best Science Book of 2014, and An NBC News Top Science and Tech Book of 2014

Renowned astrophysicist Caleb Scharf takes us on a scientific adventure, from tiny microbes within the Earth to distant exoplanets, probability theory, and beyond.

For the past fifty years Noam Chomsky’s writings on politics and language have established him as a preeminent public intellectual. The Essential Chomsky assembles the core of his most important writings, including excerpts from his most influential texts over the past half century.

A complete drawing course, designed to help you progress from simple techniques such as lines, circles, squares, and ellipses, through to capturing landscapes, figures, and buildings.

From a British Golden Age author “in a class by himself among detective story writers,” Sir John Appleby solves an art world crime (The Times Literary Supplement).

From a British crime author “in a class by himself among detective story writers,” twenty-three short mysteries featuring the brilliant Inspector Appleby (The Times Literary Supplement).