You're no idiot, of course. You know America loves its heroes as much as baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie. But when it comes to knowing the true stories of folk and real-life heroes--as well as understanding how and why they have become so much larger than life--you feel like Superman facing a mountain of kryptonite. Don't fall from the sky yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to "American Heroes is an inspirational look at the exceptional men and women who have captured our imaginations from colonial times to the present. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you'll find:

The compact history of a giant country. American history is one of those subjects that students frequently labor over and can seem like a random collection of names, dates, and events. Understood as a collective biography and free of the cheerleading found in many text books, the fully updated fifth edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide® to American History explains the changing tides in America's most pivotal periods. ? From a seasoned author and researcher ? The most current and comprehensive series title on American history ? Heightened interest right now in the question of how America got where we are - a question that can only be answered by an understanding of history

You're no idiot, of course. You know that Samuel Clemens had a better-known pen name, Moby Dick is a famous whale, and the Raven only said,"Nevermore." But when it comes to understanding the great works of Mark Twain, Herman Melville, and Edgar Allan Poe, you'd rather rent the videos than head to your local library. Don't tear up your library card yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature teaches you all about the rich tradition of American prose and poetry, so you can fully appreciate its magnificent diversity.

This guide will give you an overview of American history from early, Native American history to modern times. It covers the milestones of the country's history, provides biographical sketches of the most important figures of each era, gives a chronologies of the nation's leaders, and defines key historical terms.

Great reads for busy people. This is a guide to help busy people find great reads in fiction and nonfiction. Filled with recommendations of popular, entertaining reading, this book covers mystery and suspense, romance, women’s fiction and chick lit, Westerns, science fiction, such nonfiction topics as animals, art, biography, memoirs, business, true crime, and more. Plus, each entry includes a summary of the book, its significance, and a critique/observation/comment.

You’re no idiot, of course. You know Eastern philosophy encompasses many countries and concepts, but when it comes to breaking down the basics—to discuss with others or for your own enlightenment—you can’t tell Confucius from Krishna. Don’t nix nirvana just yet! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Eastern Philosophy is an extensive, reader-friendly guide that maps out the terrain along the various paths of knowledge. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • A wealth of information about the history and core beliefs of each philosophical system. • Outlines and in-depth explorations of each school of thought. • Reading and study guides to enhance your understanding. • The “big picture” of Eastern philosophy and how its components relate to Western ideas.

You’re no idiot, of course. You know how important it is to handle sticky situations with tact and poise, and that it’s downright rude to talk with your mouth full or slurp your soup. You’re always careful to mind your manners, but when you have to make an introduction or attend a business banquet, you feel like a blundering buffoon. Don’t take your name off the social register just yet! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Etiquette, Second Edition, will show you how to be polished, polite, and professional, whether you’re at home, at work, or at play. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Simple solutions to common dining dilemmas. • Easy-to-follow gift-giving guidelines. • Foolproof ways to prepare a wedding. • Invaluable tips on sports and travel etiquette.

Sit back, grab some popcorn, and let the credits roll. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Classic Movies provides comprehensive information on the best classic films from the silent era up through 1969, cross-referenced several different ways for easy access. Also contains fun, "insider" trivia and facts about the movies, the stars, and factors that influenced the movie or the audience at the time of the movie's release. * Written by a recognized name in the industry who has written books on movies and film for decades * Features only the best movies (3 and 4 stars) from the silent era up through 1969 * Offers several indexes, which are cross-referenced alphabetically by actor and director, in addition to the main text being indexed by film name and genre * Includes appendices that provide information on the top 100 films of all time, the greatest movie quotes, Academy Award winners, and Internet references for locating hard-to-find films

You’re no idiot, of course. You know there are more people from Latin America living in the United States than ever before. And you’re aware that Latinos come from several countries, including Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. But you don’t have to south of the border to explore the rich Latino heritage. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Latino History and Culture offers an exhaustive exploration of all things Hispanic. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • The scoop on the difference between Nuyoricans, Chicanos, Cuban Americans, and more. • An overview of Latin-American history, including the Spanish conquest, colonization, and subsequent struggles for independence. • Stories behind famous and infamous personas, such as Simón Bolívar, César Romero, Benito Juárez, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, Fidel Castro, and Evita Perón. • Everything you need to know about Latino life north of the border, including politics, education, work, and entertainment.

For fans of all ages. Here is an entertaining and easily referenced presentation of insider information to the world that J. K. Rowling has created in her spellbinding series of novels. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to the World of Harry Potter explores all aspects of the wizarding world and explains them in terms of their relationship to historical, literary, religious, scientific, or mythological roots. —In-depth information on the facts behind all seven books in the Harry Potter series. —Covers all the relevant influences for the Harry Potter series, from religion and mythology to science and literature. —Can be read from cover to cover or used as a quick-reference guide.