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Tip: Search GIL-Find using "dictionary", "encyclopedia", or "thesaurus" for access to hundreds of digital and print versions of quality reference books.
Holidays Around the World by
A comprehensive reference guide that covers over 3,500 observances. Features both secular and religious events from many different cultures, countries, and ethnic groups. Includes contact information for events; multiple appendices with background information on world holidays; extensive bibliography; multiple indexes.
Useful Verbs and Tenses by
Verbs and tenses are one of the most difficult parts of the English language for learners. There seem to be so many different tenses and structures that are not simple. I have compiled this book to help make verbs easier to understand. The book is in five parts:Chapter 1 The basicsHere we look at the main terms used to describe different kinds of verb, eg transitive and intransitive.Chapter 2 TensesIn this section, we explain the wide range of tenses in English, as in for example I work, I am working, I worked, I have worked, I had worked, I will have worked. This section ends with a summary of the different tenses.Chapters 3-13 Other kinds of verbHere we consider other kinds of verb: auxiliaries (eg do, can, may); questions and negatives; the passive (eg The car was driven by Daniel); conditionals (with if); phrasal verbs, eg break down, make up; the infinitive; participles; reported speech; and the subjunctive.Chapter 14 Useful verbsHere we look at some common verbs (eg come, do, make go, put, set) and their phrasal verbs, together with their definitions and examples of usage.Chapter 15 Irregular verbsA list of irregular verbs in English.Additional features throughout the book include 'Grammar extra' panels with further useful information, eg the different words that go with do and make, the difference between been and gone and between bring and take and different words to use instead of say.Cross-references guide you to relevant information in other locations in the text.I hope this short book will not only increase your understanding but also improve your use of English verbs.
National Geographic Answer Book, Updated Edition by
For anyone who has pondered the vastness of our universe, the rich variety of our planet, and the endlessly fascinating world of knowledge that surrounds us, National Geographic presents this timely volume, now fully updated and expanded. Exploring a full spectrum of topics, from earth sciences to astronomy, from climate and habitats to human arts and cultures, from ancient history to cutting-edge technology, this meticulously written and extravagantly illustrated book is the ultimate family reference.
Financial Times World Desk Reference by
Gives a complete overview of the modern world with hundreds of maps, charts and diagrams, and facts and statistics on the world's nations.
ProCon Headlines by 
A Dictionary of Literary Symbols by
This is the first dictionary of symbols to be based on literature, rather than 'universal' psychological archetypes or myths. It explains and illustrates the literary symbols that we all frequently encounter (such as swan, rose, moon, gold), and gives hundreds of cross-references and quotations. The dictionary concentrates on English literature, but its entries range widely from the Bible and classical authors to the twentieth century, taking in American and European literatures. For this new edition, Michael Ferber has included over twenty completely new entries (including bear, holly, sunflower and tower), and has added to many of the existing entries. Enlarged and enriched from the first edition, its informed style and rich references make this book an essential tool not only for literary and classical scholars, but for all students of literature.
The BS Dictionary: Uncovering the Origins and True Meanings of Business Speak by
Provides the real-world definitions to about 300 of the world's most commonly-used business terms and gives you the origin story (who coined the term? when did it start to be used figuratively in the business world?) for each one. Get the language clarity you need and have fun learning the full etymology of favourite phrases.
The Development Dictionary by
In this classic collection, some of the world's most eminent critics of development review the key concepts of the development discourse. Each essay examines one concept from a historical and anthropological point of view, highlights its particular bias, and exposes its historical obsolescence and intellectual sterility. The authors argue that a bidding farewell to the whole Eurocentric development idea is urgently needed, in order to liberate people's minds in both North and South for bold responses to the environmental and ethical challenges now confronting humanity. The combined result forms a must-read invitation to experts, grassroots movements and students of development to recognize the tainted glasses they put on whenever they participate in the development discourse.
Dictionary of World Biography: Fourth Edition by 
The Encyclopedia of Misinformation : A Compendium of Imitations, Spoofs, Delusions, Simulations, Counterfeits, Impostors, Illusions, Confabulations, Skullduggery, ... Conspiracies and Miscellaneous Fakery by
Slingshotting through conspiracy theories, internet and popular culture, and perplexing psychological phenomena, this compendium illuminates diverse subjects: artificial intelligence, Auto-Tune, Chilean Sea Bass, Claques, Clickbait, Cognitive Dissonance, Cryptids, Dark Matter, False Flag Operations, Gaslighting, Gerrymandering, Kayfabe, Laugh Tracks, Milli Vanilli, Phantom Time Hypothesis, Photoshopping, Potemkin Villages, Rachel Dolezal, Strategery, Truthiness, and the Uncanny Valley. Encyclopedic in scope, but with an voice tuned to these bedeviling times, this is the modern reference book to engage a world rife with artifice and deception. --From publisher description.
The Encyclopedia of Supreme Court Quotations by
A veritable feast of 1,500 quotes from more than 1,000 Supreme Court decisions, this is the first such reference devoted solely to the Supreme Court. Dating from the beginning of the Republic to the present, these excerpts provide a powerful historical overview of the mission and majesty of the Supreme Court. They are topically arranged and cover the legislative, judicial, and executive branches; states' rights; due process; free speech; equal rights; and freedom of religion. Each entry features the quote -- especially chosen for its profound, compelling, and inspirational nature; the name of the case, primary citation, year, and author; and the kind of decision (dissenting, concurring, or opinion of the Court).
Phobia : A Reassessment by
This volume in the seminal Encyclopaedia of Psychoanalysis Series is a daring reassessment of the psychoanalytic theory of phobia from numerous schools of thought. This book should illuminate why psychoanalysis has been under-used in the treatment of phobia - is it simply that other treatments are more successful or is it a symptom of today's "quick fix" culture? By considering the origins and meanings of phobia from such a wide range of viewpoints, it may be possible to formulate new approaches to the therapeutic treatment of phobia and re-engage the interests of the psychoanalytic community in this fascinating subject. 'In recent years research, theorization, and the treatment of phobias have been dominated by biological and psychopharmacological approaches, and by cognitive-behavioural therapies. Writings on phobia have diminished in the field of psychoanalysis. This book is an attempt to redress the balance and focuses not on treatment but on the origin and meaning of phobia. This collection, then, concentrates on the personal, mythological and cultural meanings of phobia and its origins' - The author from her Introduction.
Solar Energy and Technology: Volume 2 Encyclopedia by
Volume 2 is the most comprehensive and detailed encyclopedia of solar energy and technology available today, containing all essential solar terms in one place. A convenient source for spelling, classifications, and concise definitions of terms encountered in the study, reading, and practice of solar technologies. The scope of the encyclopedia includes all terms of importance and topics of primary significance in the field. As the solar field is one of the fastest growing and changing sectors in the energy industry today, the ambition of this encyclopedia is to cover all key state-of-the-art solar components and technologies, including photovoltaic appliances and systems, solar-thermal systems, nanophotovoltaics, semiconductor materials and technologies, energy storage systems, software applications, solar architecture, measuring devices, units of measurements, mounting systems and components, hybrid power systems, solar occupations, infrastructure, rules and regulations, economics, and much more. Written in a clear, precise, and easy-to-understand style, the encyclopedia is equally accessible to solar specialists and laymen. It is ideal for students, solar enthusiasts, and solar professionals, such as solar technicians, electricians, installers, engineers, scientists, designers, architects, managers, salesmen, marketing specialists, attorneys, writers, and translators. Over 8000 entries used every day in the solar field - Accurate and up-to-date explanations of solar terms that keep the meaning in focus and provide the context in which terms are used Abbreviations and acronyms - Explanation of what they stand for, with links to the complete definitions Synonyms and related concepts - Help users identify words with identical or similar meaning References to related terms - Full cross-referencing between entries widens the semantic scope of terms and provides helpful links for further exploration Illustrations - Provide visual aids, offering additional clarification for complex concepts Names of important solar and sustainable energy organizations
Encyclopedia of Superstitions by
This classic and thoroughly delightful reference explores the origins of superstitions. You'll discover the origins behind charms, spells, fairy lore and legend, folk remedies and customs of birth, marriage, and death. This collection will be a staple in your library for years and generations to come.
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