"Inspired by the spectacular discoveries of the past two decades from the Age of Reptiles in China, Riddle of the Feathered Dragons explores how these miraculous fossils have transformed the contentious arena of bird and dinosaur evolution. Aside from being the most comprehensive discussion of these avian and associated discoveries, the author delves into the world of investigative journalism to expose the darker side of the world of fossil birds and dinosaurs. The book exposes the massive unfounded speculation that has characterized the field of vertebrate paleontology and published extensively in the world's most prestigious journals, including everything from supposed dinosaur protein to so-called feathered dinosaurs. The book questions the validity of the foundational tenets of the now "unquestionable orthodoxy" of bird and dinosaur evolution, including bird origins, feathered dinosaurs, flight origin from the ground-up and hot-blooded dinosaurs and their proteins. It exposes how speculation has gone far beyond the ability of the currently available evidence to yield answers. The author concludes that birds are best defined by a more traditional definition of the possession of feathers and avian flight architecture, that the so-called "feathered dinosaurs" are most likely derived avians, and that flight clearly originated from the trees-down, from ancestors that antedated the dinosaurs, rather than a direct linear descent"--

A veteran piano tuner presents a literary, minimally technical view of the quixotic tuning systems used on keyboard instruments for hundreds of years. The work explains temperament strategies accessibly and reflects on the technical process of piano tuning in both practical and philosophical terms. When Anita Sullivan started a second career as a piano tuner 25 years ago, she was immediately puzzled by the piano's complicated tuning system. Surprised to learn that her new profession was not only technically complex, but in fact required artistic judgements she set herself to describing the tuning system in a way that would make sense to ordinary listeners, rather than piano technicians alone. Her exceptional book was the result, now updated for a new generation of readers [Publisher description].

When George and Lottie hear strange sounds in the kitchen, they are amazed to find a small, friendly and very hungry dragon in the cupboard. Can they help him find his way home? A charmingly illustrated adventure story with picture puzzles to involve the reader in the action. This is a highly illustrated ebook that can only be read on the Kindle Fire or other tablet.

Following Edith Nesbit’s successful book “The Book of Dragon’s”, it was unfortunate she didn’t follow this up with a sequel. But look no further! John Halsted, author, publisher and folklorist has compiled “The Second Book of Dragons” using the many books in the Abela catalogue as his source. In this book you will find 28 illustrated tales of dragons and serpents drawn from the mists of time. Some are friendly dragons which provide wisdom and direction to the heroes of our stories. Others are downright wicked, oozing malice and evil, leaving the hero of the story no option but to engage the spiteful, fire-breathing, beast in battle. Our heroes always sally forth wilfully, but cautiously, engaging these ancient creatures to save a damsel in distress, or to save families, from what seems to be sure destruction. Herein you will find stories like: "The Deluded Dragon", "The Gypsy And The Dragon", "The Two Princes", "The Dragon Of Ghent", "The Magic Egg", "The Great Battle", "The Sword Gram And The Dragon Fafnir" and many, many more. These tales have been drawn from eighteen old and forgotten books and the thirty-three illustrations are by different artists bringing styles that are as different as the stories themselves.

A FORBIDDEN HALFBREED In a world where Dragons can take human form, mixing bloodlines can have disastrous consequences. Escaping the tomb her parents left her in, Wren must now live in hiding, fearing her predicted powers will one day emerge and wreck the evil her parents foresaw. When a storm brings a wounded warrior to her door, she is forced to leave her haven to aid him in his mission. Keeran, wielder of Blood Sense magic. As the kingdom's spymaster, he will stop at nothing to complete his mission and unearth the truth. Who is behind the attacks on the Temples? Why are the kingdom's children disappearing, and why are the few found nothing more than mindless, drooling shells? When a devastating event reveals that Wren's powers are finally emerging, she must fight her destiny to retain her sanity and her soul. Only together will they save the children and the kingdom. If they don't kill each other first. Dragon's Riddle introduces fantasy fans to a world filled with peril, magic, and intrigue in this first installment of the Eldrake Chronicles. Adult fantasy. No graphic sex or violence, suitable for older YA and NA audiences as well.