Mir Tamim Ansary

Five times in the last two centuries. some great power has tried to invade, occupy, or otherwise take control of Afghanistan. And as Tamim Ansary shows in this illuminating history, every intervention has come to grief for much the same reason: the intervening power has failed to understand that Afghanistan has a story of its own, a story that continues to unfold between--and despite--the interventions. Drawing on his Afghan background, Muslim roots,...

Discusses the history of the world from an Islamic perspective, explaining the evolution of the Muslim community while recounting the history of the Western world with respect to Islamic events and interpretations. "We in the west share a common narrative of world history -- that runs from the Nile Valley and Mesopotomia, through Greece and Rome and the French Revolution, to the rise of the secular state and the triumph of democracy. But our story...

Introduces Veterans Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.

Introduces Labor Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.

Introduces the history, dwellings, artwork, religious beliefs, clothing, food, and other elements of life of the Native American peoples of the eastern woodlands of North America.

Describes the traditional way of life of the Plains Indians and the changes brought to it by Europeans, discussing homes, clothing, games, crafts, and beliefs.

Introduces Presidents' Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.

An introduction to the history, dwellings, artwork, religious beliefs, clothing, and food of the various Native American tribes of the Plateau Region between the Cascades and the Rocky Mountains.

Describes the traditional way of life of the Indians of California and the changes brought to it by Europeans, discussing homes, clothing, games, crafts, and beliefs.