Like his great-great-great-uncle, geneticist Gregor Mendel, Dr. Benedict Lambert struggles to unlock the secrets of heredity and genetic determinism. However, Benedict's mission is particularly urgent and particularly personal, for he was born with achondroplasia--he's a dwarf. He's also a man desperate for love and acceptance, and when he finds both in Jean, a shy librarian, he stumbles upon an opportunity to correct the injustice of his own, at least to him, unlucky genes. Entertaining and tender, this witty and surprisingly erotic novel reveals the beauty and drama of scientific inquiry as it informs us of the simple passions against which even the most brilliant mind is rendered powerless.

The Dwarfs are a stoic and long lived race. Their unbending will and pride serve them as fearsome warriors on the battlefield and the greatest craftsmen across the Old World. But cross them at your peril, as a dwarf grude is never forgotten, a quest for revenge handed down from generation to generation until debt is settled in blood.

"This edition originally published in paperback in 1958 by Hill and Wang"--T.p. verso.

For countless millennia, the dwarves of the have defended the stone gateway into Girdlegard. Many and varied foes have hurled themselves against the portal and died attempting to breach it. No man or beast has ever succeeded. Until now. . . Abandoned as a child, Tungdil the blacksmith labors contentedly in the land of Ionandar, the only dwarf in a kingdom of men. Although he does not want for friends, Tungdil is very much aware that he is alone -- indeed, he has not so much as set eyes on another dwarf. But all that is about to change. Sent out into the world to deliver a message and reacquaint himself with his people, the young foundling finds himself thrust into a battle for which he has not been trained. Not only his own safety, but the life of every man, woman and child in Girdlegard depends upon his ability to embrace his heritage. Although he has many unanswered questions, Tungdil is certain of one thing: no matter where he was raised, he is a true dwarf. And no one has ever questioned the courage of the Dwarves.

Despite their short stature, dwarves are among the fiercest and most feared fighters of all the races. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual dwarf soldier, this volume expands its focus to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from the axemen that form the front lines of battle to their deadly accurate crossbowmen. Also examined are their tactics in specific situations such as underground fighting and combat in mountainous terrain. Finally, the book examines a few specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the dwarven way of war.

A lavishly illustrated journey into the world of legend's most elusive people in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. An extraordinary exploration of a remarkable civilization that will enchant and enthrall all who delve into its pages. A recently discovered archaeological find provides a wealth of knowledge on the heretofore unknown life and habits of Dwarfs in all their day-to-day activities. Close examination is provided of their lives in everything from metalworking technologies to constructing underground dwellings and tunnels. Additionally, insight is offered into the general hierarchy of the population, from lowly laborers to their kings and ruling class.

Readers will find that Ablon's use of first-hand information makes this an inestimably practical source. The author begins with a definition and description of dwarfism, and then probes the range of family responses to the birth of a dwarf. Successive chapters explore developmental and medical problems, school experiences, the social world of the dwarf child, and how the dwarf child fits into the family system. Next, the author describes Little People of America--a national organization committed to providing information on dwarfism. Finally, detailed life histories of three families with dwarf children conclude this informative work. Readers will find that Ablon's use of first-hand information makes this an inestimably practical source. The author begins with a definition and description of dwarfism, and then probes the range of family responses to the birth of a dwarf. Successive chapters explore developmental and medical problems, school experiences, the social world of the dwarf child, and how the dwarf child fits into the family system. Next, the author describes Little People of America--a national organization committed to providing information on dwarfism. Finally, detailed life histories of three families with dwarf children conclude this informative work.